Fire strikes Colorado's oldest church

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Murder suspect sought in SLV

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

PVY on downward trend in the San Luis Valley

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Tim Wompey, 4th, 5th and 6th grade teacher at Jefferson Virtual Academy - #lakewoodnews

I taught in traditional classrooms for 11 years before I made the switch to blended learning environments, something I jumped at the chance to do.

Before teaching I was an IT professional and so I always would seek out ways to incorporate iPads, computers and technologies in the classroom. When I heard about this option to include computers and technology in an online and traditional classroom model, I jumped! It's such a problem solving solution for the ways schools are going today.

One of the beauties of online learning is the relationships with students. They're different between a brick an mortar teacher and an online teacher. Kids find out quickly there's not 30 kids listening in so there's more of one on one communication --; more of a personal connection to them. Kids are open and honest about who they are because of that relationship and I really love that.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Tim-Wompey-4th-5th-and-6th-grade-teacher-at-Jefferson-Virtual-Academy,206921?branding=15

Golden medical practice receives national award - #lakewoodnews

A local medical group has won a national award for innovation and quality of care.

The American Medical Group Association, headquartered in Virginia, traveled to Golden to present the association's national Acclaim Award to New West Physicians on Feb. 3. New West Physicians is the smallest medical group to ever receive the award.

The Acclaim Award is given annually to recognize a medical provider that proves to be a role model for other health care delivery organizations nationwide.

"We have continuously embraced positive change as we pushed the envelope to build an optimal health care delivery system," said New West Physicians Chief Medical Officer Ken Cohen, M.D. "We're extremely excited that the AMGA (American Medical Group Association) has recognized those efforts."

The award honors medical organizations that demonstrate the following initiatives:

Measurably improves the quality and value of care

Improves patient experience and outcomes

Is continuously learning and innovating

Improves population health

New West Physicians has been a part of the community since 1994. Headquartered in Golden, the group started out with 17 physicians and has grown to 17 primary care practice sites with 100 providers throughout the Denver-metro area. New West Physicians takes care of approximately 200,000 patients. The business plans on growing and keeping its Rocky Mountain-area focus.

The Acclaim Award recognized New West Physicians' diabetes, smoking cessation, bench-to-bedside and mental health programs, which according to a news release, "have become national models for the effective delivery of health care and help improve the physical, mental and spiritual health of the communities they serve."

In the past, New West Physicians has also been recognized by the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, the Better Business Bureau and several of the organization's doctors have been named Top Docs by 5280 Magazine. In addition, the National Committee for Quality Assurance has awarded New West Physicians recognition for its Heart/Stroke Recognition Program, Diabetes Recognition Program and for using evidence based medicine and cutting edge technology to coordinate patient care.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Golden-medical-practice-receives-national-award,206896?branding=15

Arvada group saving dogs of Turkey - #lakewoodnews

In 2015, Kevin Shipley, executive director of the Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies, based in Arvada, saw a humanitarian news piece about stray goldens in Istanbul, Turkey, being rescued by U.S. organizations. It pulled on his heartstrings.

"It was a 30-second bit I saw on TV," Shipley said, "and now, it's something local, it's happening here,"

Once a status symbol for the rich in Istanbul, these dogs, now seen as common, have been abandoned around the city and surrounding forests, Shipley said. Today, about 2,000 of the city's 50,000 stray dogs are golden retrievers --; a problem rescue organizations around the United States are trying to solve.

On Feb. 14, a group of these retrievers will be flown to new homes with the Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue and Arvada's Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies.

"We are professional home-finders for golden retrievers," Shipley said. "That's what we do, day in and day out. So we'll find a good home for them."

Since late 2015, Shipley and his team have been working alongside the California rescue organization to bring over these dogs. Eight will go to the California rescue and 10 to Colorado.

"When we first heard about the Turkey dogs, we thought it would be a good thing to dip our toe in and give them happy, healthy homes," said Beth Flambures, a rescue board member and Turkey dog sponsor. "Goldens are a pretty important part of our lives, so any time we hear about something special we try and help."

Transportation costs for each dog are estimated at $1,975. All but 15 percent has been covered by sponsorships and in-kind donations.

Upon arrival, these dog, ages 2-6, will undergo a full veterinary examination, meet their sponsors and play with their fellow Turkey dogs.

"GRRR is in a very good position to be able to take these dogs from Turkey, care for them and provide them what they need," said Kathy Jones, a supporter of the organization and sponsor. "The dogs are coming and, hopefully, there's enough interest and enthusiasm to keep people involved in the program going forward."

Named after Colorado features, Aspen, Telly and Colorado Honey will be housed at the rescue. Five will be placed in foster homes and five will stay at the rescue until they've acclimated and are ready to be adopted.

"It's important we can do anything we can," Flambures said. "Dogs are pretty universal. Everyone loves them, so it's nice we're going to be able to give them homes."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Arvada-group-saving-dogs-of-Turkey,206907?branding=15

Railroad museums wins Super Bowl bet - #lakewoodnews

The Colorado Railroad Museum will be chowing down on some North Carolina pit-cooked pork barbecue because the Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7.

Golden's Colorado Railroad Museum accepted the "Turntable Challenge" thrown down Feb. 5 by the North Carolina Transportation Museum.

Both museums were confident their team would be victorious.

"During the big game, we expect far more Panther growls than Mile High salutes," said Kelly Alexander, executive director of the North Carolina Transportation Museum on the Friday before the Super Bowl. "It will be music to our ears as we prepare to enjoy our winnings from the Colorado Railroad Museum. We can't wait to see the staff of the Colorado Railroad Museum taking a spin on their turntable to the tune of `Stand and Cheer for the Panthers.' "

But in Golden, Broncos fans bleed orange and blue.

"We are confident that our `Iron Horse' team will be turning your Panthers into kittens," said Donald Tallman, executive director of the Colorado Railroad Museum. "We look forward to savoring the barbecue and beer from North Carolina!"

The hope is that your team will win, said Marcie Miller, the Colorado Railroad Museum's director of development. But, she added, it's just for some "light-hearted, good-spirited fun between colleagues in the industry."

Many organizations in the two states are doing similar challenges, Tallman said, agreeing with Miller.

"It's an opportunity for a friendly wager and a way to involve the communities in something fun surrounding the Super Bowl," Tallman said.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Railroad-museums-wins-Super-Bowl-bet,206908?branding=15

Blended education on the rise - #lakewoodnews

A mix of individualized, online and face-to-face instruction classes --; known as blended-learning classrooms --; are giving Jeffco students more options to help them succeed.

"We want to be a place where we can give families a lot of options," said Wendy Noel, principal of Two Roads Charter School about the district's Jefferson Virtual Academywhich is moving into the Two Roads charter after seeing low enrollment in its K-6 courses. "We typically specialize in the unique and this is something different."

On Feb. 4, the Jeffco Board of Education approved the academy's move after finding that the school --; a blended-learning system of online and in-person instructional time --; cost the district $700,000 for the two years the elementary education was running, and did not meet enrollment expectations. This move allows the district to save money by utilizing a current Jeffco facility, while giving more students the opportunity to enroll in a blended learning environment.

According to district staff, the academy's enrollment numbers fluctuated from 30-40 students, which is roughly one third of the 120 it could host.

Two Roads Online, the new option in their charter available fall 2016 is a program for second through fifth graders that combines four days of online instruction with one day or more of traditional teaching at the charter's Arvada campus, 6980 Pierce St.

On traditional teaching days, students will interact with their teacher and classmates and have the ability to take electives such as robotics, music and ceramics --; something they didn't have through the academy, which offered the traditional electives of art, music and physical education.

"Blended-learning programs are important because the teachers video themselves, interact with the students --; even if they're at home," Noel said. "Then, seeing them one day a week strengthens that relationship, it's not just all online."

While a new program to Two Roads, and a relatively new concept for Jeffco, district staff said blended learning has been implemented in various styles and environments for a while. Using models, such as flipped classrooms --; where students take an online class then come to school to work on assignments and get help --; teachers are helping students grasp difficult concepts and gain a deeper knowledge of these subjects better.

Both Mary Beth Bazzanella, Jeffco's director of education technology and Scott Allensworth, an achievement director for Jefferson Virtual Academy, said around 1,000 students participate in full-time blended learning models across the district's middle and high schools, a trend they see increasing, basedofff individual building populations, needs, supplies and demand.

"I went to the virtual academy, and the first year was awesome," said Jordyn Timmens, a seventh-grader who transferred into the Two Roads full-time program this semester. "They explained everything very well, put up videos to help you with understanding and if you still didn't they'd set up a meeting to help you one on one ... It's a great school, and there are so many learning styles, if you can focus and work hard --; go for it!"

Across the state, schools are increasingly implementing technology in their classrooms, Christina Jean, director of innovation and choice for the Colorado Department of Education said. No data reflecting that exists because the state doesn't require schools or districts to report their blended learning statistics, but various studies, such as the Clayton "The Rise of K-12 Blended Learning in Colorado", state various models, online curriculum, technological tools are arguably more successful than traditional classroom or online instruction.

While increasingly practiced, Jean, blended learning teachers like Tim Wompey and district staff said their biggest challenge with this method is awareness around what blended learning is, and how it's being implemented.

Wompey, a fourth, fifth and sixth grade math, science and social studies teacher at Jefferson Virtual Academy said it was important to understand that the academy is a "blended environment" and not a traditional online learning system.

"Because we offer that blended learning, we offer families ahome-schooll environment where they can get that socialization aspect in," Wompey said.

A relatively new approach in education, blended learning gives students who, for whatever reason, struggle in traditional classrooms or need a little extra attention, to thrive and truly prepare them for the world ahead.

