News
1- ECN 12.5.13
Elbert County
December 5, 2013
75 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourelbertcountynews.com
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 45
Glitch triggers recount No results change after second tally of ballots By George Lurie
glurie@ourcoloradonews.com
Above, Dan Tweedy’s front yard holiday display is located off State Highway 86 midway between Elizabeth and Kiowa. Below, Tweedy’s holiday display features Santa and his eight John Deeres. Photos by George Lurie
Santa and his eight John Deeres Dan Tweedy, who lives midway between Elizabeth and Kiowa off State Highway 86, spent a month setting up his annual Christmas display, which includes eight vintage John Deere tractors. Tweedy has been putting out the Yuletide display for 15 years. “I started with one tractor and it got out of hand,” he said. “I got into a competition with a couple of other guys and just haven’t quit adding to it.” Tweedy said that depending on how many of his kids are “around to help, it usually takes about a month” to set up the entire display. “People seem to like it,” Tweedy added.
New oil-gas regs to be unveiled Ross fails in bid to reappoint former chairman Thayer By George Lurie
glurie@ourcoloradonews.com At a meeting coming soon, the Elbert County Planning Commission is expected to vote on a long-awaited and much-debated set of revised zoning regulations to guide future oil and gas development in the county. The new regulations, which have been in the pipeline for more than 2½ years, must be approved by both the planning commission and Board of County Commissioners. Community and Development Services Director Kyle Fenner has been working with the planning commission to finetune the regulations and confirmed the group will hold a workshop Dec. 5 to dis-
cuss the proposed oil and gas regulations. At their next formal meeting on Dec. 12, Fenner said she expects the planning commission will “vote on the final document.” The nine members of the planning commission are paid a $30 stipend per meeting but otherwise serve as volunteers. In recent months, the group has been shedding members: • Former longtime chairman Grant Thayer resigned in July after Commissioners Schlegel and Rowland voted down a set of revised oil and gas regs that the planning commission — and the now disbanded “editing committee” — had put more than two years into crafting. • Earlier this year, planning commission member Paula Koch resigned prior to moving out of state. • And in late November, Paul Crisan, who’d been on the commission for 10 years, was fired during a meeting of the
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BOCC. Crisan had taken over as chairman since Thayer’s resignation and was charged, by Commissioners Rowland and Schlegel, with being difficult to work with and rude to both staff and county residents. At the Nov. 26 BOCC meeting, the recent drama surrounding the planning commission took another strange turn. Reading a prepared statement, Commissioner Larry Ross said: “Elbert County is faced with some very significant challenges in the years ahead. Primarily, the manner in which we respond to growth in residential, commercial and industrial sectors will shape the character of the county. Transportation, natural resources and related infrastructure are key elements requiring substantial planning in order to be both successful and compatible with our rural lifestyle …” Ross went on to state the county’s planning commission “can and should maintain an important role” in shaping the county’s future, adding: “Mr. Grant Thayer expressed to me his offer to resume his term on the planning commission.” After describing Thayer as someone with “character, maturity, experience and a willingness to continue in valuable service” to the county, Ross nominated the former chairman to be put back on the commission. The move caught both of his fellow Gas continues on Page 5
A “computer glitch” in the reporting of county election results forced Elbert County election officials to conduct a recount of all ballots on Nov. 23. The glitch was discovered by election officials and reported to the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office, Board of County Commissioners Chairman Robert Rowland said. “It was a minor technical issue,” Rowland said, “and really not a big deal.” Andrew Cole at the Secretary of State’s office said the issue “was related to uploading memory cards into the Election Management system.” Election officials spent more than eight hours on a Saturday re-tabulating votes. After finding the revised results did not change the outcome of any of the races or ballot measures, including the razor-close school board races in the Big Sandy and Elizabeth school districts, the election results were certified. Rowland said he came to the courthouse on Nov. 23 — a Saturday — for a few hours to monitor the recount. Deputy county clerk Mandy Taylor explained the glitch as “an error on one of the tapes that come out of the machines.” “We knew exactly what happened,” Taylor added. “But to satisfy everyone, we reran the tape.” Taylor said the recount “did not change a single number.” Two representatives from the Secretary of State’s office monitored the recount. The county’s Democratic and Republican canvas members were also present to witness the proceedings. The recount was open to the public. “We did have a few people come in and observe,” Taylor said. County clerk and recorder Dallas Schroeder and elections manager Sherry McNeil were appointed to their positions just a few months before the November election, and with the help of both Douglas County election officials and representatives from the Colorado Secretary of State’s office, both Schroeder and McNeil underwent a crash course in election management in the weeks leading up to the vote. “With a new election manager and county clerk, it was a pretty stressful situation,” Taylor said. “Really, it was amazing that there was just a single glitch.” On Nov. 26, Taylor said county election officials were notified by the Secretary of State’s Office that there will be a mandatory recount in the Big Sandy school board race, which was a multi-county election involving Lincoln and El Paso counties as well as Elbert County. In that race, just 6 votes separated second-place finisher Paul Warnecke from third-place finisher Lori Ellefson. Only the top two vote getters win seats on the Big Sandy school board. Taylor said county election officials have yet to be notified whether a recount in the Elizabeth school board race will need to be conducted. In that race in which three board members were elected, a 32-vote margin separated third-place finisher Deb Spenceley from fourth-place finisher Amilda Heckman. Spenceley and first- and second-place finishers Christopher Richardson and Carol Hinds were installed on the Elizabeth school board at a meeting held Nov. 25.
2-Color
2 Elbert County News
December 5, 2013
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Elbert County News 3
December 5, 2013
View of piano is black and white The 74-year-old Knabe grand piano sits silent in the room behind them. But the three women sipping tea at the small dining room table feel the music settle into them with the quiet joy only an old, beloved companion can bring. Music. “It’s like food,” Dee Netzel, 86, says. “I couldn’t imagine life without it.” “It’s a passion,” says Donita Banks, 77, “a compulsion.” The piano belongs to the third woman, the tiniest, just now able to sit at the bench after two months battling a back injury. Rita Jo Tensly, 84, says simply: “I want to die at the piano.” ••• They call themselves “sisters” — Dee from a small Wisconsin town, Rita from New York City and Donita from Pueblo. All classical pianists, a love for music binds them tightly. But what brought them together originally was the Denver alumnae chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota, an international music fraternity for women they joined while in college. Donita, the chapter’s archivist who chronicles the organization’s history in carefully constructed scrapbooks, spreads open an album on the table and points to a picture of smiling women, the SAI Singers. “There’s Dee and there’s me. We had a bicentennial program.” 1976. She turns to another page and another picture. 1995. Rita: “There I am in the front row.” Donita: “We were looking a little younger then.” All three burst into laughter.
