Judicial center architect chosen

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

Duarte dies after power line incident

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

Vehicle, pedestrian accident is fatal

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

County opposes Amendment 69

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

Valley shares July 4th weekend events

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

Jedi-cyclists - #lakewoodnews

The Force was strong with Wheat Ridge cyclists who took part in Bike to Work Day on June 22.

The Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (or ATAT) hosted the 4th annual breakfast station for riders at the Dairy Queen at 38th Avenue and Pierce Street, featuring orange juice and coffee, fruit and breakfast pizzas courtesy of IPIE Pizza.

"Bike to Work Day is great because you get families on the way to drop the kids off at preschool before continuing on to their job," said Rachel Hultin, an officer with the team. "It's just a super special day where people are excited to be out."

Since the organization's acronym is the same as the infamous Imperial walkers from the Star Wars film "The Empire Strikes Back," the team has embraced the Star Wars fandom and dubbed the morning "Awaken with the Force." Darth Vader was on hand for selfies and to hand out breakfast.

"For me, today is Christmas," said cyclist Jenny Snell. "It's so exciting to see people get stoked to be out on the road with their bikes."

The station was a popular stop early in the morning, with more than 50 people rolling through for refreshment and a bite to eat. It was also a popular stop for City of Wheat Ridge employees on the way to work at city hall.

"We usually get a good 10 to 20 people who participate in the day," said Heather Geyer, administrative services director with the city. "Today is a great opportunity to get out of the car, get some fresh air and exercise."

The morning was perfect cycling weather --; cool and cloudy, and motorists honked at Darth Vader as they drove by. At the station riders exchanged stories, recommendations on routes, and shared some laughs.

"Bike to Work Day encourages people to engage in healthy activities, and that's great," said Scott Brink, Wheat Ridge's director of public works, as he stopped at the station. "The camaraderie that comes with this day is just fantastic."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Jedi-cyclists,222816

My Name Is: Pam Feely - #lakewoodnews

About me ...I'm a third generation Denverite -- my great grandfather moved here in the 1870s because he thought he had tuberculosis and the environment would be better for him.I was born at St. Joseph's Hospital, and our family moved to Lakewood in 1968. I went to Alameda High School and went to Regis University to get my degree in accounting and business. I decided I wanted to go back and get my Master's at the school, which I did in 2014.I owned Feely & Associates, PC, an accounting firm, for 20 years and am now transitioning into more campaign finance work.Political interests ...Politics is something I've always been interested in, even as a kid. Some people are really good at going out there and asking for votes, but that's not something I've ever enjoyed doing.I've been a treasurer for elected officials since 2005, when I started with Ed Perlmutter. I've worked for Andy Kerr, and numerous city council campaigns.I have a lot of interests, including pensions, sales tax, and the Gallagher amendment.Writing a book ...Campaign finance has gotten more complicated over the years in the name of transparency.I started thinking about writing this book in June 2014, and I first met my publisher to get started in February 2015. I finished up writing in March, and then had to work with a graphic designer on the cover design.One of the hardest parts was committing to a title, but it was also one of the most important parts, because you can't get an ISBN number or cover until you have that selected.My favorite part was putting it together and working with the graphic designer.The importance of awareness ...A lot of campaigns don't know what they're doing, and they can get in big trouble if they're not careful. Especially since Colorado has 180 home rule cities with their own variations on regulations.This is a not a partisan thing, and if this is the campaign finance system we're going to have, my book has answers for any questions people may have.I've already had interest from people who will are considering running for city council in 2017.To purchase "A Candidate's guide to Campaign Finance in Colorado," visit www.campaignfinanceguides.com.If you have suggestions for My Name Is ..., contact Clarke Reader at creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/My-Name-Is-Pam-Feely,222815

Destination victory - #lakewoodnews

There are no places a person cannot be transported to with imagination.

For Devinny Elementary's Destination Imagination team, it took the students to Tennessee, where the won the global competition in their event.

"It was very competitive," said Sebastian Olivares, 9, a member of the team with his 10-year-old brother Nathaniel.

"There were 75 teams from all over, but we used our skills to win," added Nathaniel.

Destination Imagination is a competitive team event that uses projects in a variety of categories to help students learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with the arts.

The Devinny Team, called "I Can't Pronounce This Team's Name," is made up of Lauren Matthews, Amanda Artman, Kaelen Peters, Ryan Von Kaenel and the Olivares brothers, is coached by Rhonda Peters and competes in the improvisational category.

"The team are given materials, and a scenario with characters and locations," explained Amy Downs, Olivares' mother and Destination Imagination volunteer. "They then have a short amount of time to build a structure that goes with the story they want to tell."

The Devinny practiced often during the week and weekends, said Nathaniel, in preparation for tournaments. Their time and dedication paid off when they won the regional tournament in March, and then the state tournaments in April.

To get to Knoxville, Tennessee, for the global competition, the team raised about $15,000 to get there. The story they ended up telling to win involved the Egyptian pharaoh King Tut dying of boredom waiting for a hippo to leave his swimming pool.

The Olivares boys are already looking forward to participating next year's competition, and said their favorite part of this year's team was working together to win first place.

"I learned a lot of different skills and how to use them when least expected," Nathaniel said.

"Because we did the improve category, I learned how to think quickly," Sebastian added. "That and teamwork."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Destination-victory,222813

Lakewood named All-America City for second time - #lakewoodnews

Lakewood was named as a 2016 All-America City by the National Civic League on June 19.

This is an honor given each year to 10 communities for outstanding civic accomplishments.

This is the second time the city has received this designation. The first time was in 2011.

The criteria for winning the award includes impact, inclusiveness, public engagement and the use of collaborative problem-solving strategies linking the private, public and nonprofit sectors.

According to information provided by Lakewood, the city won the award based on the strength of the following projects: the Mountair Park Community Farm, Lakewood Linked and Schools as Hubs. These projects highlighted the Mountair Park Summer Camp, the Field of Dreams sports field renovation at Foothills Elementary School, the Lakewood Faith Coalition's Whiz Kids literacy and mentoring work and numerous nonprofits that provide important services to and through the schools.

Other winners this year include Hayward, California, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and Norfolk, Virginia.

This year, the All-America Awards program highlighted community efforts to "ensure that all our children are healthy and successful in school and life." The winning communities addressed topics such as: school attendance, racial equity, health and well-being (of children, parents and community), neighborhood safety, poverty, nutrition, affordable housing, and healthy natural environments.

"These All-America cities are doing amazing work to engage their communities in helping to assure the well-being of young people," said Doug Linkhart, President of the National Civic League, in a statement. "We're constantly impressed by their innovation and dedication in bringing together groups and individuals together to address critical issues such as the health and educational success."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Lakewood-named-All-America-City-for-second-time,222812

Young Lakewood hands guide race cars - #lakewoodnews

The pop, pop, pop of dozens of single cylinder engines filled the air June 24 at young drivers prepared to take their turns on the starting line at the Junior Drag Racing event at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison.

"I used to come to Bandimere with my dad and I liked drag racing," Samantha Biesemeier said as she waited her turn to go to the starting line. "Someone suggested junior drag racing, dad said OK, I tried and I really like racing."

The 12-year-old, who attends Dunston Middle School in Lakewood, said has been involved in junior drag racing for four years.

"When you pull to the starting line, there is a lot of adrenaline rushing through me," she said. "I don't know how to describe the feeling, I just want to go."

She said she has a great time at the races and she often is on the starting line to race drivers who also happen to be her friends.

"It is very competitive and everyone wants to win every race," she said. "But it is almost like everyone racing is a member of the same family. We hang around together when we are here at the track but it is all business when we pull up to the starting line. I also like racing because I can spend time with my parents."

Biesemeyer's car, like many of the cars, has a simple paint black paint job with few modifications.

That isn't the case with the cars driven by the Steirs brothers. Owen Steirs drives a car adorned with the red, white and blue emblems of Captain America and he wears a red Mohawk-type addition to the top of his helmet. His brother Austin's car has a lot of green art on it as the Incredible Hulk car. Austin, who has a Mohawk haircut also has a green Mohawk addition on the top of his helmet.

Their mother Christie Steirs said the boys got into junior drag racing because her husband and their uncle Roy Anderson are both drag racers and got the boys into the sport.

"Owen is currently tied for fifth place in his division and Austin is making runs to earn his license," the Lakewood resident said.

Austin said he is excited and ready to go racing.

"This is my first time to go racing," the boy said. "I think I'll like it because I like to go fast."

The three days of junior drag racing is an annual Bandimere Speedway event. It began when the track hosted the Junior Drag Racing Western Nationals. The same weekend was held open for the weekend called the Junior Drag Shoot-Out Event.

"This is a three-day event with a lot of special races and competitions," John Miller, track media representative, said. "We have almost 150 entries this year from all over Colorado and from a number of other states."

Pit areas were lined with equipment trailers pulled by a variety of vehicles ranging from pickup trucks to motor homes.

The car driven in junior dragster races are half the size of the dragsters driven by adults. There also is a huge difference in horsepower as the junior dragsters for younger age groups are divine by Briggs and Stratton lawn mower-style engines. The older group can upgrade their engines to small motorcycle engines.

A base car and engine for younger drivers costs about $5,000 new but used cars are usually available at a lower cost. The cost goes up as drivers get older and the cost for car and engine can be more than $8,000.

Driver safety equipment is required and the equipment to satisfy the rules can cost $500 or more. Each driver must be a member of the National Hot Rod Association. The fee for a year's membership is $34.

Additional costs include the equipment trailer, spare parts, fuel, and race entry fees. Travel expenses would be have to be added in to the total cost of competition if the team goes from track to track.

Miller said protecting the drivers is a must so the rules require drivers to wear full sets of protective equipment including safety racing suits and helmets plus they must have the regular five-point safety harness to belt them into the cockpit.

