Elbert County News 0319 by Colorado Community Media

March 19, 2015 VOLU M E 1 2 0 | I S S UE 7 | 7 5 ¢

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Concerts challenge, inspire students Elizabeth Middle puts on three nights of music By Rick Gustafson

Recycle your electronics

Special to Colorado Community Media

Staff report The Pines & Plains Libraries Foundation is hosting its second annual Electronics Recycling Event at the Elizabeth Library from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11. Net proceeds from recycling fees and cash donations from the event will go toward supporting the Pines & Plains Libraries Foundation. The recycling of unwanted electronics help you clear out needed space while keeping electronic waste out of the landfills and helping to protect soil and water. Blue Star Recyclers will be assisting to receive all unwanted electronics including computer monitors and towers, televisions, audio-visual equipment and more. For a full list of materials that will be collected during the event, visit www.bluestarrecyclers.com.

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Melanie Kaumeyer, Elizabeth Middle School orchestra and choir teacher, shown during the March 3 orchestra concert, estimates that about 80 percent of her students will continue to pursue music in high school. Photo by Rick Gustafson

Music filled the auditorium for three consecutive nights when the Elizabeth Middle School Music Department presented its spring concerts. The three nights of music began March 3 with the Spring Orchestra Concert under the direction of music teacher Melanie Kaumeyer, which was followed by the Spring Band Concert on March 4, and ended with a Spring Choir Concert on March 5. Kaumeyer, who has been the orchestra and choir teacher at Elizabeth Middle for nine years, considers several factors ahead of selecting compositions for her middle-schoolers, who have skills ranging from beginner to advanced. “I try to choose music that is more challenging as they get into the more advanced groups, and they have been playing for longer. Our Eighth Grade Ensemble for the most part chooses their own music,” said Kaumeyer “I try to pick several that I think they (the advanced group) might be interested in and allow them to make the choices for what they would like to play,” she said. “The last two pieces they played for the advanced orchestra, half of the orchestra wanted to play `Festive Intrada’ and half wanted to play `La Confession,’ so we compromised by choosing both.” The middle school and high school orchestras closed out the evening in a combined performance of “Storm the Gates.” “We get a chance to combine with the high school, so the kids

Concerts continues on Page 9

Economic education paves way for real life ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100)

Legacy Academy program helps students practice skills By Rick Gustafson

OFFICE: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Special to Colorado Community Media

PHONE: 303-566-4100

A new Economic Education program at Legacy Academy Charter School in Elizabeth mirrors the market-based economy, exposing students to a taste of the responsibilities they will face as adults. Just as with the schoolwide Character Education program that Legacy Academy introduced at the beginning of the school year, the Economic Education program is also in its first year. In addition to performing their normal classwork, the sixth-graders in Matt Parish’s social studies class and Jeff Entner’s math class have jobs. “Jobs are anything from a row captain — they are sort of like the line leaders — to a Twitter liaison who updates the class Twitter page,” Parish said. “I have a class website designer; she updates the website and keeps that going. Our newest position is a “tekkee”; they are the kids who are really good with technology, who can go around and help kids when

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 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legal: Thurs. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 10 a.m. GE T SOCI AL WITH US

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they are having glitches with their iPads or don’t know where to find something.” In the fall, students were assigned their jobs, but after the Christmas break, each student was allowed to apply for the position that he or she would keep for the remainder of the school year. With the resumes written in English class, the students applied and interviewed for the jobs and were hired according to their skills and abilities. “They all went through the process of writing a resume and participating in an interview, and they got assigned their job. We thought that was really valuable experience for the kids to have,” Parish said. Though most jobs are completed in Parish’s social studies class, a few students perform their duties as bankers and auditors across the hall in Entner’s math class. Regardless of the job, each student starts with an equal base salary paid in Eco Dollars, but paychecks are adjusted at the end of each month to reflect job and schoolwork performance. Students who consistently do their jobs and turn in homework on time receive incentive bonuses, and those who fail to do their jobs or are routinely late with Econ continues on Page 9

Morgan Anderson holds the job of banker in Matt Parish’s social studies class at Legacy Academy. Photo by Rick Gustafson

2 Elbert County News

March 19, 2015

Trio’s reality is stuff of TV

`BrainStormers’ show features invention gurus

WHEN WILL IT AIR? “BrainStormers,” a reality TV show featuring three backyard geniuses from Douglas and Elbert counties, will premiere March 22 with backto-back episodes starting at 7 p.m. MDT on the Weather Channel. From their home-grown workshop in Elbert County, stars Bill, Ryan and Poppy “tackle weather issues from across the country. Sometimes starting from scratch and sometimes helping other backyard inventors improve their projects. Every build is filled with challenges, from creating a homemade mosquito trap or solar water heater to fixing a nearby town’s wind generator, and the road to success is filled with setbacks, revelations and a lot of fun,” according to a show promo.

By Chris Michlewicz

cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com With minds for building crazy contraptions and hearts geared toward foolhardy shenanigans, these guys were destined to have their own reality show. Three Douglas and Elbert county residents have become the stars of their own DIY-centered series by simply being themselves. America will meet fatherand-son tandem Rob “Poppy” Parker and Ryan Parker, along with the latter’s childhood best friend, Bill LeVasseur, during the premiere of “BrainStormers” March 22 on the Weather Channel. The trio builds weather-related inventions and farming equipment out of whatever is lying around, and assists others in doing the same when they get stuck on a project. Before the TV cameras descended on their garage in southern Elbert County to film eight episodes profiling 27 projects, Ryan Parker and LeVasseur created a company called Backyard Genius and posted a series of online video blogs. They traveled the country spotlighting inventors and helping them construct oneof-a-kind devices by using a little elbow grease and ingenuity. Ryan Parker, the self-described “dreamer” and thinker of the group, has a knack for helping farmers fight Colorado’s turbulent and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions — droughts, hailstorms, tornadoes — by devising and inventing equipment that takes care of the problem. “People have these great inventions, but they get stuck. We take them from that stuck point to perfecting what they want,” said Ryan Parker, who grew up on a farm in the Golden area, but now lives in Castle Rock. LeVasseur, an actor and model who lives in Parker, is the tinkering techie

From left, Ryan, Poppy and Bill, the stars of the upcoming reality show “BrainStormers,” which premieres March 22 on the Weather Channel, use their minds and spare parts to invent useful weather and farm equipment. Courtesy photo and comic relief on “BrainStormers.” As a boy, LeVasseur’s dad would hand him tools and encourage him to deconstruct machinery, a method that enabled him to develop a prowess for engineering. He went on to become an F-16 crew chief for the Air Force during Desert Storm before getting into acting. LeVasseur is occasionally recognized for his work in films and commercials for Cabela’s, but he wants to achieve a new level of fame and half-jokingly proclaims his eagerness to collect the free stuff that surely comes with being a pseudo-celebrity. His Mike Rowe-like dedication to each job, as well as his magazine-ready good looks, have him poised for stardom. “Bill is a human tornado,” Ryan Parker says. “His mind is always going a million miles an hour.” Not to be outdone, however, is “Poppy” Parker, a compelling character in his own right. The Elbert County resident retired from a career as a rancher and a “can tech

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specialist” at the Coors factory in Golden. He relies on “common sense and aptitude” rather than a fancy degree, he said. “(Trained professionals) could design a lot of stuff, but they couldn’t make it work for the common man,” “Poppy” Parker said during a recent phone interview. “I’ve got all these years of knowing what works and what doesn’t work.” LeVasseur and Ryan Parker’s decision to chase their passion by hitting the road and helping others out of a jam came “full circle” when the Weather Channel spotted one of their video blogs in April 2014 and offered them a small budget to complete a test challenge. Without any prior experience with such a project, they put together a wind turbine out of bicycle parts, wood, shovels and a treadmill motor. Three months later, they were offered their own show, most of which was shot last fall. Putting together three strongwilled men with different approaches to create a project makes for good TV and

plenty of fireworks. As LeVasseur points out, it’s “100 percent our own rage-filled dialogue,” aside from a few clips filmed this month of them explaining their build process. When the Weather Channel offered the series, the trio didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity. “We have such a short period of time in life and if you have a purpose and you find it, and you’re appreciated for it, it makes it all worthwhile,” Ryan Parker said. “I want to inspire people from all walks of life that you can make a lot from a little if you have the determination and drive.” “Poppy” Parker is most looking forward to the chance to help others and have fun at the same time. He hopes “BrainStormers” motivates people to collaborate with family, friends and neighbors. “How many guys retire and feel that their worth is over and they don’t have anything to do, but have this skill and ability?” he said. “I want to inspire some of these guys to get with their friends and family, and start working on something for a while. If you can make somebody’s life a little better building something, why not do that and enjoy it?”

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Elbert County News 3

March 19, 2015

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4 Elbert County News

March 19, 2015

Task force gets boost for building Douglas County officials agree to deal for construction By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando @coloradocommunitymedia.com Douglas County has approved a memorandum of understanding for $212,000 that will go toward the construction of the new Parker Task Force building at the northwest corner of South Parker Road and Longs Way.

The 8,600-square-foot facility will more than double the size of the task force’s existing space near town hall. Of the total contribution from Douglas County, approved March 10, $12,000 will go toward the redesign and construction of two offices in the building that will be occupied by the county. The co-location of county human services staff from both child welfare and economic assistance in the two offices will provide for additional services to those already being served by the task force. “It represents the expansion of a part-

nership between the Parker Task Force and our Department of Human Services,” Deputy County Manager Barbra Drake said. “We’ll be able to relocate staff, and work with the Parker Task Force in their goal of helping people become self-sufficient.” The task force has already raised approximately $800,000 toward the $1.4 million construction cost. They hope the new facility will allow them to expand their capacity to serve people and possibly add more social services-type programs. “This contribution will help us contin-

ue the vital work that we do in our community of Douglas County,” said Steve Budnack, volunteer chairman of the Parker Task Force. “We’re so grateful for this partnership.” In 2014, the Parker Task Force had 128 volunteers and served 9,700 individuals in Parker, Franktown and Elbert County. “To hear the number of people who are volunteering is humbling, to say the least,” Douglas County Commissioner Jill Repella said. “Your willingness to work with the county in a partnership is what makes both of our organizations successful.”

