Arvada Press 1228 by Colorado Community Media

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DECEMBER 28, 2017

A publication of

LEATHER AND LACES: Time to sharpen up the skates P16

JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO

SO FUN TO SEE SANTA

Brian Barrett visits with Santa at the Apex PRD Therapeutic Recreation Department night with Santa held at Indian Tree Golf Course. People visiting Santa ranged in age from 4 to 40. COURTESY PHOTO

INSIDE

TIME TO TALK: We kick off ongoing coverage on the impact of mental illness and efforts to bring it into the light P7-9

PAWFECT PRESENTS: Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office and animal shelter team up for festive furry fun P4

VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 24 | SPORTS: PAGE 26

ArvadaPress.com

VOLUME 13 | ISSUE 31

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December 28, 2017D

Five questions with Roger and Eric Johnson Father and son financial advisers

search in what they’re doing. Part of our job as financial advisers is to maximize returns for our clients. Red Rocks has some very strong programs where you can start there and move on to other colleges. Dollar for dollar, they’re probably the best value in town. I love to support Arvada and the West Metro Area. Red Rocks in a natural fit for that. And we very much need more people in this industry — more people to look at this as a career. Roger: We believe a great deal in community involvement and giving back to the community in many ways. So, we felt it would be appropriate to have the scholarship here at Red Rocks.

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

What do you do at PBS Wealth Management Consultants? Roger: I’m president and founder of PBS and we’re celebrating our 40th anniversary this year. The firm was built on the concept to help individuals, small businesses and 501(c)3 companies to put money in the context of life, their values, what their vision is of the rich life and help them build that or retain that. Since founding of the company, my position is continually working my individual clients — some of the them are second or third generation. We are fortunate enough to have now added an office in Grand Junction, Colorado. Eric: Most of our clients are looking toward retirement. But we do have businesses with different needs and goals. We help people identify those goals. It’s a relational business, not a transactional business.

What are some standouts over the past 40 years in business? Eric: When I first started here in the mid `90s, I remember talking to a guy from Fidelity Funds. And the Fidelity Magellan Fund at that time was the largest mutual fund out there. It had a huge track record and yet the average investor in that portfolio lost money and weren’t really ahead. Because they would invest with their feelings and gut instead of rational thought, they would wait until things got really high and buy in and when then turned south, they

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Roger and Eric Johnson are the father-son team heading PBS Wealth Management Consultants. SHANNA FORTIER would get out. They would allow their emotions to dictate their decision making. So with all this technology out there, now people are less likely to make those decisions along the way. But there was just a study done saying that even with all the technology, when getting sound advice from a financial adviser, you are more likely to reach your goals and have better outcome than doing it yourself and relying on technology. Roger: Technology has made available for us all sorts of information. I think we have embraced that in our firm. We have a total open architecture format. What that means in terms of investments is we have access to all basic investments out there. We can pick and choose what best in our opinion works for that client. Then the technology allows for some of the best and brightens portfolio strategists to be integrated into a smaller individual plan.

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How is PBS celebrating 40 years? Eric: We’re doing a number of things. Part of it is going back and reflecting where we’ve been, what we’ve done and celebrating that with our families and friends and associated. Earlier this fall, we had a big gala with our clients. That was a special moment for me. We’re also realizing what’s changed. This has been very much a male-dominated industry over the years. My father and his generation were the initial financial planners. They were very much the pioneers in the industry. So, when I came on close to 20 years ago, I was the next generation. Now I’m quickly realizing I’m transitioning from the younger generation to the older generation. But it’s still been a very

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male-dominated industry. Part of our forward thinking is starting a mentorship program for female advisers. We’re also realizing that this industry as a whole, there are not a lot of people coming into it. People are thinking technology will solve it — robo advisers. It’s getting harder to find good qualified people who can do this work. So, we also started a scholarship program at Red Rocks Community Colleges. We’re trying to encourage people to look at this industry, because it is a very rewarding industry to be in. People do far better when they have professional financial advice. And I don’t think that message is getting out there enough.

Why do you want to partner with Red Rocks Community College to open a scholarship? Eric: I’ve got a son at Red Rocks, so I’ve spent a fair amount of time doing re-

Do you have any financial planning advice for the community? Eric: My best advice is it’s never too early to start. Its’ never too late to start. The biggest part is you need to have a plan. And you want to have contingency plans. Things do not always go according to plans. Layoffs happen. Kids happen. And you have to have backups. And it’s always good to have an extra set of eyes checking it out. The younger you can start, the better you’ll be in the long run. Roger: Some simple axioms I can say is that people do not plan to fail, they fail to plan. Another one is if you don’t know where you are, how can you know where you’re going. Both of those concepts are very important when it comes to planning. Another thing that’s so important for young people and is often overlooked is the greatest advantage they have is time — the earlier you start, they faster you can accumulate and the less you have to save.

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Arvada Press 3

December 28, 2017

Realtor group names Kraft-Tharp legislator of year Arvada, Westminster rep has advanced understanding of regulatory issues that affect industry, association says STAFF REPORT

Consistent support of issues important to Realtors has earned Rep. Tracy Kraft-Tharp the honor of 2017 Legislator of the Year from the Colorado Association of Realtors. Rep. Matt Gray also received the award, which is given to Colorado legislators who have put effort into legislative efforts that support homeownership.

Kraft-Tharp represents Arvada and Westminster in District 29. She is completing her third two-year term in the state House. She is the chair of the Business Affairs and Labor Committee and serves on the Legislative Audit Committee. With her experience in business regulation and economic development issues, Kraft-Tharp has an advanced understanding of the regulatory is-

sues that critically affect the real estate industry, according to the Colorado Association of Realtors. She has also been a steadfast backer of many pieces of Realtor-supported legislation such Kraft-Tharp as construction litigation reform, first-time homebuyer savings accounts and wildfire mitigation tax deductions. Gray is a former deputy district attorney. He was elected in 2016 to represent Broomfield, Superior and Erie residents in House District 33.

He is completing his first two-year term in the state House and sits on the Finance, Local Government and Business Affairs and Labor committees. Last year, Gray was the prime sponsor of the Division of Real Estate Sunset bill and a clear supporter of construction litigation reform. “Rep. Kraft-Tharp and Rep. Gray have consistently supported issues important to Realtors,” said Colorado Association of Realtors Chair Ann Hayes. “Both of these legislators have enhanced the ability of Coloradans to achieve the American dream of homeownership.”

The Provisions Most Detrimental to Home Ownership Aren’t in Final Tax Bill In my Dec. 7th column, I sounded the alarm about some provisions of the House and Senate tax bills which were particularly detrimental to the real estate market. Well, lobbyists from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) swung into action, and the worst of those provisions are not in the final conference committee bill — even though some of them were in both the Senate and House versions. The greatest sigh of relief was heard when the exemption from capital gains on the sale of one’s primary residence (up to $500,000) was retained for sellers who have lived in their homes more than two but less than five years prior to selling their home. Both versions of the tax bill had increased the qualifying period to five of the past eight years, affecting nearly 20% of potential sellers. That would likely have further exacerbated the current shortage of active listings. Despite the fact that both the House and Senate versions had that provision, the conference committee, whose job it is to reconcile different provisions, got rid of this one. We can probably credit the lobbying by NAR, supported by over 300,000 emails and phone calls made by NAR members like myself. There is no better example of the way NAR serves not only its members but also the industry as a whole and the general public in the protection of property rights. Those real

estate agents who choose not to join a brokerage firm like Golden Real Estate, where every agent is a Realtor, should consider that NAR is serving their interests, too. Indeed, those non-dues-paying nonRealtors benefit from the dues paid by us Realtors. Come on, agents! NAR deserves your support, too. The mortgage interest tax deduction was saved entirely, unless your mortgage is in excess of $750,000. The current limit is $1 million. This change won’t affect many taxpayers in Jefferson County the way it will, say, in Aspen. Mortgage interest is also deductible on second home mortgages up to the same limit. The deductibility of state income taxes and local property taxes is another matter. The limit is $10,000 on these taxes combined. Thus, if you owe $10,000 in income taxes and $5,000 in property taxes (which includes, by the way, the ownership tax on your cars), only $10,000 of that $15,000 will be deductible for tax year 2018, compared to all of it being deductible for 2017. Don’t forget that the limit applies to all taxes paid during 2018, so if you make estimated tax payments during 2018, those are added to what you pay with your 2017 state return in April. The combination could easily push you over the $10,000 limit. For this reason, it may make sense for you to pre-pay your state income tax (postmarked by Dec. 31st), in excess of what you’ll owe in

Reader Asks: Why Do Property Taxes Vary So Much? One of my readers recently asked why property taxes vary so much, particularly since the state constitution requires that all property taxes be based on full valuation based on actual sales of comparable homes, as determined by the county assessors. Briefly, the biggest discrepancy is between residential and non-residential property tax. Let’s say you buy a lot valued by the assessor at $200,000. Until that lot has a house on it, the assessed valuation is 29% of $200,000, or $58,000. At 100 mills, (which is about average), the annual tax on that vacant land would be $5,800. Now let’s say you build a house on the lot, increasing the market value by an additional $200,000, for a total of $400,000. Because

it’s now considered a residential parcel, the assessed valuation is only 7.2% of $400,000, or $28,800. At 100 mills, the annual tax on that residential parcel would be only $2,880. Lowering taxes by increasing value seems kind of counterintuitive, doesn’t it? The other big discrepancy is in new subdivisions where the developer has created a “metropolitan tax district” which issues 30year bonds to pay for infrastructure work – sewers, sidewalks, streets, water lines, etc. To pay off those bonds, a 30-year mill levy, typically about 50 mills, is assessed to the parcels in that subdivision. If the usual tax is 100 mills, that’s a 50% increase in property taxes compared to homes not in that tax district.

April. Then have the excess applied to your 2018 taxes instead of being refunded to you. Mind you, I am speaking as a layman, not as any kind of tax advisor, based solely on my understanding of what I have read in the coverage of the tax bill and what my tax accountant has told me. I heard on National Public Radio that, according to the Washington Post, 83% of the tax benefits go to the top 1%, and only 17% of the tax benefits go to the rest of us. One way the top 1% will benefit from the new tax bill is from an all new tax deduction of 20% of “pass-through income” from certain entities, including S corporations and LLC’s. I’m told, however, that middle class people can also take advantage of that deduction to save a significant amount on their taxes. I’m advising my broker associates to create such entities instead of being paid directly by Golden Real Estate. And, because our brokerage is an S Corporation, our tax accountant is telling Rita and me that we can expect to have over $50,000 of next year’s income go un-taxed — money that would have been taxable under 2017 law. Again, this is second-hand information from a layman (me), and it is certainly possible that it is not entirely accurate. Therefore, I encourage you to consult your own tax advisor to

see what specific tax avoidance steps you should take. The only action you might need to take today, as mentioned above is the prepayment of state income tax, and maybe property tax, if it is not escrowed and paid by your mortgage lender. In other good news for real estate owners, the 1031 tax deferral program for income properties was not eliminated. In an earlier column I said that the $7,500 tax credit for purchasing electric vehicles was killed in both the House and Senate versions of the tax bill, but lo and behold, the conference committee deleted all mention of that tax credit in the final tax bill, meaning that it remains in place. It has been speculated that the big automobile companies like GM, which are just now getting into making electric cars, are probably responsible for preserving the credit. The tax credit applies only to the first 200,000 EVs sold by a manufacturer, so its retention is less significant for Tesla and Nissan, which are already approaching that limit.

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December 28, 2017D

Comfortable dogs and cats Tiffany Hurst, of the Foothills Animal Shelter, hangs out with adoptable dog, Bella, who is enjoying a new dog bed made by inmates at the Jefferson County Jail.

Adoptable dog, Harry, a beagle mix, was one of many dogs at the Foothills Animal shelter to recieve treats and dog beds from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. The dog bed making program is one of several inmate education programs at the county jail. PHOTOS BY SHANNA FORTIER

Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader delivered treats and dog beds to the Foothills Animal Shelter in Golden Dec. 20.