Races are open to 5- to 17-year-olds divided into five age groups. Rules for each age group limit the size and speed of the vehicles.

For example, five-year-old drivers are limited to a single pass down the track and can't go from a standing start to the finish line 1/8 of a mile away faster than 20 seconds while 13- to 17-year-old drivers can go a lot faster and can be traveling about 80 miles an hour when they cross the finish line.

The races at Bandimere are a local competition. However, there are parent-children racing teams that travel to other tracks to compete for points with the goal of being named a representative to one of two Junior Dragster finals, the Western Nationals in Tulsa and the Easter Nationals in Bristol, Tenn.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Young-Lakewood-hands-guide-race-cars,222603?branding=15

Lakewood High class of '76 reunites on the rocks - #lakewoodnews

High school graduations at Red Rocks Amphitheater are a common occurrence now, but when Lakewood High School's graduating class crossed the stage to receive their diplomas in 1976, they were making history.

"We were the first class from a Jefferson County school to graduate at Red Rocks," said Phyllis DeNovellis, n e Hall, a member of the class. "Graduation happened around America's bicentennial celebrations, so our class wanted to do something special."

Forty years later, graduates gathered at the amphitheater to recreate the event with a class photo as part of the class' reunion weekend.

Approximately 100 former students showed up June 24 through 26 for the photo at the amphitheater and events, which included a mixer at Holiday Lanes bowling Alley, dinner at the Museum of Nature and Science and a picnic at Addenbrooke Park.

The reunion has been in the works for a little more than a year, according to DeNovellis and class of 1976 member Christine Lewin, n e Kloepfer.

"These are people I've known for 50 years, and we were a very close class," Lewin said. "Those of us who were planning everything wanted this to be the best reunion ever."

Despite social media's prevalence in contemporary times, tracking down members of the about 500-student class proved to be quite the challenge. DeNovellis employed social media, public records and networking to track down as many classmates as possible.

"Even if they weren't able to attend, I was so blessed to be able talk to so many classmates," she said. "If everyone has half as much fun at the events as we did planning them, it will be great."

At Red Rocks, all seemed in a great mood, catching up with old friends, remembering old times and telling jokes. There were lots of hugs in between conversations, as people who may not have seen each other in 40 years, got reacquainted.

"I haven't been to any of the previous reunions, but this year I thought, no more excuses," said Lauri Fairey, n e Bach. "The committee has done a great job putting this together for all of us."

Students have gone in a variety of directions with their lives --; many have grandchildren, some are widows or widowers, and some have already died.

"It's tough knowing that some are gone already, but it makes us appreciate those who are still here," Lewin said. "I am so looking forward to actually seeing my friends' faces and physically hugging them."

When reaching out to people, DeNovellis learned that many class members went on to be realtors, and a large percentage moved from Lakewood to Colorado Springs. Others, like Michael Moore, have left the state and found their own success. Moore is a competitor in the American Ninja Warrior.

"Some of us have kept in close touch, but it's been great reconnecting with people I've lost touch with," he said. "We had a pretty great group of people in our class."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Lakewood-High-class-of-76-reunites-on-the-rocks,222604?branding=15

A summer evening in Wheat Ridge with family and friends - #lakewoodnews

The first of several Friday Nite Live! events in Wheat Ridge, planned for this summer by the Ridge at 38 folks, was June 24.

The events, held at "The Green" at 7101 W. 38th Avenue, feature family activities, live music and a fun movie.

Last Friday, the music was provided by Quickdraw Homegrown Music, and the movie was cult classic "The Princess Bride."

Members of the Wheaties Academy (sponsored and affiliated with Localworks) were there giving out glow sticks to parents and kids alike.

"We wanted to incorporate something that was community driven, which obviously Friday Nite Live is excellent, said Janenne Allen, a Wheaties Academy member. "We are (happy with the turnout), and we can't wait to see more people show up."

The next Friday Night Live! event will be July 29, featuring an underwater theme, and the movie Finding Nemo. More information is available at Ridgeat38.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://wheatridgetranscript.com/stories/A-summer-evening-in-Wheat-Ridge-with-family-and-friends,222605?branding=15

Building a community, one bench at a time - #lakewoodnews

The Lakewood arts community around 14th Avenue unveiled another addition to their public arts offerings with the new "Community" bench on June 24.

The bench was created by sculptor Austin Weishel and fabricator Tim Driscoll, both firefighters, after being paired by Travis Hopwood, the prior No. 1 station captain.

The bench was a collaboration between West Metro Fire and the City of Lakewood, with funding provided by the city's Neighborhood Participation Program.

The bench incorporates a fire ladder into the design, and there are custom bronze pieces that augment the work.

Here are some of the best things we heard at the unveiling:

Point 1: Austin Weishel --; This was a new kind of project for me, but it was interesting to combine Tim and my abilities on the project. And now we've made a piece that will last forever.

Point 2: Tim Driscoll --; The captain reached out to us about creating a metal project for Lakewood, and it was an honor to be asked to contribute.

Point 3: Maddie Nichols --; I think the final work is great, especially since it signifies firehouse No. 1. It's a great addition to the firehouse and the neighborhood.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Building-a-community-one-bench-at-a-time,222600

Police increase enforcement of speeds, volume - #lakewoodnews

Speeders on Morrison Road beware --; Lakewood Police are watching.

The department has received ongoing complaints from residents about excessive speed and noise from vehicles traveling on Morrison Road, between C-470 and Kipling Parkway, particularly on the weekends.

"When we hear this much from residents, it's something we look into," said Steve Davis, public information officer with the department. "We will continue to heavily enforce the area until we feel like we've made an impact."

Lakewood recently experienced a similar situation on 6th Avenue, which was seeing drivers hit speeds of 100 and faster, Davis said.

Morrison Road isn't particularly high volume, according to Lakewood traffic engineer David Baskett. It sees about 4,500 vehicles a day, which is fairly low, he added. The city considers it more of a collectors street than an arterial.

"This is usually how the police and city work together," he said. "Police look at the times when they're seeing the most speeding, and that's when they sound out officers."

Summer is prime time for speeding, with the warm weather and people out later, Davis said. The weather also means people leave their windows open at night, so it is easier to hear cars going too fast.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Police-increase-enforcement-of-speeds-volume,222601?branding=15

Valdez, Mattive in race for HD 62

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

Jeffco letters to the editor -- June 30 edition - #lakewoodnews

Giving cancer patients a lift

One of the biggest roadblocks to cancer treatment is transportation. The American Cancer Society's Road To Recovery program helps provide patients across Metro Denver with free rides to treatment. They need your help.

For those in the area who cannot drive themselves or have no other means of getting to treatment, volunteers donate their spare time and the use of their personal vehicle to give cancer patients in their community a much-needed ride. Road To Recovery volunteers in the community have driven many patients to their cancer treatments but the need continues to grow.

Every driver has one of the most crucial instruments in cancer care and it's been next to you the whole time - your passenger seat! It can be used to help save lives.

To volunteer all you need is a current, valid driver's license, access to a safe and reliable vehicle, and proof of adequate automobile insurance. Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a good driving record. To ensure quality drivers the Society screens every driver and has them complete a training course. Rides are scheduled Monday through Friday and drivers are able to select the times they are available.

Volunteer coordinators are also needed to help schedule the requested rides. Coordinators can work from any location that is convenient for them. Great organization and communication skills can make a major impact on the well being of cancer patients in the community.

As a Road To Recovery volunteer for almost six years I can truly say that the patients aren't the only ones to benefit from this program. It's a great feeling to know that I'm donating my passenger seat to help save lives!

For more information, please visit cancer.org/drive or call 720-524-5405.

Carol Rose, Road To Recovery VolunteerLakewood

A CPA eager to support Emma

Congratulation to Emma Albertoni (www.facebook.com/downwithdough) on her efforts to cause the Jeffco School Board to step into the 21st Century.

The financial literacy effort she is seeking to have the School Board implement is, in my opinion, way overdue. Our own four children graduated from Arvada West in the late 70's and early 80's. Although not required for graduation, they all took, at my insistence, a course in learning about some basic financial understanding of the financial system, how to use checking accounts and other basic financial system functions of that time. It has served them well in their lives and I have never understood why the curriculum has never, to my knowledge, required students to have such a course to graduate. If the school curriculum is to ever try to include useful courses such as the one that Emma is trying to achieve in her effort and make it mandatory, it is too long in coming.

It is disconcerting to me to have to rely on current students to try to convince the School Board about useful content in curriculum.

Harold D. Hein,Arvada

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Jeffco-letters-to-the-editor-June-30-edition,222585?branding=15

Walking away is often the better choice - #lakewoodnews

Most of the time - much of the time, anyway - I don't get bothered by what could be considered slights. For example, when a classmate at a writing workshop apologized for walking away from me to take a call the previous day, I told her, honestly, that I hadn't given it a thought.

Or, say, someone cuts in line in front of me at the grocery store or at a concert. Yes, I'm annoyed, but it's unlikely I'll voice my irritation any louder than a low-voiced comment to my companions.

Unless, that is, if I'm in a car. I give voice to my astonishment, disgust, and downright disbelief loud enough that anyone nearby would hear and understand. It's not pretty, but no one usually gets to hear my displeasure.

So it wasn't a surprise to me that I was pretty peeved when someone swung into the parking spot at Home Depot for which I had clearly been waiting. What did surprise me is what happened next: As a mom and her two teenage-ish daughters got out of their car, I rolled down my window and said, "Wow ... you just took my spot," in mock amazement.

What happened next was that I immediately felt ashamed. From the look on the woman's face, she had no idea what I was talking about. Her daughters gaped first at me and then at her.

