Soup for you:
December 24, 2015 VO LUM E 1 1 | IS S UE 30
Delicious recipes on PAGE 10
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J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
Unpredictable snowstorm slams Arvada Mounds of snow remained along roadways and on the corners of parking lots throughout the city last week after a major snowstorm dumped nearly a foot on the area. Here, a shopping cart is jumbled up in a mass of snow and ice that has been scraped to the corner of the Kmart lot. Photo by Glenn Wallace
Twice as much snow as expected closed schools, challenged road crews By Glenn Wallace gwallace@colorado communitymedia.com The forecast called for 1 to 5 inches of snow during Monday night’s storm last week. Instead, the Arvada streets division says the citywide average was 8 to 10 inches.
“It’s always up to Mother Nature, she calls the shots,” said Dan Pumphrey, Arvada’s street supervisor. In this case, Mother Nature decided to dump a lot of snow, very quickly — with 2 inches of accumulation an hour through the predawn hours of Tuesday. The icy storm shut down all Jefferson County schools, and led to reduced hours or full closures for many businesses. Still Arvada’s Streets Manager Mark Bowman said it could have been worse, had the city not have been so well prepared.
“It went real well based on how quickly it came in, and the amount of snow we got in such a short period of time,” he said. As soon as snow started to fall, Bowman said all 15 of the city’s trucks were deployed, plowing 15 different zones of the city, along predetermined primary road snow routes. He said that the city deploys all 15, even for an inch or two of snow precipitation, in order to clear all the city’s roads as fast as possible. Last week however, Snow continues on Page 15
Groups support SCFD changes Funding changes proposed in reauthorization to 2030 By Clarke Reader creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Alex Budnick performs a backside 360 at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. Liberty University in Virginia is currently the only Snowflex system in the U.S. Photo courtesy of Liberty University
Year-round snow complex coming? Facility could be located at park in Castle Rock By Shanna Fortier sfortier@colorado communitymedia.com A year-round snow sports facility slid one step closer to becoming a reality in Castle Rock, when Castle Rock Town Council recently entered into a memorandum of understanding with P3 Advisors LLC — the company interested in developing the syntheticsnow park tentatively named SnowSports365 at Philip S. Miller Park. No contractual rights or obligations have been established yet, but now that council has voted unanimously to continue with the project, both parties can move toward a potential development agreement. The entire cost of the project is estimated at $28 million, all of which will
be funded by the developer. However, P3 requested a $2.7 million loan with 2.5 percent interest from the Town of Castle Rock to help pay for improvements that will help benefit the entire park, including additional parking lots, utility extensions and additional lighting. The loan was approved as part of the Dec. 1 agreement. SnowSports 365 would be built on 9.5 acres at the Philip S. Miller Park. The artificial ski surface is made of premium, engineered polymer surface called Snowflex. When misted with water, the surface provides a similar skiing experience to snow, but offers softer falls. Various jumps, moguls, rails, a lift or moving carpet system could also be included. An area for tubing and a lodge or concession building are also in the preliminary plans. The lease for SnowSports 365 would establish a commitment of 20 to 25 years with two subsequent 10year option terms.
Five-time Winter X Games medalist Louie Vito showed up to the meeting to support the project, saying it would make the sport
More than 100 organizations and governments in the metro area — from the Adams County commissioners, Jefferson County Cultural Council, Lakewood City Council and South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce — have come out in support of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District funding reauthorization. “This support is very important to us, because we have a lot of work ahead of us,” said Dan Hopkins, SCFD board chairman. “It’s going to take a good grassroots, community-based effort to get this reauthorization passed.” The proposed reauthorization would continue the current 1 cent on $10 sales tax through 2030 to provide funding for scientific and cultural facilities in seven counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder,
SCFD continues on Page 15
PROPOSED SCFD FUNDING CHANGES The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District committee proposal for distribution of the first $38 million in tax revenue by 2030 breaks down this way:
more affordable.
Tier I: 65.5 percent drops to 64 percent.
The attraction is expected to draw more than 170,000 people annually. While there are several of these systems around the world, there is only
Tier lll: 13.5 percent rises to 14 percent
Plan continues on Page 15
Tier II: 21 percent goes up to 22 percent For tax revenue over $38 million, the proposal takes this approach: Tier I: 64 percent drops to 57 percent Tier II: 22 percent rises to 26 percent. Tier III: 14 percent rises to 17 percent.
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December 24, 2015
Readers join group with simple phone call
FACES AMONG US Local author Charlotte Havey reads her book, “Shep the Turnpike Dog,” to Foothills Animal Shelter mascot Toby on Dec. 8 after making a donation to the shelter. Havey uses her book as means to benefit shelter animals and educate children on pet ownership. To learn more about Havey’s book, or to purchase a copy, visit www.charlottehavey.com. To learn more about Foothills Animal Shelter, visit www. foothillsanimalshelter.org. Photo courtesy of Havey Productions
HELLO
... My Name Is
Jeffco library offers Dial-ABook Club to residents
A glimpse of the people in our community
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
CHARLOTTE HAVEY
Jeffco resident is author, animal lover About me I am a Colorado native. I was born and raised in Greeley. My husband, Jim, and I have lived in Jefferson County for about 30 years. We love our neighborhood and our neighbors. We raised two children in Lakewood. Alysha is 30, and Nathan is 33. I’ve had many careers, including working as a clerical supervisor for Jefferson County courts, I did medical transcription out of my house when my children were young, I’m a former educator of Jeffco schools and I was a preschool director in Custer County. Shep’s story Our family business is a film-production company called Havey Productions. In 2011, we got hired to do a 50th anniversary gala film for the city and county of Broomfield. During research, I found out about an amazing dog that showed up on
the Denver-Boulder Turnpike. The workers would share their lunch scraps with the dog when it was being constructed in 1951. After the turnpike opened, there was a 25 cent toll, which was collected by tollbooth operators. One night, the dog showed up and a man named Archie Montgomery coaxed him into the toll booth. He was named Shep, and Shep ended up living in the toll booth for 14 years. In 2009, Shep’s grave and remains were relocated to the Broomfield Depot Museum. That’s how much they love this dog. People knew about Shep, but no one had written a children’s story on him. So I was excited to take on the project. My book, “Shep the Turnpike Dog,” was published by Bear Paw Print, which is a Colorado company, in April 2014, and I had “Shep” translated into Spanish this summer. Also this past summer, “Shep” was selected as a children’s literature finalist for the 24th annual Colorado Humanities Center for the Book book awards. I was really excited about that.
Using Shep for community connections I’m an animal lover, and I decided to use Shep’s story to make a difference for shelter animals. I’m focusing on Foothills Animal Shelter because it’s a no-kill shelter. I made my first donation from “Shep” proceeds to Foothills on Dec. 8. I also had the privilege of reading “Shep” to Toby, the shelter’s mascot. I’ve always been involved with elementary kids. I think I have a special connection to them. I love their curiosity and their open hearts. I take the book to various elementary schools, and it’s projected on a screen so the kids can read along. Animals give us so much. As an author and former educator, I’m trying to raise awareness to children on the responsibilities of being a pet owner. And how much love our pets give us. If you have suggestions for My Name Is . . ., contact Christy Steadman at csteadman@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.
Family Owned, Family Run
Not too long ago, Mary Haack of Lakewood had a discussion with her book club about the worst job interview each of them had. But it’s not as if the group met specifically to talk about job interviews. The setting in the beginning of the Stephen King book the group read that month was at a job fair, Haack said, and the worst job interview discussion was a way to involve everyone in the conversation. “Everybody is at a different point in their life,” Haack said. “Everybody’s got a story.” And the stories shared are the best part about the club, said Haack, a moderator for the mystery book club. About a year ago, the Jefferson County Library started a program called Dial-A-Book Club for adult readers. It’s easy, convenient and fun to do, said Library 2 You coordinator Cecilia LaFrance. And it’s all done over the phone. The way it works is people sign up online for a type of genre they like to read, LaFrance said. Once enough people — typically four or five — have signed up for the same genre,
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the club is formed. Then, club members answer their phones at a prearranged date and time and enter the conference call, which is moderated by a volunteer stationed at the library who guides the conversation and makes sure everyone has a chance to share. The clubs are open to anyone 18 years of age and older, and a person does not need to be a Jeffco library cardholder to participate. However, most are because they take advantage of other library resources as well, LaFrance said. The library can place holds on books so each club member has access to it for free, and many club members use the library’s home delivery service, which is available to patrons who have a disability that prevents them from leaving their home.
Tina Rinehart, a volunteer moderator, has notes in front of her as she leads a discussion for one of the Dial-A-Book Clubs this year. The Jefferson County Library started the clubs about a year ago. Photo courtesy of Jefferson County Library Although the clubs are supported by Jefferson County Aging Well and Colorado Senior Connections of Wheat Ridge,
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Holiday Greetings to Our Readers
By JIM SMITH, Realtor®
In our increasingly busy lives, we sometimes overlook life’s niceties, like sending out holiday greeting cards. Such was the case this year. So, instead of writing another column on real estate, let me use this space to send our collective and individual wishes for a joyous Christmas season—regardless of faith—to all of our many friends and clients. Among our nine agents,, including myself, we served over 100 client families in 2015 and nearly as many in previous years, so there are a lot of you to thank for the privilege of serving your real estate needs For most of you, fortunately, it was a pleasant experience, as reflected in our reviews on www.RatedAgent.com, but it’s unavoidable (and undeniable) that we didn’t leave everyone with a warm and fuzzy feeling. I myself had one client — a fellow church member — who needed to downsize and who felt that I didn’t do an adequate job of explaining the risk entailed in finding a replacement home once he had to move out of his current home. In this market, trying to sell and then buy can be tricky, and we do our best to pull off that trick for those who can’t buy with-
Read More About Metropolitan Tax Districts Last week I wrote about property taxes and how much they vary because of the tax districts routinely created by new home builders. Because this newspaper’s deadline is earlier than the Denver Post’s (where this column also appears), I didn’t have all the information and insights that ended up in that newspaper. Indeed, after that newspaper went to press, I learned even more! Therefore, I draw your attention to the more extensive and accurate description of this issue which you’ll find online at www. JimSmithColumns.com. It goes beyond what was published in both newspapers.
they’re not just for seniors, LaFrance said. But it is especially good to help people not feel isolated, she said. “The interactions may be one of the only quality conversations for a person that day,” LaFrance said. “That’s a huge value, even if it’s just a few participants.” Book club members enjoy the library’s new offering. “Avid readers like to discuss the books they read,” said Rowena Haberkorn, a Jeffco resident and member of the mystery book club. “Whether they liked it or not, they like to talk about it with other people.” The conversations have been lively, LaFrance said. Members discuss their favorite authors, choose books and discuss the monthly reading. “As with any book club,” she said, “members share their personal connections and relationships are formed.” Another benefit is the opportunity to be exposed to new books, Haberkorn said. She has been reading books she normally wouldn’t have because of suggestions
LIF E IS A BOU T
from others in the club. Tamra Hamblin in Wheat Ridge agrees. She has read five or six new books since joining the nonfiction club. “It gets me going on books I’ve wanted to read, but never got around to,” she said. Reading is becoming somewhat of a lost art, said Linda Breech of Lakewood, a member of the mystery and nonfiction book club. Reading is an “intellectual activity,” she said, and being part of a book club helps a person with social skills. Breech has been part of book clubs in the past, but enjoys the library’s DialA-Book Club because it offers a broader scope. A person is not limited to only women’s literature or any other genre, she added. The Dial-A-Book Club is a smaller program right now, but the library is hoping more people hear about it and consider joining, LaFrance said. “It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “It gives everybody the chance to connect with other readers.”
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out selling first. In this one case, the timing didn’t work out, but are glad he did find a new home. You’ll see his negative review in this regard on RatedAgent.com, but that’s the beauty of that website — you can’t cherry pick the reviews that are displayed, making it the most trusted review website you’ll find. Back to the good stuff. We have been blessed with great clients — including him — and we love them all. We are in this business because all of us enjoy serving. We do our level best to go beyond what buyers and sellers might expect from real estate professionals. Decades ago my sister Susie had a quote from Confucius on her refrigerator that I have never forgotten. It said, “Concentrate on giving and the getting will take care of itself.” It was long after I chose to adopt that quotation as a business principle that Google arrived and I was able to discover that Confucius never said that! Oh well, he could have. At least Susie said it! To me, that quotation reflects the spirit of this season we call Christmas. A gift is something you give without expectation of return, and when it’s given in that spirt, you never know what the returns will be, but they’ll probably be good! I’m pleased that this “culture” of Golden Real Estate has attracted eight like-minded professionals. I didn’t recruit any of them. They all asked to join our brokerage, perhaps because of our culture of giving and serving unconditionally. Our agents are active in their own right, too. Karon Hesse and Kristi Brunel are “front and center” not only in the picture at right, but also in their own charitable activities—Karon with her ongoing mission outreach to Rwanda, and Kristi Merry Christmas from our families to yours! Left to right: Jim Swanson, Chuck Brown, Karon with her service to the Christian Action Guild. We are always coming up with new ways to Hesse, broker/owner Jim Smith, Kristi Brunel, Kim Taylor, and David Dlugasch. Not shown: Leo Swoyer and Carrie Lovingier “give.” Well known examples include our free Jim Smith moving truck (used by local non-profits, not just Broker/Owner clients); free moving boxes and packing materials, free staging consultations, free electric vehiGolden Real Estate, Inc. cle charging stations, a free smartphone app for DIRECT: 303-525-1851 finding service providers, and the accepting of EMAIL: Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com Styrofoam for recycling. 17695 South Golden Road, Golden 80401 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! WEBSITE: www.GoldenRealEstate.com
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December 24, 2015
Boutique Lodging thrives near Olde Town
P e
The Arvada Dragonfly hosts friends, families and couples in apartment stays
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By Crystal Anderson Canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
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little bit of Southern comfort goes a long way. Celebrating its one-year anniversary, the Arvada Dragonfly, Olde Town’s boutique lodging hub, offers residents a distinctive home-like stay for visitors. “I want this to be what people want,” said Beth Chandler, owner of the Dragonfly. “I’ve created something new, and there’s more that I get to be able to create.” For more information or to request lodging, contact Chandler 720-940-0787 or visit www.arvadadragonfly.com.
