Applewood Golf Course deal close - #lakewoodnews

Prospect Recreation and Parks District, a special district that serves unincorporated Jefferson County, Fairmount and Applewood, is getting closer to a deal to take ownership of Applewood Golf Course.

Jefferson County Commissioners voted in favorof a $1.1 million grant to help buy the course at their May 31 meeting. The commissioners added the Jefferson County Open Space Reverter on the property.

The reverter states an Open Space property is deeded for so long as all of the property remains within Jefferson County boundaries and is used by a public entity for public open space, park or recreational purposes, according to information provided by Kate McIntire, public engagement director with the county. Commissioners also approved an additional limitation that the property shall be managed as an 18-hole public golf course, along with any additional park, open space, or recreational uses, for ten years after Prospect Recreation & Park District acquires the property.

If these requirements are not met, the ownership of the property reverts back to the County.

The vote comes after months of relative silence as the district and Molson Coors, the course owners, negotiated a deal.

"We don't know a lot about the negotiations because everyone signed a non-disclosure agreement," said King Browne, a board member of the Applewood Property Owners Association and a member of the Save Applewood Golf Course Coalition, which successfully battled to stop development on the course "It's been a very long process, but we're very hopeful we're nearing the end."

Colin Wheeler, with Molson Coors, said the company cannot comment on the potential sale because of the non-disclosure agreement.

Efforts to protect the golf course began in February 2015, when it was announced Coors was selling the course to Applewood West Holdings and a rezoning application had been filed for the development of around 400 homes.

Residents in the Prospect Parks district passed two ballot measures in November 2015 to raise funds to by the course: Measure 5B, which adds a one-mill levy increase for operating costs and ongoing maintenance of all Prospect Recreation and Park District properties, and Measure 5C, which allows the district to incur debt to finance the purchase of the golf course property, up to $9 million.

Two days after the measures passed, the agreement to purchase Applewood Golf Course and the rezoning application with the county, to designate the Applewood Golf Course as residential land, were dropped.

Coors has given Prospect Parksa letter of intent to sell the property to the district for $13.5 million. The letter states Prospect's intent to take over the remainder of Touchstone's (Applewood's current management company) lease and operate the course for the next 10 years.

Browne also added Prospect is looking to develop a master plan with the community's input for future recreational opportunities and amenities.

Prospect is also applying for a $3 million grant from Great Outdoors Colorado, which will be decided on June 13, according to Kathy Lower, a member of the Save Applewood Coalition.

"It's been a nerve-wracking few months, but we're feeling positive," she said. "We're still working on securing a water source for the course, but we have options."

Applewood currently buys its water from Coors, Browne said. Prospect is working with Coors and other third parties to get water to the course at an affordable rate. In a worst case scenario, the golf course would be allowed to revert to its natural state and be operated as an open space park, not unlike Crown Hill,a park and wildlife refuge in Wheat Ridge.

"Just getting the letter of intent from Coors is huge, and we're thankful to them for all their work," Lower said. "We're grateful for everyone's support, and eager to have this wrapped up."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Applewood-Golf-Course-deal-close,214988

Wheat Ridge event taking steps against cancer - #lakewoodnews

Lutheran Medical Center is hosting its 9th Leaves of Hope Race and Cancer Survivors Celebration with a timed 5k and 10k race, survivor walk and activities for the whole family on Sunday, June 5. As Jefferson County's largest National Cancer Survivor's Day, there will also be a community brunch, a health and safety fair and live music entertainment.

The event runs from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

"It's really a great opportunity for people to get together with other survivors and celebrate their survivorship," said Melissa K. Edwards, a development assistant at Lutheran Medical Center, "and also honor those we've lost through their battles."

The event also is inspirational, said Carol Salzmann, executive director of Lutheran Medical Center Foundation.

"Part of what really inspires me is I think it's great for people that are newly diagnosed to see people that have survivorship of five to 20 years that are living wonderful lives," she said.

Susan Hermosillo, a four-year skin cancer survivor, has been attending the walk for eight years now. She originally attended because she has lost family members to cancer and looks forward to seeing survivors and learning a little bit about them during registration, where she volunteers.

"You could walk past a survivor on the street and not even know it," she said. "I really look forward to meeting the survivors during registration --; they get to tell you a little bit of their story."

Hermosillo started attending the event shortly after she lost her 27-year old niece to colon cancer. Since then, she was diagnosed with and became a survivor of melanoma. She also has a cousin who is a cancer survivor that will attend the event for the first time this year. Four family members total, including a cousin with five years survivorship from breast cancer, will join her on June 5.

"I'm looking forward to the survivor walk," Hermosillo said. "Just to see the smiles on all the survivors' faces."

This event is dog- and stroller-friendly and has an activity for every speed. In addition to the races and walks, there will be art projects and places to sit and enjoy live entertainment from Colorado-based music group Chris Daniels and the Kings. For details on registration before or the day of event, visit www.leavesofhope.org/

Unique this year will be a sculpture installation, designed and built by Wheat Ridge High School students enrolled in the STEAM class (which stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math). Dubbed "Rooted in Hope," the sculpture symboizes hope and healing and is being installed on the medical denter's grounds near the pond.

"To work with (the students) is really special," Edwards said. "Every time I go over to the pond (to see the installation in progress) they have done something new."

Last year's event raised $86,000 and the hospital hopes to beat that number with this year's efforts. These races, which have raised $800,000 total, contribute to the Cancer Centers of Colorado's patient treatment, caregivers, genetic counseling, and to keep technology in the center as up-to-date as possible.

"The first year I attended it was a small event --; it's crazy how its grown," Hermosillo remembered. "If you stand back and watch it, it's just amazing."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Wheat-Ridge-event-taking-steps-against-cancer,214968

Neighbors rally to preserve Dinosaur Ridge - #lakewoodnews

The possibility that a large commercial development with retail, gas stations and auto businesses could fill in the open space near C-470 and Alameda --; and adjacent to Dinosaur Ridge, a popular area for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts --; has galvanized neighbors in protest.

"This is no ordinary open space --; Dinosaur Ridge really anchors what I think of as a Front Range experience," Brian Neff, a member of the Dinosaur Ridge Neighbors, wrote in an email interview. "They're going to build giant, brightly-lit signs glorifying corporate America right in the heart of this area. It's going to destroy this experience. It's important for people to say no, and say it loudly."

Greg Stevinson, one of the owners of the property under the name Three Dinos, LLC, said the property is already zoned for development. A proposed rezone would help draw in higher quality tenants willing to invest in a better development.

"We want to increase the kinds of buildings allowed here to draw in more upscale retail options," he said. "We think the rezone will make better of use of the area than the current zoning allows."

Plans to rezone the area for broader commercial development were filed in August.

Baseline Engineering, a company based in Jefferson County, submitted a pre-application on behalf ofThree Dinos on Aug. 26. The pre-application is the initial step to help determine what, if any, county or local issues would arise, said Heather Gutherless, case manager for Jefferson County Planning and Zoning.

County staff is reviewing the application and has not yet set dates for the rezoning public hearings.

"This is an open land use case, the commissioners are not allowed to discuss the case until it is presented to them," wrote Kate McIntire, public engagement director with the county, in an email. "The case needs to work through the planning and zoning process before then."

Two properties are included in the proposed rezone. The first is the northwest corner of C-470 and Alameda, which is 40.5 acres, and the other is the southeast corner of C-470 and Alameda, which is 30 acres.

Both are in unincorporated Jeffco, and although the northwest corner is near Dinosaur Ridge Visitor's Center, the center is not part of the rezoning proposal, Gutherless said.

The two properties currently have nothing built on them. However, they're zoned as a corridor district, which allows for a variety of commercial and light industrial uses including office buildings, retail and light manufacturing such as banks, restaurants, medical supply/drugstores and laboratories.

Three Dinos has development plans for the two properties, regardless of whether the rezonging is apporved or not, and sees development in the area as benefit to the community, according to Stevenson. He added the development is far enough away from Dinosaur Ridge that construction won't affect it.

"The taxes these businesses would develop are important, and would go to support Jeffco Open Space," he said. "I grew up in the area and know it well. We are very careful, and if any fossils or historic materials are discovered during construction, we will follow regulations to ensure it is preserved."

If Three Dinos' rezoning is approved, it would add several permitted uses to what is currently allowed: auto dealerships and higher end retail and restaurant space. All of these businesses would require special use permits under the current zoning. Special use permits would trigger a public hearing unless the proposed rezoning is approved.

Stevinson said developing the area has been in the works for some time while owners sought businesses to serve as anchors for the development. Avalanche Harley, currently located on West Colfax, would be the anchor for the southeast corner, and several boutique car dealerships would be anchors on the northwest corner.

"We've owned this property for at least seven years, and haven't developed yet because we were waiting for the area to mature," Stevinson said. "We're also seeing a lot of businesses being pushed out of the Denver area because of high prices and the proximity of marijuana businesses."

But some residentsare unhappy about the development plans, and have Started the Dinosaur Ridge Neighbors group to raise awareness and try to halt the development.

"I spend a lot of time in that area, and when I heard about the plans, I had to get involved," said Eric Brown, a member of the neighbors group. "We want to stop this because it's a completely inappropriate plan for the area."

Dinosaur Ridge Neighbors has started hosting informational meetings, Brown said, and will continue raising awareness until efforts to change the amount of development allowed in the area stops.

"Our basic message is that 'No Rezoning equals No Car Dealerships,' " Neff wrote. "We have a petition which opposes rezoning, signed by over 17,000 people. We have a "three-minute" message which shows people how to submit official public comment in less than three minutes. When the time comes, I want to see thousands of people attend a public hearing or rally in opposition to the rezoning and construction of car dealerships adjacent to Dinosaur Ridge."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Neighbors-rally-to-preserve-Dinosaur-Ridge,214967

Editorial cartoon June 2 - #lakewoodnews

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://douglascountynewspress.net/stories/Editorial-cartoon-June-2,214964?branding=15

Veterans center honors the fallen

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

Mines cycling team takes third at nationals - #lakewoodnews

While the majority of the Colorado School of Mines' class of 2016 was at the May 31 graduation ceremony, six students were competing in the USA Cycling Collegiate Road National Championships in North Carolina.

"That shows how much fun it is," said the cycling team's president Laura Leonard, "and how much we love racing."

There wasn't too much disappointment in missing graduation --; the team was busy celebrating a couple of big wins.

The Colorado School of Mines Cycling Team placed third overall, out of 45 Division 2 schools, at the national championships. In addition, the men won first place in the men's team time trials race and Andrew Hemesath placed second in the men's criterium.

