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Brighton news for Brighton readers

Volume 6, No. 9

February 27, 2014

8 pages

Schools’ grad rate up 7.7 percent

Their Sunday best

Violinist Paul Primus and guest violinist Cathrine Beeson were two of the five-member Colorado Chamber Players who presented a Fine Arts at Four classical music concert Sunday at First Presbyterian Church. The quintet, which also featured violist Barbara Hamilton Primus and cellists Judith McIntyre and Thomas Heinrich, played Musica Notturna delle Strade di Madrid by Luigi Boccherini and String Quartet in C Major, D 956 by Franz Schubert. More music will emanate from First Presbyterian this weekend when the BrightonMusic Orchestra performs its annual free Homespun Concert at 4 p.m. Sunday, featuring music written by local composers.

By Evelyn Wiant for The Banner School District 27J’s current graduation rate for all student groups is 79.2 percent, a gain of 7.7 percent since last year, District 27J Chief Academic Officer Kelly Corbett announced Tuesday. For the first time in five years, School District 27J is in compliance with its own expectation of raising graduation rates by 2 percent each year , Corbett told the school board during its regular meeting. Individual graduation rates improved at all four high schools within the district – Brighton, Prairie View, Eagle Ridge Academy and Heritage Academy. Even the district’s most atrisk demographic, Hispanic males, is graduating at a 12.2 percent higher rate than last year. 27J has maintained the highest graduation rate of the surrounding Adams County districts for five years in a row. Corbett said the district continues to find new methods to keep the gradua-

Banner Press photo

See School board, Page 2

Council hears in-depth discussions about fracking By Lou Ellen Bromley for The Banner Everything you would ever want to know about how hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – is done was explained Tuesday at a City Council study session. Three experts presented explanations of what fracking is, how it’s done, and the impact it has on surrounding communities and the environment. Colorado School of Mines Professor Alfred Eustes presented a slide show explaining step-by-step how fracking

oil and natural gas wells are done. He also explained how, by using the latest technology, and engineers can tell where the rock has fractured how far apart the fractures are. Eustes also explained how the use of castings while drilling protects the aquifers from contamination. The use of three castings of cement will seal the drill site, along the entire well, while using water and sand under controlled pressure to drill vertically. He explained how research by engineers from the School of Mines can chart the effects of the pressure used

to fracture the rock under ground to release natural gas. He also explained that water used in fracking is recycled, by returning it to the surface, placing it in a pipe separator and removing sand and any trapped natural gas in the water so the water can be reused. Ward 2 Council Member Rex Bell asked whether water under pressure in fracking could cause earthquakes, similar to the quakes in the 1960s caused by pumping chemicals underground at the arsenal. Eustes said no, because the volume of water in frack-

Inside The Banner this week A first for PVMC

Platte Valley Medical Center became the first hospital in Colorado to implant the smallest Insertable Cardiac Monitor System in a patient. – Page 5

‘Gladiator’ again? Pompeii starts out a lot

like Gladiator, but shifts into its own thriller when Vesuvius erupts. – Page 6

Also:

Calendar ................................. 4 Bravo ...................................... 5 Help Desk ............................. 6 Obituaries ............................. 7 Sports ..................................... 8

Don’t miss: Spaghetti Lunch Saturday at Eagle View – Calendar, P. 4

Wrestling coach James Garcia honored, – Page 5

ing is nowhere near as much as the arsenal pumped. “Fracking uses very little volume by comparison,” he said. Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Director Matt LePore, discussed regulations that oil and gas drilling companies must meet before a company can obtain a permit to drill in Colorado. He said that any drilling must be done in a way that will protect the people, environment and wildlife of the state. He said there are 51,776 active wells in Colorado – 1,800 new See City Council, Page 2

Brighton Banner

February 27, 2014

Justice serves youth in Teen Court By Elena Guerrero Townsend for The Banner Twice a month in Brighton Municipal Court, teens rule! Welcome to Teen Court, where the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, bailiff, and the jurors are all local students from local high schools. And yes, the defendant is also a teen. Teen Court began in 2001 as a way to “provide the youth of Brighton the opportunity to have an active role in the criminal justice system, while learning and enhancing their skills as leaders.” It affords teens an atmosphere to learn about the law and for defendants to take accountability for their actions. After a judge or a city prosecuting attorney reviews a case, he/she may refer the case to Teen Court. The defendant must first admit guilt, and it must be a first-time misdemeanor offense. A jury of their peers that determines his/her sentence – not their guilt – tries defendants from ages 9-12. Every year the city of Brighton puts on a barbecue where Municipal Court Presiding Judge Brown and Court Administrator Michelle Ramos staff a booth. At the municipal court booth, both answer questions for potential participants. The judge and Ramos visit each high school to give a presentation about Teen Court, seeking committed and diligent volunteers. When encountering young adults Brown or Ramos might ask them a series of questions: “Do they like to argue? Are they interested in the law? Do they want to improve their publicspeaking skills? Are they looking for an activity to add to their college application or resume? Do they have community-service hours to complete for school or court?” And if they can answer “Yes” to any of those questions, the program will benefit them greatly. Teen Court sessions are held every other Wednesday during the school year. On Feb. 19, Max Villarreal acted as a defense attorney. Yareny G. Oliva and Jose Castro acted as the prosecution in a disorderly conduct case. Seven high school students volunteered as jurors.

Yareny G. Oliva and Jose Castro share duties as prosecuting attorneys during a Teen Court session on Feb. 19. Elena Guerrero Townsend photos for The Banner Municipal Court Associate Presiding Judge Will Hardesty presides over a teen court session.