I said, "That's okay ... I guess you didn't see me." She was flustered and said she hadn't. She kept telling me she was sorry. I kept telling her it was okay and I inched away to park elsewhere. By that time, though, I was completely consumed with shame. I was there on an absolutely gorgeous morning to pick out the absolutely gorgeous flowers I was going to pot for my patio. What was wrong with me?

I sprinted after the little family, calling out to them. "I'm sorry," I said. "I was being petty, and on such a lovely day, too. I'm sorry." Beyond the pangs of regret I had brought upon myself, I was appalled that I had become that person.

What could have made me believe that accosting a stranger would have a good outcome, for either of us? I'm sure we all felt bad about my little tantrum, but my fervent hope is that they felt less bad after my apology.

This incident has stuck with me. Why did I think such behavior was called for? Perhaps I've become inured to sanctimonious pronouncements and self-righteous judgments, particularly during this election season. The hate spewed by some supporters of candidates, parties and policies is inexcusable. I'm not sure when or how I gave myself the okay to act in like manner, but I am sure I won't be doing it again.

In the wake of hate-inspired tragedies around the world and at home, I'm horrified that I could default to such self-entitled behavior. Even if, as a human being, I still get annoyed with my fellow citizens on planet Earth, there's absolutely no reason to senselessly berate someone like that ... or at all, really.

Next time, I'll just take a step back and walk - or drive - away from my own pettiness.

Andrea Doray is a writer who continues to be shocked by what anonymous commenters post online ... because they can. Contact Andrea at a.doray@andreadoray.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Walking-away-is-often-the-better-choice,222579?branding=15

Consider this bit of tribal counsel - #lakewoodnews

I was tooling around the house the other day, taking a moment to enjoy a cup of chai, when I flipped on the Telly (as the Brits might say), and found "Dances With Wolves." I wasn't looking for a 3-hour epic, multiple-Oscar winner to kill time with, but, well, there you have it. Big chunk of my day ... gone.

It got me thinking a lot about the idea of tribes. "Tribe" has become the new buzzword, signifying a person's sense of belonging to something. In the movie, John Dunbar, while running away from the slaughter of war, found his tribe in the Sioux nation. They welcomed him in, gave him community and purpose.

In the education game, we talk a lot about helping kids find their "tribe." And, as easy, or even romantic, as that idea is to throw around, it is actually a much more complicated idea than a lot of people consider.

When Columbine happened, we spent a lot of time talking about students and "social disconnect." The idea was that students did not have to be popular to feel safe at school --; they just had to have a few friends who they trust and could provide them with a shell of social belonging. A "tribe," as it were. And so, we spend a lot of time thinking about different ways to connect students to other students, to help shape and mold their social experiences in a way that they can feel connected. This is part of why middle schools are organized into teams these days, and why faculty advisors are a normal part of the secondary school experience.

It's a grand idea, but, parents, let me caution you against casual joy at your child finding a "tribe"--;not every tribe is good. First of all, predators instinctively know who is outside of the tribe, and create their own. They prey on young people --; especially, but not exclusively, girls --; and show interest in them. They make them feel a sense of worth that no tribe has asserted yet, and then they isolate them from the structures of their life --; family, church, old friends. The clever ones even do it in a way that makes it seem like every bad idea comes from the prey. And then they hook them in to their solo tribe.

In the 1920s, when the wave of Italian immigrants had started to settle into the fabric of American life, there was one powerful tribe that formed to give young men, in particular, a place to belong --; it was the mafia. Organized crime might be the greatest tribal movement in America in the 20th century, going from Hoffa to MS-13 to Chinese Triads to the Crips and the Bloods. Gone to another level, these become the Jim Joneses, or Charles Mansons, or the Branch Davidians. Or, for that matter, ISIS. But they're a tribe!

Even American politics is starting to fracture along tribal lines. Ben Shapiro wrote a piece in National Review a couple weeks ago arguing that Donald Trump is not, in any way, a rejection of the type of politics that Barack Obama has practiced for the last ten years. They both identify areas of contention, and then leverage those; they both embrace the power of government to accomplish things for their "tribe;" and neither of them seem to have any interest in dealing with members of the other tribe --; it's all or nothing politics. Trump isn't a refutation of eight years of Obama --; he's the strong man champion of those who feel aggrieved by the tribe of Obama.

Luckily, there are still some wonderful tribes out there --; the Marines, for instance. Belonging to one of those can still be a launching pad to accomplishment in life. Just don't be complacent and assume that every tribe is like that. The fact that the Marines exist is testament to the presence of bad tribes, too.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Consider-this-bit-of-tribal-counsel,222580?branding=15

Helping kids with math this summer - #lakewoodnews

Teachers hope families will do a little math, reading and writing with their children this summer. When children master math facts they become so much faster at mental math and doing word problems. Daily summer practice for 10 minutes will help children the rest of the year.

Try these math fact tricks. Start by adding one and two to numbers one through 10. They are simply counting the next two numbers.

Next help children to memorize doubles. Make up a song or say them to a beat together on the way to soccer or running errands 1+1 = 2, 2+2 =4, 3+3=6, 6=6=12.

Why are these so important? Some of the most troublesome addition math facts are one up or one down from a double: 3+2 or 3+4 plague children. However, if they have memorized 3+3, they can reach the troublesome 3+2 using a strategy by quickly subtracting one from the double. They can reach that other culprit 3+4 by saying 3+3=6 and adding one in their head.

Teach strategies

Help children have strategies to solve math fact troubles. It cuts down the time they spend on math homework, allows them to spend more time on practical and challenging word problems and gives them math confidence.

Use addition to learn subtraction. To learn subtraction facts like 10-6, start with 6 and count 4 fingers to get to 10. Fingers and pennies are good for checking and practice.

Practice no more than five new math facts at time. Keep the facts few and the time short.

Practice should be cumulative. When practicing new facts, mix in a few old facts to boost confidence and aid overlearning.

Children should say the entire math fact out loud. 10-6=4. Children will remember the whole verbal chain. Practice the chain in a silly, deep football player, princess or squeaky voice.

Use math fact cards, make a pile of known facts and watch it grow.

Celebrate progress

Celebrate little successes. Do something special. Keep a practice chart with rewards.

Make learning fun. Practice with dice. Add numbers on the dice, then roll one again and subtract it. Every correct answer can be worth a penny or more.

Use electronics for practice and motivation. There are many applications and games for devices on-line. Search for "math fact practice" and "multiplication table tricks".

Give children practice taking math fact tests that look like school tests. Start with 10 problem tests and work up to 50. Then children will not be so nervous during the real thing.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Helping-kids-with-math-this-summer,222214?branding=15

- #lakewoodnews

Free events

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/

Arvada - #lakewoodnews

The City of Arvada's Independence Day celebration will begin at 4 p.m. July 4 at Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex, enter at 58th Avenue and Oak Street in Arvada.

The festival will feature food trucks, live entertainment, vendors and family-friendly activities such face painters, bouncy houses and human hamster balls.

Fireworks are expected to begin at 9 p.m. accompanied by a KOOL 105 simulcast.

No personal fireworks, alcohol, pets or drones will be permitted. Propane only grills will be allowed.

For more information, visit www.arvadafestivals.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Arvada,222216

Golden - #lakewoodnews

The Golden Lions Club is having its annual Fourth of July celebration beginning at about noon on July 4 at Lions Park, 1300 10th St., in Golden.

Live music will be performed during the entire festival. Bands will start at about noon, beginning with blues music from The Johnny O. Band until 3 p.m.; followed by Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts performing modern outlaw country from 3:30-6 p.m. and rock-and-roll headliners, Something Underground, will play at 6:30 p.m. until the fireworks display begins at about 9:15 p.m.

Family-friendly activities offered include free face painting and rides for children. People may bring picnic lunches and non-alcoholic beverages to the park, and Golden's American Legion Post 21 will have food and soda for purchase. A beer garden will be available for attendees of legal drinking age.

For more information, visit www.goldenlionsclub.org/4thofjuly or www.cityofgolden.net.

Ticketed events

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Golden,222217

Bandimere Speedway - #lakewoodnews

Bandimere Speedway will host its Jet Car Nationals & Family Festival on July 2 at the speedway, 3051 South Rooney Road, in Morrison.

For spectators, the Family Festival begins at 3 p.m. and will offer live music, games, rides and contests. Not all activities are covered in the price of admission.

A pre-race ceremony begins at 6 p.m., followed by the show at 7 p.m. which will feature jet cars and drag racing. A fireworks display will go on at about 9:45 p.m.

Tickets cost $25 in advance and $28 on the day of for adults, $14 in advance and $16 on the day of for juniors ages 6-12, and children under 5 are free.

Tickets for the Top Eliminator Club, which includes an upgraded seat and a catered meal, cost $55 per person. Discount coupons are available at Brakes Plus and select Chick-Fil-A restaurants. Parking costs $10.

For more information, visit www.bandimere.com or call 303-697-6001.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Bandimere-Speedway,222218

Blues Traveler -- A Colorado Independence Day tradition - #lakewoodnews

Red Rocks Amphitheater will host Blues Traveler in concert at 5:45 p.m. July 4 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, in Morrison. Gates open at 5 p.m.

Opening bands include Thompson Square, Uncle Kracker and Sam Palladio Ticket cost ranges from $39.95 to $44.95 in advance and $46 on the day of the event at the box office.

All ages are welcome.

For more information about the show or tickets, visit www.redrocksonline.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Blues-Traveler-A-Colorado-Independence-Day-tradition,222219

Help city plan for the future

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

Editorial Cartoon June 30 - #lakewoodnews

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Editorial-Cartoon-June-30,222183

Behind the scenes at Foothills Animal Shelter - #lakewoodnews

In 2015, more than 6,300 animals were adopted into loving homes from the Foothills Animal Shelter.

And it's caring people who contribute to the shelter's success. The shelter employs 50 people, has more than 450 volunteers and at least 180 foster homes where about 900 animals are cared for each year.