"Districts are making sure all kids graduate college and career ready, the state has deemed that they need to be tech savvy," Jean said. "I think that's what's driving blended learning in the classroom to make sure they leave ready with those skills."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Blended-education-on-the-rise,206912?branding=15

Finding flexibility can help schools - #lakewoodnews

My first three years teaching --; in what seems like a completely different lifetime --; I taught at a huge middle school in the south of Jefferson County. We had 1200 students. It was so large, my last year, we had to do a split schedule where every day one team was out of the building, just to make room for everybody.

But, that kind of size did give us a certain flexibility of programming. For instance, within this one middle school, we housed three distinct "schools": a traditional program, one team that followed a program very much like what we think of these days as Core Knowledge, and one team that followed a program similar to what we think of as Montessori. But, all three "teams" interacted in the elective programs and at lunch.

I think back on that with wonder and awe. What a nightmare that must have been for the administration! The complications of scheduling, the amount of autonomy they had to grant the nontraditional teams, the trust they had to have in their teaching staff ... ah, the Halcyon days!

But, what a great thing for the community! Imagine having access to programs that would allow you to tailor an education for your child, all within the neighborhood school! Whether your child was "normal," or functioned better in a highly structured environment, or functioned better in a looser setting where they got to self-direct, parents had that option. Of course, this was a few years before the advent of high-stakes testing, so schools had a bit more freedom to be innovative.

I think of charter schools as one symptom of the demise of that sort of educational creativity. In just my little hamlet of Arvada, there are three different Core Knowledge charter schools, all of whom have waiting lists, all of whom serve a population whose parents tired of the neighborhood schools becoming instruments of social engineering. And now, as of November, there will be another new charter school opening in Arvada, Doral Academy, with an arts-integrated curriculum, a design where music, dance, theater, and the visual arts are part of every subject. Perhaps, to serve the other end of the spectrum.

Charter schools are an awkward conversation for me. I recognize that charter schools often serve an underserved population, and that they frequently exist in response to the shortcomings of the neighborhood school. At the same time, they present challenges to the public schools. The Jeffco Board of Education recently approved funding to build a new school in the Candelas development. When they do that, they do so based on specific projections for enrollment, which gives them an idea what kind of programming and facilities they will need. When a charter school opens in the area, it inevitably draws students away from the neighborhood school, which alters --; sometimes dramatically --; what kind of program can be offered.

I wrote last week that we should recognize and honor that we aren't all the same, that we don't all fit into nice, neat little boxes. I still believe that the vast majority of students are best served in the neighborhood schools; at the same time, there are some students who would absolutely thrive in a school like Doral, that has a colorful entrance, hand-painted murals on the walls, music sounding from every classroom, and a special room with a dance floor rather than private offices for administrators (a setting that, to a Core Knowledge kid, is anathema).

But, perhaps an accommodation can be found from my early years. Surely, we are clever enough to accommodate all the diverse, difficult, challenging, wonderful talents spread around our student population in one building. All it would take is the will l --;and the structural support --; for the education community to unleash its collective genius on this problem.

That, or we just accept the diffusion of our talents and philosophies across more and more facilities.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://westminsterwindow.com/stories/Finding-flexibility-can-help-schools,206905?branding=15

- #lakewoodnews

Valor Christian came into the Jefferson County 4A league swimming championship meet highly favored and that's just the way the Eagles kept it. Now, they hope to continue on their run for the state championship.

Valor Christian, coached by Lori Stenstrom, tallied 546.5 points in their domination winning nine events in the Myers Pool in Arvada. The Eagles were able to outpoint runner-up Evergreen, which tallied 495, and third-place D'Evelyn, 216.5. And it could also be called a mother-daughter day.

Sisters Brooke and Lindsay Stenstrom certainly did their mother and Valor teammates proud as they each won their individual events. Brooke won the 50 freestyle in 24.3 seconds while Lindsay won the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:55.41. And in both cases were they closely challenged.

It was certainly a close one for Lindsay as she was able to outreach D'Evelyn's Abbey Selin, 1:55.73, in the 200. It took the officials a bit of time to make sure they had the right times for the girls. To be sure, their qualifying times were also just a blink away with Stenstrom coming in with 1:57.94, Selin, the quicker this time, 1:57.63.

Selin was once again involved in a tough race in the 500 freestyle against Valor Christian's Abbey Owenby. And this time, the two swimmers did get credit for a tie as they both swam 5:07.43.

"I just went out hard from the beginning and it certainly was a fun race overall," said Selin. "What a challenge this has been for our team, and we've done well. A tie, this is hard to believe in the distance of this race."

Hard to believe for Owenby, too.

"I raced her last year, and a tie out here has been surprising and fun," said Owenby. "It just turned out to be a great race. I'm glad we were able tie in such a long race. This has probably never been done here like this and ties at this distant don't usually happen."

Owenby picked up her second victory of the meet winning the 200 individual medley with a time of 2:09.62. Here, it was a touch that enabled her to beat Golden's Sabrina Sabadeanu, who swam 2:09.98.

"I'm really excited and had a lot of fun this weekend," Owenby said. "It has been a fun season, too. I was confident that we could win as a team today and this is just super cool. I thank God. It was just a great race today, and I want to continue strong to state."

Brooke defeated Evergreen's Katelyn Kenchel, who was clocked in :24.77 and again, it was the reach for the wall that paid off.

"It was just an awesome day, and everyone had that awesome day," said Brooke. "We worked hard before we came and once we got here. Our coach was certainly behind us and helped make this to be so much fun. It's just a blessing, and I couldn't be happier right now."

Brooke also swam the anchor leg on Valor's winning 200 Medley Relay's winning team. The Eagles were clocked in 1:48.53 to beat runner up Evergreen's 1:52.01. She was joined in the winning effort by Raili Carter, Brook Landt and Madison Hoen.

"I'm so proud of our girls and it's just amazing how well they were able to work," said Valor coach Lori Stenstrom. "They love each other. We just want to go hard and keep our positive attitudes and continue to do well at state."

Evergreen came away with a pair of champions with Christina Crane winning the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:06.56 to Valor Christian's Brook Landt, 1:07.31.

"I'm surprised a little bit to win it," said Crane. "I've been hard at work on my breaststroke for the last two years. I haven't done this well in two years and I'm certainly faster than last year."

Diving was completed with both classifications at the same time off the same boards. A Four-A entrant would dive first, then a 5A diver second in the rounds. In all, there were 42 competitors. And, it was interesting to watch the divers follow this particular format.

In this case, Evergreen's Bailey Mills came through to win the lengthy competition in 4A. She was able to score 513.25 points to beat her teammate, Katrin Lewis, who scored 501.60.

"This was a great meet for me and it was very exciting," said Mills. "It's great that I'm going to state. I just wanted to be a little more focused. The key is to have fun. State will be great and we hope to win. I'm going to go to college at Virginia for Business and to minor in health science."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/?branding=15

Colorado Women's Chamber accepting nominations - #lakewoodnews

The Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations of "an outstanding woman who best exemplifies exceptional professional achievement, devotion to community service and generosity in actively assisting other women in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills."

Deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. March 10. The International ATHENA Leadership Award will be given April 20 at the Ritz-Carlton, 1881 Curtis St. in Denver.

"It is not common for women to walk across the stage during recognition ceremonies and this award truly honors a woman who absolutely deserves the recognition," said Donna Evans, the chamber's president, in a news release.

This year's ATHENA award dinner will feature keynote speaker Kristin D. Russell, a director with Deloitte Digital who is leading the firm's national digital government strategy.

Russell is "a dynamic executive with more than 15 years' experience in leading large operations, services, and information technology organizations," the release said.

Formerly, Russell was appointed by Gov. John Hickenlooper in February 2011 to serve as secretary of technology and chief information officer for Colorado.

Preceding the dinner is a half-day conference featuring the program "Igniting Women to Pursue their Highest Aspirations," which will include sessions and programming about professional development and relationship building.

For more information regarding nominations, the ATHENA award dinner or the ATHENA conference, go online to www.cwcc.org.

About the CWCC

Since its inception in 1988, the Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce has played a significant role in growing business in Colorado. With the mission of creating an environment and the resources conducive to its members' business success, the CWCC is the premier organization providing opportunities and visibility for women in business through relationship development, education, mentorship, partnership and alliances. Visit them online for more information.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Colorado-Womens-Chamber-accepting-nominations,206902?branding=15

Do the write thing - #lakewoodnews

Many organizations provide students with school supplies at the beginning of the year, but as most teachers know, those supplies rarely last the whole year.

"I taught at Stein Elementary for 29 years, and before winter break we would have our students do a school supply inventory," former teacher David Harris said. "We would send lists of what the students were out of home as Christmas gifts ideas for parents."

To combat this lack of supplies, particularly in schools with a large student population who participate in the free and reduced lunch program, the Kiwanis Club of Alameda West had an idea: Why not do a second supply giveaway after winter break?

And that's how The Write Stuff program was born.

"We started this in 2010 at Stein and Eiber elementary," said Bob Zachman, a member of the Alameda West Kiwanis. "Over the years we've added schools and other clubs to help us."

In addition to Alameda West, Kiwanis of Applewood, Arvada-Jefferson, Belmar, Golden, Green Mountain, Lakewood and Wheat Ridge now participate in The Write Stuff. The elementary schools that receive supplies in addition to Stein and Eiber are Arvada K-8, Lumberg and Edgewater in Edgewater, Pleasant View in Golden, Molholm in Lakewood and Stevens in Wheat Ridge.

"This year, we had 35 to 40 members of different clubs helping us pack all these supplies," said Annette Lana, Write Stuff packing manager. "By doing this, we're able to prevent teachers from having to spend their own money on supplies."

The organization provided more than 3,700 students with supplies so far this year.

The money for supplies came from the clubs, a grant from the Rocky Mountain District Foundation and a fundraiser at 240 Union Restaurant. The Kiwanis work with The Action Center, a Jefferson County nonprofit that helps low-income and homeless families attain financial stability,to store the materials and provide a place to pack the supplies when the time comes.

As Harris, now coordinator of the program, explains, the supplies are purchased in September when they are on sale and packing begins in November. Items are delivered the first week after winter break.