New inmate program provides bedding to shelter animals BY CHRISTY STEADMAN CSTEADMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Since September, inmates housed at the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office have been working on a project that the Foothills Animal Shelter considers to be kind and generous. “They’re doing something that helps another living being have a better quality of life,” said Richard Eveleigh, executive director of the animal shelter. “That’s a very selfless thing to do.” The new inmate program is a partnership between the sheriff ’s office and the animal shelter. Inmates take old and/ or unusable jail uniforms and linens and turn them into a pet bed, which are then donated to the animal shelter. “It shows what can be achieved when different organizations work together for the good of the community,” Eveleigh said. Bedding is one of the highest, ongoing needs at the shelter, said Christi Norfleet, the animal shelter’s director of development and community engagement. The shelter cares for about

‘It shows what can be achieved when different organizations work together for the good of the community.’ Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader gives a treat to Bella, a longhair Chihuahua up for adoption at the Foothills Animal Shelter. 9,000 animals every year, Norfleet said. There will always be a need for the beds, she added. “Every single day our animals need clean bedding,” Norfleet said. “This is an extra piece of comfort for the animals in our care.” About 40 beds have been delivered since the program began, and on Dec. 20, Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader and his deputies delivered about 30 more. The beds are durable and are all different shapes and sizes, Norfleet said. They’re

primarily for dogs, but if they can accommodate a cat, they’ll be used for them, also, she added. The beds started off as basic, checkerboard patterns, Norfleet said, but as the inmates are getting more experience making them, they’re now including cute, decorative designs. The program “is something good for the animals,” Shrader said, and it “repurposes something that would otherwise go to the landfill.” And more so, it helps inmates be productive while

Richard Eveleigh Executive Director, Foothills Animal Shelter they’re in jail, he said. The pet bed program is one of many jobs that inmates can do while serving their time in jail, Shrader said. The jobs range from kitchen work, such as preparing meals, to laundry or other cleaning tasks; and shoveling snow to tending to the jail’s ground’s gardens. About 200 inmates do these jobs, Shrader said. They are selected through a classification system based on

behavior, he added. Providing inmates with an opportunity to do these jobs helps them with discipline, focus and work ethic — the intangible things that employers look for, Shrader said. “The hope is they can be productive once they get out,” Shrader added. “If somebody can learn those things along the way, I think that’s beneficial.” The animal control officers also deserve recognition for the work they do for the safety and well-being for the animals in the community, Eveleigh said. “They’re the ones in the field every day. They’re the ones who are most in tune with the homeless, lost and vulnerable animals in the community,” Eveleigh said. “We couldn’t do the work we do without them.” Foothills Animal Shelter has a variety of community partners, Norfleet said. And each of them is valued, she added. “Happy pets make happy families,” Norfleet said. And when pets are happy, “they are able to demonstrate their readiness for a forever home.”

Arvada Press 5

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December 28, 2017D

Jeffco public schools earn 45 CMAS-based academic awards STAFF REPORT

CALM AFTER THE STORM

Thirty-five district schools earned 45 academic awards from the Colorado Department of Education based on 2016-17 Colorado Measures of Academic Success results. “I am so proud of these schools and all their accomplishments. Schools in Jeffco brought home recognition for high academic performance, high academic growth, and for closing achievement gaps and giving all our students an opportunity to succeed,” said Dr. Jason Glass, superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools. “The number of awards for this year was even higher than the year before and exceeded our expectations. Hats off to the staff and students working in Jeffco Public Schools!” Two Jeffco schools received the Center of Excellence Award this year: Pennington Elementary and Kullerstrand Elementary. This award recognizes Colorado public schools that enroll a student population of which at least 75 percent are at-risk pupils and that demonstrate the highest rates of student longitudinal growth, as measured by the Colorado Growth Model. The John Irwin Schools of Excellence Award is given to schools that demonstrate excellent academic achievement over time with exceptional performance in math, English language arts, and science. There are 27 Jeffco schools that received the award this year, including: D’Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School, Deer Creek Middle School, Dennison Elementary School, Devinny Elementary School, Fairmount Elementary School, Jefferson Academy, Jefferson Academy High School, Manning Option School, Marshdale Elementary School, Meiklejohn Elementary School, Mitchell Elementary School, Parmalee Elementary School, Ralston Elementary School, Ralston Valley

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‘Schools in Jeffco brought home recognition for high academic performance, high academic growth, and for closing achievement gaps and giving all our students an opportunity to succeed.’

Dr. Jason Glass, Superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools High School, West Woods Elementary School and Westridge Elementary School. The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award is given to schools that demonstrate exceptional student growth. There are 15 Jeffco schools that received the award this year, exceeding expectations on the academic achievement indicator. Those schools include: Dennison Elementary School, Meiklejohn Elementary School, Parmalee Elementary School, Prospect Valley Elementary School, Vivian Elementary School and Warder Elementary School. Additionally, Evergreen High School received the High School Academic Growth Award. This award recognizes high schools that demonstrate the highest levels of students’ academic growth in reading, writing, and math, within each classification used by the statewide association for high school activities for the sport of football.

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Arvada Press 7

December 28, 2017

‘Our health is intrinsically tied to mental health — a state of well-being involving our thoughts, emotions and behaviors that supports our ability to participate in life and accomplish our goals. Kelly Kast, Jefferson Center for Public Health

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID GILBERT / STEVEN WEINMEISTER

A Shared

Story

Mental illness sparks community conversation, collaboration Stories by Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ne in five adults nationally and in Colorado lives with a mental illness. The number is the same for young people 13 to 18 years old. Mental health experts have found no one is immune from society’s fast-paced, competitive, technology-driven environment. Stressors of work, pressure of academics, the emotional unrest caused by social media — combined with the stigma associated with mental illness and high costs of insurance and treatment — make it difficult to achieve a positive state of mental health, they say. “We just need to normalize that all of us have small or large, or a different variety of, behavioral health problems,” said Dr. Kaan Ozbayrak, chief medical officer at AllHealth Network, which provides behavioral health services to Douglas and Arapahoe counties. “It is as normal as having diabetes or high blood pressure. We should be talking about it more.” Kelly Kast with the Jefferson Center for Public Health, serving Jefferson County, agrees. “Our health is intrinsically tied to mental health — a state of well-being involving our thoughts, emotions and behaviors that supports our ability to participate in life and accomplish our goals,” Kast said. Among mental illnesses, two are most commonly diagnosed: Nearly 42 million Americans live with anxiety disorders, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports. About 16 million adults live with major depression, also the leading cause of disability worldwide. NAMI calculates that depression costs $193.2 billion in lost

This week, we begin ongoing coverage of the state of mental health in Colorado and the barriers that can prevent needed care. We will look at how mental health challenges and illnesses affect our communities. With one in five Coloradans living with mental illness, it’s truly time to talk. earnings every year. In Colorado, the number of suicides jumped from 910 cases in 2011 to 1,058 in 2014. Colorado’s suicide rate that year was 19.4 per 100,000 residents, the seventh highest in the country, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reports. Mental illness doesn’t have to be fatal, said Andrew Romanoff, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, an organization that advocates for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental health and substance-use disorders. “We are trying to help more people understand that mental illness is not a character flaw or a figment of imagination, it’s a medical condition,” Romanoff said. “Mental illness doesn’t have to be a death sentence — it’s treatable.”

8 Arvada Press

December 28, 2017D

Campaigns fight stigma that follows mental illness Efforts seek to define mental health in a positive way

an Jackson was at dinner with a colleague when he felt the onset of a panic attack. So he took a Xanax, prescribed by his psychiatrist to calm him. When his colleague’s tone of voice and facial expression changed as he questioned him about the medication, Jackson felt like he was being judged. “The stigma is, `There is something wrong with that person, they are on medication,’ ” Jackson, 43, said. A former English as a Second Language teacher, Jackson has a master’s degree in English. He likes to travel. He taught English in South Korea. He also is among the one in five adults in America with a mental illness. As a child, he was diagnosed with dysthymia, described as a chronic and mild form of depression, and more recently with other issues linked to his childhood. To focus on his mental health, Jackson stopped teaching and moved in with his mother in Aurora. He sees a psychiatrist once a week for an hour. He helps out at his father’s business and does part-time jobs every so often. He doesn’t know if he will teach again, but he has plans to move into his own place within the month. “There are things you can do, there is help out there,” Jackson said. “I was at a hopeless point, but now I don’t feel hopeless.” Jackson also is at a point where he feels comfortable talking about his mental illness and reaching out for help. But mental health experts say many others in similar situations are not receiving the treatment they need because they are embarrassed, ashamed or feel guilty about letting others know they are struggling mentally. Stigma ‘is deep’ “If you were to break your arm, you would retell the story in detail,” said Patti Boyd, manager of strategic partnerships of Tri-County Health Department, a public health agency that provides services to Douglas, Arapahoe and Adams counties. “When there is a mental health issue, people just don’t want to talk about it.” To combat the stigma of mental illness, Tri-County launched a campaign in May called “Let’s Talk Colorado.” Rather than just addressing

Dan Jackson calls his mental health a lifelong journey. He has been diagnosed with dysthymia, described as a chronic and mild form of depression and, more recently, with other issues linked to his childhood. He manages his mental health challenges by seeing a therapist once a week for an hour and expressing his feelings to the people closest to him. COURTESY PHOTO

NEED HELP? More about the statewide Let’s Talk campaign is available at http:// letstalkco.org/. To learn more about the Jeﬀerson Center for Mental Health, visit www.jcmh.org. The Jeﬀerson Center for Mental Health’s emergency line, available 24/7, is 303-425-0300. Colorado Crisis Services, 1-844-4938255, can also provide help at any time. To reach the suicide hotline, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255. mental illness, the campaign promotes mental health as a state of well-being and balance in people’s thoughts and behaviors, Boyd said. The goal is to make mental health a collective focus for all of Colorado so that people with mental health issues will seek treatment. “People know there is care but they don’t seek it because they don’t want people to know that they are having a mental health issue,” Boyd said. “The level of stigmatizing language that we aren’t aware of is so deep.” The statewide campaign is part of a growing trend of efforts to fight stigma. Mental Health Colorado is building a statewide network of advocates to improve mental health care called Brain Wave. The

national campaign MakeItOk. org clarifies on its website what a mental illness is and is not, provides a questionnaire asking users if they participate in stigmatic behaviors and tells the stories of people who have felt the effects of stigma. “My family and friends thought my depression and possible bipolar episodes were all in my head,” a woman named Andrea shares on the MakeItOk website. “They didn’t understand why I had trouble getting out of bed or why I cried so much. I was just `oversensitive.’ ” Andrew Romanoff, president and CEO of Mental Health Colorado, is using the organization’s website to reduce stigma. Mentalhealthcolorado. org has dozens of stories from people who have experienced mental illness in themselves or in a person close to them. Sharing stories is a “powerful way to demystify mental illness,” Romanoff said. “What we are tackling here is not some exotic disease that is confined to a tiny fraction of the population,” he said. “Mental illness touches every single family in Colorado and our story bank reflects that.” Research shows that stigma campaigns are effective. Using a grant from the Colorado Health Foundation, Tri-County Health requested a

study from Frameworks Institute, an independent nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C., on how the public communicates about mental health. “We are excited to have been able to do this work and start this conversation in Colorado in a meaningful way,” Boyd said. “We can do this better, we have evidence.” In the study, a team of Ph.D. researchers interviewed at length 10 mental health experts and 10 residents of Douglas, Arapahoe and Adams counties on their perceptions of mental health. Participants acknowledged that people with mental illness should not be stigmatized, which is a “testament to the success of stigma campaigns,” said Moira O’Neil, director of research interpretation and application at Frameworks Institute. But “while they can explicitly say `no, people with mental health should not be stigmatized,’ when they talk about mental health issues, there is an `otherizing’ process that ends in stigmatization,” O’Neil said. That means the language used in conversation indicates “I am normal” and “that person is not.” The study — which TriCounty will use as a tool and model for communicating about mental health — found that people struggle to talk about mental health as a positive state that everyone has and requires support for, O’Neil said. ‘A positive definition’ of mental health The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines mental health as emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel and act. It helps determine how individuals handle stress, relate to others and make choices. And “it is important at every stage of life,” the department of health and human services says. The problem is that experts and individuals do not use that positive definition enough, O’Neil said. “The public does not have access to a positive definition of mental health,” she said. “It is something that they struggle to talk about beyond mental health being the absence of disease.” In therapy over the past three years, Jackson has developed self-acceptance and resilience. His therapist has helped him work through issues he has struggled with since childhood. His mother’s support and care has helped him open up about how he is feeling. He

