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Brighton news for Brighton readers

Volume 6, No. 10

March 6, 2014

8 pages

City puts oil/gas permits on hold

By Lou Ellen Bromley for The Banner Brighton City Council on Tuesday adopted an emergency ordinance placing a four-month temporary suspension on applications related to oil and gas drilling. The ordinance allows for a temporary suspension until July 15 of the acceptance, processing and approval of applications for oil or gas permits. Community Development staffers recommended the ordinance to allow for the following: • Adequate time to educate the new Planning Commission and City Council members regarding oil and gas development; • Adequate time for staff to draft revised regulations and address issues of local concern that are unique to Brighton and to take into consideration the state regulations that have been adopted during the past year, as well as additional regulations currently being considered by the state; • Ongoing input and meetings with Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation

Spaghetti and smiles

Rick Phalen serves coffee to Brian and Kathy Jacovetta during the annual Spaghetti Lunch on Saturday at the Eagle View Adult Center, above. At left, Toby Heidt receives a refill on lemonade with what’s left of his spaghetti serving in front of him. A record 396 meals were served at the event, a fundraiser for Brighton’s Senior Games athletes, who will compete in June in the Games in and around Greeley. Banner Press photos

See Oil and gas, Page 2

Three former council members ‘recycled’ to boards By Lou Ellen Bromley for The Banner “We sure know how to recycle our city council members,” Mayor Dick McLean said Tuesday during the City Council meeting. The council had just appointed former Mayor Pro-tem (and Ward 3 City Councilman) Wayne Scott as an alternate member of Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, appointed former Ward 4 Council Member Wilma Rose to the Lodging Tax Advisory Board and former Ward 1 Councilor Chris Maslanik as an alternate to the

Brighton Planning Commission. Among other business at Tuesday’s meeting was an amendment relating to the Historical Preservation Commission allowing professional members to be exempt from the twoterm limit originally set by the City Council. During the first reading the council was advised that the designated professional members of the commission were hard to replace if they were term limited. A resolution was passed to amend accounts in the general, lottery, cemetery, capital improvements, parks and

recreation capital improvements, water, wastewater, and storm and drainage funds and to reappropriate money for expenditure in 2014 to cover projects (and proposed spending) carried over from 2013. A contract was awarded to Western Maintenance and Construction for the repair of sewer lines at Historic City Hall. It was determined that the sewer lines were no longer effective: in some places blocked by tree roots and in others possibly collapsed because of old age, according to Bob Brady, of

Inside The Banner this week S.P.E.A.K. in April

The Brighton Youth Commission will hold its third suicide-awareness/ prevention event April 1419. – Page 2

Two clubs fold

Two of Brighton’s influential service clubs have

announced they are disbanding after declines in membership. – Page 3

Also:

Calendar ................................. 4 Bravo ...................................... 5 Movies ................................... 6 Obituaries ............................. 7 Sports ..................................... 8

Don’t miss: Local musicals at Armory, Brighton High – Page 6

Jordan Wilson earns college hoops honors. – Page 5

the city’s building maintenance staff, who said some of the lines appeared to be about 100 years old. Another contract was awarded to Colorado Designscapes Inc. for lawn care and landscape maintenance after it was determined that Brighton doesn’t have the manpower and equipment to maintain all landscaping and lawn care in town and that purchasing more equipment and hiring more people was not cost effective. Parks and Recreation Director Gary Wardle said city crews take care of See City Council, Page 2

The Banner

Brighton Banner

March 6, 2014

Brighton Banner (USPS 290), March 6, 2014, Volume 6, No. 10, 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

Police plan St. Pat’s DUI sweep

The Brighton Police Department will be stepping up its DUI enforcement efforts starting March 14, for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Two additional officers will patrol the streets looking for drivers who are impaired by drugs and alcohol.

Funding for the extra officers is provided by a grant from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Remember to drive sober or get pulled over during the holiday weekend, the Police Department advised in a news release.

Water-treatment expense OK’d City Council, from Page 1

lawn care and landscaping on two-thirds of the city’s 220 acres of park land, leaving about 76 acres that the city doesn’t have the equipment or manpower to maintain. Parks Manager Rob Crabb said the contract will allow the contractor to complete weekly maintenance on that acreage for 25 weeks.

Police Chief Clint Blackhurst, as acting utility director, presented a resolution approving a change order for design services for fluidized bed denitrification, to remove nitrates from water residue left from treatment at the water plant, before it is released back into the Platte River, to meet state requirements.

Don’t forget to write

The Banner welcomes your letters to the editor. Mail them to The Banner, 315 Strong St., Brighton 80601, or email to letters @brightonbanner.com. All letters must include contact information from the author.

Participants in the 2013 S.P.E.A.K. Walk begin their 5-kilometer trek near the athletic fields at Brighton High Banner Press file photo School.