Among the items students receive are paper, pens, crayons and colored pencils. Zachman said retailers like Target and Office Depot have been instrumental in providing discounts to help the groups purchase as many supplies as possible.

"The reaction of the kids when they get the supplies is the best," Lana said. "You'd think they were having a second Christmas."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Do-the-write-thing,206910?branding=15

Tigers girls win 10th straight - #lakewoodnews

Lakewood shifted all aspects of its game into high gear Feb. 3, building a 26-3 first quarter lead as the Tigers won the league girls basketball game over Pomona, 74-29.

Key moments

The Tigers took full advantage of their fast-paced attack, their height advantage and their aggressive defense to score the first 19 points of the game, and Pomona wasn't able to overcome the big lead.

"Our team played pretty well tonight," Lakewood coach Chris Poisson said after the game. "We shared the ball well and we were able to push the pact of the game, which makes it possible to get some easy hoops."

Key players/statistics

Lakewood spread the scoring among nine players. The Tigers' 6-3 sophomore Camilla Emsbo led the team in scoring with 15 points, Anissa Barela and Mackenzie Forrest each scored 11 points, and MeKenna Bishop scored 10 points.

Barela led the team from outside the arc with a trio of three-pointers, and Bishop was the team leader in rebounds with 10. Eight players contributed to the team effort, dishing out a total of 26 assists.

They said it

Coach Poisson said this is the best team he has coached in his eight years at the helm.

"We have been building this team for four years," he said. "We are a good mix of seniors and sophomores, plus we have strong JV so the future looks good for us. We like to push the pace on offense and play pressure defense all over the court, plus we have good size to work the inside game as well. Our height should allow us to control the boards and, if we don't, it shows we are not hustling."

Sophomore Emsbo said basketball is her sport and the only sport she plays.

"I really like the sport," she said. "I like basketball because something is always happening, the court if full of activity and there is so much energy out there all the time."

She said her favorite part of the game is scoring baskets against the other team and passing the ball to teammates so they can score.

Emsbo said she is a better basketball player now than she was at this time last year.

"I don't know that my skills have improved a lot, but my confidence level has gone up at least five times as much," she said. "I have been taking shots I wouldn't have taken last year. I am working on hitting more of my outside shots, and I feel that is making me more of an all-around player."

She said the only personal goal she set for the season is to help the Tigers make it to the state championship.

Going forward

The win over Pomona increases Lakewood's record to 15-3 overall and to 9-0 in league. The league season is in the home stretch. The Tigers close out the regular season with a road game Feb. 17 at Arvada West and a home game Feb. 19 against Columbine.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Tigers-girls-win-10th-straight,206879?branding=15

Red Rocks CC breaks ground on new rec center - #lakewoodnews

Most community colleges don't have recreation centers.

The come-and-go nature of these campuses means that students are usually only on campus when they need to be, and then they're carrying on with their lives.

Red Rocks Community College is not most community colleges.

On Feb. 4 the college hosted the groundbreaking of its 38,000-square-foot rec center --; the result of years of work by students and staff.

"The construction of our Student Recreation Center is the direct result of our student body being empowered by our campus administration to serve our students and improve our campus," said Barbara Goodnight, president of the Red Rocks Student Government.

The facility is scheduled to to open a year from now, and will include gym space, weight/cardiovascular area, dance/exercise studios, climbing and bouldering wall, an outdoor fitness deck, student meeting and gathering spaces, and improvements to the current multipurpose field.

"What an asset this is going to be for us," said Dr. Michele Haney, president of Red Rocks. "I want to congratulate all the students on getting here, especially those in student government who lead the way."

The rec center's roots can be traced back to 2012, when the school finished its Students Health Clinic. Mark Squire, coordinator of Student Activities, said interest in a better recreation center started almost immediately. The college's current recreation area is just 2,000-square-feet, and only has room for free weights and cardio.

"There was a core group of student government people who started looking at how to get a better center, and how much it would cost," Squire said. "The first thing to do was a feasibility study, and the students worked with the (architectural firm) Davis Partnership on that."

For much of 2013 and into 2014, students hosted a variety of workshops, surveys and informational events to elicit input on the project. The total price tag was estimated at $12 to $13 million. Students determined the best way to pay for the project was a fee increase for all students, of around $70 per semester currently, and will increase to $125 when construction is complete. The idea had to be voted on by the student body, and in May 2015, was approved by a 70-percent margin.

"After the fee increase was approved, we still had to get a lot of approvals from various bodies," explained Cathy Rock, construction manager. "We also had to hire architects, designers and contractors for the project."

The fees the students pay will provide the necessary funds for construction, staff and upkeep for the next 30 years, Squire said. The center will be available to all fee-paying students, and school employees will be able to access it for a fee. Non-fee paying students (like online students) may opt in and pay the per-semester recreation center fee.

In addition to health, the rec center will serve as a great place for students to meet their peers, Rock said.

"Red Rocks is a very unique place, and they will have this special place for students," she said. "This center will provide opportunities that most community colleges don't."

For Squire, the project demonstrated the dedication of the student body to making the school a better place.

"What has impressed me most throughout this process is the commitment of so many students," he said. "You saw so many working hard for something that wouldn't be for them to use --; they just wanted to make sure the school had it for future students."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Red-Rocks-CC-breaks-ground-on-new-rec-center,206877?branding=15

Wrestlers poised to wrap up state berths - #lakewoodnews

Regional state-qualifying wrestling tournaments will be held Feb. 12 and 13.

The following is the lineup for the tournaments, which will be held at various locations around the state. The state tournament is scheduled for Feb. 19 and 20 at the Pepsi Center in Denver.

Class 5A

Four regionals each qualify four wrestlers per weight class for the state tournament.

(at Arvada West)

Pomona, Arvada West, Grandview, Chaparral, Chatfield, Denver East, Douglas County, Fruita, Aurora Hinkley, Lakewood, Northglenn, Overland, Regis Jesuit, Rock Canyon, Thornton and Westminster

(at Doherty)

Arapahoe, Pine Creek, Adams City, Monarch, Mountain Range, Castle View, Cherokee Trail, Doherty, Fountain Fort Carson, Highlands Ranch, Legend, Liberty, Palmer, Rampart, Smoky Hill and ThunderRidge

(at Legacy)

Legacy, Poudre, Coronado, Broomfield, Bear Creek, Boulder, Brighton, Fairview, Fort Collins, Fossil Ridge, Horizon, Lincoln, Loveland, Prairie View and Rocky Mountain

(at Grand Junction Central)

Grand Junction, Cherry Creek, Mountain Vista, Ponderosa, Aurora Central, Centaurus, Grand Junction Central, Columbine, Eaglecrest, Gateway, George Washington, Greeley West, Heritage, Montbello, Ralston Valley and Rangeview

Class 4A

Each of the four regionals will qualify four wrestlers in each weight class for the state tournament.

(at Thompson Valley)

Thompson Valley, Pueblo South, Mesa Ridge, Arvada, Frederick, Longmont, Mountain View, Niwot, Northridge, Roosevelt, Silver Creek, Skyline and Valor Christian.

(at Vista Peak)

Littleton, Greeley Central, Pueblo East, Glenwood Springs, Battle Mountain, Canon City, Durango, Lewis-Palmer, Montrose, Palisade, Sand Creek and Vista Peak.

(at Discovery Canyon)

Alameda, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Stanley Lake, Windsor, Discovery Canyon, Cheyenne Mountain, Air Academy, Conifer, Denver South, Evergreen, Kennedy and Thomas Jefferson.

Class 3A

Skyview is in the Region 1 tournament at Eaton High School and Elizabeth in the Region 2 at Lamar High School. Englewood and Faith Christian will be in the Region 3 meet at Platte Valley High School. Sheridan will compete in the Region 4 regional tournament in Montrose.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Wrestlers-poised-to-wrap-up-state-berths,206855

Hospital tops state in patient safety

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Water rules costly for city

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Jeffco open-space closures help people learn how to protect wildlife - #lakewoodnews

A hiker and her dog are walking along Rim Rock Trail in North Table Mountain Park. Along the way, the dog barks. She looks up to see an eagle fly overhead. A beautiful sight for the hiker, but little does she know that perhaps the eagle --; spooked by the barking --; fled its nest.

The hiker did not purposefully want to cause harm, but did so inadvertently, park officials say. If the eggs haven't yet hatched, the change in temperature from the mother abandoning her nest could be detrimental. If the baby eagles are left unattended, another raptor could prey on them.

That's why open space stewards say seasonal park closures exist --; to protect animals from human disturbances during sensitive times in their life cycles.

On Feb. 1, five Jeffco Open Space parks closed certain areas, including Rim Rock Trail, to protect the animals that live nearby.

The mission of Jeffco Open Space is to protect land and natural resources for future generations, said Randy Frank, Jeffco Open Space's natural resource management supervisor.

"Seasonal closures are important as more people come to the Front Range and humans impact the habitat," Frank said. Jeffco Open Space parks "are some of the last large remaining places for wildlife to nest and calve."

Most park visitors do respect the land, but may not know the best way to protect it, said Mary Ann Bonnell, visitor services supervisor at Jefferson County Open Space. "We're here to fill that gap."

Education goes a long way, Bonnell said.

"All the regulations are in place for something important," she said. "Nobody wants an eagle's nest to fail. The regulations are about helping people do the right thing to protect the land."

Seasonal closures have occurred in the parks since the late 1980s or early 1990s, said Thea Rock, Jeffco Open Space spokeswoman.

They are not meant to be a nuisance for people, she said. They benefit people in the long run. The landscaping itself is beautiful, and a wildlife sighting enriches the experience. The regulations "help protect the species that make the hikes more fun."

It's exciting to see people enjoying the parks, Bonnell said. There is an open space park for everyone --; from inner-city open space parks for those who want a leisurely stroll to parks that offer a challenging mountain bike experience.

And the animals are always the "superstars," she said.