HOW TO TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Let’s Talk Colorado, launched in May, is a statewide campaign created by Tri-County Health Department and other partner organizations to combat the stigma of mental illness. In English and Spanish, Letstalkco.org defines mental health and stigma, as well as provides links to local and b statewide resources. f The campaign also provides tips on p how to talk about mental health, I such as: f • Be nice. • Keep in contact. p • Oﬀer help. a • Listen. t • Keep the conversation moving. • Don’t ignore it. b MakeItOk.org is a national h campaign to combat the stigma a of mental illness. On its website, b visitors can learn about mental p illness, answer a questionnaire e on stigmatic behaviors and read o about individual experiences with stigma. b The campaign provides resources n that can be used to teach, share, learn and speak about mental w illness and stigma. Below are s phrases the campaign recomh mends to use and to avoid when s discussing mental health. Try saying: j • “Thanks for opening up to me.” i • “How can I help?” h • “I’m sorry to hear that. It must be t tough.” r • “I’m here for you when you need t me.” • “I can’t imagine what you’re going A through.” w • “People do get better.” s • “Can I drive you to an appointh ment?” t • “How are you feeling today?” • “I love you.” C Avoid saying: • “It could be worse.” p • “Just deal with it.” a • “Snap out of it.” • “Everyone feels that way sometimes.” • “You may have brought this on yourself.” • “We’ve all been there.” • “You’ve got to pull yourself together.” • “Maybe try thinking happier thoughts.” said he now recognizes that the pain his mental illness causes does not mean there is something wrong with him. But he still finds it difficult to explain his mental health challenges to his “ bestest of friends with the biggest hearts.” More awareness, education and empathy around mental illness is needed, he said. “We should listen to everyone because you don’t know what people are going through — that’s the bottom line,” Jackson said. “It could be anyone.”

Arvada Press 9

December 28, 2017

‘If people are in crisis, they shouldn’t have to wait’ Cost of treatment often gets in the way of care BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Jo Ann Mahoney, 34, used to be insured by Medicaid, the federal public health insurance program for low-income people. It allowed her to see a therapist for depression and anxiety. Therapy, she said, was a safe place for her to discuss her life and struggles as a mother of three young children. The therapist, Christianbased and in private practice, helped her work through, among other issues dating back to her childhood, the pre-partum depression she was experiencing before the birth of her third child. Her therapist was available by phone or text whenever she needed to talk. “He let me say whatever I wanted,” without judgment, she said. “He was a father himself, so he had an understanding.” Then her husband switched jobs. His company covers his insurance but not hers, and he makes too much for her to qualify for Medicaid. The result: She can no longer afford to see a therapist. “There are so many of us Americans all over the country where it’s the same story,” she said. “We make too much to get help but not enough to be able to afford it.” Cost can be prohibitive Nationwide, 28.2 million people, or 10.4 percent, under age 65 are uninsured, accord-

When she no longer qualified for Medicaid, Jo Ann Mahoney was forced to look for other ways to manage her mental health challenges. Today, she confides in close friends and attends support groups for moms. ing to a 2016 National Health Interview Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of the insured, 65 percent have private insurance and 26.3 percent have public health insurance, which includes Medicaid and Medicare, which insures people 65 and older. Signed into law by President Barack Obama in 2010, the Affordable Care Act — according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — has provided one of the largest expansions of mental health and substance use disorder coverage in a generation, by requiring that most individual and small employer health insurance plans cover mental health and substance use disorder services. To Patti Boyd of Tri-County Health Department, the current administration’s unsuccessful attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act show how important mental health care coverage and public engage-

ment on the issue are to the country’s citizens. “If people are in a crisis, they shouldn’t have to wait,” said Boyd, manager of strategic partnerships for the public agency that serves Douglas, Arapahoe and Adams counties. The Medicaid expansion portion of the Affordable Care Act helped the Jefferson Center for Mental Health serve more people, said Kiara Kuenzler, the chief operating officer and vice president of clinical services at Jefferson Center for Mental Health. If the Affordable Care Act is repealed, it could result in funding cuts and a huge gap with being able to provide services to tens of thousands of people locally, according to Kuenzler. “It would impact the whole country,” Kuenzler said. “We certainly are concerned about the people that could lose access to Medicaid.” For those who have no health insurance — and even for some who do — the cost of mental health services can be prohibitive. A Google search of several private counseling and therapy services in the Denver area shows a price of $60 to $200 per session without insurance. Some private practices take insurance or have a sliding scale, where cost is dependent on the client’s income. Oftentimes, finding those practices takes some searching. Individuals insured by Medicaid in Colorado have access to behavioral health services in each county, which are listed at www.colorado.gov/pacific/ hcpf/behavioral-health-organizations. Even with commercial insurance coverage, the wait

for mental health services can be lengthy, said Dr. William Henricks, CEO of AllHealth Network, which provides behavioral health services for Douglas and Arapahoe counties. Because of the amount of time it takes to find a specialist and get authorization from a health insurer for the mental health service, “you may have to wait 60 days to see a psychiatrist,” he said. The process, he said, can be frustrating. No guarantee of care But having insurance doesn’t mean it’s always easy to access needed care. Finding a health care provider that takes health care insurance is one reason some 60 million Americans with mental illness don’t get the treatment they need, National Alliance on Mental Illness found in a recent study titled “The Doctor is Out,” which looks at disparities in access to mental and physical health care. In a nationwide online survey of 3,177 individuals, more than half of respondents who looked for a new mental health provider in the last year contacted psychiatrists who were not accepting new patients or who did not accept their insurance. A third of respondents reported difficulty finding any mental health prescriber who would accept their insurance. “When people cannot find a provider, many have to go out-of-network and pay high out-of-pocket costs, including co-pays,” NAMI reports. “When people face higher out-of-pocket costs, it may lead to them seeking less care — or going without any care at all.” SEE CRISIS, P10

BY THE NUMBERS: HEALTH INSURANCE IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

59.7

percent of residents are covered by employersponsored insurance.

13.8

percent of residents are covered by Medicare.

percent of residents are covered by Medicaid or Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+).

8.6

percent of residents are covered by individual insurance.

2.8

percent of residents are uninsured. Source: Colorado Health Institute

MENTAL HEALTH IN U.S.

in 5

Adults in the U.S. who experience a mental illness.

in 25

Adults in the U.S. who live with a serious mental illness.

Connecting the dots for treatment proves challenging 10.2

million

BY ALEX DEWIND ADEWIND@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Knowing whom to call or where to go for mental health care can be daunting and overwhelming. “When you are mentally ill,” said William Henricks, CEO of AllHealth Network, which provides mental health services to Arapahoe and Douglas counties, “it is very difficult to connect the dots.” Fragmentation of mental health services is an obstacle everywhere, Henricks said, even within the two counties in AllHealth’s network. That means healthcare providers are available, but they aren’t working together to make treatment more accessible to and easier for the patient. An example is a therapist who doesn’t accept insurance and doesn’t know where to refer a patient. Or when a primary care doctor makes a referral but doesn’t follow up with the patient.

“We need to work together, collaboratively,” Henricks said. “The challenges are so big that no one organization can do it on its own.” Mental health treatment can include therapy, hospitalization, case management, support groups and alternative medicine, according to Mental Health America. Within those categories are specialists, ranging from a certified alcohol and drug abuse counselor to a family therapist to a licensed professional counselor. A major challenge complicating the fractured service structure is a shortage of psychologists in Colorado and across the country, said Dr. Kaan Ozbayrak, chief medical officer at AllHealth Network. For every 1,000 residents in Colorado, there is less than one behavioral health employee, according to numbers provided by Mental Health Colorado, a mental health advocacy organization. Behavioral health employees include clinical social

workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists. “We do not have enough workers to take care of everyone that needs us,” Ozbayrak said. AllHealth is piloting a service in the next couple of months that would allow primary care doctors to refer patients to one of AllHealth’s nine locations that provide behavioral health therapy and counseling services for all ages. “We have to make it easier for people to access care when they need help,” Henricks said. For Andrew Romanoff, president and CEO of the advocacy organization Mental Health Colorado, integrating mental health care and primary care in one place rather than separating the two makes sense. “Right now you go to one place to treat your body and another place to treat your head,” Romanoff said. “But it turns out your body is connected to your head.”

Adults who have co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders.

percent

Those who die by suicide who have an underlying mental illness. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.

percent

Adults with a mental illness who didn’t receive mental health services in the previous year. Sources: National Alliance on Mental Illness, National Mental Health Association

10 Arvada Press

December 28, 2017D

Coalition submits plans for 59 acres at Fed Center Plans include temporary, long-term housing options for homeless BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The fate of 59 undeveloped acres near the Federal Center in Lakewood is being considered by the Department of Health and Human Services after the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless submitted an application on Dec. 26 to take ownership of the property. The department has 10 days from the 26th to review the application, and if approved, the coalition has a further 45 days to submit a full plan, which would include everything from uses of the land to a financial plan to pay for the land, and to develop it. “Things are still up in the air while we wait to hear what the final determination will be,” said Cathy Alderman, vice president of communications and public policy with the coalition, which advocates for and provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services — such as medical treatment and child care services — to improve the health, well-being and stability of homeless residents. “It’s a process that’s moving fast, and until we know more, it’s hard to provide specific an-

TO LEARN MORE For more information on the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, and to contact the group, visit www.coloradocoalition.org/ swers. But, by mid January, we should know more.” In the meantime, coalition staff are starting outreach to the city. They’ve met with Mayor Adam Paul and the councilmembers for the ward the property is in — Ward 1’s Ramey Johnson and Charley Able. If the application is denied, the coalition will consider an appeal through the courts. “It’s important to remember that this is a completely Federal government process that the City of Lakewood has no control over,” Paul said. “I encourage residents to be aware of this, and reach out to the coalition to share your thoughts on the project as more information is released.” While the final plans are still in the works, the coalition is looking at temporary housing options for homeless people on the site, which could include FEMA-style trailers. Looking down the road, the organization would like to build 500 to 600 permanent affordable housing units on the site, Alderman added. “There are serious issues that need be considered, including the impact on area schools, and security,” Johnson said. “There also may need to be

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STREETS TAKE THEIR TOLL For photos from the 28th annual We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil in Denver on Dec. 21, turn to PAGE 20. serious remediation of the land before it can be safely used.” The coalition filed the injunction against the General Services Administration (GSA), which owns the land, on July 25, asking the court to halt the sale until the GSA provided U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) all the details of the property, and gave HUD a chance to determine if the land could be used for homeless services. The injunction was filed under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which requires federal agencies to identify and make available surplus federal property, such as buildings and land, for use by states, local governments and nonprofit agencies to assist homeless people. On Sept. 25, HUD released a letter announcing that the land could be used for homeless services, and ordered the GSA to cancel its site auction. The auction, which opened in May, had been scheduled to close on July 27. Since the whole process is a part of strict federal procedure, the coalition is hemmed in by some of the regulations. For instance, they have to develop a plan that uses the entire 59 acres — it has to be all or nothing. Regulations also don’t allow for much in the way of mixed used development. “We’d like to see a mix of incomes and housing options, but that is going to require looking at the law and seeing if there’s room for interpretations that allow it,” Alderman said. “We don’t want to concentrate poverty in just one area.” The 59 acres are zoned Mixed-Use Core Transit (M-C-T), which allows for high-density residential and retail. The land was originally intended for the city of Lakewood to take owner-

CRISIS FROM PAGE 9

Kuenzler said many organizations, including her own, strive to provide aid to people wherever and whenever they need it, as part of the Colorado Crisis Services network, state’s resource for mental health. A mental health crisis is not a nine-to-five thing, she added. “Timing and accessibility is critical.” Mahoney, who lives in Elizabeth on the outskirts of Parker, says she knows this well. She learned to advocate for herself when she didn’t like the therapists initially assigned to her through a public health department.