S.P.E.A.K. Week April 14-19 The Brighton Youth Commission will host its third annual S.P.E.A.K. Week April 14-19. Suicide Prevention, Education, Awareness and Knowledge Week is designed to promote awareness in the community and among their peers about the warning signs of suicide, and awareness of local resources for those who are struggling. TheYouth Commission is working closely with School District 27J to provide a full week of education in local middle and high schools. The week will conclude with and a 5-kilometer walk on April 19, with the community encouraged to participate. Registration for the walk is now open. Community members can register online at www.brightonyouthcommission.org or in person at Historic City Hall., 22 S. Fourth Ave. An exciting addition to

S.P.E.A.K. 2014 is a partnership between Pennock Center for Counseling and the Brighton Youth Commission to offer QPR training for the community during S.P.E.A.K. Week. QPR is straightforward, step-by-step training that can save lives by teaching people how to recognize when someone might be crying out for help or is at risk of suicide. QPR teaches how to ask the “S question” and provides resources for referral. QPR is not a form of counseling or treatment; it offers hope through positive action, according to a news release announcing S.P.E.A.K. Week activities. S.P.E.A.K. Week is a youthled, youth-driven initiative that started in response to the death of Joshua Dillona, a friend and classmate of several Youth Commission members. In 2012, the inaugural year, the results of S.P.E.A.K.

to drill for oil and gas, until all new members of the council and Planning Commission could better understand the impact of the oil industry on Brighton and its residents. The council was looking at the six-month suspension as an opportunity to work with the oil companies and the state to develop rules and regulations within the city that are in line with the state’s. Brighton hasn’t updated its regulations regarding drilling for oil and gas since 2008 and city staffers and elected officials feel the time allotted by the temporary suspension will give staffers time to review and update Brighton's regulations. Several of the people who spoke told the council they have young families living very close to existing wells and have no fear of any safety issues with the wells affecting their families. The regulations

by the state are the most strict in the nation, according to those who testified, and all oil companies currently drilling in Colorado far exceed these regulations on their own, according to Brighton resident and gas/oil industry employee Charles Klosterman. Colorado Oil and Gas Association representative Chris McGowne told the council a temporary suspension of oil and gas permits sends a message of distrust between the city and the gas and oil industry. Assistant Attorney General Jake Matter also encouraged council to vote “no” because there are no pending permits at this time for Brighton and the City Council has the right to stop a permit at any time already. He noted that state regulations already are in place that supersede city reg-

Week were phenomenal, the release stated. During the past two years, the Youth Commission has raised approximately $17,000 for local suicide-prevention efforts, with the help of the community. During that time, several students have sought mental-health counseling after participating in the week and discussing the importance of mental health care. For more information about S.P.E.A.K. Week in local schools, the S.P.E.A.K. Walk, or how you can be involved, contact Youth Services Manager Tawnya Russell at 303-655-2123. If you have questions or concerns about your child and their involvement with S.PE.A.K., you also can contact Russell or Kevin West, director of intervention with School District 27J, at 303-6552816.

Mayor: Rich history will oil/gas industry to continue Oil and gas, from Page 1

Commission and the oil-andgas-industry partners related to the draft regulations; and • Adequate time for review and consideration at public hearings of the draft regulations by both the Planning Commission and City Council. “Brighton has a rich history of working with the oil and gas industry and that will continue as we go forward.” Mayor Dick McLean said. “This temporary suspension is not a ban on oil and gas drilling. For our community, this temporary time out is about creating certainty for businesses working toward building our energy future and ensuring that Brighton will always be a great place to live, work, play and learn.” Effective immediately and continuing until July 15, or until further action of the City Council by ordinance,

whichever is earlier, no application for a use permit, variance, building permit, or other applicable entitlement for oil and gas development can be accepted or processed, the city announced in a news release. The ordinance may be rescinded by City Council before the stated expiration date if the City Council has adopted the appropriate regulations for oil and gas development in the city. Several members of the oil and gas community were present at the council meeting to proclaim their support of the oil and gas companies already working within the Brighton city limits and to ask the City Council to vote “no” on the “emergency” temporary suspension of permits in Brighton. The draft ordinance presented to the council originally proposed a six-month temporary suspension of permits

ulations, making them redundant, because the state has the same concerns as the city and already has regulations in place. In the end, the council amended its temporary suspension of permits to four months with assurances from City Manager Manuel Esquibel and Community Development Director Holly Prather that city staffers could complete the guidelines in that time. Ward 4 Councilman Mark Humbert said the use of the word “emergency” in the temporary suspension ordinance made it possible for the suspension to be approved and enacted on Tuesday and not be postponed for a second reading in weeks, the city council’s next meeting. “This allows the suspension to end in four months, not four months, two weeks.”

Brighton Banner

March 6, 2014

Rotary, Lions clubs disband By Elena Guerrero Townsend for The Banner Two of Brighton’s service clubs – Brighton Early Rotary and Brighton Breakfast Lions – have disbanded. The common theme for both the disbanding Lions Club and Early Rotary Club disbanding is the lack of membership. Brighton’s Lions Club is ending its local chapter in June. For the past few years, the average Lions Club meeting attendance hovered around 10 or 12 members. The club held two major fundraisers each year that required much manpower. “Many of our members are reaching retirement age and they want to travel, so they dropped out,” said Kelly Yarish, an eight-year member of the Lions club. “Some members were opening up new businesses and couldn’t spare the time needed to be a viable member.” “One member (is serving on the) City Council, so she may have dropped out due to the time and energy she is investing into her campaign. I don’t know,” Yarish said. In the end, the Brighton’s Lions club did not have the membership needed to complete or start new projects. They held their annual produce sale during the summer, and a chili cook-off in February. “To host the chili cook-off we needed seed money, around $3,500,” Yarish said. “We gave away great prizes and we needed money in advance to purchase items, such as flat-screen TVs and, Kindle (tablet computers).” Unfortunately, Colorado experienced devastating flooding last year right before the Lions Club planned its annual produce sale. Club members had presold more than 100 veggie boxes. All of the produce for the veggie boxes came from local growers. Local crops were destroyed and/or contaminated by floodwaters. “That disaster started our club’s downward spiral,” Yarish said. “Along with members moving away, retiring, etc.” Although the Lions Club fiscal year ends in June and the club is dissolving, Kelly Yarish and her husband, Steve, keep on roaring. “Steve and I were able to procure a digital camera for vision screening at a local day care,” she said. At the end of February, 60 toddlers received eye exams free of charge. The parents of those toddlers