Defense attorney Max Villareal. Associate Municipal Judge Will Hardesty’s easygoing manner helped put the teens at ease. He joked with the teens seated in the rear benches: “I see I have a bunch of back-seaters. I’ll have to put on my binoculars to see all of you if you don’t move up.” Ramos seated herself behind the defense, and a mentor attorney sat behind with the prosecution. Each was present to assist the teens in case

Court Administrator Michelle Ramos

they had questions. Beforehand, each student received a handout with guidelines to help them with questioning the witnesses and the defendant. “When Oliva first volunteered for the program she was so quiet and timid you could hardly hear her,”

Ramos said. ”Now she is assertive and speaks up. She has been helping out since she was a freshman, and now she’s a senior. We are going to miss her next year.” The volunteers take on a lot of extra work on top of their own homework in order to prepare for Teen Court. And their dedication does not go unappreciated. “I’ve had the pleasure of watching these kids grow and gain a good handle on how the judicial system works,” Ramos said. “This is such a great way to provide leadership opportunities. And it looks good on a college application.” Sentence options for first-time offenses range from four to 80 hours of community service, to a written apology to the victim, to taking a class called Violence is Preventable. High school students who would like to volunteer for the program should call the Brighton Municipal Court Teen Court coordinator at 303655-2064.

Homespun nods to local composers BrightonMusic Orchestra will present its annual Homespun Concert at 4 p.m. on March 2 at First Presbyterian Church, 510 S. 27th Ave. All of the musical works are either original compositions or arrangements by orchestra members or their locally based friends and students. Conductor/violist Geoffrey Lehr wrote the brief five-movement suite, Adventures of the Mind, reflecting some playful childhood fantasies, portrayed by subtitles like King of the Cardboard Castle and Refrigerator Box Spaceship. Violinist Louis Jendras has composed in ragtime mode, contributing the entertaining Lizard Rag for strings, Last Minute Rag for flutes, and the satirical String Quartet

Rag for Brass. Tinhorn Hoedown is a lively, toe-tapping piece by conductor Kat McCusker. Reflections is precisely what the title indicates, written and conducted by trombonist Kawika Berthelette. Four other pieces are arrangements of familiar hymns, including Be Thou My Vision, by French horn player Marla Seth. Four additional pieces are arrangements of very familiar tunes such as the Lone Ranger portion of Rossini’s William Tell Overture. The orchestra looks forward to presenting and celebrating the creative talents of fellow members. Admission, as usual, is free.

– By Bobbette Ranney Geoffrey Lehr

Louis Jendras

Brighton Banner

Word on the street Question: What’s your favorite meal when you go out to eat? – By Elena Guerrero Townsend (Asked at Brighton Safeway)

“I love steak with mashed potatoes and a salad. The side dishes don’t really matter as long as I am eating a good steak.” – Chris Reyes

February 27, 2014

You’ll be hooked on musical

Young performers rehearse a dance number in Disney’s Peter Pan Jr., a Platte Valley Players children’s musical that will be staged March 7-8 at the Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St. Fifty-four children make up the cast. For more information visit PlatteValley Players.org. Banner Press photo

Today “I go to a steak place and order a ribeye with all the fixings.” – Saynora

The week ahead

African Stories, Eagle View Adult Center, 10:45-11:15 a.m.; Storyteller Lois Burrell will share some African tales; stay for a special African-American Heritage meal provided by Volunteers of Americas; call Audri 303-655-2271 for lunch reservations - deadline Feb. 25

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 12:15-12:50 p.m.; $6 drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bring your mat, info 303-498-1840.

Bunco, Eagle View Adult Center, 1:153:45 p.m.; Bunco is an easy game, learn it in 5 minutes; fun, refreshments, prizes, $4, deadline two days ahead

“I like the calzones at Fuhgigaboutit.” – James Renfro

“When I go out to eat I want enchiladas from Santiago’s..” – Rebecca Schroter

Social Networking: Facebook, Anythink Brighton, 7-8 p.m.; Need help with using Facebook? Create an account and see all of the different features this social site has to offer. Upload pictures, browse and keep current with family and friends. We will focus on security and how to best introduce yourself to social networking. Registration suggested anythinklibraries.org Bingo at the VFW, 6 p.m.,161 N. Main St. Progressive last game.

Friday

Friday Potluck, Eagle View Adult Center, starts at 11:30 a.m.; a true “potluck,” no sign-up, just bring a dish to share that serves 10 and your table setting, Free

Saturday

Adams County Quilters, Fairgrounds Parks Meeting Rooms, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Bald Eagle Hike, Barr Lake State Park, 10 a.m.; hike to bald-eagle viewing with a park naturalist to the gazebo and back Spaghetti Luncheon, Eagle View Adult Center, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; a tradition for 26 years, proceeds benefit the Senior Games team. $7 adults, $4 children 12 and under Adams County Open Space Meeting, Fairgrounds Parks Meeting Rooms, 5-9 p.m.

Sunday

Homespun Concert, First Presbyterian Church, performance highlights local talent, performers, composers and more

Monday

Toddler Tales, Anythink Brighton, 9:3010:15 a.m.; stories, songs and finger for kids 2-3, and some social time for care-

p.m.

Events at the Armory Disney’s Peter Pan Jr., Platte Valley Players presentation, March 7-8, 7 p.m. Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie's enchanting play, Disney's Peter Pan Jr. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn't grow up with no flying required. For more information, visit plattevalleyplayers.org Shamrock & Roll, 7 p.m. March 15, Celebrate your St. Patty's with dinner and dancing to Urban Dance Theory, the top Colorado Front Range band playing modern party music – current, hot pop, dance, and rock cover songs. $15 online and box office, $20 at the door $10 for children 12 & under, buy tickets online at brightonarmory.org givers while the children play. RSVP online anythinklibraries.org

Music and Movement, Anythink Brighton, 10:30-11 a.m.; Sing, dance, and learn how to play some basic instruments. For kids ages 2-6. RSVP online anythinklibraries.org Free Blood-pressure Screening, Eagle View Adult Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; performed by Brighton Firefighters

Stroke Recovery Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center, 1:30-3 p.m.; Group to help patients and families connect with others while learning about valuable community resources; facilitated by a licensed stroke rehabilitation therapist; RSVP or info, 303-498-1844

Tuesday

Toddler Story Time, Barr Lake Nature Center, 10 a.m.; for kids ages 3 to 5 with adult, learn about nests, build a birdhouse to take home; RSVP, 303-6596005 Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 4:45-5:20 p.m.; $6 drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bring your mat, 303-498-1840.