Other Colorado universities also did well at the competition. In Division 1, out of 61 schools, Fort Lewis College in Durango placed second and the University of Colorado-Boulder placed fifth.

The Mines team consists of about 30 people, but the six students who went to nationals were Leonard, Hemesath, Jake Wands, Jon Wells, Dan McMahon and Rosa Foth.

The cycling team at Mines is a club sport, Leonard said, but members still compete against varsity-level schools.

All of the team members have

a rigorous course load, so academics are first and riding is second, said Wands, 22, who graduated with a degree in metallurgical and materials engineering. Some of the competitors at nationals may have earned a scholarship for cycling, allowing them more time to train, he added.

"We put a lot of hard work in," said Wells, a 21-year-old chemical engineering student. "It's great to see it pay off with a big win."

Mines competed in three sets of races for the collegiate nationals: a road race on May 13 in Marshall, a criterium on May 14 in Burnsville and a men's team time trial on May 15, also in Marshall.

Mines posted a first-place finish of 41:04.7 in the men's team time trials.

Last year, the Mines men were considered a "dream team" and placed second in the team time trial, Wands said. So this year, they were hoping for a podium win among the top five --; not first place.

Probably the best part about winning the time trial was helping teammate Hemesath capture a national title, Wands said. Hemesath, who was out of the country at the time of interviews, has been racing since he was 14, and a number of those years have been at an elite level.

But he had never won a national title, Wands said. "It was really cool and exciting to help him get that."

Hemesath also came in second in the men's criterium.

The third-place win didn't come just from the men, Wands said. "The girls' points mattered just as much."

There weren't enough women to compete in the women's team time trial at nationals, but this year was the first time Mines had women compete in the collegiate road race nationals.

"It was great to be a part of that," said Foth, who graduated with a degree in environmental engineering.

Foth, 22, hopes more Mines women are inspired to do road racing.

"Get on your bike and give racing a try," Foth said. "It's worth it."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Mines-cycling-team-takes-third-at-nationals,214958?branding=15

To accomplish great things, impose your will -- on you - #lakewoodnews

I mentioned in last week's column that many resources require an effort of willpower --; first.

Mustering the energy to get a project done assumes the will to get the thing done. Devoting money to a purpose requires the will to withhold it from others. Spending time on a task requires the will to shut off the TV and other distractions.

I have learned about myself that the recognition of the need for something is never the final word in whether it happens--;that all depends on whether I want it enough to get it done. Whether I have the will to get it done.

Or, really, let's be honest here: Mostly it depends on whether my wife has the will to override my will to watch the ballgame and get it done instead.

I was thinking about this idea of willpower a great deal while watching the basketball playoffs this week. In short, the defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors, are playing a very good team from Oklahoma City. Golden State is led by a young man named Stephen Curry who can make shots from just about anywhere on the court. Oklahoma City is led by a young man named Russell Westbrook who is strong and fast and quick, and has a great skill set for a professional player. It's really a wonderful matchup.

What's most interesting to me about the contest, which Oklahoma City leads 3 games to 2 as I write this, is the psychology of willpower going on between these two stars. Curry is, to borrow a military analogy, a sniper--;he shoots you from far away, has the ability to be devastating, but if you can take away his shot, his ability to affect the battle is limited. Of course, over the course of the last two seasons, not many teams have been able to take his shot away--;that's why he's the MVP.

Westbrook, on the other hand, is different. I think of him as a combination of infantry and cavalry: He can run over you, he can run through you, he can run past you, but, in the moment, he is also capable of deadly shooting.

So far, the contest of wills has belonged to Westbrook. The sniper, Curry, can break an opponent's will--;just when they think they're in a good position, he goes on a little tear (in one game, he scored 15 points in under two minutes) to push the opponent off of their position. But, if the other team can withstand that barrage, they can usually neutralize the sniper.

As far as Westbrook goes, in their three wins, whenever Oklahoma City needed a play, Westbrook was there. Sometimes it was from far away, but most of the time, he went straight at the guy who was trying to defend him, and dared that player to stop him--;frequently Curry. They rarely did.

Westbrook is imposing his will on the opponent, and that is why Oklahoma City is ahead in the series, and why I am predicting that they will win this series (we'll all know whether I'm right by the time you read this). When someone imposes their will on a scenario, they gain ground, they change the conditions of the battle, and then they break their opponents' will. And all the greats had this ability --; Tiger Woods in his prime, Michael Jordan, Messi, and our very own John Elway.

And, you know what? It is also the defining ability of so many of the greatest leaders in business, science (think Steve Jobs), government and, of course, the military.

If you want to really accomplish great things, then I suggest you get used to the idea of imposing your will, even if it's only on your own, weaker self. So, shut off that TV (or Facebook, or whatever your distraction is) and get to work!

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/To-accomplish-great-things-impose-your-will-on-you,214828?branding=15

Governor signs veteran bill in Alamosa

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

Senator Bennet helps replace stolen United States Army medals to 96-year-old WWII San Luis Valley veteran

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

Achieving a natural high - #lakewoodnews

Musicians, music aficionados and film fans alike flock to Colorado's outdoor amphitheater, Red Rocks, from across the world.But a new genre of entertainment has started taking over the site -- fitness."There's something almost primitive about being able to come out and watch the sunrise in this natural setting," said Jordan Bishop, assistant director of marketing and communications with Denver Arts and Venues, which manages Red Rocks.Every morning, residents and fitness enthusiasts from around the country make the steep trek up to the amphitheater in Morrison at first light to get in their daily workout. Situated at 6,450 feet above sea level, it is a naturally occurring site on 868 acres of land between the Denver metro area and the Rocky Mountains. Known for its ideal acoustics, the area is now drawing thousands of people to train for hikes, bicycle races and marathons."I like to hike a lot and I climb a lot of 14ers," said Brian Lee, a Littleton resident. "So hiking up the stairs is a great place to train."Lee is like several others who use the venue's elevation, location and views to not only burn some calories, but also to train their bodies to do more with less."When you deprive the body of oxygen in small ways, you increase the number of red blood cells and mitochondrial powerhouses in the cells," said Aaron Roppolo, a health and fitness expert with Red Rocks Community College. "It's why you see so many athletes here who can go to other areas, like Boston for the marathon, and just wreck it -- we get to cheat."Working out at elevation and outside, Roppolo said, has several key benefits.According to his studies, exercising outside helps individuals maintain good physiological and emotional health. By being outside, the body has more access to more vitamin D, increasing hormone production, decreasing stress and helping the body lose weight and maintain vital functions, such as circadian rhythm and sleep. He also noted that outdoor activity has a psychological impact, providing strong social and motivational ties."People who work out outside typically have more fun," he said. For him, exercising outside with others motivates him to go further, work out longer and train harder. "There's more to look at instead of a wall or TV, so they work out around 8 to 12 percent longer."Those social and physiological aspects are exactly what brought Boston resident Megan Flood and her friend and Denver resident, Stefani Von Holfum, to Red Rocks early one morning in May."Ever since I saw the video from the Dave Matthews show here I had to come here," Flood said after climbing up the 130 steps to the top of the amphitheater. "When I found out you could work out here, well, Stefi was my willing participant friend who would get up at the crack of dawn ... You don't get any free oxygen out in Denver, so it's tough, but I may have some burpees and pushups in me.""For me," Von Holfum said, "It's the way it works the body -- and it's a beautiful place."Lee, Flood and Von Holfum do a variety of exercises. From running up and down the stairs, hopping up or jogging the individual rows to burpees, frog jumps and pushups, they use creativity to push their bodies each workout. The variety is something Lee said he loves about Red Rocks."People are up there, coming with their own workouts, doing crab crawls, doing yoga at the top," he said. "There's a lot of innovation there."Along with running the stairs, there are other several challenging options.Often, visitors do partner workouts, or hike or bike on the trails. Local trainers bring small classes for workouts. The management team, Denver Arts and Venues, also offers weekly exercise classes throughout the spring and summer and hosts a fitness expo -- Fitness on the Rocks -- once a year, to give people a variety of workout options."I think it's a reflection of the general visitors that we get," Bishop said. "With how fitness-minded people are in this area, it's kind of a bucket list thing -- 'I have to climb the stairs at Red Rocks' -- it's become one of those items in the fitness world."For the past four years, Denver Arts and Venues hosts Yoga on the Rocks and the Red Rocks Fitness Challenge, each of which draws 175 to 2,000 individuals, depending on the week. Each class, held at 7 a.m., provides attendees either an hour of traditional yoga or a variety of full-body workout -- crossfit, weights, HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) exercises -- every week. Each class has personal trainers to help attendees get the most from their workout, no matter their age, physical ability or level."It's not just body types," said Brandon Tosti, the Yoga on the Rocks and Fitness Challenge program manager. "We have Iron Men and Iron Women and we have general people who just want to be healthy -- you're part of the team."Whether part of a team or just running the stairs solo, doing any type of exercise, especially ones you enjoy, Roppolo said, is the best way to work out."Do more of what you love and less of what you don't," he said. "If you enjoy working out outside, then find ways to do that."And Lee, who loves to run and hike, does just that."I start at the bottom and once I get to the top -- the view -- it's just breathtaking," Lee said. "You can see all the way from the airport to Denver. It's amazing."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Achieving-a-natural-high,214421?branding=15

TSJC shares year in review

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

County names architect finalists

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

A farewell to 'my closest outdoors companion' - #lakewoodnews

The first 10 days of May were difficult: Each day seemed more increasingly arduous for her. Then came that quiet morning when she passed. After a long life, aging and declining health took control, and I surrendered my closest outdoors companion.

Aspen was past her 15th birthday - a blessing of a long life in itself.

She still looked forward to our evening walks - however shorter or slower-paced.

She continued to follow me about the house - to stay close.

I felt the strength of her eyes with a wondering expression - questioning why she was weaker.

Expressions were almost apologetic - when her appetite was waning.

I knew she still wanted to make that ride in the Jeep - closeness for both of us. She would give me a clear look for help - to make that step from the porch into the house - and expressions of appreciation when her legs needed support.

During these days, however, there were no apologies, only, seemingly, an acceptance of her aging and declining strength.

The weakness, diminished level of activity, physical changes and longer time in sleep gradually accelerated over the past three years. I saw it and felt it creeping into Aspen's life and into mine. The change was difficult to witness, but I resolved to alter our time together, to keep her active, support her health and adjust our routines.

Pet owners can struggle with that change, sometimes to the extent of failing to see the need for accommodation pets require. It occurred to me the gradual aging process for our pets can be so similar to that of aging parents, family or friends - or literally our own lives. Yet regardless, each deserves the same sensitivity, attention, time, patience and support.