received confidential reports from the certified optometrist who gave the exams. “The Kids Sight program is a fantastic program,” she said. “We have had around five or six different screenings in the last two years. After each screening, the club receives a summary of how many kids need glasses or more in depth evaluations.” Steve has been a Lions member for 15 years. “We both are very committed to Lionism, and although the Brighton’s Lions Club is dissolving we are not giving up,” he said. “We will simply attach ourselves to the Fort Lupton Chapter or the South Weld Lions Club in Lochbuie. It is Kelly Yarish’s hope that one of the other clubs will continue the tradition of the veggie box sales and the chili cook-off in Brighton. “We are not totally going away, but we are not going to have an active Lions Club in Brighton,” she said. The Early Rotary Club also disbanded because of declining membership, and the inability to recruit new people. “People quit the club for many different reasons,” Early rotary member Dick Hodge said. “One person’s employment changed, a few others could not afford to stay, some just quit without explanation. We found ourselves without the vital capacity to sustain the club. “A vital capacity is not a factual number: It is more of an emotion,” he said. “The club needed an atmosphere of excitement to recruit new members. “For the last few decades, people do not have the time and ability needed to join local volunteer groups,” Hodge said. “Many volunteer groups and service clubs across the country find their memberships dwindling.” One of Early Rotary’s projects since its founding in 2004 was adoption of North Elementary School. Each fall, the club sponsored North’s Back-to-School Night, which included free haircuts for kids as well as a hot-dog roast. The club spearheaded a tutoring program that helped connect the Boys & Girls Club to Brighton. Hodge, not a member then, led the major effort to bring the Boys & Girls Club to Brighton. Hodge has a long history of service work. He does community outreach with the Boys and Girls Club and plans to continue to do so. Noon Rotary continues.

Just what the doctor ordered

Community and education leaders took time Monday to read to children at Pennock Elementary School on Naitonal Read to Kids Day. Above, Ward 1 City Council Member Joan Kniss, a former teacher and school board president, reads a poem by Shel Silverstein to third-graders in Nancy McLean’s classroom. At left, Sharyl Kay Lawson, a special education teacher at Pennock dressed the part, down to the Cat in the Hat slippers, as she snapped photos of the reading program to remember kids’ author Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Below, Brighton Fire Rescue Engineer Kevin Carson reads with a Banner Press group of Tracy Favorite’s fourth-graders.

27J Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships The deadline is approaching for School District 27J high school students to apply for the chance to earn scholarships from the 27J Education Foundation. The 27J Education Foundation plans to award six $1,000 scholarships to graduating School District 27J seniors this year. In addition, the Foundation will facilitate the distribution of four community scholarships, valued at $2,500, the foundation announced in a news release. To be considered for a scholarship, applicants must: •Be a School District 27J graduating senior who has completed one full school year in the 27J District; •Student must have a scholastic record of 2.5 cumulative grade-point average or better.

•Student must have been actively involved in the community and/or school activities. • Student must obtain and attach two written references: one from a member of the high school staff and one from a community member who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s community involvement (No relatives). • The recipient must enroll in a university, college, community college or vocational school as a full-time (12 or more credit hours) or part-time (6 credit hours) student. The award will be adjusted accordingly for parttime enrollment. Students can obtain a scholarship application on the 27J Education Foundation webpage at www.sd27j.org. Applications must be submitted via email by April 1 to 27JFoundation@sd27j.org.

Brighton Banner

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Word on the street Question: Given Brighton’s size, is there one thing that would make it a “world-class” small city? (Asked in various places) – By Elena Guerrero Townsend

“It would take more than one thing to do that, but I’d like to see art sculptures around the city like in Boulder. Art is culture and culture adds class.” – Luis Gonzales, Brighton

Today

The week ahead

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, 303-4981840

“San Antonio has a spectacular riverwalk where they have river parades, and various types of festivals. Anything of that sort that is tourist-attraction worthy would add class.” – Amy Boutan, Brighton

BOLT Academy Check It Out Night, 6 p.m., 1850 Egbert Street, Suite 120: learn more about Brighton’s online high school for possible enrollment in the fall. 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. Bingo at the VFW, 6 p.m.,161 N. Main St. Progressive last game.

Friday

Bonfils Blood Drive, Platte Valley Medical Center, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 303-3632300 for appointment

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr., Platte Valley Players production in the Armory, 7 p.m.; Wendy loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the children and whisks them away to Never Land. Their adventure introduces them to the Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians and even the infamous pirate, Captain Hook!Tickets $5, $8 and $10, buy online at BrightonArmory.Org.