"Wildlife creates a buzz. There's all this buzz when people see them, and there's all this buzz when people don't see them," Bonnell said, referring to the many animals that live in Jeffco Open Space parks. "If we help protect the animals, then we're being the land stewards we all want to be."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Jeffco-open-space-closures-help-people-learn-how-to-protect-wildlife,206790?branding=15

We say 'Denver,' you say 'Broncos;'

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Four arrested in Sanford drug bust

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Former resident faces murder

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

'Constitutional carry' bill makes progress in Colorado state Senate - #lakewoodnews

A bill making its way through the state Senate would eliminate the requirement for concealed carry permits for gun owners.

Senate Bill 16-017 is sponsored by state Sen. Tim Neville --; a Republican from south Jefferson County who recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate --; and his son, state Rep. Patrick Neville, a Castle Rock Republican. The measure would allow a person who legally possesses a handgun under state and federal law to carry a concealed handgun in Colorado without applying for additional permits.

If the bill were to pass both chambers and be signed into law, a person who carries a concealed handgun would have the same carrying rights and be subject to the same limitations that apply to a person who holds a permit to carry a concealed handgun under current law. That includes the prohibition on the carrying of a concealed handgun on the grounds of public schools.

"This is an ability for people to defend themselves without paying a tax," said Tim Neville of his bill, which has been referred to as "constitutional carry."

"No other constitutional right requires a fee to practice," he said. "There is no fee for free speech and there shouldn't be for the Second Amendment."

The bill passed a Senate committee 3-2 on Jan. 27. The Senate Finance Committee heard the bill Feb. 2 and it again passed with a 3-2 vote.

Next stop for the bill in the Republican-controlled Senate is the Appropriations Committee. If the bill were to pass the full Senate, it faces a tough audience in the Democrat-controlled House.

Democrats in the Senate have spoken out against the measure.

"Our permitting system for concealed weapons carry enhances responsibility by making sure applicants demonstrate the ability to safely use a gun before they are allowed to conceal it from plain view," said Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Westminster. "It also ensures greater safety by making sure the applicant is not a known threat to society."

Ulibarri believes that if this bill passes, it could put residents in danger. Provisions that the bill would eliminate include: background checks and fingerprint verification, the requirement to demonstrate competence with using a handgun, and the ability for Colorado sheriffs to deny or revoke permit applicants when an applicant has a protection or restraining order against him or her at the time of application.

As of last November, eight states have "constitutional carry": Vermont, Montana, Alaska, Texas, Arizona, Wyoming, Arkansas and Kansas. Vermont has had "constitutional carry" since 1791, and Kansas was the most recent state to pass the law.

Colorado is among 23 states where legislators have introduced or are planning to introduce "constitutional carry" bills.

"I'm not sure if it makes (society) safer, but I would believe that a bill like this makes society freer," Neville said, adding that three of the states that already have "constitutional carry" border Colorado. "Currently we have the ability to open carry in the state, and it seems a little ridiculous that if someone puts a coat on, they become a criminal."

State Sen. Michael Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs, who was involved in the original drafting of Colorado's concealed carry statute, said the passing of the bill would make Coloradans less safe.

"Our current system of concealed carry permits has already enabled thousands of law-abiding, responsible gun owners to obtain their concealed carry permits," Merrifield said in a news release. "This bill would eliminate those common-sense measures, and create a loophole to allow dangerous and/or untrained individuals to carry concealed, loaded weapons in public. I'm disappointed my Republican colleagues voted against the will of the majority of Coloradans by supporting this out-of-touch bill."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Constitutional-carry-bill-makes-progress-in-Colorado-state-Senate,206732

StoryWalk planned at Alamosa city hall

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Snowmobiler killed in avalanche

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Determined Bear Creek effort comes up short - #lakewoodnews

Bear Creek players had good looks but their shots didn't fall. Arvada West, however, hit shots, jumping out to an early lead to win the Jan. 27 league boys basketball game, 65-29.

"I don't think we came out ready to play, but they did," Bear Creek coach David Berghoefer said of Arvada West. "It was tough and they have a really good team. Tonight, they were the aggressor, they threw the first couple punches and we didn't react."

Arvada West scored the first eight points of the game. While the Wildcat shots found the mark, the Bears saw their shots carom off the side of the rim or roll around the hoop and fall out. The result was Arvada West ahead 22-6 at the end of the first quarter. Despite determined efforts, Bears players never were able to close the scoring gap.

"We got behind early and our team isn't made up to climb out of a deep scoring hole," Berghoefer said. "We like to keep the tempo down at our pace and play like we want to play, but that doesn't equip us to make a big comeback."

Andrew Stasny was the leading scorer for Bear Creek with 11 points. Teammate Jacob Pigati scored eight points and Jordy Aranda scored six points for the Bears.

Max Bailey was the scoring leader in team statistics for 14 games with 107 points while Walter Ramsey had 104 points, John Kramer, Jacob Pigati and Jordan Aranda each scored 102 points in 14 games. In the 14-game statistics, Kramer is the three-point leader with 27, Aranda is the rebound leader with 67 boards, Bailey leads the team in assists with 32 and Ramsey leads the team in steals with 27.

Berghoefer said the Bears need to improve all aspects of their game.

"We need to work hard to get better," he said. "We have to play better offense, improve defensively and improve our transition game. We'll start working on those things tomorrow."

Kramer said it was a physical game and the Bears didn't play their best.

"We got behind early and I think we got a little intimidated by Arvada West tonight," the senior said after the game. "In the future, we can't let that happen. We have to fight and battle hard in every game we play."

After the Jan. 27 game, the Bears record stood at 6-10 overall and 2-5 in league. The team plays on its home court Feb. 5 against Lakewood.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Determined-Bear-Creek-effort-comes-up-short,206690?branding=15

Proposed drone limits in Colorado falter one more time - #lakewoodnews

Drone limits keep going down faster than a paper airplane in the Colorado General Assembly, which is bucking national headwinds to curb private drone use.

A House committee voted unanimously on Jan. 26 to kill Colorado's third annual attempt to restrict private drones.

The bill was watered down to ban only drones used to deliver contraband to prisons. But opponents pointed out that prison contraband delivery is already a crime by any means.

"It's really not a necessary bill," said Vic Moss, owner of a suburban Denver photography business and a drone enthusiast.

They argued that even a narrowly tailored drone limit could hamper commercial development of the new technology. The hearing attracted a wide variety of business lobbyists.

"We don't want to see people doing bad stuff with them any more than anyone else," said Chris Huston of a drone industry group called Unmanned Aircraft Systems Colorado.

The bill had Democratic and Republican sponsors and originally covered airports, too. One of the sponsors argued that drones near airports are causing frequent flight cancellations and endangering fliers.

"With the emergence of new technologies, I just want to make sure the public is protected," argued Rep. Paul Rosenthal, D-Denver.

The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that 26 states have some limits on drones. Arkansas bans drone voyeurism. California has limits aimed at banning paparazzi from private land. New Hampshire bans drone use for hunting, fishing or trapping.

But drone limits have become perennial losers among Colorado lawmakers.

Two years ago, a proposal to limit how law enforcement uses drones drew an unusual show of opposition from state administration.

Agencies ranging from the Office of Economic Development and International Trade to Colorado Parks and Wildlife showed up to take the unusual step of testifying publicly against a bill.

Rosenthal insisted that he wasn't trying to limit commercial drone applications, just make sure they're not used to commit crimes.

"We just need to stay on top of it," he said.

But the House Judiciary Committee unanimously sided with lawyers who argued that existing law can adapt to new technologies used to commit crimes.

"Current law accommodates very creative ways one can introduce contraband into a jail," said Carrie Thompson of the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.

Drone limits appear to be unpopular with the Colorado public, too. A highly publicized 2014 vote in tiny Deer Trail to issue hunting licenses to shoot at drones failed nearly 3-to-1.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Proposed-drone-limits-falter-one-more-time,206666

Letter: SCFD bill is not the right fit - #lakewoodnews

The Scientific and Cultural Facilities District reauthorization bill, SB-016, falls short of good government ideals.

Here's why:

Accountability

SB-016 assesses tax through 2030, funding Tier I (Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Art Museum, Botanic Gardens, Museum of Nature/Science and Zoo) automatically without oversight or policy objectives. These organizations will receive over $500 million regardless of need or performance.

Inclusivity

Arts funding tends to overlook the poor, disabled, people of color and youth. When those communities are engaged, expressing their cultural and artistic voices, their experience bridges divides and builds healthy communities. Tier III organizations have a good track record performing these functions, and SB-016 fails to support them.

Growth and equity

Regional growth has been dramatic the past 25 years, yet SCFD's process failed to evaluate growth projections and future needs. This oversight is seen in the attendance shift since 1990: Tier I attendance grew by 65 percent, and Tier III by 736 percent!

Tier I and their advocates crafted the funding formula under the direction of the chair of the Tier I lobbying entity. The mandate was for incremental change with Tier I funds to exceed inflation and those powerful organizations benefiting disproportionately.

For good government, SB-016 should boost Tier III funding because:

Tier III serves 33 percent of the people, yet will receive only 15.4 percent of funds.

Tier IIIs are efficient, spending subsidies of $1.42 per attendee compared to $5.56 in Tier I.

Tier IIIs provide over 50 percent of free admissions and 36 percent of school programming.

SCFD grants to Tier III average 13 percent of their overall budgets; to Tier I, 20 percent.

SB-016 increases Tier III entrance requirements from three to five years as a non-profit, making it harder for new organizations to qualify.

SB-016 is Denver-centric

Denver contributes 29 percent of the tax and receives 82.2 percent of the funds. Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas and Jefferson counties contribute 71 percent of the tax dollars and receive 17 percent. Those six counties average a 23 percent return on their investment, while Denver reaps 290 percent! These dollars generate economic and quality of life values. Taxpayers deserve an equitable distribution.