Pilot from Franktown pulls double duty Staff report When he’s not flying the friendly skies as a pilot for United Airlines, Cmdr. Joe Fields is a pilot in the U.S. Navy Reserve. The Corpus Christi, Texas, native, who is attached to Navy Operational Support Center out of Fort Carson, grew up watching the Blue Angels, the Navy’s elite Flight Demonstration Squadron. He dreamed of becoming a pilot himself and achieved that goal when he became a naval aviator in 1990. When the Navy downsized in 1993 following the Cold War, he transitioned into the Navy Reserve to continue his naval career.

“It was heartbreaking to have to leave active duty but it opened a new door,” Fields said. “The Navy Reserve allowed me to continue to proudly serve in the military while beginning a career as an airline pilot, getting married and starting a family.” With the training he gained in the Navy, Fields was able to easily make the Fields transition from flying the Navy’s P-3 Orion, a four-engine turboprop used for anti-submarine and maritime surveillance, to the Airbus 320

he now captains. “My Navy flight training and flying P-3s worldwide definitely helped me obtain a job flying for United Airlines,” said Fields, a Franktown resident. “My Navy experience flying and leading a 12-person crew gave me the crew resource management skills used in commercial aviation.” In 2011, Fields deployed to Iraq with the Special Operations Command — or SOCOM — where he served as an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance battle captain. Although it took him away from his family, he cites it as one of the best experiences of his career. “Serving overseas in Iraq and working

with our Joint Special Forces was one of the highlights of my career so far,” Fields said. “The honor of working with sailors who are the true patriots sacrificing their personal lives for our country, is a humbling and rewarding experience.” Vice Adm. Robin Braun, chief of the Navy Reserve, helped mark the 100th anniversary of the Navy Reserve in March by celebrating the accomplishments of reserve sailors past and present. “Their continued dedicated service in support of the Navy, Marine Corps and Joint Force lends credence to our motto: ‘Ready Now. Anytime, Anywhere,’ ” he said.

March 19, 2015

Ongoing

303-646-5456.

Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between e Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are e welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479. r The Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer 8organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As svolunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. For more oinformation or a membership application, go to http://www. eelbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at

AREA CLUBS

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. 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 719-5412573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

Elbert County News 5

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 719541-4275. 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. To ensure that a seat is available, 24-hour advance reservations are appreciated. Clubs continues on Page 19

RTD PROPOSED FARE CHANGES Attend a Public Hearing

Your voice is important to us. Please attend a public hearing or view the proposed fare changes at rtd-denver.com/farestudy and give us your feedback.

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Edgewater City of Edgewater Recreation Center 5845 W. 25th Avenue Monday, March 23, 6:30 p.m.

Longmont Longmont Public Library 409 4th Avenue, Room A/B Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m.

Denver RTD Administrative Offices 1600 Blake Street, Rooms T & D Wednesday, March 25, Noon Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 p.m.

Parker Parker Town Hall 20120 E. Mainstreet Council Chambers Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m.

Lakewood Clements Community Center 1580 Yarrow Street Wednesday, March 25, 6:30 p.m.

Englewood Englewood Public Library 1000 Englewood Parkway Thursday, April 2, 6:30 p.m.

Aurora Aurora Municipal Center 15151 E. Alameda Parkway Aurora Room Thursday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

Aurora Expo Recreation Center 10955 E. Exposition Avenue Monday, April 6, 6:30 p.m.

East Denver Stapleton Master Community Association 7350 E. 29th Avenue, #300 Thursday, March 26, 6:30 p.m.

Boulder Boulder Public Library 1001 Arapahoe Avenue Boulder Creek Room Monday, April 6, 6:00 p.m.

Arvada Arvada City Hall 8101 Ralston Road Monday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. Westminster Front Range Community College 3705 W. 112th Avenue College Hill Library Monday, March 30, 6:00 p.m.

Thornton Anythink Huron Street Public Library 9417 Huron Street Monday, April 6, 6:00 p.m. Littleton Ken Caryl Ranch Metro District 7676 S. Continental Divide Road Ranch House Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 p.m.

Highlands Ranch Highlands Ranch Metro District 62 Plaza Drive Wednesday, April 1, 6:30 p.m.

Attendance at public meetings is not required to comment. You may also comment online at rtd-denver.com/farestudy or call 303.299.3273 no later than Wednesday, April 8, 2015.

Para más detalles sobre el estudio de las tarifas, visite rtd-denver.com/farestudy

Regional Transportation District 303.299.6000 rtd-denver.com

6 Elbert County News

Y O U R S

OPINION

March 19, 2015

O U R S

Make your ‘selfie’ the picture of success Taking a picture of ourselves, better known as a “selfie,” these days, is all the rage. There are even accessories like the selfie stick so we can capture even better photos and angles. And then we post our selfies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or we text our pics to our friends and family. Now think about this for a minute: Do we ever take the time to take a look at ourselves, or our “selfie,” and reflect on where we are and what we are doing? A little selfie-reflection, if you will. And if we do, what do we see? For many of us, we are very satisfied with exactly where we are at in our personal and professional lives, and that is awesome. Others may do a little selfiereflection and think that there are things in their life that need changing. But here’s the deal, too often people who want to see a change or make improvements in some area of their life expect the change to happen all by itself. Change does not happen until we change, it’s as simple as that. If we want to experience a change in our productivity we have to change our behaviors. A salesperson cannot simply state that they would like to win more business and then magically win more business. The salesperson must do the behaviors that will lead to more prospects and take the time

to develop the skills necessary to develop a slight edge over the competition. Some of us have goals to improve our physique or make a change in our physical conditioning. Again, we cannot expect to see any changes unless we change our diet, make the effort and go to the gym or begin some type of exercise program. The weight will not come off and the muscles will not appear by wanting to see a change; the results will only happen when we do something and make a change. I like taking selfies, I have become pretty good at it. And I really like a little selfiereflection from time to time. For me, I also like to ask others for feedback on where they see me and where I can still make improvements in my life. Friends, family members, advisors as well as my associates have all played a role in helping me reflect on who I am, where I am and what I am. Having people in my life who are willing to

be open and honest with their view of who I am only helps me in the pursuit of my own goal of continuous improvement. There is that old saying, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Well, how can we change if we do not take the time to look in the mirror once in a while or take that selfie to determine where we are? Change starts and stops with us, and change does not happen until we change our actions, our behaviors, our attitudes, or our belief system. Again, many of you reading this column are doing just fine. As you take the time for self-reflection, you are perfectly happy right where you are, and that is awesome. And for those of us who see a little room for improvement when we look at our selfie, well, we would do really well to recognize that the only way that change happens is when we personally make the decision to change and hold ourselves accountable to take the actions necessary to create the change we want to see in our lives. Is there something you want to change? I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we take a minute to take a selfie, it really will be a better than good week. Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

Paws fur a moment to read this tail Smith is under the weather, so this time I am taking over. I need to point out that I am a dog. Dachshunds are capable of things that other dogs — like Labrador retrievers (yawn) — are not. I can fold towels. I do it with my nose. That’s how I earn my allowance. Retrievers retrieve mud from the back yard. I have seen some of my father’s columns. Doom and gloom, huh? He’s lucky to have me, otherwise this would be one grumpy house. I lighten things up. I am not one of those dogs that gets into trash bags and cupboards and eats diapers or that chews on belts or credit cards. I don’t do those things because I got off to a rough start in life. I didn’t learn how to play. I never realized that I was supposed to have fun. We have fun together, it’s just not chasing sticks. Dad lives alone, but you wouldn’t know it. He talks all of the time. Most of the time he is talking to me, but sometimes he talks to someone named “Comcast” when there is no one here. He reads to me too. He likes to read the Sunday paper to me. He started to read a story about a terminally ill woman’s dying wish. She wanted to see a Rembrandt exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. She was wheeled into the museum in a

hospital bed and given a private viewing. That’s about as far as Dad could read before his eyes got blurry for some reason. I sleep a lot. A lot a lot. I have bedding and a blanket in Dad’s studio, in the living room, in Dad’s office, and in our bedroom. He takes care of me. It hasn’t always been that way. I wasn’t here until I was 5. I am 11 now. I am not sure what that means. I used to be red all over, and now my face is gray. I am not sure what that means either. I was sorry to hear about Brian Williams. Dad said that he was suspended for making something up. When he told me that, we both just smiled. Listen: Just about everything he writes about is made up or “improved.” He says he writes “believable lies.” If you say so. When he was a schoolteacher, he told his students that Monet and Manet were the same man. He — they? — could make more money that way. Monet painted things like hay-

stacks and cathedrals, and Manet painted people. Some of his students thought he was telling the truth. Dad said that he would probably be suspended like Brian Williams if he tried something like that now. I could tell you stories about him that he’d never tell you. The shirts in his closet all face in the same direction. He knows that he says things, writes things, that people don’t want to hear about. He can’t stand it when someone hurts an animal. A dog was tied to some railroad tracks in Florida, and shot three times. I had to find out what happened to her myself, because my dad’s eyes got blurry again when he was reading about it to me. She survived. A leg was amputated. She is going to be adopted by a good family. I am unsure about cats. One of them stares at us through the studio door. It’s a glass door, so don’t get excited. I wonder what the cat thinks about. Maybe it knows that I have it pretty good in here. Sometimes Dad just looks at me and smiles, and I never know why Crabman will be back next week with more gloom. I am glad I had this chance to say hello. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast. net.

Officials hide information, left and right Editor’s note: The following was written by Gary Pruitt, president and CEO of The Associated Press and a former First Amendment lawyer. This column is being run in conjunction with Sunshine Week, which is “an annual nationwide celebration of access to public information and what it means for you and your community, according to the website www.sunshineweek. org/ It’s getting harder and more expensive to use public records to hold government officials accountable. Authorities are undermining the laws that are supposed to guarantee citizens’ right to information, turning the right to know into just plain “no.” Associated Press journalists filed hundreds of requests for government files last year, simply trying to use the rights granted under state open records laws and the U.S. Freedom of Information Act. What we discovered reaffirmed what we have seen

all too frequently in recent years: The systems created to give citizens information about their government are badly broken and getting worse all the time. We’re talking about this issue now because of Sunshine Week, created a decade ago to showcase the laws that give Americans the right to know what their government is up to. These days, Sunshine Week is a time to put a spotlight on government efforts to strangle those rights. The problem stretches from town halls through statehouses to the White House, where the Obama administration took office promising to act promptly when people asked for information and never to

withhold files just because they might be embarrassing. Act promptly? Hardly. Shortly after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 went missing over the South China Sea, we asked the Pentagon’s top satellite imagery unit, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, what the U.S. was doing to help the search. Agencies are supposed to give at least a preliminary response to such questions within 20 days. A full year later, after the largest and most expensive search in aviation history, the agency is telling us only it has too many FOIA requests to meet its deadlines. A few months ago, the Treasury Department sent us 237 pages in its latest response to our requests regarding Iran trade sanctions. Nearly all 237 pages were completely blacked out, on the basis that they contained businesses’ trade secrets.