About the owner Originally from Atlanta, Chandler’s southern roots drew her to a love of Victorian houses and hospitality. That combination has revealed itself through her boutique lodging business in Olde Town, the Arvada Dragonfly. “I love connection, and I love accommodation,” she said, while sitting in the living room of one of her two apartment stays. “This is my Victorian house by the water. And it’s easy to rent, unique and a great location.”
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Near the bedroom and kitchen sits a small, quaint and welcoming living room. This space can be used for conversation, relaxation and can be converted to a dining room. Photo by Crystal Anderson
Just like home Located in a yellow Victorian house at 5900 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., the Dragonfly offers customers two apartments to choose from for their stay. A snug one bedroom, The Pearl, is on the top level near the main residence. Another spacious two bedroom, The Garden, is on the lower level of the home. Decorated to remind visitors of their homes, the apartments give guests a relaxed personalized experience. Chandler, who lives on site, is available to help guests with their needs and is working to build community connections with Arvada businesses to ensure they have an enjoyable time.
Small, but not for long Currently a two-unit facility, Chandler said she would like to turn the whole house into a bed and breakfast. With the capability to add two more units and a caretaker’s apartment on the property, she said this dream is one that will stay for the long-term. “My fantasy is to have a wedding party in here,” she said. “To be able to rent the whole house and have it be joyous.”
In his/her words “This is a gorgeous property, located close to old town Arvada, with many amenities and lovely, lovely location,” Sara LeRoy-Toren, a guest from Nebraska who’s visited twice this year, wrote in her most recent review. “We had everything we could possibly want — a great bed, a beautiful living room, a lovely well-appointed kitchen. The best property we have rented, and we’ve had some great ones.” “For a couple, The Pearl is perfect. We loved the bright windows on the main level, the babbling brook beside the house, the rocking chairs out front and everything about it. The kitchen is well equipped and the bathroom is beautiful,” Peter Wright, a guest from Texas wrote in his review of his stay. “We will definitely be returning to The Pearl in the near future.”
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Arvada Press 5
December 24, 2015
Classical approach helps students Parents like discipline, content, expectations of Golden charter By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com The Teter family of Genesee worries because their children are always the new kids in school. Michael Teter is active-duty military, so the family moves around a lot. But this school year, their children — who are in first, third and sixth grades — didn’t have to be the new kids. The Teter children attend Golden View Classical Academy. And because the school is in its first year, “everybody was going to be the new kid in the class,” Teter said. But that’s not the only reason the family chose Golden View Classical Academy, he said. Their sixth-grader has attended public schools, private schools and was even home-schooled for one year. They have seen “lots of different methods and styles,” Teter said. They “realize how wide the variances are.” The Teter family prefers their children be taught in a school that offers the classical approach. “It’s exciting to see the students rise to an expectation,” Teter said. “You see a certain amount of pride in the students.” Golden View Classical Academy opened this fall with 496 students in kindergarten through 10th grade. The school will expand to serve 11th-graders next
year and 12th-graders in 2017. Golden View prides itself on providing a content-rich curriculum, while promoting good character and virtue, said principal Robert Garrow and Derec Shuler, founder and board chair, respectively. “The main goal,” Garrow said, “is to create deep thinkers and decent citizens.” The school is distinguished by its classical approach to education. Curriculum is based in the classical liberal arts and sciences, with a strong emphasis on civic education, according to the school’s website. Curriculum is integrated, Garrow said, so students get exposure to themes across all the subjects. Religious practices are not part of the curriculum, but religious studies, such as religious impacts on historical events, are included. Students also learn Latin and cursive early in their educational journey. Classrooms are a disciplined place — students have rules they must follow, Garrow said. The rooms are set up to provide direct instruction, meaning desks are arranged in rows, and the teacher instructs from the front of room. Curriculum is challenging, Shuler said. But “if you set a high expectation for students, they’ll do it,” he said. “Kids will adapt and rise to the occasion.” Jefferson County has 16 charter schools and Golden View is one of three in the greater Golden area. Most classical schools tend to be private, said Tim Matlick, achievement director for charter schools in Jefferson County, so Golden View is a “huge plus for
LEARN MORE Golden View Classical Academy is located at 601 Corporate Circle in Golden. Learn more about the school and its approach to classical education online at www. goldenviewclassical.org. For general questions, contact the school’s main office at 720-598-6700 or Office@GoldenViewClassical.org. To inquire about enrollment, contact the enrollment coordinator at 720-598-6700 or Enrollment@GoldenViewClassical.org. parents who want the public school classical education.” Some community members had expressed concern early on that the school would be “pseudo-religious,” Matlick said. An organization that worked with Golden View and other charter schools on professional development is affiliated with a Christian college in Michigan, he said, and “people just assumed.” As a public charter school, Golden View must, by law, adhere to the separation of church and state. Matlick said the school has done that. Golden View fulfills the educational goals the Leonards of Evergreen have for their children: mastery of the English language; the learning of “big things,” such as a perspective of classic history, literature and philosophy; and that the development of a love of learning. “The children are challenged — their
time is not wasted,” Tim Leonard said. And “at the end of the day, they’re excited.” Parents like the structure and the limited distractions in the classroom, he said. Students wear uniforms to school and no electronics are allowed. Mobile devices are turned off until the student is off campus, and teachers use traditional chalkboards, rather than a SMART Board. Jennifer Golden of Golden believes the classical approach is “tried and true.” The Golden family home-schooled their children for a long time, she said, and wanted them to continue with a classical education. “The rigor and consistency of the classical approach is a wonderful thing,” she said. The family wants their children — now in the fifth, seventh and ninth grades — to work at the level they are capable of, Golden said. Golden View pushes them but also inspires them to work hard, she said. K-5 music teacher Heather Eddy has 10 years’ experience teaching, and finds Golden View’s students to be “diligent,” she said. “In general, the students are happy and eager to learn,” Eddy said. Amanda Gilmore, who teaches upperschool grammar, composition and literature, agrees. “Golden View students are a joy to teach because of their enthusiasm,” she said. “They spent first quarter adjusting and striving to meet the high standards that are in place, and are now starting to see the fruits of their efforts.”
SANTA HOUSE LENDS A HELPING HAND Annette Estrella looks over the shelves of toys at Santa House in Arvada. Santa House donation center provides low-income families from across the metro area with Christmas presents for children. “It helps you out a lot,” said Estrella, who has used Santa House before this year. “Especially now that everything is so expensive, it helps a lot. It’s nice.” From Dec. 3 through Dec. 17, Santa House helped 763 families and 1,762 children. Over Santa House’s nine years, it has helped 7,577 families and 22,282 children. Photo by Corrie Sahling
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December 24, 2015
Tipster praised for helping prevent threat Douglas County school was alleged target of two 16-year-old girls
By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com After the news of two classmates accused of plotting to kill students and staff at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch, senior Katie Pickrell said students are coming together to raise awareness about Text-A-Tip, a reporting system that she said “essentially saved people’s lives.” “It was a really brave thing to do,” said Pickrell, referring to the anonymous student who texted the information that led to the arrests of the 16-year-old female students before they could follow through with their plan. Students are using the hashtag “tellsomeone” to thank the student who sent in the tip and show their support for the school. Both teens were detained Dec. 12. One of the girls appeared in court the morning of Dec. 17, but no formal charges have been filed against her or the other teen. The girl who appeared in court is being held without bond, and a judge has ordered a mental-health evaluation and ordered her not to have contact with the other defendant. Her next court date is Jan. 5. No information was available on when the other teen was scheduled to appear in court. A possible charge against the girls includes conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. The two are being held in “secured facilities.” The students’ names have not been released because they are juveniles. If they are charged as adults, more information will be released to the public. Sgt. Lori Bronner, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, was unable to release details
Douglas County School District Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen speaks about the alleged Mountain Vista threat on Dec. 16. “Generally, students are really good people,” she said, “and do good things.” Behind Fagen is Rich Payne, the district’s director of school safety and security. Photo by Alex DeWind of the threat. But the sheriff’s office called it “credible” and acted immediately, according to the news release. At a news conference Dec. 16 at the Douglas County School District administration building in Castle Rock, Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen assured the community that safety is the district’s top priority. “… we know the gravity of what has happened in the past and we are committed to doing everything we can do to make sure our staff and students are safe in this district,” she told a room crowded with members of the media. Citing the ongoing investigation, Fagen said she couldn’t release details of the incident. But, she said, “a credible threat in my view is a serious threat.”
Earlier, Bronner said the girls had made a “blanket threat” against the school and everyone in it. The threat was reported to the sheriff’s office through Text-A-Tip on Dec. 12. The girls’ intent was to harm students and staff at Mountain Vista during the week of Dec. 14, Fagen said. Text-A-Tip is a reporting system that allows high school students to convey concerns about safety, drugs and other issues anonymously. Fagen emphasized the importance of the district’s partnership with law enforcement and families as to why the threat was successfully disrupted. “No one safety strategy is guaranteed,” she said, “and the district has layers and
scaffolding of security measures to ensure safety.” Fagen also highlighted the courage it took for the anonymous teen to inform authorities. “They took what would feel like a risk as a teenager of sharing some very important information with adults,” she said. Highlands Ranch residents also expressed their gratitude on social media to the anonymous tipster. “To the child who alerted authorities of the two girls who have recently been arrested at Mountain Vista High School, you have my sincerest gratitude,” Monique LaPlante Janowiak wrote on Facebook. “You may not realize it now, but you are a true hero.” “So to the child who did the most courageous thing you could,” Anne Marie Tarjan Robbins also wrote on Facebook, “I applaud you, praise your amazing strength and self-esteem.” Mountain Vista Principal Mike Weaver alerted parents about the incident in an email Dec. 15. The school district released a statement Dec. 17 from Weaver, whom they said was not available for interviews. “In valuing a true inclusive school community where relationships and an accepting culture and climate are core philosophies, we can never forget the incredible good that takes place at Mountain Vista each and every day,” Weaver wrote. “The unfortunate events of this past week have spotlighted a community that cares deeply about their families, their school and each other. I could not be more proud of Mountain Vista.” Weaver said the staff and security team have done a strong job of keeping the school “safe and secure.” And senior Tyler Felske said he does feel safe. Mostly, he said, students are shocked. “I think everyone’s taking it seriously,” he said. “We just don’t know how to react.”
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Arvada Press 7
December 24, 2015
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8 Arvada Press
December 24, 2015
VOICES
LOCAL
Holidays are perfect time to accept imperfection There was a day a couple weeks ago that left a strange impression on me. It was a gray day, with a thick blanket of clouds covering the sky all day long, and, while it wasn’t cold, it also never felt warm. The snow from the Thanksgiving storm had already melted, so everything was kind of brown and dull. Honestly, it was one of those days that reminds you that, as beautiful as this state is most of the time, there are significant parts of the winter that are not so pretty. And then, something extraordinary happened. Right as the sun was going down, just above the shadows of the mountains, the clouds broke for just a moment, and a crisp ray of pink shot up from the hills and filled the sky with color for just a few seconds. It was breathtaking. And, such a surprise. At the end of such a blah day, nature shot out a little reminder of its limitless capacity for beauty. And the funny part of the whole thing was that, absent the cloud cover that dampened the entire rest of the day, that moment wouldn’t have happened. The sun would have dipped below the hills, shot its rays of pink out, and they would have carried on into space without being noticed by anybody. You see, sometimes it’s only in the reflections of life’s imperfections that we really notice the beauty and the artistry of the world around us. The Mona Lisa has no eyebrows.
Beethoven was deaf and never heard his own magnum opus, the Ninth Symphony. And there’s a tower somewhere in Italy that nobody would have ever heard of, except that it is somewhat less than perpendicular to the Michael Alcorn ground. The great HITTING conductor Herbert von Karajan lamented HOME the fact that, at one recording session of the New York Philharmonic, he had to discard a take that was artistically magnificent, all because the second clarinet missed a short note early in the take. The replacement take was technically more perfect, but lacked the artistry of the first run. But, as Karajan conceded, you can’t allow a mistake in a permanent record. But, here in the real world, we don’t get second takes. One shot is all we get, usually, but still, we spend hours and energy and money and all manner of resources trying to squeeze out that final little bit of whatever to make “perfect.” Take Christmas, for example. How many hours have been spent at the mall,
or on Amazon, trying to find the “perfect” gift? How many man-hours will be spent cleaning houses so our party guests don’t see our day-to-day realities? How hard will everybody work to make Christmas dinner “just so,” and miss out on the beauty of kids enjoying their presents or families just hanging around being together? After all, the first Christmas happened for an unmarried teenager who gave birth in the livestock’s living quarters. Something a little less than perfect. Come to think of it, thanks to the wisdom of an ancient Pope, we now celebrate Christmas at a time of year when night is dominant. Not perfect. My prayer for you this Christmas is that you embrace the imperfections of life and your situation, and learn to look for the beauty and the artistry in it all. I know it’s hard, sometimes — I freely admit to spending WAY too much of my energy worrying about the imperfections in my own life and my own person. Again, don’t you be like me! Life is messy and sloppy ... and wonderful and beautiful! I hope you make the time this Christmas to really enjoy it all. Merry Christmas, and happy holidays! Michael Alcorn is a teacher and writer who lives in Arvada with his wife and three children. His novels are available at MichaelJAlcorn.com.
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Why are you seeing ‘Star Wars’? Nothing was going to stop “Star Wars” fans from seeing “The Force Awakens” as soon as possible, not even a bad snowstorm or cold temperatures. We asked fans who were lined up outside the AMC Theaters at the Orchard in Westminster to see the new movie why they were doing so, despite the 13-degree weather.
“Why wouldn’t I be here? It’s like I’ve been waiting for this my entire life — I was 9 when the first episode came out.” Tucker Sparks of Brighton, with his girlfriend
“We woke up at 4 a.m. this morning — we were afraid of the weather. We bought tickets in October, and we wanted to see it in IMAX.” Dylan Schlottmann, left, and Chris Allen, who drove from Cheyenne, Wyoming
“I am ‘Star Wars’ obsessed. I have been to every opening of ‘Lord of the Rings,’ so why would this be any different? I made every part of my costume.” Rebecca Kneipp, Firestone “I love ‘Star Wars’ more than anything, so I felt like it was worth standing in line for — maybe. I’m second-guessing it a little now.” Ally Mattson, Loveland
What is Sustainable Printing? It’s the paper: Biodegradable, renewable, recycled, reusable. It’s the ink: Soy based inks are used, reused then recycled. It’s the plate: Process-free plates eliminate VOC’s and reduce water usage. It’s the press: Using cold-set presses reduces the amount of VOC’s put into the air. It’s the location: Printed locally reducing shipping and postage costs, while saving gas, emissions and time.