Solutions

Increase equity and accountability, create measures of success, shorten the authorization period, and provide transparent, capable oversight. We ask the Legislature to make SCFD a model for good government.

Adrianna Abarca, Lakewood

Dr. Douglas Aldrich, Thornton

Charlotte Adams, Denver

Jenny and Scott Authier, Strasburg

Shannon Brown, Highlands Ranch

Juli Burroughs, Lone Tree

Rachel Cain, Denver

Steven Cantu ABD, Parker

Andrew Clune, Centennial

Molly Davis, Boulder

Nancy Dunkin, Evergreen

Renee Fajardo, Arvada

Debra Gallegos, Lakewood

Katy Gevargis, Aurora

Susan Honstein, Louisville

Alexandria Jimenez, Denver

Troy Johnson, Littleton

Gloria Leyba, Denver

Alonso Leyva, Northglenn

Martin and Bertila Leyva, Sheridan

Garner Mabry, Greenwood Village

Joanna Mandell, Boulder

Barbara McGehan, Longmont

Luz E. Molina, Commerce City

Robert Nunez, Aurora

Lydia Pottoff, Longmont

Jane Potts, Denver

Chelsea Romaniello, Denver

Janet Sacks, Englewood

Todd M. Schwartz, Parker

William Starn, Denver

Dorothy G Sweeney, Centennial

Stella Yu, Denver

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Letter-SCFD-bill-is-not-the-right-fit,206675

Hall of fame honorees left their mark - #lakewoodnews

Maurice "Stringy" Ervin, who never cut a swimmer during his more than 30 years as coach at Littleton High School, told a poignant story during his recent induction into the Colorado High School Activities Association Hall of Fame.

Ervin divulged to the guests in his speech about a junior high teacher warning him not to let a boy come out for the team because he would ruin the program. That individual did come out, and when he was a senior, he participated in the state meet.

"After the state meet, we were at Shakey's Pizza and he was crying by himself back at a table, and I walked back to ask him what the problem was," Ervin said. "He said, 'Coach, it's all over.' I told him it wasn't all over --; it was just beginning. I gave him the state championship trophy to take home and show his mom. His mom had never come to a swim meet."

Ervin would not disclose the name of the swimmer or any other details.

Jess Gerardi, the Englewood High School band director for 20 years, was another of the eight people in the 2015 Hall of Fame class.

Gerardi, in his first year at Englewood High School in 1967, had his band perform at a Denver Broncos game. He wanted to do something that no other band had done at a Broncos game. The Pirates played the "1812 Overture" with canons, bells and about blew Mile High Stadium fans off their seats. Two weeks later, he was offered the job as director of entertainment for the Denver Broncos and director of Denver Broncos band. He did that for 30 years, continuing with his duties at Englewood for 20 of those years.

The other inductees are Amy Van Dyken-Rouen, swimmer, Cherry Creek; Judy Beardsley, volleyball coach, Merino and Sterling high schools; Natalie Hughes, cross-country/track runner, Palisade; Irv Moss, sports writer; Chuck Williams, basketball player, Denver East; and Art Wollenweber, baseball coach/athletic director, Sheridan.

Hockey is her sport of choice

Melissa DiPonio played soccer, field hockey, softball and tried figure skating as a youngster. But when it came time to specialize in a sport, she chose hockey.

After all her dad built a rink in the backyard and Melissa has been on the Heritage hockey team for the past few seasons.

"I had a rink in the backyard when I was growing up and nothing seemed to click as well as hockey did for me," said DiPonio, a senior at Heritage.

DiPonio has three assists this year and is looking for her first goal.

"I can't wait for that," she said. "My teammates are really trying for me. I've been working with coaches and I'm doing my best to get my name out there. Academic wise I've been accepted at CU and it would be nice to play there (on Buffs club team). I've been in contact with the coach, and my goal is to get to the next level."

DiPonio understands hockey is a physical sport.

"I'll take a hit to set up things that need to happen," she said. "If I have my head up, I can get out of the way or figure out a way to get around a player. If I put myself in a position where I am getting hit, that just comes with the sport."

Highlands Ranch atop poll

The CHSAANow.com Class 5A girls basketball poll that was released Feb. 1 was loaded with six area schools among the top 10.

Highlands Ranch was ranked No. 1 and ThunderRidge third. Lakewood was fourth, Ralston Valley sixth, Horizon seventh and Cherry Creek eighth.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Hall-of-fame-honorees-left-their-mark,206353

My Name Is: Kathleen Oestman of Lakewood - #lakewoodnews

About me

I was born in Wray, and our family moved to Flagler, where my family still lives today. I graduated from Flagler High School with nine other kids in my class --; it was a pretty small town.

I came to Colorado Christian University because both of my older brothers attended here, and whenever we came to visit them I liked the campus and the vibe here. My twin sister Morgan was also admitted here, so it's nice to have family close.

I'll be graduating early, so I'm a senior a semester early. I'm studying communications, with a minor in business.

The Bill Gordon Award

This award was truly a blessing. It's given by the Rocky Mountain Agribusinesses Association, and my dad is a member of the organization. He was always telling us we should get more involved with the group.

My dad is very much invested in agriculture back home, and I worked with him a lot during harvest times. Flagler is extremely agriculture based, and it's an area I think is fascinating and enjoyable. Often, people don't think about where their food comes from, but I've seen it on a personal basis.

Applying for the award involved finding people to write me letters of recommendation and writing about topics like how I'm going to use my major to help the world. I did my best to find people who would give me a fair assessment.

As a winner, I received $1,500, which will certainly help me a lot.

In my free time...

I work at Chick-fil-A, which I really enjoy. When I'm not working, I generally love to be outdoors. I love to hike and go on random adventures. I like to be with my family and friends and have as many adventures as possible.

Looking toward the future

The relationships I've built here at CCU have been my favorite part of being here, because they've all been so substantial and long-lasting. There's a sense here of everyone coming together, and it's nice having that feeling.

I'm not sure what I want to do upon graduating --; I've been considering a lot of options. I've thought about accounting or real estate, but right now I'm trying to learn as much as I can.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/My-Name-Is-Kathleen-Oestman-of-Lakewood,206651

Lakewood wrestler sporting a 39-0 record - #lakewoodnews

There's nothing like keeping your season record unblemished in wrestling. And that's just the current situation for Lakewood's Gabe Dinette.

Dinette came through to win his 145-pound weight class in last Saturday's Les Mattocks Invitational Wrestling Tournament held at Abraham Lincoln High School in Denver. He defeated Alex Bezugly of ThunderRidge, 5-0, to improve his record to 39-0. And, when it was all over, he was named the Outstanding Wrestler in the lower weights.

"Wrestling against Alex was tough," said Dinette, a sophomore. "I just wanted to keep rolling and stay in good positions. I want to keep improving and keep my attitude up for state. That's all that matters right now.

"There was some stalling," continued Dinette. "I just wanted to stay strong and not give up the points. I stayed low and was able to put the pressure on. This is a good tournament and I just wanted to go out and do the best I could."

Thompson Valley was able to come away with the team title as the Eagles scored 154 points. Legend placed second with 131, Adams City was third, 120.5, Glenwood Springs, fourth, 107.5, and ThunderRidge, fifth, 103.5 to round out the leaders among the 34 teams in attendance.

Fabian Gutierrez picked up the only championship of the night for Adams City in a battle of high ranked grapplers as he pinned Luc Herrera of Faith Christian in their 113-pound match. With the victory he improved his season record to 35-3 while Herrera dropped to 31-3.

Jefferson's Kyle Cisneros, now 36-4, and Alameda's Fabian Estrada, 28-2, came through with second place finishes in the tournament. Cisneros lost to Thompson Valley's Vlad Kazakov, 13-1, while Estrada lost to Myles Wilson, 38-0, of Glenwood Springs due to injury.

"This was good tournament and now I need to get ready and get up for league," said Cisneros. "I went out flat and I knew he was a very good opponent. It became a scramble on the mat. I need to work on my offense and on my defensive efforts and make sure I am concentrating out there on the mats. It just didn't work out the way it should have for me."

Indeed, it was a difficult lost for Estrada as a strong nose bleed with just :18 seconds left in the first period led to his loss.

"It was just a tough way to lose," said Estrada. "I thought I could come through and beat him. I was confident and prepared, but it just didn't work out the way it should have for me. He's certainly tough, but I felt good going out there. It just didn't happen as I had hoped."

State wrestling regionals take place Feb. 12 and 13. The state championship tourney begins Feb. 18.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Lakewood-wrestler-sporting-a-39-0-record,206649

Athena Project in Lakewood highlights work of women artists - #lakewoodnews

For the second year, the 40 West Arts District hosted the Athena Project's kick-off art show. And this year was even bigger than the last.

"This is a great opportunity to showcase women in the arts," said Liz Black, a 40 West Arts member, at the Jan. 27 exhibit opening. "As a community arts organization, we want to be a hub for all kinds of groups in the district."

This year's exhibit is entitled "Point of Departure" and is on display through Feb. 12. All the works show a clear progression for each artist. Angela Astle, executive producer of Athena, explained each work was based on a previous work, which allows the viewer to see the artists' interpretive exploration.

Curator Michele Brower selected a variety of artists, including Hobie Aldrich, Maeve Leslie and Vicky Smith. The work of students at Denver School of the Arts, Lakewood High School, George Washington High School and Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design are also on display.

"The students are at a point where they're departing from their schools into their art careers," Astle said.

Many of the artists, their family and friends all turned up to show their support of the show. The gallery brimmed with more than 50 people, many of whom --; like Ron Abo --; stopped by to simply see the art.

"I'm here because I'm a friend of one of the artists," said Jeri, a Lakewood resident. "I think this is one of the best exhibits she's been a part of, and I really love her photographs."

In addition to being a dynamic exhibit, "Point of Departure" is also the kick-off for Athena's annual festival, which will be this spring at various locations throughout Denver. The project makes this kind of work a priority, not just for women, but for everyone.