"We look at every animal as an individual," said Jessi Burns, the shelter's marketing and communications manager. "We do everything we can for each one."

To learn more about Foothills Animal Shelter, find it online at www.foothillsanimalshelter.org, visit the animals in person at 580 McIntyre St. in Golden from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, give the shelter a call at 303-278-7575 or send an email to info@fas4pets.org.

The equipment

New X-ray equipment at Foothills Animal Shelter runs the gamut when it comes to helping animals at the shelter, veterinarian Dr. Emily Hays said.

Hays has used the equipment for everything from a cat that swallowed a penny to a goose with a broken foot to fractures.

"The biggest impact," Hays said, "is that it's easier on the patients."

Not only does the X-ray help with being able to treat emergency cases immediately, animals no longer have to go through the stress of being transported to local veterinary clinics for X-rays.

The equipment cost $43,000, which was raised through donations.

"Donors stepped up and realized the importance," Hays said. "This allows us to provide the care that everyone would expect."

The X-ray equipment is used on about three to six animals a day, Hays said, or about more than 30 animals to date.

"Staff has always worked to provide amazing care, but this allows us to go the extra mile," she said. The equipment is "a big step as far as improving care for the shelter pets."

The volunteers

One reason the Foothills Animal Shelter is successful is because of the volunteers, said Jessi Burns, the shelter's marketing and communications manager.

"We couldn't do what we do without the volunteers," she said. "Volunteers do what the staff can't."

They walk dogs, socialize with cats, represent the shelter at various events, foster pets, transport animals and clean the facility. In fact, there are more than 70 different volunteer positions at the shelter. Between 450 to 500 people volunteer to fulfill the need.

Tony Catanese, a resident of Lookout Mountain, has been doing so for about a year.

On Tuesday afternoons, he writes pet bios on the cats. Every first Sunday of the month, you can see him on 7NEWS with an adoptable animal. And he volunteers at other off-site adoption events, as needed.

"I would do more if I could. When you're around animals," Catanese said, "you feel you're not doing enough."

For 16 years, Catanese and his dog Dodger volunteered in the pet therapy program atLutheran Medical Center. Dodger has since passed away, and because it was a special, unique experience for Catanese with Dodger, he decided to look into animal shelters for volunteering opportunities.

"Foothills impressed me the most," he said.

Catanese retired last June, and along with volunteering at other local organizations, he dedicates an average of 10 to 20 hours a week at Foothills Animal Shelter.

"There's a certain aura when you're in an environment of animal lovers," he said.

The only downfall is always wanting to take one home.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Behind-the-scenes-at-Foothills-Animal-Shelter,222182

A day at the almost-beach - #lakewoodnews

Sand enthusiasts of all ages flocked to Arvada's 4th-annual Sand in the City festival June 25-26, at the Ralston Park addition.

The two-day event featured nine hand-sculpted sand sculptures by local teams and one professionally sculpted piece. The sculptures, each designed by a local team of 20 individuals, represent a theme. From dragons and enchanted fantasy themes to kayaking minions and guitar-playing pigs, the sculptures were made to entertain and that they did- for around 20,000 people.

Along with the sand, festival goers enjoyed community vendors, a vibrant kid's zone and beach-themed entertainment over the course of the sandy event.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/A-day-at-the-almost-beach,222184

Racing, fireworks scheduled - #lakewoodnews

The roar of powerful engines and the flash and boom of fireworks are all on the agenda at the Jet Car Nationals & Family festival July 2 at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison.

"Bandimere Speedway has held a family celebration of Independence Day for about 20 years," John Bandimere Jr. said. "We want it to be a fun event for the whole family while we also share our pride in our country."

Racing includes 290 mph jet dragsters and 200 mph drag races during the day.

The family festival includes rides, games, contests and activities for parents and their children.

Gates open for spectators at 2 p.m. Adult admission is $28 at the gate and $23 in advance. Tickets for children 6 to 12 are $16 at the gate and $14 in advance. There is no charge for children 5 and under.

Racing begins at 2 p.m. and the family festival begins at 3 p.m. Jet cars and other drag racing cars will take to the track at 7 p.m.

The largest fireworks display in Jefferson County is scheduled to begin at 9:45 p.m.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Racing-fireworks-scheduled,221966

The power of faith - #lakewoodnews

What felt like the flu turned out to be something more final. And for Arvada dad and grandfather Gerry Gallick, the prognosis shook up his life.

But faith kept him steady.

"I've always been religious," said Gallick, who has Erdheim-Chester disease, an ultrarare blood disease that affects nearly 1,000 people worldwide. "My faith is like my anchor, my core center of strength, because when you lose all you have that's really all you have."

Like others diagnosed with a terminal illness, Gallick is fighting back with faith, which depending on the person can take many forms --; faith in God, a higher power, themselves.

"If people are deeply rooted in a spiritual community or a have a strong spiritual leader, that's huge for people in that moment," said Frank Gold, chaplain at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge. "It's grounding."

Erdheim-Chester affects each individual differently.

Before his diagnosis in April 2015, Gallick began to grow weak, had consistent head and neck pain and constantly felt as if he had the flu. Doctors found multiple clusters of genetically mutated white blood cells --; known as histiocytes --; in his skull, nose and neck. A tumor had formed in his spine. These clusters caused painful pressure to grow on his brain and body. Shortly after his diagnosis, he had surgery to remove clusters from his head.

He immediately turned to his faith to help him know what to do and how to fight.

"I am fighting because I am giving others an example of how to finish well," Gallick said. "We have adversity, and God gives us a backbone to lean on --; and I'm going to use it."

For the sick, their family and caregivers, having faith provides comfort in a bleak situation.

"Faith is one of those elements that helps them (patients) find meaning in their lives," said Winn Allison, an associate chaplain at Lutheran who also works in a hospice center. "It's a connection to God, Christ, Muhammad, memories of what was meaningful to them in their lives --; it's a source of peace."

At local hospitals and churches, chaplains and pastors say when people are diagnosed with a terminal illness, their faith --; however that may look for them --; grows as they try to answer one question:

"What is life all about?"

During these times, Allison said, individuals go through several stages of processing and grief.

They review their lives, consider what more they want to accomplish to ensure their last days are filled with happiness and quality, Allison said.

"For most of my patients, if they fall away, it's for a very brief period of time and they bounce back stronger," said Dr. Douglas Ney, a neuro-oncologist with the University of Colorado Hospital at Anschutz who specializes in Erdheim-Chester disease. "When people approach this with a good support --; either in their faith or outlook --; the time that they have really becomes of quality."

Over the past year, Gallick --; whose time left is uncertain --; has dedicated himself to making sure the time he has is filled with quality and, specifically, love, hope and compassion.

Through the treatment and education process, he said he has grown closer and deeper in his relationships with God and his family. He recently celebrated 17 years of marriage to his wife, Terry, and has had to move in with his family in Arvada from his native New England. The move, he said, gives him time with his children and grandchildren he might not otherwise have had.

On June 18, Gallick returned to his home in New England to try a trial medication that will hopefully help with pain and decrease the number of histiocytes affecting his body.

Gallick's deep faith and determination helps his family stay strong, too, he said. A faith, he added, that will support them after his death.

"We're all in this tornado called illness and I'm not getting out," he said. "But, hopefully, they can get out and put the pieces back together."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/The-power-of-faith,221933?branding=15

Art center seeks to grow - #lakewoodnews

At 40, people often celebrate being "over the hill," but for the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities this birthday is the beginning.

"It's going to be great," said Arvada Mayor Marc Williams of the Arvada Center's official transition to a nonprofit arts education entity from a city department. "It's going to give the ability for the center to grow philanthropically at a level higher than it could as a city department."

This transition --; taking place on July 1 and the center's 40 anniversary --; is a major change for the entity as a business, but not as a venue. The center will now be run as a private nonprofit organization, allowing for the entity to expand philanthropic giving, programming and its supporter base.

The move allows "the Arvada Center to remain viable in the long-term," said Ken Fellman, a founding board member of the nonprofit. "A nonprofit form will expose us to new audiences, supporters and ultimately help us continue to provide value."

Since its inception in 1976, the Arvada Center has been a department of the City of Arvada. Over the past 40 years, the city's financial contribution --; both in-kind and financial donations --; to the center has grown to about $4 million a year. In the early 1990s, Fellman said, that contribution reached a high point, one that needed to be stabilized. That's when the councils of the time, and several that followed, decided to research alternative methods of funding.

"We've been seriously moving in this direction for the last four to five years," Fellman said of the switch. "We're working to make it (the center) better in every way that entails."

Over the next five years, the center will operate as the nonprofit, taking over all programming, operations and fiscal responsibility. The City of Arvada will continue to run the building and grounds maintenance.

The switch coincides with the entity's 40th anniversary of a regional arts and entertainment venue, a moment Executive Director, Philip Sneed said, is both by design and providence.

"It's right timing," he said. "Most or all of us here are excited about this transition and the future. There are already a lot of exciting new possibilities that exist in the private sector that just don't in the public sector."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Art-center-seeks-to-grow,221935?branding=15

Celebrating 40 years of musical theater - #lakewoodnews

Over the years, the Arvada Center has showcased some of the most famous musicals in the Broadway canon --; everything from "Camelot" and "Les Mis rables" to "Tarzan" and "Death Takes A Holiday."

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, and the transition from a city-run department to a full-fledged nonprofit, the center is hosting a concert in its outdoor amphitheater with the Colorado Symphony featuring songs from its most popular musical productions.

The concert will be at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 9, at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd.

"This is a way for us to celebrate our past and look ahead to what's next," said Philip Sneed, the center's executive director. "Attendees are going to hear some of the greatest musical theater, with a far bigger orchestra than we normally have."

In addition to the symphony, the evening will feature performances from local musical theater actors and members of the center's Musical Theatre Teen Intensive summer camp.

