parker chronicle
DESCRIPTION
Parker Chronicle published by Colorado Community MediaTRANSCRIPT
Parker 10.25.12
ChronicleParker
ourparkernews.com
October 26, 2012 A Colorado Community Media Publication
Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 10, Issue 52
Printed on recycled newsprint. Pleaserecycle this copy.
Cops seek man who tried to lure girlSuspect’s vehicle described as teal Chevy Astro Van
By Chris [email protected]
The possible attempted abduction of a 4-year-old Parker girl has police scouring for clues and child safety classes filling within hours.
The Parker Police Department issued a warning Oct. 17 about what it called a “suspicious occurrence” days earlier in the Clarke Farms neighborhood. A mother of three children was placing two of the kids in her vehicle in her driveway around 3:30 p.m. Oct. 14 when she heard a vehicle pull up, then a man’s voice. When she looked around to the other side of her vehicle, a male passenger in a teal-colored Chevrolet Astro Van was “signaling with his hands” for the 4-year-old girl to come toward him.
When the suspect saw the mother, he ducked down and the van sped off. The mother and a handful of witnesses were unable to describe either the passenger or driver in any detail, and did not get a license plate number. The van was said to have a “high gloss paint job.”
Police officers and detectives have since canvassed the area near where the incident took place and interviewed homeowners in the area to determine whether anyone had seen a van matching the description of the suspect vehicle. The Parker police have is-sued a statewide “Be On the Lookout” bul-letin, or BOLO, and are in touch with the Westminster police to see if there are any similarities or connections to the case of Jessica Ridgeway, whose body was found more than a week after her disappearance from a residential street.
The suspect in the van never exited the vehicle and the incident has not officially been called an abduction attempt, but the man raised suspicions through his actions, including ducking and “trying to hide his face,” said Dawn Cashman, public informa-tion officer for the Parker police.
“We don’t know what his intent was, but that’s not normal behavior,” she said.
Shortly after the report was made, the Parker police stopped a vehicle that closely matched the description of the Astro Van and took witnesses to the area, but they did not positively identify it as the suspect ve-hicle.
The mother was initially not planning to report the incident. However, increased awareness of child predators and media stories about other possible abduction at-tempts in the Denver area prompted her to come forward.
Residents have become “hyper-vigilant” about child abductions and law enforce-ment agencies across Colorado are receiv-ing an increased number of tips about sus-picious activity. Hundreds of people have
Rob Mies, scientist and renowned bat expert for the Organization for Bat Conservation, shows of a Malayan lying fox, the largest bat species in the world, during a
presentation at The Wildlife Experience Oct. 18. Mies taught children and parents alike about bat behavior while showing of three diferent species, all of which had been injured at some point in their lives. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
A REAL BAT MAN
Event to honor county philanthropistsDave and Gail Liniger founded RE/MAX
By Chris [email protected]
Chances are most Doug-las County residents have indirectly benefitted from the generosity of two local philanthropists. Chances are just as good that those resi-dents don’t even know the names of those contributors.
Dave and Gail Liniger, of Castle Rock, have quietly set about improving the com-munity around them one donation, one project, one organization at a time. They are the founders of The Wild-life Experience, a nonprofit museum on Lincoln Avenue east of Interstate 25 that pro-motes an appreciation and respect for wildlife and the outdoors through adven-
ture, experience and educa-tion.
The Linigers, whose wealth is tied to their tire-less efforts to build RE/MAX from the ground up, also es-tablished the highly regard-ed Sanctuary golf course, the use of which is donated each year to a handful of nonprof-its for money-raising golf tournaments.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is among the organizations that have been able to raise money via the Linigers’ benevolence.
“Dave and Gail Liniger have been the pillars of the
community for their philan-thropic efforts,” said Sheriff Dave Weaver. “Many people have benefited from their vast compassion and gener-osity.”
Colorado’s top dignitar-ies, including Gov. John Hickenlooper, are gathering Nov. 3 at The Wildlife Expe-rience for Expedition 10, an event that both honors the Linigers for their kindness and marks the museum’s ac-complishments over its first 10 years.
Gary Debus, president and chief executive officer of The Wildlife Experience, said Expedition 10 will be the first time the couple has been publicly recognized for their gifts to the com-munity. The primary reason why they might not be well-known among the general Douglas County population is because the Linigers have never made being in the spotlight a priority.
“They care deeply about the place they live,” Debus said. “Douglas County is their home.”
The Linigers have been instrumental in the success of nonprofit groups that help, among other causes, education, veterans, the arts, culture and health. The latter category includes donating and helping to raise about $117 million for the Children’s Miracle Net-work. They have also taken stands on issues that affect the county, such as the 2011 proposal to create a munici-pal landfill near the Back-country Wilderness Area in Highlands Ranch.
Debus says there are few areas in which the Linigers are not involved, and Weaver listed off the organizations that have connections to the sheriff’s office that have been helped, including the
Dave Liniger Gail Liniger
Expedition continues on Page 13
Abduction continues on Page 13
2 Parker Chronicle October 26, 20122-Color
No charges for officer in shootingParker man died in July incident
By Chris [email protected]
A Denver police officer will not face criminal charges for shooting and killing a Parker man who reportedly was reach-ing for another officer’s gun.
Denver District Attorney Mitch Mor-rissey issued a “police shooting decision letter” early last month that commended the officer who fired the shots in July that killed 22-year-old Kevin Ryberg, a Pon-derosa High School graduate.
Investigators said shortly after the shooting that Ryberg attacked a police officer while in custody, despite hav-ing been handcuffed in the rear seat of a moving patrol car.
Morrissey’s findings and report shed
more light on the inci-dent.
An employee of the Niagara House Motel in Denver tried to wake Ryberg on July 31 to de-termine whether he was going to pay for another night or check out. The employee could not wake him and saw a 9mm semi-automatic handgun next to him, leading to a call to police.
Officers moved the gun and roused Ryberg from his sleep. After a brief strug-gle, they placed him into custody and found a baggie with suspected metham-phetamine in his pants pocket, accord-ing to the report. Officers discovered that Ryberg had a felony warrant out of Den-ver for menacing, third-degree assault and false imprisonment. He had alleg-edly threatened a person with a knife and crowbar in June.
Before he was placed in the rear seat of the police car, officer Tim Luke grant-ed Ryberg’s request to loosen one of his cuffs.
Luke drove Ryberg toward a substa-tion, with Officer Randall Krouse follow-ing, and a Plexiglas partition separating Luke and Ryberg was left open.
During the drive, Ryberg came head-first through the open partition, grabbed a Taser from the center console and struck the officer repeatedly in the face during a struggle over the weapon, Luke reported. Luke deployed the Taser toward Ryberg, but both men were affected by the weapon because of their proximity.
That was when Luke says Ryberg be-gan reaching for his police-issued Glock in his holster, leading Luke to use his baton to break out two car windows so Krouse could come to his aid.
Luke heard Krouse fire two gunshots and said Ryberg stopped fighting. He lat-er died at a hospital.
An autopsy report said preliminary
toxicology tests indicated that Ryberg
had methamphetamine and cocaine in
his system.
When reached by phone Oct. 22, Ry-
berg’s mother, Brenda, said she could not
comment on the case because the fam-
ily has not decided on future actions. She
disagrees with the decision not to crimi-
nally charge the officer.
“They say it’s final. I say it isn’t,” she
said.
“I don’t agree with any of (the report),”
she added.
Four witnesses said they saw Ryberg
attacking Luke in the front seat and saw
the subsequent shooting. One reported
that Ryberg’s left hand was free from the
cuff, as Luke and Krouse reported. Luke
suffered a few scrapes and had glass in
his eye from the broken windows, but
was otherwise unharmed.
Ryberg
SO MUCH INSIDE THE CHRONICLE THIS WEEK
Not quite right.
A crime-reporting
website raised fears
by listing a homicide
in Douglas County
that didn’t occur.
Page 7
Net gain. Chaparral volleyball gets
revenge on Highlands Ranch. Page 28
On the diamond. Local softball teams
battle at state. Page 29
Pole to pole.
We’re bufeted
between the Bad
and the Good, with
a lot of territory
in between, says
columnist Craig
Marshall Smith.