“We have bronze work all around the city and a great art gallery, Main Street Creatives. So if we continue in this direction by adding public art to the city we will soon become a ‘world-class’ small city.” – State Sen. Mary Hodge, Brighton

Wizard of Oz, BHS Drama production, 7 p.m., Brighton High School Auditorium, also 7 p.m. March 14 and 15 and 2 p.m. March 16. Tickets $10 adults, $5 students online at ShowTix4U.com

Saturday “That’s easy: Build a casino. That would bring in money and also all kinds of other businesses.” – Steven Banez, Thornton

Eagle View Adult Center menus March 10-14

Monday: Pork green chile stew, baked sweet potato, mexicali corn, cornbread with margarine, tangerine, fat-free milk (lunch: 11:30) Tuesday: Veal Marsala, pasta with garlic sauce, broccoli parmesan, sourdough bread with margarine, banana, fat-free milk (lunch: 11:30) Wednesday: Minnesota chicken and wild rice casserole, mixed vegetables, tossed green salad with lite ranch dressing, wheat bread with margarine, apricot pineapple compote, fat-

free milk (lunch: 11:30) Thursday (Irish Heritage Day): corned beef with broth, parslied new potatoes, cooked cabbage with carrots, rye bread with margarine, blarney stone cake, fresh pear, fat-free milk (lunch: 11:30) Friday’s Feast, noon; Broccoli cheese soup, sandwich and dessert, Daniel Blegen presents a lively concert/lecture on The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie; $4, deadline March 12. For reservations or

cancellations, call Audri at 303-655-2271

March 6, 2014

Adams County Democratic Assembly, Fairgrounds Waymire Dome reserved 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Rocket Blast Workshop, Rec Center, 9-11 a.m.; one in the Space Time Series for youth ages 5-12; hands-on, funpacked rocket-building and launching adventure, $20, register at 720-8517700, info@spacetimekids.com Diabetes Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Room C, 10-11:30 a.m.; the perfect forum to experience compassion, support and direction to deal with diabetes, free but must RSVP two days ahead, 303-4981699

Cancer Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center, 11 a.m.-noon; for cancer patients and their families, hosted in the Oncology Clinic, suite 270, refreshments, RSVP 303-498-2200

I Want to Be an Astronaut Workshop, Rec Center, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; see and feel what it is like to train for launching into space and exploring the planets, moon, coments and asteroids of our Solar System, learn about NASA, build and launch miniature rockets, $20, register at 720-851-7700, info@spacetimekids.com Disney’s Peter Pan Jr., Platte Valley

p.m.

Events at the Armory Disney’s Peter Pan Jr., Platte Valley Players presentation, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 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 and under, buy tickets online at brightonarmory.org

Players production in the Armory, 2 and 7 p.m.; Wendy loves to tell stories to her brothers, Michael and John. But when her father announces she must move out of the nursery, Peter Pan comes to visit the children and whisks them away to Never Land. Their adventure introduces them to the Lost Boys, Mermaids, Indians and even the infamous pirate, Captain Hook! Tickets $5, $8 and $10, buy online at BrightonArmory.Org.

Wizard of Oz, BHS Drama production, 7 p.m., Brighton High School Auditorium, also 7 p.m. March 14 and 15 and 2 p.m. March 16. Tickets $10 adults, $5 students online at ShowTix4U.com

Sunday

Breakfast at the VFW, Eggs to order; choice of sausage, bacon, ham; pancakes, engilsh muffins,or toast; fruit, juice, cottee. $5 for seniors (over 55), all others $5.50

Monday

Toddler Tales, Anythink Brighton, 9:3010:15 a.m.; stories, songs and finger for kids 2-3, and some social time for caregivers while the children play. RSVP online anythinklibraries.org

Basic Computers, Anythink Brighton, 10-11:30 a.m.; learn to turn a computer on, operate a mouse and keyboard. Learn about browsers, files and programs; get comfortable with daily operation of a computer. Registration suggested, 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

Writing Through Grief, Eagle View Adult Center, 1-2 p.m.; find out how you can use writing to help you on your healing journey; an informational meeting on grief, loss and living; deadline March 6 Video Games and Chatter, Anythink Brighton, 3:30-4 p.m.; What do you want at the library? Play video games, have fun with other teens and help the library create new experiences for you and your friends. Snacks; for grades 6-12. Relay for Life Team Rally, Platte Valley Medical Center, 6 p.m.; all are welcome, learn about the mission of the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser. Free, for info, contact Michele Lussier, 720-641-7733

Tuesday

Cardiac Support Group, Platte Valley Medical Center Conference Room C, 12:30-2 p.m.; for anyone coping with cardiovascular disease, RVSP Danielle at High Plains Heart & Vascular Center, 303-659-7000 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.

Total Joint University, Platte Valley Medical Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; for patients scheduled for or contemplating a joint replacement; info from pre-op to recovery; RSVP svigil@pvmc.org or 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

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: Charrete 2 – Child’s Play, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4 p.m.; With designer Erin Knoettgen-Nap, get in touch with your inner child, explore examples of creative play spaces. Our inspiration will be a visual introduction of color, structure and space and how it can influence moods and behaviors. Work as a team to brainstorm ideas then use recycled plastic milk jugs to create a temporary play structure for the children; for grades 6-12. After-School Get Together: Japanese Wind Sock Carp, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4:30 p.m.; Make a wind sock carp that resembles the Japanese flying koinobori; for grades K-5.