With its three stages --; the Main Stage Theatre, Black Box Theatre and Amphitheatre --; the Arvada Center has produced more than 170 musicals, which provided plenty of choices when it came to picking songs. "Anything Goes" was the first musical production held at the venue, so that will kick off the evening.

"It was a fun challenge to find the flow of the music for the program," said Keith Ewer, coordinator of the concert. "Doing this brought up so many memories, because my life has been so intertwined with the musicals we do."

The actors performing at the concert are Lauren Shealy ("White Christmas," "Curtains"), Megan Van De Hey (seen in "Death Takes a Holiday," "Chess"), Daniel Langhoff ("Man of La Mancha," "Ragtime") and Stephen Day ("Les Mis rables," "She Loves Me").

"The Arvada Center is one of my favorite places --; it's just an incredibly positive environment," Shealy said. "What a momentous occasion, and I'm excited and honored to be a part of it."

For Ewer, Shealy and Sneed, the center has a rich personal history. Sneed had some of his first professional acting jobs there. Ewer achieved his dream of becoming a professional drumme there. And it gave Shealy an entree to the Colorado theater scene.

"I love the can-do attitude here at the Arvada Center," Ewer said. "We really live the show-must-go-on approach."

During the evening, local officials will mark the transition to a self-governing body. Five individuals who have volunteered at the center since its opening in 1976 will also be honored.

"We wanted to let the public know we support this transition," Sneed said. "It's exciting to move into this phase where we're sustaining ourselves."

The blending of music and business will make for an emotional and invigorating evening for performers and audiences alike.

"Any time I get to spend at the center makes me so excited," Shealy said. "I'm looking forward to singing outside on a summer night with some truly amazing people."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Celebrating-40-years-of-musical-theater,221936?branding=15

Needing someone to talk to? - #lakewoodnews

Resources exist to help comfort those facing a life-threatening condition, or for their loved ones. Here are but a few, which were mentioned in this story.

Lutheran provides additional local contact information for those in a variety of religious and spiritual denominations.

For information, call Frank Gold, 303-425-2393, or

www.lutheranmedicalcenter.org/for-patients-and-visitors/spiritual-care/chaplains-and-spiritual-care/

Pastor Joe Bertone, accpastorjoe@gmail.com

Local churches are often available for grief counseling. Contact your local church or care organization for more information.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Needing-someone-to-talk-to,221934?branding=15

Column: Results of overtime rule might be ironic - #lakewoodnews

The most important thing to know about the Obama administration's new overtime rule is that it has now disrupted or voided the arrangements 73,000 Coloradans had with their employers.

Arrangements, mutually beneficial to employer and employee alike, that accommodated individual lifestyles, family commitments and emergency needs. The 73,000 number comes from the U.S. Department of Labor and is part of the 4.2 million nationally that DOL claims are recipients of its warmly embracing beneficence.

Would that life worked so simply. It is worth noting that to explain its new rule, DOL used two cartoon characters, Sam and Mattie, not two human beings. Sam, the voice-over explains, will "have more of his own time" to do the things he likes.

"Sure, you might not make more money, but think of all the free time you'll have to look for a second job," noted Noah Rothman in Commentary magazine with bull's-eye irony.

The new rule affects salaried employees, not hourly paid employees. Hourly employees are paid overtime no matter what their annual pay. But certain employees, white-collar workers performing supervisory, managerial or administrative duties, are currently exempt from overtime pay after a $23,660-a-year threshold. The threshold increases to $47,476 on Dec. 1, and it needs no congressional approval to take effect.

If you think this increase only fair, think again.

"Entry-level management positions are going to disappear, and those employees will fall back to hourly jobs," said Juanita Duggan, president and CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business. "Obviously, that means higher costs for millions of small businesses regardless of whether they're making more sales, generating more revenue or dealing with other rising expenses. Many are struggling now, and they'll have to make tough choices that might affect the very same workers the Department of Labor thinks it's helping."

Added NFIB's senior legal counsel, Beth Milito: "Struggling small-business owners can't afford to pay more in overtime pay just because the Department of Labor says they should. Businesses can only afford more in payroll if they increase revenue, something the government is powerless to make happen. Most small-business owners will have to limit employees' hours and career opportunities."

But then, Duggan and Milito would say that, wouldn't they? That is the tone taken by The New York Times in an editorial praising the new overtime rule. "They (employer groups) have said that employers will cut base pay if forced to pay overtime, but that appears to be an idle threat."

Had, however, the Times editorial board read more than its section that day, it would have come across a story by their reporter, Sarah Max, who analyzed the options available to employers: "They (employers) could even cut the base salaries of those who regularly work more than 40 hours ..."

Across the political divide from the Times, The Wall Street Journal put it right on the money: "The irony is that salaried workers will enjoy less personal flexibility once they have to record their hours, and those who become hourly wage hands will receive even less."

Indeed, as business owner Kelli Glasser put it in Max's Times report, "If somebody needs to pick up a sick kid or go to a doctor's appointment, we let them do it because we know that at some point they'll make up for it. Once you start tracking hours, all that changes." Added businessman Lior Rachmany in the same article, "I think you get a better product when people are paid a salary. When a person knows there is a task to get done, it will get done, not on the clock." Rachmany, reports Max, "said he would probably end up hiring more entry-level employees and minimizing overtime pay for his affected salaried employees."

Finding real-life portrayers for DOL's overtime script after Dec. 1 will be a most difficult casting call. Watch for Sam and Mattie the sequel.

Tony Gagliardi is Colorado state director for the National Federation of Independent Business.

 

 

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Column-Results-of-overtime-rule-might-be-ironic,221926

The Edge stages intense production - #lakewoodnews

Catherine's Austin, Texas, garden is overgrown and weedy and she has hired a Cuban gardener to bring it under control as Robert Schenkkan's "By the Waters of Babylon" opens at the Edge Theater. Symbolic of two distressed psyches, the garden yields to human intervention before the troubled pair can manage their own problems. Mojitos help.

In this intense play, Patty Ionoff and Kent Randell play off each other effectively --; slowly revealing back stories that have left both emotionally crippled.

She has suffered in an abusive marriage and he escaped Cuba when his book was censored and now has a massive writer's block. We learn about a writer's life in Castro's Cuba.

Both characters unload in lengthy monologues and one wonders if healing is possible.

You know where this is going, but how it gets there, through a melodramatic second act, keeps the audience engaged clear past a nicely written and produced bit of magic realism towards the end.

The second act moves to the bedroom as expected and the set design cleverly makes that happen despite the Edge's small stage area.

Skilled director Warren Sherrill, who was recently appointed associate artistic director at the Edge Theater, has kept the interchange of dialogue paced just right, so each of the pair develops and changes towards a future we hope for.

Ionoff and Randell, with meaty roles many actors would love, keep our interest to the very last lines.

If you go

"By the Waters of Babylon" plays through July 3 at the Edge Theater, 1560 Teller St., Lakewood. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday, 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: theedgetheater.com, 303-232-0363.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/The-Edge-stages-intense-production,221897

Irish Festival features food, music, fun - #lakewoodnews

Gates are open at 5 p.m. July 8 at Clement Park and the Moxie Strings will strike the first note on the Clontarf Stage at 5:15. It's the 2016 Irish Festival and thousands of Irish and wannabe Irish folks will enjoy a weekend of all things from that Emerald Isle: music, dance, food, drink, storytelling, special athletic events ... and big, long-legged, sweet-tempered Irish wolfhounds.

Volunteers are sought for miscellaneous jobs --; see the website for contacts.

At 5:30 on July 8, the Wick School of Dance Irish dancers will begin their intricate high-stepping on the Main Stage, followed by a Welcome ceremony at 6 p.m.; the Screaming Orphans from 6:30-7:45 and the High Kings from 8:30-9:45. On the Clontarf Stage, Indigent Row plays 7-8:15 p.m. and Wild Mountain from 8:45-9:45.

On July 9, gates open at 10 a.m. and remain open until 10 p.m., with Bedlam Boys Irish Dance from 11 a.m.-noon, Mice in a Mug from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then bands continuing through the day. Visitors can also enjoy food and drink, a cultural tent, Irish harpists, Gaelic football (men's and women's); Gaelic hurling for men and camogie (for women.) And they have an opportunity to meet some Irish wolfhounds.

July 10 begins with a Mass from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m. (free admission), followed by musical acts and other activities, including athletics, until 6:45 p.m.

The festival is handicapped-accessible on sidewalks and grass. No skateboards or bicycles admitted. Strollers and small lawn chairs welcome.

The 2016 headliners are:

The High Kings, Ireland's Folk Band of the Year --; multi-instrumentalists who each grew up in an Irish music family.

The Elders are a six-piece band rooted in Americana and Celtic folk rock.

The Mahones are a 26-year-old band, formed on St. Patrick's Day, 1990, recognized for their own brand of Irish punk and 10 successful albums. Featured in the Academy Award-winning film, "The Fighter."

The Moxie Strings, which will perform each day, combine a fiddler, cellist and drummer/percussionist in a combination of Celtic and Americana music.

The Screaming Orphans are four sisters raised in County Donegal, where they played and sang traditional music and were able to form a contemporary band.

Eleven other bands will share the stages with these headliners.

If you go

The 22nd annual Irish Festival runs July 8-10 at Clement Park, Bowles and Wadsworth, west of Littleton in Jefferson County. Tickets: (12 and under free each day; a Paddy 'O VIP is available each day at higher price) July 8 $10; July 9 $13/$11; July 10 $13/$11. No dogs, except service dogs. (List of local kennels provided.) No outside food or beverages, marijuana, coolers, pets, roller skates, skateboards, bicycles.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Irish-Festival-features-food-music-fun,221898

Valor grad nearly claims match-play title - #lakewoodnews

Josh Seiple played his best golf at the end, but it still wasn't good enough to overcome a slow start.