ship of, in exchange for building a new laboratory for the Federal Center, which houses 28 agencies in 44 buildings. The agreement was first put forth in October 2015, but residents’ concern over a lack of information and time to do the necessary groundwork led to negotiations ending in January 2016. Johnson was one of the councilmembers who expressed concern about the city’s plan at the time, but admitted this future is not the one she envisioned for the property. “Because off all the build-out we’ve seen in the city, it would’ve been nice if it could’ve been turned into a park or open space,” she said. “Whatever it becomes, it needs to be something everyone has buy in on.” Paul, who was one of the Ward 4 councilmembers when the city’s plan was put forth supported the plan, and said that while he supports the coalition’s overall mission, he can’t support this use for the 59 acres. “I was asked if I could submit a letter of support as part of the coalition’s application process, but this isn’t something I can support,” he said. “A project of this scale needs way more community support, and this isn’t the highest and best use of the land.” City Manager Kathy Hodgson said the city will continue to encourage the coalition to provide as much information as possible to the city and residents as it becomes available. The coalition is aware there is hesitancy from the area, and many questions about the project, and if they are awarded the land, they will be hosting public meetings and town halls to get input and answer questions. Their goal is to be as transparent as possible, Alderman said. “This is such a huge opportunity for Lakewood and the Jeffco area,” she added. “It would give us an opportunity to do what we’re good at — provide housing for folks who have been marginalized. The fact that we might be able to help families in need is extremely motivating for us.” When she lost her insurance coverage, she started confiding in loved ones and attending groups for moms, such as Mothers of Preschoolers in Elizabeth and You Are Not Alone — Mom2Mom in Highlands Ranch, which hosts free weekly meetings for moms to feel connected and supported. One time, when she had a panic attack while driving, she dialed Colorado Crisis Services. The person on the line helped calm her down. Today, she is successfully managing her depression and anxiety with the support system of the moms’ groups and close friends. “I pride myself on being resourceful and reaching out,” Mahoney said. “But there are so many that can’t advocate for themselves or reach out.”

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7December 28, 2017

Arvada Press 11

12 Arvada Press

December 28, 2017D

LOCAL

VOICES

Some of my lessons learned from the year that was

HITTING HOME

Michael Alcorn

ive-hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes… How do you measure a year in the life?”—Rent It’s almost impossible to believe, but here we are again, at the turn of the calendar. This brief pause in between Christmas and New Year’s is perfectly situated to allow us to take stock of the year that was, and help chart your course into the year that is about to be.

So, what was 2017 to you? January brought us the inauguration of Donald Trump as President, and we all learned to deal with the trivial, the puerile, the small, and the occasionally disgusting spectacle of the Presidential Twitter account. Along the way, there have been six press secretaries, five national security advisers, four White House counsels, three directors of the F.B.I., two Secretaries of State, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Ho ho ho. Yes, that was hyperbole. Not by a lot, but… April began the exodus of three of my favorite people in the whole world, all of whom found themselves moving into the next stages of their lives, and out of the roles in which I’d grown to love them. April also gave our Denver Pioneer hockey team its eighth National Championship. That is an unbelievable record of accomplishment for any team, much less

one that whose home is hardly a frozen paradise. Somewhere along the way, basically every man in any position of power in Hollywood became the target of sexual harassment claims. By the end of this process, somewhere around July, 2024, there will basically be nobody left in Hollywood, and the only people capable of making movies any more will be people like SEE ALCORN, P13

Wish list: World peace and a Polaroid camera

to new residents. The shopping center at W. 52nd Ave. and Wadsworth Blvd. has undergone an amazing transformation and we are thrilled at the new shops and restaurants available. A new Sprouts opened in west Arvada and we look forward to the opening of a King Soopers in Candelas by the middle of next year. We’ve added over 150 primary jobs in targeted industries with companies like SAS and the Colorado Visiting Nurses

n the weeks before Christmas, one of the radios stations had a Santa hotline of sorts. Kids would call in and leave their requests in a recording. I heard two calls one morning, two messages back to back, that influenced the way I perceived this entire holiday season. ALCHEMY One was asking for world peace (and remember, these were little kids). Many of you know that I am president of the international organization Writing for Peace, and our mission is, well, peace. We seek to cultivate empathy to value each other’s difference and embrace our common humanity. Andrea Doray Yet, although “world peace” might be a popular pageant response, I was immediately struck by the young voice in the recording. What is his own concept of peace, his concept of a larger world at all? “World peace” … that’s what he said. I wonder, does he hear about peace in Christmas music: sleep in heavenly peace, peace on earth, and so on? Does he hear his parents, his siblings, his teachers talk about the state of the world? Does he watch the news, does he process what he sees? Did something specific led to his wish? Another child, a little girl, asked for a Polaroid camera. Oh, how well I remember my own excitement of seeing a photograph happen right away, to watch it materialize right before my eyes, when the only other option was to take a whole roll of film and send it away to be developed, sometimes waiting weeks.

SEE WILLIAMS, P13

SEE DORAY, P14

Arvada remains strong and healthy going in to ’18

GUEST COLUMN

Marc Williams

uring my annual State of the City address to the Chamber of Commerce earlier this year, I talked about Arvada in terms of an annual health checkup. My diagnosis then and now is that Arvada is strong and healthy.Arvada has experienced many successes in 2017. To name a few: the Hilton Garden Inn in Olde Town welcomed its first guests in March. The Super Walmart in Ralston Creek North opened in August and the shops on the north side of Ralston Road are taking shape. Solana Olde Town Station began leasing

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Arvada Press 13

December 28, 2017

ALCORN FROM PAGE 12

National Lampoon and pornography producers, who quite painstakingly claim the moral low ground at every opportunity. And, yeah, the irony of Hugh Hefner showing up on the cover of Newsweek the week of his death is not lost on me. I will always remember Aug. 21, as the day I got to see a total eclipse of the sun in some strange backwater parking lot in Nebraska with my son. Shortly after that, the world started

WILLIAMS FROM PAGE 12

Association Headquarters. Majestic View Nature Center celebrated its 15th anniversary and the Arvada Police Department achieved its 10th accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. Taking advantage of the major upgrades underway by Comcast and Century Link, the City co-located over 11 miles of fiber conduit, and joined the Colorado Smart Cities Alliance. The community came together for many wonderful festivals and events, including old favorites like Independence Day and the Kite Festival, and new events like Arvada Days which celebrated our heritage. And we are looking forward to a completely renovated West Woods Golf Clubhouse which will open in early 2018. We are experiencing some growing pains, to be sure. If there is a

to come apart at the seams, beginning with three hurricanes making landfall in three weeks, continuing with a retired millionaire inexplicably raining gunfire down on a crowd of concertgoers in Las Vegas, and culminating in Southern California burning. October gave us our one playoff game for a professional Colorado sports team. Dilly dilly. And that’s just domestic events — I haven’t even delved into earthquakes, mudslides, terrorism and genocide going on around the world. On the smaller scale, 2017 will be the year that my wife won a major award, my daughter earned her way into two

professional dance companies, my other daughter earned a great leadership position and joined the workforce, and my son earned a spot on a competitive soccer team. Actually, a pretty impressive year for my little family. So, what does that point to for me? What have I learned from this year that I intend to take forward? First of all, focus on what is within my grasp and reach. 2017 taught me that the world at large is getting coarser, uglier, more hostile, and way more unpredictable. And that, quite likely, the forces that are at play in the world are so far beyond my control that it’s not even worth spending a lot

of energy on. I’ll still point to it all and try to find the humor, but I just don’t have the energy to keep any of it on my front page. Secondly, the great moments are all going to be the ones that end with giving a loved one a “high five” and a hug. Period. Raise a glass to 2017, people! Throw it down, throw the glass away, grab hands with the people you want to walk with through 2018, and hold on tight! Godspeed! Michael Alcorn is a teacher and writer who lives in Arvada with his wife and three children. His novels are available at MichaelJAlcorn.com

downside to a robust economy, it is that infrastructure sometimes can’t keep pace with growth. We have some catching up to do, particularly with our streets, which is why in 2017 the City increased our annual street maintenance budget by $4 million to $10.2 million — by far the most we have ever spent on street maintenance in one year. This was not easy — we have had to cut other areas from our budget — but we are committed to improving our transportation system. One issue that continues to cause us aches and pains is the delay in the opening of the G Line. My prognosis for 2018 is that the G Line will finally arrive! In the meantime, this past February we opened the 600-space Olde Town Transit Hub and businesses and visitors now enjoy ample parking in our vibrant downtown. We have also taken on the difficult issue of homelessness. I am so proud of the efforts of our police department in balancing the rights and needs of the homeless with the concerns of the

larger community. We also established a Severe Weather Shelter network for the first time this year. In closing, I want to acknowledge former City Councilmember Don Allard for over 40 years of public service to the Arvada community. Don retired from the Council in November, and we are thrilled to welcome our new

at-large Councilmember Dot Miller to the City Council. On behalf of the entire City Council, I wish you and yours a blessed holiday season, and great things for 2018. Marc Williams was elected mayor of Arvada in 2011.

ST. JOAN OF ARC C AT H O L I C C H U R C H

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OBITUARIES BUSH

Charles “Chuck” Bush

January 1, 1942 – December 18, 2017

Charles “Chuck” Bush, of Arvada, Colorado, passed away after a long and hard-fought battle with frontotemporal dementia with parkinsonism (FTD-P), and bladder cancer. Chuck was a devoted father, a successful entrepreneur, and had a stellar love of life and laughter. He loved his family, playing Jeopardy, doing crossword puzzles, all sports, long nature walks, fitness, animals, dirty jokes, and talking about the weather. Anyone who met Chuck will tell you he was unforgettable, extremely competitive, and very fit. He had a charming and hilarious way about him and he never met a stranger he didn’t like. He raised 3 adoring daughters and was the president of CCS Supply, Inc., Denver’s largest supplier of concrete accessories, for 20 years. Born in Windsor, New York, Chuck was the 6th of 7 children. He dearly loved his parents, 2 sisters and 4 brothers, and all of their extended families. As a wrestler at Cornell University, he was a Division I All-American in 1964. He was a lifelong volunteer to the sport and dedicated his time and expertise to many wrestling programs in the Denver Metropolitan area, and was the caretaker of the Bush Memorial Scholarship Fund. Chuck was predeceased by his

parents, Walter and Doris, his brothers James (Barb), Thomas (Donna) and William (Mary Lou), and his sister Evelyn. He is survived by his sister Beverly Dawn, brother Arthur Bush (Beverly), daughter Heather Bush Kuhn (ex-Son-in-Law Scott Kuhn), daughter Heidi Bush Ekrem (Greg Ekrem), daughter Holly Bush, adopted daughter Kathy Mihelic who was his guardian angel, confidante and loving caregiver in the last 18 months of his life, and 8 grandchildren – Dylan Bush, Charles Kuhn, Jr., Bayleigh Bush, Cameron Kuhn, Christian Kuhn, Annika Ekrem, Callae Bush and Elise Ekrem. An open house in celebration of Chuck’s amazing life will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2017 from 1 PM to 4 PM at Chautauqua Community House, Grand Assembly Room, 900 Baseline Road in Boulder, Colorado. An additional memorial service will take place in the Binghamton, New York area in the Spring of 2018. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Bush Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Windsor Central High School, 1191 NY-79, Windsor, NY 13865. M. P. Murphy & Associates Funeral Directors of Boulder, Colorado, is in charge of arrangements. Please leave condolences at www. murphyfuneraldirectors.com.