Pilates Mat Class, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 5:45-6:30 p.m.; increase strength, tone, flexibility, stamina, overall fitness and health, taught by licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor, $9 per class, 303-498-1840 The Studio: Epoxy Resin Charm, Anythink Brighton, 6:30-8 p.m.; Create an epoxy resin-clear cast for a jewelry charm or magnet. Use our supplies or bring a small item to preserve in resin.

Supplies provided. RSVP online

Wednesday

Baby Bounce, Anythink Brighton, 9:3010:15 a.m.; songs, rhymes and stories for babies and their caregivers. For birth-23 months. RSVP online anythinklibraries.org

Primetime for Preschoolers, Anythink Brighton, 10:30-11 a.m.; stories, finger plays, songs and other fun activities just for preschoolers. For ages 3-5. RSVP online anythinklibraries.org

The Studio: Charrette 1 – Sit, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4 p.m.; with designer Erin Knoettgen-Nap, learn about chair design throughout history with a brief introduction to the simple piece of furniture we use every day; then use a variety of recycled and unconventional products (and plenty of creativity) to create our own life-sized chair designs; for grades 6-12. After-School Get Together: Pinwheels, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Create colorful pinwheels to play with on those windy spring days, for grades K-5.

Tour of the Women’s and Newborn Center, Platte Valley Medical Center, 6 p.m.; Meet in the lobby by the fireplace; free by appointment, 303-498-3518

Thursday

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 12:15-12:50 p.m.; $6 drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bring your mat, info 303-498-1840.

Senior Wellness Clinic, Eagle View Adult Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. by appointment; health promotion and disease prevention with Visiting Nurses Association for adults 55-plus; optional foot care is $25; appointments required, 303-6552075

Pilates Mat Class, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Center, 5:15-6 p.m.; increase strength, tone, flexibility, stamina, overall fitness and health, taught by licensed physical therapist and certified Pilates instructor, $9 per class, 303498-1840 Kindle, Nook and Tablet, Anythink Brighton, 7-8 p.m.; learn to use library resources with your Nook, Kindle or tablet; learn differences between tablets and eReaders. Bring your device and cord so we can practice downloading books. Registration suggested.

Tell us Send your organization’s public events to mynews@brightonbanner.com, or write to The Banner, 315 Strong St., Brighton, CO 80601

Brighton Banner

February 27, 2014

Conference chooses Doehler as top coach

Henderson Community Church Pastor Loren Richmond Jr.

Lou Bromley photo for The Banner

Henderson church welcomes pastor

By Lou Ellen Bromley Henderson Community Church has welcomed a new pastor to its church family. The Rev. Loren Richmond Jr. joined the Henderson Community Church only a month ago and already has made several fans among its members. Several of the church members have proclaimed him a great asset, saying he is excited to be involved in the church and its activities, he is open and friendly, and he is willing to help church and community members. Rev. Richmond comes to Henderson from nearby Broomfield, where he lives with his wife of 10 years, Corenna, and their 19-monthold daughter, Lexi. He considers himself to be a seminative of Colorado, having lived here most of his life. He stated he remembers going to elementary school in New York City but considers Colorado his home. Henderson is his first church after graduating from seminary school and he is excited about the opportunity to serve his new home church. He would like to focus on growth in the church, welcoming new peo-

ple from the surrounding neighborhoods but also maintaining a strong relationship with the older members of Henderson congregation. The older members are the people who have built and supported the church for several generations. Those members are the ones who keep the church traditions and its colorful history alive. He said he is proud of the church’s history and its legacy. An avid sportsman, Rev. Richmond is a sports official for basketball and lacrosse at the high school level and has been to both Brighton High School and Prairie View High School for games. In his free time he also enjoys running, averaging 20 miles a week, and is an avid reader, specifically non-fiction and the classics. Rev. Richmond is preparing for Lent and Easter services. The Easter Sunday services are at 7 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with the traditional church breakfast for all, and Easter egg hunt for the children in between the two services. Everyone is welcome to attend. For details on all church activity’s and times Rev. Richmond can be contacted at hendersonchurch.org.

Eagle View Adult Center menus March 3-6 Monday: Chicken Chow Mein, Fried Brown Rice, Sesame Broccoli, Wheat Bread with Margarine, Mandarin Oranges, Fortune Cookie, FatFree Milk Tuesday: Swedish Meatballs with Mushroom Sauce, Whipped Potatoes, Green Peas with Red Peppers, Rye Bread with Margarine, Apple, Fat-Free Milk Ash Wednesday: Cod Florentine, Mushroom Barley Lentil Pilaf, Key Largo veg-

etables, Wheat Roll with Margarine, Orange, Fat-Free Milk Thursday: BBQ Pork Ribs, Black-Eyed Peas, Seasoned Greens, Orange Juice Gelatin Salad, Cornbread with margarine, Fresh Pear, Fat-Free Milk For reservations or cancellations, call Audri at 303-6552271 Lunch is Served at 11:30 a.m. Bingo on Monday and Thursday begins at noon.