December 24, 2015
Best thing to do: Think of the best I am sure that you have seen the lists too, you know the kind I am talking about, right? Those lists that provide us with “The Best States to Live In,” “The Best Doctors,” “The Best Diets,” “The Best Restaurants” and the “Best” anything and everything. These are very helpful lists when we really need or want that kind of information. And I am sure a lot of research goes into each list before it is published, and I also believe that opinion plays are a large role in who and what makes those lists. Unfortunately I also know that marketing dollars sometimes influence or persuade the publisher to include certain items, companies or people on those lists. The majority of us do not play a part in publishing those “Best of” lists; most times we are simply consumers of the information. Other times we have participated in a survey and actually contributed to the results as we share our thoughts and opinions to help generate or influence the outcome. Now what if we were to create our own “Best of” list? What if we were to think of all the “Best” things we can say or do to make a positive difference in our lives or the lives of others? We might have a Top 10 List of actions and attitudes that can brighten our day or influence the outcome of those around us in a better way. What would a few of those lists look like? Here are some thoughts to help you get started. “The Best Words to Include in My Daily Vocabulary:” love, kindness, excellence, forgiveness, family, purity, humbleness, success, achievement, winner, beautiful, compassion, hope, encouragement and faith. “The Best People I Know:” my mother, my father, my husband, my wife, my daughter, my son, my best friend, my boss, my employees, my associates, my coach, my partner, my grandparents, my teacher, my students, my trainer and my bartender. “The Best Things I Can Do Today:” give someone a hug, smile, laugh, love, pray,
exercise, volunteer, listen, be patient, be kind, be compassionate, learn, read, stay positive, stay focused, be proactive, meet someone new and try something new. I am sure you can come up with your own “Best of Michael Norton the Best” list all WINNING on your own. The challenge is that we WORDS typically just wait for someone else to provide us with a list or publish a list that tells us what the “Best of the Best” is. When it comes to our personal preferences and opinions, we already know what would be on our list, don’t we? We just don’t take enough time to create those lists and understand their importance and relationship in our dayto-day lives. Try it with me, either get some paper and write them down or create your “Best of the Best” lists on your computer, phone or tablet. You will be amazed at how good it feels to capture your thoughts and feelings about who and what makes your “Best of” lists. How about you? What are some of the “Best” places, companies, restaurants, hospitals, schools that would make your list? Who are some of the “Best” people you know, love and respect? Who are some of the “Best” doctors, lawyers, teachers, police officers, nurses, respiratory therapists, friends and relatives that you know? I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we create and publish our own “Best of the Best” lists, it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.
Arvada Press 9
Paying it backward brings delight, joy It just happened to me. I never thought it would and, in truth, I hadn’t given it much thought at all, except for perhaps a few moments of fleeting admiration. But ahead of me in the drive-through lane, a woman paid for my order. As I pulled up, the young man at the window looked extraordinarily pleased to tell me: “You’re all taken care of.” At first, I thought he meant my order was all taken care of. But it was more than that. Both my order and my payment were taken care of. I was dumbfounded. I kept asking him, “Really? Really?” And I was so flustered that it never occurred to me to pay for the person behind me. But as I drove away, I realized more was going on here than a hot cup of coffee. First, there is the fact that someone had pulled money out of her own purse to pay for the order of someone else. That much was obvious. What wasn’t obvious — and will never be known to me — was this gracious woman’s motivation. Altruism, certainly. Generosity, of course, perhaps because of her personal financial situation. Yet, perhaps not. Some of the most generous people I know are of the most modest means. I’m also guessing delight — the delight of anticipating my reaction, the delight of remaining anonymous. And what is that word for the warm feeling of having done good, for knowing that you have made a difference, a real difference, in someone else’s life? It’s more than satisfaction, subtly different from compassion. To my mind, it’s joy. ’Tis the season for joy. Redemption. New beginnings. And, as it’s often called, for paying it forward, from the title of the book by Catherine Ryan Hyde. This phrase is used to mean the opposite of payback: when someone does a good deed for you, instead of paying them back, you pay it forward
by doing a good deed for someone else. However, in the case of the drivethrough line, my benefactor was literally paying it backward, back to me, which makes me Andrea Doray wonder if paying it backward isn’t ALCHEMY just as good a deed. My own definition of paying it backward is different from simply paying someone back. When we borrow money for the parking meter, we pay it back. When we use up our mom’s laundry detergent, we replace it. When we are treated for lunch or coffee, we pick up the check the next time. But when we send a note of appreciation, we pay it backward. When we hand cash through our windows at street corners, we pay it backward to help someone else get ahead. When we stop to assist those who can’t keep going because they are spinning out on a snow-covered street, we pay it backward. (The concept of “pay” does not necessarily mean money.) In the end, though, it doesn’t matter in which direction we are sending our good deeds. And when we help others, we feed our own deep needs for altruism, for generosity, for satisfaction and compassion. We give — and we receive — both delight and joy. I have no greater wish for you this season. Andrea Doray is a writer who always has one more wish for us all this season: world peace. Contact her at a.doray@ andreadoray.com.
Stressless holidays: Tips for the big people in little people’s lives The holidays can be stressful, but there are things you can do to have more positive experiences and fewer negative ones. Take a few minutes to think about what’s important to you and how you want to be together with loved ones. • Create the holiday experience you want your kids to remember. The gift of the present moment is that you have a chance right now to shape the memories your children will carry with them. Even if what you remember from your childhood was not all positive, this season you and your family can start traditions and rituals that will be special and meaningful for years to come. Discover some favorite things, like stories to share or special foods to eat, that your kids will look forward to each and every holiday. • Find time to be playful with your kids. Sometimes in the midst of the holiday chaos this is easy to forget, but what kids really want to do is spend time with their parents and special caregivers. Allow yourself to take a break from the shopping, cooking and cleaning to follow their lead and really play with your child. Read a book or have a tea party. Play a game or frolic outside in the snow, with no other goal than spending time together. Being a kid again is good for everyone. • Manage expectations, for yourself and your kids. The holidays are full of expectations like getting the perfect gift, having wellbehaved children at the mall and patching up relationships. It’s hard to cope with disappointment or frustration when these things don’t happen the way we hope they will. Think ahead of time what you will do if things get out of hand so that you don’t react out of embarrassment or anger. Tell your kids in clear and simple words what to expect in new situations. Letting them know how you expect them to behave and why that’s important to you will reduce everyone’s stress. • Stick to some routine each day. Kids and parents do best when they
Jordana Ash
know what to expect in their daily lives. We feel GUEST safe in the world when we know what happens COLUMN next and who we can count on. Keeping up some of the usual routines will help maintain that sense of order and control. Naptime and bath and bedtime routines are especially important to stick to for kids even when visiting or traveling — resting allows them to reset and get ready for the next experience. It’s important for you, too, to stick with adult routines so you can stay calm and not get too stressed. • Respect and follow your kid’s temperament. Each of us has a unique way we are comfortable in the world and we call that temperament. Tuning in to your kid’s temperament and allowing them to adjust in their own way will help them feel relaxed during the holidays. If your child is slow to warm up and needs time to observe before joining in, explain to others this is fine with you and don’t force them to interact too soon. Your energetic, enthusiastic child may be reluctant to try new foods or follow new rules so let others know what’s OK with you and help your child anticipate how to handle these changes. Being your child’s champion may be the best gift of all since it shows them that you understand them, that you love them and that you will be there to protect them. If you find that your stress or moodiness persists during or after the holidays, support and help are available. If you’re worried about how someone else is treating their child, make the call. Assistance can be found at 1-844-CO-4-KIDS or go to www.co4kids.org and look under Feeling Stressed? Jordana Ash, LCSW, IMH-E (IV-C), is the early childhood mental health director at the Office of Early Childhood, Colorado Department of Human Services.
In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com
Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com
10 Arvada Press
LIFE
LOCAL
December 24, 2015
CULTURE FA I T H FA M I L Y FOOD HEALTH
Table Mountain Inn’s tortilla soup is a local favorite, rich with vegetables and a warm broth topped with seasoned tortilla strips. The restaurant’s executive chef, Erich Rachel, said it is a staple on the menu. Photos by Corrie Sahling
Warm bowl hits the spot
Area restaurants share seasonal favorites
By Corrie Sahling csahling@coloradocommunitymedia. com Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on chilly winter days and nights. Northglenn retiree Pat Kunze’s go-to recipe is a wild rice soup. “Always had it in Minnesota on a snowy day when I was working,” she said. Several area restaurants say their signature soups are a hit this time of year, too.
“Our tortilla soup is a staple,” said Erich Rachel, executive chef at Golden’s Table Mountain Inn. “Especially in the winter months, it starts to hit more.” Table Mountain Inn, which has been in Golden for more than 24 years, serves a traditional tortilla soup that has people coming back for more. “It is one that I would get a lot of backlash on if it came off the menu,” Rachel said. The soup has always been on the menu, and though it varies little, each executive chef puts his own little twist on it. Rachel added Chimayo powder and achiote paste to the recipe. The tortilla soup is filled with
vegetables, juicy chicken and topped with crispy tortilla strips. “It’s delicious,” Rachel said. “It’s one of those simple pleasures — it makes you happy.” It’s simple to make, Rachel said. “Anyone, novice to expert. It can be done at home.” But the ingredient that brings out the best flavor is love, he said. “The way I was trained is to cook food with love,” Rachel said, a smile on his face. “I always tell my guys that if you cook with passion, it tastes better.” Passion is also part of the recipe for the New Mexican pork green chile served at Kachina
Southwestern Grill in Westminster. The dish was created following extensive research in many of New Mexico’s restaurants, according to Jeff Bolton, executive chef. The chile follows New Mexican flavors, but Bolton said the dish has a few unique facets. “The pork is ground instead of cubed,” Bolton said. “We use Anaheim chilies, jalapeños and poblano peppers — they are all fire-roasted.” Another unique thing about the chile is that it is served with dry jack cheese on top, which holds a texture much like Parmesan cheese. “The pork green chile is the
New Mexican Pork Green Chile serves a crowd Kachina Southwestern Grill at 10600 Westminster Blvd., in Westminster is connected to the Westin Ingredients: 2.5 lbs. ground pork 2.5 lbs. roasted Anaheim chilies 1 lb. yellow onions, small dice 1 oz. garlic, minced 1.6 oz. green chili powder 1.6 oz. Mexican oregano 1 ½ tsp. cumin seed 8 oz. amber beer 12 oz. Demi-Glace ¾ gallon water 1/5 oz. roasted jalapeños, peeled, seeded and diced 6 oz. poblano peppers, peeled, seeded and diced 10 oz. Anaheim peppers, peeled, seeded and diced ½ oz. ancho chilies, pureed 1 ½ Tbsp. smoked salt 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes 1 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground 8 oz. roux Salt to taste Pepper to taste Instructions: Pre-heat a steam kettle — a large pot with a thick bottom so the chile won’t burn will work, too — at highest setting. Season pork with salt and pepper and brown. Evenly distribute meat in pot by slapping meat against side walls to get as much browning as possible, rather than dumping it all in on top of itself. Once meat is halfway
one we serve the most of,” Bolton said. “It is obviously a favorite. It is also served in a lot of other dishes, too, like our breakfast burrito.” As far as the taste goes, the menu labels the item as spicy — and it does leave heat on the lips. “It is rich,” Bolton said. “Nothing beats the flavor of fresh roasted chilies, and it has a lot of layers.” Both chefs at Table Mountain Inn and Kachina said all their soups and chilies listed on their menus are winter favorites. “The tortilla soup is always on the menu,” Rachel said. “But I try to keep up on other soup specials this time of year, too.”
Chicken Tortilla Soup a crowd-pleaser, too Table Mountain Inn is located at 1310 Washington Ave., in Golden
Kachina’s New Mexican pork green chile embodies New Mexican flavor and spice. Using fire-roasted chilies and ground pork, the popular dish stands out for the Southwestern grill and is used in many of the menu’s other items. cooked, add the onions, garlic, dried Anaheim, green chili powder, cumin, oregano and kosher salt. Cook until onions are tender. Now add the beer, frozen chilies, Demi-Glace and water. Reduce heat to a slow simmer. Cook for 4-5 hours at a light simmer. Add the fresh roasted chilies, ancho puree and remaining seasonings. Simmer for 30 minutes to one hour, adjust any seasonings. Whisk in roux and simmer another half hour. Be sure to whisk vigorously to dissolve any roux balls that may have occurred, remove any that will not dissolve. Be careful not to add too much roux, it should not be thick like gravy. Add one bunch of cilantro to 1 gallon of soup when reheating.
Ingredients for about 4 gallons of soup: 1 cup chicken stock 2 lbs. yellow onions, diced ½ head of celery, diced 1 ¼ lbs. carrots, diced ½ cup of garlic, minced 1 ¼ bunch of cilantro, chopped ½ bunch of parsley, chopped ¼ tomato, diced A little less than 1 lb. of canned, diced red pepper ¾ lb. grilled corn ½ cup of cumin A little less than 1 cup of chicken base 2 Tbsp. of Chimayo powder 2 Tbsp. of achiote paste 2 gallons of chicken stock 2 ¼ gallons of water 2 ½ lbs. of zucchini, diced 2 ½ lbs. of yellow squash, diced Instructions: Add the cup of chicken stock, onion, celery, carrots and garlic. Sweat the onions. Add everything except zucchini and squash, let simmer for one hour. Add zucchini and squash, simmer for 10 minutes.
Arvada Press 11
December 24, 2015
Charlie Brown’s music encompasses the season For many families in America, a boy and his dog were the reason they let jazz into their homes. It was 1965 when the first Peanuts special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” aired on CBS, featuring a soundtrack by West Coast jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. It was a bold choice on the part of producer Lee Mendelson and director Bill Melendez, seeing as jazz had yet to gain acceptance into the homes of traditional households all over the country. But Guaraldi’s arrangements and original compositions beautifully captured the youthful and melancholy spirit of Charles Schulz’s comic and characters. In the process, Guaraldi created a holiday masterpiece — music that is almost instantly recognizable from the first notes and has become the soundtrack for countless Christmas moments for families the world over. In addition to being my gateway to jazz, what has endeared the music to me is how Guaraldi captured the inherent sadness of the season in such a powerful way. He ignored the huge orchestral sweep of most Christmas music and dug into moments when you feel like it’s speeding by too fast — that you’re missing something just out of reach.