Seiple, from Castle Pines Golf Club, overcame a 4-up disadvantage after the first 18-holes of the 36-hole final of the Colorado Golf Association's Match Play Championship at the Lone Tree Golf Club.

However, he was edged, 1-up, by Nathaniel Goddard, of Ptarmigan Golf Club in Fort Collins, on June 24 in the 116thtitle match of the CGA's oldest tournament.

"In the morning I just didn't have my stuff," said the 20-year-old Seiple, a graduate of Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch. "Nathaniel had his, and I just kind of brought some more energy... I was close, played well in the afternoon, but it wasn't good enough."

Seiple, who had double hip surgery last August and got a medical redshirt at the University of Mississippi for his sophomore season, never led during the finals after carding a 75 during the first 18 holes.

He rallied to make it a close match during the afternoon round, which also included a two-hour rain delay.

"After that little hour break between matches, I birdied the first two holes coming out," he said. "I birdied the fifth after the rain delay so I just got off to a better start. The momentum seemed to change a little bit in my favor."

Seiple evened the match on the 14th hole.

Goddard, a 22-year-old graduate of Colorado Christian University who played on the Lakewood school's back-to-back Christian University national championship teams, birdied No. 15, but Seiple once again tied the match with a nice up-and-down birdie on the 16th hole.

Goddard's approach shot on No. 17 set up a 6-foot birdie putt, which pushed him into a 1-up lead and then both players parred the 18th.

"He made an awesome putt on 15 and hit an awesome shot into 17 so props to him," Seiple said. "I just couldn't get over that hump. He kept the pressure on all day, he putted well and to do that is hard to beat. I took myself out of it in the first match.

"I didn't make a bogey on the last nine holes. I played my last 11 holes at 3-under. I closed well. It was that morning match that took me out of it. This is about the fourth or fifth tournament back since the surgery. The past few tournaments I've started to get into contention. I wish I could have closed this one out but I've been there the last few tournaments."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Valor-grad-nearly-claims-match-play-title,221896

Salazar center dedicated at ASU

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

PRCA rodeo begins

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

Former DSS director sentenced

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

Farm park starts 'Weekends on the Rio'

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

Firefighters busy in June

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

Justice center architect bids opened

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

Denver Comic Con puts on a show - #lakewoodnews

Denver's annual gathering of all things nerd convened June 17-19 at the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. Over the weekend, around 114,000 fans of all shapes, sizes, and species attended the weekend event, and we at Colorado Community Media, were some of them.

We explored the realms of creativity, paused to meet some interesting characters and delved into the worlds of magic, science fiction, fantasy and gaming. Here we've gathered some of our favorite photos of the three-day event.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Denver-Comic-Con-puts-on-a-show,221015

Painting the day away - #lakewoodnews

House painting in the summer is thirsty work, but at least there's an opportunity to work on a tan.CalRob Venture Group intern and Lakewood High School graduate Brianne Mundt and her friends (who also happen to be her painters) are learning this lesson as she gets her business off the ground.Mundt's schedule is a full one -- on any given day she could be out at a job site, providing estimates to potential customers, or out marketing in the community. On particularly hot days, she even brings employees lunch."Working with friends takes some of the stress off," she said.On June 15, Mundt and painters Chase Smith, Liam Ireland and Matt Lein were working on a home in southwest Lakewood, happy to be out of the sun and painting in the shade. Smith, Ireland and Lein are all friends of Mundt's from the University of Colorado Boulder, and were looking for a way to make some money this summer.Over the music of Neil Young, Mundt directed the painters, answered a few questions from the home owners before they left, and set up some future estimate appointments."It's a lot of work transitioning from doing the marketing to finally starting painting houses," Mundt said. "It's been good though, and the customers have been happy at the end of the job."As they paint, Smith, Ireland and Lein laugh over inside jokes and talk about jobs they've finished since starting in May, as well as upcoming assignments. One of the main topics is the schizophrenic nature of Colorado weather."It's either really hot or it's raining," Ireland said as he worked. " But this has been a good job so far, and I need to make some money to pay for school."Lein, who is also the production manager on the site, agreed."There are certainly much worse jobs you could have," he said. "Getting to work alongside my friends really helps."For more information on Mundt's house painting business, contact her at 303-406-1358 or brimundt9@gmail.com.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Painting-the-day-away,221014

Taking care of business - #lakewoodnews

One big difference between domesticated animals, like dogs, and wild animals is because of what we feed dogs, their waste doesn't biodegrade.

The City of Lakewood and Jeffco Open Space are partnering to share this and other facts to encourage people to pick up after their dogs in parks and trails as part of the new "Let's Doo It!" campaign.

"Dog waste being left by people is a prevalent problem in all our parks, and becoming more so with the population growth we're seeing," said Katie Matthews, community connections supervisor with Jeffco Open Space. "More and more people are bringing dogs, which means more park usage."

The campaign placed "Let's Doo It!" symbols on signs, magnetic stickers, dog waste dispensers and products to remind people of the importance of picking-up.

"Because of the chemicals and processing of our dog foods, uncollected waste can pollute groundwater if left too long," Matthews said. "This campaign encourages everyone, not just park rangers, to clean up."

Dog waste in Lakewood's parks was becoming an issue the city was hearing more and more about from citizens, said Allison Scheck, marketing and community relations manager in Lakewood's Community Resources Department.

"We heard that Jeffco was launching this program, and we reached out to them about working together," Scheck said. "This is a real partnership, and we're hoping other jurisdictions come on board."

There are two areas the campaign wants to focus on - people who don't pick up waste at all, and those who bag the waste, but then leave it on the ground or the side of the trail.

The goal of "Let's Doo It!" is education, and the two organizations have found a fun way to do this with a music video featuring students of McLain Community High School. The video is set to a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Lookin' Out My Back Door" by area band 2 Dog Tuesday.

Jeffco Public Schools students and teacher Bill Ross have already started by recently cleaning up Crown Hill Park as part of a "Tour of Dooty and Beauty" event.

Jeffco Open Space Park Ranger Luke Wilson led the students on a hike around the park, according to information provided by Scheck, and provided insight as to why it's so important to pick up dog waste for public safety, the environment and the visitor experience.

The students held signs such as "Dog Doo May Contain Harmful Organisms" and "Dog Doo Wastes Scenery," with the hashtags #smellyfacts and #letsdooit.

There are many fun ideas to spread the word to come, Scheck said, and both organizations are excited about the possibilities.

"Cleaning up waste is kind of a funny thing to talk about, so we decided to have some fun with it," Matthews said. "This is a way for all of us to come together and take care of our pets and parks."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Taking-care-of-business-with-Lets-Doo-It-campaign,221012

Is local food pie in the sky?

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

OMS to upgrade security systems

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

Library is coming through on its promises - #lakewoodnews

There's a trend going on these days --; access to technology is becoming more important to the modern lifestyle.

And the Jefferson County Public Library has been busy updating its technology for the benefit of patrons and staff.

"We're getting in sync with the rest of the world," said Pam Nissler, executive director of the public libraries. "We have a community that wants and deserves this technology."

Since Jan. 1, Jeffco libraries have updated 150 computers --; 90 of them are for patron use, and the rest are for staff.

The biggest thing with the updates, said IT Director Pat Klein, is faster processors. However, updates also include enhancing security and efficiency of networks by upgrading servers, switches and firewalls. And 12 outdated early literacy station computers were replaced.

In general, updates on computers occur about every three years, Klein said. But the library is "playing catch up" because of financial constraints, and some of the computers hadn't been updated in about six years, he added.

Other improvements in technology the library has done is being able to offer "more robust and interesting databases" and new resources, Nissler said. New online resources include the New York Times Online; TumbleBooks, which is an online collection of animated talking picture books for children; and Mango Languages, a language-learning system that offers self-paced online instruction for 12 languages. Still to come within the next few weeks, Nissler added, is lynda.com, which is a self-paced learning tutorial with courses in software, creative and business skills; and Consumer Reports Online.

"We're all about giving people equal access to information and opportunity," Nissler said. "These days, that means giving people access to the tools and technology they need to participate fully in the global digital community."

Technology is one of four areas the library system promised to improve for the community with the passing of the mill levy initiative approved by voters in November.

The four promises, Nissler said, are technology updates, restore hours, increase books and materials and catch up on maintenance and refurbishing projects.

Because it passed, the mill levy increased to 4.121 mills, up from 3.425 mills in 2015, meaning an $8 million increase --; total revenues of $34,453,776 --; for the library. In January, the library's 2016 budget was approved by the Library Board of Trustees and the Jefferson County Commissioners, allotting total expenditures of $32,396,129 for the four promises.

The library is seeing some happy people, Nissler said.

"People (have) noticed that their vote for the library mattered," she said. "It's exactly what we hoped would happen."

In the first week of April, library hours increased from 51 to 65 hours that the larger libraries are open, and as of June 1, $2.8 million was spent on new books and materials.

Security systems are being upgraded, additional Wi-Fi hotspots are being added, Wheat Ridge will be getting new windows, the parking lot at Lakewood will be redone, Golden is receiving sewer repair and all the libraries are getting some landscaping improvements. All of these things, Nissler said, are not as exciting as new stuff, but they are necessary improvements that protect the taxpayer's investment in the library.

Both in-person and website visits by patrons are up, Nissler said, including an 8 percent increase in program attendance and a 14 percent increase in circulation --; books and materials that people are borrowing from the library.

Libraries have always been about getting information out to people, said Angie Grischkowsky, teen services librarian at the Golden Library. But information these days, she added, "doesn't just come from books anymore."

The Golden Library is piloting a makerspace/playscape program that the library is calling DIY (Do it Yourself) Lab.

"More people are wanting to come to libraries to create and do and work with other people," said Debbie Ridgell, Golden Library supervisor.