Yellow labs are sizable and sturdy, but when they cannot get themselves into our vehicles, they deserve a ramp or a lift so that they never are ignored or left behind. Walks should become a slower and more patient experience to provide a quality of life they deserve. Close attention and observation of food types and changes in body functions can require accommodation.

Unlike humans, the pain that comes with weakening hips, shoulders or body organs typically is not always apparent to us. So that requires periodic veterinarian examinations and, possibly, medication. When our companion's health changes, it is our call to adjust, to be sure the unconditional love they bring into our lives is extended back in their care and comfort.

A friend of mine who had a long line of Golden retrievers in his life observed that "when we bring a pet into our lives we need to be aware we will most certainly live past their days and we must be willing to provide compassionate support as their lives fade."

Those sunrises over the duck blind, the decoy days on the river, flushing birds from the fields and the high mountain hikes will be very different. But the memories will remind me of my good fortune in having had that special companionship with Aspen.

Outdoors writer Ron Hellbusch can be reached at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net.

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://westminsterwindow.com/stories/A-farewell-to-my-closest-outdoors-companion,214213?branding=15

Governor signs HB110 into law - #lakewoodnews

Gov. John Hickenlooper joined Reps. Brittany Pettersen (D-Lakewood) and Daneya Esgar (D-Pueblo) for the signing of HB1100 at the Action Center on May 17.

The bill allows "unaccompanied homeless youth" to be defined as residents and get in-state tuition at state-supported secondary schools.

"The number of homeless youth in Colorado increased by 50 percent from 2009-10 to 2013-14," said Mary Giggy, Financial Aid Advisor at Aims Community College in Greeley. "We know education is the key to the future, and today we're handing that key to these students who want to continue their education."

Pettersen said the high costs of secondary education is a prohibitive factor for many homeless youth, and the bill aims to make it easier.

"These are Colorado kids who went to Colorado schools, and this bill helps level the playing field to allow them an opportunity to pursue their goals, just like their peers," Pettersen said.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Governor-signs-HB110-into-law-at-Action-Center,214234

National Senior Health & Fitness Day: Move your way to better health - #lakewoodnews

Clad in a turquoise jacket and bicycle pants and wearing a helmet, 90-year-old Gerald Hadduck can be seen riding on the trails adjacent to the 27-acre campus of Covenant Village of Colorado. On average, he rides 10-12 miles per day during the warm weather months.

The avid bicyclist has lived at a senior living community in Westminster for 18 years, and daily physical activity is part of his plan to keep strong, flexible and healthy.

"Biking has kept me alive and healthy," says Hadduck, who says he has no plans of slowing down.

On May 25, millions of older Americans across the country celebrated National Senior Health & Fitness Day, a day-long celebration to increase awareness of the benefits of a regular exercise program for older adults. This year's theme is "Improve Your Health for a Better Self."

This approach to health and wellness is something residents like Hadduck practice every day. Some, like Hadduck, still tackle the trails, but others incorporate exercise into their daily routines by taking walks, gardening, participating in a T'ai Chi, yoga or water aerobics class, or using the exercise machines at the fitness center.

"The key is to keep moving," says Nicole Barabas, fitness coordinator at Covenant Village of Colorado. "You don't have to run a marathon --; unless you want to! --; but you do need to participate in physical activity every day."

Studies show 30 minutes of physical activity at least three days a week can help reduce the risk of major illness, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Falls are a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control, but many can be prevented by building strength and improving flexibility and balance.

Other benefits of daily exercise include better immune and cardiorespiratory function; improved bone density and reduced risk of osteoporosis; and more efficient gastrointestinal function. Exercising seniors sleep better, are less prone to anxiety and depression, and benefit from socializing with their peers during group exercise classes.

Studies also point to better brain health among seniors who exercise. University of British Columbia researchers report that regular aerobic exercise, "the kind that gets your heart and your sweat glands pumping, appears to boost the size of the hippocampus," the brain area involved in verbal memory and learning.

The good news is that it's never too late to start exercising, and it's never too late to start reaping the health benefits. Here are some tips to help get you started:

* Check with your doctor to determine an exercise regime that's best for you.

* Start with one class a week or take short daily walks and work yourself up to longer ones. Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

* Find an exercise buddy to make exercise fun and keep each other accountable. * Check out the local YMCA, the city of Westminster website or the Senior Resources Guide for group exercise classes. Better yet, simply get outdoors, move, and breath in the fresh Colorado air.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://westminsterwindow.com/stories/National-Senior-Health-Fitness-Day-Move-your-way-to-better-health,214249?branding=15

Alamosa County sees squatter influx

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

Rain barrels: three things to know - #lakewoodnews

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill earlier this month that legalizes the collection of rainwater.

Legislative sponsors were Rep. Jessie Danielson, D-Golden and Wheat Ridge; Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo; and Sen. Michael Merrifield, D-Colorado Springs.

"This new law will ... connect people with their water usage more closely, and encourage water conservation," Danielson said. "In our state, when it comes to water, even small efforts like this will add up to help us protect our most precious resource."

1. Homeowners can now collect rainwater to use for outdoor purposes such as gardening.

2. The collected water cannot be used for drinking or other indoor purposes.

3. Collected rainwater is limited to two 55-gallon barrels or a total capacity of 110 gallons.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Colorado-governor-signs-rain-barrels-bill-into-law,214236

'We stayed strong' - #lakewoodnews

Jefferson High School's Class of 2016 celebrated its successful completion of high school May 20 at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

In their senior year, students endured through three principals, which was recognized by Principal Michael James in his address to the students.

"We stayed strong," said graduate Alexandra Cisneros, "and managed to hold it together."

Students will always remember each other's company, the vibe and the environment, said graduate Izaiah Rucobo.

"Also, the teachers," he added. "If it wasn't for the teachers, there wouldn't be any excitement."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Jefferson-High-students-stayed-strong,214235

'Find what you love to do' - #lakewoodnews

Bear Creek High School seniors basked in the summer sun at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for their graduation on May 19.

"What an absolute pleasure it is to be here on a day that has been 13 years in the making," said Principal Kevin Carroll. "The real world needs you, and your timing is perfect. It needs exactly what I've seen in you the past four years."

One of the most moving moments in the ceremony came when students who were joining the military received a standing ovation.

Student speakers Lu Vy, Sonia Abraham, Preston Le and Marie Lankenau all reminded students to hold on to their individual passions and dreams.

"Find what you love to do, and do it with your whole heart and soul," said faculty speaker Nathan Payant. "Life goes by fast, so you need to know the connections you make and the way you treat people is what really matters when all is said and done."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Bear-Cree-students-should-Find-what-you-love-to-do,214233

Finding purpose in the world - #lakewoodnews

Alameda International High School's 68th graduating class turned its tassels at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on May 18.

"This is an amazing class and it's left an amazing legacy," said faculty speaker Mike Joseph. "After today you all join the real world, and I have two pieces of advice for you --; tell the people around you how you feel about them and live a passionate life."

The affection between the graduates and their teachers was demonstrated for all when Principal Susie Van Scoyk cried as she presented the class to board of education secretary Amanda Stevens.

Student speakers Eroj Tuladhar and Kiana MaKintosh highlighted the challenges each graduate overcame to finish school.

"I challenge all of us to walk out of here today with our dreams intact," Tuladhar said. "We all need to go out and find our purpose in the world."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Finding-purpose-in-the-world-for-Alameda-graduates,214232

Sports Authority closing up shop - #lakewoodnews

Going-out-of-business sales at all 450 Sports Authority retail locations were scheduled to begin by May 26.

The sales mark the latest step in Sports Authority's bankruptcy filing. The sale was authorized May 24 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware. Judge Mary Walrath approved the company proposal to have a team of liquidators start the going-out-of-business sales that will include all inventory and fixtures. The sales must be completed by Aug. 31.

The liquidators are a joint venture group made up of a trio of companies: Gordon Brothers Group, Hilco Merchant Resources and Tiger Capital Group.

On their website, Gordon Brothers also released a statement by Michael Foss, Sports Authority CEO.

"We cannot adequately express the disappointment we feel with the need to shut down our stores," he said in the statement. "We pursued both a plan of reorganization as well as a sale of our business but were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement that would have allowed Sports Authority to continue to operate."

In the statement, Foss thanked loyal customers for supporting the company over the years and encouraged them to shop early for tremendous values on sporting goods.

Sports Authority's corporate headquarters are in Englewood. Efforts to contact the company about the future of the headquarters have been unsuccessful.

At one time, Sports Authority was among Englewood's largest employers, with about 900 people in the two buildings that house the corporate headquarters. At that time, just about every space in the expansive parking lot was taken, but since the bankruptcy filing in March, many empty parking spaces can be seen.

Eric Keck, Englewood city manager, said he has received no information about the plans for the corporate headquarters and the people who work there.

"We only hear what everyone hears about Sports Authority, such as the announcement of the going-out-of-business sales at all their stores," he said. "This is a difficult situation for everyone. We know the reduction of the staff at the corporate headquarters will have a negative impact on surrounding business and on our community."

According to a bankruptcy court document, the judge's order finalized the bid by the joint venture to handle the liquidation. The bid contained sales guidelines for what is a basic agreement to guarantee Sports Authority a specific sum, and the joint venture will profit if the sale goes well.

The document said the venture will pay Sports Authority between $368 million and $393 million plus a $1.8 million augmentation fee, which is an agreement that could provide additional funds to Sports Authority, provided the going-out-of-business sales prove profitable to all parties.

Because the company reportedly was $1.1 billion in debt, Sports Authority filed for Chapter 11 protection in March. On May 3, it was announced in the bankruptcy court in Delaware that the company would not be able to reorganize but instead would pursue sale of its assets.

The company located its headquarters on the Englewood campus on Jason Street just south of Hampden Avenue about 2001. The campus includes expansive parking lots and about 200,000 square feet of space in two buildings.

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://englewoodherald.net/stories/Sports-Authority-closing-up-shop,214225?branding=15

My Name Is: Warren Sherrill - #lakewoodnews

About me

I was born and raised in Byers, which is a small farming community about 50 miles due east of Aurora on I-70. Byers school was very small. But I loved it because it allowed me to explore many different activities such as all kinds of sports, drama and other extracurriculars.

I found I was drawn to the theater, so I attended Colorado State University and majored in performing arts.

The theater life

After college I hung around northern Colorado for a few years performing and directing at local companies such as Bas Bleu, Openstage and Carousel Dinner Theatre (now Midtown Arts) where I ended up being the artistic director for a few years. I eventually moved to Denver and co-founded Paragon Theatre with my best friend Michael Stricker, where I sat as artistic director until we closed its doors in 2012.