For such a merry holiday, there sure are a lot of sad songs that people love: “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is absolutely brutal and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” is almost a lament in Judy Garland’s original Clarke Reader version. Guaraldi’s LINER approach to the holidays isn’t as NOTES grim, but it injects some serious wistfulness to the proceedings. You can hear it in the piano in “Christmastime is Here” (the lower register and slower pace being the driving factors), with Fred Marshall’s double bass and Jerry Granelli’s drums creating a dejected shuffle beat. Of course, this all fits a movie about a character permanently out of step with the people and times around him. A character who just wants to know if anyone really understands what Christmas is all about. And whether or not you connect to the meaning Good Ol’ Charlie Brown finds in
CLARKE’S ALBUM OF THE WEEK Selection: Coldplay’s “A Head Full of Dreams,” released on Parlophone/Atlantic Records Review: On what could perhaps be the band’s last album, Coldplay looks skyward and creates some of its airiest, prettiest music. It floats along like a cloud, and is a lovely grace note for this hard-working band. Favorite song: “Up&Up” Most romantic line: “When I’m cold, cold There’s a light that you give me when I’m in shadow There’s a feeling you give me, an everglow.”
Christmas, I think you’d be hard pressed to find someone who can’t relate to feeling that gloominess every now and then. The commercialization that perplexes Charlie Brown and Linus has become increasingly prominent in the 50 years since “A Charlie Brown Christmas” first aired. There are times amidst the scrambling for gifts and parties to attend when you need
to take a moment and breathe. The biggest mistake is thinking the season is all about stuff, about squeezing in as much as you can, and failing to take the time to enjoy a minute of it. Guaraldi’s music is a way to do that. Even the most upbeat tracks (“Linus and Lucy” and “Skating”) won’t have you storming ahead. Instead, they just put a little pep in your step. The slower numbers, like “Greensleeves” and “O Tannenbaum,” are ideal for quiet moments with family — or a friend or two. I’m not suggesting the music is a dirge, or will cause uncontrollable weeping — it’s not Adele, after all. But I do think Guaraldi captured both the bitter and the sweet of the holidays on the album’s 12 songs. And that’s OK with me: As is often the case in life, the saddest moments can also be the sweetest. Clarke Reader’s column on how music connects to our lives appears every other week. A community editor with Colorado Community Media, he doesn’t know, Linus, he just doesn’t know. Check out his music blog at calmacil20.blogspot.com. And share your favorite Christmas music at creader@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.
Rosen eases his workload on talk radio show
host since 1988. Longtime radio talk show host His role as an Mike Rosen announced recently editorial-page that he is stepping down from his columnist for daily show on iHeartMedia’s KOA both The DenNewsRadio 850 AM and 94.1 FM ver Post and and will transition to a contributor Rocky Mounrole, serving as a regular weekend tain News host and political commentator. stretches back In addition, Rosen will be heard as s more than 30 an occasional guest host on both , years, and his KOA NewsRadio and TalkRadio 630 columns have KHOW. Rosen’s final live weekday Penny Parker appeared in nushow will air on Dec. 24. merous nation“Doing my brand of radio, with MILE HIGH al publications. 24/7 research and show prep, takes LIFE Rosen has been a work week of more than 60 hours. featured as a After 35 years on-air, I’ve decided to give myself a little more well- political analyst on several media earned leisure time as I pass my outlets, and has appeared on “The 71st birthday,” Rosen said. “I’ve O’Reilly Factor,” “Good Morning been with KOA for almost 30 years America” and “CNN Tonight.” In and have loved every minute of it. addition, Rosen has served as a It’s a wonderful station with a glo- guest host of “The Rush Limbaugh rious history and a great team of Show.” Rosen is the author of the repeople. I couldn’t bring myself to just walk away from it, and a full- cently-released book “REALITY: fledged retirement wouldn’t suit A Plain-Talk Guide to Economics, a Type A guy like me. So, I’m de- Politics, Government and Culture,” lighted to still have a presence with which features a compendium of KOA as a part-time on-air contrib- Rosen’s writings, with a focus on utor. While this may disappoint my politics and economic issues. Connell has been named the longtime loyal listeners, to whom I’m eternally grateful, I hope they new midday host on KOA Newswill find a little of Mike Rosen at Radio, effective Jan. 4. Connell will least better than none at all. I’m bring more than 18 years of experipassing the baton to Mandy Con- ence to KOA NewsRadio. She’s curnell in the midday time slot, who’s rently the morning host on KOA’s done a great job on KHOW in the sister station, 630 KHOW. Greg Foster, program director morning. You’ll like her.” Rosen has been KOA’s midday of KOA NewsRadio, said: “Nobody
can replace Mike Rosen, but we’re confident that Mike’s fans will connect with Mandy and she’ll bring a new perspective to KOA NewsRadio.” Tomlin coming to Paramount Tickets are now on sale for an Evening of Classic Lily Tomlin, spanning the career of the multitalented performer, at 8 p.m. April 23 at the Paramount Theatre, 16th and Glenarm streets. Doors open at 7 p.m. As a member of the cast of “Laugh-In” in 1969, Tomlin rocketed to fame with her characterizations of Ernestine, the irascible telephone operator, and Edith Ann, the devilish 6-year-old. Tomlin wrote and starred in six comedy television specials, and has guest-starred in numerous television shows. She currently costars with Jane Fonda on the Netflix series “Grace and Frankie.” Reserved seating for Tomlin’s Paramount show are $44 to $95 (plus service charges). Tickets are available at www.altitudetickets. com/event/lily-tomlin-4660/ or by calling 303-893-8497 Garofalo coming to Comedy Works Janeane Garofalo has been a ground-breaking performer since she burst on the scene in 1992. The actress and comedienne will perform at Comedy Works Downtown
in Larimer Square at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8 and at 7:40 and 9:45 p.m. Jan. 9. Tickets are available at www.comedyworks.com or by calling 303595-3637. Garofalo has had many memorable and critically acclaimed roles in films such as “The Truth About Cats and Dogs,” “Wet Hot American Summer,” “Ratatouille,” “Reality Bites,” “Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion” and “Mystery Men.” The actress also coauthored the best seller “Feel This Book,” with Ben Stiller. Garofalo was a cast member of the Emmy Award-winning “Ben Stiller Show” and played the role of Paula, the acerbic talent booker, on “The Larry Sanders Show,” receiving an Emmy nomination. During the fall of 1994 she joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live.” Some of her other television work includes two specials for HBO, Fox’s “24,” “Mad About You” and the final season of NBC’s “The West Wing.”
Kulture Superfoods owner and founder Mike Milakovic and the other contestants, which included Komotodo Sushi Burrito, Just BE Kitchen, Petey Bird and Mac `N Noodles, presented their business plan to investors and lenders, as well as a panel of judges comprised of restaurateurs and industry experts: Mark Berzins of Little Pub Company, Pat Miller of Gabby Gourmet, chef Dana Rodriguez of Work & Class, Rod Tafoya of Mission Yogurt Inc. and chef Alex Seidel of Fruition and Mercantile Dining & Provision. Komotodo Sushi Burrito took home the People’s Choice award, which included a membership to the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and a year of free classes at the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center. And, finally, eavesdropping on me: Wishing all my suburban column readers a safe and happy holiday season!
Trout Tank winner Bringing a focus on healthy eating, kale chip snack company Kulture Superfoods took home $5,000 at Trout Tank: Food Frenzy, presented by Denver-based restaurateur and airport concessionaire Mission Yogurt, Inc. and the Denver Metro Small Business Development Center on Dec. 1 at The Denver Post amphitheater.
Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. You can subscribe and read her columns (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) at www.blacktie-colorado.com/ pennyparker. She can be reached at parkerp1953@gmail.com or at 303619-5209.
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12 Arvada Press
December 24, 2015
Role-playing helps Holiday happenings build language skills brighten the season Adults, children, and Role playing, also known stuffed animals can talk as dramatic play, helps through what will happen children develop creativity, and what rules are needed confidence and language for safety and courtesy. skills that are so important Practice giving the fare to for learning to read. The theater doesn’t need the driver and practice to be fancy. The stage can courtesy by smiling and be steps, under a table, or saying, “Hello.” Children may practice ensome chairs. Then tering and leaving add clothes and Esther Macalady the bus, sitting, hats for costumes and saying “thank and stuffed ani- LIFELONG to the driver mals or dolls for LEARNING you” when they leave. more characters. The courteous If you plan to driver may use a take your children to a new place, practice first pretend microphone to anat home by creating a little nounce places around town play. Children have amazing and greet passengers. After talents and creativity. They the ride, sing ”The Wheels love to be silly and have fun. on the Bus Go Round and Round.” If possible, go on a real ride and point out landActing is fun Some situations you marks. might act out include: riding a bus, opening presents Playing at home Adults sometimes forand saying “thank you” at parties, taking turns, going get there is a new world out to the doctor or dentist, gro- there every time children cery shopping, banking, rid- go somewhere for the first ing on an airplane, going to time. Role-playing at home a nursing home or church, helps them feel more segetting a haircut, going on cure, gives them the words a train, or going to an event they need to express themlike a play, school concert, selves, and helps prevent tears. sports event or movie. Take a few pictures while To role-play a bus ride, set up chairs for the driver role-playing or experiencand passengers. Then take ing the real thing and make turns being the driver with a little four-page book with stuffed animals as passen- a sentence and picture on gers. Put on jackets and hats each page. Preschool chilfor costumes. Take along dren can dictate the story backpacks, snacks, stuffed while you write a few short animals, a schedule, map sentences with correct capital and lowercase printing. and fare.
‘If you plan to take your children to a new place, practice first at home by creating a little play.’ They may memorize the words or tell the story using the pictures, often one of the first steps to real reading. Children’s museums and community theater classes have many fantastic opportunities to role-play. During your next library visit, pick up books about first experiences. At home, act out some favorite books, videos or stories. Include stuffed animals that talk with creative voices. Esther Macalady is a former teacher who lives in Golden and participates in the Grandparents Teach Too writing group. For more tips on creative play, go to grandparentsteachtoo.blogspot. com, the wnmufm.org/ podcasts and the website grandparentsteachtoo.org.
a delightful evening with BDT Stage brings us much singing and danc‘The Addams Family’ BDT Stage (Boulder’s ing and high jinks. “The Addams FamDinner Theatre) is changing it up this year. Pro- ily” plays through Feb. ducing artistic director 27. BDT Stage provides Michael Duran told me lots of bang for your buck the theater decided to do with great food and ensomething you’ll not be tertainment. And pricseeing anywhere else this es start at just $39. For tickets and inholiday season. formation, call Although I’ve Harriet Ford 303-449-6000 or seen notices AROUND log on to www. for several prob d t s t a g e. c o m . ductions of the TOWN This is a fun usual offerings, way to celebrate this is definitely the only “The Addams the season in an unusual Family” on stage right way. now. Director Scott Beyette, ‘Blossoms of Light’ who also stars as Gomez, at Denver Botanic does a masterful job of Gardens keeping all the pieces We certainly picked moving in harmony. Bob the right night to see Hoppe has created terrif- the beautiful Blossoms ic choreography and sce- of Light this year. The nic designer Amy Cam- weather could not have pion provided whimsical been better. The Denver movable set pieces that Botanic Gardens sparenhanced the action. I’m kled with thousands of constantly amazed at tiny lights. One young BDT’s imaginative use of visitor commented that its relatively small space. “Star Wars” was even here The story cen- when she saw what looks ters around daughter like light sabers, which Wednesday’s desire to change colors, along one have a “normal” boy- of the long walkways. friend. His “normal” Changing colors and parents are invited to water are themes as you dinner and it’s Wednes- stroll about the grounds. day’s fervent wish that Some of my favorite disher family act “normal.” plays are the stunning We come to find out that red spear-like pieces by boyfriend Lucas’ parents Dale Chihuly, the giant are a bit unusual, too. All globes that change colin all, the story makes for ors, in a pool with a won-
derful waterfall fountain in the background, and a lovely twinkly tunnel of gold and fuschia lights. Most of the lights are LED in line with the DBG’s commitment to conservation and sustainability. In addition to Blossoms of Light at York Street, Trail of Light is on display at the Chatfield Farms location. The 1880s Hildebrand Ranch homestead features a barn and old tractors that are lighted. The vintage Colorado Christmas theme is found throughout the property. On Fridays and Saturdays, free hayrides are offered. There is a warming hut and fire pit. Treats and hot beverages are available for purchase at both locations. Both Denver Botanic Gardens displays are open through Jan. 2. For more information, hours and pricing, visit the website at www.botanicgardens.org. My very best wishes for a merry Christmas and a new year filled with health, wealth, happiness and many blessings. Peace out. Columnist Harriet Hunter Ford may be reached at hhunterford@ gmail.com.
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14 Arvada Press
December 24, 2015
AREA CLUBS
Ongoing Activities, Ongoing/Business Groups Mondays Golden Chapter, Order of DeMolay meets at 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesday in the town of Golden. Walt Disney, Mel Blanc and Walter Cronkite are counted among its alumni. DeMolay is an organization for young men between the ages of 12 and 21 that offers character building, leadership training, and life skill development. We offer many activities, academic opportunities and scholarships. Please contact the chapter for more information. Email demolaygolden@gmail.com or www.coloradodemolay.org and visit Golden’s page under the Chapter tab by clicking on the Golden photo. Golden Nar-Anon family group meets from 7:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe St. We ask that people enter on the east side of the church and follow the signs to the upstairs meeting room. Call the Nar-Anon Family Groups World Service Organization at 800-477-6291 or go to NarAnon.org. Jefferson County Republican Men’s Club meets from 7-9 a.m. Mondays at Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, 10151 W. 26th Ave., Lakewood. Meeting fee is $5 (cash preferred). Order from diner menu (pay on you own). Call Fred Holden at 303-421-7619 for information. Republicans, especially students, youth and women, welcome to join. Open mic Living Water Unity Spiritual Community presents open mic night – celebrate your teen self 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays at 7401 W. 59th Ave., Arvada. This program gives teens the opportunity to express their performing art including voice and instrument, acting, poetry, stand-up comedy, mime, etc. Open to all students in sixth to 12th grades. Email bellbottoms809@gmail.com. Wheat Ridge Rotary Club meets from noon to 1:30 p.m. Mondays for lunch at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St. Come as our guest and learn about our service projects for the community. Tuesdays Applewood Kiwanis Club meets 7-8 p.m.