14 Arvada Press

DORAY

FROM PAGE 12

I have heard that Polaroid cameras were making a comeback, and I find this somewhat mystifying because, with digital photography, we get to see our pictures immediately anyway. So, I surmise that it’s the tangibility of holding the photo in your hand, feeling the chemicals sting inside your nose as it processed, and shake, shake, shaking the flap of paper to produce the image. Plus, you can then give the photo to someone else, to share the moment. In any case, the contrast of these two requests had a synchronicity was palpable for me. One was looking to the future. He was so humble, so small-sounding. Yet he was so confident, so sure that world peace could happen because he himself believes in it. And she, somehow, at such a young age, knew about living in the mo-

December 28, 2017D ment, knew that the here and now is all we really have, knew that being present is itself a gift. And that sharing this gift with others is a noble endeavor. Am I attributing too much to these wish lists? No, I don’t think so. The young people with whom I work – writers, storytellers, thinkers – show me this level of contemplation all the time. They care about people, they want to do good, and they understand each other better than most of the rest of us ever will. It’s said that Christmas and the holidays are all about children. This has never been more true for me than this year, as I capture the memories of the moment in my mind just as if I had a Polaroid camera, and as I also look to the future with the hope – no, the belief – that world peace is possible if we want all it enough. Andrea Doray is a writer who wishes you world peace and personal serenity. Contact her at a.doray@ andreadoray.com.

Fly fishing show highlights a rising sport

ly fishing isn’t Part of the show, it IS the show!” That is what the show’s promotional materials proclaim and that makes the Jan. 5-7 event at the Denver Mart, 58th Avenue and I-25, such a special outdoors OUTDOOR happening. The Fly LIVING Fishing Show has become a popular annual fishing attraction for Front Range fly anglers. And the show’s interest is growing. Maybe you have not tried casting a fly line in Colorado? Or perhaps you enjoy other Ron Hellbusch fishing pursuits and assume fly fishing is an interest for the select few. Between 2000 and 2014 fishing license sales increased from 630,000 and 765,000, with most of that increase coming from new fly fishing anglers.

Nationwide fishing license sales have increased by 11 percent and fishing tackle sales are up 16 percent. Fly fishing is the fastest growing fresh water angling interest. It is estimated there are 50 million fly fishing anglers in all 50 states. Interestingly this appears to exceed the numbers who play golf (21 million) and tennis (13 million). Trout Unlimited, Inc. has played a big role with US Fish & Wild Service and the various states wildlife and fishery agencies in preserving and restoring river and stream waters. Colorado Parks & Wildlife have has been leaders in this growing angling interest in the Mile High State. This agency has provided access to 2,000 lakes and reservoirs and 9,000 miles of river and stream fly fishing waters; 37 of the 42 state parks offer fly fishing opportunities. The Rocky Mountain Region ac-

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SEE HELLBUSCH, P15

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Arvada Press 15

December 28, 2017

Love of cats sparks Girl Scouts’ project

HELLBUSCH

Van Arsdale alumnae sold candy grams, collected items for Lakewood shelter

counts for 33 percent of national fly fishing gear and tackle sales while in Colorado alone almost $2 million is added to the state’s economy from the fly fishing industry. The January Denver Fly Fishing Show features a grand door prize to a premier fly fishing destination in northwestern New Mexico on the richly populated San Juan River. The winner can take a friend for three nights with two days of guided fishing. Grand prize trip value is $1,980. Show times will be 10am-6pm on Friday, 9am to 5:30pm Saturday and 9am to 4:30pm on Sunday. In addition to vendors who offer high quality gear and experienced advice and suggestions for new or seasoned fly anglers, 19 skill classes will be offered by fly experts covering casting, fly tying, technique elements including nymph fishing, still waters, youth fly fishing, fly tying, streamer strategies and how, where and when to find trout. Parking is free. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at 814-443-3638 or www. flyfishingshow.com. Ron Hellbusch can be reached at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net.

BY SHANNA FORTIER SFORTIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The walls in the lobby at Van Arsdale Elementary School in Arvada was filled will paper paws asking people to help support orphaned cats this holiday season. The cat supply drive is one part of two local Girl Scout’s attempt to earn their Silver Award. Sienna Shaw, 12, and Izzy Lopez, 12, both cadets in Troop 4259, are helping to raise money and supplies for Angels with Paws, a limited intake rescue shelter in Lakewood. Since opening in 2004, Angels

Izzy Lopez, 12, and Sienna Shaw, 12, are collecting items for Angels with Paws, a cat shelter in Lakewood, for their Girl Scout Silver Award project. SHANNA FORTIER with Paws has rescues over 10,000 homeless, unwanted, abused, neglected and abandoned cats. The group provides all of the rescued cats’ basic veterinary care, treatment, rehabilitation an a place to live until they are adopted. “We really like cats,” Shaw said,

of why this was the focus of their project. “They don’t kill their animals and it’s an all volunteer organization.” Both girls who now go to middle school at Drake and Oberon, were sixth-graders at Van Arsdale last year and when their middle schools didn’t approve doing their collection there, Van Arsdale did. The girls also facilitated the selling of candy grams at the school. With 1,400 candy grams sold at $1 a piece, the money raised will go to buy more supplies for the shelter, or be donated as cash. The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn and gives them the chance to make their community better in the process. Lopez said for her, earning the Silver Award is “really just to help the community.”

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16 Arvada Press

LOCAL

December 28, 2017D

LIFE

Red Rocks’ first New Year’s Eve concert moved due to the cold

Small town memories OPTIONS: WinterSkate at Boulder Teahouse Plaza 1780 13th St., Boulder 303-442-2826 www.bceproductions.com/winterskate Through February WinterSkate at Historic Downtown Louisville Steinbaugh Pavilion 824 Front St., Louisville 303-604-1010 www.bceproductions.com/winterskate Through February COMMENTS: The Boulder rink is celebrating its 19th year, and the Louisville location is starting off its 14th season. The Louisville location features 6,500 square feet of ice, as well as all the components of a classic Christmas.

n 2017, the year of “resist,” no genre of music embraced the fractured culture like rap and hip-hop. The genre’s artists were all over the place, some delving into the political and sociological, while COMING others tried to help ATTRACTIONS us forget through catharsis and dancing. And now, some of the biggest names in rap are coming together for what was supposed to be a significant first — the first New Year’s Eve on the Rocks Clarke Reader concert. The event was schedule to be held at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and organized by La Contes, Feyline, Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom and KS107.5, the evening features Migos, Young Thug, Lil Yachty, Post Malone, Dizzy Wright and King Green (of RDGLDGRN). However, weather predictions indicated the high for New Year’s Eve would be in the low 20s, causing the concert to be moved to the University of Denver’s Magness Arena, 2250 E. Jewell Ave. in Denver. Migos had a breakout hit at the end of 2016, with “Bad and Boujee,” and that hot streak carried into 2017, with the release of their most popular, and best, album, “Culture.” The trio — Quavo, Offset and Takeoff — made several of the year’s best music videos, with “T-Shirt” and “Get Right Witcha.” Young Thug has been one of the most dynamic and eccentric voices in hip-hop, and after releasing multiple albums in 2016, he released the country-influenced “Beautiful Thugger Girls” in June. The blending at first appears more than a little odd, but the end result is one of the year’s most enjoyable listens. Lil Yachty and Post Malone both had a remarkable year as two of rap’s most notable and up-and-comers. In particular, Post Malone’s “Rockstar” has dominated the Billboard chart for eight weeks. This show is an opportunity to see some of the best in the rap game take the stage. Doors open at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, and for more information and tickets, visit www.nyeontherocks.com.

SEE SKATING, P17

SEE READER, P17

Children take to the ice at one of Boulder Creek Events’ two ice rinks. In addition to skating, visitors can get concessions and even ride a horse-drawn carriage. PHOTO COURTESY BOULDER CREEK EVENTS

Outdoor ice rinks offer recreation, family fun

Front Range provides a setting for every personality BY CLARKE READER CREADER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Finding something to do outdoors in the cold winter months can be a tricky proposition, especially if it doesn’t include heading to the mountains for skiing or snowboarding. But in every part of the Front Range area — from urban shopping districts, to small towns, and even mountain communities — there’s a chance to tap into a bygone era and get some fresh air at the same time. Taking to the ice at outdoor skating rinks. “One of the most common remarks is from parents in awe that their children would choose a healthy outdoor activity over their more typical couch potato tendencies,” said Meg Denbow, director of communications at Boulder Creek Events, which hosts Boulder and Louisville outdoor rinks. “There are countless opportunities available for families to participate together in a Colorado winter experience without

having to drive all the way to the mountains.” We looked at three different options for ice skating during the winter. Skating in the city OPTIONS: The Rink at Belmar 464 S. Teller St., Lakewood 303-742-1525 www.belmarcolorado.com Through Jan. 28 Southwest Rink at Skyline Park 16th and Arapahoe, Denver 303-534-6161 www.downtowndenver.com Through Feb. 14 COMMENTS: The Belmar Rink is entering its 13th season, and the 7,000-square foot outdoor ice rink located on the Belmar Plaza has been a popular skating stop for all ages. “We get about 20,000 skaters a season who take to the ice here,” said Janelle Hinton, marketing director at Belmar. “It’s amazing to see how many people come, and it’s because of the whole experience they can have here. Visitors can skate, grab a bite to eat, and see a movie, all in the same place.” The busiest times are evenings and weekends, but with such warm weather this season, Hinton said

visitors are hard pressed to find a bad time to skate. But the best is during the night, when all the decorations light up. “The environment at the rink is so beautiful, and has such great energy,” she added. “We have many repeat customers who come back over and over during the season.”

Arvada Press 17

December 28, 2017

SKATING FROM PAGE 16

“WinterSkate is more than a mere skating rink — it’s a full experience for all five senses,” said Meg Denbow, director of communications at Boulder Creek Events, which hosts both locations. “As families huddle around the open fire to warm their hands, the aroma of warm apple cider and the tune of classic holiday favorites waft through the air; in the distance, the clip-clop of the horse-drawn carriage can be heard approaching the pavilion as children gather in line to purchase hot chocolate from the concessions window. It’s a sweet little Rockwellesque experience for families of all ages.” With a set-up like that, it’s not difficult to understand why these rinks have become the site of many family memories. “It’s really amazing watching the kids grow up and come back to WinterSkate year after year, having so much fun with their friends

Evergreen Lake is the world’s largest Zamboni-groomed outdoor ice rink at 8.5 acres. PHOTOS COURTESY EVERGREEN PARKS AND RECREATION

and family,” Denbow said. “In fact, much of our WinterSkate staff is made up of local teenagers who have grown up skating at this little neighborhood rink.” A quick trip to the mountains OPTIONS: Evergreen Lake 29612 Upper Bear Creek Road, Evergreen 720-880-1391 http://www.evergreenrecreation.com/facilities/ evergreen_lake_house/hock-

READER FROM PAGE 16

Casino night for a good cause Broomfield’s Avenues Crofton Park, 12431 King Court, will host a Casino Night fundraiser from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 28 to to benefit Brent’s Place, the only Children’s Hospital Colorado approved Safe-Clean housing facility for immune-compromised patients and their families. Guests will get to spend the night be serviced by professional dealers, who will host games of blackjack, poker and roulette on full-sized tables. Attendees will receive a $200 voucher for chips, and additional vouchers can be purchased during the event for a donation to Brent’s Place. The suggested donation for attendance is $20. If you’re one of the evening’s top three winners, you’ll receive special prizes. Light appetizers and drinks will be served. To RSVP, and more information, call 720-328-9548, or visit www.LiveTheAvenues.com. Best bet for New Year’s Eve concert New Year’s Eve is a great night for live music, and concertgoers are really spoilt for choice. The best bet for a truly fantastic evening of live music to ring in the new year is any one of My Morning Jacket’s three-night run at the 1st Bank Center, 11450 Broomfield Lane. The Kentucky-based band has provided me with several top-notch concerts over the years, and their blending of folk, funk, prog rock and pop is best experienced with a

ey_skating.htm Dec. 28 through March 4 COMMENTS: People looking for an authentic mountain ice skating experience would be hard pressed to find a better place than the short drive to Evergreen Park and Recreation’s 8.5-acre rink, the world’s largest Zambonigroomed outdoor ice rink. The lake is home to 11 pond hockey rinks and a huge public skating rink. “People have been coming

bunch of other people singing along. It doesn’t hurt that lead singer Jim James has one of the best voices in contemporary music — it’s truly a wonder to hear. The band is playing on Friday through Sunday, Dec. 29, 30, and 31. Go to www.1stbankcenter.com for tickets. Go back to the 1940s to celebrate 2018 Swing dancing, five course dinners, and hot jazz. Wait, what year is this again? While we all make our way into 2018, the Viewhouse Centennial is taking guests back to the 1940s for its New Year’s Eve celebration. The 1940s New Year’s Eve Ball begins at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31 at the multi-story Centennial location, 7101 South Clinton St. The evening will feature a live dinner performance by an acoustic jazz trio, music from Barron’s Little Big Band, a rooftop DJ, a five-course PrixFixe dinner menu, complimentary midnight champagne toast, and much more. To get your ticket or make a reservation, call 303-816-3160 or visit www. EventBrite.com. Get organic food for a health new year Most farmers markets close up shop for the winter months, but if you’re still craving that local, artisan atmosphere, it can still be found at the Saturday Winter Farmers Market in Wheat Ridge. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the season at 7043 W. 38th Ave. The free indoor market features live music and community classes and events, food samples, and everything else that can be found at a farmers market — weather be damned.