After that, I started freelance directing and acting for companies such as The Aurora Fox, Phamaly Theatre, The Avenue Theatre, etc. It was then when I discovered The Edge Theatre and fell in love with their artistic professionalism and vision.

My job

What struck me about The Edge was their complete attention to creating a quality and professional experience, not only for the audience but for the cast and crew as well. I also discovered that The Edge, as their name hints, is not afraid to take risks by presenting works that many times wouldn't even be considered by other companies. Producing regional premiers, new works and solid classics was something I could get behind.

As the newly appointed associate artistic director at The Edge, I will be responsible for aiding the artistic director (Rick Yaconis) in choosing shows for the season, hiring directors and production teams, casting actors, as well as managing the productions.

The power of theater

Theater is important to me because it is one of the very few true art forms that is completely collaborative. I can never get tired of the feeling of mounting a show (whether acting, directing, producing or whatever) when it all comes together during tech week and the curtain goes up opening night.

Numerous artists and creative people from all over came together and, with all their heart and soul and precious time, contributed their very specific talents to a larger piece of art that is bigger than them, which ultimately becomes a gigantic experience that cannot be recaptured anywhere.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/My-Name-Is-Warren-Sherrill,214209

Parents of teen who died share message - #lakewoodnews

"Always buckle up, and remember that kindness matters."

It's a simple pledge to remember, and family and friends of Lakewood High School senior Mackenzie Forrest --; also known as Little Mac --; hope it will save lives.

The Forrest family is teaming with the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol for two weeks of Click It or Ticket seatbelt enforcement.

The program began May 23 and runs through June 6. During that period, the state patrol will focus on enforcing the wearing of seatbelts while driving. The patrol's zero-tolerance policy is always in effect, said Maj. Steve Garcia with the Colorado State Patrol, but it will be particularly important for these two weeks.

Forrest, who died from injuries sustained in a car accident on March 13, hadn't been wearing a seatbelt, which could have saved her life.

"This is such an important message," said Holger Forrest, Mackenzie's father. "If Mackenzie had been wearing her seatbelt, she would've graduated this weekend."

Here are some important points to remember:

Point 1: Steve Garcia, major with Colorado State Patrol: "The reason we issue seat belt tickets is to save lives, period. Our goal is to have 100 percent compliance, because everyone is someone's son or daughter, brother or sister."

Point 2: Holger Forrest, Mackenzie Forrest's father: "So many of you are going to college or joining the workforce, and you will have so many choices. But one thing that isn't a choice is buckling up. It will save your life. And be kind to everyone, both on and off the road."

Point 3: Toscana Tornillo, Forrest family friend: "I was really close to Lil Mac, and she inspired me to do my best every day and enjoy life. I took the pledge because it is so important, and saves lives."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Parents-of-teen-who-died-share-message,214208

Essential Air Service at risk

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

State track and field meet results - #lakewoodnews

The following are results of local athletes who finished in the top 10, plus the winning athletes, in the state track and field meet held May 19-21 at Jefferson County Stadium. Events are not listed if no local athletes placed.

Class 5A

Girls

Team scores: 1. Fort Collins, 81; 2. Arapahoe, 69; 7. Horizon, 30; 8. Mountain Range, 28; 10. Cherry Creek, 27.

100-meter hurdles: 1. Emily Sloan, Rock Canyon, 13:46; 2. Zoe Gilbertson, Mountain Range, 13.90; 5. Rhyan Pettaway, Rock Canyon, 14.68.

100-meter dash: 1. Arria Minor, Denver East, 11.83; 7. Mia Coats, Mountain Range, 12.55; 9. Morgan Shelton, Mountain Range, 18.57.

1,600 meters: Bri Oakley, Grandview, 4:58.47; 2. Madison Mooney, Horizon, 5:04.23; 8. Savanna Dalton, Castle View, 5:13.20; 10. Lillian Markusch, Cherry Creek, 5:14.84.

200-meter dash: 1. Arria Minor, Denver East, 23.42; 2. Julie Hall, Arapahoe, 24.19; 5. Mia Coats, Mountain Range, 24.37.

300-meter hurdles: 1. Emily Sloan, Rock Canyon, 41:24; 2. Zoe Gilbertson, Mountain Range, 43.50; 4. Anna Hall, Arapahoe, 43.77; 5. Delaney Smith, Cherry Creek, 44.23; 6. Hannah Carlson, Arapahoe, 45.03.

400-meter dash: 1. Arria Minor, Denver East, 52.50; 2. Julia Hall, Arapahoe, 53.35; 4. Mia Coats, Mountain Range, 54.29.

4x200 relay: 1. Cherokee Trail, 1:39.71; 2. Arapahoe, 1:41.80; 6. ThunderRidge, 1:43.27.

4x400 relay: 1. Arapahoe (A. Hall, Slack, J. Hall, Marizza), 3:46.70; 6. ThunderRidge, 3:56.36; 9. Cherry Creek, 3:58,59.

3,200 meters: 1. Brie Oakley, Grandview, 10:33.16; 2. Megan Mooney, Horizon, 11:09.34; 6. Savanna Dalton, Castle View, 11:15.96.

4x800 relay: 1. Cherry Creek (Swartz, McCurdy, Johnson, Peterson), 9:23.64; 4. ThunderRidge 9:29.80; 6. Horizon 9:34.04; 8. Mountain Vista 9:42.72; 9. Arapahoe 9:45.44.

Discus: 1. Gina Coleman, Fountain Fort Carson, 145-09; 4. Sierra Suazo, Castle View, 132-02; 5. Hannah McClure, Pomona, 124-00; 7. Meredith Minton, Douglas County, 126-06; 10. Jessica Kenney, Arvada West, 115-10.

Long jump: 1. Audra Koopman, Fort Collins, 19-05; 7. Julie Mackin, Castle View, 16-11.75;

Pole vault: 1. Chloe Woest, Fossil Ridge, 12-02; 2. Avery Paxton, Cherry Creek, 11-04; 8. Spencer Elder, ThunderRidge, 10-04; 10. Brooke Walker, Castle View, 10-04.

4x200 relay: 1. Cherokee Trail, 1:39.71; 2. Arapahoe, 1:41.80; 6. ThunderRidge, 1:43.27.

800 meters: 1. Becca Schulte, Fort Collins, 2:11.62; 3. Madison Mooney, Horizon, 2:12.43; 5. Megan Koch, Highlands Ranch, 2:14.78; 7. Megan Mooney, Horizon, 2:15.19; 8. Liz Swartz, Cherry Creek, 2:15.59; 9. Kamryn Hart, ThunderRidge, 2:15.64.

High jump: 1. Anna Hall, Arapahoe, 5-05.50; 5. Jessica Kenney, Arvada West, 5-0l.50; 9. Emma Smith, Mountain Vista, 5-01.50.

800 medley relay: 1. Arapahoe, 1:44.28; 3. Lakewood, 1:48.66; 9. Cherry Creek, 1:50.93.

Shot put: 1. Gabriella McDonald, Rocky Mountain, 40-08.50; 2. Leilah Vigil, Highlands Ranch, 40-06.50; 7. Hannah McClure, Pomona, 38-06.00; 8. Meredith Minton, Douglas County, 36-07.00.

Boys

Team scores: 1. Pomona, 94.50; 2. Fountain-Fort Carson, 79; 6. Cherry Creek, 35; 10. Mountain Vista, 28.

100-meter dash: 1. Christian Lyon, Fountain-Fort Carson, 10.80 (state meet and Colorado record); 2. Max Borghi, Pomona, 11.00; 4. Devin Cadena, Rock Canyon, 11.13; 7. Jeremy Gonzalez, Pomona, 11.23.

200-meter dash: 1. Christian Lyon, Fountain-Fort Carson, 21.67; 3. Max Borghi, Pomona, 22.07; 7. Jeremy Gonzales, Pomona, 22.07.

400 meters: 1. Darrien Wells, Aurora Hinkley, 48.05; 7. Kendal Smith, Douglas County, 49.59; 9. David Merkel, Arapahoe, 50.10.

3,200: 1. Henry Raymond, Poudre, 9:25.21; 3. Paxton Smith, Mountain Vista, 9:30.50; 4. Steven Goldy, Arapahoe, 9:32.94; 5. Parker Mackay, Mountain Vista, 9:36.75; 7. Kyle Moran, Cherry Creek, 9:41.26; 8. Mason Brevig, Arapahoe, 9:48.04.

4x800 relay: 1. Monarch, 7:51.57; 3. Mountain Vista, 7:57.50; 4. Cherry Creek 8:02.36; 5. ThunderRidge, 8:03.87; 7. Rock Canyon, 8:04.03; 10. Arvada West, 8:09.23.

Discus: 1. Jacob Condill, Chaparral, 157-03; 3. Andy Ritter, Ralston Valley, 148-09; 4. Brandon Micale, Pomona, 148-07; 8. Ryan Holt, ThunderRidge, 142-11.

High jump: 1. Austin Campbell, Regis, 6-09; 5. Danny Williams, Pomona, 6-02; 6. Koby Dudley, Castle View, 6-02.

Long jump: 1. David Cunningham, Highlands Ranch, 22-09.75; 2. Danny Williams, Pomona, 22-09.50; 5. Braden Smith, Lakewood, 22-11.

Pole vault: 1. Connor Roberts, Cherry Creek, 15-10; 3. Davis Butte, Chaparral, 15-04; 6. Riley Case, Castle View, 14-07; 9. Bryce Nault, ThunderRidge, 13-07; 10. Mack Yang-Aaron, Arapahoe, 13-01.

4X200 relay: 1. Fountain Fort Carson, 1:25.96; 2. Pomona, 1:27.55; 5. Arvada West, 1:28.39; 8. Legend, 1:29.59.

800 meters: 1. Henry Raymond, Poudre, 1:51.97; 5. David Merkel, Arapahoe, 1:57.14; 6. David Moore, ThunderRidge, 1:57.49; 7. Caden Foster, Mountain Vista, 1:57.55; 8. Kaden Lathrop, Highlands Ranch, 1:57.76; 9. Daniel Hamson, Cherry Creek, 1:57.93.

1,600 meters: Henry Raymond, Poudre, 4:18.67; 4. Paxton Smith, Mountain Vista, 4:22.29; 5. Mason Brevig, Arapahoe, 4:24.42; 6. Kyle Moran, Cherry Creek, 4:24.69; 7. Vincent Workman, Pomona, 4:25.01; 8. Steven Goldy, Arapahoe, 4:25.86; 10. Ryan Currie, Mountain Vista, 4:26.82.

110-meter hurdles: 1. Thomas Robillard, Fort Collins, 14.48; 3. Tyler Shannon, Ralston Valley, 14.80; 4. Ray Haas, Arapahoe, 14.80.