Tuesdays at the Applewood Golf Course, 14001 W. 32nd Ave., Golden. You are invited to attend a meeting. Our goals are to serve children worldwide and in our community. We ring the bell for Salvation Army, deliver Christmas baskets to needy families and, assist the Jeffco Action Center with school supplies for children from low-income families. For more information, contact Fred McGehan at 303-947-1565. Arvada Sunrise Rotary Club meets 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays at The Arvada Centre For The Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. for a breakfast meeting. Come join us as our guest and learn about our community service projects and what Rotary does in the world to help people. Denver Apple Pi, an Apple/Mac computer user group, meets from 7-9 p.m. the third Tuesday each month at the Applewood Community Church (downstairs), 12930 W. 32nd Ave., Golden. Program varies each month. We welcome those interested in learning more about their Apple or Mac computer. Visitors are welcome to see if you like our more mature group. More information may be found at denverapplepi.com. Golden Rotary meets from 7:15-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Rolling Hills Country Club, 15707 W. 26 Ave., Golden. This active organization reaches neighbors in need. We build, support, and organize. We save lives locally and globally. For additional information visit www.rotayclubofgolden.org or contact Pat Madison at 303-279-1021. Lake Arbor Optimist Club Bringing Out the Best in Kids meets at 7 a.m. Tuesdays at Indian Tree Golf Course, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Breakfast served. Contact Terri Kearney, president, 303-506-6692; or Debbie Espinoza, treasurer, 720-937-2550. New members welcome. Lakewood Chapter of Retired and Active Federal Employees meets at 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of most months at the Episcopal Church, 10th and Garrison. Call Greg Kann at 303-718-7307 with questions. Rocky Mountain Team Survivor, a health, education and fitness program for women of all abilities who have experienced cancer or are currently in treatment, offers weekly free, fun,
supportive activities. Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Boulder Creek Walk (meet at Boulder Public Library main entrance). Tuesday, 11-11:30 a.m., Yoga, Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Avenue. Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., Fitness Training, Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, 311 Mapleton Avenue (entrance on Maxwell Avenue.). Learn more at rockymtn-teamsurvivor.org. TOPS CO 538, a weight-loss support group, meets Tuesdays at St. Martha’s Episcopal Church, 76th and Bradburn. Weigh-in is 6-6:45 p.m., followed by the meeting. For information, call 480-650-0537. Wednesdays Adult Roller Skating is offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at Roller City at 64th and Sheridan, Arvada. Cost is $5 plus $2 to rent skates. Contact Toni at 303-868-8273. American Legion Auxiliary presents Burger Nite, 5-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Post 178, 1655 Simms St., Lakewood. Members, their guests and active military invited for varied food and reasonable prices. Visit www.alpost178.org. Arvada Biz Connection www.meetup.com/ Arvada-Business-Connection/ is an informal networking event that brings together local entrepreneurs. Meetings are 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at various restaurants in Olde Town Arvada. A $5 fee is collected from each attendee, which is then donated to a local charity at the end of each quarter. The 4th Quarter Charity is the Dan Peak Foundation who assists families in need. For information, call Micki Carwin at 303997-9098. Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis meets 7-8 a.m. Wednesdays at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., for a breakfast meeting. We invite you to join us for great fellowship, interesting programs, and the satisfaction of serving your community. This Kiwanis organization supports the Arvada Community Food Bank, the school backpack program, Santa House, Ralston House, and many other local organizations. For information or to visit a meeting, call Brad at 303-4314697. Arvada Rotary meets 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesdays at Indian Tree Golf Club, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd. The club engages in a variety of community service projects, with emphasis on assistance to and support of Arvada’s youth. Visitors are always welcome. For additional information visit www.arvadarotary.org or call Dave Paul at 303-431-9657.
CATHOLIC
Buffalo Toastmasters meets 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. the first and third Wednesdays at the Jefferson County Government Building, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden. Toastmasters is an international organization that is a fun and supportive environment to learn and practice public speaking and leadership skills. All are welcome. Look for signs pointing you to the right room. Go to www.buffalotoastmasters.org or www.meetup.com/BuffaloToastmasters-Golden/ for more information. Buffalo Toastmasters, where public speaking and leadership excellence is encouraged in a safe environment.
Concordia Lutheran Church Choir meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at 13371 W. Alameda Parkway in Lakewood (the church nestled close to Green Mountain). The choir assists in Concordia’s traditional worship service three out of four Sundays per month. If you have a desire to sing and are interested in joining, please contact 303-989-5260. Foothills Music Teachers Association meets 9:30 a.m. to noon the third Wednesday of each month. FMTA is a local group of independent music teachers, affiliated with Colorado State Music Teachers Association and Music Teachers National Association. Call Kathy at 303-988-9565. Golden Elks Lodge meets at 7:30 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 16795 W. 50th Ave. Contact golden2740@ hotmail.com or 303-279-2740 for more information, or to learn how to join. Music Teachers Association Suburban Northwest meets 9:30 a.m. to noon the first Wednesday of the month at Community in Christ Church, 12229 W. 80th Ave., Arvada. Meetings are open to the public and include refreshments, business meeting and program featuring music teaching professionals from around the state lecturing on the latest teaching developments. Order Sons of Italy in America/Denver Lodge 2075 meets every third Wednesday of the month at 5925 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. and meeting follows at 7 p.m. Lots of fun activities planned for summer meetings. Everyone welcome. Call 303-2388055. Clubs continues on Page 15
NON-DENOMINATIONAL
ST. JOAN OF ARC C AT H O L I C C H U R C H
Proclaiming Christ to the Mountains & Plains www.SaintJoanCatholic.org 12735 W 58th Ave · 80002 · 303-420-1232 Daily Masses: 8:30am, Mon-Sat Confessions: 8am Mon; Wed – Fri 7:30am & 4:00pm Sat Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30 am, 5:30pm
Arvada Christian Church
C
8010 West 62nd Avenue 303-422-5412
Sunday Worship .............. 9:30 am Wed. Prayer/Bible Study .. 6:30 pm (Free Meals every 3rd Wed)
Nursery Available
UNITED METHODIST
PRESBYTERIAN
S ERVICES 8 &10 am Church School
Pastor: Bill Sanders
9 &10 am
Living and Sharing the Love of Christ
January 6 4pm to 7pm th
Please join us for an Open House! Community information, complimentary food and drinks plus chair & hand massage and nail painting Please RSVP to CRD@RalstonCreek Seniors.com or Call (720) 398-7574 The Event will take place at The DUNCAN FAMILY YMCA Located at 6350 Eldridge St, Arvada, CO 80004
Worship: 10:00am every Sunday Sunday School: 9:00am Sept – May (nursery provided)
5592 Independence St. 80002 Tel. 303-422-3463
6750 Carr St. Arvada, CO 80004 303.421.5135 • www.arvadaumc.org Nursery Available
www.Arvadapc.com
Now enrolling for All Precious Children Learning Center
Golden First Presbyterian Church
On the round-about at South Golden Rd. and West 16th Ave. Sunday Praise & Worship................... 9:00 am Fellowship Time ................................. 10:00 am Church School ................................... 10:30 am
Pastor: Rev. Dr. Miriam M. Dixon
Nursery provided
303-279-5591
Share the life, love, and laughter of Jesus Christ! 8:30 AM - Worship in Chapel 9:00 AM -Sunday School 10:00 AM - Worship in Sanctuary www.applewoodvalleychurch.org
303-279-2162
2035 Ellis Street, Golden CO 80401
To advertise your place of worship Call 303-566-4100
G/W/L/A
December 24, 2015
Snow Continued from Page 1
the snow kept piling back up. “Until about midday we were definitely playing catch up,” Bowman said. Wednesday brought warmer weather, letting Arvada’s plow teams — who operate in three-shift rotations — to finally clear all the primary and secondary routes in the city. Bowman said the city does not clear the smaller residential roads, counting on the sun, and residents packing down the snow, to keep 7 those passable. Bowman said he had a few pieces n of advice for city residents. For instance, when shoveling out a driveway or sidewalk, try not to throw the snow into the street. It slows plowing, and there’s actually an (unenforced) municipal code against it. “It’s also very helpful if their own vehicles are prepared,” said Bowman, asking that winter drivers make sure snow tires are in good condition, and that they leave plenty of time for trips and be patient. “It’s Colorado,” said Bowman. “It’s part of what we do every winter.” Entire county snowed in Jefferson County Public Schools were declared closed for the day by 4:45 a.m. Jeffco Chief Operations Officer Steve Bell said several factors went into the district’s decision to close all of its schools, including
SCFD Continued from Page 1
Broomfield, Denver, Douglas (except for Castle Rock and Larkspur) and Jefferson. “Our council voted unanimously to support this extension,” Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul said. “We here in the city really benefit, but it’s also a one-of-a-kind thing for everyone in the region.” To ensure the question is on the ballot this November, it must be introduced and passed in the coming legislative session.
Clubs Continued from Page 14
Professional women NW Metro Business and Professional Women meets the first Wednesday of each month from September to May. Our mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. Call Marcia at 303-8273283 to RSVP. Thursdays All Comforting Things of Colorado Inc. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing comfort and encouragement to individuals by providing them items made by hand. We encourage you to bring your skills and enthusiasm to our fun group. We meet at 10 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at Phillips Methodist Church, 1450 S. Pierce, Lakewood. For information, contact Sue King at susaneking70@msn.com or 303-986-1098. Business spirituality Business Honoring Spirituality meets 7-9 a.m. every Thursday at the Community Center of Mile Hi Church, 9079 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood. Meetings include networking, a brief meditation by a licensed practitioner, guest speaker and breakfast. For additional information, visit www. bhsmilehi.org or call Patty Whitelock at 303-274-0933. CERTUS Professional Network meets for its Lakewood networking event from 9:30-11 a.m. the third Thursday of the month at Panera Bread, 650 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood. Build your network, grow your business, network less. Our events are structured to con-
ARVADA SNOW PREPAREDNESS NUMBERS Total lane miles — 1,500 Snow route miles —500 Emergency snow event contract costs to plow all residential streets — $50,000 Snow removal departments — Streets, Parks and Rec (trails and sidewalks), Facilities (parking lots) Total city snow removal budget — Estimated at $1 million Worst snowstorm? “The Christmas blizzard of ‘82. They say it was about 24 inches, but staff saw 32 to 34 inches in spots. It took several weeks for us to get it all cleaned up because we weren’t as well prepared then.” — Streets Manager Mark Bowman.
the extra accumulation leading to slower plow progress, spotter drivers indicating icy roads and blowing snow reducing visibility. County office buildings opened late, and closed early to accommodate the rough road conditions. Mike Secary, with Jeffco’s road and bridge division, said the timing of the snowstorm made conditions challenging for the county plow teams. He said things started to get “really bad” at about 4:30 a.m., just before the morning commute began, he said.
Plan Continued from Page 1
one other Snowflex full slope in the United States. That slope is located at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Five-time Winter X Games medalist and 2010 U.S. Olympic snowboard team member Louie Vito was present at the December council meeting to voice his support of the project. Vito said he isn’t trying to replace the mountains, but SnowSports 365 would allow people to get involved in the sport at a low cost. Vito visited the Snowflex at Liberty University for a test run during the research phase of the project. “It is different,” he said. “For me, it took two or three runs to get used to it. But you can carve. I met people who learned on there, that have done both now — they said the main difference was that on snow, you’re a lot faster.” Cost for slope participants is expected to be less than $20 an hour with hourly, daily, monthly and seasonal pass options. Castle Rock residents will be given a 10 percent discount. “I think we’re really fortunate here in this town that we can partner with developers,” said Councilman Brett Ford. “I hope the project is wildly successful and I’m excited to have it in my backyard.”
“People may wonder why we’re getting started on this so early, and that’s because it takes a lot of local support and education to get this passed,” Hopkins said. “We’ve actually been working on this for the past four years to get to the point we are now.” In addition to the reauthorization, changes to the funding structure are being proposed. SCFD funding is broken up into three tiers: the largest organizations, such as the Denver Zoo and Denver Museum of Nature & Science, are Tier I; medium organizations like the Arvada Center and Butterfly Pavilion are Tier II; and the smallest organizations, such as The Edge Theater in Lakewood and the Northglenn Youth Theatre, are Tier III. The proposed structure change in-
cludes $15.3 million more for Tier III organizations supported by the district, and an increase of $22 million for Tier II organizations. Funding for Tier I organizations would decrease by $37.3 million to accommodate this shift. A new organization called FACE (Friends of Art and Culture Equity) is lobbying for Tier III organizations to receive 50 percent of total funding, followed by 30 percent for Tier II groups and 20 percent for the Tier I institutions. “Educating the public will be the biggest challenge for us, especially on what looks to be a crowded ballot,” Hopkins said. “Once people realize what is covered and who benefits from the SCFD, they understand how crucial it is.”
nect professionals with the resources, power partners and leaders to expand their business and the business of others. Open to all industries, includes 30 minutes of open networking and organized introductions to the group. Cost: $12 non-CERTUS members at the door. First participants pay half price. RSVP not required. More info about CERTUS™ Professional Network at www.CertusNetwork.com.
gram for women of all abilities who have experienced cancer or are currently in treatment, offers weekly free, fun, supportive activities. Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Boulder Creek Walk (meet at Boulder Public Library main entrance). Tuesday, 11-11:30 a.m., Yoga, Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Avenue. Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., Fitness Training, Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, 311 Mapleton Avenue (entrance on Maxwell Avenue.). Learn more at rockymtn-teamsurvivor.org.