Castle Rock
Another album contains photos of revered member Lela Putney, whose 104th birthday they celebrated in 2008. She left Denver several years ago to live near family and died at 108. Donita added the obituary and stories of her life to the scrapbook. Donita, who joined in 1960 and is one of the longest-running members, is adamant the SAI alumnae chapter was a key ingredient to Lila’s longevity. “What has kept us going,” she says, “has been music, friendship and service.” The chapter has 44 members from their mid-20s to Dee, the oldest active member. About 25 attend monthly meetings from September to June in homes and churches throughout the metro area, wherever a good piano can be found. “I think one of the neat things about our group now is we are online,” Dee says, “and as careers bring people to our area, they look us up online and they find us.” The website also brings younger women to the graying chapter. Dee: “I love being with young people.” “It keeps me young,” Rita says. Dee: “We really aren’t categorized by age. … Music is just music.”
Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch
1200 South Street Castle Rock, CO 80104 303.688.3047 www.fumccr.org
Services:
Saturday 5:30pm Sunday 8am, 9:30am, 11am Sunday School 9:15am Little Blessings Day Care www.littleblessingspdo.com
Open and Welcoming
Sunday Worship
“Loving God - Making A Difference”
A place for you
Franktown
Trinity Lutheran Church & School
Sunday Worship 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Trinity Lutheran School & ELC (Ages 3-5, Grades K-8)
Twice as large as any other show in Colorado!
Denver Merchandise Mart
December 7th and 8th
Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 4pm Valet & Shuttle Parking
$1 OFF COUPON at www.tannergunshow.com
303-756-3467
Littleton
Alongside One Another On Life’s Journey
Parker
Parker
Joy
You are invited to worship with us:
8:00 am Chapel Service 9:00 & 10:30 am
www.st-andrew-umc.com
Grace is on the NE Corner of Santa Fe Dr. & Highlands Ranch Pkwy. (Across from Murdochs)
Sunday School 9:00 & 10:30 am
303-798-8485
9203 S. University Blvd. Highlands Ranch, 80126
Littleton
(Next to RTD lot @470 & University)
303-791-3315
pastor@awlc.org www.awlc.org
Sunday
8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
1609 W. Littleton Blvd. (303) 798-1389 • www.fpcl.org
Welcome Home!
Weaving Truth and Relevance into Relationships and Life
worship Time 10:30AM sundays 9:00am Spiritual Formation Classes for all Ages 90 east orchard road littleton, co
303 798 6387
Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 8:00 & 10:30am
Education Hour: Sunday 9:15am Joyful Mission Preschool 303-841-3770 7051 East Parker Hills Ct. • Parker, CO 303-841-3739 www.joylutheran-parker.org
Lone Tree
Church of Christ
Currently meeting at: 9220 Kimmer Drive, Suite 200 Lone Tree 80124 303-688-9506 www.LoneTreeCoC.com
Connect – Grow – Serve
Sunday Worship
8:45 am & 10:30 am
Parker
Community Church of Religious Science Sunday services held in the historic Ruth Memorial Chapel at the Parker Mainstreet Center
...19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker 80138
New Thought...Ancient Wisdom Sunday Service
& Children’s Church 10:00 a.m.
Visit our website for details of classes & upcoming events.
303.805.9890
Denver Tech Center
Parker evangelical Presbyterian church
9030 Miller road Parker, Co 80138 303-841-2125 www.pepc.org
Lone Tree
Sunday Worship - 10:00am Bible Study immediately following Wednesday Bible Study - 7:30pm
8391 S. Burnley Ct., Highlands Ranch
Worship Services Sundays at 9:00am
SErviCES:
www.gracecolorado.com
303-841-4660 www.gracepointcc.us www.tlcas.org To advertise your place of worship in this section, call 303-566-4091 or email kearhart@ourcoloradonews.com.
DeADLineS:
Display advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legal advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m. classified advertising: Mon. 12 p.m.
TANNER GUN SHOW
GRACE PRESBYTERIAN
Sundays at 10:00 am
Sunday Worship 10:30 4825 North Crowfoot Valley Rd. Abiding Word Castle Rock • canyonscc.org Lutheran Church 303-663-5751
ShopLocalColorado.com
(USPS 171-100) Office: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 PhOne: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTeR: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
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“They like us for what we are,” Rita says. “Musicians.” ••• Donita, an only child, began playing at 7 when her parents brought home an old, Baldwin Acrosonic upright piano, signed by pianist Amparo Iturbi, sister of the famed pianist José Iturbi of Spain. “Really?” Rita asks. “Mmmhmmm,” Donita says, smiling, remembering. “I loved piano from the beginning.” In junior high school, she began accompanying the singers at church. In high school, she played for a singer who performed for service organizations and then was hired to accompany dancers at the Pueblo Conservatory of Music. She attended the University of Colorado on scholarship where a professor introduced her to contemporary music. Her son, her first child, was just seven weeks old when she accepted a job as youth choir director at a Lakewood church, the start to a career as a freelance musician who combined one-woman shows with choir directing. “It came to be a way of life,” Donita says. And when she battled breast cancer two years ago, she couldn’t wait to play again. “I had to get back to my music. Yes, I had to get back to my regular life.” Rita was 10 when her parents surprised her with the same piano in her sitting room for her birthday. “I took to it like a duck takes to water,” she says.
elbert county news
www.P a r k er C C R S.org P.O. Box 2945—Parker CO 80134-2945
Where people are excited about God’s Word.