Page 10 Ballet at PACE. Music by Italian compos-
ers Tartini and Vivaldi will be featured
when Ballet Nouveau Colorado brings
“Dangerous Liaisons” to Parker’s PACE
Center. Page 27
School issues. Parent
Led Reform, a group
urging big changes
in Douglas County
schools, aims to expand
statewide. Page 4
Bright outlook.
KEZW has become
the second radio
station in the
country to harvest
its energy from
solar power.
Page 16
Parker Chronicle 3 October 26, 20123-Color
Union, district to ofer separate teacher classesGroups will provide ongoing education
By Jane [email protected]
The Douglas County teachers’ union will con-tinue to offers its profes-sional development classes to teachers, despite the ex-piration of its collective bar-gaining agreement with the school district.
Until this year, the classes were offered free to all teach-ers through the district. But the Douglas County Federa-tion now will offer them for an as-yet-undetermined fee through Adams State Uni-versity’s teacher profession-al development division.
Meanwhile, the school district is creating its own set of teacher classes, designed to tie into its strategic plan, pay-for-performance net-work and evaluation system.
Both the union and dis-trict believe their courses of-fer teachers unique benefits.
“We’ve provided this re-search-based professional development since 1999,
and we felt they were critical enough we should continue to offer them,” said Joanne Slanovich, president of the Douglas County Federation of Retirees, part of the union. “It’s part of who we are as an organization. Why would we want to take it away from people simply because the district said they were going in a different direction?”
Pat McGraw, the district’s development and innova-tion officer, didn’t disagree.
“We’ve encouraged the union to continue to offer the courses in an outside venue,” he said. “I think they’re not overlapping.”
Sometime in November, the union hopes to hold its first classes, most of which will run five weeks for a total of 18 hours. All told, it will of-fer 15 classes, ranging from Foundations of Effective Teaching to Thinking Math-ematics.
The district’s online cata-log includes 26 courses, among them Backward Planning and Transforma-tional Geometry. Some of the classes are designed for specific schools, such as the Hope Online K-12 school,
and others - like the STEM Institute and iPad Training — aimed at 21st-century learning skills.
District officials are calling on staff at various schools to help guide them.
“Because we are a choice district, we have different programming at different schools,” McGraw said. “It’s not one size fits all. We’re tailoring the development in the schools, dependent upon the program that’s of-fered.”
The internationally of-fered union classes are based on the Educational Research and Dissemination Program created by its national orga-nization, the American Fed-eration of Teachers.
Teachers who take the union’s ER&D classes are re-quired to apply the methods in the classroom and report those outcomes. That makes the education an ongoing process, Slanovich said, en-suring the information is ingrained in the individual teacher.
“It’s not just research-based,” Slanovich said. “It’s research that has been vali-dated by other researchers. It
works with different groups of students. I’ve seen it work in very small districts. I’ve seen it work in large dis-tricts.”
The district’s also is based on national research, Mc-Graw said, tailored “to meet the needs of our district.” Doing so is hard work, he ad-mitted. “It’s incredible work, though.”
Teachers are not required to take any of the classes, though the district offers teachers a small financial incentive in exchange for a specific investment of time.
The union is still working with Adams State to gain fi-nal approval on its classes. That approval will extend for three years, and Slanovich said classes will be offered “as long as there is a request for them.”
Information on the union’s classes is available at www.douglascountyclass-rooms.com.
A list of district-offered courses is available on the DCSD Web site www.dc-sdk12.org/centerforprofes-sionaldevelopment/index.htm
Union extends classes to parentsFree sessions begin this month
By Jane [email protected]
Parents seeking to help young children sharpen their reading skills can choose from a series of ongoing evening classes. The Douglas County teachers’ union this month kicked off what will be a continuous series of free workshops designed for parents.
The classes focus on phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension, and are of-fered this fall at elementary schools in Park-er and Castle Rock.
Douglas County School District teach-ers will lead the classes, using research from the national Educational Research and Dis-semination program originally created for teachers.
“Parents have asked about these class-es,” said Joanne Slanovich, president of the Douglas County Federation of Retirees, part of the union. “We felt the courses were so good and teachers were learning so much we should open it up to parents.”
Two evening classes are planned in Cas-tle Rock on Oct. 24 and 25, and two more in Parker on Nov. 7 and 14.
For more information and to register, visit www.douglascountyclassrooms.com. Each class is limited to 30 participants.
4 Parker Chronicle October 26, 20124-COLOR
Parent Led Reform has aim of expansionDouglas-based group
wants to go statewide
By Jane [email protected]
Parent Led Reform aims to grow
into a statewide organization, and
its founder doesn’t rule out the idea
of someday going national. The pro-
education reform group, founded in
Douglas County by a Parker wom-
an, recently expanded to Jefferson
County.
“Right now, our focus is state-
wide,” said founder Karin Piper.
“That’s a dream on its own. But I
have to admit, I’m already being
contacted by parents in other states
that are asking how long it will be
until we come there.”
Piper, whose interest in school
choice sprang from the diverse edu-
cational needs of her three children,
is no longer the group’s volunteer
leader. Earlier this year, the board
raised funds and hired her as its ex-
ecutive director.
She declined to provide her sal-
ary or the identities of those who are
funding PLR, saying only that they
are local. The group is a nonprofit
corporation registered in Piper’s
name with the Colorado secretary of
state.
PLR now is governed by a board
of directors, including Washington,
D.C.-based charter school advocate
Mark Hyatt, Colorado State Sen. Tim
Neville, former Douglas County Re-
publican Party chairman John Ran-
som and financial consultant Tyler
Hart.
While the board members have
strong Republican political lean-
ings, Piper describes PLR as “a
multi-issue parent network” with no
political affiliation.
“I am politically unaffiliated and
I still remain that, to this day,” she
said. Politics “is not my focus and
it’s certainly not the organization’s
focus either. Our focus is to project
parental power into education re-
form. We do not and cannot have an
educational bias.
“We believe in homeschool-
ing, neighborhood schools, charter
schools, online schools and private
schools alike. Our group does not
have a preference one way or an-
other, but we think those choices
belong with parents.”
The group shares many of the
Douglas County School Board’s
pro-reform ideas. It proposed the
idea of open negotiations with the
union to the board in early 2012, to
which the board and union agreed.
In September, it requested the board
investigate emails sent through the
district’s system that PLR suspected
were political, and therefore inap-
propriate. The district has not re-
sponded yet to those concerns.
But PLR board director Ransom
said it does not work hand-in-hand
with the school board.
“We’re not connected to any-
body, including the Douglas County
School Board,” said Ransom, whose
son attends Mountain Vista High
School. “There’s certainly some like-
mindedness going on here. But I
can tell you from the time they got
elected until now, I’ve maybe had a
half-dozen conversations with those
guys.
“We are concerned about things
at the local level. We’re not part of
a bigger organization, but a small,
grassroots organization that is hav-
ing some success.”
Ransom believes the need for
education reform crosses not only
the political aisle, but spans demo-
graphic divides.
“I don’t think anybody would say
K-12 education is adequate here in
the United States,” he said. “We have
to do something. The thing we’re
saying is, if we can’t take these real
simple steps in a place like Douglas
County in order to improve public
education, what hope does a place
like Denver have?”
Parker Chronicle 5 October 26, 20125-COLOR
xpansions system that PLR suspected
e inap-
e-
ansom
k hand-in-hand
e not connected to any-
ounty
whose
igh
tainly some like-
ut I
om the time they got
e maybe had a
ersations with those
ned about things
t of
small,
ganization that is hav-
es the need for
osses not only
, but spans demo-
t think anybody would say
e in
have
’re
eal
simple steps in a place like Douglas
e public
education, what hope does a place
A frog and mallard swapped heads to encourage residents at the Parker Farmers Market to swap out their old
sprinkler heads for water-conserving low-low heads this fall as they are having their systems serviced. The two
“species” — an “amphibillard” (amphibian/mallard) and “mallian” (mallard/amphibian) — were part of the
90 By 20 campaign, a nonproit initiative to encourage utilities using Colorado River water (which is pumped
over the Continental Divide to the Front Range) to hold residential use to 90 gallons per capita per day by 2020.