Community Coffee Join Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp on the fourth Thursday of each month to talk about issues that are important to you. Community Coffee will be 7-8 a.m. at La Dolce Vita, Ice Cream Room, 5756 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada; and from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Panera Bread, 10450 Town Center Drive, Westminster. Golden Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays at Buffalo Rose Events Center, 1119 Washington Ave., Golden. For information, contact Ed Dorsey at 303-829-5195, or go to or go to www.goldenlionsclub.org. Golden Men’s Support Group meets 7-8:45 p.m. Thursdays near the National Renewal Energy Lab. Call Roger at 720289-6396 or Terry at 303-748-3748. Investors’ meetings The Rocky Mountain Inventors Association meets 6:308:30 p.m. the fourth Thursday of every month (excluding November and December) at Vesta Technology, 13050 W. 43rd Drive, Suite 300, Golden. Presentations in marketing, manufacturing, engineering, finance, business and legal, followed by networking. Go online to www.rminventor. org for details. Rocky Mountain Team Survivor, a health, education and fitness pro-
Arvada Press 15
Salty Dog Sailing Club If you love to sail or want to try, if you don’t have a boat, if you have a boat but don’t sail enough because you cannot find a crew, the Salty Dog Sailing Club is for you. The club meets the second Thursday of the month at members’ homes. Members come from all along the Front Range because this is the only such club available. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. with the business meeting commencing at 7 p.m. Go to www.saltydog.org for meeting locations and directions. Stuck in the Middle, a social support group for spouses and caregivers of those with chronic illnesses, meets at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays. You’ve been a caregiver for years, your spouse or family member has moved to a facility and now you are faced with the isolation of living alone. Or your loved one is at home and you need time for yourself. Would you like to meet others in similar situations? SITM meets in member’s homes. Call or email Karen, 303-422-1196 or sitm@ comcast.net; or Bonnie, bonnieforsitm@ earthlink.net, for information. Clubs continues on Page 17
This rendering maps the location of a proposed snowsports complex at Philip S. Miller Park in Castle Rock. Courtesy image by Legistar
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Careers
16 Arvada Press
December 24, 2015
Careers
Advertise: 303-566-4100
T
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Help Wanted
Resident Assistant/QMAP As a Resident Assistant you will provide Medication Administration and assistance with activities of daily living to seniors in our lovely 113 Apartment Assisted Living Community. The ideal candidate will be reliable, friendly and enjoy working with seniors. We are currently hiring for full time, part time or PRN employees.
Qualifications include:
Weekly Carrier Routes Available West Metro Denver vicinity.
• Ability to speak, read and write English proficiently • QMAP qualification or ability to obtain it within 1 month of hire • Ability to push a medication cart • Agree to criminal background check and annual tuberculosis test • Ability to work flexible hours and some weekends
• Part-time hours
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package in a friendly, family-like atmosphere and are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please apply in person at The Granville Assisted Living, 1325 Vance St., Lakewood, CO 80214. Questions? Call 303-274-4400.
• Adaptable route sizes • No suit & tie required!
LOCAL CLASS A & B DRIVERS AND DIESEL MECHANIC NEEDED (Castle Rock)
Previous carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required.
Come join our family. . .You’ve driven the rest, now come drive the BEST!
HOUSEKEEPER Life Care Center of Evergreen Sign-on bonus available! Full-time positions available. Housekeeping experience preferred. We offer great pay and benefits in a team-oriented environment. Eileen Gandee 303-674-4500 | 303-674-8436 Fax 2987 Bergen Peak Dr. | Evergreen, CO 80439 Eileen_Gandee@LCCA.com LifeCareCareers.com An Equal Opportunity Employer 66865
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T t L a a T o
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T “ c D t D G 3 i
Academy for Dental Assisting Careers M Winter Classes
Brighton, Longmont, Littleton Class Starts Jan. 16th & 23rd
no telephone inquiries - but Haulaway, a family owned company since 1963, is seeking great commercial/rear loader drivers to add to our team! Be part of a great company and home every night. Drivers with a minimum of 2 years experience and Diesel Mechanic with a minimum of 3 years experience. Must have a clean MVR and be able to pass a drug and physical screening!
email us at:
snevins@coloradocommunitymedia.com
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December 24, 2015
THINGS TO DO
THEATER/SHOWS
Concordia Choir Seeks Voices
‘Exit Strategies’
Concordia Lutheran Church Choir is starting its fall choir program and is looking to add new voices. The choir is a great cross section of the community and welcomes newcomers who have a desire to praise God with their voice. Concordia Lutheran is directed by Dr. Jill Schroeder-Dorn of Colorado Christian University. The choir meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The choir assists in Concordia’s traditional worship service. The church is at 13371 W. Alameda Parkway in Lakewood. Contact 303-989-5260.
The Edge Theater presents “Exit Strategies” through Sunday, Dec. 27 at 1560 Teller St., Lakewood. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays, with shows at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17. No show on Dec. 25. Tickets are available at www.theedgetheater.com or by calling 303-232-0363. Casino Murder Mystery The Lumber Baron Mystery Mansion presents “Let’s Kill the Whistleblower!” an interactive comedy murder-mystery through Thursday, Dec. 31 at 2555 W. 37th Ave., Denver. Show times are 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 4, with times to be added through Dec. 31. Get tickets at CasinoMurderMysteries.com or 303-477-8205. Seating is limited and this show is appropriate for all ages. MUSIC/CONCERTS
Clubs Continued from Page 15
Fridays CalmUp Journey Prefer to help yourself rather than do the coaching or psychotherapy thing? Let me share with you free information about the CalmUp Journey, a one-page self-examination worksheet for men and women. Join me for coffee or tea from 8-9 a.m. most Fridays at Whole Foods Market Belmar, 444 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood. Let me know you’re planning to be there so we’re sure to connect. Contact www. DrLorieGose.com or 303-500-2340. Golden Gate Community Grange, 25201 Golden Gate Canyon Road, has meetings at 7 p.m. the second Friday of the month. Activities include yoga, dances, eggmania, special wildlife programs, holiday craft fair. Grange hall available for rental for weddings, parties, reunions, etc. Call Rich Phillips at 303-277-1933 or go to www. goldengategrange.com. New members welcome. Grand Piano Show Patrice LeBlanc performs from 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Grappa Mediterranean Bistro, 1027 Washington St., Golden. Go to www.grappabistro.com. Call 303273-8882 for reservations and information. HeartPULSE Learn how to take an active role in your health and well-being. HeartPULSE meets 7-9 p.m. the first Friday of every month at The Cloisters, 2103 S. Wadsworth Blvd. Contact HeartPULSE for information on cost. Each session features an educational presentation, energy exercises, and ‘healing’ meditations. Contact heartpulse@att.net. Game On meets 1-4 p.m. at Community Recreation Center, 68th and Wadsworth. The North Jeffco Senior Friday Club meets weekly to play cards and board games, including bridge, pinochle, canasta, hand & foot, mahjong, billiards and dominoes. No RSVP. All supplies provided and refreshments. Monthly pot luck/catered meals. Golfing and bowling opportunities, too. For information call Bob Stremel, 303-9054315. South Jeffco Rotary Club meets at 7:15 a.m. Fridays at Fox Hollow Golf Course, 13410 W. Morrison Road, Lakewood. Contact Bruce at 303-919-3741. Saturdays Colorado Citizens for Peace meets 10:30-11:30 a.m. every Saturday at the intersections of West 52nd and Wadsworth Boulevard to try to bring an end to the wars. Signs will be furnished for those who do not have them. Contact Cindy Lowry at 303-431-1228 or waylonthecat.lowry@yahoo. com. Grand Piano Show Patrice LeBlanc performs from 6-9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at Grappa Mediterranean Bistro, 1027 Washington St., Golden. Go to www.grappabistro.com. Call 303273-8882 for reservations and information. LifeRing Secular Recovery is a network of support groups for people who want to live free from alcohol and other addictive drugs. Meetings are at 6 p.m. Saturdays at 6655 W. Jewell Ave. Unit 100. Appointments and membership is not required. LifeRing’s approach to sobriety focuses on empowering individuals through the strength of sober conversation. Go to www.liferingcolorado.org.
Arvada Press 17
HEALTH Protect Your Skin from the Inside Out Why sunscreen is not enough. Who doesn’t like spending time in the sun? It makes us happy and gives us vitamin D, but no one wants sun spots, wrinkles or damaged skin. It’s never too late. You can have it all – fun in the sun and healthy skin. All it takes is good food, a bit of nutrition savvy, a cloudless day and away you go. Program is
Rocky Mountain Shipwrights is a wood ship modeling club that meets at 9:30 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at Rockler’s Woodworking and Hardware Store, 2553 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver. The club also has a workshop at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of the month at the Arvada City Hall, 8101 Ralston Road, where we work on our models and get help from experienced modelers. Go to www.rockymountainshipwrights. org for information. Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1071 meets at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of each month at Elks Lodge #1777, 1455 Newland St., Lakewood. Beforehand, join the group from 8-10 a.m. for a low-cost breakfast at the Elks Lodge. Chapter helps all veterans with health care, benefits, employment and training, monetary assistance and other veteran’s issues. Go to www. vva1071.org for more detailed information or call 303-870-2428. Sundays Colorado Carvers Club. Join us to develop or expand your interest in all types of wood carving. Colorado Carvers Club meets at 9 a.m. the second Sunday of each month at Maple Grove Grange Hall, 3130 Youngfield St., Wheat Ridge. Meetings include carving time and discussion. Go to www.coloradocarvers.org. Free waltz/polka lessons Polka Lover Klubs, Denver Kickers, 16776 W. 50th Ave. in Golden, meets 3-7 p.m. Sundays. Live music. Beautiful dance floor. Admission $4 members, $6 nonmembers. Annual membership $15. Contact Leo at 720-232-0953 or leoincolorado@gmail.com. Ongoing /Education Discussion groups Covenant Village hosts Wednesdays at 2 p.m. This series of monthly events features expert speakers on a wide variety of educational and entertaining topics. Please plan to attend one, several or all of our programs, held at 9153 Yarrow St. in Westminster. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Call 303-4032205 for driving directions and to reserve your place. Come early for refreshments; fellowship lectures begin at 2 p.m. To learn more about the residency options and lifestyle at Covenant Village of Colorado, call us at 303-424-4828. ESL classes — Covenant Presbyterian Church, 6100 W. 44th St. in Wheat Ridge, is sponsoring a free series of English as a Second Language classes for adults 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday nights. These classes will emphasize a conversational method of instruction. Beginner through advanced classes are offered. You may register on any Thursday night. For directions or more information, call the church at 410-442-5800 or go to our website at www.cpcwheatridge.org. Ongoing /Fine Arts and Entertainment Dance club — Blue Nova Dance Club meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. on the first and third Sundays every month at the Wheat Ridge Grange, 3850 High Court in Wheat Ridge. For more information or dance lessons, contact Dave at 303-578-6588 or email BlueNova.RoundDanceClub@gmail.com. Music performances Patrice LeBlanc performs on keyboard and vocals 6-9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday at Purple Ginger Asian Fusion Restaurant, 2610 Youngfield St. Call 303-237-1133 for more information. Singers needed The Troubadours Choir is looking for a director and new members. This is a volunteer choir, comprised mostly of seniors. The
from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 26, at Natural Grocers Mission Trace, 3333 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood. Go to www.NaturalGrocers.com/mt. Community Blood Drives A number of community blood drives are planned in the area. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Bonfils Appointment Center at 303-363-2300, unless otherwise noted. Go to www.bonfils.org. Upcoming blood drives are: Thursday, Dec. 31, 10-11:40 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m., REI, 5375 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood; Thursday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Nutritional Coaching
EDUCATION Continuing Education Program Metropolitan State College of Denver offers a continuing education program for adults. Most classes are 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, for two to four weeks, and cost varies. Most take place at the Student Success Building on the Auraria Campus, with other classes taking place at the South Campus (I-25 and Orchard) and the Center For Visual Arts on Santa Fe Drive. For list of classes, go to www.msudenver.edu/learnon or call 303-556-3657. Application not required. More information on Facebook www.Facebook. com/msudenverlearnoninitiative.
Megan Grover, master of medical science and nutritional health coach at the Natural Grocers at Vitamin Cottage, 7745 N. Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, offers free one-on-one nutrition coaching sessions for the public. Call the store at 303-423-0990 for an appointment.
Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Thursday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a spaceavailable basis.
Troubadours meet at 9 a.m. every Friday at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 45th and Wadsworth. For more information, call Gary at 303-477-1380.
com before taking your first class to ensure a safe practice.
Symphony auditions The Lakewood Symphony is holding auditions for concertmaster (includes an honorarium), principal viola (includes an honorarium) and all section strings. Also, we are auditioning for subs in other sections. Rehearsals are 7:30-10 p.m. Tuesdays, September through May, at Green Mountain United Methodist Church; concerts are at the Lakewood Cultural Center. Call 303-980-0400 for requirements, appointment and further information.
AA meetings There are more than 1,000 AA meetings in the Denver metro area every week. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, come see us. Call 303-322-4440 for a meeting in your area, or visit the website at www.daccaa.org.
Weekly music Jazz @ the Creek is every first Wednesday of the month at Living Water Unity, 59th and Vance in Olde Town Arvada. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. Come listen to an hour of great jazz. For more information, call 720-935-4000 or email livingwaterunity@comcast.net. Ongoing/Healthcare Boot camp Get out of the gym and get results. Front Range Boot Camp provides dynamic, unique and results-driven full-body workouts exclusively for women. All ages, sizes and fitness levels will succeed. Revamp your fitness routine by getting out of your routine. Indoor location is just behind Super Target at Kipling Street and 50th Avenue. Outdoor location is Skyline Park by Stenger soccer fields. Email Robyn@FrontRangeBootCamp.com or go online to www.FrontRangeBootCamp.com. Health group A women’s health group with the motto “Your health, your life: Take charge” meets noon-1 p.m. Fridays at 9797 W. Colfax Ave, No. 3AA, in Lakewood. Learn about natural alternatives to health concerns. No charge to be part of this group. For more information, call Linda at 303-883-5473 or email lindagoesgreen@prodigy. net.
Ongoing /Recreation, Clubs and Services
CanSurvive is a support group for those who have experienced or are receiving cancer treatment. The meeting format is simple with an opening invocation followed by brief member introductions along with a check-in to see how attendees are doing. The discussion topic centers around healing and healing modalities, and may include a guest speaker or a guided-healing visualization. The free support group meets 10 a.m. to noon on the fourth Saturday of every month at Mile High Church, 9079 West Alameda Ave., Lakewood. For more information or support do not hesitate to contact Lawrence Connors RScP at 303-910-3473 or Lawrence-RScP@msn. com. Columbine #96 Rainbow Girls meets at 7 p.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at the Golden Lodge, 400 Tenth St. in Golden. Youth activities for girls ages 10-19. Contact Eve at etrengove@comcast.net or 303-424-0134. Dog trainer program Misha May Foundation Dog Training and Rescue is offering a “Become a Dog Trainer” program in Arvada and Denver. The licensed nonprofit organization rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes dogs at risk, regardless of breed or mix, behavior or medical issue, or amount of time needed. The dog trainer program includes puppy, basic obedience and behavior solutions. Email mishamayfoundation@gmail. com or call 303-239-0382 for an application or more information.