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We welcome event listings and other submissions. News and Business Press Releases Please visit ElbertCountyNews.net, click on the Submit Your News tab and choose a category from the drop down menu. Calendar calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com Military Notes militarynotes@coloradocommunitymedia.com School Accomplishments schoolnotes@coloradocommunitymedia.com Sports sports@coloradocommunitymedia.com Obituaries obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com To Subscribe call 303-566-4100

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 letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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@coloradocommunitymedia.com, and we will take it from there. After all, the News is your paper.

Sunshine continues on Page 7

Elbert County News 7

March 19, 2015

Senators team up on anti-shutdown resolution Bennet, Gardner introduce resolution to ‘motivate Congress’ By Donna Bryson Associated Press

Colorado’s U.S. senators have joined across party lines to try to derail government shutdowns. The Shutdown Accountability Resolution that Democrat Michael Bennet and Republican Cory Gardner introduced last week would, in the event of one or more government agencies stopping work because lawmakers refused funding, estab-

lish rules designed to ensure that senators are at least in the same place. Once they are on the Senate floor, Bennet and Gardner hope they will work together to resolve disputes. Under their proposal, which so far has no other sponsors, votes would be held regularly during any shutdown until a bill reopening government is signed into law. If lawmakers don’t show up for votes, the sergeant at arms could be dispatched to drag them to the Senate floor, but only if lawmakers vote to take that extreme step. “These changes would at best motivate Congress into avoiding crisis and getting the work done it was elected to do,’’ Bennet said in a statement. “At worst, they would force senators to stay on or near

the Senate floor and actually communicate with one another until they open the government back up.” Gardner added: “I wish we didn’t need legislation like this, but I’m happy to support it.” The two made their comments in a joint statement. “Colorado prides itself on being a place where people can see across party lines,” said Seth Masket, a University of Denver political scientist. Richard Arenberg, a Brown University political scientist who specializes in Congress and served as an aide to several senators, said the Bennet-Gardner proposal likely had little more than symbolic value.

“There’s a tendency to kind of build these Rube Goldberg machines that will somehow keep Congress from doing damage to itself,” Arenberg said. “When really what is needed is for the Congress to get back to the fundamentals of trying to address the real issues, the real problems the American people have.” Parts of government halted in 2013 over Republican opposition to Democratic President Barack Obama’s health reform law. This year, Congress sent Obama Homeland Security funding legislation, dropping demands for immigration concessions that Republicans had been making for months and averting a partial shutdown of the agency.

THINGS TO DO EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

Events

LENTEN FISH Fry

THE KNIGHTS of Columbus will have a fish fry from 4:30-7:30 p.m. every Friday in Lent in Brownstein Hall at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker. Fried fish, baked fish, nuggets, cole slaw, fried or baked potato, mac and chees, and dinner rolls are available. Iced tea, lemonade and coffee are free. Cost is $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. A family rate of $29 is offered. Homemade desserts are available. Take out and drive through are also available by calling 303-5225602. CHILDREN’S ‘COPPELIA,’ Toymaker’s Tea

Party

BALLET ARIEL presents a children’s version of “Coppelia” at 7

p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, with 35 students from the Colorado School of Dance dancing in the children’s roles. “Coppelia” is the story of eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppelius and his doll Coppelia. Tickets are available at http://pacecenteronline.ticketforce.com, by calling 303-805-6800 or at the PACE Center box office.

DOUGLAS COUNTY History Program LOCAL HISTORY buffs will enjoy “Where Do You Think You Are?” a presentation of the Douglas County History Research Center and the Castle Rock Historical Society. Program is at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. A panel of local experts will explore the forces that shaped the Castle Rock community. To register, call 303-791-7323 or visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org. WOMAN’S CLUB Breakfast The Elbert Woman’s Club plans its monthly breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall. Biscuits, gravy, sausage, ham, scrambled eggs, coffee/tea and juice are served for $7/adults and

Sunshine Continued from Page 6

When was our request? Nine years ago. It takes the State Department about 18 months to answer — or refuse to answer — anything other than a simple request. Recently, we filed a lawsuit against the department for failing to turn over files covering Hillary Rodham Clinton’s tenure as secretary of state, including one request we made five full years ago. As the president said, the United States should not withhold or censor government files merely because they might be embarrassing. But it happens anyway. In government emails that AP obtained in reporting about who pays for Michelle Obama’s expensive dresses, the National Archives and Records Administration blacked out one sentence repeatedly, citing a part of the law intended to shield personal information such as Social Security numbers or home addresses. The blacked-out sentence? The government slipped and let it through on one page of the redacted documents: “We live in constant fear of upsetting the WH (White House).” To its credit, the U.S. government does not routinely overcharge for copies of public records, but price-gouging intended to discourage public records requests is a serious problem in many states. Officials in Ferguson, Mo., billed the AP $135 an hour for nearly a day’s work merely to retrieve emails from a handful of accounts about the fatal shooting of Michael

$3/children under 12. The hall is in Elbert on Elbert Road between Highways 86 and 24, 11 miles south of Kiowa. Proceeds support the maintenance and renovation of the Hall, built in 1906.

is from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at Frontier High School, 589 S. Banner St., Elizabeth. RSVP at 303-621-3162. Cost is $10.

JAZZ CHOIR Concert

DEEP SPACE Comedy

A TOUCH of Class, a 16-member student jazz choir from Nebraska Wesleyan University, will perform an entertaining program of energetic vocal arrangements of popular songs. The group’s vocal harmonies will come to life in the rich acoustic environment of the Sanctuary in Castle Rock. Admission is free, but donations are welcome to help defray expenses. Concert is at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 23, at Christ’s Episcopal Church, 615 Fourth St. (at Cantril St.), Castle Rock.

DEEP SPACE Theatre presents Comedy Night shows that feature improve, stand-up comedians, videos and more. The shows run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 10; and Friday, May 1, at 11020 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Parker. For these shows, reserve a table for your party, and then you bring your own dinner (or order from a local restaurant). Water and soda will be available for purchase. Call 720-675-7932.

ELVIS IMPERSONATOR to Perform CASTLE COUNTRY Assisted Living will welcome Elvis Presley

impersonator Don Garcia for a performance at each of its three houses Friday, March 27. Garcia will perform at 11 a.m. at Cantril House, 221 Cantril St., Castle Rock; at 1 p.m. at Valley House, 255 S. Valley Drive, Castle Rock; and at 3 p.m. at Victorian House, 19600 Victorian Drive, Parker. Event is free and open to the public but space is limited. For more information or to RSVP, call 303-482-5552.

WOMEN’S CHORALE Concert AUGUSTANA ARTS presents Colorado Women’s Chorale and the Douglas County High School Belles performing Vivaldi’s Gloria in D RV589 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 8817 S. Broadway, Highlands Ranch Go to www.augustanaarts.org for tickets and information.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING THE PINES & Plains Libraries Foundation plans its second electronics recycling event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 11, at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Blue Star Recyclers will receive your TVs, audio/visual equipment, computer monitors & towers, laptops, printers, fax machines, scanners, stereo equipment, and batteries. Net proceeds from recycling fees and cash donations collected during the event will go to support the Pines & Plains Libraries Foundation. For a full list of material that will be collected during the event, visit www.bluestarrecyclers.com. Call 303-646-3792. FREE LEGAL Clinic A FREE legal clinic for parties who have no attorney is open from

6-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W Beverly St., Elizabeth. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain processes and procedures for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Help offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Clinics are offered the second Tuesday of each month; future clinics are offered May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8.

CHAMBER ANNUAL Events

ELIZABETH AREA Chamber of Commerce is planning its annual events, starting with the ElizaBash street festival on Saturday, June 6; the golf tournament on Friday, July 31; the Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31; Olde Town Christmas on Friday, Dec. 4. Vendors and sponsors are needed; contact www.elizabethchamber.org for details about participating. PROHIBITION CASINO Night

ELIZABETH AREA Chamber of Commerce plans its first Prohibition Casino Night on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Spring Valley Golf Course. The event includes a poker tournament, casino games, dancing and a silent auction. A portion of proceeds will benefit Elbert County Coalition for Outreach, which provides assistance to families in need. Contact www.elizabethchamber.org.

MARCHING BAND, Color Guard ALL STUDENTS interested in joining the Elizabeth High School marching band and color guard in 2015 should attend at mandatory meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 6, in the band room at the high school. The meeting will cover season schedule, cost and next year’s show concept. PUTTING DOWN Roots LEARN THE basics for planting and care of a tree chosen for Elbert County microclimates and take it home to plant. The “Putting Down Roots” seminar, hosted by Elbert County Master Gardeners, Brown. That was roughly 10 times the cost of an entry-level Ferguson clerk’s salary. Other organizations, including BuzzFeed, were told they would have to pay unspecified thousands of dollars for emails and memos about Ferguson’s traffic citation policies and changes to local elections. Last year, the executive editor of the South Florida Gay News asked the Broward Sheriff’s Office for copies of emails that contained a derogatory word for gays. The sheriff’s office said it would cost $399,000 and take four years. “They succeeded in stonewalling me,” said the editor, Jason Parsley. In Mississippi, the state Education Department demanded more than $70 an hour to review records when a reporter asked for its reorganization plans. Despite head-pounding frustrations in using them, the Freedom of Information Act and state open records laws are powerful reporting tools. But it’s important to remember that they don’t exist just for journalists. They are there for everyone. The right to know what public officials are doing, how they’re going about it, what money they are spending and why … that right belongs to all citizens. Government works better when the people who put it in office and pay for it with their taxes have an unobstructed view of what it is doing. And that is why it is vital that we all fight every attempt — from federal foot-dragging to outrageous photocopying bills — to hide the public’s information behind a big, padlocked door. We need to let the sun shine in.