Sunday Worship: 10:45AM & 6PM Bible Study: 9:30AM Children, Young People & Adults 4391 E Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado 80134 Church Office – (303) 841-3836
www.parkerbiblechurch.org Meets at the Marriott DTC 4900 S Syracuse St, Denver, CO 80237
10 am every Sunday Free parking December Study:
The Cast of Christmas Pastor Mark Brewer
Pastor David Fisher Fellowship & Worship: 9:00 am Sunday School: 10:45 am 5755 Valley Hi Drive Parker, CO 303-941-0668
www.SpiritofHopeLCMC.org
United Church Of Christ Parker Hilltop 10926 E. Democrat Rd. Parker, CO • 10am Worship www.uccparkerhilltop.org 303-841-2808
4-Opinion
4 Elbert County News
December 5, 2013
opinions / yours and ours
Information is not the public’s enemy Last week’s release of a report summarizing the investigation into the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary offers a glimpse into the horror of what happened on Dec. 14, 2012. It, however, is not a complete accounting of what happened. The state police’s full report was not included and it is not known when that will be released. At the same time, media outlets are fighting for the release of 911 tapes — which generally are considered public record. Indeed, nearly a year later, the Newtown, Conn., tragedy is still marked by a measure of secrecy. We’re not going to argue what should and shouldn’t be released in the Sandy Hook investigation. Records in this case, in which a gunman killed 28 people, including 20 children, should be handled delicately. The victims’ families deserve that.
our view What we will point out, though, is that the slow release of information — and the outright withholding of some records — is not limited to high-profile, horrific cases like Sandy Hook. It happens every day in Colorado, most likely throughout the nation. “Ongoing criminal investigation.” That’s the phrase routinely used to deny reporters and the public information about a case. The Colorado Open Records Act allows for this. Law enforcement agencies may deny the release of records when providing the information would “be contrary to the
public interest.” Generally, the “ongoing criminal investigation” phrase is invoked. Further explanation will sometimes yield that releasing the information could jeopardize the case against a suspect. Maybe it could put witnesses in danger. What often happens is that the local law enforcement agency gives out some initial nuggets of information — which may or may not include an arrest report or other official documents. After the agency finishes its investigation, the case moves on to the district attorney. Then, for a period of weeks, or months, or sometimes more than a year, no further details are released. Generally, you have to wait for trial to get anything near the full story. This process leaves more than just reporters unsatisfied. The American Civil Liberties Union joined with a local couple last month to sue the Town of Castle Rock,
its town clerk and the police chief for refusal to release records related to an incident in February. The couple’s car was hit with a bullet, they say, after a police officer fired his gun at a burglary suspect. They say they want more answers about what happened before and during the shooting. Thing is, it’s an ongoing investigation. We won’t argue what should and shouldn’t be released in this case either. We don’t have enough information to do that. Surely there are some cases in which a successful prosecution and people’s safety depend on keeping things under wraps. But “ongoing investigation” has become a stock answer, and as such, we’ll say the spirit of the open records law is being violated on a regular basis in Colorado. All too often what’s contrary to the public interest is being left out in the dark.
Thanksgiving leftovers are calorie-free treat
A breakfast toast to good companions Have you had a circumstantial breakfast lately? That’s what I call a breakfast that impresses you, and not just because of the food. You remember it because of whom you are with, or where you are, or the timing. On your honeymoon, eggs have never tasted better. Or worse. You just came back from a funeral, and you can’t even taste your food. Your best friend is sitting across the table from you. He just flew in from northern California. I just fixed breakfast, and I won’t remember what I ate an hour from now, especially if I do the dishes. There were no circumstances. Now, if I get food poisoning, that will change everything. I thought about my best circumstantial breakfast and my worst, and I came up with both of them right away. The best was almost too easy. It was on a Sunday at the Brown Palace. I don’t like the word “brunch.” I don’t like the word “portmanteau” either, but that’s what the word “brunch” is, just like “smog.” Brunch is a combination of “breakfast” and “lunch.” Smog is a portmanteau of “smoke” and “fog.” I am going to call what we had that morning at the Brown Palace breakfast, even though it was brunch. I am not interested in All You Can Eat, but the circumstances were favorable for the choice. My best friend was in town from northern California, and sitting next to him was my sister, who was in town from suburban Detroit. I would have been happy with a sponge on my plate. Instead I had prime rib and asparagus tips, and about ten other things. I may have had turkey and dressing. There could have been salmon on my plate at one time.
Choosing the worst was a snap. UCLA goofed up my student deferment, and I was notified by mail that a pre-induction physical was required. UCLA assured me that the deferment would be processed — after the physical. Things were done to me that I would rather not discuss, and after it was over, they handed me a coupon for a free breakfast. Why didn’t I just go back to West Los Angeles? Because there was nothing in the refrigerator, and how bad can any breakfast be? I don’t know how to cook, but I can make a decent breakfast. I don’t remember the name of the place. It could have been Puddled Eggs, or Suspicious Hash, or Mush of Pork? They all describe the gobbets on my plate. I said that I would have been happy with a sponge on my plate at the Brown Palace, because I was with my best friend and my sister, who would make up for almost anything on the menu. That’s not really true. If Mike and Cindy had been with me at Puddled Eggs it wouldn’t have helped. The orange juice was poached. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@ comcast.net
Don’t you just love Thanksgiving leftovers? For me it could be the full meal just reheated and enjoyed as if it were Thanksgiving all over again. It could also be turkey soup, turkey salad, or turkey sandwiches, I love them all equally. And wouldn’t you agree that mashed potatoes and gravy just seem to taste even better on the second day? As much as I enjoy those tasty reminders of the holiday, my favorite leftovers are the feelings of gratitude and appreciation for those very special people in my life and the blessings I have received. It sure does feel good when we can love on our friends and family members on Thanksgiving and shower them with the love and appreciation they deserve for standing by us, supporting us, and loving us back. And I especially love the feeling when I can tell them again on Friday, Saturday and Sunday just how much they mean to me. Talk about amazing leftovers, it just doesn’t get any better than that. Another benefit of gratitude leftovers is this, they are all calorie-free. How awesome is that? We can partake in these tasty leftovers for days, weeks, months and years and never gain an ounce or an inch. As good as the turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce tastes, after too many days in the refrigerator they will all eventually need to be consumed or thrown away. That doesn’t happen with gratitude leftovers, as they can last for as long as we are willing to recognize just how meaningful and important they are to our own happiness and the health of our
Elbert County News 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
gerard healey President and Publisher
Chris Rotar Editor SCOTT GILBERT Assistant Editor
Erin Addenbrooke Advertising Director audrey brooks Business Manager scott andrews Creative Services Manager Sandra Arellano Circulation Director RON ‘MITCH’ MITCHELL Sales Executive
relationships. Most of us are fed and fed well at Thanksgiving. Sooner or later the initial meal and surplus goodies will be gone. But when we feed our attitude and spirit with the meals of gratitude and appreciation, we can live off of that nourishment for a very long time. That is why we need to remember that the leftovers don’t stop when Thanksgiving Thursday is just a few days gone in the rearview mirror, the star of the Thanksgiving Thursday meal is not the turkey, but rather the remembrance and acknowledgment of all that we have and for all of those we hold closest to us. I truly hope that you had a warm, wonderful, and happy Thanksgiving, and I hope that you will enjoy the calorie-free leftovers for a very, very long time. I would love to hear all about your leftovers at gotonorton@gmail.com and thank you all for making this a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Highlands Ranch, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation and the CEO/founder of www.candogo.com.