The 8.5 acres of Evergreen Lake are home to 11 hockey rinks. Broomball, which is a mix of hockey and soccer, can also be played on the rinks.

up here for skating since the 1920s,” said Brad Bednar, recreation supervisor at the Lake House. “There’s so much to do here, including skating at night and broomball, in addition to hockey.” The rink is a natural one, which means that it is entirely weather dependent. Due to the warm winter, Bednar said the lake will hopefully open for skating at the end of December or early January. Once it does, visitors can also

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. A community editor with Colorado Community

stop by the Evergreen Lake House, to enjoy hot chocolate and snacks from the concession area near the giant stone fireplace. “We’re a family-friendly place, and people can bring sleds and strollers for their kids,” Bednar said. “It’s all about the setting up here. This is a real lake, surrounded by the mountains and trees. There are fish swimming under skaters’ feet.”

Media, he can be reached creader@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.

18 Arvada Press

December 28, 2017D

National Western Stock Show prepares for January events Iconic trade show brings animals, visitors, fun to north Denver BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Each January for the past 112 years, Western has been the preferred fashion in Denver during the run of the National Western Stock Show. This year’s festivities kick off Jan. 6 and the schedule of event wraps up Jan. 21. During that stretch of time about 400,000 men, women and children will push through the turnstiles to watch or take part in events including rodeos, equestrian events, stock judging events and auctions.

YOU

While entertainment draws a lot of attention, much of the event’s focus is on stock shows. There are judging competitions for horses, cattle, sheep, swine, goats, llamas, bison, yaks, poultry and rabbits. Ten livestock associations hold their national shows at National Western. There also are a number of livestock sales where millions of dollars change hands as prize animals are sold to new owners. The first wave of the thousands of animals will begin arriving at the National Western Stock Show complex as the new year is ushered in, because stabling the animals requires coordination due to the hundreds of animals coming to the show and the limits on stable space. The cattle barns are the temporary home for animals being shown or

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put up for auction. When it is time for them to be shown, the cattle are brought inside, filling the barn with the splash of water and the hum of clippers as each animal is washed, blow-dried and combed to get them looking their best. In one barn, a sign over a wash area for cattle identifies it as “The Bovine Beauty Shop.” Once that breed’s shows are complete, the animals are either auctioned off or loaded up to be taken home, so the stalls are cleaned and made ready for the next occupants. The National Western Stock Show is Colorado’s largest trade show. The hall of education is filled with vendors offering items ranging from custom embroidered jackets to farm machinery. The estimated economic impact is about $115 million and the event generates about $6 million in local and state taxes. The Denver Coliseum is home to the National Western Stock Show Rodeo, the first event on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association schedule. Each rodeo performance features competition in bareback bronc riding, saddle bronc riding, bull riding, tie-down roping, steer wrestling, team roping and barrel racing, plus there are specialty acts booked to perform during breaks in the rodeo. The rodeo events are in the Coliseum while, at the other end of the National Western complex, the Events Center will be equally busy as the site of horse competitions for a number of

breeds and styles. There will be shows and competitions as well as activities that include the Grand Prix jumping event, an evening of dancing horses and a daily schedule of riding and performance competitions. A new equestrian event this year is the National Western Horseman’s Challenge that will be held Jan. 8-10 in the Denver Coliseum. The event is designed to provide a challenging, educational and entertaining opportunity for local and national equestrians to be involved in the stock show within a growing and evolving discipline. Horse and rider teams will be faced with various obstacles and tasks testing their confidence in each other. The press release on the National Western Horseman’s Challenge stated it will offer schooling time followed by competition phases including individual timed practice rounds, a team competition and individual speed challenges. Obstacles and tasks will vary to accommodate all levels and ages of riders and horses. The show events are spread among a number of facilities. Stock show $ activities are centered at the National f Western Stock Show Arena and Hall J of Education near 46th Avenue and W Humbolt Street, the Events Center at 1515 E. 47th Ave. and the Denver f Coliseum. For information, tickets, t the event schedule and event locat tions, call 303-297-1166 or go online to nationalwestern.com. e

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Arvada Press 19

December 28, 2017

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The Pins for Kids winning team was from Jefferson Academy.

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Kiwanis’ Pins for Kids raises $7,000 STAFF REPORT

Twenty-two teams raised more than $7,000 in the annual Pins for Kids fundraiser, organized by the Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis Club and held at Western Bowl in Arvada. The money raised through entry fees and a silent auction will be distributed to local nonprofit organizations that support children. “This was our biggest Pins for Kids event to date. We are so thankful for

such wonderful community support and our Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis Club members who came out in full force to help demonstrate what our club is all about,” said Ron Slinger, club member and membership chair. Kiwanis is global community of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis Club has more than 70 members and meets at 7 a.m. Wednesday at the Arvada Center. Guests always welcome.

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December 28, 2017D

Photos by Christy Steadman

A few people representing Occupy Denver, a community activist group, attend Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ homeless persons’ memorial vigil on Dec. 21 in downtown Denver. Holding signs that protest Denver’s urban-camping ban, from left, are Janet Matzen, Caryn Sodaro and Brian L.

Vigil for the lost Cody Peterson of Denver cups his hand around his candle to keep the wind from blowing out the flame during the 28th annual We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil.

A crowd of a few hundred people endured 19 degrees weather on Dec. 21 to attend Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ 28th annual We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil.This year, 232 men, women and children were remembered at the memorial, which took place on the on the front steps of the Denver City and County Building, 1437 Bannock St. This is the largest amount of people to ever be memorialized in all the years

the organization has put on the event, said John Parvensky, president of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. And “for many, this will be the only memorial they’ll have,” he said. The nonprofit strives to work collaboratively to prevent homelessness and create lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children and individuals throughout Colorado. To learn more, visit www.coloradocoalition.org.

An attendee of Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ homeless persons’ memorial vigil on Dec. 21 holds the flame of her candle up to her program to read the names of the 232 Denver-area people who died homeless in 2017.

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’ President John Parvensky gives an introductory speech at the nonprofit’s 28th annual We Will Remember: Homeless Persons’ Memorial Vigil.

you’re invited Take the mid-winter break you deserve! Join us for kid-focused events created just for the family, featuring the Kidtopia Culinary Festival and Kidtopia Music Experience. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on the family fun. Save up to 30% on event lodging, with rates from $199. Explore event details at kidtopia.com

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December 28, 2017

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December 28, 2017D

Start new year off on right (or left) foot First Day Hikes encourages outdoor recreation at state parks STAFF REPORT

Kick off the new year by getting outside and taking a hike. Colorado State Parks and Wildlife will again participate in America’s State Parks First Day Hikes initiative, with 26 state parks participating by hosting an organized hike Jan. 1. Each park offers an opportunity to enjoy the new year, with most parks offering guided hikes and some parks providing multiple options to choose from, allowing you to select the time and route you prefer. “Each year, we’ve had a growing number of our parks offering First Day Hikes events as part of this national effort to get people outdoors and into state parks,” said Bob Broscheid, Colorado State Parks director. “First Day Hikes are a great way to cure cabin fever and celebrate the new year in our amazing state with a walk our hike in one of our beautiful state parks.” Visitors to Colorado State Parks can expect to be surrounded by nature in winter, experience spectacular views and, in many parks, benefit from the company of a knowledgeable state park guide on hikes ranging from halfmile fun walks to challenging five-

mile hikes. In addition, most parks offer refreshments and giveaways provided by a Colorado Parks Foundation grant. “Getting outside is the best way to bring in a new year and Colorado state parks showcase all the best things about the outdoors,” said Crystal Dreiling, park manager at Trinidad Lake State Park, one of the participating parks. “We are thrilled to have seen this event continue to grow since we started the program in 2012.” The hikes are free but park visitors must possess a valid parks pass to participate. The daily pass for entry to most parks costs $7 per vehicle; annual passes are available for $70. All First Day Hikes vary in ability levels and length depending on location and weather conditions. Bring snacks and water, dress in layers and be prepared with traction and/or trekking poles for winter hiking in snow or on icy trails; if there is snow, consider bringing snowshoes. First Day Hikes was created to offer everyone an opportunity to begin the new year rejuvenating and connecting with the outdoors at a state park close to home. According to the National Association of State Park Directors, 1,300 First Day Hikes were offered in all 50 states in 2017, with 61,800 participants covering more than 111,850 miles. First Day Hikes originated more than 25 years ago with the goal of pro-

FIRST DAY HIKES IN AREA In the Colorado Community Media coverage area, a few state parks are participating in First Day Hike. For the complete list, check out http://cpw.state.co.us/firstdayhikes Chatfield State Park, 11500 N Roxborough Park Road, Littleton Gravel Pond Hike, 9-10 a.m. | Meet at the Gravel Pond parking lot. Platte River Hike, 11 a.m. to noon | Meet at the Platte River parking lot. Roxborough State Park, 4751 E. Roxborough Drive Carpenter Peak, 9 a.m. to noon | Naturalists Paul Bleau and Dave Thomas lead a 6.4-mile round-trip hike to the highest point in the park at 7,175 feet. Enjoy a panoramic view while eating lunch on the peak. Bring water, food, yaktrax or micro spikes and poles; dress appropriately for the weather. Reservations required on Eventbrite. Meet at the Carpenter Peak Trailhead. Contact 303-973-3959 or roxborough. park@state.co.us.

Naturalist Mike Thomas leads this 3-mile hike and looks at the interrelationships of ecosystems, human impacts and geology of the park. Bring water, food, yaktrax or micro spikes and poles; dress appropriately for the weather. Reservations required on Eventbrite. Meet at the South Rim Trailhead. Contact 303-973-3959 or roxborough. park@state.co.us.

Fountain Valley Trail, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Naturalists Sue and Jim Schleuder lead this 2.2-mile hike to explore the Fountain Valley Trail. Look for signs of the animals that live in the park, and learn about the geology. Dress for the weather. Reservations required on Eventbrite. Contact 303-973-3959 or roxborough.park@state.co.us.

South Rim Trail, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. |

Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, Brighton Nature Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Enjoy a 3-mile easy hike with the opportunity to observe all types of wildlife, including eagles and many species of birds. Dogs are welcome. Spotting scopes will be available for visitors to use. Contact 303-655-1495 or barr.lake.nature.center@state.co.us.

moting both healthy lifestyles through the year and year-round recreation at state parks. Getting outside and unplugging from daily technology creates a connection with nature that promotes physical and mental wellbeing and encourages creativity and

stewardship of our shared resources in kids and adults alike. Whether participating in a First Day Hike, reserving a spring campsite or scheduling hunter education courses, start your 2018 outdoor adventure at http://cpw.state.co.us/

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Arvada Press 23

December 28, 2017

Recycle your Christmas tree STAFF REPORT

The city of Arvada offers three locations for residents to recycle their Christmas trees. The City Parks Maintenance Shop, 7800 W. 62nd Ave., is accepting trees 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Jan. 22, 2018. Lake Arbor Lake Park, 6400 Pomona Drive, is accepting trees beginning Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2017 through Jan. 22, 2018 with no restricted days or times. Stenger Fields, W. 58th Avenue and Oak Street, is accepting trees begin-

ning Tuesday, Dec. 26 through Jan. 22, 2018 with no restricted days or times. Residents are asked to make sure the tree is free of nails, wire and all decorations to ensure safety of city staff handling the trees. The city does not accept garlands, wreaths or yard waste. Mulch from the trees will be available free of charge at all drop-site locations. Residents will be responsible for loading and hauling of mulch. For more information on the Christmas tree mulching program or how to use mulch in your landscape, call the Parks Department at 720-898-7410.