Thursday

Caregivers Support Group, Eagle View Adult Center, 10-11:30 a.m.; join other caregivers for valuable information and support, all ages welcome, 303-4264408 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 Tuesday before Basic Microsoft Word 2010, Anythink Brighton, 7-8 p.m.; Start learning Microsoft Word 2010 to create a resume or write a quick letter. Create new documents, make changes, and make the adjustments. Bring a flash drive or an email and we can save the changes that you have made to documents.

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

March 6, 2014

Ron Harms farm photo tops in state

Everybody loves a good story, and Ron Harms knows how to weave a tale. With every photo,he takes, a different anecdote emerges. “I’ve been taking pictures almost all my life,” Harms said. He received his first camera Christmas Day 1951 – when he was in eighth grade. “I prefer to take pictures of landscapes, versus people.” To Harms, taking photos is much more than a hobby. He brings life, poetry and drama to each shot. You’ll find Harms heading up a trail near the colorful Rocky Mountains with his wife, Sally, with him, toting their lunch. The high plains of eastern Colorado are another favorite place of the couple’s to shoot the wonders of nature. Sally recognized her husband’s artistry early on and urged him to enter photo contests. And he did, but he doesn’t take photos or enter contests for recognition, but rather as a hobby. This year he entered his photo, titled Sunflower Sunset, in the Colorado Department of Agriculture’s yearly photo contest. Photos are based on theme, creativity, and technical quality. The photographer whose picture best depicts the “spirit of Colorado agriculture in each category” wins a prize. Submitted photos had to be taken in 2013 and the entry postmarked by Dec. 31. Prizes were awarded in five subject areas: Agritourism, Crops, Livestock, People, and Open Professional. He took first place in the Open Professional division. At one time Harms sold his photos at art and craft fairs, and he still exhibits his art in galleries. In accordance with the contest rules, if any contestant has sold photos he/ she must compete in the professional division. He took the winning piece in late summer of 2013 when an afternoon thunderstorm started brewing. “The clouds were lying low, and the sky was the same color as the sunflowers,” Harms said. “Wind turbines were in the background. We were west of Peetz.” He and Sally do just about everything together. “After 54 years, we pretty much operate as a team,” he said. The Harmses consider themselves “mostly retired” and make their home in southern Weld County, though they have a Brighton mailing address. The winning photos are displayed in the Beede-Hail Agriculture Building at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling. – Elena Guerrero Townsend

Bravo Your place to celebrate Brighton Have an item? E-mail bravo@brightonbanner.com

Doehler Sunflower Sunset by Ron Harms

Photo courtesy of Ron Harms

Ron Harms stands in front of another of his photos, on canvas at his home. Elena Guerrero Townsend photo

12 DECA students reach internationals Twelve students will represent Brighton High School and the state of Colorado at the 2014 DECA International Career Development Conference, in May in Atlanta, Ga. The following students will attend the international conference: Madison Marrs, first place, Business Services Individual Role-Play Event; Dominique Wilson and Cole DeShazer, first place, Entrepreneurship Promotion Project; Will

Dutcher, Taylor Young, Jonathan Martinez, first place, Buying and Merchandising Operations Research Event; Madison Marrs and Jazmin Morales, second place, Public Relations Project; Saul Jurado, Miranda Sena, Alex Meier, fourth place, Public Relations Project; Marlene Sanchez, fourth place in Program of Work; Aey Jay Parker, Leadership Development Academy. The following were finalists in their contests: Sabrina Meskimen and Jessica Gieber, Financial Services Operation Research; Tralynn Tolbert and Brooke

Rael, Business Services Operations Research; Saul Jurado, Personal Selling; Daniel Diaz and Ruth Villalobos, Entrepreneurship Promotion Project; Aey Jay Praker and Amanda VallejosTorres, Learn and Earn Project; Kaitlyn Arnold, Public Relations Project; Rien Mickler, Ana Moya Benitez, and Sierra Moots, Community Service Project. In addition, the following students were recognized with honorable mention in their respective contests: Will Dutcher – Retail Merchandising; Miranda Sena and Tralynn Tolbert – Hospitality Services; Aey Jay Parker – Restaurant and Food Service Management.

Jordan Wilson wins conference award Former Prairie View High School alumna Jordan Wilson was named Great Northwest Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year on Tuesday. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks basketball forward also was named Jordan Wilson GNAC Honorable Mention, joining 18 other athletes who earned all-conference awards.