"There are women who still initial their art because they're worried they will be judged if people know they're a woman," Astle said. "We want to change that."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Athena-Project-in-Lakewood-highlights-work-of-women-artists,206650

Council strives to let all members be heard - #lakewoodnews

Immediately following the November election, old and new members of the Lakewood City Council spoke excitedly about the culture change reflected in the victories of the so-called "anti-establishment" candidates.

The group campaigned against what they described as reckless housing development. They called for more local government transparency, and were supported by some on the council who found themselves at odds with the majority.

Ward 1 Councilwoman Ramey Johnson, Ward 3 Councilman Pete Roybal and Ward 4 Councilman Dave Wiechman were usually the nay votes on most issues under former mayor Bob Murphy. They said they often felt treated as outsiders because of this.

"Things were so bad under the Murphy regime that almost anything would be better," Wiechman said. "We're seeing some improvements, but it's still not totally equal yet."

Murphy said council members are elected to serve the public, and the public rightfully expects professional communication from its government.

"There's a difference between honest and respectful disagreement and nasty and disrespectful disagreement," he said. "There are times when it gets emotional, but I always tried to run our meetings in a professional manner."

With the balance of power on council now leaning more toward the anti-establishment approach, shifts can already be seen. In the Jan. 25 vote over the city's charitable giving program, the passing vote was 6-5 --; closer than council had seen in some time, with the anti-establishment candidates on the losing side.

"This kind of culture is how it should be --; it should be the norm to have this kind of discussion," Johnson said. "There shouldn't be just a few people speaking. Everyone should be free to talk about the issue."

As the new mayor, Adam Paul said he is responsible for setting an inclusive tone for all on council, no matter their beliefs.

"My main goal is to make sure everyone is heard," he said. "That allows us to focus on the reason we're all here --; to get the citizens' work done."

So far, nothing has been specifically covered regarding civility in new councilmember trainings, according to Ward 2 Councilwoman Sharon Vincent and Ward 5 Councilwoman Dana Gutwein. But maintaining a comfortable atmosphere is important for everyone.

"We all understand and believe different things," Gutwein said. "I think a great rule for us would be to challenge the ideas, not the people."

From the beginning, Vincent said all councilmembers have been respectful of each other and accepting of the fact that different perspectives make for better discussions.

"Everyone wants things to go smoothly as possible, and that's a step in the right direction," Johnson said. "I don't care how people vote, because once we vote the issue is behind us, and we need to be able to move forward and talk afterward."

City Manager Kathy Hodgson brings a positive attitude to the new council, Gutwein said, and Wiechman added that staff also appears willing to take new approaches to the process.

But he warned about letting too much civility lead to a lack of discussion and debate.

"You don't want to get carried away with this. It's one thing to be civil, but another to go along just to get along," he said. "If we can still have independent thinkers and be civil in the process, that's the perfect world."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Council-strives-to-let-all-members-be-heard,206653

40 West draws creativity - #lakewoodnews

The 40 West Arts District has been among the leaders of the West Colfax renaissance, and the organization's efforts are bearing a variety of fruits.

One of them is the new ART @ 6 gallery and studio, created by Vikki and Brian King as a place to work on and display their fine art, jewelry and d cor.

"We looked at other arts districts all over Colorado, but the overhead costs were just too high," Brian said, who moved to the area from Albuquerque, New Mexico. "We had lost hope, but on the way out of town we decided to stop by 40 West, and that changed everything."

Bill Marino, chair of the district, has been one of 40 West's greatest champions. In this case he provided all the information needed for the Kings to fall in love with the area.

"There is no pretense, and it was so welcoming here," Brian said. "At many of the other districts we looked at, there was friendliness but no openness, and that's a big difference."

The Kings set up ART @ 6 in the new 40 West Studios building, located at 1615 Reed St. The studio have long been a goal of Marino and the district. After being open for just three months, it's already full.

"There are 16 spaces in the building --; a building that we as a district lease to these artists," Marino explained. "The studios have a great vibe, and there's a wonderful group of creatives there."

The spaces are used by renters as both gallery and studio areas.

The ART @ 6 space was full during its opening event on Jan. 29 with art lovers and supporters of the district.

"The comradeship among all of us artists here is my favorite part of being here," Vikki said at the opening. "The support we get from other artists is so important."

The district has been making a big impact on West Colfax as a whole, according to Robert Smith, Lakewood's economic development manager.

"There are lots of folks and organizations working to make Lakewood and Colfax in particular a great place to be," he said. "There's a real correlation between arts and economic development. These industries bring money and energy with them."

Both Marino and Smith pointed to data released by the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) biennial Economic Activity Study of Metro Denver Culture from 2014 that says arts related business is on the rise.

According to the study, the combination of operating expenses, audience spending and capital expenditures totaled $1.85 billion in 2013 up 5.1 percent from 2011, and new money injected to the economy came to $520.8 million. That number is down only down 1.2 percent from 2011, when the state was still deep in the throes of an economic downturn. It also said the number of out-of-state tourists participating in local arts and culture events increased by 17 percent from 2011.

"This shows a pretty clear correlation between culture and the economy," Marino said. "There's no question we've had an impact bringing so many creative businesses to the area."

40 West is taking advantage of the momentum of its 2014 Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) Creative District designation to increase brand awareness. The group is working on more place-making projects to make the area a recognizable destination.

"The best thing about 40 West is the community that has been built here, and how everything is integrated together," Brian said. "The definition of 40 West is community."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/40-West-draws-creativity,206652

Mattive announces candidacy for HD 62

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

School board considers full-day kindergarten

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

Mines students start rebuilding Nepal school - #lakewoodnews

For three days, 12 Colorado School of Mines students dug holes in Nepal that will hold septic tanks at the Chaurikharka school, work that officially kicked off the rebuild project of the school destroyed by last year's earthquake.

The Chaurikharka school is located in the Khumbu Valley, near the base of Mount Everest in the Himalayas. The area was one of the hardest hit from the April 25 earthquake, and the school is where local business owner and Goldenite Lhakpa Sherpa earned his high school diploma. The quake left the school in ruins --; students are still receiving their lessons in a temporary building without insulation.

The Mines students, who went as volunteers with Sherpa's nonprofit organization, Hike for Help, were in Nepal Dec. 26-Jan. 8. They dug holes, and, for the first time in the school's history, installed the Internet. The Mines students played volleyball and soccer with the Chaurikharka students and celebrated New Year's with the Nepalese people.

A highlight of the trip was presenting a $50,000 check to the school's management/Building Back Better committee. The check, Sherpa said, is thanks to the generosity of the people of Golden, who donated money through Hike for Help online or at Sherpa House. Also helping was Sherpa Brewery Pvt. Ltd, which partners with Golden City Brewery.

And it wasn't only funds that people wanted to give to Nepal.

After the earthquake, many brought clothing and hygiene products to the Sherpa House, Sherpa. So, the Mines students hiked for two days to deliver the items to the Dalit community of Sano Gumelav, which is north of the Chaurikharka school. At least 90 people, children to seniors, received blankets, clothes, toothpaste and brushes, school supplies and some other various hygiene products.

Although the Chaurikharka school has a long way to go--;Sherpa expects the project will take three years to complete--;the trip was a success. The Mines students instilled confidence in the project, Sherpa said.

"They got to put their hands on the project," he said. "All the volunteers made a big difference. (And) they brought back memories they will never forget."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Mines-students-start-rebuilding-Nepal-school,206378?branding=15

Jeffco focuses on community health for all - #lakewoodnews

To help improve the community's overall health, Jefferson County Public Health is introducing the Community Health Improvement Plan that will focus on six strategies to increase physical activity, health eating and overall mental well-being.

The program, also known by its acronym CHIP, reflects the department's priority on health equity, said Donna Viverette, the county's health education supervisor. That equity can be achieved by addressing the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, learn and age, she added.

CHIP was developed based on the results of two comprehensive assessments in 2013 on the county's community health and public health system capacity. The community health survey found chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cancers were the leading cause of death in Jefferson County. They were linked to five common risk factors --; poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and exposure, alcohol use and chronic psychosocial stress.

The CHIP plan, in beginning stages of development and implementation, includes six strategies covering a period of five years. In 2018, the plan will be revisited for further assessment.

An "overarching network allows each (strategy) to align partnerships, resources, communications and data to work together," said Pamela Gould, the county's health planner. "Each one is tackling different focus areas."

The first goal focuses on low-income families with children ages 0-18. The plan looks at ways to increase physical activity, healthy eating and psychosocial well-being.

Each strategy is being referred to as a Coalition Integrated into the Network, or CoIN. They include: Active Living Policy, Food Access, Healthy Beverage, Health in Early Childhood, School Wellness and Preventive Care and Mental Health Resources.

Although working together to accomplish the goals of CHIP, the CoINs are "very distinct with different focuses," said Nancy Braden, the county's public health communications manager. Each of the CoINs is working toward creating coalitions or councils consisting of community partners. The community partners include local organizations, such as schools or farmers' markets, and residents.

"Everyone has the opportunity to attain their highest level of health," Viverette said. "Everyone deserves an equal chance to be healthy and thrive."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Jeffco-focuses-on-community-health-for-all,206373?branding=15

Putting Mile High first broadcasts stadium's mystique - #lakewoodnews

The Broncos are in Super Bowl 50. No matter the outcome of the game (although we're gonna win), I want to talk to you about the home they'll return to here in Denver.

As a longtime football fan(atic), I've heard lots of sports announcers reference lots of pro stadiums over the years. Now, with the preponderance of sponsor-named stadiums, sometimes even I am hard pressed to know which team plays in what stadium. For example, who puts on pads and pants in Levi's Stadium, also the site of Super Bowl 50? Oh, right, the San Francisco Forty-Niners. But then where, exactly, is Santa Clara?