Current rates in Parker exceed 120, according to the marketing irm running the campaign. Courtesy photo
HEADS UP, WATER USERS
6 Parker Chronicle October 26, 20126-Color
Participants in last year’s Trick or Treat on Mainstreet line up for candy at a downtown Parker shop. Thousands of
people are expected at the sixth annual event from 4:30-8 p.m. on Halloween. Entertainment includes goodies,
Halloween-themed activities and costumed cartoon characters and superheroes. Courtesy photo
GIVE ME SOMETHING GOOD CAci
Brboldr
R
some r
mur
home
the mor
subdivision, is coded as a homicide on
the public w
A
S
as
r
on the site in H
Parker Chronicle 7 October 26, 20127
Crime reporting site can cause confusionAttempted homicide categorized as slaying in Highlands Ranch
By Ryan [email protected]
An attempted homicide in Highlands
Ranch this July has caused confusion to
some residents over whether an actual
murder took place in a Cedarcrest Circle
home.
The incident, a stabbing that occurred
the morning of July 17 in the Hearth
subdivision, is coded as a homicide on
the public website, crimereports.com.
According to both the Douglas County
Sheriff’s Office and Coroner Lora Thom-
as, no death occurred at the scene or as a
result of the incident.
The red “H” — the only one of its kind
on the site in Highlands Ranch over the
past six months — raised a definite red
flag for Hugh Whitmore, a resident who
had been considering moving into the
subdivision.
Not knowing where to turn for more
information, Whitmore knocked on some
doors, asking residents of the neighbor-
hood what they knew. The only resident
who had heard anything had been incor-
rectly informed by an alarm company
salesperson who was using the crimere-
ports.com information as a sales tactic,
telling people that someone had been
killed in the neighborhood and encour-
aging residents to buy an alarm system
because of it.
Not to fault the salesperson, though,
anyone who goes to that site and search-
es for homicides in Highlands Ranch
over the summer would see one pop up
on the 10600 block of Cedarcrest Circle.
And why would anyone think a homicide
didn’t occur?
According to sheriff’s spokesman Sgt.
Ron Hanavan, one issue with the site,
in addition to providing a very limited
amount of information on a single inci-
dent, is that it does not pull the word “at-
tempted” from their report when it posts
an incident.
“It pulls information from our records
system based on the `occurred incident
type,’ without regard to whether the
crime was attempted or completed,”
Hanavan said. “In this case, the ̀ occurred
incident type’ was appropriate for the cir-
cumstances, but because of limitations
in the way crimereports.com pulls sum-
mary data, the word `attempted’ does
not appear in the search result.
“We make every effort to ensure that
information put out for public consump-
tion is accurate, and in this case it was
accurate, albeit incomplete. Like any in-
formational tool, crimereports.com may
provide information that is not com-
pletely fleshed out.”
Standard practice for law enforcement
agencies is to not release any informa-
tion on investigations that are open, but
certain crime reporting websites, such
as crimereports.com, allow the public to
see incidents that have occurred and may
still be under investigation.
“The information provided on cri-
mereports.com is a resource and conve-
nience tool for the general public,” Hana-
van said. “We ask that if someone has a
specific question about an incident that
they inquire through an open records re-
quest, or by calling. The department will
always be happy to provide any informa-
tion it can.”
The sheriff’s office can be contacted at
303-660-7544.
If an investigation is still open the de-
partment may not be able to provide any
information, or only a limited amount.
Hanavan said the case on Cedarcrest Cir-
cle is still open and no charges have been
filed at this time.
E l e c t i o n D a y v o t i n g a v a il a b l e a t 26 locationsRegistered voters may vote at one of
26 voter-assigned locations throughout
Douglas County on Election Day, Nov.
6. Voters are assigned a voting location
based on the voter’s precinct number.
Visit www.DouglasVotes.com for a list of
Election Day voting locations and pre-
cinct assignments in Douglas County.
All registered voters who vote at the
polls must provide identification. Visit
www.DouglasVotes.com for a list of ac-
ceptable forms of identification. Polls
open at 7 a.m. Nov. 6 and close at 7 p.m.
Douglas County tax lien sale is Nov. 1The Douglas County tax lien sale on
Nov. 1 will be an Internet auction via
www.realauction.com. Visit the web site
for bidding rules, guideline and registra-
tion information. All properties available
for bidding at the tax lien sale are those
that have 2011 or prior year property
taxes owed to Douglas County. Douglas
County’s average collection rate on prop-
erty taxes is 99.9 percent annually; there-
fore, only a small percentage of taxes are
available at the sale. The statutory inter-
est for the 2012 tax lien sale is 10 percent.
“Tax liens are not risk free but can be
a stable long-term investment, similar
to a certificate of deposit,” said Doug-
las County Treasurer Diane Holbert. “I
strongly encourage researching the prop-
erty in question by visiting the website,
www.douglas.co.us/treasurer/Tax_Lien_
Sale_Information.html or the assessor’s
website, http://www.douglas.co.us/as-
sessor.index.html.
An individual or a business can bid on
the delinquent taxes at the sale. If a pre-
mium is offered, the highest bidder will
be awarded the tax lien.
The winning bidder is responsible for
paying Douglas County all taxes, fees,
and any premium bid. Premiums do not
earn interest.
In preparation for the annual tax lien
sale, the treasurer’s office will publish an
online listing of delinquent properties.
For information on the sale, visit www.
douglas.co.us/treasurer/Tax_Lien_Sale_
Information.html or call the treasurer’s
office at 303-660-7455.
DC H APPEN IN GS
MILESTONES
Education
Kelly Mason, a 2007 Ponderosa High graduate
and a 2012 Colorado State University graduate, was
honored among 17 other CSU alumni Oct. 4. She
received the Albert C. Yates Student Leadership
Award. Mason earned bachelor’s degrees in biol-
ogy and languages, literatures and cultures, with
an emphasis in Spanish. Each year the Colorado
State Alumni Association honors distinguished
alumni for their service to their communities, their
professions, and the university.
Mason earned the Distinguished Service Key
from her coed fraternity Alpha Phi Omega for her
hard work and excellence in service. While attend-
ing CSU, Mason completed more than 350 hours
of community service while earning two degrees
and working for the university. She will also be
honored in a separate ceremony for being on the
dean’s list for the College of Natural Sciences.
Mason plans to continue her education in neuro-
science.
Quincy Anna Benton, of Parker, graduated with
honors with a bachelor’s degree in English from
the University of Iowa.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you would like to share your opinion, go to www.ourcoloradonews.com or write a letter to
the editor. Please send letters to [email protected].
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
Email your ideas to Parker Community Editor Chris Mi-
chlewicz at [email protected] or call
him at 303-566-4086.
8 Parker Chronicle October 26, 20128
A glimpse at who’s running for councilBackground information on
Parker’s eight candidates
Compiled by Chris [email protected]
Parker residents can learn plenty
about town council candidates through
campaign websites, but the following of-
fers a brief glimpse into who is running.
Question-and-answer sessions with the
candidates, in which they divulge their
positions on various issues, are posted
online at www.ourparkernews.com.
John DiakJohn Diak, a Parker resident since
1983, has been involved in the commu-
nity, from participating in the 1988 “Stay
Alive on Highway 83” campaign as a high
school senior to the 2012 Smokin’ Brew
BBQ that raised funds for charitable
causes.
Diak attended Colorado State Uni-
versity, where he earned a dual degree
in finance and human development
and family studies. Upon graduation, he
came home to Parker and began work-
ing for Western States Surveying, a lo-
cally owned and operated land surveying
company
He and his wife of 13 years, Noelle, are
raising their three children in the Brad-
bury Hills subdivision.
Ron Fraker Jr.Ron Fraker Jr. has lived in Parker for
eight years. He attended the University
of Denver, where he received a degree in
finance/marketing and a degree in statis-
tics with a minor in economics. He later
earned a master’s in business administra-
tion and a master’s in science of finance
with a minor in business-to-business
marketing. Fraker works in his family’s
business as a manufacturers’ represen-
tative selling hardware, automotive and
farm products in the Rocky Mountain
and Great Lakes regions. He is married to
his wife, Lindsey, and they have two sons.
Robert KronRobert Kron is originally from a small
Minnesota farming community “where
everyone knew each other.” He has been
involved with youth sports in Parker and
served in various capacities with the Boy
Scouts of America.
He says he is not a career politician.
Kron has spent most of his life in the pri-
vate sector, providing him with knowl-
edge of how the economy works. He has
a bachelor’s degree in science from the
University of Phoenix and a master’s of
business administration in finance and
accounting from Keller Graduate School
of Management. Kron moved to Parker
four years ago with his wife, three sons
and one daughter.