“Everyone is a good player at the college level, and this award only goes to one freshman,” she said. “Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without my teammates, who I love and push me every day, and my coaches Cody Bench and Amy Senefelder, who have helped me develop as a player.” She said everything started at a young age, and just complied up to this very moment. “Every coach I’ve had has been a part of this,” Wilson said. “Biggest thanks to my parents who have always supported me, even from 3,000 miles away. “I’m honored to receive this award,” she said. “There have been a lot of years of hard work that have gone into basketball, and it is paying off. I know there is always room to improve and I look forward to building on this and improving.” Wilson also attributes that her success has not only come from her current college coaches, but also from PVHS basketball Coach Rachel Parker and former assistant Jamie White, and her club coach, Dan Doehler. “They all taught me a lot of valuable skills before I reached the college level,” she said. The individual award is the first for the Alaska Nanooks women’s’ basketball team. Wilson was the leading scorer for the Nanooks. She posted 20 double-digit-scoring games, which included six games scoring more than 20 points. Wilson closed out her freshman season with 395 points, had six double-digit rebound games and logged four double-doubles. – Michelle Boyer

Brighton Banner

March 6, 2014

Peter Pan takes off Friday at the Armory

Audiences can expect a fun, fast-paced rendition of Disney’s Peter Pan at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, when Platte Valley Players presents Peter Pan Jr. at the Armory Performing Arts Center, director Jen Kroff said. “We have 54 kids in the cast and some great talent,” she said. “Any age will enjoy this one.” It has some of the usual favorites from Peter Pan, such as Never Smile at a Crocodile, You can Fly, Following the Leader, and Second Star to the Right, “plus a few new ones that are sure to keep you smiling,” Kroff said. And everything’s condensed into a kid-friendly one-hour show. She expects tickets to sell quickly, based on the fact that

she is no stranger to children’s theater. Kroff was assistant director for Platte Valley Players’ first children’s production, Let Your Hair down, Rapunzel, in 2012. She co-directed, with Leslie Zirker, Disney’s Jungle Book for Kids a year ago. She also was a director with Prairie Playhouse, leading and choreographing its production of 101 Dalmatians. She was music director for PPH”s first-ever kids’ show, School House Rock, and music director for Bye Bye Birdie, and Into the Woods and choreographer for Alice in Wonderland. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 seniors; $5 kids under 12. They are available at pvp.org, BrigtonArmory.org or at the door on the day of the show.

Dinner and ...

Bob Kagohara, left, and Dennis Kitayama of the Brighton Japanese-American Association presented checks of $800 each to three local organizations on Monday. Above Freda Davenport, Lori Meschefski and DeeDee Nuss represent the Special Olympics; at right, Mary Emick represents Meals on Wheels. Chuck Phelps represented the Senior Center. Funds were proceeds from the 2013 BJAA Chow Mein and Shrimp Dinner. This year it’s 11 a.m -3 p.m. on March 23 at Adams County Regional Park. Tickets $12. Banner Press photos

Witches of Oz

Jessica Ransdall, left, and Violet Gorrell portray witches in the BHS Drama production of The Wizard of Oz Friday, Saturday and March 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. Sunday at Brighton High School. Tickets are available online for $10 (adults) and $5 (students) at showtix4U.com or $12 and $6 at the door. Michelle Boyer photo

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Airborne mystery stirs high-altitude anxiety We first see Bill Marks sitting in his car in an airport parking lot. He’s on his cell phone apparently with his boss. That alone might give some of us pause for a couple of drinks, but Bill drinks in his car because it’s something of an addiction for him. He enters the airport and ultimately arrives at the boarding area for his flight, surveying the people who will be flying with him. It’s an examination of suspects. He has no idea of the excitement that awaits him in NonStop. Shortly after he takes his seat on the plane, he begins to receive text messages, and we learn that Bill is a United States air marshal. The messages advise that every 20 minutes, someone among his fellow passengers will die, unless $150 million is transferred into a specific bank account. Bill alerts the pilot ,who calls the Transportation Security Administration. By this time the director has convinced us that Bill is an honest man and cannot possibly be the criminal. Needless to say, the first deadline expires, but the surprise is that Bill kills the first

Movies Non-Stop By Michael Miller

Abby Wright and Michael Miller review new movies for The Banner. passenger, and right on time. To make matters worse, TSA tells the pilot that Bill is an alcoholic, the account number is in Bill’s name, and they are to take Bill’s badge and gun. As the movie progresses, the continuing clues keep pointing to Bill but we maintain a belief that Bill is just being set up, as he claims, while the rest of the plane begins to suspect the very individual they are supposed to believe is their hero. Bill maintains command of the situation as more and more of the passengers become aware of what is

At AMC Theaters in Brighton Pavilions Writers: John W. Richardson, Christopher Roach Director: Jaume ColletSerra Starring: Liam Neeson, Scoot McNairy Genre: Mystery, thriller Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some language, sensuality Run time: 1 hour, 46 minutes. Michael’s grade: 4 of 5

going on. The actual culprit tells Bill he’s got a bomb on board. But who is this madman/culprit? We are taken through a revolving door of possible stereotypical suspects and the smart viewer hopes that the film isn’t dumb enough to eventually pin blame on one of these. There are a couple of dull, albeit short-lived, moments but this movie keeps up its pace and holds your interest all the way through the explosive high-altitude thriller.