There's no such confusion about Denver's Mile High Stadium, though, sitting 5,280 feet up in the thin, thin air of the Colorado Front Range. Except that a new stadium replaced the original Mile High in 2001, which then became Invesco Field at Mile High, and then Sports Authority Field at Mile High when that company purchased the 10 years remaining in the Invesco naming rights deal. So unless something changes, the "Mile High" of "Sports Authority Field at Mile High" will continue to get short shrift until 2021.

And that's a shame. Because even though the aforementioned sports commentators always commentate on the effects of our rarefied air, they often skip the "Mile High" in our name.

Why wouldn't just the term "Mile High" strike fear into the hearts of teams on the coasts and in the flatlands? The Broncos' pro football playground is the highest in altitude ... by far. The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, home of the Arizona Cardinals, is next on the list at a measly 1,070 feet above sea level. The Saints' Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans claims the bottom at 3 feet above sea level, and the rest of those coastal and flatlander stadiums fall in between.

Advantage: Broncos.

Yes, I understand the necessity and the impact of sponsorship revenues for the Denver Metropolitan Football Stadium District. But I also swear by the power of mystique. Think of places such as Soldier Field in Chicago, and our often-time archrival Kansas City Chief's Arrowhead Stadium. I'll bet places like Qualcomm Stadium don't instill the awe and respect of say, the Packers' Lambeau Field. No wonder the San Diego Chargers wanted to move.

So how about something like "Mile High Stadium presented by [insert sponsor's name here]"? Or maybe "Mile High Stadium brought to you by [name]"? Everyone knows it's a sponsorship, so why not even "The Awesomely Cool Reincarnation of the Original Mile High Stadium, Sponsored By [name]"? OK, I'm just kidding ... sort of.

Seriously, though, a return to "Mile High" first would vault our stadium to an exalted middle ground between those iconic places such as Lambeau Field, and other nondescript locations such as the Seahawk's CenturyLink Field, or the O.co Coliseum. No wonder the Oakland Raiders want to move.

Of course, the sponsors themselves should probably weigh in on the choice of Mile-High-First phrasing, but one thing is clear: Putting the Mile High right up front asserts the undeniable power of our storied stadium mystique long before the Orange and Blue ever take the field.

Advantage: Broncos.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Putting-Mile-High-first-broadcasts-stadiums-mystique,206367?branding=15

Differences do not equal detriments - #lakewoodnews

The other day I was listening to sports talk radio --; I think a lot of us have been listening to sports talk this week --; and I heard one of the talkers describe a Denver Broncos player (maybe Aqib Talib) as "a human Red Bull."

I hear things like that with a lot of different ears. The storyteller in me recognizes a brilliant metaphor, and laughs. The youth soccer coach in me, briefly, thinks about how useful it would be to give my players Red Bull before our games. Just kidding. Briefly.

But the first one of my personas that lent voice to thought was the teacher, who recognized the metaphor and said, "I bet that kid was a nightmare in fifth grade." A kid with an inexhaustible supply of energy is not likely to be a kid who is really good at sitting still during math class or to be patient waiting for the teacher to see their hand in the air.

But, what a gift! And, make no mistake, for a young man with athletic aspirations to have access to the energy to it takes to play basketball at recess, do races in gym class, and then still be ready to run through a three-hour football practice after school is a wonderful gift. Just, not one that is appropriate for all circumstances.

It brought to mind a meme my wife showed me last week. It was an unattributed quote that read, "Our generation is becoming so busy trying to prove that women can do what men can do that women are losing their uniqueness. Women weren't created to do everything a man can do. Women were created to do everything a man can't do." (That last thing, by the way, is a long list --; ask my wife). I pray that my girls hear that, and remember it every day.

For that matter, I pray that all children hear that message and remember it. It isn't just girls that are being told to be boys, or boys told to be girls --; little Bobby and Jill and Trey and Rissa are all being told on a constant basis that they all have to be just like each other. Our institutional message, whether it is intentionally delivered or not, through our standardized testing, curricula, discipline, and expectations, is that every little kid, regardless of where they are when they get to us, is that they will be roughly the same when they're done with our institutions.

And, in the process, that also means that some of those wonderful qualities which don't translate very well to our institutions --; like endless energy --; have to get "smoothed out," and equalized, perhaps even medicated. Academic gifts we're pretty good at dealing with, as long as they fit well into our existing course offerings. Well-disciplined kids, kind children, punctual and diligent kids we understand and love. But, not so much the odd, the imaginative, the energetic, the preoccupied --; they don't fit so well.

And, by the way, it may sound like I'm denigrating the public schools here. I'm not. Imagine what you would do, as an institution, who has been handed a set of rules by politicians hundreds of miles away, not enough money to accomplish those rules, and in your door on day one walks Bill Gates, Albert Einstein, Johnny Depp, Yono Oko, Hillary Clinton and Thomas Aquinas. What schools and teachers do manage to accomplish is nothing short of miraculous.

What I would love is if we, as a society, learned to recognize that God has chosen to give each of us a different set of gifts and talents, and that all of them work together, somehow, to keep the whole thing working. There's no point in making everybody the same --; the world needs all of us, if for no other reason than to give us somebody to root for this Sunday.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Differences-do-not-equal-detriments,206368?branding=15

Sad changes found in wildlife habitat conditions - #lakewoodnews

I don't know if it's because this is my birthday week and I am reminded of how many years I have sat in duck or goose blinds or chased pheasants, or if the end of January reminds me hunting seasons are closing out for the year, or if annual meetings of the various wildlife organizations are being scheduled ...

But every year about now I go back in time and reflect on the status of wildlife and how populations and habitat conditions have changed.

All who hunt pheasants are well aware of the limited pheasant resource we have in Colorado. But it is not because the Colorado Division of Wildlife (for decades) or the new Colorado Parks and Wildlife (of late) have not made significant efforts to maintain and restore both bird numbers and habitat. I am a cheerleader for these agencies. Thanks to their efforts, we havewalk-in lands in northeastern and southeastern regions of Colorado open to the public. Some have been augmented with food source plantings. We also have thousands of acres of state wildlife areas. Plus, we have a vast number of state parks, many of which allow hunting.

But for this brief moment, go back with me to the early and mid-1940s when my father and family joined my uncle and aunt --; who lived and farmed dry-land acres in Washington and Morgan counties between Brush and Akron --; each fall during the waterfowl and pheasant hunting seasons. I tagged along with them as a very young pre-aged hunter.

What I vividly remember is how that region was blessed with significant snowfall in the winter and faithful rain moisture during the summer months. Prairie potholes and ponds were brimming with water in the fall and winter. The mallard duck numbers were at their peak and pheasant populations were strong and abundant.

Dryland cornfields, wheat and sorghum fields provided sufficient food source to keep the migrating waterfowl stationed in that area for most of the hunting seasons. And the lush moisture provided heavily weeded fence lines, thick brush cover, prairie grass fields and an ample supply of insects and grain for the pheasant population.

I revisit the High Plains area occasionally and see a different landscape. Mother Nature has not been as kind in recent decades with rain and snow. The potholes are dry. There is less bird habitat cover and farmers struggle to produce crops with declining moisture.

What has emerged since that era are a number of wildlife support organizations, such as Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever. And they offer sportsmen an opportunity to help enhance pheasant populations. Here are three nearby approaching pheasant banquets and fundraisers: Greeley-Cache La Poudre Chapter, Feb. 27, 970-590-3671 for information; Northern Colorado Loveland, March 5, 303-709-4450; and Metro Denver, March 12, 303-902-2334. These are family- and youth-oriented events that help restore pheasant numbers and valuable habitat.

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from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Sad-changes-found-in-wildlife-habitat-conditions,206363?branding=15

Colorado Music Hall of Fame highlights state's varied scenes - #lakewoodnews

When most people think about Colorado music, John Denver is the first name that comes to mind.

That's understandable, especially since his last name is literally the state capital and "Rocky Mountain High" is the state's co-official song (the other is "Where the Columbines Grow" for you triviaheads out there).

There's a lot more to the Colorado music scene than Mr. Denver, and that's one of the key messages the Colorado Music Hall of Fame conveys.

"We want it so that when anyone comes through the door, there will be someone they recognize," said Gene "G." Brown, director of the hall. "We don't only want to celebrate the heritage of Colorado music, but the current musical community in Colorado."

The hall of fame started in the 1stBank Center in Broomfield. But its outreach was limited, since it could only really be opened during events, Brown explained. Eventually, an agreement was reached with the City and County of Denver, and through Comfort Dental's sponsorship, the hall was able to set up a more permanent location in June at Colorado's live music epicenter --; Red Rocks.

The hall set up shop at Red Rock's Trading Post, and now is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, which allows not only concertgoers but also trail runners, exercisers and musical pilgrims to stop in and learn about the many gems in Colorado's music history.

As the first inductee in 2011, and the most recognizable name in the state's musical history, Denver gets pride of place, with a statue outside the trading post and a full room dedicated to memorabilia and facts about his legacy. One of his sterling achievements was performing at Red Rocks 17 times.

"Instead of trying to set up some kind of hierarchical induction program, we thought it would be better to induct peer groups," Brown said. "We've turned the induction ceremonies into events unto themselves, and we get contemporary musicians to fill the gaps in some of these lineups."

So far, inductee eras include the '60s, which included artists like the Astronauts and Flash Cadillac; the folk-rock scene of the '70s, including Judy Collins, Poco and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band; and early promotors Barry Fey and Harry Tuft.

The 2016 inductees, announced Jan. 26, focus on Colorado's jazz scene. Glenn Miller, Paul Whiteman, Lannie Garrett, Max Morath, Billy Murray and Elizabeth Spencer will all be inducted in April.

The hope is to soon move on to more contemporary musical figures, Brown said, which could include everyone from Big Head Todd and the Monsters to The Fray and Pretty Lights.

As someone who has been immersed in the musical scene for years, both as a fan and writer for , Brown is a veritable fount of knowledge, and he has stories and tidbits about every musical figure.