Home care Always Best Care Denver West provides in-home care, skilled nursing and free senior community placement. Always Best Care provides every individual and family with well-trained personal care attendants and expert nursing support. We help families make informed decisions about senior care, and guide them through comprehensive solutions designed specifically for their unique situations. To learn more, go online to www.AlwaysBestCare.com/ DenverWest or call 303-952-3060.
Federal Employees The Lakewood Chapter of Retired and Active Federal Employees meets at 1 p.m. every second Tuesday at the Episcopal Church, 10th and Garrison. Call Ann Ornelas, 303-517-8558.
Tai chi is now taught at Lakeview Wellness and Event Center 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 2-3:30 p.m. Fridays. Call 303-989-6300 or 303730-0986 for cost information and reservations.
Flatirons View Toastmasters meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of every month at The Depot at Five Parks, 13810 W. 85th Ave. in Arvada. Polish your speaking and presentation skills in a fun, instructional, nurturing environment. For more information visit http://9407. toastmastersclubs.org/.
Weight loss — The EZ Weight-Loss Challenge 12-week program meets 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays at Arvada Church of God, 7135 W. 68th Ave. Free coaching, metabolism test and nutrition information. Cash prizes awarded to the top three biggest achievers. For information on cost or to preregister, call Chris at 720-320-2394. Yoga for Survivors Whether you’re a longtime cancer survivor, in treatment or a caregiver to a cancer survivor, Yoga for Cancer Survivors & Caregivers is a great way to live more comfortably in your own body. Benefits include decreased stress and pain, improved sleep and energy, improved lymphatic flow, reduced nausea and a greater sense of well-being. Class led by Shari Turney, a registered yoga instructor with specialized training through Yoga for Survivors. Class offered 1:30-2:45 p.m. Sundays at Duncan Family YMCA, 6350 Eldridge St., Arvada. Contact Shari Turney at 720-319-3703 or szturney@mac.
Fighting fraud The District Attorney’s Office offers free Power Against Fraud seminars for groups of all sizes and people of all ages. Don’t become a victim of identity theft or other consumer fraud. Contact Cary Johnson, 303-2716980, for more information.
Food pantry God’s Table Food Pantry is open 9-11 a.m. every third Saturday of each month, and 10 a.m.-noon every fourth Thursday each month for Jefferson County residents who meet certain federal guidelines. God’s Table and Food Pantry is located at 6400 W. 26th Ave. in Edgewater, behind the Vietnamese Central Baptist Church. For more information, call Beverly at 303-525-7685. Food pantry Agape Life Church (ALC) distributes Jefferson County commodity foods from 10-11 a.m. Thursdays, at ALC, 5970 W. 60th Ave. in Arvada. ALC provides this service to all Jefferson County residents. If you have questions, call 303-431-6481. Clubs continues on Page 20
18 Arvada Press
December 24, 2015
ARVADA TOURISTS FOND OF HONKING Though it was cold enough Wednesday of last week to keep most humans inside, this gaggle of geese seemed fine with the weather, stopping by the banks of Van Bibber Creek to hang out. Photo by Glenn Wallace
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SPORTS
Arvada Press 19
LOCAL
Saints will be tough on the mat Coach: Returning wrestlers strengthen Jefferson team By Tom Munds tmunds@coloradocommunitymedia.com According to coach Oscar Fonseca, Jefferson’s wrestling team will be fun to watch and more competitive this season. “While we are a young team that is heavy on sophomores, we have four wrestlers who will be stronger this season and should be fun to watch,” he said. “I think we will be strongest at the lighter weights, but we should do well at some of the other weights, too.” The coach said he has 20 athletes in the wrestling room, which allowed him to enter five athletes in the invitational dualmatch tournament he was running Dec. 12. Most of the junior varsity wrestlers are sophomores so the tournament will provide them some good mat experience, he said. Returning letterman Kyle Sisneros will help anchor the varsity team, Fonseca said. Sisneros, who is wrestling at 126 pounds, is perhaps the best Saints wrestler and is ranked in the top five in the state. “We are also glad to know sophomore Marissa Gallegos is coming back and will be fun to watch at 106 pounds,” the coach said. “She was 25-11 last year and just missed qualifying for state. We have had other girls wrestle for us, but she has had the most success. I think that is because she is nationally ranked in judo.” Gallegos is recovering from shoulder surgery and is expected to return to the team in January. The Saints will focus on wrestling dual
Oscar Fonseca, Jefferson wrestling coach, checks the schedule of the junior varsity tournament he was running Dec. 12. Fonseca predicts his team will be more competitive this season with a number of veteran wrestlers returning to anchor the squad. Photo by Tom Munds matches this season, Fonseca said. “We expect to wrestle about 25 dual matches during the season,” he said. “Some are traditional two-team duals. But we also will go to several tournaments, and most of those are a dual-match tournament rather than the traditional bracket tournament.”
Jefferson ran a dual-match tournament format for junior varsity teams on Dec. 12. Six teams competed and each team wrestled in dual-match format against the other five teams. Most schools have entries at just about every weight class. Fonseca said he likes the format because it provides athletes with matches on the mat instead
of byes that are awarded when a team has no opponent at that weight class. The bracket tournament is usually a 16-wrestler, double-elimination bracket at each weight. If there are not enough wrestlers to fill all 16 spots, the top-seeded wrestler gets a bye in the first round.
Good defense helps ensure success Green Mountain, Wheat Ridge coaches highlight importance of defense for hoops teams By Jim Benton jbenton@coloradocommunitymedia.com Most high school boys basketball players dream of being that unstoppable offensive player. No offense, but the importance of a good defensive stopper is invaluable, despite players perhaps not receiving as much attention as a team’s top scorers or rebounders. Just how significant is a good defensive player? Cherry Creek coach Mike Brookhart answered the question quickly. “He’s the most valuable player,” said Brookhart. Green Mountain coach Derek VanTassel agreed. “It is very important,” VanTassel said. “If you have one player that can go out and shut down the opposing team’s top player, it gives your team that little edge it takes to win games against good teams. And there’s less pressure offensively to score every time down the court.” Legend coach Kevin Boley also concurred. “We have a saying in our program that ‘defense is kind of like life insurance, you have to have it,’ ” Boley said. “Historically, we have taken a great deal of pride in our defense that allows you to have the chance to win on nights when you don’t shoot well.” He notes how his player, Tyler Willis, was crucial to the 2013-14 Final Four team
“because he took so much pride in being the stopper.” Many teams like Mountain Vista and ThunderRidge in the Continental League use their defensive pressure to create offense. ThunderRidge was the 5A state runnerup and will have to replace a key stopper. “We place a high premium on a player who is a defensive stopper,” said Grizzlies coach Joe Ortiz. “Elias Tiedgen, who graduated last year, was one of the best oneon-one defensive players we have ever had. This year we don’t have a defender as good as Elias, but we have several who are emerging and will try to fill that role.” Monroe Porter, a senior standout who played tennis for Legend, which helped his lateral movements and footwork, is always called upon to be a defensive stopper. But he also led the Titans last season with a 13.6 scoring average. “You can score and do all those things, but one of the little things that people don’t take away is defense,” said Porter. “In this day and age, people don’t focus on defense enough. I’ve always been the person put on the other team’s best player. I’ve always been OK being the defensive player because if my shots aren’t going on offense, I’m not going to the rim, or if they are shutting me down, you can make it up on defense.” That approach — defense begetting offense — can also be found in Jeffco. “For us to be successful we must be able to make the other team turn the ball over,” said Wheat Ridge coach Tommy Dowd. “That takes defensive pressure from our guards. This is hard work and must be sustained the entire game. We are lucky to have four players this year that share that responsibility.”
Green Mountain junior Austin Fritts awaits an outlet pass from tightly defended senior Anthony Martinez in a 57-47 victory over Grand Junction Central last year. This year, Fritts is a senior averaging more than five rebounds and one steal each game. Photo by Dan Williams
20 Arvada Press SPORTS ROUNDUP
December 24, 2015
Services
POMONA PANTHERS GIRLS BASKETBALL Pomona 67, Westminster 28 The Panthers prevailed in tournament play on Dec. 12, beating Westminster by a considerable margin. Key Performers: Junior Ashley Madden singlehandedly outscored the entire Westy squad, putting up 35. Freshman Sophia Trujillo added 10. Standley Lake 43, Pomona 39 The Pomona girls team held a one point lead going into the second half, but couldn’t keep the Gators down, losing the nonleague home game Dec. 18.
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BOYS BASKETBALL Standley Lake 51, Pomona 45 The Panthers gave up too many points, particularily in the third quarter, to beat nonleague opponent Standley Lake on Foriday, Dec. 18.
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ICE HOCKEY Ralston Valley 11, Standley Lake 0 Ralston Valley shut out Standley Lake in a home nonconference game on Dec. 17.
ARVADA BULLDOGS GIRLS BASKETBALL Fort Lupton 34, Arvada 28 Arvada was beaten by Fort Lupton in a home nonconference game on Dec. 15.
BOYS BASKETBALL Adams City 63, Arvada 54 Arvada fell to Adams city in a home nonconference game on Dec. 14. Key performers: Senior Chris Maestas scored 18 points for the team and four of those were three-point shots, junior Cameron Chavez made all four of his free throws.
ARVADA WEST WILDCATS GIRLS BASKETBALL Arvada West 47, Legacy 30 Arvada West came from behind, scoring 17 points in the second quarter, en route to winning against Legacy in a neutral tournament game on Dec. 17. Key performers: Senior Jessica Kenney scored 10 points, including four free throws and junior Ellie Mills brought in 19 points. BOYS BASKETBALL George Washington 77, Arvada West 61 Arvada West fell to George Washington in an away, nonconference game on Dec. 16. Arvada West 67, Castle View 33 Arvada West won against Castle View in a home, nonconference game on Dec. 14. Key performers: Senior Dallas Walton led the team with 22 points scored, and senior Will Wittman followed close behind by scoring 20 points. WRESTLING Arvada West ranked 16th out of 38 teams that competed in the Grand Junction Central Warrior Classic on Dec. 19. Cody Fatzinger was the champion of the 120-pound weight class. Zach Gomez ranked fourth in the 195 results and Domenic Veccharelli ranked fifth in the 220 results.
Clubs Continued from Page 17
Gem/mineral club The North Jeffco Gem and Mineral Club meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Friday of each month at the Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. The meetings are open to the public. Girl Scouts Snowboard. Scuba dive. Sleep over in a museum or at the zoo. Go backstage at a concert or a Broadway play. Even stage your own Project Runway. Girl Scouts turns normal days into days you’ll remember all your life. Girl Scouts offers girls of all ages and backgrounds a safe place to explore the world and discover their potential. There are now more flexible ways to be a Girl Scout than joining a troop. To explore your options, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org, email inquiry@gscolorado.org or call 1-877-404-5708.
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22 Arvada Press
December 24, 2015
Refugee’s path takes wrenching turn
GoFundMe account created as siblings face life without mother By Jennifer Smith jsmith@colorado communitymedia.com Yasin Mohamud literally does not have words to explain the difficult situation he finds himself in, but his story does not need many words for one to understand its depths. Now the young man, who is blind and has limited English fluency, is suddenly motherless and responsible for two younger siblings, including a sister badly injured in the accident that killed their mother. Amid that upheaval, local residents have created a GoFundMe account to assist the three Somali refugees with funeral costs, medical expenses and basic living needs. Mohamud was born 21 years ago in the East African country of Somalia, perhaps best known among Americans for the violence depicted in the 2001 movie “Black Hawk Down” and for the pirates who kidnapped the real-life “Captain Phillips,” whom the 2013 film with that name was based on. In 2008, at a time when Somalia topped the list of failed states internationally, Mohamud’s father was a soldier with the government-led military. He was helping to battle rebel groups in an effort to regain control of the country. Mohamud remembers well the day that Al-Shabaab mili-
Yasin Mohamud is learning English at the Spring International Language Center in Littleton and is also a student at the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton. Photo by Jennifer Smith tants showed up at his family’s doorstep, looking for his father. Then just a teenager, Mohamud told the militants he didn’t know where his father was. So, he said, they gouged his eyes out. The rebels eventually found his father and killed him, leaving his mother, Habibo, with Mohamud and his two younger siblings to care for. She had had enough, and fled with them to Ethiopia.
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“My country is broken, and the government,” said Mohamud. Getting started in America The four family members were granted refugee status and, three years ago, made their way to Colorado. Mohamud’s mother and 17-year-old sister, Nunai, found work at the Cargill meatpacking plant in Fort Morgan, where the Somali community is thriving.
According to a county document titled “Morgan County: A Land of Immigrants,” the Immigration and Customs Enforcement raid of a Greeley meatpacking plant in 2006 led to a shortage of workers in the industry. Hispanics became reluctant to fill the slots they traditionally had. But the number of Somali refugees entering Colorado has been on a steady increase, rising from 87 in 2000 to 400 in
2014. And many are eager for jobs that require little English, so the meatpacking plant is a natural fit. However, housing in Fort Morgan can be hard to come by, so Habibo, Nunai and younger brother Farnan, now 12, settled into an apartment in Denver. In the meantime, Mohamud enrolled at the Colorado Center for the Blind in Littleton, along with the Spring International Language Center based at Arapahoe Community College. He’s been working hard ever since to learn English and Braille, as well as to travel with a cane and to master other independentliving skills. “He’s just a typical 21-yearold,” said Kimberley McCutcheon, director of career and student services for CCB. “He is funny and bright and questions everything, and he has a mind of his own. He’s very motivated, and he has ideas in mind for what he wants to do.” Just as things seemed to be looking up for the family and perhaps some dust had settled on the horrors of the past, yet another tragedy was lurking. Driving home from their job on Thanksgiving Day, Habibo and Nunai encountered a slick patch. “My mom was thrown out of the car, out through the window onto the street,” says Mohamud. “My mom died. My sister’s back is broken in three places.” That means he is now the legal guardian of his two younger siblings, and that the future for all of them is uncertain. Yasin continues on Page 23
an d s uppor t t he Red Cros s .