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

8 Elbert County News

March 19, 2015

Tax incentive for home health care fails

Lawmakers concerned over bill’s impact on revenues By Amy Woodward

awoodward @coloradocommunitymedia.com A bill that would have allowed a tax incentive for home health care for senior citizens failed in a House finance committee after TABOR refund concerns outweighed the legislation’s attempt to address future financial impacts on the health care industry and Medicaid for Colorado’s aging population. The bill was sponsored by state Rep. Kathleen Conti, R- Littleton, and cosponsored by Sen. Larry Crowder, R-Alamosa. The final opposing vote of 6-5 left Conti with a disappointed expression as

she got up to leave from the hearing room. “Were we to adopt this bill Report based on the fiscal note that we have, we would be zeroing out the EITC (earned income tax credit) which is a ripple effect of the TABOR refund,” said Rep. Lois Court, D-Denver. “Because of all the complexities of what this bill would do, I can’t support it.” If the bill would have passed, the state’s general fund revenue would have decreased by $29.1 million for the 201516 fiscal year, leaving a negative $89.3 million in refunds for the Earned Income Tax Credit for the 2016 tax year. Conti proposed a five-year income tax credit for qualifying seniors aged 75 and over that would cover 70 percent of costs for medical equipment, home modifica-

Capitol

tions and home health care services for people filing a single tax return with a federal taxable income up to $45,000. The bill would have also covered 70 percent of costs for those with a federal taxable income up to $90,000 who are filing a joint return. “I think what’s important about this particular piece of legislation is that it is futuristic,” said Arlene Miles, a representative of Colorado Health Care Association. “Where you’re going to save money down the road is when we provide supports within the home so that an individual is not at risk of falls or other accidents that occur in the home which ultimately send that person and make that person more dependent on acute care to the hospital then ultimately to the nursing home.” Conti’s bill gained support from many senior health care organizations in Colorado, including the Home Care Association Colorado, the Alzheimer’s Associa-

tion, Virtual Care Works and the Colorado Assisted Living Association. The Medicaid cost for Alzheimer’s care in assisted living is an estimated $3.6 million, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The average cost for a nursing aid facility was $58,800 per person in 2013-14, Conti said, compared to Medicaid spending an average of $16,100 for each individual receiving home health care. Gov. John Hickenlooper touched on Colorado’s budgetary challenges during his annual State of the State address in January, pointing to problems associated with the budget surpluses that must be refunded to taxpayers rather than used by the state to help fund education and other programs in need of financial support. In September 2014, the general fund revenues forecast for the 2015 fiscal year was between $915.5 million and $919.9 million.

Colorado youth survey on sex, drugs on hold State Board of Education delays vote on parental consent By Kristen Wyatt

Associated Press

Alarmed by anonymous surveys asking Colorado’s middle and high school students about their sex lives and drug habits, the state Board of Education delayed action last week on considering changes to how the 24-year-old survey is collected. Controlled by Republicans, the board delayed a vote to require parental consent for the surveys after their vote on the matter brought only one side, parents

and health officials asking them not to make such a change. The Healthy Kids Colorado Survey has been given to a sampling of students every other year since 1991. But the survey was expanded dramatically in 2013 and has since come under additional scrutiny. They survey asks the students about having sex, using drugs, considering suicide, bringing guns to school and other unhealthy behaviors. Public health officials consider the surveys a vital tool to gauge what young people are doing, not what their parents think they are doing. “It’s our best source of our information about our youth and their health behaviors,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, Colorado’s chief medical officer. But some board members have taken issue with the questions, and they dis-

agree that the surveys are voluntary. Currently the state allows parents to decline the survey, but school districts are allowed to collect surveys from pupils whose parents haven’t affirmed their kids can participate. “There are major problems with this survey, in terms of its content,” said board member Debora Scheffel, a Republican from Parker. Another questioned the need for them. “You don’t need the survey to be able to tell kids to practice safe behavior and avoid unhealthy behavior,” said Pam Mazanec, a Republican from Larkspur. The board heard from nearly two dozen health officials and parents asking them not to change how the survey is collected. No one spoke in favor of changing how the survey is done.

But the seven-member board agreed to delay after Republicans asked for more feedback from parents. The surveys aren’t given until this fall, giving schools officials time before deciding whether to require changes. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, which considers the surveys voluntary, may consider sending the surveys directly to school districts if the state Department of Education backs out, Wolk said. But he urged the board to keep the surveys unchanged, especially in light of marijuana legalization. “Everybody wants to know how the legalization of marijuana will impact our youth, and this is the single best data source that we can answer that question with,” Wolk said.

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Elbert County News 9

March 19, 2015

Concerts Continued from Page 1

o get to see what it’s like to work with ethe director up there and what kind -of music they would be performing if -they continue on here in the Elizabeth school system,” Kaumeyer said. - The following night band teacher ,Julia Emmons and her Cardinal Players -presented “High School Musical Jr.,” a -middle school band concert including performances of classic pieces includning “Mars from The Planets” and an gIrish Celtic selection. n “I try to pick some classic pieces dsuch as `Mars’ to introduce them to the ewind-band literature that is know from dmiddle school, high school, and coldlege,” Emmons said. “I found a version

that is appropriate for middle school band.” The band closed its performance with a fast-paced James-Bond/MissionImpossible styled tune, “Spy Chase.” “Spy Chase challenges them rhythmically, but it’s also fun. It has a cool sound to they’ll enjoy working and playing that,” Emmons said. On March 5, Kaumeyer returned to conduct her nearly 80 choir members for their Spring Choir Concert. Kaumeyer selected a variety of music, multicultural, upbeat, and at least one slower piece that “forces them to stretch.” “Maybe it isn’t their favorite, but a lot of the kids discover that those slower pieces are a favorite even though they didn’t like them in the beginning,” she said. Additionally, the songs chosen by Kaumeyer for the choir performance included selections that went beyond

the music, incorporating topics that her students are learning in their social studies classes. Kaumeyer also passes some of this information on to the audience during a song’s introduction. “For example one of the sixth-grade pieces they are performing tonight is called the Erie Canal. It’s a folk song based on the canal systems in the upper East Coast that no longer exist,” Kaumeyer said before the concert. “We get to talk about what canals are like, and in the song it talks about the lock coming up, so we talk about what kind of lock it is. It’s not lock and key it’s a canal lock.” Kaumeyer estimates that about 80 percent of her nearly 150 students will continue either playing or singing in high school. “If you play appropriate music and make teaching music fun and enjoyable they are more likely to continue into their later years.” Emmons said.

Student Alea Rinehart performs during the Elizabeth Middle School Spring Orchestra Concert on March 3. Photo by Rick Gustafson

Econ

Continued from Page 1

assignments are docked pay. In February, the students earned net salaries ranging from zero to 300 Eco Dollars. Students earn interest on the balances deposited in their daccounts, are taxed on earneings, and pay monthly expenses similar to the ones paid by their ,parents, all of which they are re-quired to calculate. “In math class, they have a cledger just like in a checkbook. -They do all their calculations. rHe (Mr. Entner) will also charge lthem for their desk just like an -apartment. They have to pay rent to sit at their desk. Sometimes we charge them health-care or a e locker fee,” Parish said. f The real-world calculations needed to balance a checkbook, -calculate interest, and perform rbasic accounting mirror those in athe sixth-grade math curriculum nof adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with decimals, which was one of the reasons sixth grade was selected for the program. Math teacher Entner has no-

Joey Fortelka is a Twitter liaison in Matt Parish’s social studies class at Legacy Academy. Photo by Rick Gustafson ticed that his some of his students are more careful when it comes to balancing their checkbooks than they are with their regular homework assignments.

“They are more motivated to add things up on their sheets, because the auditor charges them a fee for an error,” Entner said. “They are more meticulous

with their checkbooks, because they are more worried about getting docked than losing a point on their grade.” The students also have op-

portunities to experiment with the market economy and enjoy the fruits of their labor. In February, students use their Eco Dollars to bid on luxury items such as the privilege of sitting next to a friend in class, listening to music during a class period, or the most popular item, 10 tickets to eat lunch in the school’s conference room. “We wanted a way for the kids to spend their money, so we brought in an auctioneer, and we auctioned off the selling rights to different class privileges,” Parish said. “They (students) purchased the selling rights, and then we had a separate market day where the kids could buy and sell with each other and have a true, freemarket economy. They were buying based on the buying power of the money they had saved up.” The students are not the only ones who appear to be getting something from the program. Both Parish and Entner are enthusiastic about their involvement and are delighted that that Legacy’s board of directors has approved the economic program for next year. “It’s one of the most fun things I’ve ever done as a teacher,” Entner said. “It’s great watching the kids get excited.”

10 Elbert County News

LIFE WHOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S AFRAID?

S O U T H

March 19, 2015

M E T R O

Jeanette Pollack, of Parker, meets Waya, a 9-year-old female wolf brought to CU South Denver March 7 as part of an event celebrating the start of the Iditarod. Ghost, a 3-year-old wolf from Colorado Wolf Adventures, was one of the stars of an Iditarod event at CU South Denver.

Hundreds of people stopped by an Iditarod event at CU South Denver at Lincoln Avenue and Peoria Street on March 7 to learn about canine lineage and the connection that modern dogs have to wolves. More than 300 people of all ages got a chance to meet Ghost and Waya, two people-friendly wolves brought by a Woodland Park-based sanctuary called Colorado Wolf Adventures.

PHOTO BY CHRIS MICHLEWICZ

With mom by her side, Aubrey Daugherty, 3, of Parker, meets two wolves.

Ghost, 3, stares out the window while being petted by a visitor.

Elbert County News 11

March 19, 2015

Watercolor show brings out best Lone Tree exhibit offers works by winners

IF YOU GO The 24th State Watercolor Show of the Colorado Watercolor Society is at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, through March 30. Admission is free. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and two hours prior to performances. Sales are handled at the box office.