Mark LaneMark Lane lives off Mainstreet, runs a
pedestrian taxi company on Mainstreet
and is actively involved in the commu-
nity as a resident and business owner.
He says his work allows him to meet
many of the residents of Parker, listen to
their concerns and to see areas that need
focus. He is a Parker Chamber of Com-
merce member who volunteers as an
ambassador to help new members “learn
the ropes.”
Lane attended the 2012 Parker Civic
Academy and learned about planning,
police and public works departments to
understand how they function within the
Town of Parker. He has lived in Parker for
three years with his wife, Tia.
Debbie LewisDebbie Lewis is a 30-year resident of
Parker and former Town Council mem-
ber. Lewis has a bachelor of science in
education and has been a Parker small
business owner for more than 30 years.
She has been the award recipient of the
prestigious Citizen of the Year O’Brien
Award and has been a Parker Chamber of
Commerce member for many years.
As a Parker Town Council member for
eight years (1996-2000 and 2004-2008),
Lewis was a part of many special com-
mittees and legislative groups. She has
raised two children in Parker and is a
grandmother of three.
Joshua RiveroJoshua Rivero owns a coffee shop in
downtown Parker and is an active com-
munity member.
He served as president for two years
of the now-absorbed Downtown Devel-
opment Council shortly after purchas-
ing his business in 2008. While at the
DDC, Rivero was involved in bringing the
Farmers Market back to Mainstreet and
in creating downtown events organized
by the Parker Chamber of Commerce.
Rivero met his future wife, Anna, in
2001. When starting a family, they moved
to Parker to be near Rivero’s family.
They found an old coffee shop for sale
on Mainstreet and decided it would be
a perfect fit. They live in Idyllwilde with
their two children.
Bob RobertsBob Roberts has lived in Parker for
seven years and is the owner of a small
general-practice law firm on Mainstreet.
Roberts holds a bachelor of arts de-
gree, a bachelor of science degree, and a
juris doctor degree from the University of
Denver. He works regularly with local and
county agencies as part of his law prac-
tice. He also volunteers with the Doug-
las/Elbert Task Force charity and Habitat
for Humanity.
In his free time, Roberts enjoys hunt-
ing, fishing, biking, running, and hiking
with his girlfriend and their two big dogs.
Bill WrightBill Wright is a longtime Parker resi-
dent, businessman and community vol-
unteer. Wright, who is retired from the
energy industry, has lived in Parker for 13
years and “knows just how good we have
it here.”
He grew up in Colorado and gradu-
ated from Colorado State University
with bachelor’s degrees in science and
business. He went on to earn a master’s
in business administration from the
University of Texas-Austin. He has also
served on various commissions, includ-
ing a stint as a board member for the
Colorado Council on Economic Educa-
tion. Wright has been married to his wife,
Carol, for five years.
Fraker Kron Lane Rivero Diak Lewis Roberts Wright
New park steeped in history Staf report
Arapahoe County cel-ebrated the opening of the 17 Mile House Farm Park, the newest gem in its open space crown, with a dedi-cation, ribbon-cutting and fall festival on Oct. 20.
The 70-acre park, lo-cated at 8181 South Parker Road, adjacent to Cherry Creek and the boundary of Arapahoe and Douglas counties, features a re-stored farmhouse, silo and two replica windmills, as well as a trailhead linked to the Cherry Creek Re-gional Trail system.
Named for the 120-year-old home on the property, the park was once part of the historic Cherokee Trail stagecoach route to Denver.
Former tenants of the 17 Mile House, Jack Race and Ruth Race-Dolan, at-tended the ceremony and entertained visitors with childhood stories.
Purchased for about $12,000 in the 1930s, Race-Dolan said the property, as she remembers, came with 640 acres of land and she and her siblings attended a one-room schoolhouse located a few miles away.
Accidental gas leak destroyed Castle Rock homeBy Rhonda [email protected]
Fire investigators determined the gas leak that leveled a Castle Rock home originated in the basement room holding the fur-nace and water heater.
The home at 6942 Sulfur Lane in Sapphire Pointe was destroyed in a natural gas explosion around 7:15 a.m. Oct. 12.
The five family members in the home, Lisa Martinez and her four children, survived the explo-sion with minor injuries, in an event Castle Rock Fire Chief Art Morales described as a “miracle.”
Morales shared the findings of the investigation Oct. 17 with about 160 residents who attend-ed an open house at Fire Station 155, near the entrance to the Sap-phire Pointe subdivision. He was joined by representatives from
Black Hills Energy and the Castle Rock Police Department, who aided in the investigation until officials were certain the incident was not a criminal investigation.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families,” said Wes Ashton, with Black Hills Energy external affairs. “We’re so grate-ful for the outcome, it could have been so different.”
By the time officials were ready to announce their findings, in-
vestigators were sure the gas leak was unintentional, Morales said.
Based on witness accounts and the findings on scene, inves-tigators believe the natural gas built up so that the point of igni-tion instantly consumed the fuel that had gathered, Morales said.
The ignition caused the house to shatter out and pull back into itself as the oxygen was con-sumed by the explosion in the basement, Morales said.
Parker Chronicle 9 October 26, 20129
ouncil
eet and decided it would be
dyllwilde with
ker for
wner of a small
eet.
ts de-
, and a
ersity of
egularly with local and
ac-
olunteers with the Doug-
abitat
ys hunt-
unning, and hiking
iend and their two big dogs.
esi-
ol-
om the
ker for 13
e have
adu-
ersity
ees in science and
n a master’s
om the
e has also
, includ-
d member for the
duca-
ied to his wife,
w park eeped
ory
ounty cel-ated the opening of the
ark, est gem in its open
wn, with a dedi-ibbon-cutting and
k, lo-ker
oad, adjacent to Cherry eek and the boundary
apahoe and Douglas e-
, silo and , as
linked e-
amed for the -old home on the
k was t of the historic
stagecoach
mer tenants of the ace
ace-Dolan, at-emony and
tained visitors with
chased for about ace-
, as , came with
es of land and she and her siblings attended
oom schoolhouse .
10 Parker Chronicle October 26, 2012
Parker Chronicle Colorado Community Media
9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone 303-566-4100 • Fax 303-566-4098
GERARD HEALEY President and Publisher
CHRIS ROTAR Editor
SCOTT GILBERT Assistant Editor
CHRIS MICHLEWICZ Community Editor
JOHN ROSA Sports Editor
ERIN ADDENBROOKE Classifieds Mgr., National Sales Mgr.
AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager
SCOTT ANDREWS Creative Services Manager
DEAN LINK Circulation Director
RON ‘MITCH’ MITCHELL Sales Executive BOB BURDICK Newsroom Adviser
We welcome event listings and other submissions. General news and [email protected] news and [email protected]@ourcoloradonews.comMilitary [email protected] to the [email protected] accomplishments, honor roll and dean’s [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] your information to 303-339-7499To Subscribe call 720-409-4775
Columnists and guest commentaries
The Parker Chronicle features a limited
number of regular columnists, found on these
pages and elsewhere in the paper, depending on
the typical subject the columnist covers. Their
opinions are not necessarily those of the Parker
Chronicle.
Want your own chance to bring an issue to our
readers’ attention, to highlight something great
in our community, or just to make people laugh?
Why not write a letter of 300 words or fewer.
After all, the Chronicle is your paper.
Our team of professional reporters, photographers and editors are out in the community to bring you the news each week, but we can’t do it alone.
Send your news tips, your own photographs, event information,
letters, commentaries... If it happens, it’s news to us. Please
share by contacting us at [email protected],
and we will take it from there.
WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER
OPINIONS / YOURS AND OURS
The Bad, the Good, and in betweenWe just get through — if not over —
one Bad thing in the news and another
one comes right along, on its heels, and
clobbers our heads and hearts. In be-
tween something Good makes us feel OK
again. For a while.
We get buffeted from the Aurora the-
ater massacre to Missy to Jessica Ridge-
way to the Broncos miracle to five people
murdered in a Denver bar.
And that’s just us: metro Denver. Every
other city in America and in the world
goes through this.
Try bookmarking The Los Angeles
Times to get some idea of what hap-
pens in a larger city, in Los Angeles and
the suburbs.