Brighton High School girls’ basketball Coach Dan Doehler was selected as the 2014 East Metro Athletic Conference League Coach of the Year. This season the Bulldog team also is EMAC League Champions. “Being Doehler selected as Coach of the Year is truly an amazing honor,” he said. “I couldn’t even be put in that position if it wasn’t for my players and coaching staff who’ve been nothing short of amazing this year.” Doehler also said his family at home, including his wife Bailey, and daughters Emma and Olivia also have been a huge piece in this honor as they sacrifice as much time of him being away at games, practice or on the road scouting in order to get this program at the elite level, and he thinks in two years that has happened. “Before I took over this program it wasn’t my goal to see how many individual awards that myself or the players could accumulate,” he said. “It was to take a group of girls who had the talent, but lacked direction and leadership and to show them how to win and what greatness looks like. Now that we’ve changed the cul-

Bravo Your place to celebrate Brighton New baby, engagement, scholarships or just a job well done by you or an organization you belong to? Report it to us. Photos also are welcome – high-resolution digital photos are preferred for best reproduction. E-mail bravo@brightonbanner .com, call 303-654-1155 or send to Bravo, P.O. Box 1006, Brighton, CO 80601.

ture of the way things are done around here success has followed. The motivation of our success is now geared to not only for league titles year in year out, but for state titles.”

Kreutzer honored by state DECA

Ken Kreutzer, former marketing class (DECA) instructor at Brighton High School was honored during the weekend at the state conference. Kreutzer was presented with the Colorado DECA Honorary Life Award, and District 27J Career and Technical Education Director Joan Root and Brighton High

School Principal John Biner received Friends of DECA awards. The Brighton DECA Chapter earned thee firstplace trophies, a second and two fourths, and 12 students qualified for the international conference.

CHSAA recognizes wrestling coach Brighton High School Alumnus and current assistant wrestling coach at BHS, James Garcia received an award from the Colorado High School Garcia Activities

Association for 20 years of service as a coach. The award was presented at the state wrestling tournament.

Brighton’s Young wins state award Terry Young of the Brighton Community Emercency Response Team on Tuesday was given the Mike Gelski Award for 2013 for volYoung unteer achievement from the Colorado Emergency Management

Brighton Banner

February 27, 2014

Gladiator film erupts into a spectacle

It is 79 A.D., and Pompeii is a thriving Roman city with a complex water system, an amphitheater, and some 20,000 people. Milo (Kit Harington), a Celt whose family was killed by a corrupt Roman senator named Corvus (Keifer Sutherland), is an indestructible force moving his way through the gladiatoral system. With his compassion and ability to calm horses, he has caught the attention of Cassia (Emily Browning), the daughter of a powerful politician who is unwillingly engaged to Corvus. It doesn’t take Cassia and Milo long to fall in love and for Corvus to notice both oftheir rebellion against Roman politics. Meanwhile, Mount Vesuvius is bubbling just beyond the city, preparing to rain cataclysmic terror on Pompeii. Up until the increasingly ominous volcanic activity, it’s as though the Pompeii filmmakers didn’t think any of us had seen or would remember the movie Gladiator (2000); it

is nearly impossible to remember Gladiator and to not believe that Pompeii ripped some of it off. I found I was trying to convince myself that some scenes and plot similarities were coincidences, and when the story is about a gladiator, how can there not be similarities about the way the “sport” plays out? But alas, I am an avid fan of Gladiator and have seen the

movie more than a dozen times, and there are distinct similarities between the two films, with even some of the Pompeii dialogue sounding like paraphrases from Gladiator characters. Maybe only avid Gladiator fans will notice? As distracting as those similarities are, the movie still has uniqueness and proves to be fulfilling. Pompeii employs a sort of poeticism through-

The Community Reach Center Foundation is pleased to again accept nominations for the Mary Ciancio Memorial Distinguished Service Award. Nominations

for the 2014 award must be received by 4 p.m. Friday. Established in 1979, this award was named in honor of the late Mary Ciancio for her nearly 70 years of advocacy

and volunteer service on behalf of people with mental and physical disabilities. This award is presented annually to an exemplary volunteer in Adams County during a special award dinner, which will be Thursday, April 17, at Stonebrook Manor in Thornton. Last year’s winner was Valerie Escatel, who won for her volunteer efforts to strengthen Brighton small businesses. Find a nomination form online at www.Community ReachCenter.org (click on the Events tab). Past nominees may be re-submitted if they have not received the Mary Ciancio Memorial Distinguished Service Award. For more information, contact Deb Haviland at 303-8533472; D.Haviland@CommunityReac hCenter.org.

Movies Wolf of Wall Street By Abby Wright

Abby Wright and Michael Miller review new films.

At AMC Theaters in Brighton Pavilions Writers: Janet Scott Batchler, Lee Batchler, Michael Robert Johnson Director: Paul W.S. Anderson Starring: Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Keifer Sutherland Genre: Adventure, drama Rating: PG-13 for intense battle sequences, disasterrelated action, and brief sexual content Run time: 1 hour, 45 mins. Abby’s grade: 3.5 of 5

out, allowing characters to forge noble relationships and perish in ways that, tragic though they are, suit them. The filmography emphasizes the beauty in the disaster. The disaster itself, Mount Vesuvius’ eruption, puts viewers in awe. Vesuvius launches fireballs onto the city, falters underneath and crumbles around the thousands of victims trying to escape, showers Pompeii with ash that mushrooms up into the sky to block the sun, and sends the ocean flooding and crashing through city streets after smashing boats like toys. Ruins and corpses litter the streets. Still, Corvus and his men are not finished with Milo and Cassia – three characters who are seemingly invincible. So the second half of the movie consists of Milo and Cassia trying to survive two imminent threats and is admittedly fun to watch. The first half of the movie, consisting of antics in the gladiator arena, is fun to watch, too. Actor Harington probably

will make a name for himself. He and Browning were both able to convey deep emotions with only their eyes, and apparently he suffered a real body image complex trying to shape up for his character’s “ripped” abs (imdb Trivia) and obsessed over going to the gym, demonstrating fierce commitment to the part. Sutherland’s character, however, seemed a little phony, perhaps because he seemed to pop up everywhere and ruin people’s lives with little effort. In any case, he made a better vampire than corrupt politician. Action melds with drama in Pompeii, so there is not time and space for the dialogue to be elegant or for the relationships to make us cry or smile. Pompeii is different from Gladiator, but in the ways that it compares, Gladiator did it better. In the ways that Pompeii differs, for the most part it is an entertaining spectacle worth watching.