300-meter hurdles: 1. Angel Heredia, Aurora Hinkley, 37.88; 3. Ryan Marquez, Pomona, 39.34; 8. Tyler Shannon, Ralston Valley, 41.78.

4X100 relay: 1. Pomona (Gonzales, Matulik, Eckhardt, Borghi), 42.43; 3. Legend 42.57; 6. Cherry Creek, 43.44; 7. Highlands Ranch, 43.45; 9. Arvada West, 43.77.

4x200 relay: 1. Fountain-Fort Carson, 1:25.96; 2. Pomona, 1:27.25; 5. Arvada West, 1:28.39; 8. Legend, 1:29.59.

4x400 relay: 1. Fountain-Fort Carson, 3:17.91; 3. Cherry Creek, 3.21.16; 9. Heritage, 3:24.18.

Triple jump: 1. Danny Williams, Pomona, 47-03.00; 9. Ohibunna Ogu, Legend, 41-11.OO

Shot put: 1. Jake Moretti, Pomona, 54-10.00; 4. James Duckworth, ThunderRidge, 51-02.75; 6. Isaac Lopez, Pomona, 49-04.00; 7. Clae Walters, Pomona, 49-01.25; 9. Colton Homuth, Castle View, 48-07.50.

Class 4A

Girls

Team scores: 1. Classical Academy 84.50; Air Academy, 64.50; 3. Niwot, 58; 4. Valor Christian 54; 6. Green Mountain, 38; 10. D'Evelyn 29.

4x800 relay: 1. Air Academy 9:14.28; 6. Valor Christian 9:39.82; 8. Stanley Lake 9:42.64.

High jump: Rylee Anderson, Silver Creek, 5-07; 5. Sarah Cerrone, D'Evelyn, 5-04.

Shot put: 1. Lily Lockhard, Delta, 41-04.25; 4. Brittany Line, Littleton, 37-01.00

Triple jump: 1. Alex Hellenberg, Skyline, 36-08.00; 8. Kaysha Kacanda, Littleton, 34-11.25; 9. Sarah Smith, D'Evelyn, 34-10.50.

3,200 meters: 1. Katie Rainsberger, Air Academy, 10:23.24; 2. Lexi Reed, D'Evelyn, 10:55.50; 7. Reagan Hausmann, Valor Christian, 11:21.13; 10. Addi Iken, Littleton, 11:38.22.

800 meters: 1. Katie Rainsberger, Air Academy, 2:09.97; 3. Lexi Reed, D'Evelyn, 2:16.16; 8. Emily Gallegos-Francksen, Wheat Ridge, 2:18.56; 9. Keely Jones, Valor Christian, 2:18.84.

1,600 meters: 1. Katie Rainsberger, Air Academy, 4:45.27; 2. Lexi Reed, D'Evelyn, 5:00.83; 4. Reagan Hausmann, Valor Christian, 5:12.23.

100-meter dash: 1. Lauren Gale, Discovery Canyon, 12:21; 4. Tess Boade, Valor Christian, 12:39; 7. Tegan Alexander, Elizabeth, 12.80.

Long jump: 1. Maya Evans, Vista Peak, 19-05.25; 5. Nikki Strickler, Wheat Ridge, 17-05.75; 8. Chloe Peterson, Elizabeth, 16-11.25; 10. Kallaway Wood, Elizabeth, 16-08.50.

200-meter dash: 1. Lauren Gale, Discovery Canyon, 24.19; 6. Gianna Tesone, Valor Christian, 25.64.

300-meter hurdles: 1. Bailey Sharon, Green Mountain, 44.49; 7. Destiny Grimes, Valor Christian, 46.90.

400-meter dash: 1. Lauren Gale, Discovery Canyon, 53.72; 8. Saylor Sargent, Green Mountain, 58.48,

4x100 relay: 1. Valor Christian (Tesone, Maccagnan, Grimes, Boade), 48.39; 9. Elizabeth, 50.05.

4x200 relay: 1. Valor Christian, 1:40.42; 6. Elizabeth, 1:43.88.

4x400 relay: 1. Classical Academy, 3:52.10; 3. Valor Christian, 3:55.19; 5. Green Mountain, 3:58.54; 7. Elizabeth, 4:02.90.

4x800 relay: 1. Air Academy, 9:14.28; 6. Valor Christian, 9:39.82; 8. Standley Lake, 9:42,64.

Discus: 1. Raquel Valdez, Mountain View, 148-06.00; 5. Alexis LaLibere, Green Mountain, 126-11.00.

Pole vault: 1. Andrea Willis, Classical Academy, 13-04.00; 10. Marina Cannon, Littleton, 10-02.00.

800 sprint relay: 1. Discovery Canon, 1:44.54; 5. Green Mountain, 1:49.10.

Boys

Team scores: 1. Mountain View, 89; 2. Palmer Ridge, 79; 8. Valor Christian, 37.

100-meter dash: 1. Will Domier, Holy Family, 10:98; 3. Christian Barber, Valor Christian, 11:07; 8. Wesley Tedstrom, D'Evelyn, 11:16.

110-meter hurdles: 1. Jay Shuman, Palisade, 14.63; 5. Jacob Morse, Elizabeth, 15.13; 8. Chase McLean, Valor Christian, 15.45.

1,600 meters: 1. Ian Meek, Montrose, 4:20.38; 9. Colin Cannon, Littleton, 4:26.62; 10. Alec Hornecker, Golden, 4:26.68.

200-meter dash: 1. Caleb Ojennes, Palmer Ridge, 21.55; 2. Christian Barber, Valor Christian, 21.62; 6. Wesley Tedstrom, D'Evelyn, 22.49.

300-meter hurdles: 1. Aaron McCoy, Canon City, 37.94; 3. Chase McLean, Valor Christian, 38.35; 7. Hunter Dagnon, Valor Christian, 40.67; 9. Jacob Morse, Elizabeth, 41.36.

4x800 relay: 1. Durango, 7:53.60; 9. Green Mountain, 8:12.40.

Shot put: 1. Conor Bertles, Classical Academy, 53-02.75; 3. Dillon Reinkensmeyer, Valor Christian, 50-11.50; 7. David Bieber, Littleton, 47-50.00.

Triple jump: 1. Anthony Peters, Vista Ridge, 46-11.05; 9. Josh Hernandez, Elizabeth, 42-07.75.

800 Sprint relay: 1. Discovery Canyon, 1:44.54; 5. Green Mountain, 1:49.10.

3,200 meters: 1. Ian Meek, Montrose, 9:32.90; 5. Alec Hornecker, Golden, 9:38.35.

4x200 relay: 1. Longmont, 1:27.04; 8. Valor Christian, 1:40.56.

800 meters: 1. David Moenning, Durango, 1:52.26; 3. Colin Cannon, Littleton, 1:54.51.

High jump: 1. Jacob Bejarano, Roosevelt, 6-06.50; 2. Garrett Martin, Standley Lake, 6-06.50; 10. Ayden Flynn, D'Evelyn, 6-01.50.

400-meter dash: 1. Caleb Ojennes, Palmer Ridge, 46.71; 5. Tyler Williams, Standley Lake, 48.81.

Discus: 1. George Silvanic, Palmer Ridge, 158-07.00; 8. Dillon Reinkensmeyer, Valor Christian, 152-00.00; 10. James Doyle, D'Evelyn, 146-00.00.

Pole vault: 1. Ramon Salgado, Mountain View, 14-08.00; 7. Jake McMullen, Ponderosa, 13-02.00; 8. Ryan Stuchlik, Elizabeth, 13-02.00; 10. Phillip Zilhaver, Ponderosa, 13-02.00.

Class 3A

Girls

Team scores: 1. Eaton 107.50; 2. Moffat County, 88; 3. Peak to Peak 70; 8. Faith Christian 42; 9. Lutheran 34.

3,200 meters: 1. Lily Tomasula-Martin, Estes Park, 11:16.78; 7. Cassie Unruh, SkyView Academy, 12:06.90

High jump: 1. Morgan Barone, Lutheran, 5-05.

Triple jump: 1. Kylie Chavez, Sterling, 36-11.00; 8. Jessica Blahnik, Faith Christian, 34-07.50; 9. Sophia Baldwin, Faith Christian, 34-03.25.

100-meter hurdles: 1. Sarah Yocum, Faith Christian, 14:57; 7. Payton Walter, Faith Christian, 16:34.

100-meter dash: 1. Kayla Pinnt, Moffat County, 12.22; 4. Riley Darnell, Lutheran, 13.20.

200-meter dash: 1. Kayla Pinnt, Moffat County, 24.77; 2. Sarah Yocum, Faith Christian, 25.44; 7. Riley Darnell, Lutheran, 26.75.

300-meter hurdles: 1. Sarah Yocum, Faith Christian, 42.45;

400-meter dash: 1. Kayla Pinnt, Moffat County, 55:01; 2. Sarah Yocum, 56.55; 8. Mary Dyson, Lutheran, 1:01.43.

4x100 relay: 1. Moffat County, 50.03; 4. Lutheran, 51.01.

4x400 relay: 1. Colorado Springs Christian, 4:05.98; 3. Lutheran, 4:06.96.

Long jump: 1. Tymbree Florian, Bayfield, 16-06.50; 5. Sophia Baldwin, Faith Christian, 16-00.00.

Boys

Team scores: 1. Lutheran, 137; 2. Platte Canyon, 605.

3,200 meters: 1. Ben Butler, SkyView Academy, 9:22.27.

4x800 relay: 1. Alamosa, 8:11.81; 3. Lutheran, 8:18.35; 8. SkyView Academy, 8:27.51.

Discus: 1. Adam Dawson, Lutheran, 173-01.00; 10. Mitch Black, Faith Christian, 133-01.00.

Triple jump: 1. Kharon Hall, Lutheran, 48-01.75.

4x200 relay: 1. Lutheran (Harris, Tomko, Arkell, Hall), 1:29.09.

Shot put: 1. Jacob Dack, Lutheran, 51-04.00; 6. Zac Schulstad, Faith Christian, 46-05.50; 10. Ricardo Young, Lutheran, 41-10.25.

100-meter dash: 1. Kent Harris, Lutheran, 10.76; 4. Harrison Tomko, Lutheran, 11.38; 5. Luke Arkell, Lutheran, 11.43; 9. Trevor Olsen, Faith Christian, 11.67.

110 hurdles: 1. Matt Hanson, Lutheran, 14.68; 6. Kharon Hall, Lutheran, 15.36; 7. Aaron Clausen, Lutheran, 15.94.

1,600 meters: 1. Taylor Slack, Salida, 4:21.43; 2. Ben Butler, SkyView Academy, 4:21.44.