Colorado Community Media Phone 303-566-4100 • Fax 303-566-4098
Columnists and guest commentaries The Elbert County News features a limited number of regular columnists, found on these pages and elsewhere in the paper, depending on the typical subject the columnist covers. Their opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News. Want your own chance to bring an issue to our readers’ attention, to highlight something great in our community, or just to make people laugh? Why not write a letter of 300 words or fewer. Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.
Email your letter to letters@ourcoloradonews.com We welcome event listings and other submissions. News and Business Press Releases Please visit ourcoloradonews.com, click on the Press Releases tab and follow easy instructions to make submissions. Calendar calendar@ourcoloradonews.com Military Notes militarynotes@ourcoloradonews.com School accomplishments, honor roll and dean’s list schoolnotes@ourcoloradonews.com Sports sports@ourcoloradonews.com Obituaries obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com To Subscribe call 303-566-4100
we’re in this together Our team of professional reporters, photographers and editors are out in the community to bring you the news each week, but we can’t do it alone. Send your news tips, your own photographs, event information, letters, commentaries... If it happens, it’s news to us. Please share by contacting us at news@ourcoloradonews.com, and we will take it from there. After all, the News is your paper.
5-Color
Elbert County News 5
December 5, 2013
Local man takes third in horse show event Staff report My Vital Valentine captured third place in junior trail at the 2013 American Quarter Horse Association Open World Championship Show on Nov. 19 in Oklahoma City. The third place horse is owned by Donna Biddulph of Oliver, British Columbia, and was shown by Chad Evans of Elizabeth. My Vital Valentine is a 2009 red road stallion sired by RL Best Of Sudden and out of Vital Signs Are Good, and was bred by Kristen Galyean of Claremore, Okla. In the junior trail class, 45 entries competed for world champion honors and a purse of $24,575.85. Third place finisher Evans received a prize package that included a customdesigned bronze trophy,
specially designed logoed jacket, courtesy of Cripple Creek Outerwear, Professional’s Choice Sports Medicine Boots and a medallion. The AQHA World Show is the top event for American quarter horse owners and exhibitors around the world, who must qualify for the event by earning a predetermined number of points to compete in each of the classes representing halter, English and Western disciplines. More than 3,390 entries from the United States, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Mexico and the United Kingdom competed for 98 world championships at this year’s event, held Nov. 8-23 at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.
Gas Continued from Page 1
commissioners by surprise. Schlegel and Rowland, questioned after the meeting, both said they had no idea Ross was planning to nominate Thayer. During the meeting, there was no discussion among BOCC members
Chad Evans of Elizabeth rode My Vital Valentine to a third place finish at this year’s AQHA World Championships. Courtesy photo by Alexis Bennett
following Ross’ nomination and when neither Rowland nor Schlegel seconded the appointment, the motion died. In recent months, Ross has found himself on the short end of a number of 2-1 votes and his comments after the meeting were measured and terse. “Unfortunately,” he said in a written statement, “my motion to appoint Mr. Thayer to the Elbert County Planning Commission failed to pass for lack of a second.” Rowland stated recently that he
would prefer to leave the three current vacancies unfilled until the planning commission finishes its work on the oil and gas regulations. The appointments of planning commissioners Sue Link and Mike Kelley are set to expire in January. “For the time being,” Fenner said, “(planning commission vice chair) Tom Beshore is technically running the group’s meetings, although from what I understand, he prefers not to be formally named as chairman.”
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6-Color
6 Elbert County News
December 5, 2013
LET US CELEBRATE WITH YOU Have a wedding, anniversary, engagement, birth or special occasion coming up? Share it! Colorado Community Media invites you to place an announcement to share your news. Go to ourcoloradonews.com/celebrations for package and pricing information. Deadline is 10 a.m. Tuesdays the week preceding the announcement.
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Library has holiday season well in hand I kept hearing that Thanksgiving is “late” this year, and it’s finally starting to sink in — there is less than a month between Thanksgiving and Christmas! Which put me in a quandary — should I start listening to the holiday music before Thanksgiving? Should I go ahead and buy a wreath, or wait until Black Friday and beyond? After all, 27 days of Christmas Joy should still be enough, right? The holidays can feel rushed, and each year the Christmas displays seem to appear in the stores earlier and earlier. But what matters most is how you celebrate the holidays yourself, with your friends and family. I just spoke with someone who had Thanksgiving the weekend of Nov. 2324, because that is when the whole family could be together. Someone else said that they have to wait until the weekend after Christmas for their family to celebrate together. Holiday lives in your heart, not in the tinsel. To help spread some holiday cheer, we are hosting special events at the libraries — Dec. 6 at 10:30 a.m. at the Kiowa Library: Cookie decorating and story time. The Friends of the Library Silent Auction goes through 2 p.m. that same day, so come in and put your final bid on your favorite basket. We will have someone reading picture books for those who have time to linger. In Simla the cookie decorating festivities will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 10:30 a.m. Participants will also be able to use our Creation Station software to make their own holiday greeting cards. The Elizabeth Cookie Decorating Party will be on Wonderful Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. We will have cookies, frosting, and decorations. All people need to bring is their creativity! Need inspiration on holiday decorations, homemade crafts, or new recipes to try? Check out some books at your library! For crafters, check out “Modern Holiday — deck the halls with 18 sewing projects
— quilts, stockings, decorations & more” by Amanda Murphy, or “Deck the Halls — Christmas notecards, labels, ornaments, and other festive & fun holiday projects” from the editors of Country Living magazine. For the baker, take a look at Better Homes and Gardens’ Very Merry Cookies. For the literate cook, check out best-selling author Debbie Macomber’s “Christmas Cookbook.” “Nigella Christmas: Food, Family, Friends, Festivities” by chef Nigella Lawson is also sure to whet your appetite. If you’d rather just light a fire in the fireplace and pour yourself a cup of hot chocolate and curl up with a heartwarming story about the season, we have plenty of stories to choose from, from picture books to novels to holiday mysteries and beyond. ’Tis the season for giving. The above resources might give you some ideas of gifts you can make and meals you can share that come from your heart. As you consider what gifts to give your friends and family, please consider what you can give back to your community through donations to local organizations such as the Elizabeth Firefighters Foundation, Elizabeth Education Foundation, or the Elbert County Libraries Foundation. Kari May lives in Elizabeth and is the director of the Elbert County Library District. She can be contacted through the library at director@elbertcountylibrary. org. Visit the library at www.elbertcountylibrary.org.