advocate on behalf of abused and neglected children who have open cases in the judicial system. Howard Davidson, a future CASA advocate who is in the CASA Winter Training Class, said of his experience, "The CASA 101 information session is a brief and comprehensive presentation of the CASA mission and an opportunity to make a decision on whether this is the right volunteer commitment for you." Chandra Mecherikoff, another future CASA advocate, said the CASA 101 information session gave her “an initial understanding of the role and responsibilities of being an advocate.” CASA of Adams & Broomfield Counties seeks more individuals like Davidson and Mecherikoff, who are interested in becoming CASA Volunteer Advocates. CASA is a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports dedicated community volunteers who represent the best interests of abused and neglected children who are involved in the court system, through no fault of their own. When asked why she wanted to become an advocate, Mecherikoff said: "I am looking forward to being an advocate with CASA of Adams & Broomfield counties because I believe it is a great opportunity to support kids during a challenging time in their lives."

CASA staff members will be on hand to speak with guests about the program, as well as help those interested in taking the next step to become a volunteer. The next volunteer training class begins on April 1. For more information about 'CASA 101' or to RSVP, visit www.casa17th.org, contact Jackie Mascaro at Jackie@casa17th.com or sign up at: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=d8bb jucab&oeidk=a07e8z1jf3k00c9faf 7.

Ciancio Award nominations due Friday At Your Service For Service Guide rates, call T h e Banner 303-654-1155

CASA 101 session Monday in Brighton

Banner Classifieds MANY HOUSES AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT Call Lambert Realty 303-659-1216

FREE HELP-WANTED/ POSITIONS-WANTED ADS in The Brighton Banner. Call 303-654-1155 for more information

Court Appointed Special Advocates) of Adams and Broomfield Counties invites you to learn how your voice can make a difference in the life of an abused and neglected child. The next CASA 101 information session will be held Monday, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Historic City Hall, 22 S. Fourth Ave., Brighton. CASA 101 will provide attendees with an overview of the program that seeks caring community volunteers to

9th Help for Homes will be May 3

The city of Brighton and Brothers Redevelopment Inc. are accepting applications for the Ninth Annual Help for Homes for Seniors and the Disabled project. Help for Homes brings volunteers and neighbors together to paint or fix up homes needing minor exterior repairs and perform general yard cleanup. The community project will take place on May 3. Completed applications and required documentation are to be received by March 27 at Eagle View Adult Center in order to be considered for the May 3 work day. Applications are available by calling the Eagle View Adult Center at 303-655-2075. Work crew volunteers should call Sue Corbett, 303655-2075. for volunteer applications.

Brighton Banner

February 27, 2014

Sen. Bennet’s office announces internships

Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet is accepting internship applications from undergraduate students, recent graduates, and graduate students for his Washington, DC and Colorado offices. In Colorado, internships are available yearround in the following locations: Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, and Pueblo. Washington, D.C., interns attend hearings and briefings,

research legislative issues, meet with Congressional officials and staff, conduct U.S. Capitol tours, and draft correspondence. Colorado interns research legislative issues, draft correspondence, and support Constituent Advocates as they meet with and assist Coloradans who are having trouble navigating the federal government. “Interns are an integral part of our office, providing

essential support as we work to serve Coloradans,” Bennet said. “Our Colorado and Washington internship programs provide great opportunities to gain first-hand knowledge about issues that affect Coloradans. Interns receive an in-depth view of the legislative process and gain direct experience serving Colorado constituents, providing a unique experience for any young person interested in public service.”

Internships are available on either a full-time or part-time basis. It is an unpaid position. Interested students and recent graduates should apply online at http://www.bennet.senate.gov/se rvices/internships/. The deadline to apply for an internship in Washington for either summer session is March 15. Summer internships are divided into two sessions: Session One: May 20-July 3, and Session Two: July 7-Aug.

22.

For internships in one of Bennet’s Colorado offices, applicants will be considered on a rolling basis and can apply any time. If you have questions, contact Haley Martin at Haley_Martin@bennet.senate.gov for the DC program or, for the Colorado program, contact Savannah Krieg at Denver_Intern_ Coordinator@bennet.senate.gov.

Obituaries/funeral notices Chad Montgomery

Chad M. Montgomery, 40, of Broomfield, died Feb. 22 in Boulder. He was born in Missoula, Mont., to Doug Montgomery and Ruth (Mast) Gelston. He graduated from Skyview High School in Thornton in 1990 and continued his education attending University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. He was working as vice president of operations for Weaver Electric in Denver, where he had worked for the last five years. Before that he was CEO of his own company, MBI, which was an electrical service, machine shop and sales in Henderson. Chad loved taking trips to Hawaii, eating crab legs and shrimp, spending time with his family and playing golf. He coached youth sports, both baseball and football, in Broomfield. Chad was the caregiver in his family, always taking care of others and helping whenever he was able. Chad is survived by his grandparents, Blanche Montgomery of Missoula, and Verhn and Marlene Heintz of Henderson; parents Doug and Verlene Montgomery of Brighton, and Ruth and Robert Gelston of Arvada; children Dakota and MaKenna Montgomery of Broomfield; sisters Anna (Ray Kolb) Montgomery of Arvada and Daniella (Shaun) Lewis of Brighton; and brother Justin Montgomery of Brighton. Memorial service, 2 p.m. today at Henderson Community Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Chad Montgomery Memorial Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank. TaborRice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Mandy Marie Gray