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe @coloradocommunitymedia.com Each year, the Colorado Watercolor Society holds a competition among its members (the present count is 450), hires a well-known artist as juror and mounts a handsome exhibit of the selected pieces. The 2015 exhibit, the 24th Annual, is at Lone Tree Arts Center through March 30. Greg Chapleski of Highlands Ranch is president. Juror Rick Brogan, a well-known Colorado painter and teacher, selected 85 paintings for the show from the 309 entries and announced awards on March 7 at the opening reception. There are landscapes, abstracts, cityscapes, fauna and flora, images from across the world in all seasons and times of day, portraits and more. The viewer will find multiple stories awaiting. Best of show is Marcio Correa’s “Twin Elevators.” The artist has zeroed in on a scene one sees often in Colorado’s rural towns: a pair of weathered grain elevators, pictured in a range of blue shadows. A watery sky is above, and to the front is a rusty orange tank, which is a highlight. A bright yellow strip of grass runs horizontally across, sep-

Detail from “Red Stripes, Blue Stripes by Paul Valdez won 4th Place in the CWS State Show at Lone Tree Art Center. Photos by Sonya Ellingboe arating the elevators from a nearby patch of weedy grass. Lines are soft and colors are generally subdued. It could be right out of Colorado novelist Kent Haruf’s fictional town, Holt. Second place was awarded to West Slope Painter Frank Francese’s dramatic “Grand Mesa 2015,” which shows early fall snow while the golden aspens are still blazing on the mountainside and reflected in a high

lake. Kathleen Lanzoni’s “After the Rain,” which took third place, is a cityscape, with an imaginative use of reflections in puddle left by rain. It’s a tropical city with a row of palm trees lining a walkway, reflected in a rhythmic series of wet areas. Painter Paul Valdez of Parker submitted a horizontal image of Venice: “Red Stripes, Blue Stripes,” with the canal and buildings leading back to an arched bridge that crosses the canal. It won fourth place. The President’s Award was given to Littleton watercolorist Tanis Bula for her “Cassis, France,” which depicts a harbor filled with small boats. Look for it in the back room at the end of the hall where a number of paintings are hung.

“Grand Mesa 2015” by Frank Francese won Second Place in the CWS State Show at the Lone Tree Art Center.

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“After the Rain” by Kathleen Lanzoni won Third Place in the CWS State Show at Lone Tree Art Center.

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12 Elbert County News

March 19, 2015

Ballet season ends with children’s classic Colorado Ballet closes its season with the children’s classic “Peter and the Wolf” March 27 to 29 at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver (University Boulevard and Iliff Avenue). Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. March 27 and 28; 2 p.m. March 28 and 29. The ballet is choreographed by Peter Smuin, with score by Sergei Prokofiev. Opening the program will be a ballet choreographed by Clark Tippet to the Max Bruch “Violin Concerto No. 12.” Tickets: $25 to $155, 303-837-8888, coloradoballet. org.

Winner to perform Steven Vaughn, euphonium player, is winner of the T. Gordon Parks Concerto Competition. He will perform in Vladimir Cosma’s “Concerto for Euphonium” at 7:30 p.m. March 20 with the Arapahoe Philharmonic at Mission Hills Church, 620 Southpark Drive, Littleton. The orchestra will also play Gustav Mahler’s “Symphony No. 7.” (Vaughn will join the orchestra on the tenor horn for this.) He is a second-year Masters of Music student at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Tickets: 303-781-1892, arapahoe-phil.org.

Veteran to speak Ken Haraldsen will speak to the Englewood Historic Preservation Society at the Englewood Public Library, 1000 Englewood Parkway, at 3 p.m. March 27. He will talk about his visit to the 70th anniversary remembrance of the Battle of the Bulge. He was in the Army Air Forces, but his unit was reassigned to the infantry with others to stop the German counterattack. The event is free and open to the public.

Marquez work on display Littleton photographer Andy Marquez will exhibit work at the Steve Adams Gallery, 5789 A S. Curtice St., Littleton, starting March 26. 303-919-7277.

Tchaikovsky in Littleton “Tchaikovsky in Spring” is the title of the Littleton Symphony Orchestra’s March 27 concert at 7:30 p.m. at Littleton United Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Young pianist Kevin Ahfat will perform Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1.” Also on the program: “The Chairman Dances” by John Adams from his opera, “Nixon in China”; “Appalachian Spring” by Aaron Copland; and “Medley from West Side Story” by Leonard Bernstein. Tickets: $15/$12, free 21 and under: littletonsymphony.org; Gorsett’s Violin Shop, 8100 S. Quebec St., Ste. B206, Centennial; 303-933-6824.

Swallow Hill Music Grammy winner Loudon Wainwright III will perform at Swallow Hill Music Hall, 71 E. Yale Ave., Denver, at 8 p.m. April 3. Tickets: swallowhillmusic.org/Denver-concerts, 303777-1003 ext 2.

Town Hall auditions

Artists of the Colorado Ballet will close their season with “Peter and the Wolf” March 27-29 at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at DU. Photo by Allen Birnbach “West Side Story” auditions for the teen characters from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 4 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St., Littleton. Production dates: Sept. 11-Oct. 11. Must be 18 or older and able to play a teen. (Auditions for adult parts will be at a later date.) Nick Sugar will direct. Prepare 24-32 bars of music in the style of the show. To schedule appointment: signupgenius.com/ go/20f084cabaa2da2fd0-auditions.

Auditions for `Lion King’ Auditions for “Lion King” will be held through the month of March by appointment at Spotlight Performing Arts Academy, 6328 E. County Line Road #102, Highlands Ranch. For information, tuition rates, audi-

BE INVOLVED GIVE – The B.I.G. Day 2015

Area nonprofits and hundreds of Chamber volunteers working together or joining forces makes for a good mix….and that’s the goal for the 5th Annual B.I.G Day, set for Saturday, April 25th from 8:30 – 12:00. B.I.G stands for “Be Involved, Give.” The motivation for this event, sponsored by the South Metro Denver Chamber’s Nonprofit & Business Partnership Committee, is to provide assistance to member nonprofits by introducing them to the people and businesses that live and work in their communities. Last year’s B.I.G. Day volunteers did everything from planting the community garden at Denver

Botanic Gardens at Chatfield, to trail clean-up with the South Suburban Park Foundation to sorting and loading medical supplies with Project CURE. Many projects allow young children to help when accompanied by an adult - a great way to teach community involvement. Slots for nonprofits to take part in this year’s event are filling up fast. Those interested in participating, please contact Laurian Horowitz, Laurian@ColoradoLiveLessons.com. Participating Nonprofits: Audubon Society of Greater Denver, Denver Botanic Gardens, Dinosaur Ridge, South Suburban Park Foundation, She She’s Corner, and Project C.U.R.E. Who can volunteer? Companies & businesses, their staff, friends, family, and kids! Everyone can participate. In addition, community organizations (schools, churches, sports teams) and individuals are all encouraged. What type of volunteer activities will be offered? There are many options to choose from, including office/administration work, painting, light repairs/ improvements Volunteers will be able to select projects they want to work on. Will Volunteers Need to Bring Supplies? Any needed supplies will be determined between the project captain and the nonprofit. Our goal is to

get materials donated, when possible, but volunteers might be asked to bring basic items like rakes, shovels, tools, etc. based on the project that they sign up for. Celebrate the B.I.G. DAY! In appreciation of everyone’s hard work, please join us back at the Chamber for some great food, drinks, and prizes! Celebrate the accomplishments of the B.I.G. Day, watch video of the morning’s activities and share your experiences with fellow volunteers. Are There Other Ways I Can Help? Yes, this is a big undertaking and we are going to need dozens of volunteers to assist us on the day of the event. “Team captains” and project coordinators are needed for each volunteer site to work with the participating nonprofit organizations. We are also going to need businesses to help with donations of money and/ or materials to help fund some of the nonprofit projects. Sponsorship Opportunities are available. For more information contact, Colleen Schwake at 3030795.0142 or CSchwake@Bestchamber.com For more information about The B.I.G. Day visit South Metro Denver Chamber event page at www. bestchamber.com or Contact Laurian Horowitz at Laurian@ColoradoLiveLessons.com

WhippleWood CPAs Real Estate IMPACT Breakfast Friday, May 8, 2015 | 7:00 – 9:00 am

Hyatt Regency DTC | 7800 East Tufts Avenue, Denver, CO 80237

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Mixing It Up in Denver Mixed Uses Mixed Markets Mixed Messages Join us for a dynamic discussion of mixed-use development in Colorado from a diverse panel of experts that will explore how changing demographics are transforming the way we live, work and play in Colorado. This year’s breakfast will provide a comprehensive look into the changing needs and tastes of aging Baby Boomers, maturing Gen X’ers and working Millennials, and how to address the challenges presented! Our panel will include experts in development, demographics, architecture and economics. Gain insights on the hottest trends affecting our region, while networking at the most enterprising event in the south metro Denver area! The dynamic panel of speakers will be moderated by, Dean Sueann Ambron of CU Denver Business School. Our speakers include, Elizabeth Garner, Colorado State Demographer and Mickey Zeppelin, Founder at Zeppelin Development. **Please note speakers are being added daily and the topics are being finalized during March! Real estate is a significant driver of our economy. We provide this annual event because we know that being knowledgeable on current and future real estate trends is invaluable to your business. Our experts provide you with real estate insights from the commercial, residential, academic, and economic development perspectives. SPONSORED BY

AMG National Trust Bank and hosted by the South Metro Denver Economic Development Group.