“I don’t read the news, or watch it,” a
nurse said to me recently. But for some
reason he knew about Malala Yousufzai
(The Good), the 14-year old Pakistani girl
who was shot in the head on a school bus
by members of the Taliban (The Bad).
There are statistics for absolutely
everything.
Except this: How many of us are Good
and how many of us are Bad?
I know: “Good” and “Bad” are very
broad generalizations, and that some of
us are both Good and Bad. Or more Good
than Bad, or more Bad than Good. But
some of us are always Good, and some of
us are always Bad.
Can you picture Missy Franklin EVER
being Bad? Even a little Bad? Me either.
When I was sitting in Miss Frobischer’s
first-grade class in Uniontown, Pa., I am
sure I thought that all 18 of my class-
mates were Good, and would be Good
forever.
In reality one of them probably opened
a puppy mill (The Bad) and one of them
smacked his wife around (The Bad). One
of them served in Vietnam (The Good)
and one of them became an honest poli-
tician* (The Non Sequitur).
I have had my moments in both
camps, but in general I think I am The
Good. I am not as Good as my sister. She
is The Good beyond my comprehension.
It’s always disappointing when The
Good turn out to be The Bad. Lance,
Lance, Lance. You break my heart. Joe
Paterno. His Bad was adjunctive, howev-
er, and I because of that I will always have
compassion for him.
Some of us have no choice. We are
born under a Bad sign, whether it is in-
different parenting, or squalor, or the
proximity to gangs, illegal drugs, or gun-
related mayhem.
I am sure that one of my classmates
looked over the shoulder of another one
when we were tested on fruits and stole
an answer, and years later he stole a
fruit truck.
We can be scammed partly because
we believe or want to believe that people
are basically Good.
Then we see our doctor on “60 Min-
utes” and it’s not because she has donat-
ed a kidney.
She’s sitting there with re-used syring-
es, and a candy dish of Oxycodone, Per-
cocet, and Dexedrine.
Back to the nurse. I know a number of
people who don’t read or watch the news.
The nurse said, “I can’t do anything about
it anyhow.”
Neither can I, but I need to know. I
want to stay informed for one thing, and
for another, Bad news — I have to say
this carefully — is a part of my general
humbug with life, and contributes to the
instruction of my thoughts, my writing,
and even my painting.
Everything isn’t festooned with
sunflowers.
Finally, now and then Bad news might
give us a Good Laugh: “Other than that,
how did you like the play, Mrs. Lincoln?”
*Quote: “If I were two-faced, would I
be wearing this one?” Abraham Lincoln
Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, edu-
cator and Highlands Ranch resident. He
can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@
comcast.net
Dragon slayers never quitDid you ever notice that in almost
every movie, if not every movie that in-
cludes a dragon slayer, the hero is going
solo?
It’s true, man or woman, adult or child,
wizard or warlock, at some point the de-
fender of our safety ends up fighting the
fire-breathing beast alone.
Pushed backwards to the edge of a
precipice or cliff, our valiant dragon slay-
er is down to just their sword and shield
and in some cases, just his or her sword.
I have even seen in some movies where
they may have no weaponry at all, they
are in the final throes of battle with just
their bare hands, just like Harry Potter
who lost his wand.
As viewers of a movie or readers of the
book, we are caught up in this intense
moment with the character, our hands
get sweaty and our hearts race as if we
are the ones in battle and quite possibly
about to die.
With all of our hearts and might, we
“will” the hero to succeed. We so very
much want them to win.
I mean really, who ever really roots for
the dragon?
Let’s fast-forward to the present day
and our careers, our workplace, our rela-
tionships, and our world.
The dragons still exist, but I believe
they are metaphorical dragons who we
allow to frighten us, intimidate us, and
threaten our success.
We might feel like the dragons are
our competitors, our difficult custom-
ers, the economy, or even people in our
lives who for whatever reason seem to be
against us.
The truth is that the biggest dragons
we face are self-imposed and come in the
shape of bad attitudes, lack of work ethic,
compromised personal character, and
wrong behaviors.
So many people I coach and speak
with completely understand their com-
petitive landscape, they know who their
enemies are and how they behave, they
recognize the impact that the economy
has and real-world environment that
they work and play in.
But what they fight most often, the
dragons that frustrate them beyond
any other, are the self-imposed belief
systems or habits that they themselves
have created.
Journey back with me to the movie
scene, our hero or heroine is backed up
to a cliff, the dragon is furiously breath-
ing fire and attacking with claws and
spiked tail, and the dragon slayer has two
choices and two choices only…they can
accept defeat and be killed by the dragon,
or they can fight back, finding the drag-
ons weak spot, and thrusting their sword
into that spot to claim victory.
Even the dragon slayer who has lost
sword and shield and whose demise
seems imminent, somehow in the cli-
mactic moment a new sword appears
and a sun shines behind the dragon cast-
ing the dragon in a silhouette, and our
hero/heroine emerges victorious. This is
you, you are a dragon slayer, no matter
what battle you are facing, no matter how
close to the edge you are, you can fight
back, that relationship is yours if you re-
ally want it, that job is yours, that promo-
tion is yours, that goal is yours, and even
that addiction you are struggling with is
yours to defeat.
Here we are in October, we have a few
months to go, and we may still have some
dragons we need to defeat.
I would love to hear all about how you
plan on fighting back or even how you
have defeated those dragons of yesterday
to achieve your success at gotonorton@
gmail.com.
Become a dragon slayer this week and
I guarantee it will be a better than good
week for you.
Michael Norton, a resident of High-
lands Ranch, is the former president of
the Zig Ziglar organization and CEO and
founder of www.candogo.com
Parker Chronicle 11 October 26, 201211
Lasater wants
seat at RTD tableDistrict pays more than others, former Parker mayor says
By Tom [email protected]
Gary Lasater tossed his hat in the
ring as a candidate to represent Dis-
trict G as one of the 15 members of
the board of directors of the Regional
Transportation District.
“I became a candidate because I
felt District G needs better represen-
tation on the board of directors,” La-
sater said. “I don’t feel it is right that
RTD has consistently cut services or
threatened to cut services for the Parker area.”
He said he was a member of the Metro Mayors
Caucus that supported the 2004 FasTracks proposal
to expand mass transit by adding 119 of rail transit
and 18 miles of bus rapid transit in the metro area.
“No one could have seen the change in the eco-
nomic climate we have gone through that has creat-
ed financial challenges for FasTracks,” he said. “But
I feel FasTracks should be completed for the entire
metro area before any line extensions are done.”
Lasater was born in Utah and raised in Florida.
The family moved to Colorado in 1968 and he gradu-
ated from Bear Creek High School
Lasater and his family moved to the Parker area
in 1994. He served as Parker mayor from 1996 until
2004. He was then term-limited as mayor, but he be-
came a candidate and was elected to the town coun-
cil in 2004 and again in 2008.
He said he had done some research and it appears
the fees and taxes District G paid to RTD are higher
than those paid by any of the other 14 districts.
“I feel the residents of District G are paying more
and receiving less service,” he said.
Lasater owns and operates an online financial
services platform that is used by other agencies. He
said his company was similar to cloud computing
before cloud was introduced.
He and his wife of 31 years live in the Park-
er area. They have two daughters, two sons and
two granddaughters.
Lasater
O’Boyle seeks second term with RTDFormer Lone Tree mayor wants to continue work
By Tom [email protected]
Jack O’Boyle is seeking to be re-elected to be the District G repre-sentative on the 15-member board of directors of the Regional Transpor-tation District.
“I want to con-tinue the work I started in my first term on the board,” he said. “I will again make it my prior-ity to seek to make sure RTD continues along the road to fiscal sustainabil-ity.”
For the last four years, O’Boyle has represented District G, which includes Lone Tree, Parker, por-tions of Centennial and parts of unincorporated Douglas and Arapahoe counties.
The incumbent said he remains a supporter of the FasTracks mass transit improvement project. The initial plan was funded by the 2004 voter approval of raising the sales tax rate for RTD, and the proposal was to add 119 miles of rail transit as well as improved bus service throughout the metro area in 12 years.
Higher construction and mate-rial costs, coupled with a decline in revenues, have created financial challenges for FasTracks so, without additional funding, it won’t be com-pleted until 2042.