Mandy Marie Gray, 33, of Commerce City, died Feb. 21. She was born in Denver to Butch and Mary (Knowles) Gray. She attended schools in Denver, Commerce City and

graduated from high school in Vancouver, Wash. Mandy was a dedicated single mom who did whatever was necessary to provide for her children. She loved working for Richey Manufacturing and was looking forward to returning to work after a short maternity leave. Survivors include her parents, Butch and Mary Gray, of Commerce City; children Emaliegh Marie Romero, Savannah Leigh Thomas and Cody Lee Gray; siblings John David Batterman of Longmont, James Daniel Batterman of Elsinor, Utah, Jennifer Clair Lock of Longmont, Jarvis Dale Gray of Brighton and Amy Patricia Gray of Commerce City. Mandy was preceded in death by sibling Jackie Gray Cruz. Memorial contributions can be made in Mandy’s name to the Adams County Animal Shelter, 10705 Fulton St., Brighton, CO 80601. Memorial service, 11 a.m. Friday at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Ronald L. Carter

Ronald L. Carter, 80, of Thornton, died Feb. 22. He was born July 19, 1933, in Denver to Jack and Ruth (Colglazier) Carter. He is survived by his wife, Jean, of Thornton; children Bret (Sarah) Carter of Westminster and Julie (Hans) Oehlert of Brighton and three grandchildren. Memorial service, 11 a.m. Saturday at Bear Valley Church of Christ, 2707 S.

Lamar St., Denver. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Dale M. Riggs

Dale M. Riggs, 82 of Greeley, died Feb. 20. Dale was an Air Force veteran and served nearly 20 years on the Colorado State Patrol. He worked several years for the Adams County Assessor's office. He enjoyed farming between Greeley and Brighton. Camping and fishing also were activities he enjoyed. Survivors include his son, Ray (Brenda) Riggs; daughter Lindy (Rick) Riggs; granddaughters Amy (Vince) Rodriguez and Heather (James) Duran; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Norma; brother Bill; and sister Charlotte. Celebration of Dale's life, 2 p.m. Saturday at Adamson's Funeral Home, 2000 47th Ave., Greeley. In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to the charity of your choice. www .legacy.com.

Reuben Haux

Reuben Haux, 82, of Lochbuie, died Feb. 19. He was born Dec. 27, 1931, in McClusky, N.D., to Fred and Mary (Helm) Haux. He married Roberta Roberts in 1956 in Bismark. Survivors include his wife, Roberta, of Lochbuie; children Kevin (Kelly) Haux of Grove City, Pa., and Marcella (Bill) Schmidt of Hudson; two sisters, four brothers; 11 grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in the death by two sisters and three brothers.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Jose Yepez

Jose Yepez, 73, of Hudson, died at his home on Feb. 18. Jose was born in Mexico to Hermelejilio and Paulina (Hernandez). He attended school in Mexico before coming to the United States in 1958. Jose worked as a migrant laborer and married Cecelia (Rangel) in Prospect Valley. Jose and Cecelia settled in the Hudson area and raised five children. Jose worked in agriculture his entire life and in his retirement enjoyed gardening, home repair and his family. He will always be remembered as a family man. Jose is survived by his children, 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, his wife and a daughter. Memorial service, was Feb. 22. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Cindy Deaver

Cindy Collier Deaver, 49, the greatest wife in the world, beautiful daughter and mother to many died Feb. 17 in Fort Worth with her family at her side. Memorial: 1 p.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church of Kennedale, Texas. Cindy was born in Brighton to Ernest J. Collier and Norma L. Bryant Price. She was preceded in death by her father; daughter, Robin Deaver; and father-in-law George Deaver. Survivors include her husband, David; mother and stepfather, Norma and Howard Price; sons Isaac (Crystal) Deaver, Samuel Deaver and Joshua Deaver and fiancee, Brittany Harrell; brother Harold (Kathy) Collier; mother-in-law Wanda Deaver; and grandchildren Elizabeth and Jaxton Deaver of LeGrand, and Pam Miracle of Quartzsite, Ariz.; and 17 grandchildren. Services were Feb. 14 at the Clifton Assembly of God Church. See more at: www.legacy.com.

Brighton Banner

February 27, 2014

Trio of BHS wrestlers place 6th in state By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Brighton and Prairie View high schools sent a total of nine wrestlers to the Colorado Class 5A tournament at the Pepsi Center last weekend. Brighton scored 32 points, taking 15th place, with Prairie View scoring 20 points and a 26th place team finish overall. “I’m very pleased with the way the season ended,” Brighton Coach Tom Wagner said. “We had three state placers this year, and that hasn’t happened since 2006. Three out of five wrestlers for Brighton placed sixth in their weight class. Tony Balderas, the 106pounder, finished his season 32-10, when Jordan Martinez from Pine Creek won the fifth-place match by a 9-4 decision. In the 182-pound weight class, Dalton Wadkins finished his season 20-7 when was pinned by Arvada West’s Tyler Lewis.