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Taxes can be stressful and sometimes it’s best to turn to the experts. If you have difficult question about your taxes or a unique financial situation, a tax professional can save you money and time. WhippleWood CPAs takes a proactive approach to tax services. By keeping current on new tax laws and regulations, they position themselves to identifying key tax planning opportunities that minimize present and future tax liabilities. Tax services offered include but are not limited to: • Estate, trust and gift preparation • Like-kind property exchanges • Tax compliance and filing requirements for all tax entities • Business entity selection • Cost segregation service • IRS representation • State and local sales and use tax services • Estate planning International tax—WhipplWood CPAs has experience with the nuances of international taxation, regardless of whether you qualify for the inbound or outbound tax regime. Strategic tax planning to mitigate the rising costs of internationally mobile employees has become a crucial component of conducting business abroad. Let us assist your company in preventing future problems by consulting with us prior to making the leap to international business. WhippleWood CPAs redefines the CPA experience through its dynamic approach to building ongoing relationships with clients and community partners. For more than 30 years, the firm’s clients—from oil & gas and real estate to not-for-profit organizations and more—have entrusted them to provide comprehensive accounting, tax and business consulting services. WhippleWood CPAs is a member of PKF, an association of independently owned accounting and consulting firms. This important association gives the firm access to specialized knowledge, expertise and superior professional educational resources—which all translates to the best in client accounting services. Online you will find more information on Taxation, Accounting, Consulting, Employee Benefit Plans and Assurance. Being a firm with such broad resources and exceptional tax accounting experience, that they can really make a difference for so many businesses. They take a proactive approach to tax services, focusing on identifying key tax planning opportunities that minimize present and future tax liabilities. For more information or to speak with a representative at WhippleWood CPAs visit, www.whipplewoodcpas.com.

tion appointment, call 720-443-2623 or visit spotlightperformers.com.

Indian Wars symposium Order of the Indian Wars presents its annual one-day symposium from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 at the Colorado National Guard Headquarters Auditorium, 6868 S. Revere Parkway, Centennial. Speakers will be Paul Magid, John Fahey, Danny Aranda, Don Moon, Marvin Roose and Larry Kropf. Limited bookseller arrangements available: call Mike Koury, 970-587-9530. Admission: $35, send to OIW, P.O. Box 1650, Johnstown, CO 80534 — or $45 at the door. (Includes: coffee, juice and doughnuts: lunch buffet; contact with authors and booksellers.)

Calendar of Events For a complete list of South Metro Denver Chamber events visit our website www.bestchamber.com or call 303-795-0142.

Monday, March 16 Save Lives Sort Medical Supplies with Project C.U.R.E. 7:00 pm – Project C.U.R.E. 10337 E. Geddes Ave., Centennial Wednesday, March 18 Waters Edge Ribbon Cutting! 4:00 – 6: 00 pm – Waters Edge Winery 2101 E. Arapahoe Rd., Suite 101, Centennial Thursday, March 19 Denver Culture Leadership Roundtable 7:00 – 10:oo am – Courtyard Denver Tech Center 6565 S. Boston St. Greenwood Village Thursday, March 19 DS’ Tavern Ribbon Cutting! 4:00 – 6:00 pm – DS’ Tavern 819 W. Littleton Blvd. Littleton Monday, March 23 -25 Military and Veteran Employment Expo – Mentor Session 12:15 – 2:00 pm – Turnhalle, Auraria Campus 890 Auraria Parkway, Denver Tuesday, March 24 Oil & Gas Legislation and Governor’s Taskforce Recommendations 7:30 – 9:30 am – SMDC WhippleWood CPAs Conference Center 2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 342, Centennial

Elbert County News 13

March 19, 2015

Ever wanted to play guitar? Learn how in one day

Traveling quitarist teaches six to eight weeks of lessons in single sitting By Mike DiFerdinando

mdiferdinando @coloradocommunitymedia.com Marlene Hutchinson teaches students how to play guitar in a single day. She travels around the country hosting a series of workshops and, most recently, she hosted a workshop March 7 at The Grange in Castle Rock. She has been featured in numerous national TV shows and print publications. Hutchinson sat down with us to talk about her one-day program. What makes you unique as a guitar teacher? I think the thing that inspires people the most when they come to my workshop is my background. I didn’t learn how to play guitar until 12 years ago. So, I’m a relative novice to teaching guitar, but I think that’s what really works in a sense because I get what it’s like to learn as an adult. How did you learn to play? I decided it was a new year’s resolution. I wanted to try guitar, so I got a starter guitar and went to a group lesson and from the first strum I could not get enough. I played all the time. I was an elementary teacher and I would play in my classroom. I played at art festivals and coffee shops—just all the time.

Marlene Hutchinson teaches student to play guitar in a single day with a condensed workshop that is equal to six to eight weekly lessons. Photo by Mike DiFerdinando

How did you come up with a one-day program?

I assume that whoever is attending my workshop knows zero about guitar or music. I start by pointing out the parts of the guitar, how to hold the guitar. I teach them how to tune the guitar. I’m all about what’s the easiest, simplest way.

I stated this program because I had people asking me to show them what I learned and it just kept growing from there. I had a lot of adults say, “I would love to learn to play, but I don’t have time for a weekly lesson program.” So I thought, “I wonder if I could do a one day program?” How do students learn in just a day? It’s really based on the private format lessons that I teach. It’s six to eight weeks of lessons in one day. So, it’s a pretty intense day. They’re fingers are sore at the end.

The basic format that I teach is simple chords. Easy strumming — very familiar songs that get you going right away. How experienced are your students?

What is the first song they learn? We start with a one-chord song. Row, Row, Row Your Boat. Everyone who learns with me starts with that. By the end of the day? They end up learning 14 songs and five different chords.

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How would you describe your teaching style? I give the skill to the students, and then I walk around and follow up with each of them. It’s important to me that they get it. I want them to fall in love with the guitar. What concerns do students have coming to the workshop? A lot of them are very intimidated. A lot of people say “I’m too old” or whatever. And I say, well I started 12 years ago. I have Roy and 87-year-old student who started at 78. You’re never too old. Do you teach more advanced programs as well? Today, it’s the workshop. But I have in the works a follow up program. I teach all over the country, so I have a lot of people

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS IN COLORADO Aug. 7-9: Guitar Town at the Copper Mountain Resort Nov. 7 : “Learn to Play Guitar in a Day!” workshop at Red Rocks Visitors Center. For more information, visit marlenesmusic.com.

who want to follow up after the first workshop. What I’m going to be launching is a subscription-based program with a video library. I’m also going to be doing weekly webinars. What kind of music do you like? I love the Eagles, Sheryl Crow and singersong writer type of stuff. That’s what I love.

14 Elbert County News

IT’S BACK!

March 19, 2015

More than a hundred volunteers who lined the road for the funeral of Army Sgt. Floyd Jackson march back to the funeral home. Many of the volunteers who included civilians, Boy Scouts and military personnel carried American flags that were dipped as the Jackson’s procession passed by. Jackson died in a Korean prisoner of war camp in 1951. Photo by Tom Munds

Decades later, soldier laid to rest Floyd Jackson died in 1951, DNA aids identification of remains By Tom Munds

tmunds @coloradocommunitymedia.com

BEST OF THE BEST is Back!

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or complete the ballot in this week’s issue

Army Sgt. Floyd Jackson died more than 60 years ago. But loved ones - his mother, brothers and sisters, family friends — never had the chance for final closure or to honor a fallen hero with a full military funeral. Jackson paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country when he died in a Korean prisoner of war camp half the world away. Those same loved ones were plagued first with nagging, then lingering, then permanent unanswered questions. Until recently, that is. Because the right people were in the right place at the right time, Jackson was laid to rest next to his mother on March 7 in Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetery in Centennial — six decades after he died in the POW camp. “Uncle Floyd died before I was born, but my family talked about how he died in prisoner of war camp,” said Joanne Mueller, Jackson’s niece and closest relative. “My daughter was looking at a family album and asked about Uncle Floyd. Not long after that, we went to a meeting for families of service personnel missing in action. The Army asked for a DNA samples from the family. That was in 2004.” It took until January for the government, using modern technology and family DNA samples, to identify the Littleton man’s remains and offer to return them to his family. “I never thought this would happen in my lifetime,” Mueller said. “I knew it was my uncle’s wish to be buried next to his mother. So, I told my children, that, if Uncle Floyd’s remains were identified and he was returned home after I died, to bury him next to his mother.” Though they are full of beautiful details and precision movement, military funerals are never easy, said 1st Lt. Joseph Zarella, commander of an honor guard from Fort Carson. “This is my fourth military funeral, and each one is nerve-racking. I go over the words in my head, but it is hard to speak those words when you look into the eyes of the loved one receiving the flag.” Jackson was born in Warrensburg, Mo., in 1930. His mother brought her six children to Littleton about 1949 after her husband died. Jackson was a teenager and worked in the kitchen at Bradley Café in the Coors Building in Littleton until he joined the Army. Jackson joined the Army in 1950. He was sent to the Far East and became a member of the 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, and 7th Infantry Division. His unit was deployed near the Chosin Reservoir in December 1950 and their position was overwhelmed by hundreds of Chinese soldiers. Jackson was among those captured and taken to a Korean prisoner of war

Joanne Mueller, niece of Army Sgt. Floyd Jackson, received the folded flag that covered his coffin from Army 1st Lt. Joseph Zarella during the March 7 funeral ceremonies at Olinger Chapel Hill Cemetary. Jackson was captured in 1950 and died in a Korean prisoner of war camp in February 1951. The Army recently used family DNA to identify his remains. Photo by Tom Munds camp. A soldier returning from the camp in 1953 said Jackson died on Feb. 13, 1951. His remains were not included in the more than 1,400 remains the Koreans returned in 1954. Remains of additional American military personnel were recovered when the North Koreans allowed teams to excavate a number of locations between 1990 and 2005. The Defense POW/MIA Personnel Office notified the family in January that Jackson’s remains had been positively identified. “Two soldiers came to my home to tell me Uncle Floyd’s body had been identified and to bring information about him and the medals the Army awarded him,” Joanne Mueller said. The Army awarded Jackson posthumously the Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Korean Service Medal, Prisoner of War Medal and National Defense Medal. The sergeant’s body was brought to Denver March 5 by plane, escorted to the hearse by the Army pallbearers for a procession that was accompanied by police and the members of the veterans of Patriotic Guard motorcycle group. Alan Sprig, a Vietnam veteran, wanted to honor a veteran who has been lost for so many years. “I lost men in my unit in Vietnam, and coming here today is my way of honoring all those who died in the service of his company,” the Parker resident said. “I woke up this morning looking forward to coming here today.” About 100 people — many of them volunteers, others military personnel in uniform — lined the road from the

A picture of 19-year-old Littleton resident Floyd Jackson after he joined the Army in 1950. Courtesy photo

chapel to the gravesite. The sergeant’s flag-draped coffin was brought to the grave on a wagon escorted by the Fort Carson’s honor guard, and the procession passed by those lining the road, many holding flags. The honor guard placed the flagdraped coffin on the gravesite and then, with military precision, folded the flag into the traditional shape. The flag was passed to Zarella, who then handed the folded flag to Joanna Mueller. Zarella was honored to be part of the honor guard for Jackson’s funeral. “This is a special ceremony because of the history of the veteran we are honoring,” he said. “This is most beautiful military funeral I have ever been part of.”