“FasTracks is important to help-ing Denver make the transition from a cow town to a global city,”
said O’Boyle, who is now retired. “However, finances are a problem and there could be modifications to plans for some of the corridors. Local residents need to know the Southeast and Southwest line ex-tension are scheduled in the future; they are still in the FasTracks plans.”
O’Boyle was born in Georgia and raised in California. He came to Colorado in 1994 when his position with Lockheed-Martin moved to the metro area.
He was elected mayor of Lone Tree in 1996 and served three four-year terms in that position.
He could not seek re-election to the council in 2008 because of term limits and successfully ran to be the District G representative on the RTD board.
O’Boyle and his wife have been married 48 years and have three children.
O’Boyle
SEND US YOUR NEWS
Colorado Community Media welcomes event listings and
other submissions.
Please note our new submissions emails.
Events and club listings
calendar@ourcoloradonews.
com
General press releases
pressreleases@
ourcoloradonews.com
Letters to the editor
News tips
Fax information to
303-566-4098
Mail to 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 210,
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129
Gorman keeps her focus on educationBy Rhonda [email protected]
Holly Gorman, the Democratic candidate for state Senate District 4, lives in Castle Rock and has lived in the district for six years. She is a native of Colorado and is married to Mark Gorman. The cou-ple has three girls, Jordan,
Amaris and Sabriya.
G o r m a n f a c i l i t a t e s online learn-ing at Den-ver Public Schools and has been a restorative jus-tice coordinator and CU adjunct faculty member.
Colorado Community Media asked the following
questions of the can-didates in the race for Colorado Senate, Dis-trict 4. Below are Gor-man’s answers.
What makes you the best candidate for this office? My style of leadership.
As a Colorado educator and civic-engaged leader, I’m all about our com-munity. I will absolutely
put the interests of people ahead of partisan politics and work with all Colora-dans to implement solu-tions to make Colorado a better place to live, work, play, and raise our fami-lies. I connect and unite people around common goals to strengthen and improve community. This will be the same approach I will bring to the Senate.
Our communities can-not stay strong if we don’t rebuild our economy and expand job opportunities. Additionally, our children cannot be successful and competitive in a global
economy without access to world-class education.
My opponent closely follows an extreme par-tisan ideology, without regard for the whole com-munity. The consequenc-es of that style of leader-ship can be found in the bitter division and par-tisanship rearing its ugly head in our schools.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your constituents and what would you do to meet that challenge?
Education. As I have been reaching out to vot-ers several issues have
been brought to my at-tention to include fore-closures, jobs, healthcare, fracking, and most sadly drug-induced teen deaths. However, education rises to the top. In my district, folks with children are concerned about the qual-ity and quantity of educa-tion their children are receiving; they are con-cerned about the bitter division and partisanship rearing its ugly head in our schools. And folks without children are concerned about their home values and the consequences to the community as a result of the district unrest. They understand the value of a great education.
What should be done to improve Colorado’s K-12 educational system?
We first need to deter-mine if public education is a priority. I see talk about this but as a parent and educator I see major cuts occurring in the class-room. That said, we must strengthen P-20 public education across the state, ensuring all students have access to early interven-tion programming, pre-school, full-day kinder-garten, and affordable post-secondary options.
In addition, we must ensure all students learn in 21st-century (STEM) classrooms that prepare for careers, today unde-fined.
12 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201212
STATE SENATE DISTRICT 4 CANDIDATES
Schefel says his values reflect districtBy Rhonda [email protected]
Mark Scheffel, the Republican incum-bent in state Senate District 4, lives in Parker and has lived in the district for 39 years. He has been married for 19 years and is the father of three daughters and one son.
Scheffel graduated from the Univer-sity of Denver with a degree in finance and has a Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School and a master of laws degree in taxation from New York University School of Law. He is a prin-cipal/owner of Reid and Scheffel P.C., a Parker law firm emphasizing business and taxation issues.
Scheffel’s previous public experience includes membership on the citizen ad-visory board for The Wildlife Experience; he is an active member of the Parker
Rotary; an active board member of Skycliff Stroke Center of Castle Rock; and the former chairman of the Douglas County Re-publican Party.
Colorado Community Media asked the following
questions of the candidates in the race for Colorado Senate, District 4. Below are Scheffel’s answers.
What makes you the best candidate for this office?
One of the greatest privileges I have experienced was to be asked to run for the state Senate four years ago and to successfully be elected to serve the citi-zens of Senate District 4 at the State Cap-itol where I currently serve as the Senate Assistant Minority Leader.
I believe I am the best candidate for this office because my conservative, pro-
family, pro-life, pro-gun, pro-business values represent the district and I have worked faithfully to sponsor and sup-port legislation that advances liberty and freedom while limiting the size of gov-ernment, lowering taxes and reducing burdensome regulations.
What do you see as the biggest chal-lenge facing your constituents and what would you do to meet that challenge?
Our economy continues to struggle. Every day I hear from constituents who are working to raise their families and make ends meet. Many people are look-ing for work while others struggle with chronic underemployment, or the devas-tating news of losing their job.
Over the last four years I worked with business leaders and citizens on legisla-tion that allows business to flourish and rekindles the entrepreneurial spirit that built this community, state, and nation.
I am dedicated to limiting government and strengthening our economy with a free market economic agenda and will continue to advocate for businesses, so they may thrive.
What should be done to improve Col-orado’s K-12 educational system?
Our children and their education are critically important as they are our fu-ture. Colorado’s K-12 educational sys-tem will continue to improve as long as it promotes school choice, parental in-volvement, and accountability. Douglas County schools are at the forefront of the education reform movement, which I en-thusiastically support. I support expand-ing educational options and empowering parents to make education choices for their children. I support raising student achievement, teacher accountability, and empowering local school boards instead of federal and state bureaucrats.
Grundemann ofers options to votersBy Rhonda [email protected]
Chris Grundemann, the Libertarian candidate for state Senate District 4, lives in Castle Rock and has lived in the district for 26 years.
He is the father of two sons, ages 5 and 10.
He attended Douglas County High School and is self-educated. He regards learning as a lifelong and daily pursuit.
Grundemann is a network engineer who focuses on technical leadership and innovation. He has written two nonfic-tion books and various standards, speci-fications and industry papers.
His past public service experience in-cludes work as the founding chair of the Colorado chapter of the Internet Society, a board member of the Rocky Mountain
IPv6 Task Force, an elect-ed member of the ARIN Advisory Council and a number of volunteer positions in prominent industry organizations.
Colorado Community Media asked the follow-
ing questions of the can-didates in the race for Colorado Senate, District 4. Below are Grundemann’s an-swers.
What makes you the best candidate for this office?
I am offering a fresh perspective and a fresh start. At all levels of government the dominant two parties are beholden to the special interests that pay for their campaigns. These donors very often back both Republicans and Democrats, ensur-ing that they always win and the voting people always lose. I offer an alternative
to that false dichotomy. As a Libertar-ian I believe in individual liberty and in the ability for each man and woman to govern themselves, with government’s role simply to facilitate that self-gov-ernance. I will only support policy that opens opportunities, and never laws that are unnecessary.
What do you see as the biggest chal-lenge facing your constituents and what would you do to meet that challenge?
There are many distinct issues facing District 4, but many of them surround unconstitutional federal expansion of power. I plan to meet this challenge by ensuring the Colorado State Senate ad-dresses all state problems directly. I be-lieve that we must also fight against fur-ther expansion of federal power, and do our level best to restrain existing over-steps. To accomplish this, I will build re-lationships with Colorado’s U.S. senators
and representatives to ensure that they understand that District 4 can speak for itself, through me. To make this happen, my door, phone, and mailbox will always be open to all constituents.
What should be done to improve Col-orado’s K-12 educational system?
Our primary problem in education today is that we are using a decades-old system. We are teaching digital children in analog schools. This must change. We need to take a hard look at how and what we are teaching our kids and how that facilitates the future. Critical think-ing, problem-solving, and creativity must trump rote memorization in nearly all cases. We must shift our focus from pre-serving the status quo to shaping the next generation of innovators and leaders. Once we make that shift, we must mea-sure and manage the system, providing incentives appropriately.
Gorman
Grundemann
Schefel
Parker Chronicle 13 October 26, 201213-Color
sheriff’s office that have been helped, including the Women’s Crisis & Family Outreach Center, Douglas County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff’s Of-fice Scholarship Program, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program, victim assistance, Deputy Ron King Memorial Schol-arship, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Fallen Offi-cer Program, Race-A-Cop and Christmas for Kids.