Brighton High School 106-pound wrestler Tony Balderas wrestles during an early round match in the Class 5A state tournament at Pepsi Center in Denver. He placed sixth overall. Michelle Boyer photo for The Banner

Heavyweight (285pounder) Sam Jackson, with a 34-14 season, lost by pin to ThunderRidge’s Blake Jacobs. “The other two boys, Jared

Garcia (113) and Raymond Baca (126) also wrestled well, but just came up a little bit short,” Wagner said. Prairie View senior Luis

Bejarano placed fifth in his weight class of 145. Bejarano finished with a 40-9 record and in his final round won by a 9-5 decision over Adams

City’s Jozef McClure. PVHS sophomore Bradley Lehman, with a final record of 36-10, finished sixth, when Pomona’s Jason Romero won by decision in the 132 weight class. Alex Munoz (170) and Keynan Davis (120) didn’t place. Wagner expressed pride in his wrestlers. “The boys wrestled great at the right time, starting with regionals and carrying the momentum through the state tourney,” he said. Wagner is excited about the future of the Brighton team, with state qualifiers Garcia and Raymond Baca, and now state placer, two-time qualifier Dalton Wadkins, he said the team now will have true leadership. “The younger boys on this team are going to be scary, tough after a full offseason of wrestling, not to mention the group of unbelievable eighthgraders coming in, it’s going to be fun,” he said.

Brighton girls start playoffs Friday at home By Michelle Boyer for The Banner For the second consecutive year, the Brighton girls’ basketball is headed to the State Class-5A Playoffs. As a fourth-seeded team, the Bulldogs have a firstround bye that happened on Tuesday. Brighton will play host to fifth seed Ralston Valley at 7 p.m Friday, after Ralston Valley routed Eaglecrest, 78-32, on Tuesday. “We’re truly excited to be able to be in a position where we’re able to host a secondround home playoff game,” Coach Dan Doehler said. “The players have worked so hard this summer and fall learning during the season that all of their hard work and dedication is paying off. We’ll most likely be playing a very tough Ralston Valley team, which is well coached,

and has a lot of youth. We’ll be prepared for anything they throw at us, and we’re looking forward to a great matchup between two very good teams.” Brighton finished the season as East Metro Athletic Conference champions, with a 17-6 overall record and an 8-1 league record. This is Doehler’s second season coaching the BHS team, and second time the Bulldogs have been in playoff contention. Last year, their record was 15-10 overall and 8-1 in league play. The team defeated Standley Lake in the first round last year and advanced to Round 2, and lost 68-23 to Arapahoe. Brighton boys’ basketball and neither Prairie View girls’ or boys’ teams advanced to the playoffs this year.

Brighton High School student-athletes Jared Adkins, left, T.J. Egloff and Cole DeShazer smile for the camMichelle Boyer photo for The Banner eras after signing their national collegiate letters of intent last week.

Three Bulldogs select colleges

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Three Brighton High School student-athletes signed the college letters of intent last week. Cole DeShazer will attend Hastings to play baseball. “I chose this school because I have family out there and other athletes from Brighton have gone there,” he said. “I’m excited.” The first baseman, made the all-academic team his junior year, was a two-year varsity letterman and a state champion with his team his freshman year. “Cole has made huge strides in his abilities over the past few years,” Coach Ray Garza said. Outfielder and pitcher T.J. Egloff signed with Hutchinson. He was team captain his junior year and made first-team all-conference outfield last year. “I’m excited to attend Hutchinson,” he said. “I loved it when I went down there, and everything just clicked. The coaches were good to me and overall it was one of the best schools I looked at.”

“T.J. put his name on the map, when it’s come to (Division I) and D-2 schools contacting me,” Garza said. “His decision was made with what he was comfortable with and his abilities. He stays humble and is a hard worker. He’s taken it to the next level and the sky’s the limit for him. “Both T.J. and Cole gave the team and the program everything they had. They are role models with what they are doing today.” Bulldogs football player Jared Adkins will attend Fort Lewis. The offensive lineman said he likes the school because of the coaching staff and where the program is headed. He made first team all-conference two years in a row, and this year he played in the AllStar game. He was named Bulldogs Offensive Lineman twice. “Jared can take on any challenge, and his work ethic is awesome,” Coach Pat Sandoval said. “He’s a great kid to be around. It’s team first and him second. It was a pleasure to coach him, and was always special to me to have him and his older brother on the offensive line playing together.”

The Banner

Brighton Banner (USPS 290), February 27, 2014, Volume 6, No. 9, published weekly by Banner Press, 315 Strong St., Brighton, CO 80601 Subscription price $27 a year. Periodicals Postage Paid at Brighton, CO Postmaster: Please send address changes (Form 3579) to Brighton Banner, P.O. Box 1006, Brighton, CO 80601. © 2014 Banner Press Publisher, ad sales representative .... Mark Humbert News inquiries, call 303-654-1155 or e-mail ask@brightonbanner.com. Advertising inquries: 720-937-6064

Stuart mid-school principal resigns, district announces

Otho Stuart Middle School Principal Martin Pearson, who had been principal of the school since its opening in 2008, has resigned, School District 27J announced on Monday in a letter to the school’s parents and guardians. “I am writing today to inform you that Martin Pearson, Principal at Stuart Middle School, submitted his resignation on Friday morning, February 21,” Superintendnt Chris Fiedler wrote in the letter. “I support Mr. Pearson and his decision,” he added. “Effective immediately, Cindy Price, assistant principal at Stuart, will serve as interim principal through the remainder of the school year,” the letter continued. “Ms. Price will be supported by

Kelly Corbett, chief academic officer, Will Pierce, director of student achievement, and members of our Student Achievement Team. “Stuart Middle School staff members were notified of this news Friday after school and students were notified this morning by their first-period teachers. “We will be conducting a search this spring to select a new principal for the 20142015 school year.” Fiedler commented briefly on the resignation after the Distrcit 27J Board of Education meeting on Tuesday. “He (Pearson) made the decision that was best for him,” Fiedler said. “I support his decision, and will continue to support him in his career.”