The DIY Lab is offered for people of all ages, she said, with the different programs available divided by age groups. The labs offer all sorts of things for people to explore --; rotary tools by Dremel, mini robots, sewing machines, electronics experimentation kits, digital media and a drone, among other things.

It's important for children to be able to apply STEM --; Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics --; concepts to keep up in the world, said Lalitha Chittoor, a library patron of Arvada who was attending the Thursday night DIY Lab in Golden with her 5-year-old daughter Madhvi.

The DIY Lab, she said, "provides exposure to kids to learn about recent technology ... It gives them additional knowledge to help them compete in the real world."

"It's more hands-on than the school can provide," said Sharon Binkley of Golden.

The trend in learning is being able to do so in spaces that offer interactive and collaborative activities for all ages, said Leah Capezio, patron experience associate at the Golden Library.

"A place to tinker, have fun and experiment," she added.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Library-is-coming-through-on-its-promises,220534?branding=15

Fun ways to help preschoolers with math - #lakewoodnews

Preschool children love to hold your hand and count steps with you. This is a good way to help them learn that there is a one-to-one correspondence between one number and doing one thing or moving on to the next number. They can count giant steps, hops, flowers or anthills on your summer walks.

These young children can move cereal, crackers, berries, little cars, Lego pieces or a game piece across a board of Chutes and Ladders and other similar games. Help them if they double count or skip a number while they learn one-to-one correspondence. Memorizing counting one to a hundred may be impressive, but counting only helps children with math if they understand what they are saying.

Learning to add

Once they can count and understand one-to-one correspondence up to 10, play with addition. Start by adding one to a small number. Use their favorite cereal. If they have one piece and add one more, count how many they have now. Point out the answer is the next number. After some practice, add two using cereal, Legos, cars or something else concrete that they can see and touch. Play this as a game and insert this teaching time into playtime. Some preschool children can keep adding up to 20 or higher. Other children need to wait awhile. Every child is different.

Learning should be fun and playful. Spread out the adding over many days and practice until the concept is mastered. Take turns being the teacher. It's helpful for your children to play the teacher. Using the math vocabulary and explaining to someone else will help them understand, practice and remember. Other family members will love to see what young children are learning and give them compliments.

Learning to subtract

Preschoolers also like to play with subtraction. Place three Cheerios on the table. How may are there if we take away one? How many are there if we take away one more? How many are left if we take away the last one? Use the word none and zero, an important concept.

Practice taking away one from other numbers up to 10. Interchange the word "subtraction" with the words " take away" since in math they will need to know both expressions for a while. Again, use concrete items they can see and touch while they talk through the process and explain to you what they are doing. Eating cereal pieces or berries is a good activity. They can take away little objects from a pile. Start with subtracting one. Then try two and more. They can count how many they have left.

Practice while doing ordinary random things they love to do.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Fun-ways-to-help-preschoolers-with-math,220516?branding=15

Jaguars make it to quarterfinals - #lakewoodnews

D'Evelyn advanced from pool play to the June 18 single elimination Bronco 7 on 7 football tournament before losing to Mountain Vista in the quarterfinals in games played at the Bronco training facility at Dove Valley.

"It is a great experience to get out where the Bronco play and go against teams from larger schools," Bob Baker, offensive coordinator, said as he watched the team in action. "We are a small school that will play 2A in football this season so this is a special experience for us."

There were 82 teams in the tournament. D'Evelyn and Bear Creek were the only two local teams that made it to the June 18 single elimination tournament played at the Bronco training facility at Dove Valley. Bear Creek lost in the first round of the tournament but the 16th seeded Jaguars played 17th seeded Lincoln and won the game 21-7 to advance to the second round against No. 1 seeded Strasburg. The Jaguars flexed their scoring muscles and won the game, 28-0 to get to the quarterfinal.

The team played well but they lost in the quarterfinals to eventually tournament finalist Fairview.

The Bronco-sponsored tournament ran from June 15 to 18. The teams in the tournament were divided into four team pools for round robin play during the first three days of the competition.

D'Evelyn finished 2-1 in pool play and scored a lot of points which qualified them for a spot in the 18-team single elimination tournament, June 18 at the Bronco Training Facility.

Passing is the name of the game in 7-on-7 football. The game matches backs and receivers against linebackers and defensive backs.

The quarterback has four seconds to throw the ball. Yardage is gained by completing a pass and the receiver can add to the yardage by running the ball until he is touched with two hands by a defender. Rough play is penalized.

In the Bronco 7-on-7 tournament, teams play 10-minute halves with a running clock for the first eight minutes. The clock in the final two minutes stops for situations like incomplete passes and a player going out of bounds. A touchdown is seven points and an interception is three points.

Coach Baker said it the upcoming season will be different because the Jaguars are now in Class 2A in football and will face all new opponents.

"We should be fine in the new league," he said. "We have about 50 kids out for football which is about average for us. Once again we will be a passing team like we were last year when we led all classifications in the state in passing."

Senior Christian Cedillo, one of the returning lettermen, said playing in the tournament and at the Bronco training facility was a great experience.

"The tournament gives me a chance to bond with my teammates," he said. "It also gives us a chance to show we are a very competitive against all the teams like the big school team we beat in pool play."

Cedillo, who plays wide receiver, quarterback and defensive back, said the playing in this type tournament provides valuable experience.

"We see teams from all over the state in a tournament like this," the senior said. "It is valuable because we see and get to play against formations, pass routes and defensive styles by teams we won't see during the regular season. It is a good experience plus is a lot of fun for all of us to play here where the Broncos practice."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Jaguars-make-it-to-quarterfinals,220517?branding=15

Comic and video game creators from Lakewood share their vision at Comic Con - #lakewoodnews

In a sea of innovations on display at Denver Comic Con, the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design still made waves with its cutting-edge developments in comics and video games.

The college's Digital Art Forge debuted the first 30 seconds of its virtual reality comic book, "Rough Draftees," and Fourth Axis games, an independent video game company comprised of RMCAD students, let attendees play an early level in the "Children of Uum" game they are developing.

"It's been really fun and challenging working on this project," said Sean Brown, chair of the college's animation and game art department. "Once we're done with this comic, I'd love to have our group keep working on other projects."

Both the Digital Art Forge and Fourth Axis had full panels the morning of June 17, during which they talked about the projects and answered questions from interested comic fans and gamers.

In both panels, designers highlighted the artistic possibilities of using virtual reality technologies to enhance storytelling.

"As storytellers, virtual reality gives us a wonderful power," said Ross Moreno, lead writer with Fourth Axis. "Virtual reality puts you in the character's shoes so easily, but that doesn't mean you should tell a story flippantly."

There are some unique challenges when working in virtual reality, including what Fourth Axis calls "comfortability," which means making sure movement and gameplay aren't disorienting or cause motion sickness.

Fourth Axis hopes to have a demo of the game finished within a year, but this will depend on time constraints and fundraising.

"We want to create a space that feels alive," said Daniel Burchinal, lead animator with Fourth Axis. "We're using virtual reality to show you a world that is cohesive, immersive and unique."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Comic-and-video-game-creators-from-Lakewood-share-their-vision-at-Comic-Con,220526?branding=15

Stobie:The times they are a changing - #lakewoodnews

I didn't know what to expect. The last time I saw Bob Dylan perform it was years ago at McNichols Arena in Denver, when he performed with Paul Simon. Dylan sang his own songs and sounded like himself, the self many of us remember going back to the early 60's when he sang Subterranean Homesick Blues.

But last night, June l9, Father's Day at Red Rocks, Dylan did not sound like himself. When he performed his own songs, his rhythms and power and strong emphasis on phrases came through. That part was electrifying, stirring up my memory of him. But his voice was so raspy I couldn't understand his words, and since I am a lyric person and he is a songwriter, his loss of clarity was unfortunate.

I have no doubt why he is singing a mix of Frank Sinatra songs. It works for Dylan's changed voice. When he sang Sinatra, I could understand him, understand his words. My husband Dick and I sat in the seventh row. Maybe the sound was better at different locations, I don't know.

Dylan wore a wide brimmed hat which shaded his face, adding do the challenge of seeing his face clearly in the dim lights. He wore a black suit and cream colored boots. He got up and down from the piano, moving to the microphone. He played his harmonica beautifully. At age 75 he still had the spirit of a rocker. When I saw him years ago, he didn't move much at all. Now he's working with what he has left of his voice and energy to create a "changed show."

The crowd was friendly, not all baby boomers like me. The man next to me who introduced himself as "Billy" was born the same year as my daughter, l981. Billy said his mother named him "Bob Dylan." Since he introduced himself as Billy, I guess he'd dropped the Dylan as his first name, or made it his middle name. What a legacy to be named after Bob Dylan. Could be good, could be bad for his formation of an identity.

During Mavis Staples opening act the people crossing in front of us, back and forth to get beer, was an annoying distraction. They blocked our view as then passed by, like strollers on the 16th street mall. "She's performing, giving it her all," I said to Billy. "They're not showing any respect."

It had been 104 degrees that day, but still --; I wanted to shout . Mavis Staples did not comment on the commotion, but she sang "Respect Yourself." She commanded my attention. I liked her a lot.

In spite of Bob Dylan's limitations, he put on a good show. He's a showman from the get go, and the most famous folk singer, songwriter, poet and now Frank Sinatra imitator America has produced. Dylan still travels constantly all over the world and is currently on his U.S. tour. He doesn't like staying home, he likes to be on the move.

I like to move too. I got the tickets, treated my husband to the concert at Red Rocks for Father's Day. We climbed the hill from the parking lot and then clambered up hundreds of steep steps (puff, puff!) to get to our seats. It was all worth it. The show was a treat.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://wheatridgetranscript.com/stories/StobieThe-times-they-are-a-changing,220519?branding=15

Enjoying the camaraderie of nerds - #lakewoodnews

Being a nerd in Denver was a little more fun last weekend.