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK? Want to know what clubs, art exhibits, meetings and cultural events are happening in your area and the areas around you? Visit our website at www.ourcoloradonews.com/ calendar.
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The historic Hildebrand Farm at Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield will be illuminated during “Trail of Lights” through Jan. 1. Courtesy photo
Lovely lights make holidays bright Area offers plethora of places to enjoy
By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com Pull on the jackets and mittens and head outside for an evening surrounded by fanciful holiday lights. Enjoy music, seasonal entertainment and perhaps some warm cocoa as one enters a magical world. Some suggestions: • “Trail of Lights” at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield offers illuminated paths through the countryside, plus a decorated historic farm, where one can explore the Green Barn and silo, the children’s area and homestead. Here, you will also see illuminated antique tractors, a warming hut, fire pit and on some nights, hayrides. Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield is located on Deer Creek Canyon Road, west off Wadsworth, just south of the C-470 intersection. Admission: $10-$12, $8-$10 member, $7-$9 child, $5-7 member child (depending on the date). Free 2 and under. Open nightly 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 1. • “Blossoms of Light” at Denver Botanic Gardens York Street offers lighted trees, paths and structures, with seasonal entertainment on some evenings, themed gardens and a synchronized light
and musical showcase in the UMB Amphitheater. At both DBG gardens, warm drinks, treats and Holospex 3-D glasses are available for purchase. Admission: $10-$12/$8-10 member; $7-9 child/$5-7 member child (depending on the date). Open nightly 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. through Jan. 1. • “Zoolights” at the Denver Zoo in City Park offers a stroll through 38 acres of lights, with 150 animated animal sculptures and a special Zoolights Lantern Festival in the new Toyota Elephant Passage. Seasonal entertainment: (text Dzoo to 56512 for schedule). Open 5:30 to 9 p.m. nightly through Jan. 5. Admission: $12 adults, $10 over 65, $8 children; free 2 and under; members receive a $2 discount on tickets. (Daytime admission does not include Zoolights.) The zoo closes at 5 p.m. and reopens at 5:30. • Denver’s City and County Building at 14th and Bannock streets is illuminated through the season, as is Union Station and points in between, which may call for a driving tour. • Drivers in the south area will want to drive down Littleton’s Main Street, where thousands of lights twinkle nightly. A stop for a snack, tea, a drink, might be in order
here. A special shopping night is planned on Dec. 7. • Hudson Christmas at Hudson Gardens, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, is open 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6 and 7 and nightly Dec. 13 to 31. A collection of 250,000 lights will line paths for a walkthrough garden stroll. Santa will meet with children and hot cocoa will be available at several locations. Tickets: $9/$6 through Tickethorse or at the garden shop or box office. • A Holiday Evening at the Farm is presented from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 8 only at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. The outdoor event is lighted by Farilitos and an occasional bonfire. The two farm homes are decorated and there will be music, snacks and warm cider. There is musical entertainment. Tickets are available at the museum and Littleton’s Bemis Library in advance: $10 general public; $7, Friends of the Library/Museum members; $3 children. If any are left, they will be for sale at the gate on Dec. 8, but they often sell out in advance, since attendance is limited to 1,500. 303-795-3950.
Skillful staging tells a sad story Wartime fears play role in play at Vintage By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe@ourcolorado news.com In many instances, we complain about the transition of a well-loved book to film and stage, but Kevin McKeon’s adaptation of the best-selling “Snow Falling on Cedars” by David Guterson works quite well — due in large part to a skillful director, Sam Wood. The complicated story starts in 1954 with Kabuo Miyamoto (Dale Li) on trial for the murder of Carl Hein, who had been a childhood friend. The script then proceeds to tell the backstory through numerous flashbacks: to a teenage love affair between Ishmael Chambers (Ben Cowhick) and Hatsue Mitamoto (Arlene Rapal); to the Japanese-American farmers who raised strawberries and wanted to buy more land; to the announcement of the Pearl Harbor bombing; the growing prejudice against — and eventual arrest and intern-
if you go “Snow Falling on Cedars,” adapted from David Guterson’s award-winning novel by Kevin McKeon, plays through Dec. 15 at Vintage Theater’s studio theater, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $25/$20 advance, 303-856-7830, vintagetheatre.com.
Elbert County News 7 December 5, 2013
Column collection ready for reading Smitty Smith’s long nose and big brown eyes grace the cover of Craig Marshall Smith’s recently published “This is not a daschund,” a collection of some of the writer/artist/Highlands Ranch curmudgeon’s columns from Colorado Community Media papers. Books are in stock at Tattered Cover bookstores on the shelves of Colorado writers, we are told. Smith said the title was inspired by painter Rene Magritte’s painting of a pipe, “The Treachery of Images (This is not a pipe).”
SSPR craft fair
South Suburban’s 27th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Goodson Recreation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial. Glass art, photos, paintings, candles, soaps, foods, decorations, scarves, hats, purses, jewelry and more … Admission is free and South Suburban’s Sparks Gymnastics team will offer free gift-wrapping. The concession stand will be open for lunch.
Photo exhibit
“Eight Eyes are Better Than Two” is the title for an exhibit of works by Andy Marquez and three of his students: Nancy Peterson, Fran Baron and Larry Stearns. It will be held in the atrium of the Littletown Building, 2329 W. Main St., Littleton, at 4-8 p.m. Dec. 11, 12, 13; and 10 to 3 p.m. Dec. 14. 303-797-6040.
Young voices
The Young Voices of Colorado — 180 singers in several children’s choirs — will present a Holiday Concert at 4 p.m. on Dec 8 at the Newman Center, 2344 E. Iliff Ave., Denver. Music by: Bach, Purcell, Caldwell, Ivy, Kesselman and traditional Christmas music. Tickets: at Ticketmaster.
Word on the Streets
The Streets at Southglenn announces a holiday schedule that includes: Clydesdale Carriage Rides and Dickens Carolers on Saturdays from 4 to 8 p.m.; Denver Figure Skating Club Holiday show at 5 p.m. Dec. 14; Santa Photos with your pet from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 15; Jingle Bell DJ from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21; Visit Santa at Guest Services, Fridays through Dec. 13, 4 to 8 p.m., Saturdays through Dec. 14, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays through Dec. 15, noon to 6 p.m.; and a skating Santa on Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the CUBE, which is open for skating at various hours. See: shopsouthglenn.com/events/holiday.