Schools considering credit-recovery tool School board, from Page 1

tion trend growing. Some ideas in the air are to allow students to take online classes at their home high school, making online study a “credit-achievement” tool rather than only a “credit-recovery” tool. Corbett said the district is also looking at changing expulsion policies, expanding credit-recovery programs, and adjusting attendance and behavior-intervention strategies to help “stuck” students achieve graduation. During his report to the board, Superintendent Chris Fiedler congratulated Scott Peterson, a fourth-grade teacher at North Elementary. The Brighton Chamber of Commerce named Peterson

“Teacher of the Month.” Fiedler reported that nine wrestlers from Brighton High School and Prairie View High School went to a state tournament, where five of those athletes; Tony Balderas, Dalton Wadkins and Sam Jackson of BHS, and Luis Bejarano and Bradley Lehman of PVHS all placed in their weight classes. Fiedler also congratulated the Brighton High girls’ basketball team, who won the counference title and will play in the state tournament as the No. 4 seed in its region. The next regular meeting of the board is on March 11 and will be held at Turnberry Elementary School beginning at 7 p.m. All school board meetings are open to the public, including 27J parents and community members.

Brighton Banner

February 27, 2014

Tiniest heart monitor installed at PVMC Platte Valley Medical Center announced Tuesday that it is the first hospital in Colorado to implant the Medtronic Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM) System in a patient. The smallest implantable cardiac monitoring device available was cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration only last week. The Reveal LINQ ICM is indicated for patients who experience symptoms such as dizziness, heart palpitation, syncope (recurrent fainting), unexplained stroke, atrial fibrillation, and chest pain suggesting a cardiac arrhythmia (or irregular heartbeat). It is also used for patients at increased risk for cardiac arrhythmias. “This device will help patients get their lives back, because it provides physicians with accurate, timely information as to whether or not their problems are heart related,” said Interventional Cardiologist Qaisar Khan, M.D. FAAC, of High Plains Heart and Vascular Center, who installed the first device in Colorado Tuesday afternoon. “Using its advanced wireless technology, we are able to monitor our patients any-

where, anytime, to provide the care they need,” he said. The Reveal LINQ ICM is approxiDr. Qaisar Khan mately onethird the size of a AAA battery, making it more than 80 percent smaller than previously available cardiac monitors. While significantly smaller, the device is part of a powerful system that allows physicians to continuously and wirelessly monitor a patient’s heart for up to three years, with 20 percent more data memory than its larger predecessor, Reveal® XT. In addition to its continuous and wireless monitoring capabilities, the system transmits patients’ cardiac diagnostic data remotely to their physician from nearly any location in the world through the Carelink® Network. Through the network, physicians are alerted if their patients have had cardiac events. This ensures early and accurate diagnosis of irregular heartbeats, even when the patient is not physically in the hospital. Placed just beneath the skin

through a small incision of less than 1 centimeter in the upper-left side of the chest, the monitor often is nearly invisible to the naked eye, once inserted. The device is placed using a minimally invasive insertion procedure, which simplifies the experience for both physicians and their patients. Four devices were installed at Brighton’s Platte Valley Medical Center on Tuesday. Dr. Khan, and Electrophysiologist Christopher S. Stees, D.O., FACC, each installed two. “My patients came from Denver to Brighton to receive this device today,” Dr. Stees said. “This procedure is less invasive for my patients and is a significant improvement over other monitoring devices. It’s an important, helpful step in diagnosing patients with abnormal heart rhythms.” To learn more about how this device is changing lives, visit www.MonitorYour Heart.com. To learn more about the cardiologists at Platte Valley Medical Center using this new technology, visit www.pvmc.org or www.hphvc.com.

in energy production in the nation. McGowne said the gas and oil industry provides 1.6 billion dollars in public revenue and creates 111,000 jobs in Colorado. He also pointed out that the old-style verticalwells had a ratio of 1 well per 1 pad, while the horizontal wells drilled by fracking have a 20-well-per-pad ratio, leaving a much smaller environmental footprint. He also felt it was important to note that all water used in fracking was purchased legally; not taken from streams and ponds. McGowne also said the United States has reduced emissions more than any other country in the world through the use of natural gas. In other business Tuesday, Parks and Recreation Director Gary Wardle introduced Justin Whatley from the Cemetery Planning Resource Alliance. Whatley's company was contracted to review the current management of the cemeteries in Brighton and to make recommendations to council on how the cemetery

division become self sufficient. Whatley provided the council with some ideas on how to increase revenue by creating cremation gardens in Elmwood and Fairmont cemeteries. Brighton maintains three cemeteries: Elmwood, Fairview and the Pioneer cemetery. The Pioneer cemetery is no longer used for burials but is still maintained by the city. Whatley suggested that money from the Perpetual Care Fund could finance the construction of the cremation gardens and by using funds taken in when a niche or burial plot was sold, the funds could then be repaid. He pointed out that Brighton currently has no marketing plan in place to sell plots for future use and current plot sales generally are on an as-needed basis, with few pre-need sales. Whatley said Brighton should have a website that lists all the services it can provide and the prices of the plots and niches to generate sales of pre-need services.

Colorado ninth in nation in oil wells, fifth in gas wells City Council, from Page 1

wells – and that Colorado is ninth in the nation in oil wells and fifth in natural gas wells. He said 53 percent of all wells in Colorado are vertical wells done by fracking. LePore said that in 2010, Colorado established a rule that a full list of all chemicals used in fracking must be disclosed. He also stated that groundwater is tested once before drilling a well and twice after. He also pointed out that Colorado has the most and best integrity rules in the country, far ahead of other states in protecting groundwater. Chris McGowne, from the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, explained how fracking affects the economy of Brighton and the state. He said there are 300 members of COGA, that oversee 60,000 wells. Colorado is in the top 10 in the nation in energy production, with the sixthhighest production of natural gas and the seventh-highest