Walking through the packed convention center of the annual Comic Con, seeing people dressed as their favorite characters, eagerly searching through boxes of comic books and pouring over collectors' editions reminded me how freeing it is to wear one's nerdiness in the open.

Comic Con, held June 17-19, also reminded me how similar dedication to a scene or art form can be.

Much like those at Comic Con, I've got drawers full of T-shirts of my favorite bands from Colorado concert stops and treat them like rare memorabilia that needs protection.

I, too, have dug through crates for rare and hard-to-find additions to my music library.

Like some of the people I spoke to at Comic Con, I can be a completist. If I find a band that I really love, I have a tendency to want to get their full discography, just like comic fans collecting their favorite characters or series.

And I become wildly excited (even though I know it's a cash grab) by collectors' editions of my favorite albums.

The debates I overheard about what makes a particular writer's or artist's run with a character better than others reminds me of debates about which of The Yardbirds' lineups was best or when Van Halen made its best music. There were conversations about the incredibly long run and different eras of Stan Lee (who finally appeared this year) that could've easily been about the many faces and phases of Bob Dylan.

The longer I spent at the con, the more I realized it was the feeling of unity --; of everyone speaking the same language --; that is most alike in comic and music nerdom.

I recently spoke to Ross Moreno, a Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design student and video game designer, about why he loves comic cons and their culture.

"I'm always excited about Comic Con because it's the meeting place of my people," he told me. "They're the patrons of imagination."

I know exactly what he meant --; I get the same feeling of camaraderie inspecting shelves side by side with other fans at record stores, or looking at the people around me at concerts.

These are my people, and just like comic cons, music welcomes everyone: There are no prerequisites, no standards for ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

If the music moves a person, stimulates his imagination or makes her feel something, then we belong.

Both music and comic culture are about taking the artist's emotions, dreams and ideas and giving them a form that can be shared and appreciated by anyone. Most people crave that feeling of belonging, of being understood. If they find it in either one of these cultures, they are in good company.

Patrons of the imagination, indeed.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://lakewoodsentinel.com/stories/Enjoying-the-camaraderie-of-nerds,220520?branding=15

Boosting brain health one spoonful at a time - #lakewoodnews

Who among us hasn't had one of those moments - we walked into a room and forgot why, we misplaced keys, or forgot an appointment. Is it simple forgetfulness or is it something more? According to Harvard Health, concerns about declining thinking and memory skills rank among the top fears among people as they age. Keeping in mind that aging alone is not a general cause of cognitive decline, there are daily lifestyle changes we can make every day to help keep our memories sharp.

Stay physically active and get enough sleep, for starters. Don't smoke and limit alcohol to one drink a day. Stay connected with your friends and family. And, open your refrigerator door and take a peek at what you have stocked. It should be fresh and it should be colorful!

The Power of Food

Dr. Marwan Sabbagh, a leading geriatric neurologist and dementia specialist, suggests better brain health begins in our very own kitchen. He co-authored with celebrity chef Beau MacMillan the cookbook entitled, "The Alzheimer's Prevention Cookbook: 100 Recipes to Boost Brain Health." In it, he shares how to incorporate the correct fruits, vegetables, and spices into your meals to make them brain healthy dishes.

"Incorporating the correct fruits, vegetables and spices, such as cloves or rosemary, into your meals and making small changes to your diet can have a dramatic affect on your memory and can even help in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease," he explains.

In general, experts suggest food that's good for the heart is also good for the brain. The MIND diet, developed by Martha Clare Morris, PhD, a Rush nutritional epidemiologist and her colleagues, combines the Mediterranean diet - Mediterranean-style cooking - and the DASH diet - used to reduce hypertension - and focuses on the foods in each that specifically affect brain health.

Rated number two in US News and World Report's 2016 "Best Diets Overall," the MIND diet focuses on eating from 10 brain-healthy food groups: vegetables, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, nuts, berries, beans, olive oil and wine. (Yes, wine, but keep it to glass a day!) The diet avoids foods from five unhealthy groups, including butter and stick margarine, pastries and sweets, cheeses, and fast or fried food. As with any new diet, always check with your doctor first.

The Added Power of the Blueberry

The blueberry deserves a special place on your plate every day. In addition to the heart boosting benefits, blueberries can help prevent brain aging by 7.5 years, according to a new study from Chicago's Rush University Medical Center, which found adhering to the MIND diet helped reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive degeneration.

The key to better brain health can't be found in a nutritional supplement, one food group or even within one form of exercise. By making smart choices in our daily routines, including what we eat, however, we can keep our minds lively and healthy.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://westminsterwindow.com/stories/Boosting-brain-health-one-spoonful-at-a-time,220515?branding=15

Find the light beyond tragedy - #lakewoodnews

Some days, it's hard to find good food to feed the Light wolf.

Of course, we were all shocked and horrified at what happened at the nightclub in Orlando. So shocked, in fact, that it took less than two hours for somebody in my social media feed to make a political point about it. By Monday night, less than 48 hours after the tragedy, all the usual suspects had made all the usual points in all the usual ways. And we all ignored them in all the usual fashions.

It isn't so much that we go through this same, silly, pointless dance every time--;it's that it's taking so much less time to do it than it did 10 years ago. As if even the reactions are just a matter of form and we've gotten impatient to get it over with.

See, the darkness isn't always the event. The event itself --; the shooting, or the explosion, or whatever it is --; is like a big bucket of water being thrown into a flood. But the flood itself, the slow rising of the water, the constant, inexorable movement of the cold, inky waters, that's what happens all around the event. That's the sad, predictable, impotent political posturing that happens in the aftermath.

It's not the news that a 2-year-old boy was tragically carried away from his parents while on vacation in Disney World --; it's the mounds of shaming and blaming of the parents that immediately followed. Let me tell you something, folks: for those of you who haven't been parents, there is no such thing as perfect parenting. You just wake up every day and pray to God that the mistakes you make this day aren't ones that leave scars.

It's not the news that economic growth is nearly stagnant and that we are still at near-historic lows for workforce participation in this country. It's the moms and the dads, doing everything in their power since the collapse eight years ago, to try to keep their families' heads above water, and the abyss they sink into as the seeds they plant land on bare rock, and the desperation they feel as the pit sinks deeper.

It's none of those things by themselves --; it's that all of these things, when stacked together, weigh on us to the point that we begin to accept lowered expectations and diminished hopes for ourselves and our children. The new normal.

I think we all head out into our lives with these beautiful, idyllic visions of what our futures are going to be. But life is not idyllic. Life is coarse and messy and unfair and, often, a big, steaming, smelly pile of excrement.

Punctuated by moments of sublime beauty and breathtaking wonder.

And when the flood waters rise, we have to be more conscious, work harder, to push them back and bring some Light into the world.

So, work hard to be Light. Take time off to drive somebody who has nobody else to the hospital, so they might find Hope. Step in and prevent a bully from having their way, so somebody else can hold on to their Dreams. Stop and help that little boy who stopped everything to help a stray puppy find its way back to its owner.

The Darkness is battled with everyday goods --; kindness, generosity, patience, beauty, mercy, compassion --; not grand gestures by self-proclaimed powerful people. And slowly, bit by bit, corner by corner, the Darkness gets pushed away.

So feed the Light wolf ... even if you have to grow the food yourself.

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://arvadapress.com/stories/Find-the-light-beyond-tragedy,220521?branding=15

Area cyclists eager to try e-bikes - #lakewoodnews

Colorado is a bicycle-friendly state.

Bernedette Saccomanno of Denver has been riding mountain bikes for about 20 years. Then about a year ago, she started with road bikes.

And on June 17, she got on an electric bike for the first time. Not just one, in fact. Saccomanno tried out six different electric assist bicycles.

The Electric Bike Expo took place June 17-19 at the Colorado Mills Mall and hundreds of people came to try out the new trend in cycling.

"Electric bikes are a new form of recreation and transportation," said Pete Prebus, marketing director of the expo. The expo, he added, came to Jefferson County to raise awareness that electric assist bikes exist, and to give people an opportunity learn how an electric bike could fit into their lives.

Plus there were more than 100 different models available to test ride.

"We're getting a good representation of the whole industry," said attendee Matt Hanson.

Hanson lives in Lake Tahoe, but was unable to attend the electric bike expo local to him, so he planned his trip to Colorado to make it to this one. But there was another purpose for including bicycles on the trip --; Hanson was visiting his friend Devin Lenz of Fort Lupton who manufactures mountain bikes with Lenz Sport Performance Mountain Bikes.

"Electric bikes are pretty cool," Lenz said.

And Hanson added, "I always knew I wanted one, but now that I've ridden one, it's a 100-percent done deal."

But electric bikes aren't just for people who are avid cyclists, said Ken Miner, director of sales for Haibike.

"The e-bike segment allows the cycling industry to expand to people who aren't traditional cyclists," he said.

Wandering around the venue among the bike enthusiasts was Kevin Fahrner, informing people about Boomerang CycloTrac.

It's got a GPS tracker and a Verizon radio, he said, but the main feature is the alarm.

"The purpose is anti-theft," Fahrner said. "The vision is to be able to take our nice bikes wherever we want --; freedom without the fear of bike theft."

Ethan Smith of Denver has owned his electric assist bicycle for about a year. He enjoys it so much, in fact, that it inspired him to start studying electrical engineering. But his friend Siham Boulezzaz had never ridden one before.

"I wanted to show her around," Smith said.

So the two test rode some electric assist bicycles.

"I loved it," Boulezzaz said. "They're fun to ride."

from Lakewood Sentinel - Latest Stories http://lakewoodsentinel.comhttp://goldentranscript.net/stories/Area-cyclists-eager-to-try-e-bikes,220525?branding=15