200-meter dash: 1. Kent Harris, Lutheran, 21.89; 6. Luke Arkell, Lutheran, 22.94.

300 hurdles: 1. Gallian Roberts, Salida, 39.08; 2. Matt Hanson, Lutheran, 40.13.

400-meter dash: 1. Sunday Abarca, Aspen, 48:54; 4. AJ Thompson, Lutheran, 50.75.

4x100 relay: 1. Lutheran (Arkell, Tomko, Harris, Hall), 43.27.

4x400 relay: 1. Manitou Springs, 3:21.46; 4. Lutheran, 3:27.81.

4x800 relay: 1. Alamosa, 8:11.81; 3. Lutheran, 8:18.35; 8. SkyView Academy, 8:27.51.

High jump: 1. Jasper Germain, Roaring Fork, 6-05.00; 2. Ryan Goldhammer, Lutheran, 6-05.00.

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://douglascountynewspress.net/stories/State-track-and-field-meet-results,214024?branding=15

New baseball rule not pitch perfect - #lakewoodnews

It was a needed move when a pitch-count limit was implemented this season for Colorado High School Activities Association baseball games to limit damage to young arms.However, CHSAA needs to find a way not to be caught looking by keeping coaches in both dugouts informed of "official" pitch counts, especially in state playoff games when pitching staffs could be overworked with teams playing three games in two days.An unfortunate situation could have unfolded in the Cherokee Trail-Cherry Creek playoff game May 21 at All-City Stadium in Denver.Cherokee Trail pitcher Keven MacKintosh approached the pitch limit in the sixth inning. As he prepared to face his final batter, a person in charge of keeping the tally in the press box already had him having thrown the maximum 110 pitches. An individual was sent to inform the Cherokee Trail coaches, but they had their player with only 109 pitches. MacKintosh pitched to the final batter of the inning, got the out and his team went on to win, 10-8.During a post-game discussion, it was revealed the Cherry Creek pitch count had MacKintosh already over the limit before facing his final batter. During the game, Creek did not make an issue of it, and an on-scene CHSAA official wasn't going to argue over one pitch.A violation discovered during the game could have resulted in a forfeit, but with the game in the books, the score will stand.When there are three different pitch counts, something needs to be done to enforce the rule. The person keeping count in the press box May 21 had the official tally, according to a CHSAA official.Douglas County High School has a portable scoreboard that can be mounted above the dugout to keep both teams and fans informed of pitch counts. That's an easy way to maybe solve disputes before the sixth or seventh inning. Or maybe a "visible" official appointed by CHSAA should inform both teams of pitch counts inning-by-inning, especially when a pitcher is nearing the limit.Both Cherokee Trail and Cherry Creek remain alive in the double-elimination tournament, which resumes play May 27. Bert Borgmann, CHSAA assistant commissioner, said the rules will be reviewed before then, with the aim of having a better solution before a champion is crowned.An Olympic previewColorado soccer fans have a chance to see the U.S. Women's National team before the Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics.The 25-player roster for the sold-out June 2 friendly match against Japan at Dick's Sporting Good Park in Commerce City includes Mallory Pugh of Highlands Ranch, Linsey Horan of Golden and Denver's Jaelene Hinkle.Coach Jill Ellis must trim the roster to 18 players for the Olympics.Pugh, the 18-year-old who just graduated from Mountain Vista, became the youngest player at age 17 to make the national team roster in 11 years last January. She scored in a Jan. 23 match against Ireland, making her the 19th U.S. female player to score in her debut. She played for Real Colorado and is the captain of the team that will compete at the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Papua New Guinea in November.Horan, 22, went to Golden High School but didn't play soccer. She played club soccer for the Colorado Rush and became the first female soccer player in U.S. history to sign a professional contact after her high school graduation with Paris Saint-Germain. She was one of the top U.S. youth national team players and returned to the U.S. Women's national team in 2015 after making her debut in 2013. Horan had micro fracture knee surgery in 2014 but appears to have regained her form.Hinkle, 22, played soccer and basketball at Valor Christian and is a defender for the Western New York Flash. She played club soccer for Real Colorado and last October was called up to the national team for a friendly match against Brazil during the team's victory tour after winning the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. She has international experience on U.S. youth national teams.Gatorade honors SabercatCastle View senior Julie Mackin is the 2015-16 Colorado Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year.Mackin, a 5-foot-4 forward and midfielder, scored 14 goals and had five assists for a Castle View team that finished 10-7-0 for the season. She also was a defender on the United States U-18 Women's National team that traveled to Spain for a La Manga Tournament in March.She has a 3.98 grade point average and will play next season at Clemson.Mackin's name is added to the list of previous Colorado Gatorade Soccer Players of the Year that includes Mountain Vista's Mallory Pugh (2014-15), Kaycie Young of Rock Canyon (2013-14), Mountain Vista's Gabbi Miranda (2012-13), Janine Beckie of Valor Christian (2011-12) and Annie Kunz of Wheat Ridge (2010-11 and 2009-10).All-American Bowl nomineesThree local players are among five Colorado athletes and 400 nationally to be nominated to play in the 2017 All-American Army Bowl football game that will be held Jan. 7, 2017 in San Antonio.Valor Christian quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, Pomona lineman Jake Moretti and Cherry Creek defensive lineman Jonathan Van Diest headline the list of Colorado nominees.Ninety players will make up the East and West teams and finalists will be announced next fall.Brookhart lands new jobMike Brookhart, who was looking for a new challenge when he announced that 2015-16 season would be his last as Cherry Creek's boys basketball coach, is the new head coach for the Denver West Cowboys.One of his assistant coaches will be former Manual and St. John's standout Chucky Sproling. In a 1988 game against North, Sproling scored a Colorado record 74 points. And those points came before the 3-point shot was introduced.Jim Benton is a sports writer for Colorado Community Media. He has been covering sports in the Denver area since 1968. He can be reached at jbenton@coloradocommunitymedia.com or at 303-566-4083.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://douglascountynewspress.net/stories/New-baseball-rule-not-pitch-perfect,214011?branding=15

Colorado School of Mines holds commencement - #lakewoodnews

Colorado School of Mines' 142nd annual commencement ceremonies took place May 12 and 13 at Marv Kay Stadium in Golden.

Colorado State Sen. Owen Hill delivered the keynote address. Marvin L. Kay, 1963 School of Mines graduate and the school's former athletic director who currently serves the Colorado School of Mines Foundation, spoke at the undergraduate ceremony on May 13. In addition to the school's Marvin the Miner, new football stadium --; which opened last fall --; was named in Kay's honor.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Colorado-School-of-Mines-holds-commencement,214008

Annual dose of adventure - #lakewoodnews

Kayaking, stand up paddleboards, yoga, slacklining, fly fishing, and more were all on full display last weekend, as the sixth annual Golden Games delighted spectators in and around Golden May 20-22.

For more details about th eGolden Games, or to see results from the competitive events, go to www.thegoldengames.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Annual-dose-of-adventure,214010

Pomona wins state title - #lakewoodnews

There is nothing like a school winning its first state title in any sport that brings smiles and wonderful memories.

And, this certainly was the case for the Pomona boys, who won the Class 5A championship at the state track meet, held May 19-21 at Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood.

Pomona, coached by Jeff Donnel, compiled a winning 94.50 points. Fountain-Fort Carson finished second with 79 points, followed in third by Hinkley with 39.4. In the process, the Panthers came through with three state titles.

Pomona's Danny Williams won the triple jump with a 47-3 effort, beating William Ross of Palmer, who went 46-2 . He helped the Panthers get started May 19 with his second-place finish in the long jump with a leap of 22-9 1/2 behind David Cunningham of Highlands Ranch who leapt 22-9 .

Pomona's Jake Moretti won the shot put with a throw of 54 feet, 10 inches to get the victory over Hinkley's Quasean Smith, who threw 52-8 .

Pomona then won the 400 relay with Jeremy Gonzales, Miles Matulik, Adam Eckhardt and Max Borghi carrying the baton and running a time of :42.33. Second-place Rangeview clocked in at :42.4.

"I'm so proud of how well the boys were able to perform with our 12 kids," said Donnel. "Every one of them had a PR, set a school record or just out-performed their previous meets. It's a great bunch of kids and they took their hard work right to the track. It was so fun and I just want to congratulate them on their effort."

Williams was certainly pleased with his effort in both events, but more so in the triple jump.

"I just wanted to win so bad," said Williams. "I was so motivated after finishing second in the long jump. Second in the long jump made me happy, but this triple jump was my last high school event. I'm not sure where I will go to college, but I do want to compete. Overall, it was great for our whole team."

Moretti also felt high after his shot put victory.

"It was a great team win as we all go well together," said Moretti. "We got the competitive edge and we just expected the best. You just can't go in and back off. I'm certainly happy with my individual efforts."

It was a joyous foursome that came through for Pomona's relay victory.

"It's just hard to find something to say," said Miles. "We all worked hard and we were never in a mindset to give up."

"We have a lot of trust in each other and we were able to pull it out," Gonzales said. "All the hard work has paid off for us, and to be here with this win is just remarkable."

Teammates Borghi and Eckhardt agreed.

"This is almost unbelievable," said Borghi. "We have a great family and one with great nerves."

"I was nervous, but the good effort by all of us paid off," Eckhardt said.

Borghi also finished second in the 100 meters (:10.99) behind Fountain's Christian Lyon (:10.8). He placed third in the 200 meters (:22.07), again just behind Lyon (:21.67).

Ryan Marquez finished third in the 300 hurdles (:39.34), an event won by Hinkley's Angel Heredia, with a time of :37.88.

For Marquez, the progression over the past three seasons was great.

"I went from 15th to 10th to third in the hurdles over the last years," said Marquez. "It was good success. All of us worked hard and I'm proud of what we have been able to accomplish. We improved each week and it has certainly paid off."

Pomona placed second in the 800 relay on May 20 behind Fountain-Fort Carson, running 1:27.55 to Fountain's winning 1:25.96. Carrying the baton for the Panthers again were Gonzales, Matulik, Eckhardt and Borghi.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Pomona-wins-state-title,213976

Danielson: Vets, seniors and homeowners helped this session - #lakewoodnews

The second session of the 70th General Assembly came to a close May 11. With a divided legislature, every bill that passed did so with bipartisan support. Each and every day of the session, I worked hard to support legislation that best serves House District 24 and all of Colorado.

I am proud to say that I passed several bills this session that will increase conservation awareness, level the playing field for veterans entering the workforce and support senior citizens across Colorado.

After two years of work, my bill to legalize rain barrels (HB16-1005) passed and was signed into law. This commonsense bill now allows Coloradans to install barrels to catch rainwater that falls on their property, letting homeowners conserve a little water for their tomato plants or flowers.