Aside from monetary donations, the Linigers’ financial latitude enables them to create platforms for others to raise funds on a broader scale. The Sanctuary, for example, has helped raise $65 mil-lion over the years for vari-ous groups in need, and The Wildlife Experience,
which has 501(c)(3) sta-
tus, helps other charitable
organizations by offering
deep discounts to rent out
its Great Hall for fundrais-
ing events. The museum is
the ideal spot to present
an award to the Linigers.
“People finally have a
chance to honor and rec-
ognize and thank them for
the things they’ve done,”
Debus said.
Expedition 10 starts at
6 p.m. and is open to the
public. Tickets are $250
for the general public and
$200 for members, and, of
course, the money goes
to a great cause: museum
programs. For more in-
formation or tickets, call
Lynn Howes at 720-488-
3379.
Expedition continues from Page 1
Abduction continues from Page 1
Expedition: Couple
honored at event
Abduction: Mom creates
group following incident
Humane Society board ires directorShelter has struggled for inancial viability
By Jennifer [email protected]
The Humane Society of the South Platte Valley’s board has fired executive director Nick Fisher and replaced him with an in-terim director, Leslie Mai-sonneuve.
Board member Margie Munoz and Maisonneuve briefed Littleton City Council on the situation on Oct. 16.
“We’ve taken steps within the last week to implement a dynamic growth plan,” said Munoz.
She thanked Fisher for his time and energy, but said the board is excited to explore permanent op-tions.
Council unanimously approved an agreement Sept. 18 to work with Arapahoe County, Centen-nial, Cherry Hills Village, Bow Mar, Columbine Val-ley, Sheridan, Englewood, Lone Tree and Parker to explore options for hous-
ing lost or abandoned crit-
ters throughout the south
metro region.
The agreement does
not specifically say the
joint committee will
look for ways to keep the
HSSPV viable, just that it
will explore a variety of
options ranging from a re-
gional full-service animal
shelter to using a combi-
nation of private kennels.
The shelter has strug-
gled to become financially
stable since the state at-
torney general’s office
closed the Colorado Hu-
mane Society. Littleton
and Englewood each pro-
vided $100,000 to kick-
start HSSPV to replace
CHS in 2009, and agreed
to pay $50,000 a year for
animal-sheltering servic-
es. HSSPV has asked for
$25,000 advances each of
the last two years.
Both councils gave
HSSPV an extra $41,000
for 2012 — for a total of
$91,000 each. Littleton
City Manager Michael
Penny warned he expect-
ed it to be the last time.
“The timing of last re-
sort is the 2013 budget,”
he said last spring. “We’re
not continuing to do this.”
Council agreed and
tossed the extra out of the
2013 budget that they ap-
proved during the Oct. 16
meeting.
Maisonneuve said she’s
“super excited” about
the direction the board is
heading, and added that
the community is becom-
ing more involved through
volunteering and dona-
tions.
She said her primary
focus will be making the
shelter more efficient by
providing the right ser-
vices and using the space
better. She’ll also look at
ways to increase cash flow,
perhaps by charging for
animal behavior training.
packed into Parker police meetings about child safety, including 175 peo-ple over three classes last weekend.
“We look at this as a teachable mo-ment,” Cashman said.
Demand is so high, the Parker police built a waiting list of interested par-ents and eventually asked the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center if the department could host a meeting that would educate a larger number of peo-ple. That meeting was scheduled for Oct. 24. Two meetings on Oct. 22 and 23 were expected to be at capacity.
“They filled up immediately, some-times before people even got emails about them from their HOA,” Cashman said. “People are paying attention a little more now. We’re teaching them to
be our eyes and ears because we obvi-ously can’t be everywhere.”
More free child safety seminars are scheduled for 6-8 p.m. Nov. 1-3 at the Parker Police Department, 18600 Lin-coln Meadows Parkway.
Stand Out for Kids, a campaign or-ganized by the mother of the 4-year-old girl, was created after the Clarke Farms incident and is intended to increase the visibility of responsible adults and keep kids safe while walking to and from school. The Facebook page had 125 likes by the afternoon of Oct. 22.
Anyone with information about the suspicious incident in Clarke Farms should call Detective Michael Buoni-conti at 303-805-6524. For more infor-mation about child safety lessons, visit www.parkerpolice.org.
14 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201214-Color
Families carry flame for lost loved onesWomen organize walks to battle pancreatic cancerBy Chris [email protected]
A cancer diagnosis by a doctor is often followed by a
list of treatment options and a positive look at how med-
ical advancements have improved survivability. That’s
not the case with pancreatic cancer.
Perhaps the most devastating of the cancers, it is
known as the one that’s typically too advanced for in-
tervention. The survivor rate for late-stage patients is a
meager 6 percent.
The available information and statistics didn’t pro-
vide much hope for Parker resident Rich Phillips, who
was diagnosed in 2004 with stage-4 pancreatic cancer.
He knew he was dying, and instead of flowers, asked
friends and family to put their money toward research
in the hopes that no one else would have to endure the
pain of the disease.
His wife, Meg, and their daughters have followed
through with his wish, and then some, by creating the
Denver version of the Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic
Cancer Research Walk, one of Colorado’s most promi-
nent memorial run/walks and fundraisers for research.
The event — this year’s is Nov. 4 at Sloan’s Lake Park in
Denver — started in New York and is named for the for-
mer chief executive officer of Cablevision, Marc Lustgar-
ten, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at age 52.
Through the inspirational event, in which partici-
pants share stories and pin photos of departed loved
ones on their shirts, Phillips has built a bond with
countless women who have lost their husbands, includ-
ing Highlands Ranch resident Karen Robinson.
Robinson’s husband, Stew, was given three months
to live after his 2004 diagnosis. The doctors “would not
touch him” and told him to quit his job and “go home
and die,” Robinson said. But with help from a Houston-
based treatment center called MD Anderson Cancer
Center, her husband lived for three years.
Meg Phillips met another friend, Carey Lejeune,
because Lejeune’s father, Bill, was undergoing treat-
ment at the same time and place as Rich Phillips. The
men established an incredible bond, and so, too, have
the women as they raise money for intensive research
through the Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer
Research Walk, which is entering its sixth year, having
raised $286,000 thus far.
Sadly, many of the survivors who participated in pre-
vious races have since passed away. Robinson said she
has met only one pancreatic cancer survivor, a man at
MD Anderson who was diagnosed nearly 15 years ago.
The deaths of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, astro-
naut Sally Ride and actor Patrick Swayze have increased
awareness about pancreatic cancer in recent years, but
Phillips, Robinson and Lejeune, who are part of the re-
search walk’s organizing team, know there is still much
work to be done.
Meanwhile, they take heart in promising innova-
tions for early detection, including a camera-scope that
reaches deeper into the recesses of internal organs than
ultrasounds do. They are also hoping scientists can fur-
ther define possible dietary factors and genetic links in
pancreatic cancer.
Robinson, whose husband’s life was prolonged
enough for him to witness the high school and college
graduations of their two sons, is an advocate of regular
screenings for relatives of patients.
All of their efforts, from the run/walk to silent auc-
tions, are made in the name of finding a means of effec-
tive early diagnosis, treatments and eventually a cure.
All proceeds from the race — there are no administrative
costs — go toward research. The Lustgarten Foundation
funds studies at 40 medical centers around world.
When asked what her husband might say about her
diligence in raising awareness and money, Phillips fights
off tears.
“I think he would be proud because we’re working
with scientists and researchers to help,” the Parker resi-
dent said. “He would say ‘good for you, but stop using
my name so much.’”
The first run/walk drew 22 walkers and raised
$42,000. The goal in 2012 is 700 walkers and $100,000
in donations. Participants are asked to contribute $50
when they register at www.lustgarten.org or call 1-866-
789-1000.
From left, Carey LeJeune, Meg Phillips and Karen Robinson are among the
organizers for the Lustgarten Foundation’s Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk
Nov. 4 at Sloan’s Lake Park in Denver. All three women, including Phillips, of
Parker, lost their husbands to pancreatic cancer, which is often detected too
late for doctors to intervene. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
SEND US YOUR NEWS
Colorado Community
Media welcomes
event listings and other
submissions.
Please note our new
submissions emails.