Elbert County News 15

March 19, 2015

Colorado images go on exhibition Bakery shares works by noted photographer By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe@coloradocommunitymedia.com “I was the audio-visual geek in high school,” said Walt Martin about his early introduction to photography. He also looked forward to the arrival of the Saturday Evening Post, with its spreads by famous photographers. A friend had taken his picture and offered to sell it to him for $1. He replied that he would pay $1 if the boy would teach him how to do that. Then he cut a lot of lawns until he had enough to buy a simple camera — an Agfa, he thinks. Martin has an exhibit, “Colorado Stories,” at Cake Crumbs Bakery, 2216 Kearney St., Denver, through April 12. When he graduated from high school, the Army recruiting office suggested that if he were drafted, he’d have no control over his path, but if he enlisted, he could choose what he wanted to do, so he went to photography school, then did two tours in Vietnam with the infantry, “photographing the bric-a-brac of war — including body counts.” When he got out of the Army, he hitchhiked from New Jersey to Boise, Montana, where he attended Montana State University. He has lived in Colorado since 1972, and “Colorado Stories” is a selection from photos shot in the past 20 years. Each has a story. Martin talks about how one always has to be alert. “So many of us are so distracted that we don’t live consciously. You have to pay attention, always be aware.” And always have your camera ready. “Stop to catch an image when you’re out in the world — or it’s lost.” The “Twins,” for instance, were standing in an alley in Pueblo when Martin was pushing a young son in a stroller. It was July 4, 1983. He “put a camera in their faces and they turned away — I always engage people.” He told them “I have to make this photo” and they did pose

& Garden SPRING 2015

“Palomino Ponies” by Walt Martin is in his “Colorado Stories” photography show at Cake Crumbs, Denver. Courtesy photos with a smile. “I had one chance. They were the Gearhart boys. I found their brother and learned they were itinerant trumpet players. I never saw them again.” The quirky image has been an award winner. The joyous “State Fair Fountain, Pueblo, Colorado, 2001” was shot just a few days before the horror of 9/11. “The end of innocence,” he said. He stood for some time, waiting and watching, until the little boy started to run toward him. The humorous “Palomino Ponies, South Park, Colorado, 2013” is in color and hangs behind the bakery case, across the room from his other works. He said he was fishing in South Park early one morning and spotted the beautiful palominos, which were quite interested in him—and hoping he had food for them in his pickup truck. He was lying in the ditch to shoot up at them and felt one nibbling on his hat. “Although my work is primarily intuitive, a good deal of deliberation goes into my subjects. I try and convey a subtle visual tension in the images I create. I feel that my work becomes

“Twins” by Walt Martin is in his “Colorado Stories” exhibit at Cake Crumbs, Denver.

CURTAIN TIME Seems like old times “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” an off-Broadway hit by Roger Bean, with music arranged by Brian William Baker, plays at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main St. in downtown Littleton, from March 27 to April 26. Directed by Bob Wells. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; 6:30 p.m. April 19; 2 p.m. April 11. Tickets: townhallartscenter.org, 303-794-2787, ext. 5.

Tap time “42nd Street” will be presented by Highlands Ranchbased Performance Now Theatre Company from April 10 to 26 at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays. Tickets start at $18, 303-987-7845, Lakewood.org.

Harlem Renaissance music “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is based on Fats Waller’s many performances and the activities of black musicians in Harlem in the 1920s, 1930s, 1940s. It plays through April 26 at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora, accompanied by expert pianist Eric Weinstein plus drums and bass. Directed by donnie l. betts. Performances: 7:30 pm. Fridays and Saturdays; and Tuesday, March 31; 2:30 p.m. Sundays and Saturday, April 25. Tickets: 303-856-7830, vintagetheatre.org.

IF YOU GO “Colorado Stories: Photography by Walt Martin” hangs at Cake Crumbs until April 12. The bakery is at 2216 Kearney St., Denver and is open until 6 p.m. (4 p.m. on Sundays). It is a short distance east of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

real to the viewer when it evokes an emotion that reaches beyond the visual.” He has spent many hours through the years capturing images of City Park in all seasons and pointed out a photo of a Kentucky coffee tree, with a haze of snow softening the picture. He had noticed it when in full leaf, but waited to catch the graceful branching without leaf cover. He emphasizes the importance of “economy of subject that is least understood,” referring to photographer Paul Strand as inspiration. Instead of shooting a whole car, just capture one headlight, for instance.

Springtime is the number-one season for home improvements and renovations, making it the right time to advertise your home products and services. Our Spring Home & Garden section is the right place to reach more local homeowners as they make plans to complete the projects they put off during the cold winter months, and incoming tax refunds leave many with extra cash to fund home upgrades.

Sales Deadline: March 26, 2015 Publication Date: April 9, 2015 Section will insert into 17 publications reaching over 150,500 households across the north, west and south metro areas. Process color and free ad design included with any size ad purchase. Publication will also be available on each of our community websites reaching additional online only readers.

Spring is just around the corner. Contact your marketing consultant today! 303.566.4100

SPORTS

16 Elbert County News

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PREVIEW

March 19, 2015

With snow from a recent storm still on the ground, Highlands Ranch High School baseball players warm up before the March 9 practice. It was the first workout outside for the Falcons, two days ahead of their season opener at Rangeview. The Falcons spent part of two practices shoveling snow off the field. The team took fly balls in the outfield and a while later the infielders set up a makeshift infield in a portion of the outfield and threw the ball around. Photo by Jim Benton

Snow can pose mounds of trouble High school baseball teams forced to work around the weather

According to the CHSAANow.com preseason poll, Cherry Creek was ranked third in Class 5A, with Legend fourth, ThunderRidge sixth and Mountain Vista 10th. In Class 4A, Valor Christian held down the third spot, with Ponderosa seventh.

By Jim Benton

jbenton @coloradocommunitymedia.com March is typically the snowiest month in the Denver area. It’s also the start of the high school baseball season. Late-February snowstorms that lingered into March had south metro-area baseball teams scrambling to find indoor facilities in which to practice. Baseball is the spring sport that Mother Nature can hamper the most because it takes time to dry grass and dirt infields. Most teams jostle for practice time in school gyms or rent sessions in several indoor training facilities like Slammers, Hit Streak, Bardo’s, Extra Innings, the Sandlot and the Sports Authority Bubble. “Our biggest obstacle in Colorado is weather, especially early,” said Cherry Creek coach Marc Johnson. Creek has been forced to schedule several workouts at Slammers in Centennial. Legend has been going to Sports Authority twice a week in early March while waiting for its baseball field to become playable. “Everybody is in the same boat,” said Legend coach Scott Fellers. “We can’t get time on the field like teams in Arizona who can be out every day of the week.” Heritage coach Scott Horman has his players doing a variety of things, including shovel-

ing. “We do a number of things,” he explained. “We use an awesome facility called Extra Innings in Littleton. We work on defense in our gym, we lift and do a lot of classroom work. We will be shoveling to get ready for next week.” Castle View coach Shawn Wyss admits it has been a challenge early this season to get his team prepared. “Castle View practices in our gyms at the high school, and we also go to The Sandlot,” he said. “We have two cages that we set up in our small gym and do defensive and pitching work in the big gym. “We spent hours moving snow to give us a chance to get outside. Mother Nature is in charge right now and hopefully she will be kind.” Expenses can pile up for programs and players to use indoor facilities — just one of the problems bad weather causes. Early season postponements and more storms in April could force teams into a stack of makeup games, which could affect the better south metro teams. “I don’t remember a season that didn’t finish, that didn’t get done,” Cherry Creek’s Johnson said. “But sometimes that first week or two or three can be real tough weather wise.”

Teams at a glance

ELIZABETH Coach: D o u g Severinsen Last season: 15-5 Pl a y e r s to watch: We s t o n Haber, Sean Herr Outlook: Cardinals top three hitters graduated but Haber and Herr hit .407 and .397 last season as juniors for Elizabeth that was the runners-up in the Colorado 7 League.

KIOWA Coach: Josh Schneider Last season: 14-6. Players of watch: Mitchell Bates, Maclain Smiley Outlook: Defending Class 2A Black

Forest League champions had five of the league’s top 12 hitters last season but four were seniors.

PONDEROSA Coach: Bob Maloney Last season: 10-11 Players to watch: Bryan King, Alan Ja n j a q u e t , Kian Kagan, Mitch Halloran, Parker Eischen Outlook: Finding players to fill the second and third pitching slots will be a key. The Mustangs have 11 players returning with varsity experience and could be a tough out for other teams in the Continental League. Maloney says: “We are going to play fast and pressure the opposing defense. We are going to try to be fundamentally sound on the mound and in the field and make others try to beat us.”

SPORTS ROUNDUP Girls Basketball

Peyton 69, Simla 50 - For the third time this season the Cubs fell to the undefeated Panthers, this time on March 7. The Panthers jumped out to a 38-15 lead at the end of the first half and were not threatened the rest of the way. The win ends the Cubs season with a record of 14-10. Simla, 51, Byers 44 - The Cubs advanced in the Region 4 Tournament with a win over the Bulldogs on March 6. The win gives the program five straight seasons of advancing to the Region and winning at least one game at this point. The Cubs were able to cut an eightpoint deficit at the end of the first quarter to only three at the halftime break. A 13-6 third quarter gave the Cubs a lead and they never let go. Flagler 63, Elbert 45 - A rematch from the District 7 Tournament with the Panthers ended the Bulldogs season in the Region 2 Tournament on March 6. The Bulldogs finish the season with a 13-9 record, the program’s best record

since the 2011-12 season. The trip to the Region Tournament was the first for the program since the 200910 season. Elbert 37, Stratton/Liberty 30 The Bulldogs saved their best offensive performance for when it was needed outscoring the Knighted Eagles 16-9 in the fourth quarter of the 1A District 7 third-place game on March 2. The Bulldogs shared the wealth on the night recording 14 assists on their 15 made field goals. Kylee Harris scored 10 points to lead the offense and Emily Pranger recorded nine points and three assists. The win moves the Bulldogs into Region 2 Bracket 3 for a rematch with Flagler.