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THINGS to DO

MUSIC

Vintage Trio: 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 in the lounge at the Wilmore Richter American Legion Post 161, 6230 W. 60th Ave., Arvada. Dance the night away to rock, country, blues and ballads. No cover charge.

ART/CRAFTS

Holiday Art Market: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 30 at the Foothills Art Center, 809 15th St. Golden. http://www. foothillsartcenter.org/upcoming Winter Photography, Become a Pro: 4:15-5:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Space is limited; registration required. Go to https://arvada.org/ and click on Majestic View Nature Center under the Explore tab.

READING/WRITING

Teen Writing Group: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Jan. 2 at the Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada. Work on writing skills with writing-enthusiastic teens. Share your work or listen to another. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www. jeffcolibrry.org.

EVENTS

Arvada Winter Break Fun: 1-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. Watch movies, munch popcorn, play with Legos and meet new friends. Movie is “Despicable Me 3.” Call 303-235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org. Lakewood Boards, Commissions: 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 is deadline to apply; help Lakewood.org/GetOnBoard. Contact Donna Moreno at 303-987-7661 or donmor@ lakewood.org. Arvada After Dark: Teeny Tiny Snowball Fight”: 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 29 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. For teens. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org. Glow In The Dark Party: 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30 at the Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada. New Year party for teens. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www. jeffcolibrary.org. Welcome 2018! Party: 4-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 at the Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada. Call 303235-5275 or go to www. jeffcolibrary. org.

HEALTH

this week’s TOP FIVE M Mountain Lodge Mystery Dinner Theater: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 29-30 and Jan. 5-6 at Colorado ACTS, 11455 W. I-70 Frontage Road North, Wheat Ridge. Travelers find themselves trapped at the M Mountain Lodge in the midst of a snowstorm. They may think they are safe from harm, but … Call 303-456-6772 to make dinner reservations. Non-dinner tickets may be purchased at the door. Go to www.coloradoacts.org. Resolutions: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 31 at The Edge Theater, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood. Additional performance at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31. Call 303-232-0363 or go to www.theedgetheater.com. Noon Year’s Eve Toddler Rave: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 31 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. Registration required. Call 303235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org.

journaling system. Free journal included, or you can bring your own. For adults and teens in grades 6 and up. Space is limited. Go to http://jeffcolibrary.org Conflict and Refugees: 3:45-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr St., Arvada. Presented by Arvadans for Progressive Action. Learn about the policies that cause refugees to leave their homes, and what is being done in Colorado to help. Speakers are Dr. Nader Hashemi, University of Denver; Joe Jorther, Colorado Refugee Services Program; and Sarah Jackson, Casa de Paz. Non-partisan educational presentation is free and open to the public. Contact info@ arvadansforprogressiveaction.org.

Bullet Journaling 101: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6 at the Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge. Learn techniques from the bullet

Winter Break Fun: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 2 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. Watch a movie, eat popcorn, and meet new friends. Movie is “Spider-Man Homecoming” (PG-13). Call 303235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org. Winter Break Fun: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. Watch a movie, eat popcorn, and meet new friends. Movie is “Despicable Me 3” (PG). Call 303-235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org. Memory Café: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. A welcoming place for people living with memory loss and their caregivers. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www. jeffcolibrary.org. Winter Break Fun: 1-3 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. Play with Legos and meet new friends. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org. Welcome Meet and Greet: 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 3 at the Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Discover the opportunities at the center. Reserve your space by Dec. 29. Call 303-4259583. Mike High Dowsers: 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at Clements Community Center, Columbine Room, 1580 Yarrow St., Lakewood. Learn beginning and practical dowsing; and hear from guest speakers. Go to www.milehighdowsers.org

Discovery Play: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Jan. 6 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada; and 10:15-11 a.m. Jan. 8 at the Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada. Babies and toddlers enjoy a song and explore on their own. Dropins welcome. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org.

Olde Town Photographic Society: 6:30-8 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada. Discuss photography, cameras and gear, photographic history, and more. Call 303-235-5275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary.org. Teen Trivia Night: 6-7 p.m. Jan. 10 at the Standley Lake Library, 8485 Kipling St., Arvada. Test your trivia knowledge and challenge your friends for prizes and bragging rights. Call 303-2355275 or go to www.jeffcolibrary. org. I Spy, Discovering Winter Wildlife: 4-5 p.m. Thursdays from Jan. 11 to Feb. 1 at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. For ages 5 and older. Registration required. Go to https:// arvada.org/ and click on Majestic View Nature Center under the Explore tab. Lutefisk Dinner: 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Trollheim Sons of

December 28, 2017D

Norway Lodge, 6610 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood. Tickets on sale now, and space is limited. Call 303989-4496 to RSVP. Jammin’ Feud: 7-9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 15 at the Wilmore Richter American Legion Post 161, 6230 W. 60th Ave., Arvada. Played like Family Feud. Teams of 1-4. All welcome. League of Women Voters Book Club: 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Lakewood Public Library, 10200 W. 20th Ave., Lakewood; and 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 at Brookdale Westland Meridian, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood. Author Michelle Alexander insists that “the huge racial disparity of punishment in America is not the mere result of neutral state action.” She sees mass incarceration as a new front in the historic struggle for racial justice. Her book “The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” will be the focus of the two meetings. Call Lynne at 303-985-5128. Go to www. lwvjeffco.org.

Tai Chi: 6:15-7:15 p.m. (beginners) and 5-6 p.m (experienced) Mondays from Jan. 8 to Feb. 26 at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Registration required. Go to https://arvada.org/ and click on Majestic View Nature Center under the Explore tab. Food Pantry: open from 9-11 a.m. Wednesdays at New Apostolic Church, 5290 Vance St., Arvada, rear entrance (across the street from Beau Jo’s restaurant). Contact Gertrude at 303-902-6794.

EDUCATION

Iceland: 2:30-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 4 at Atria of Applewood, 2800 Youngfield St., Lakewood. Join Active Minds for a review of Iceland’s history and explore characteristics of the country. Call 303-233-4343 to RSVP; seating is limited. Vanderhoof Elementary Kindergarten Registration: open Jan. 8-31 at www.jeffcopublicschools. org/jeffcoconnect. Children who are 5 years old by Oct. 1, 2018, are eligible for kindergarten in the fall. After you have entered your information into Jeffco Connect, you will be prompted to add your child(ren) and you will then be asked to bring the following documents to the school; a copy of your child’s birth certificate, a copy of immunization records, proof of residence (a utility bill, etc.). Share this information with anyone in your neighborhood who might have a child ready to start kindergarten in the fall. Call 303982-2744. Vanderhoof Elementary Choice Enrollment: open Jan. 8-31 (round 1) and Feb. 9 to Aug. 31 (round 2). Applications being accepted for the 2018-19 school year. Students accepted on a space-available basis. First-round applications prioritized through a lottery process. Waiting lists will be created if applicants exceed space at th school. A separate application must be completed and submitted for each child. Call 303-982-2744. Discovery Play: 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge. Enjoy a song and explore with hands-on fun while developing early reading and STEM skills. Drop-ins welcome. For babies and toddlers. Go to http://jeffcolibrary. org Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Thursday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

Arvada Press 25

7December 28, 2017

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26 Arvada Press

LOCAL

December 28, 2017D

SPORTS

CHSAA will soon end mysteries of ‘next year’

“

D’Evelyn junior Izzy Lopez (10) takes a shot in the lane over Faith Christian Danella Bunavi (20) in the first quarter Dec. 15 at D’Evelyn Junior/Senior High School. PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/ JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Pulling out all the stops In high school basketball, successful teams employ strong defense BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A few years ago, sports writer Neil Paine of the website basketball-reference.com examined 50 years of National Basketball Association titlewinning teams. The teams were strong on offense and defense, but Paine noted that a small improvement to defense increased a team’s chances of winning championships more than the same improvement in offense. That concept would seem to apply not only to the pro level, but also the amateur ranks, including Colorado high school basketball. “When talking about the old adage of `defense wins championships,’ I believe it still has substance in today’s game, which seems to be focused on offense and 3-pointers,” Legacy boys coach Connor Clay said. “Defense is one of the few things in basketball that is always in your control as a player because it is always about effort and attitude. Defensive effort and attitude are a couple of the few things players can consistently control, and consistency wins championships.” Arvada point guard Isaiah Vigil testified to the importance of defense after Littleton recently beat the Bulldogs. “They (Littleton) were a swarming defense and pressured us up and down the court,” Vigil said. “Their defense forced us to change some of the things I do. Their defender forced me to go the op-

posite way. I normally dribble, so he made me pull up and look to get a pass to an open teammate.” Local coaches saying playing strong defense does more than stop the other team from scoring — it can also translate into offensive opportunities at the other end of the court. “When you have two really good teams playing against each other, the defense is really what swings it,” Rock Canyon girls coach Becky Mudd said. “Your defense can start so many things for you offensively. You still need to have somebody who can put the ball in the basket but definitely your defense can spark a lot of things.” Putting strategy to work There are a variety of approaches that can be employed, including man-to-man, pressure and zone defenses. It is up to coaches to decide which defense to use and when. For instance, zone defenses are often used to change tempo and keep players out of foul trouble. “It all depends on how well the opponent can score,” Lakewood boys coach Daryl Johnson said. “We just look to give more attention in high school games to those players that can score. So that’s when we like to shift our defense.” To many, strong defense starts close to the basket. “The paint is where you win and lose games. Our interior defense is very important to our success,” Rock Canyon boys coach Kenton Grams said. Joe Ortiz, boys coach at ThunderRidge, agrees. “Interior defense is more important because those players are the backup most of the time,” SEE DEFENSE, P31

Wait until next year” is a familiar catchphrase for many sports fans. The next year is approaching and Colorado high school enthusiasts are waiting for the Colorado High School Activities Association’s Legislative Committee to approve several proposals which could go into effect for the 2018-2012 cycle. There are 15 committee reports and additional proposals waiting for approval at the Jan. 5 meeting. OVERTIME It’s a new year and time for some changes, especially the reports and proposals for football and baseball that have drawn the most attention. The football committee report outlined two-year alignments for leagues that are more logical than the waterfall format we’ve been Jim Benton stuck with for the past two seasons. Waterfalls are striking to view in the mountains but not as a football league setup. Also the football committee endorsed expanding the 5A playoffs to 24 teams, and one proposal backed by the committee would align football with the National Federation calendar, which would mean practice could start Aug. 6 rather than Aug. 13. Postseason dates would not be changed. Another proposal that hopefully will be adopted is to lengthen the baseball season from 19 to 23 games during regular season for classifications other than 1A and 2A, which play district tournaments. This would be a long-overdue change since it has been 52 years since Colorado has increased the maximum number of baseball games allowed. Spring weather in Colorado is fickle. Decades ago when I was coaching youth teams, I always said the last week of February was usually nicer than the weather in March, April and even May. So the extra games could be played in tournaments or something called doubleheaders, which used to be more common years ago. Other Northern states that sanction baseball allow a maximum of more regular-season games than Colorado. For instance, North Dakota allows 36 games on 23 dates and Idaho rules say teams are not to exceed 24 games. There are many more proposals and committee reports that need to be passed, including the volleyball committee’s new bracket format for the state tournaments, cross country recommending a “run six athletes and score four” format, and creation of Foundation Benefit Contests for all sports to allow schools to raise funds for their programs. SEE BENTON, P30

Arvada Press 27

December 28, 2017

Arvada’s Weir aids South Dakota State football playoff drive Offensive lineman has one more season left after playoff loss at No. 1 James Madison BY DAVID DRIVER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE

Harrisonburg, Va. — The South Dakota State football team, playing at home Oct. 14, was defeated 38-18 by Northern Iowa. It was the second loss in three games and left the Jackrabbits with a 1-2 record in the Missouri Valley Conference. The loss also did some soul-searching moments for the squad. “We really went back to our team basics of trying to be 1-0 every week. Those two losses in the conference humbled us. It made us refocus,” said junior offensive lineman Tyler Weir, who is from Arvada and was a starter in football at Dolores and Pomana high schools. The losses also spurred a winning streak for SDSU, which won seven games in a row before losing 51-16 at No. 1 ranked James Madison University here on Saturday in the semifinals of the FCS tournament in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia before more than 16,000 and a national audience on ESPNU. With the win JMU will play in the national title game Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas against North Dakota State, which won the other semifinal game at home Friday over Sam Houston State. South Dakota State defeated North

TYLER WEIR AT A GLANCE

Hometown: Arvada High schools: Dolores and Pomona Current school: South Dakota State Year/position: Junior/right tackle Height/weight: 6-4/300 Number: 70 Major: sports management Up next: South Dakota State ended the season 11-3 overall and 6-2 in the Missouri Valley Conference after a loss at No. 1-ranked James Madison on Saturday in Harrisonburg, Virginia. JMU will play North Dakota State for the national title Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas. Dakota State in regular-season play this year and won 19-17 at North Dakota State in 2016. “They were the defending national champs. We can perform on the big stage,” Weir said. But the Jackrabbits were undone by five turnovers in the first quarter and 10 overall in the loss at JMU, which has won 26 games in a row. “We say goodbye to 15 seniors tonight. I am so proud of what they have done,” said John Stiegelmeier, the veteran head coach of the Jackrabbits. “My hat goes off to JMU, coach (Mike) Houston, the type of program they have. They are a really good football team.” Weir played in seven games last year as a sophomore and played in the final six contests, including FCS playoff games against Villanova and North Dakota State. This season he was injured his knee in the first game of the season in a 5113 win over Duquesne. “It was a freak kind of deal. It was toward the end of the game and one of the opposing team players tossed one

Junior offensive lineman Tyler Weir steps up to the line of scrimmage during a game for South Dakota State earlier this year. PHOTO COURTESY OF SDSU of our players (on a pile) kind of late,” Weir said. But a bye week following a 51-10 win over Drake gave Weir some more time to recover and he eventually returned to the starting lineup. “Tyler has done a great job,” said Jason Eck, the offensive line coach for SDSU. “He was a backup last year and he rotated in a few games. This year he really worked hard in the offseason. “He was probably our most improved offensive lineman.” “He started the first game then had knee surgery,” Eck added. “He showed a lot of toughness. He played in the conference opener against Youngstown State and he played well in that game.” Eck said that Weir is usually the first offensive lineman to push away defenders after SDSU junior quarterback Taryn Christion has been hit to the ground. “He brings a little bit of an edge,” Eck said of Weir. Weir has played different spots on

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the offensive line for the Jackrabbits, who gained 366 total yards against a JMU defense that led the nation in least points allowed during regularseason play. “They are a very well coached football team from front to back,” Weir said of JMU. “Obviously (defensive lineman) Andrew Ankrah is a firstteam All-American. Their line really knows how to fly around.” “I was recruited as a guard and spent the first two seasons as the backup center,” Weir said. “Last year I moved out to right tackle and that is where I have been. Really the biggest challenge is definitely technique. Out on the edge you spend more time on pass protection. You are going against a lot quicker guys.” Weir attracted few Division I offers, getting attention from some Division II programs in Colorado and a walk-on offer from Colorado State. So why did he head to Brookings, South Dakota? “Just a really good program overall,” Weir said of SDSU.

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December 28, 2017D

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30 Arvada Press

December 28, 2017D

BENTON FROM PAGE 26

Swimming rankings Mountain Vista swim coach Rob Nasser once again has been busy compiling rankings of individual girls swimmers and teams in hopes of gaining more publicity for the sport. In the Dec. 20 rankings, Fossil Ridge and Fairview are ranked first and second in Class 5A with Cherry Creek third, Arapahoe fourth, Rock Canyon eighth, Mountain Vista ninth and Castle View/Douglas County 10th. Heritage is third in the Class 4A rankings, with Valor Christian fourth and Highlands Ranch eighth. Individually, Arapahoe junior diver Franny Cable has the best 5A score recorded in the state so far at 506.85 points, with Castle View/Douglas County’s Sam Tamborski second with 465.45 points and Ralston Valley freshmen Isabel Gregerson third with a

458.80 score. There are several local swimmers ready to challenge with second place times. Horizon’s Charlotte Fieeiki’s time of 55.85 is second in the 100-yard backstroke, Jessica Beckwith of Rock Canyon has the runner-up time of O 56.41 in the 100 butterfly and Delaney s Smith of Arapahoe has clocked the p second fastest time of 2:03.33 in the 200 i IM. Cherry Creek’s 200 medley relay team is second with a 1:46.83 clocking but all the above times need to be 1 s faster to catch the leaders. t In Class 4A, Heritage’s Kylie Andrews has recorded the top times h f of 23.76 and 51.29 in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Valor Christian’s Ella s Kirschke is tops in the 200 IM with a 2:06.96 clocking. Valor also has the T fastest time in the 200 freestyle relay d of 1:36.85. Jim Benton is a sports writer for Colorado Community Media. He has b been covering sports in the Denver area since 1968. He can be reached at jben- i ton@coloradocommunitymedia.com or e at 303-566-4083. s t d

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Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

Solution

Arvada Press 31

December 28, 2017

DEFENSE FROM PAGE 26

Ortiz said. “Most of the time, he is the last guy standing. He is like the free safety. We want to protect the basket first and a lot of time, that’s who it is.” Defensive trends come and go. “For a while everyone was playing the full court, 1-2-1-1, then everybody started playing the 2-2-1 and some people the run and jump,” Mudd said. “I think there is a resurgence of good man defense in the half court and playing good, solid, man-to-man defense. I’d like to see that trickle down to the middle schools.” The right stuff It takes intensity, passion and effort to be a good defender, coaches say. “Mindset is the most important thing… it’s got to be a priority,” Ortiz said. Coaches are always seeking athletes who are willing to play defense. “Defense is something you can teach anybody, especially (good) athletes,” Mudd said. “They learn so much one-on-one play as they are growing up, they know offensive skills. It takes less talent to play defense — it just takes more heart. “A coach always loves a good defender. There is al-

Jefferson’s Jazzy Van Buren goes up to block a shot by Englewood’s Molly Ostrowski during the 2016-17 girls basketball season opener for both teams. Van Buren deflected the shot. PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ways a place for somebody who is going to give their heart and play good defense.” For some players, defense is more than just a requirement.

“It is really fun to play defense,” Arapahoe junior Eliana McClarie said. “It is satisfying to get steals. I think it is almost more fun to get steals than points. It feels good to play good defense and get a stop.”

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Public Notice

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids for the construction of City of Arvada Project No. 17-SR-01, Project Title 2017 Open Cut Sanitary Sewer Main Replacement, will be received at the office of the City Engineer until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 and then publicly opened and read aloud. The BID DOCUMENTS, consisting of Advertisement for Bids, Information for Bidders, Special Conditions, Addendum when issued, Bid Bond, Bid Proposal, Bid Schedule, and the Project Drawings may be examined at the following locations: City of Arvada Engineering Division - 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002 Dodge Plan Room – www.construction.com ISqFt Plan Room – 1030 West Ellsworth Ave., Unit G, Denver, Colorado 80223 Reed Construction Data - www.reedpsp.com Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com Public Notice & MEMORY CARE of WHEAT RIDGE No cost bid documents may be obtained at www.rockymountainbidsystem.com on or after ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS December 21, 2017. Bid documents may also Sealed bids for the construction of City of Arbe obtained at the office of the City Engineer vada Project No. 17-SR-01, Project Title 2017 upon payment of $30.00 per set, which is nonOpen Cut Sanitary Sewer Main Replacement, refundable. will be received at the office of the City EnginESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF THE MAJOR eer until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, ITEMS OF WORK ARE: 2018 and then publicly opened and read aloud. 60 LF Furnish & Install 4” PVC Sanitary Sewer The BID DOCUMENTS, consisting of AdvertiseServices ment for Bids, Information for Bidders, Special 744 LF Furnish & Install 8” PVC Sanitary Sewer Conditions, Addendum when issued, Bid Bond, Gravity Main Bid Proposal, Bid Schedule, and the Project 2,440 LF Furnish & Install 12” PVC Sanitary Drawings may be examined at the following locSewer Gravity Main ations: 344 SY Remove and Replace Concrete Curb, City of Arvada Engineering Division Gutter and Sidewalk - 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002 10 EA Install Manholes Dodge Plan Room – www.construction.com 2,500 SY 2” Temporary Asphalt Patching ISqFt Plan Room – 1030 West Ellsworth Ave., 7,000 SF Site Seeding and Stabilization Unit G, Denver, Colorado 80223 Miscellaneous items include connections to Reed Construction Data - www.reedpsp.com To advertise yourexisting publicfacilities, noticestraffic callcontrol, 303-566-4100 sewer main fitRocky Mountain E-Purchasing System at tings, and other appurtenances. www.rockymountainbidsystem.com Bidders, subcontractors and suppliers must be No cost bid documents may be obtained at familiar with the current City of Arvada Enginwww.rockymountainbidsystem.com on or after eering Code of Standards and SpecificaDecember 21, 2017. Bid documents may also tions for the Design and Construction of be obtained at the office of the City Engineer Public Improvements, dated January 12, 2016, upon payment of $30.00 per set, which is nonwhich will be combined with the Bid Documents refundable. to form the Contract Documents for the Project. ESTIMATED QUANTITIES OF THE MAJOR A copy of the Standards may be obtained from ITEMS OF WORK ARE: the office of the City Engineer upon a non-re60 LF Furnish & Install 4” PVC Sanitary Sewer fundable payment of $50.00. Holders will be noServices tified when supplemental revisions and addi744 LF Furnish & Install 8” PVC Sanitary Sewer tions are available as they are adopted. The Gravity Main Standards are also available at no cost on the 2,440 LF Furnish & Install 12” PVC Sanitary City's web site at www.arvada.org. Holders are Sewer Gravity Main responsible for keeping current their City of 344 SY Remove and Replace Concrete Curb, Arvada Engineering Code of Standards and Gutter and Sidewalk Specifications. 10 EA Install Manholes The Project Engineer for this work is 2,500 SY 2” Temporary Asphalt Patching Matt Knight, at 720-898-7660. 7,000 SF Site Seeding and Stabilization CITY OF ARVADA Miscellaneous items include connections to Timothy R. Hoos, P.E., City Engineer existing facilities, traffic control, sewer main fittings, and other appurtenances. Legal Notice No.: 49901 Bidders, subcontractors and suppliers must be First Publication: December 28, 2017 familiar with the current City of Arvada EnginLast Publication: January 4, 2018 eering Code of Standards and SpecificaPublisher: Golden Transcript tions for the Design and Construction of Wheat Ridge Transcript Public Improvements, dated January 12, 2016, and the Arvada Press which will be combined with the Bid Documents to form the Contract Documents for the Project. A copy of the Standards may be obtained from the office of the City Engineer upon a non-refundable payment of $50.00. Holders will be notified when supplemental revisions and additions are available as they are adopted. The Standards are also available at no cost on the City's web site at www.arvada.org. Holders are responsible for keeping current their City of Arvada Engineering Code of Standards and Specifications. The Project Engineer for this work is

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City and County

Public Notice

A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on January 16, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter consider a preliminary plat for CANDELAS POINT, located at 15207 Candelas Parkway. Additional information can be obtained from the Community Development Dept. or written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing. CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Patricia Connell, Secretary

A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on January 16, 2018, at 6:30 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter consider a preliminary plat for CANDELAS 72-93 CENTER, located at the Southeast Corner of Highway 93 & 71. Additional information can be obtained from the Community Development Dept. or written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing. CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Patricia Connell, Secretary Legal Notice No.: 49906 First Publication: December 28, 2017 Last Publication: December 28, 2017 Publisher: Golden Transcript Wheat Ridge Transcript and the Arvada Press

Legal Notice No.: 49907 First Publication: December 28, 2017 Last Publication: December 28, 2017 Publisher: Golden Transcript Wheat Ridge Transcript and the Arvada Press

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32 Arvada Press

December 28, 2017D

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