Brighton Banner

March 6, 2014

Stars of Tomorrow entries due April 2

The 2014 Stars of Tomorrow talent show will be held at 7 p.m. on April 11 in the Brighton High School Auditorium, 270 S. Eighth Ave., with rehearsal on April 10, a news release from Brighton Kiwanis announced. Applications for entry are due April 2. All contestants will compete in one of the following age levels: Elementary Division I – Pre-kindergarten through second grade Elementary Division II – Grades 3-5 Junior Division – Grades

6-8 and Senior Division – Grades 9-12. Each act may consist of one to five individuals, including the accompanist. Each act may be up to 5 minutes. Contestants will be judged in two distinct categories: contemporary and classical. First-, second- and thirdplace trophies will be awarded in each category. There will be a $10 entry fee, due with the application for each act. Applications may be obtained at Guaranty Bank,

2707 E. Bromley Lane, Brighton, or by calling Diana Maher at 303-536-4028. To be eligible for the show the application and entry fee must be in the hands of Show Chairperson Diana Maher by 5 p.m. on April 2 by either dropping off at Guaranty Bank or mailing to Diana Maher at P.O. Box 6, Hudson, CO 80642. Call Maher at 303-536-4028 with any questions. The winner of the Senior Division may perform and compete in the Stars of Tomorrow District Show, later in April.

The Ackerman sisters perform during the 2013 Kiwanis Stars of Tomorrow competition. Banner Press file photo

Obituaries/funeral notices Kathrine Martinez-Graham

Kathrine MartinezGraham, 55, educator, mentor, lifelong learner, prayer warrior, seamstress, world traveler, Sock Monkey and Boxer lover, died Feb. 28, after a three-year battle with lung cancer. Kathrine was born into a military family in El Paso, Texas, living mostly in that vicinity and Germany as a young girl. She excelled in school – especially science and athletics, holding state records in Texas, North Dakota and Colorado – and was the youngest girl to win the Annual El Paso Golf Tournament. She attended Cavalier High School, Cavalier, N.D., but graduated from Aurora Central in 1976. She received the first senatorial appointment for a woman to the United States Military Academy at West Point after being courted by every military institution, as well as many other Universities. Kathrine was a lifelong learner and teacher who studied and taught middle school mathematics to gifted and talented students, theology, communications and national security. She was finishing up her second doctorate when illness made that pursuit impossible. She was especially proud of her work creating the Communication and National Security minor in Communication Studies at NMSU. Her students were her life and when cancer stole her voice she underwent a risky surgery in order to teach just one more semester. Kathrine traveled extensively all over the United States and Europe as a child, Army wife, with the American Red Cross, in her national security pursuits and sometimes for pleasure. She enjoyed many trips with her sister's family with Disney World being her undisputed

favorite. Searching for “Hidden Mickeys” took on new meaning with Kathrine, recently overjoyed to find “Hidden Mickeys” in ultrasounds of her legs just weeks before she died. Kathrine took cues from no one and lived her life on her own terms. Purple Doc Martens boots and Navajo belts weighing as much as she did, with camouflage shorts and a T-shirt sporting an X-ray of a teddy bear were frequently her look. Fishing, hunting, woodworking and computing were enjoyed as much as photography, cooking, tailoring, quilting and knitting. Nothing was pursued casually, but painstakingly researched and mastered. When asked recently to describe herself she simply stated she was “an INTJ, if they were familiar with the Meyers-Briggs methodology,” but that didn't begin to describe this complex person. True to form, she was a warrior to the end, beginning a grueling but promising drug trial at University Hospital in Denver, which brought her closer to her family, which cared for her to the end. She hoped her contribution might help others fighting this horrible cancer. She found her strength in God, her parents, Alex and Dorthy Martinez; sister Beth (Dave) Martin; nieces Amy (Paul, and daughter Vivian) Regalado and Rachel Martin, sock monkeys, her beloved boxers B.I.L.Y. and Challah, New Mexico State, fishing, her adobe home in New

Mexico, banana beujolais and growing anything out of the ordinary and with little real function. A scholarship fund to benefit students of the Communication Department at New Mexico State University can be contributed to through her sister Beth at BethMartin@BethsRedShoes. com. Her family would especially like to thank Dr. William Adler and his caring staff at the MMC Cancer Center who managed to miraculously stretch the original 6-9 month prognosis to more than three years. More thanks to Dr. Thomas Purcell and his team at UCH, the caring staff at PVMC, the 11th Floor team at University Hospital, Halcyon Hospice, Elizabeth, Ana, Rodrigo, Rick, Isaac and so many others. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Oscar Manzano Gomez

Oscar Manzano Gomez, 64, of Fort Lupton died Feb. 28 at his home. He was born to Manuel and Maria Gomez in January 1950. One of 10 children, he lived in Mexico until coming to the United States in 1956. He worked in construction and as a mechanic. Oscar married Christina (Berber) in July 1969. Together they raised three children: Maria, Jose and Orlinda. In his retirement he enjoyed his family, carpentry, fishing and the Dallas Cowboys. Oscar was preceded in death by a brother and sister and his great-grandson.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years; his children; 12 grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren; two brothers and six sisters. Memorial service, was Monday at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Ephraim E. Archuleta

Ephraim E. Archuleta, 25, of Brighton, died Feb. 25. He was born Oct. 24, 1988, the youngest of three boys born to Joseph and Ann (Pastore) Archuleta. He graduated from Brighton High School in 2007 and continued his education at Community College of Denver. He married Kelsey Schlosser on Dec. 21, 2012. For the past five years, he had been working for ATP Oil Field Services and previously for Quality Paving. In his free time he was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He also loved riding his motorcycle.