Signing up for Saver’s Switch® has always been a helpful, responsible thing to do. And now, through December 31, 2015, when you sign up Xcel Energy will make a $25 donation to the Red Cross. On days of peak electric demand, Saver’s Switch can cycle your AC off and on to help reduce energy consumption, which is good for everyone. Throughout the year, the Red Cross helps our community in so many ways. So sign up today…and join us in supporting them. Sign up today at xcelenergy.com/SaversSwitch. xcelenergy.com Xcel Energy will donate to the American Red Cross $25 per customer signing up for Saver’s Switch between November 15 and December 31, 2015, up to $100,000. Additional requirements may apply. The American Red Cross name and emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by the American Red Cross. For more information about the American Red Cross, please visit www.redcross.org. © 2015 Xcel Energy Inc.
Arvada Press 23
December 24, 2015
Yasin
Shirlaine Castellino, director of Littleton’s Spring International Language Center, delivers a muchneeded donation to Yasin Mohamud, a Somali refugee who lives in Littleton. Photo by Jennifer Smith
Continued from Page 22
“I am feeling sad,” he said. “My mom was kind and loving. She was a good mother. But now it’s just the two children and me, and I’m blind. But I want to work. I will continue to keep on with school and the center. I’m not going to quit.” Daunting tasks await With just a basic grasp of both English and Braille, Mohamud knows he has more work to do to find a job to support the three of them. He’s been living in housing provided by CCB, but now he’ll have to move to the Denver apartment. The landlord gave his OK to that plan, and Mohamud is working on getting food assistance and Social Security benefits. “Unfortunately as a visually impaired, full-time student who is currently unemployed, he will be hard pressed to make
ends meet with two additional mouths to feed,” reads a GoFundMe page set up by staff at the Spring center to assist with funeral costs, medical expenses and basic needs that might otherwise go unmet. The page had raised $1,500 from 24 people as of Dec. 10, and Shirlaine Castellino, director of the Spring center, delivered another $560 in cash, offered up by the center’s staff. “This will no doubt be a sad holiday
season for the Mohamud family,” reads the page. “But perhaps, with enough small contributions from those who have the spirit of giving still in their hearts, his burden will be eased some.” Perhaps surprisingly, Mohamud yearns to return to Somalia when his little brother turns 18. The country has settled down some since 2013, when the United States recognized its government for the first time in more than two decades. But
HOW TO HELP Go online to gofundme.com/ miracleforyasin to assist Yasin Mohamud and his two younger siblings with expenses. Mohamud has a more personal reason. “My wife, Estile, is in Somalia,” he said, grinning. “We got married on the phone. I haven’t met her yet.” It’s a common tradition in the Muslim faith, noted Connie Shoemaker, co-founder and director emerita of the Spring center. But until then, the Mohamud family has plenty of support right here. “We hope he feels that he has a community behind him no matter what, and that he won’t be forgotten after a couple of months,” said McCutcheon. “The center will continue to be his family forever, and continue to look after him and help him craft a future for himself and his family.”
Salomess Stars Salome FOR RELEASE WEEK OF DEC. 21, 2015 ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Although taking advice isn’t always easy for the headstrong Sheep, you might want to consider what someone you respect says about an upcoming decision. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) A new offer is tempting, but don’t be bullied into a quick decision. Rely on your keen Bovine business sense to alert you to anything that might be questionable. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) Your Gemini Twin nature rallies to help you deal with this week’s hectic schedules, both in your personal and professional lives. One caution: Watch your diet. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Avoid rushing to make up for time lost on a stalled workplace operation. Best to set up a schedule and pace yourself. Welcome the help of colleagues. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Despite those glittering holiday distractions you love so well, be sure to keep your feline senses set on high to alert you to anything that might require fast action. VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) Making an effort to restore fraying relationships proves to be more successful than you dared hope. The holidays also bring new friends into your life. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Private and professional matters compete for your attention. Be honest in your assessment of which should get more of it, and for how long. PUBLIC NOTICE
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS seemingly endless must-do tasks isofbest Sealed bids list forof the construction City of Arvada No. enhandled by tacklingProject them one by16-WA-02 one, and taktitled Quaker Street 24” PVC Waterline ing energy-restoring timeouts between each will be received at the office of the City job. Engineer until 10:00 am on January 5,
2016 and then publicly opened and read
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December aloud. The BID DOCUMENTS, Ad21) A vexing relationship seems consisting destined toofdevertisement for Bids, Information for Bidteriorate no Special matter what each side tries towhen do. ders, Conditions, Addendum A thirdissued, party’s advice just Bid might prove helpful. Bid Bond, Proposal, and Bid Schedule forms, and the Project Draw-
CAPRICORN (December to Januaryat19) ings (11”x17”) may 22 be examined the locations: Reachfollowing out to ease any tensions caused by City of Arvada Engineering Division home - or workplace pressures before they 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, 80002 threaten the Colorado relationship-building progress Dodge Plan Room you’ve made.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Government Legals PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that disbursements in final settlement will be issued by the Finance Director at 10:00 a.m., January 12, 2016 to Asphalt Specialties Company, Inc. for work related to Project No. 15-ST01 – 2015 Milling and Overlay and performed under that contract dated March 23, 2015 for the City of Arvada. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that furnished labor, material, drayage, sustenance, provisions or other supplies used or consumed by said contractor or his subcontractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done by said Asphalt Specialties Company, Inc. and its claim has not been paid, may at any time on or prior to the hour of the date above stated, file with the Finance Director of the City of Arvada at City Hall, a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.
Government Legals
Legal Notice No.: 44016 First Publication: December 24, 2015 Last Publication: December 31, 2015 Publisher: Golden Transcript Wheat Ridge Transcript and the Arvada Press
Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notices NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that disbursements in final settlement will be issued by the Finance Director at 10:00 a.m., January 12, 2016 to Asphalt Specialties Company, Inc. for work related to Project No. 15-ST01 – 2015 Milling and Overlay and performed under that contract dated March 23, 2015 for the City of Arvada. Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that furnished labor, material, drayage, sustenance, provisions or other supplies used or consumed by said contractor or his subcontractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done by said Asphalt Specialties Company, Inc. and its claim has not been paid, may at any time on or prior to the hour of the date above stated, file with the Finance Director of the City of Arvada at City Hall, a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim. Dated this December 14, 2015 CITY OF ARVADA /s/ Teri Colvin, Deputy City Clerk
Government Legals PUBLIC NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for the construction of City of Arvada Project No. 16-WA-02 entitled Quaker Street 24” PVC Waterline will be received at the office of the City Engineer until 10:00 am on January 5, 2016 and then publicly opened and read aloud. The BID DOCUMENTS, consisting of Advertisement for Bids, Information for Bidders, Special Conditions, Addendum when issued, Bid Bond, Bid Proposal, and Bid Schedule forms, and the Project Drawings (11”x17”) may be examined at the following locations: City of Arvada Engineering Division - 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002 Dodge Plan Room – www.construction.com ISqFt Plan Room – 1030 West Ellsworth Ave., Unit G, Denver, Colorado 80223
PUBLIC NOTICE – www.construction.com ISqFt Plan Room AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) You ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS – 1030 West Ellsworth Ave., Unit G, often go out ofColorado your way80223 to show kindness to Sealed bids for the construction of City Denver, of Arvada Project No. 16-WA-02 enConstruction Dataif other people others.Reed So, don’t be surprised titled Quaker Street 24” PVC Waterline www.reedpsp.com want toRocky do something nice for you this week. will be received at the office of the City Mountain E-Purchasing System at Engineer until 10:00 am on January 5, www.rockymountainbidsystem.com PISCES (February 19 to March 20) People in 2016 and then publicly opened and read No cost bid documents may be obtained your life your Piscean wisdom, so don’ton aloud. atrespect www.rockymountainbidsystem.com The BID DOCUMENTS, consisting of Ador to after December 2015. that Bid docuhesitate speak up about17, a matter you vertisement for Bids, Information for Bidments may also be obtained at the office feel isn’t being handled quite the way it should ders, Special Conditions, Addendum when of the City Engineer upon payment of be. $30.00 per set, which is non-refundable. issued, Bid Bond, Bid Proposal, and Bid Schedule forms, and the Project DrawESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF THE BORNMAJOR THIS WEEK: Your personal ings (11”x17”) may be examined at the ITEMS OF WORK ARE:warmth following locations: 1,210 LF Furnish and Install 24” sense PVC of helps you make friendships, and your City of Arvada Engineering Division Waterline fair play helps you keep them. - 8101 Ralston Road, 40 LF Furnish and Install 12” PVC Arvada, Colorado 80002 Waterline Dodge Plan Room 2015 King 1 EA Furnish and ©Install 8” Features BlowoffSynd., Inc. – www.construction.com Assembly ISqFt Plan Room 1 EA Furnish and Install 24” Butterfly – 1030 West Ellsworth Ave., Unit G, Valve & Box Denver, Colorado 80223 3 EA Furnish and Install 12” Gate Valve & Reed Construction Data Box - www.reedpsp.com Miscellaneous items include connections Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System at to existing facilities, traffic control, water www.rockymountainbidsystem.com main fittings, and other appurtenances. No cost bid documents may be obtained Bidders, subcontractors, and suppliers at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com on must be familiar with the current City of or after December 17, 2015. Bid docuArvada Engineering Code of Standards ments may also be obtained at the office and Specifications for the Design and To advertise your public notices call of the City Engineer upon payment of Constructio n of 303-566-4100 Public Improvements, $30.00 per set, which is non-refundable. dated July 19, 2011, which will be comESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF THE bined with the Bid Documents to form the MAJOR ITEMS OF WORK ARE: Contract Documents for the Project. A 1,210 LF Furnish and Install 24” PVC copy of the Standards may be obtained Waterline from the office of City Engineer upon a 40 LF Furnish and Install 12” PVC non-refundable payment of $30.00. The Waterline Standards are also available in the Engin1 EA Furnish and Install 8” Blowoff eering section of the City’s web site at Assembly www.arvada.org. Holders will be notified 1 EA Furnish and Install 24” Butterfly when supplemental revisions and addiValve & Box tions are available as they are adopted. 3 EA Furnish and Install 12” Gate Valve & Holders are responsible for keeping curBox rent their City of Arvada Engineering Code Miscellaneous items include connections of Standards and Specifications. to existing facilities, traffic control, water Project Engineer for the work is main fittings, and other appurtenances. William S. Jennings, P.E. Bidders, subcontractors, and suppliers Phone 720-898-7643 must be familiar with the current City of CITY OF ARVADA Arvada Engineering Code of Standards Timothy R. Hoos, P.E., City Engineer and Specifications for the Design and Construction of Public Improvements, Legal Notice No.: 43977 dated July 19, 2011, which will be comFirst Publication: December 17, 2015 bined with the Bid Documents to form the Last Publication: December 31, 2015 Contract Documents for the Project. A Publisher: Golden Transcript copy of the Standards may be obtained Wheat Ridge Transcript from the office of City Engineer upon a and the Arvada Press non-refundable payment of $30.00. The Standards are also available in the Engineering section of the City’s web site at www.arvada.org. Holders will be notified when supplemental revisions and additions are available as they are adopted.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for the construction of City of Arvada Project No. 16-WA-02 entitled Quaker Street 24” PVC Waterline will be received at the office of the City Engineer until 10:00 am on January 5, 2016 and then publicly opened and read aloud. The BID DOCUMENTS, consisting of Advertisement for Bids, Information for Bidders, Special Conditions, Addendum when issued, Bid Bond, Bid Proposal, and Bid Schedule forms, and the Project Drawings (11”x17”) may be examined at the following locations: City of Arvada Engineering Division - 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002 Dodge Plan Room – www.construction.com ISqFt Plan Room – 1030 West Ellsworth Ave., Unit G, Denver, Colorado 80223 Reed Construction Data - www.reedpsp.com Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com No cost bid documents may be obtained at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com on or after December 17, 2015. Bid documents may also be obtained at the office of the City Engineer upon payment of $30.00 per set, which is non-refundable. ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF THE MAJOR ITEMS OF WORK ARE: 1,210 LF Furnish and Install 24” PVC Waterline 40 LF Furnish and Install 12” PVC Waterline 1 EA Furnish and Install 8” Blowoff Assembly 1 EA Furnish and Install 24” Butterfly Valve & Box 3 EA Furnish and Install 12” Gate Valve &
Government Legals
Government Legals
Government Legals
Arvada * 1
24 Arvada Press
Book delivers a merry ‘Kiss-mas’
The issue you wrestle with is a thorny one. It’s been literally hanging over your head for days: Does mistletoe require you to kiss someone, or is nose-rubbing permissible? Will a firm handshake be sufficient, or does protocol demand something more lipstick-laden? And, as in the new novel “The Mistletoe Inn” by Richard Paul Evans, can the rules be rewritten? Terri Schlichenmeyer Ever since she was 11 years old, BOOKWORM Kimberly Rossi hated Christ-
mas. She hated it all — snow, the lights, the carols. They only reminded her of Christmas Day, 1995, the day her mother committed suicide. Despite being abandoned (which is just how she perceived her mother’s death), Kimberly had a good childhood. Her father made sure of it; he was her biggest fan and her best friend. He supported her when her first fiancé left her for another woman, and when her second fiancé broke up Evans with her via text, en route to an out-of-state job. Even after she’d left her childhood home in Las Vegas and moved to Denver, her father helped her, long-distance, to get through a messy, scandalous divorce. He was also the one who knew her deepest dream of becoming a romance
writer, which is why he gave Kimberly the gift of a lifetime: an all-expensespaid trip to Vermont and a writer’s conference. She hadn’t wanted to attend. Her father had just given her some bad news and the conference was scheduled right before the dreaded Christmas week. But she didn’t want to disappoint him. Besides, H.T. Caldwell, her favorite author ever, was scheduled to speak. And so, with manuscript in hand, Kimberly checked into The Mistletoe Inn, a postcard-perfect hotel. There were workshops to attend, although they were generally of no help. There were friends to be made, although most of the potential author-attendees were awfully cliquish. There were
December 24, 2015
THE BOOK “The Mistletoe Inn” by Richard Paul Evans c.2015, Simon & Schuster $19.99 / $25.99 Canada 301 pages
critiques to collect, although Kimberly learned the hard way that criticism was like a knife to her heart when her “writing buddy,” Zeke, a handsome fellow attendee, promised to give her manuscript a truthful assessment. Too truthful was more like it, and Kimberly was hurt. Her novel-in-the-making deserved better judgment. And, as it turned out, so did Zeke. You won’t mind a second plunge into this book because it’s perfect escapism fun. And if that’s what you want, then “The Mistletoe Inn” will give you a very merry Kiss-mas.