Boys Basketball

Simla 55, Meeker 44 - Four Cubs scored in double-figures as Simla advanced to the Final Four with a win over Meeker on March 12. Kyler Hamacher led the way with 14 points, including nine in the fourth quarter to help the Cubs pull away. Cody Norris pitched in 11 and Jason George and Noah Scott added

10 each in the win. Simla 51, Peyton 47 - The Cubs had to win in comeback fashion overcoming a 39-38 deficit at the end of the third quarter to advance to the 2A State Tournament on March 7. It was the fourth matchup of the season between the two clubs as they split in the regular season, but Simla was able to win in the district and regional brackets. Kyler Hamacher and Jason George each scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds in the win and Cody Norris put together 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Simla 52, Limon 45 - Cody Norris scored 18 points and Noah Scott scored 14 as the Cubs handled the Badgers in the 2A Region 4 Site 2 bracket. The Cubs six-point halftime lead proved to be enough as the teams battled to a virtual stalemate in the second half. Norris pulled down six rebounds and handed out six assists in a wellplayed ballgame for the senior. Edison 38, Elbert 36 (3OT) - A loss in triple overtime of the 1A Dis-

trict 7 third-place game on March 2 keeps the Bulldogs from advancing to Regional play and ends their campaign with a 12-9 record. The Bulldogs rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to force overtime putting together a 12-6 third quarter and a 9-5 fourth quarter. The teams each scored two points in the first overtime to force the second overtime where both teams held each other scoreless before Edison won in the third overtime. Eric Frank recorded 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals for the Eagles.

Girls Soccer

Elizabeth 10, Gateway 0 - Kayla Kagan recorded a hattrick and an assist as the Cardinals netted eight first-half goals in a march to victory on March 12. Reilly Blakesless found the net twice and assisted four others and Tegan Alexander scored twice and recorded two assists in the win. Megan Reyher picked up the win and clean sheet in net. Elizabeth 5, Mitchell 0 - Tegan

Alexander and Meri Sandy found the net twice each in a road win for the Cardinals on March 11. The Cardinals took 42 shots, 19 of which found their mark on goal in an offensive onslaught. Reilly Blakeslee was able to record a goal and an assist with Sandy, Caelyn Rittenhouse, and Alex Stabler each notching an assist.

Baseball

Elizabeth 17, Fort Lupton 4 The Cardinals took advantage of 13 hits and eight errors to pick up a win in their season opener on March 11. Weston Haber paced the offense going 4-5 at the plate with three doubles, three RBIs, and two runs scored. Grant Simon enjoyed a 4-4 day at the plate with two doubles, a triple, a RBI, and scoring three time while Tyler Hagerman scored four runs, despite going 0-4 at the plate, thanks to two walks and reaching on errors three times. Sean Herr picked up the win throwing 4.0 innings allowing two hits and two runs while striking out seven.

March 19, 2015

Elbert County News 17

18 Elbert County News

March 19, 2015

Smile may be most important part of big evening By Metro Creative Connection

rom is a milestone event for many teenagers. Months are spent in preparation for the night of dancing, dinner and reminiscing with classmates and friends. Guys and girls alike agonize over every decision, from what to wear to whom to take as a date. With so many choices to make, ladies may not give as much thought to their makeup as they do to their gowns or hairstyles. But makeup is an important consideration for young ladies on prom night. The following are a few makeup tips for young ladies who want to shine come prom night.

Focus on one area

Many makeup artists prefer to create one area of focus, such as the lips or the eyes, on the face. Someone going with bold eye colors should leave their lips relatively bland, and vice versa. Those who desire a smokey, lined eye should choose a muted lip shade, while a nude or shimmery shadow will complement bold, red lips. Figure out what makes you feel fabulous and play to that strength. If you can’t decide between eyes and mouth, find another feature to focus on. If you’re known for your angular cheekbones, accent them with the right blusher.

Choose colors that complement you

It can be tempting to match makeup to the dress you’re wearing. While that approach can work for some women, it is not always the right fit for everyone. It’s much better to coordinate makeup based on your skin tone, hair color and eye color. If there is a particular color palette that brightens up your face and makes your eyes pop, continue to use that for prom makeup and simply enhance it for extra drama.

Make makeup last through the night

Prom makeup should endure through the entire evening. The weather may be warm and you may spend a good deal of the night dancing, so choose formulas with staying power. Help

products along with some key application tips. Wash and dry your face and treat accordingly for your type of skin. If your skin produces a lot of oil, you may need to swipe your face with astringent. Moisturize dry skin so makeup will not flake off later in the night. Foundation primers can help makeup stick to the skin better. Translucent blotting powder can help lock in foundation and provide an adherent surface for lipstick and eye shadow. If you’re choosing a bold lip look, select a product that is long-lasting and bring along your lipstick for touch-ups.

Be photo-ready Makeup that looks good in person may not work as well for the camera. If great prom photos are your goal, consider matte finishes on makeup and skip high-shine powders. Some makeup retailers sell high-definition powders and products. While these certainly may enhance a look under HD cameras and are geared primarily for those on video, they may look chalky or ghostly under certain camera lights. Do a trial run of your makeup and have someone photograph you to determine how photos will turn out, tweaking your look as necessary.

Don’t fret a blemish or two Nerves and stress can contribute to breakouts. A blemished face is not something you want on prom night, but it’s not the end of the world, either. Use a concealer brush to dot concealer on the pimple and fan out to blend it into the surrounding skin. Pat finishing powder on the area to lock it all in. Avoid touching the area, which can negate the effects of the powder. If makeup is not your forte, consider working with a makeup artist or speaking with sales personnel at the makeup counter of your favorite department store for additional tips. Remember, one of the best prom looks is a winning smile. That’s easily achieved when having fun. Although your look may be important, the goal of prom is to have a good time and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Elbert County News 19

March 19, 2015

Clubs

Build Business Today, a business networking group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first and third Thursday at Johnny Carino’s in Parker. Visit www.buildbusinesstoday.com or call 720-840-5526.

Continued from Page 5

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. 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 303-6463425 for information. VFW Post 10649 meets monthly at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at 24325 Main St., Elbert. Go to http://www.vfwpost10649.org. Contact Alan Beebe at 303-435-2560 for questions.

CERTUS Professional Network meets for its Parker networking event from 9:30-11 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Panera Bread, 11290 Twenty Mile Road, Parker. Build your network, grow your business, network less. Our events are structured to connect professionals with the resources, power partners and leaders to expand their business and the business of others. Open to all industries, includes 30 minutes of open networking and organized introductions to the group. Cost: $12 non-CERTUS members at the door. First participants pay half price. RSVP not required. More info about CERTUS™ Professional Network at http://www.CertusNetwork.com. Leads Club Southeast Superstars meets at 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at LePeep at Parker and Orchard roads. Call Linda Jones at 720-641-0056. Cycle Club meets at 9 a.m. Saturdays in the parking lot of Southeast Christian Church. Tour the streets of Parker, Elizabeth and Castle Rock. Call John at 720-

842-5520. Parker Artists Guild presents free art classes for kids and teen on the second Saturday of each month at Hobby Lobby at Parker Road and Mainstreet. Lessons and Lemonade classes for ages 10-12 are at 9:30 or 11 a.m., and the Teen Art Studio for grades 7-9 are at 1 or 3 p.m. Reservations required by the Wednesday before class. Go to www.parkerartistsguild.com and click on Youth Programs. 20 students maximum. Therapeutic riding. Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding in Parker offers free therapeutic riding for developmentally disabled adults and children. Scholarship money is available for Douglas County residents to provide 10 therapeutic riding lessons. Call 303-841-5007 or visit www.promiseranchtherapeuticriding. com. Parker Arts Council has youth open mic/karaoke nights on the first Thursday of each month. The event is open to all ages. Kids 12 and under eat free. Takes place at Clavin’s Bar and Grill, 17904 Cottonwood Drive, Parker.

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.coloradocommunitymedia.com/calendar.

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SALOME’S STARS FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 16, 2015

ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 19) Disappointed about something that didn’t go your way? Cheer up. Look at the reasons it happened, and you could find a valuable lesson about what to do (or not do!) the next time. TAURUS (Apr 20 to May 20) It’s a good time to do some reassessing of plans and goals -- even how you considered redoing your bathroom. The point is to be open to change if change can improve things. GEMINI (May 21 to Jun 20) Take some time to learn who is the right person (or persons)to approach and discuss your ideas with for your new project. Also, reserve time to prepare for an upcoming family event.

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GALLERY OF GAMES

CANCER (Jun 21 to Jul 22) Dealing with a demanding situation, as you recently did, could drain much of your own emotional reserves. Take time to relax and indulge yourself in some well-earned pampering. LEO (Jul 23 to Aug 22) The regal Lion might feel that she or he is above emotional displays. But showing your feelings can be liberating for you, and reassuring for someone who has been waiting for you to do so. VIRGO (Aug 23 to Sept 22) An emotionally needy person might make more demands than you can cope with. Best to ask for some breathing space NOW, before resentment sets in and makes communication difficult. LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22) An unexpected spate of mixed signals could cause serious schedule setbacks. Best to focus on straightening everything out as soon as possible and get everyone back on track. SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21) Be aware that someone in the workplace could try to use a disagreement with a colleague against you. If so, be prepared to offer your side of the story with the facts to back you up. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21) An unexpected challenge to a previous decision can be unsettling. But your reservoir of self-confidence -- plus your loyal supporters -- should help carry the day for you. Good luck. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19) While the idea of making some sort of major move in the near future continues to interest you, don’t overlook a new possibility that could be emerging closer to home. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18) Be careful not to base an upcoming decision on gossip or anything you might hear if it can’t meet provable standards. That’s true regardless of whom the source might be. PISCES (Feb 19 to Mar 20) You might still need to do some solid reassessing early in the week before you can close that sensitive situation. A new job-related opportunity could present itself later in the week. BORN THIS WEEK: You are extraordinarily sensitive to people’s feelings, and you’re always ready to offer comfort if necessary. © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

20 Elbert County News

March 19, 2015

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