I also passed a bill that will help veterans transition into the civilian workforce. This bill (SB16-134) ensures that the skills and education a vet gains while in service are considered as qualifications when receiving a license from the state. This breaks down bureaucratic barriers standing between a vet and economic security for their family.

Continuing my fight against elder abuse, I passed HB16-1027, which will allow videotaped depositions to be used in court. Criminals who prey on older Coloradans deserve to be brought to justice, and this bill helps preserve the evidence to lead to successful convictions.

Sadly, Senate Republicans killed several important bills. My Equal Pay in State Contracts Act (HB16-1001) would have required businesses that receive state contracts pay women and men equally for the same work. Senate Republicans also killed my bill that would have protected employees from retaliation if they discuss their wages with each other.

And although my Wage Theft Transparency Act passed the House with strong bipartisan support, it was defeated by Senate Republicans. Their "no" vote provides protection for dishonest employers who are caught cheating employees out of their pay.

So we had wins and losses, but I was brought up to know that many things worth fighting for don't come easily. That's why I am more determined than ever to keep fighting to protect Colorado working families, who deserve a fair shot at economic security when powerful interests stack the deck against them. That's how we rebuild a strong Colorado middle class and a better Colorado.

It is an honor to be represent you at the Capitol. Please contact me with any comments, concerns or questions at jessie.danielson.house@state.co.us or 303-866-5522. For more information on Town Hall Meetings or my monthly happy hours, visit jessiedanielson.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Danielson-Vets-seniors-and-homeowners-helped-this-session,213978?branding=15

Jeffco walkers promote health and wellness - #lakewoodnews

Jaime Orten likes to walk so much that she bought her house in Golden about a year ago specifically because of the city's walkability.

"Walkability is important for health and wellness," she said.

Orten was part of a group of 14 residents and city employees who participated on a walk audit in Golden on May 11. Golden was one of four Jeffco cities that received a walk audit from the Jefferson County Public Health department's Active Living Coalition, one of six coalitions in the county's Health Improvement Network.

The network focuses on improving healthy eating, active living and psychosocial well-being, with a spotlight on low-income families with children. Partners in the network's coalitions include schools, nonprofits, medical organizations, faith communities, government organizations, community members, students, scouting organizations and other sectors.

Wheat Ridge, Westminster and Edgewater had walk audits on May 7. And on May 21, five walk audits are planned for areas around Lakewood.

A walk audit is a tool used by communities across the country to gather data on the safety and level of walkability for neighborhoods (measuring sidewalks, paths and interconnectability), street sections and transit stops, said Molly Hanson, who is leading the Active Living Coalition.

The walakbility results will be included in the Health Improvement Network's active living plan, but it will be up to the individual municipalities on whether to make the suggested improvements.

The public will be able to view the results on the Jeffco health department's website.

"It's an opportunity to get involved by evaluating the space they use every day," she said. "The local community knows their assets. They can help identify strategies to increase places and spaces that promote daily activity."

That's the goal of the Active Living Coalition --; to support and foster professional networks to share best practices and lessons. By the end of year one, Hanson said, the Active Living Coalition should have a plan that sets priorities to be implemented in years two and three.

On May 11, the group was led by Ted Heyd, policy director for Bicycle Colorado who represented OV Consulting, which partnered with the Jeffco health department for the walk audits. The 14 members were was split into smaller groups to evaluate walkability on North Ford Street between 10th Street and Mesa Drive. They noted the lack of crosswalks, over-grown bushes, the way cars were parked on the street, and the measurements --; width or narrowness --; of the sidewalk and/or where there was no sidewalk.

"This is a town that likes to be out," said participant Roger Stuart, a Golden resident. The audit will help "make our town more conducive to the outdoor lifestyle."

Golden city planner Amber Wesner likes being able to align resources and share ideas among municipalities through the coalition.

It also will help to address gaps, she said, which will allow them to "then work together to address the needs of those areas."

Harold and Betty Payte lead walks in Golden every Wednesdayfor the community. They thought participating on the walk audit would be interesting.

"We have two rules," Betty Payte said. "You have to have fun, and you have to be safe."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Jeffco-walkers-promote-health-and-wellness,213977

Editorial cartoon May 26 - #lakewoodnews

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://douglascountynewspress.net/stories/Editorial-Cartoon-May-26,213971?branding=15

Alamosa's first Story Walk opens

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

Seeking a connection to the earth - #lakewoodnews

Despite being a practicing pagan since she was 13 years old, it wasn't until a few years ago that Angela Priest decided to out herself to people she knew.

"Most of the time I kept it to myself because I just didn't want to have that conversation with a lot of people I used to work with," she said. "Now I tell people, including some of my old co-workers, what I'm doing and just let their own minds stir over that. I'm not going to give them an explanation or an apology."

Priest, a resident of Golden Gate Canyon, is one of a small but devoted group of people who have been practicing some of the world's oldest religions for years.

Paganism is a broad umbrella term for earth-based polytheistic religions --; anything from Greek traditions to Nordic, Celtic and beyond. Unlike Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), pagans are devoted to many gods and goddesses and select their own paths of worship and study.

"I identify as pagan first, because 'pagan' is a broad term for many religions," explained Thornton resident Amy Hall, in an email interview. "Most non-pagans don't know the specific types of paganism, such as Wiccan, Druid, Heathen, etc., so it is just simpler to do as such. If someone knows what pagan is, I can specify Druid to them."

Most contemporary pagan religions "are twentieth-century creations, beginning in the 1930s in parts of Eastern Europe and somewhat later in Western Europe and North America," according to an article by Chas S. Clifton, professor at Colorado State University-Pueblo in the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion.

"New Pagan religions represent both radical individualism and a hunger for communal identity," said Clifton in the article. "They are often described as 'post-,' for example post-Christian, postmodern or post-Communist, yet virtually all are engaged in an archaeological mining of past practices, knowledge, attitudes, and lore. Today's Pagan theologians often argue that the old gods have re-emerged on their own timetable, but it is also possible to see this reemergence in historical terms, as an expression of literary Romanticism and of the increasing emphasis on individual experience over communal tradition that has only grown for the past two hundred years."

Priest, who now practices Wicca and witchcraft, was first drawn to paganism when she was young by a family friend who was a Native American medicine woman.

"I wanted something out of the norm," she said. "At first I thought it was all fun and games, but I came to see this is a real religion and way of life."

The pagan path is one Hall has been on for more than 20 years, after finding herself unsatisfied with her Christian upbringing.

"The Christian path just did not feel right for my personal ways of viewing the world," she wrote. "I always felt very connected with nature, seeing myself as part of the natural world rather than having dominion over it."

Both Priest and Hall are high priestesses who can perform rituals and teach new members, though the vast array of paths in paganism means there is no central body, doctrine or texts.

Most pagans honor the four major and four minor sabbatswhich are called the Wheel of the YearThe sabbats are seasonal festivals based on solstices and equinoxes (of which there are two each) and the midpoints between the solstices and equinoxes. Every six weeks there is a holiday that honors the earth and human's connection to it, Hall said.

How a pagan worships or prays depends on the individual, as well as if they are a member of a group --; whether that is a coven, kindred, grove or other gathering. Some pagans elect to worship on their own, and like any other religion there are nonactive members who believe but do not attend rituals and ceremonies.

Pagans can meet and worship anywhere, including their homes. Priest is a member of the Jefferson Unitarian Church CUUPS (Covenant of Unitarian Universalist Pagans), which meets at the Jefferson Unitarian Church in Golden.

"Our goal is that we provide a safe place for solitary pagans to come and celebrate with us," she said. "Some are done being by themselves and they want a family."

The internet has made connection with other pagans easier and more readily available, and this has allowed for more inclusivity and community-building with different beliefs within paganism, Priest said. There are classes available, not only for members of the faith, but also those who are just curious.

"'Open mind, open heart, all are welcome' is our motto," Priest said. "And our No. 1 rule is do what you will, so long as it harms no one."

This inclusivity and education is important, since there are still many misconceptions about paganism, both Hall and Priest said. As with any religion there are bad apples, but they are the exception, not the rule.

Hall and Priest said many people still think pagans are evil, practice black magic or are devil worshippers.

"Pagans do not worship the Christian devil because we do not believe in the Christian devil," Hall wrote. "When the early Christian church converted the ancient pagans, they described the pagan deities as the devil in order to get the pagans to worship their own monotheistic god instead. It was all about fear and control."

That fear is still around, Priest said, and modern pagans are often discriminated against, subjected to violence and derision. Priest said pagan families have had their children taken by protective services out of fear and ignorance, and are often discriminated against in the workplace.

"Most of our members live in fear of being outed," she said. "I outed myself because you have the right to be who you are. You cannot be discriminated against for your religion."

Openness and acceptance are highlights of paganism for Hall and Priest, as is the focus on being a good person and celebrating the earth.

"I actually have found pagans to uphold their morals more so than many Christians, for our religion does not condone people for who they are or whom they love," Hall wrote. "I wish people knew that the majority of pagans are very good and kind people, ones who are connected to the earth on a spiritual level and want to protect it."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Seeking-a-connection-to-the-earth,213905?branding=15

The waiting is the sweetest part - #lakewoodnews

Does anticipation make the reward better, or is it all about getting the reward as quickly as possible?

It's a question worth considering with the absolute avalance of surprise album releases in the past month.

Consider this --; since April we've heard new albums from Beyonc , Radiohead, Drake, James Blake and Chance The Rapper, all released with about a week's notice. Some, like Blake, dropped hours after being announced.

The idea of surprise-releasing an album is a relatively new marketing strategy, and almost entirely a result of the digital market's dominance of the music industry.

Beyonc gets the much-deserved credit for pioneering the approach with her self-titled release in 2013, which arrived completely out of the blue in mid-December. In the 2 1/2 years since, artists from Eric Church to My Bloody Valentine have embraced surprise releases as a way to avoid leaks that could hurt sales or streams. It's also a way for artists to release their work on their terms, when they're ready for audiences to hear the music.

As a listener and music collector, I'm not entirely sold on the idea.

An artist who approached the wait for an album release with panache and artistry was Kanye West, in the lead up to his 2010 album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy." Every Friday he released a new song from the album's recording sessions, and it was a fantastic way to stoke excitement.

I remember rushing home from work every Friday to download the new song, and engage with other fans online about whether the track would make the album and, if not, why. This led to heated discussions and debate, and by the end I positively couldn't wait for the release.