Ephraim was well liked and loved by everyone he knew. He was a hardworking, loving husband and father who always remained calm and steady and was a devoted son, grandson and son-inlaw. Survivors include his wife, Kelsey; daughter, Elise, both of Brighton; parents Joseph and Ann Archuleta of Snyder; paternal grandparents Jose and Patricia Archuleta, of Brighton; maternal grandparents Esther Pastore of Denver; brothers Francisco (Nicole) Archuleta and Joseph (Emily Childers) Archuleta, both of Brighton. Visitation, 5-8 p.m. today at Tabor-Rice Funeral Home. Funeral service, 1 p.m. Friday at Brighton United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Elise J.Archuleta Donation Fund, c/o Wells Fargo Bank, 15 S. Main St., Brighton, CO 80601. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Brighton Banner

March 6, 2014

Ralston Valley ends Brighton playoff run

By Michelle Boyer for The Banner The Lady Bulldogs fell hard last week in the second round game of the Class 5A girls’ basketball playoff game against Ralston Valley, 73-37. “It was definitely not what we expected,” Brighton Coach Dan Doehler said. “Ralston Valley came out the first period with three 3pointers right off the bat. They had very good shooters and were able to take some down. They just took advantage of their speed, their youth and really got to us early which, in the end, paid dividends as you could tell.” Doehler said the team’s strength of schedule played a part in the outcome of the playoffs. “Our East Metro Athletic Conference games toward the end of the year didn’t help us,” he said. “We’re playing a lot of ‘cupcake’ teams in our league, which obviously don’t help us when we’re in the playoffs, because we’re not seasoned enough to handle some of their pressure and talent with the teams in the playoffs. We’re beating teams by 40-, 50-plus points in the EMAC league play. We’re not seeing teams in the Jeffco or Centennial leagues.” Doehler said the team’s fourth seed was a huge

Tavia Weis (33) and Brielle Brady advance the ball against Ashley Van Sickle of Ralston Valley during Brighton’s Class 5A playoff game FriMichelle Boyer day. At right, Brady and Weis guard Morgan Nishida. accomplishment for the athletes this season. Compared to last year’s playoff appearance, of playing an eight- and nine-seed game, he said this season’s team was more accomplished. “We worked hard to get to this point in the season,” he

said. “As a fourth seed, you just are going to get a good fifth seed team to play against. With our kids we were able to win league and be in that position.” “We came out flat in the first quarter and had a tough time coming back in Friday’s

game,” shooting guard Tavia Weis said. The 5-foot-6, sophomore has been playing basketball for five years. “This season we went 17-8, won the Boulder Valley Invitational, took a trip to Orlando, Fla., where we took runner-up in a tournament going 2-1, and won a league championship,” she said. “We had some close games; some bad losses, but most importantly we had an unforgettable season. “This year we had six seniors who left behind a legacy. We have three returning varsity players: Kayla Michel,

Sidney Potestio and me.” Weis said the team will continue to work hard. Summer and fall league play will help bring up the youth of Brighton High School. “I’m very excited for the future of the program,” she said. Weis has made 31 total points this season with 10 assists and 19 rebounds. Besides the three returning athletes next year, Doehler said two sophomores will step in and play for the team. “The six seniors are irreplaceable and have set the tone for the team,” Doehler said.

first 14 games were on the road. As a coaching staff we were proud and felt the team accomplished its goals.” Of course, Haskell said, it would’ have been nice to be in the playoffs, but said the team never called that a goal for the season. “We just had the goal of getting better each day,” he said. In his inaugural year, Haskell felt it was good overall, and he expected it would be hard to change a culture and have a lot of success in the first year. “Not a lot of tradition has been established, and it’s not what we’re talking about having,” he said. “It doesn’t turn around overnight. The team’s year lived up to my expectation and I’m excited. We need to win more than eight games next year, and I believe we will.” Six seniors will depart the Bulldogs this year, with four playing a lot on the court. “They were a big part of what we were doing this season,” he said. “It is tough to lose that commitment. Michael Willis has a lot of raw athleticism, and I’ve never coached someone with that talent. There are more great athletes in Toby Heidt and Nate Morales.”

Haskell said the good news is six athletes received significant playing time this season and will return next year. “We played a lot of kids routinely in a game, and always had 12 kids out there, with a lot of depth,” he said. Haskell feels the tough schedule, with the first 14 games on the road, was tough on the team. He said the team played a lot of good teams, such as Fossil Ridge, Monarch and Horizon: a lot of teams who reached the final 32. He never considered the EMAC las tough competition. He’s confirmed a bunch of teams for his schedule next season, and said there won’t be as many tournaments. “Games will be tougher next year, and will be more spaced out with more home games than away games,” Haskell said. “Our initial hope is to get prepared for the playoffs.” The Brighton team will rest during March and will start open-gym practice April 1 with spring leagues and summer camps/tournaments. Although the team loses six athletes to graduation, Haskell said the team has a good group of juniors for next year.

BHS boys’ coach: Better than record shows By Michelle Boyer for The Banner Despite the Bulldogs’ 8-15 overall record and 5-4 East

Metro Athletic Conference record, Brighton boys’ basketball Coach Eli Haskell is pleased.

“Overall our season was better than our record showed,” he said. “The kids had to overcome a lot. The