Walking through the hall, he points out facts like how the Astronauts were bigger than The Beach Boys in Japan, or that the Eagles were such acolytes of Poco's sound they lifted the band's bass player --; twice.

But his best stories are the personal ones he's seen and heard firsthand.

Brown tells a beautiful story about local supergroup Sugarloaf's induction in 2012. At the time, vocalist and keyboardist Jerry Corbetta was battling dementia, and wasn't expected to play at the ceremony. Because of a little miscommunication, he ended up on stage and in front of his keyboard for the band's last number. As Brown recalls, at first Corbetta was just playing some basic chords, but before long, his fingers began flying over the keys like he was Beethoven.

"I still get choked up thinking about it," Brown said. "He didn't know where he was, but he knew when he put his hands on his instrument."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Colorado-Music-Hall-of-Fame-highlights-states-varied-scenes,206366?branding=15

Lost snowmobiler found safe

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

'Face time' ordered in Wolf Creek case

from Valley Courier - News http://www.alamosanews.com/V2_news_articles.php

What's love got to do with it? - #lakewoodnews

As the famous song lyric goes, "Love is a many-splendored thing."

Love, too, is a deep thread that winds through many religions and can be realized in different ways, even within the same faith.

As Valentine's Day approaches, we are exploring the various aspects of love in Judaism and different forms of Christianity, and what it means to love one another.

"Love is one of those natural emotions that has passion, relationship, joy," said Reg Cox, senior minister at Lakewood Church of Christ. "It affects all those things at the same time, and it's what makes life life."

Love --; whether it's friendly, familial or spiritual --; takes shape through actions. Those actions, such as having compassion for one another, being thankful, being rooted in Scripture and serving the community, our sources said, are representative of one's love for God.

At the Colorado Horeb Mar Thoma Church in Northglenn, a Christian church founded in India, the belief in love remains familiar.

"We teach to love one another, love your neighbor and love yourself," said Sara Vargrese, a church-goer and wife of the worship leader. Vargrese added that Horeb Mar Thoma members show that love through different mission activities.

"We believe in God's unconditional love for us, and we try, as a church, to embody that unconditional love of God," said Tezenlo Thong at Simpson United Methodist Church in Arvada. "For us, that means whatever we can do to show love, in whatever small ways we can ... Love is love at any time and anywhere."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Whats-love-got-to-do-with-it,206306?branding=15

Five numbers add up to good advice - #lakewoodnews

There are many numbers to remember while grandparenting. Thankfully parents leave good notes, the schedule they want their children to follow, and recommended food. The Healthy Children's Organization and Harvard researchers have a few numbers to help every day. They are 65210.

Positive six-to-one

The "six" in the number stands for six compliments to every correction. Studies show that complimenting children for doing good deads and doing something well is very powerful. "You really made a tall tower. Good job setting the table! You picked up those Cheerios so well! Thank you for helping your brother!"

Overcorrection is very easy for adults to do. It's quick, it's easy, but it is not as effective as catching children being good or doing a good job. Compliments let children know they are being capable and kind. They will be better models for others, be more successful making friends, and feel better about themselves. Families are sometimes astounded how using this one technique changes the atmosphere in their homes.

Five for food

The number "five" stands for five fruits and vegetables per day. Some children may love fruits and vegetable from the very beginning. Usually though, families need to be stealthy and very creative. Fruits and vegetables can be freshly cut up and eaten raw with a dip, placed in smoothies, mixed in cereal, in pancakes, or served as snacks with some of their favorite food, The five fruits and vegetable number is important because fruits and vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals, filling, and help avoid obesity in our carbohydrate-rich culture.

Two hours maximum

"Two" is for the maximum hours of screen time every day. No matter what kind of screen --; TV/DVD, computer type, or phone, children are sitting rather than moving around. Encourage playing outside, playing a game inside the house, creating something, or reading.

One hour minimum

Number "one" in 65210 is for one hour minimum of physical activity per day. Playing outside is best. If that is not possible, play a sport inside with wads of paper. Bowling, playing basketball in a box, volleyball, tossing a ball, and having snowball fights are all possible with a wad of paper reinforced with tape.

Put a cork in it

"Zero" is for zero sugary beverages. Replace with water and milk. Check labels for sugar, artificial sweeteners, and carbohydrates. Energy drinks, sports drinks, and flavored water sweetened fruit juices sound so good, but check the labels. Sugar is added as fructose, corn syrup and many chemicals.

Diet drinks have higher amounts of acid that can harm teeth and often replace water, milk, and other healthy options. Sugary drinks do not have nutritional value, are expensive, and don't make us feel full.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Five-numbers-add-up-to-good-advice,206305?branding=15

Wildcats' Walton controls the paint - #lakewoodnews

Dallas Walton is easy to spot when the Arvada West boys basketball team takes the floor --; the seven-foot-tall senior towers over his teammates.

"I think I have always been blessed with height," Walton said after the Jan. 27 game against Bear Creek. "I think I started playing basketball when I was about 5 years old. I loved the game when I started playing the game and I have loved it every since."

His height gives him an advantage when he posts up near the basket. Teammates can lob the ball high enough to him that defenders usually can't block the pass.

Walton has shown that he can dunk the ball, put up a soft layup off the backboard and even shoot accurately from 10 to 20 feet.

He also is a factor crashing the boards. His height and long arms enable him to have a chance to sweep away the rebound before the other team's players can get to it.

"I was hurt last year and didn't get to play," Walton said. "But I did work on improving my game, particularly mentally."

He said he has gotten stronger physically, which has helped him to absorb more hits and give some hits back when he is battling with opponents in the lane.

"I love basketball," he said with a smile. "I love being a part of good team wins. I love dunking the ball or hitting a shot and I love when I can give a great assist to one of my teammates."

He said his personal goals for the season are to help his team win the league championship and do the best he can to help his team go as far as possible in the state playoffs.

Walton played at Ralston Valley as a freshman. In the spring of his sophomore year, he was playing in an Amateur Athletic Union tournament and suffered a knee injury. The injury required surgery and at least nine months of rehabilitation, so he saw no court action last year at Arvada West.

He is doing well this season. Currently he is second in the Jefferson County League in rebounding, averaging 11.1 rebounds a game, and he is fourth in scoring, averaging 16.3 points a game. He also leads the league in blocked shots, averaging 2.8 blocks a game.

The state uses the league statistics to rate all Class 5A players, and Walton is fourth in rebounding and in the top 20 in scoring.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Wildcats-Walton-controls-the-paint,206302?branding=15

Ridership on W Rail in Lakewood climbs with increasing development - #lakewoodnews

Lakewood resident Alisha Eversole and her husband recently moved from Denver, where they used the light rail for any trip that wasn't walking distance.

But although the transition from city to suburban life has been a bit bumpy, she said, one facet hasn't changed: She can still take the light rail for those longer trips.

"Having the W Rail readily available almost makes me forget that I'm no longer living in an urban area," Eversole said.

It will be three years in April since the W Rail carried its first riders up and down the corridor. Years of planning, construction and development finally brought the completion of the first of RTD's FasTracks projects. There are 11 stations along the line.

Now, with the East Line out to Denver International Airport and the Gold Line to Arvada and Wheat Ridge nearing completion, the W Rail is a window into the future for many communities.

With a current W Rail ridership of about 12,500 weekday ridersRTD is still finding ways to fine-tune service for riders.

"It is not uncommon for us to re-evaluate service changes that we instituted around opening of rail lines at the request of our customers," wrote Tina Jaquez, RTD public relations manager, in an email interview. "Many times we receive feedback from our riders that indicates the changes we made with the new rail line do not work well for the community. So we take a look at that and make further adjustments after a line opens."

When the line first opened, many residents were concerned about changes in bus routes. RTD held several meetings to make the necessary adjustments.

"Initially, I think ridership was a little less than they (RTD) were expecting, but it was really starting to build going into 2014," said David Baskett, a traffic engineer with Lakewood. "The changes they made in the fare structure also helped increase ridership."

The fare changes went into effect Jan. 1, and now allow riders to purchase day passes that allow for unlimited rides, or one-way tickets for single use. There are also monthly and annual passes for frequent riders.

Jaquez said RTD is happy with the ridership numbers on the line.

Lakewood is still working on improving its own infrastructure, or connections to the stations, to encourage more people to use the line, Baskett said. Work is underway to add sidewalks to many neighborhoods, and the city also wants to improve bicycle paths to the stations.

Eversole and her husband, who live near the Oak Station, said there is a serious lack of sidewalks and functioning streetlights leading toward Colfax.

"Making it more continuous and easy --; all that helps everyone," Baskett said.

One of the clearest signs of the line's success is the increase in development along the line, according to Lakewood and RTD officials.

"There's no doubt that line has been a game-changer," said Robert Smith, Lakewood's economic development manager. "We're seeing a lot of apartments along the line, which is important because the need for housing is going up and we have more millennials coming in."

The Eversoles hope the line will bring in more pedestrian-friendly businesses.

"We hope that the line will motivate business owners to branch out to our neck of the woods," she said. "We could really use a coffee shop within walking distance."

Projects like Metro West's Lamar Station Crossing, Zephyr Line Apartments and West Line Flats are all transit-oriented developments that developers hope will bring more residents to the city.

However, because the line runs through many Lakewood neighborhoods, this kind of progress isn't necessarily welcomed by residents.

"Our neighborhood has been very involved in housing projects, because we knew this would be happening with the light rail," said Paul Ditson, president of the Eiber Neighborhood Association, during a recent public meeting about a senior housing project coming to the area. "We're one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city --; Eiber has been around before Lakewood was even a city."

But for people like the Eversoles, who are looking for a new place to put down roots, the line has been a significant boon.

My husband and I use the rail every day that we go to work and school," said Eversole. "We're extremely pleased to see that the city of Lakewood, and its citizens, are meeting the needs of the community by revamping Colfax and creating places that our family wants to go to."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Ridership-on-W-Rail-in-Lakewood-climbs-with-increasing-development,206290?branding=15