I also worked at a record store for more than five years, and I remember the excitement when a favorite artist announced a new album. The announcement typically came at least two months before the release (sometimes longer) and allowed plenty of time to savor it. Usually, the announcement was accompanied by a single to give listeners a taste of what was to come, along with the album art. This allowed fans to pour over the images and decipher what the art hinted about the album's sound and theme.

Some of this still happens with surprise releases, but it's difficult to scrutinize the album art while you're simultaneously digesting the music for the first time.

There is some nice democratization that comes with the surprise-release approach, and I understand why it appeals to artists. Instead of having a record label decide their single, they let listeners hear the whole album and select a single based on response.

Releasing music this way also provides some room to breathe for artists, since it removes the looming specter of a deadline and allows them the freedom to breathe and create on their own schedule.

Looking at the aforementioned albums, as well as surprise releases this year from Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West and Rihanna, there certainly seems to be something to the approach: almost all these artists delivered some of the best and most interesting albums of their careers.

Appreciation of the music-release strategy is one of those things that probably changes with age, just like your approach to Christmas and birthdays will.

When we're young, we all want Christmas and birthdays to happen as quickly as possible to get our presents. Yet, as I've aged I have far more appreciation for the lead-up to these events. The joy lessens from just tearing into the gifts. Instead, I take delight in the countdown, the slow unwrapping and appreciation.

I will never complain about new, great music, regardless of the delivery. I just miss the anticipation. It is, after all, half the fun.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/The-waiting-is-the-sweetest-part,213904?branding=15

Just 21 days to a more truthful politician - #lakewoodnews

Conventional wisdom holds that it takes 21 days to form a habit, whether it's going to the gym, changing your bedtime routine or finding five minutes a day to meditate. If we practice new behavior for 21 days, it becomes habitual ... something that is done regularly or repeatedly.

I recently undertook a 21-day journey to lower my cholesterol, following strict proportions of healthy fats, carbs and protein. It worked --; my numbers dropped 47 points in just three months. The other good news is that, by practicing good nutrition, I've gained new habits I can use for a lifetime.

I also learned that habits are easy to fall back on - that's why we rely on them so much. What's become ingrained in us requires little conscious thought, and, once we've formed them, our habits - for good or ill - have predictable outcomes.

Lowering my cholesterol with a healthy diet is an example of a good outcome. Hunting for my keys every morning because I have a habit of dropping them just anywhere when I walk in the door after work is an example of a less-than-desirable, but still completely predictable, outcome.

Watching Donald Trump these past few months - first with amusement, then with amazement, anger, fear and now dread - I recognize that he relies on habits he has formed over the years. Calling people names (or worse) when they disagree with him. Denigrating entire religions, races and genders. Inciting violence with veiled references to cheating, riots and vigilantes. Hiding behind bankruptcies and tax returns that he won't reveal or discuss.

Trump lies and pretends he's not. Or perhaps he doesn't even know that he is, such as when he cited nonexistent news footage of nonexistent Muslim crowds cheering as the Twin Towers came down. He considers himself the center of the universe, boasting of his sexual prowess and conquests, and once compared his fears of STDs in his dating life to fighting in the Vietnam War.

This type of behavior comes so easily on the campaign trail because it's habitual for this megalomaniacal bully who just so happens to be seeking the highest office in the land. It's easy because it's a habit, and effective because Trump knows exactly what the outcomes will be.

There are only two months until the Republican National Convention, where Trump will likely emerge as the presidential nominee (hence, my dread). Then he would have about 120 days until the general election. In that time, Mr. Trump, surely you can find 21 days in which to develop habits that befit our Commander in Chief.

It's probably too much to ask that, in this short amount of time, you develop tolerance, empathy and thoughtful and considered policies. So if you can gain only one habit, here it is:

Stick to the facts. The very Establishment politicians you rail against have a far better grasp of reality than you do.

Try talking regularly and repeatedly only about that which can be proved as truth, on topics relevant to more of the American people than just your supporters. Of course, then you won't have much to say, which, in my opinion, would be the most desirable outcome.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Just-21-days-to-a-more-truthful-politician,213894?branding=15

Dance company to play Lakewood, Lone Tree - #lakewoodnews

The Zikr Dance Company will appear at Lakewood Cultural Center June 4 and 5 and at Lone Tree Arts Center June 11 and 12 in a program called "Samsara," which will premiere a new work by artistic director David Taylor and reprise some of the company's earlier pieces.

The company's roster includes five dancers from Colorado Ballet and eight other classically trained local dancers.

The first half of the program will premiere a new duet, "Altar," featuring Kurtis Irwin and Ryan Lee, accompanied by an original score by Boulder musician composer Jesse Manno (who wrote music for Taylor's popular "Rainforest" score in 1995.)

Also in the first half is "Sadhu." Taylor explained that "Sadhu" is a religious ascetic, usually Hindu or Buddhist, and the ballet is set to exciting music by Philip Glass. "In Your Eyes," an audience favorite, will also be performed.

Taylor said "Samsara" is a Sanskrit word that means the cycle of birth, death and reincarnation, a prevalent concept in Eastern religious traditions. The new ballet, which fills the second half of the production, focuses on this idea, set to the progressive art/rock music of Yes.

It includes dancers ascending and descending onstage on fly lines and is also accompanied by special effects created by University of Colorado-Denver professor Bryan Leister. These will include "projection mapping" effects, generated by a computer and the Isadora program, whereby overhead graphic projections follow a dancer's movements onstage.

Two other works fill out the program: sacred movement dances "Walking Prayer" and "Whirling Dervish," which are Gurdjieff sacred movements.

If you go

This program will first be presented at 7:30 p.m. May 27 at the Avalon Ballroom , 6185 Arapahoe Road, Boulder; on June 4 and 5, it will be at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 Allison Parkway, Lakewood, at 7:30 p.m. June 4 and 2 p.m. June 5. On June 11 and 12, there will be performances at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, at 7:30 p.m. June 11 and 2 p.m. June 12. Tickets: $18-$30 at both venues.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Dance-company-to-play-Lakewood-Lone-Tree,213893

Longtime restaurateur Ray Valente - #lakewoodnews

Raymond Valente Sr., or Ray or Senior as he was known to his friends, died at the age of 91 at Mountain Vista Senior Living Center on May 6.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine, sons Ray Jr. and Mark, daughter-in-laws, Linda Valente and Paula Valente, granddaughters, Jaida Paolini and Gia Valente, grandson-in-law, Alessandro Paolini and great granddaughter, Marcella.

Ray was a community mainstay, owning and operating Valente's Italian Restaurant, at 38th Avenue and Reed Street in Wheat Ridge for 44 years, and Marc's Restaurant, also on West 38th for 18 years.

"It's so hard to pick a favorite memory with my dad," Mark said. "I'll always remember playing golf with him, and the holiday and family dinners. Those were some of the nicest times."

We attended Ray's celebration of life at Wheat Ridge's Sons of Italy to speak to those who knew him best, about their favorite memories and what they will miss most.

1. Don Pergola: "I was Ray's first pizza maker in 1964, and I worked for him from junior high basically through college. He was always so funny, and was the hardest worker I ever met. I'm going to miss his laugh and leadership."

2. Irene Fanning: "I've known Ray for 50 years. I went to the same school as him and I saw him at the restaurant all the time. Our families went to Italy together and we did business together for years. I still miss his restaurants."

3. Jerry Mollendor: "Our families go way back, and we used to see each other all the time. For so many years we had all our parties at Ray's restaurants. He was just a prince. He had the gift of talk, and he never met a stranger."

4. Robert and Roberta Lusso: "He had an absolutely beautiful personality."

5. Paula Valente: "I met Ray for the first time at his restaurant when I was probably eight or nine years old. I couldn't have hand-picked a better father-in-law. He was generous, loving, just a great man. He loved everybody. I'll miss that big voice of his."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://wheatridgetranscript.com/stories/Longtime-restaurateur-Ray-Valente,213865?branding=15

State's fastest compete - #lakewoodnews

The state's fastest high school athletes competed this weekend in the 5A and 4A state tournaments. Check this week's newspapers, and this site for more information.

Pictured: Senior Bailey Sharon of Green Mountain runs the last leg of the 4x400 relay on May 20, day two of the of the high school boys and girls track meet at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. Sharon and juniors Saylor Sargent, Kiersten Allen and Genevieve Kramer-Marion placed first in the preliminaries with a time of 3:56.44.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/States-fastest-compete,213859

New retail liquor store splits city council vote

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

Green Mountain High School's class of 2016 - #lakewoodnews

Green Mountain High School held the class of 2016 commencement ceremony at 9 a.m on Thursday, May 19, at the picturesque Red Rocks Amphitheater.

The Valedictorian was Heidi Renae Hunfford, and the Salutorian was named Lexine Rene Kagiyama.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Green-Mountain-High-Schools-class-of-2016,213850

Airport board prefers Boutique

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

Ice rink/pavilion estimate way off

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

Graduate: Emily Powers of Lakewood High School - #lakewoodnews

Powers' favorite subject in school was English. On top of cheerleading for two years and working on both yearbook and newspaper, she has been on the LHS Honor Roll for four years. She will attend the University of Missouri in the fall to study journalism.

If you really knew me, you'd know that ... 

I love learning and talking to people.

My favorite part about high school was ...

Finding people similar to me and forming relationships. 

As I head into the next chapter of my life, I'm most excited about ...

Seeing what the future holds and what I will do after college.

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Graduate-Emily-Powers-of-Lakewood-High-School,213819

Graduate: Jessi Dettman of Green Mountain High School - #lakewoodnews

Dettman was president of DECA and is attending Seattle University to study economics.

My favorite part about high school was ...

Watching everyone grow up into the people they were made to be.

As I head into the next chapter of my life, I'm most excited about ...

Everyone is pursuing their passions and what they want to do for the rest of their lives.

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Jessi-Dettman-of-Green-Mountain-High-School,213818

Graduate: Erin Char of Bear Creek High School - #lakewoodnews

Erin Char's favorite subjects are math and science. She tried to push herself in her classes and participate in school clubs, so she did quite a bit of work for them at home. Some of her accomplishments include winning the AP Biology award and graduating with a GPA over 4.0. She participated in many sports, including running, tennis and figure skating. She will attend University of Colorado-Boulder.

If you really knew me, you'd know that ...

I am very athletic and am passionate about science.

My favorite part about high school was ...

I loved the opportunities I was given to create connections with others and pursue my passions.

As I head into the next chapter of my life, I'm most excited about ...

Diving deeper into my favorite subjects and exploring new places and experiencing campus life.

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Graduate-Erin-Char-of-Bear-Creek-High-School,213817

Editorial cartoon May 19 - #lakewoodnews

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Editorial-cartoon-May-19,213804

Tuesday fire leaves three homeless

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

City recommends Boutique Air

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