Winter Wonderland ment of — Japanese-American citizens who were residents of the island in Puget Sound where the story takes place. Maria Cheng as Fujiko Imada and Rob Payo as Hisao Imada reflect another sort of prejudice in warning their daughter, Hatsue, against dating a white boy because “you couldn’t trust them.” The set is a simple suggestion of a waterfront with minimal set pieces from which the audience is transported to the Manzanar Relocation Camp in Central California — and elsewhere. (It was one of 10 in the U.S., including Amache in southeastern Colorado, where 110 Japanese-Americans were incarcerated during World War
Dale Li, Arlene Rapal and Ben Cowhick are in the cast of “Snow Falling on Cedars” at the Vintage Theatre.Courtesy photo II.) There is a battle scene where Ishmael is wounded and a series of flashbacks interspersed with courtroom arguments and witness-questioning by Nels Gudmundsson (veteran actor Roger Simon, who actually is a lawyer), defending Miyamoto, and prosecutor Alvin Hooks (David Cervera). Lighting technician Jen Orf had ongoing responsibility in staging this play. The lighting in the small, long and narrow studio theater highlighted numer-
ous flashbacks clearly, moving the complex story along to its conclusion. Director Sam Wood and a polished cast had their timing precise as we transitioned back and forth through the years. A strong cast and wellwritten script remind us of an unfortunate piece of history we may have forgotten. I hope some audience members will be moved to find the book at their library and enjoy Guterson’s fine writing after seeing “Snow Falling on Cedars.”
The “Wind Crest Winter Wonderland Song and Dance Variety Show” will be held from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at 3235 Mill Vista Rd., Highlands Ranch. Residents will showcase their talent. They will be joined by guests from the Colorado Dance Center and Bear Creek High School. Information/ RSVP: MelTansill@Erickson.com.
Singing songs
The One World Singers, including members from Centennial, Englewood and Littleton, will present “A Caribbean Christmas Mass” at 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14, with the Pan Jumbie Steel Pan Band. The concerts will be at the landmark St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 2201 Dexter St., Denver. Tickets: $15, free 12 and under, A $6 optional drink and dinner is available after the 7 p.m. show. Tickets: oneworldsingers.org.
8-Color
8 Elbert County News
December 5, 2013
THINGS TO DO
DEC. 6
SILENT AUCTION The Kiowa Friends of the Library plans its silent auction. Bidding opens Nov. 15 and continues through 2 p.m. Dec. 6. Stop by the library to bid; library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Contact the Kiowa Library for information, 303-621-2111. DEC. 12
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VOLUNTEER ROUND-UP. The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo needs 150-200 volunteers in guest relations, children’s programs, horse and livestock shows, and the trade show. The 108th stock show is Jan. 11-26. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities and to set up an interview for a volunteer spot, attend the National Western volunteer round-up from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St., Denver. For information and to fill out a volunteer application, go to http:// www.nationalwestern.com/volunteer/ or contact Kellie at 303-299-5562. DEC. 18 BLOOD DRIVE. Walmart community blood drive is from 2-6 p.m. Dec. 18 inside Bonfils’ mobile bus at 2100 Legacy Circle, Elizabeth. For information or to schedule an appointment please contact the Bonfils’ Appointment Center at 303-363-2300 or visit www.bonfils.org. All donors who give blood between Dec. 8 and Jan. 18 will receive a Bonfils T-shirt, while supplies last. THE OUTBACK Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod. com. DIVORCE AND Post-Decree Clinic. Elbert and Lincoln County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is offered from 9 a.m. to noon the third Friday of each month at the Elbert
County Justice Center, 751 Ute St., in Kiowa. For information, call 303-520-6088 or email morgan@hayday. org. The clinic is free for parties who have no attorney and who are going through dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or post-decree cases. All walk-ins are welcome, and will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis.
DOUGLAS-ELBERT COUNTY Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.
LAWYERS AT the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.
MYSTERY BOOK Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.
THE ELBERT County Sheriffs Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriffs Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriffs Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. Membership is open to anyone without a criminal record. It meets the last Monday of the month at the Elbert County Sheriffs Office at 7 p.m. For more information or a membership application, go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff. com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-6465456.
OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock.
THE ELIZABETH Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food. The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m. Other times by appointment.
SATURDAY GENEALOGY Fun meets at the Elbert Public Library at 1 p.m. on the seocnd Saturday of each month. Beginning to advanced genealogy enthusiasts are invited to attend. The Elbert Public Library is in the Elbert School library at 24489 Main Street in Elbert. Call 303-648-3533 for more information.
ELIZABETH GUITAR Group. Elizabeth guitar circle
SENIORS MEET in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303-883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-3425 for information
will meet on the first and second Wednesday of each month at the Elizabeth Library. Traditional protocol/ courtesy. Country, pop, bluegrass, cowboy, Beatles, 50s, 60s, 70s, blues, jazz and more. We who play for pleasure would love to meet more of same. Acoustic or power down. Come prepared to share a few songs, perform, play along, sing along with others. Enjoy new guitar friends to jam with. Gerry Vinson hosts on the first Wednesday from 6:30-9 p.m., and Laurie Smith hosts on the second Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. Uncertain? Drop by and observe. Banjo, ukelele, mandolin welcome. Call Laurie at 720-363-3531.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send information to calendar@ ourcoloradonews.com, attn: Elbert County News. No attachments. Listings are free and run on a spaceavailable basis.
WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS WEEK? Want to know what clubs, art exhibits, meetings and cultural events are happening in your area and the areas around you? Visit our website at www.ourcoloradonews.com/calendar.
2013
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE December 6 — January 4
HOLIDAY FILM FESTIVAL Featuring a variety of family favorites on the 53’ Extreme Screen. Visit TheWildlifeExperience.org for movies and show times. December 5, 5:30 p.m.
MOVIE AND A MARTINI Take a break from the holiday rush with National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation on our giant Extreme Screen.
Give a membership or a Wild Outdoor
December 14, 21, 23 & 24 9 a.m. —11 a.m.
Workshop this year.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Call 720-488-3344
Santa Claus will be stopping by the museum to enjoy breakfast and jot down everyone’s wish list.
December 14, 21, 23 & 24 Noon — 1:30 p. m.
HIKE WITH SANTA Take a half mile hike around the Wildlife Experience Nature Trail with Santa and enjoy s’mores and hot chocolate. Don’t forget your cameras!
TheWildlifeExperience.org 10035 Peoria Street, Parker • 720-488-3344
9
Elbert County News 9
December 5, 2013
CURTAIN TIME
Pronounce it Fronkensteen!
“Young Frankenstein,” with book by Mel Brooks, music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, plays Dec. 13 to Feb. 2 at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora. Town Hall’s education director Seth Maisel will play Frederick Frankenstein — pronounced “Fronkensteen” — the mad scientist’s New York son, who insists he is actually a sane scientist. Deb Flomberg is director. Performances: 7:30 Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays, plus 6:30 p.m. Dec. 31.Tickets coat $31 ($26 advance), 303-856-7830,vintagetheatre. com.
Phamaly holiday production
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” the favorite Christmas fable about George Bailey of Bedford Falls, will be presented by Phamaly Theatre Company at the Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax
Healey Continued from Page 3
She attended Juilliard and graduated from the University of Miami in Florida, then moved to Denver in 1953 and taught elementary school music for 28 years. She loves the classical composers. “I just love the way they put the music together. I think about the music, what they were thinking about, why they composed this music.” Her favorites are Debussy and Mozart. She looks at her hands. “My hands are very small.” She fans out her fingers. “So Mozart fits my hands.” Her eyesight is failing. And that is her biggest fear. “I dread the time if I never have any more sight to see the music because I don’t want to stop playing,” she says. “I feel better when I play this beautiful music.” Dee grew up in a poor, rural Wisconsin home. But her mother had inherited a piano. And to keep a mischievous Dee out of trouble, she started her with piano lessons. “I loved the teacher; I loved the music,” Dee says. “Nobody had to make me practice and I never stopped.” She would attend the University of Wisconsin, Madison, on
Ave., Aurora, from Dec. 7 to 22. Directed by Bryce Alexander and Steve Wilson, it stars Jeremy Palmer as George Bailey and Lindsay Palmer as Mary (Hatch) Bailey. Performances: 7:30 Fridays and Saturdays and Dec. 16 and 19; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $29/$25, 303-739-1970, phamaly.org.
Brrrr!
“Guys on Ice — a musical about ice fishing” plays Dec. 13 to 22 at the Aurora Fox Studio Theatre, 8800 E. Colfax. Ave., Aurora. Meet fishing buddies Marvin and Lloyd, directed by Charles Packard. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22. Tickets: $26/$22/$13, 303-739-1970, Aurora Fox.org.
Musical variety
“Home for the Holidays,” produced by Starkey for Lone Tree Arts
scholarship. Later a staff accompanist at Metropolitan State University for 27 years, Dee began as an elementary and high school music teacher for nine one-room schools in rural Wisconsin that she had to get to in two days. “I’d roar up in my car and teach, then roar up to the next one,” she says. “I would spin around on the roads, I would knock over the mailboxes — I was in such a hurry.” Dee laughs. “I was young.” Rita smiles, taking a sip of tea. “We were all young at one time.” Dee still practices every day, one of the reasons, she believes, that she doesn’t have any pain in her arthritic hands. Twelve years ago, macular degeneration clouded the sight in her left eye. In August, doctors found the beginning of the disease in her right eye. “I’m surviving,” Dee says and tells Donita and Rita about the musical program she played recently with a friend. “I played practically noteperfect. I’m going to keep going until I can’t see anything.” ••• The stories around the table this day compose a concerto of family remembered and talent ignited, of challenges faced and overcome, of the importance of sharing a singular passion with the world. They also, perhaps mostly, recount a friendship
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Scrooge et al
“A Christmas Carol, the Musical” plays through Dec. 22 at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Gavin Meyer directs this classic holiday tale, with elaborate costumes, clever staging and a live band. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Tickets start at $53, with 50 percent off for children if purchased through the box office. 720-898-7200, arvadacenter.org.
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MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT
born, nurtured and sealed by the implicit understanding of a love and need for music and the deep happiness it brings. The piano waits across the room. A brass light that cost $100 arches over the music books of Debussy and Chopin resting against the piano rack. Rita’s $400 piano glasses lie on top. Rita: “It was worth it to me, to see the music … so I can play.” And play they will. Of that, there is no doubt. As long as they can, Donita says. Till, Dee concludes, the end. A benefit concert to raise money for “Mending Faces,” which sends doctors to the Philippines to operate on children with cleft palates, will be held Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1600 Grant St., Denver. The concert is presented by the Denver Alumnae Chapter and Sigma Upsilon Chapter, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. Tickets are $25, $10 for students. Contact Rita Jo Tensly at 303-748-6889 or rjtensly@comcast. net. Ann Macari Healey’s column about people, places and issues of everyday life appears every other week. She can be reached at ahealey@ ourcoloradonews.com or 303-5664110.
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Center, plays Dec. 12 to 22 at LTAC, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. This family-oriented production has a cast of about 50, with live music, elaborate costumes, new and traditional material. Arrive early to visit the handsome Lone Tree Art Exhibit and Sale in the lobby, adjacent hall and room. Tickets: 720-509-1000, LoneTreeArtsCenter.org.
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ElbertSPORTS 10-Sports
10 Elbert County News December 5, 2013
Elizabeth girls team rebuilding
EHS roundball standouts Tatum Neubert, center, and Sabra Ross, right, go through passing drills with another teammate at the Cardinals’ practice on Nov. 26. Photo by George Lurie
Four players are back for new season By Scott Stocker
Special to Colorado Community Media Elizabeth girls basketball coach Jamie Schmaltz know that a huge question mark looms over the heads of her team as the 2013-2014 season gets underway. With only four returning players back from last year’s team, there are plenty of questions to be answered. Elizabeth finished a respectable 17-7 last year and rebuilding is a key. Following a first-round bye in the 4A state tournament, the Cardinals were eliminated by Pueblo County, 54-47. The 2013-2014 season gets underway Dec. 3 as the Cardinals travel to play D’Evelyn. “We’re going to do some rebuilding, that’s for sure,” said Schmaltz, who begins here third season as the Cardinals head coach. “We do have strong freshman and sophomore classes, but it could be a roller
coaster ride this season. We’ve got some athletic talent. The key is that our four returnees are pretty strong, all with good athletic abilities.” Returning for Elizabeth this season is Tatum Neubert (6-2), Sabra Ross (5-7), Sarah Ernst (5-5) and Kaylyn Radtke (5-6). “Tatum is such a great leader for us,” Schmaltz said. “She’s going to the University of Oregon next year and will be playing basketball for them. She is such a key and a great threat underneath. Yet, this is a young lady who can certainly shoot the basketball.” “I just want to focus,” said Neubert, who averaged 15 points and eight rebounds a game last season while gaining her all-league honors in the Colorado Seven League. “I’m a senior and I know I have to be a leader. I just want to help all the girls play up to their abilities and that certainly goes for me, too. I was mainly at forward last season, but I can play all positions.
“My strength is hard work, but that’s what we all want,” said Neubert, who also garnered honorable mention All-State honors. “I really want to improve as a shooter. I’m anxious to have college in the future, but right now, it’s the team here at Elizabeth that is so much more important.” Ross also earned all-league honors as she finished among the top 20 in assists, steals and rebounds for girls in the state last season. “Like Tatum, Sabra is such a threat in all she does,” Schmaltz said. “She is certainly a go-getter and one of the better defenders we will have this season. She just fills voids on both sides of the ball. But, all four of the girls have to step up as we have voids to fill.” Indeed, Ross is looking forward to her senior campaign. “I think this will be a good senior season and I think we will all play together well as a team,” Ross said. “The key for me
is my defense and I want to focus on playing smart. In general, I think we can all be very focused on our talents this year. “If we work hard on the court, I know we will be successful,” Ross said. “I averaged eight points, six assists and six rebounds a game last year. I do want to get some more steals this season and that will make me much more of a threat on defense.” Radtke earned honorable mention allleague last season at guard for Elizabeth and Schmaltz is high that she and Ernst will have strong seasons. “Kaylyn is really aggressive and a great defender and ball handler for us,” Schmaltz said. “Sarah certainly has a tremendous desire to have a good year. No doubt, though, all four of these young ladies will have to play key roles for us. The question is how well our youth will develop as the season goes on. I’m excited, but there certainly are those questions to be answered.”
Cardinals boys hoops team ready to roll Three starters return following 17-8 season By Scott Stocker
Special to Colorado Community Media There is little doubt that Elizabeth boys basketball coach Mike Boss is excited about the coming season for his Cardinals. “We have excellent talent,” said Boss, who begins his fifth season as the head coach with Elizabeth. “We have a great core of shooters and the boys we have back have excelled. Three of them have been starters, and we also have our sixth and seventh players back, as well. We have some size and we had a great off-season. The boys are excited.” Elizabeth, a member of the Colorado Seven League, won its first-round state playoff game in 2013, beating Mountain View, 95-70. However, the season ended in the following game as they lost to Evergreen, 74-67. The Cardinals will open the
2013-2014 season hosting Widefield, Dec. 2. Among the three returning senior starters is guard Trevor Boss (6-1), the coach’s son. Brandon Severinson (6-3) and James Christianson (6-1) are the other two. The other seniors in the nest this season are Ryan White (5-8) and Logan Weber (6-3). Juniors Stuart Eurich (5-10), Jake Gavitt (64) and Aaron Stone (6-5) round out the list of returning veterans. “Trevor has worked very hard in the weight room and gained a lot of agility,” Boss said about his quick son. “He is confident, unselfish, and has great vision on the court.” Young Boss, who averaged eight points, three steals and two assists a game last season, knows that he has a lot to live up to. And he’s out to see the Cardinals improve on last season’s 17-8 record. “We should do well this season as we got a good number of players back among our juniors and sophomores,” Boss said. “My key is to be a leader and that is to lead by example. I just want to help everyone to
become the best they can for us. “I have to be a shooter and knock down my shots,” continued Boss, who has not decided upon a college at this early point in the season. “But I’ve also got to make the opportunities for the others to score. Our goal is to make the Great Eight this year, certainly to go further than we have the past two seasons. Yes, I would like to play in college. We’ll just have to see how it goes.” Severinson is slated to move to a forward for the Cardinals, while Christianson is slated to also to be at forward. However, Boss is quick to point out these early forecasts could change. “These are two very quick young men,” Boss pointed out. “Brandon is very athletic and also just a fine defender. He has matured, as have the others, and that’s certainly a key. James also has fine ball handling skills. Together, our three starters should show outstanding leadership.” Christianson is high on what he feels can be a solid defensive effort from his teammates.
“I think a huge key will be defense this season and we’ve worked hard on that,” Christianson said. “Defense certainly is a key for me and we will really be involved in this aspect of the game. I want to get to the Sweet 16 this year and then go further than before. “I think a strong point in my game can be my 3-point shooting,” Christianson said. “I get two or three a game, but would like to have a few more, as we all would. When I get a green light, I’m going to let the ball go. I think we have the talent to certainly have a fine year. We know that we have to buckle down and I think we’re all ready.” Junior Jake Gavitt will once again be a player Elizabeth will count on inside. He averaged 19 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists last season and Boss is certainly high on his abilities. “Jake is one of those players who can play anywhere on the court,” Boss said. “I
Boys continues on Page 11
11-Color
Elbert County News 11
December 5, 2013
Continued from Page 10
like to call him a mental nightmare. He is physical and can play at the point or post. He shot 43 percent from the 3-point line last season and we’re looking for another season like that.” Gavitt also feels that he is ready for the coming campaign. “I do think we’re going to be pretty good this season,” Gavitt said. “We played well over the summer and that’s going to be a key for us. We’ve got some good young guys back, too. My key will be defense this year. I’ve worked hard here and I want to be able to step up. I think I’ll get my points, but I
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just want to do well in everything.” Depth is certainly added to the court this season with the play of Stone, White and Weber. “Aaron is a tough matchup and can also shoot the three from anywhere,” Boss said. “He also works hard in the weight room. He’s a good shooter and we’re looking for good things from him this season. He can also be a nightmare to handle. Ryan and Logan are quick and good efforts will certainly come about. “I’ve coached these kids since they were in the first grade and I think we will have excellent team chemistry,” continued Boss. “We’ve lost at state in the second round the past two years and I think the boys are tired of thinking about that. We had the good competition last season and that’s going to help.”
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NOTICES Public Notice Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted by the Kiowa Conservation District for the year 2014. A copy of the proposed budget is on file at the Kiowa Conservation District office, 7519 E. Hwy. 86, Franktown, Colorado, and is available for review. Comments or Objections must be filed by 4 p.m. December 19, 2013. Public hearing will be held December 11, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kiowa Conservation District office located at 7519 E. Hwy. 86, Franktown, Colorado. Dated: November 26, 2013 Kiowa Conservation District Legal Notice No.: 927843 First Publication: December 5, 2013 Last Publication: December 5, 2013 Publisher: The Elbert County News
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12-Color
12 Elbert County News
December 5, 2013
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