Events and club listings
calendar@ourcoloradonews.
com
School notes, such as
honor roll and dean’s
list schoolnotes@
ourcoloradonews.com
Military briefs
militarynotes@
ourcoloradonews.com
General press releases
pressreleases@
ourcoloradonews.com
Letters to the editor
News tips
Fax information to 303-566-
4098
Mail to 9137 S. Ridgeline
Blvd., Ste. 210, Highlands
Ranch, CO 80129
Parker Chronicle 15 October 26, 201215-Color
ed onesThe
have
ch
ancer
, having
e-
obinson said she
, a man at
.
o-
eased
, but
e-
e is still much
a-
a-scope that
gans than
e also hoping scientists can fur-
y factors and genetic links in
olonged
college
egular
un/walk to silent auc-
e made in the name of finding a means of effec-
entually a cure.
ative
oundation
her
fights
king
esi-
ou, but stop using
aised
The goal in 2012 is 700 walkers and $100,000
ibute $50
g or call 1-866-
16 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201216-Color
KEZW grows solar garden in neighborhoodStation is second in U.S. to be sun-powered
By Jennifer [email protected]
On a prairie bluff overlooking a dog
park, an enclave of high technology
looms.
It’s technology that has launched
KEZW Studio 1430 AM into historic noto-
riety as the second and largest radio sta-
tion in the United States to be powered by
solar energy.
“The thing that’s really cool to me is
that the station that plays the oldest mu-
sic has the newest technology,” said dee-
jay Rick Crandall at an Oct. 19 ceremony
to dedicate the station’s solar garden.
That, along with a transmitting station
and several antennas, is on the western
edge of David A. Lorenz Regional Park,
along East County Line Road between
Colorado Boulevard and Holly Street.
The solar project is part of parent com-
pany Entercom’s 1Thing environmental
initiative, which encourages everyone to
do just one thing every day to preserve
the environment, coming one step clos-
er to a sustainable world. The project is
designed to reduce dependency on the
power grid and showcase renewable en-
ergy.
Atop the bluff sit 12 banks of solar
panels, each one with 36 individual pan-
els generating a total of 100,000 watts of
power. In June 2011, KEZW’s energy bill
was about $1,360; today it averages $270
a month.
“The KEZW solar project has been
challenging and exciting for me,” said
Jeff Garrett, chief engineer at the station’s
parent company, Entercom Denver. “The
science that allows that production of
electricity from photons of light is cut-
ting-edge.”
Cary Hayes of REC Solar, the com-
pany that installed the system, agrees it
was a challenging project. It only took
about two months to build, he said, but
permitting and design took more than a
year. There was a lot of testing involved,
as well, to make sure the solar energy
wouldn’t interfere with the radio signal.
That resulted in a sophisticated ground-
ing system built into the Trex fencing
around the panels.
“We went above and beyond what we
normally do,” said Hayes.
Local dignitaries were on hand at the
event to welcome KEZW to the neighbor-
hood.
“It’s great for them to make this in-
vestment,” said Rick Owens, chair of
the Highlands Ranch Metro District. “It
aligns with what Highlands Ranch is do-
ing in our facilities.” He mentioned LED
holiday lights and solar locks and lights
in all the park restrooms as examples.
“It’s another great example of sensible
sustainability,” agreed Lone Tree Mayor
Pro Tem Jackie Millet. “It’s a great exam-
ple of leadership, just like our arts cen-
ter.” She noted that Lone Tree Arts Center
is the city’s first LEED-certified building
“We are excited about the future, and
I’m honored to be part of converting sun-
light into radio waves,” said Garrett.
KEZW deejay Rick Crandall and Amy Griesheimer, vice president and marketing manager at Entercom Denver, dedicate
the station’s solar garden at David A. Lorenz Regional Park Oct. 19. Courtesy Photo
Parker Chronicle 17 October 26, 201217-Color
18 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201218-Color
Parker Chronicle 19 October 26, 201219-Color
20 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201220-Color
Parker Chronicle 21 October 26, 201221-Color
22 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201222-Color
DA
de
B
dgr
the
r
animals o
hay
shor
to alr
do D
hav
months
$125 per ton,
founding
H
bought last w
per ton.
W
difficult to find.
ter
other ways to r
cor
and fr
dicted to incr
tions hav
gr
liv
animals will be for
cisions to str
hav
her
take them to auction,
linger
Parker Chronicle 23 October 26, 201223-Color
Dry means high for hay pricesAnimal owners make tough decisions amid soaring costs
By Deborah [email protected]
Extreme drought conditions across
the state have many area ranchers scur-
rying for ways to adequately feed their
animals over the long winter months.
Unusually dry weather has crippled
hay production resulting in a statewide
shortage, and rising fuel costs are adding
to already historic high prices.
According to reports from the Colora-
do Department of Agriculture, hay prices
have more than doubled over the past 24
months.
“Two years ago, we were paying about
$125 per ton,” said Pat Miller, one of the
founding directors of the Ruby Ranch
Horse Rescue in Ramah. “For what we
bought last week, we paid nearly $350
per ton.”
Miller said she had to buy the hay from
Wyoming, as local hay is becoming more
difficult to find.
Ranchers continue to search for al-
ternative feed sources, cheaper hay and
other ways to reduce costs. However, ac-
cording to the CDA, fuel prices are rising
and freight costs to ship hay are also pre-
dicted to increase.
Poor pasture and rangeland condi-
tions have also limited the potential for
grazing.
So as cold weather approaches, many
livestock owners who can’t sustain their
animals will be forced to make tough de-
cisions to stretch strained food supplies.
“In cases of extreme drought like we
have now, some ranchers will cull the
herd of weaker animals and others may
take them to auction,” said Ben Ber-
linger, rangeland management specialist
with the National Resources Conserva-
tion Service in La Junta. “There’s always a
top end of the herd, and always a bottom
end.”
And for others, the decision often
comes on the heels of other tough deci-
sions.
“I’m probably going to lose every-
thing this year,” said Jim, a rancher from
Calhan, who asked to be identified by
only his first name. “It’s only a matter of
time. My wife has medical problems and
I’m just at a point where I can’t even af-
ford myself, much less all these animals.
There’s just no way I can feed us all over
the winter. I’m gonna have to get rid of
them.”
Miller said she’s extremely familiar
with cases like Jim’s.
The Ruby Ranch is nonprofit organi-
zation that provides shelter, care and re-
habilitation for abused, neglected, aban-
doned and unwanted horses, including
those that can no longer be cared for by
their owners and those at risk of going to
slaughter.
She said her group has seen a signifi-
cant increase in calls within the past six
weeks and that winter is a particularly
challenging time to feed animals, made
even more difficult with high hay prices.
“An average size horse of about 1,000
pounds will eat about 15 pounds of food
per day,” Miller said. “But when the tem-
perature drops below 15 degrees, that
same horse can eat as much as 40 pounds
per day.”
Miller said the price of hay has even
forced the ranch to make tough decisions
by limiting the number of animals it can
hold for the winter.
“But we’ve branched out and started
to network more,” she said. “While we
can’t take every animal this winter, we are
working to find foster homes and other to
help these owners in distress.”
Barn supervisor Adam Owens stacks bales of hay at the Big R Feed Store in Elizabeth. Drought conditions across the
state have contributed to a shortage of hay. Many ranchers are now scambling to store enough to sustain their animals
through spring. Those who can’t face some very tough decisions. Photo by Deborah Grigsby
Bales of hay await ranchers at Big R Feed Store in Elizabeth. Drought has driven hay prices up sharply, and some herds
will be culled while others will go to auction. Some ranchers could lose everything, in cases where feed prices add one
more cost to operations already inancially stressed. Photo by Deborah Grigsby
HAVE AN EVENT?
To submit a calendar list-ing, send information by noon Friday to [email protected] or by fax to 303-425-8757.
OCT. 26
CITIZEN ACADEMY. The Douglas County Sherif’s Oice is accepting applications for its annual citizen academy, a one-day class from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Douglas County Sherif’s Oice, 4000 Justice Way, Castle Rock, with a visit to the Highlands Ranch Law Enforcement Training Facility. Space is limited and a background check will be conducted on all applicants. Applications are due by Oct. 7. Those that are accepted will be notiied prior to the class. Applica-tions are available online at www.dcsherif.net. For information, call Deputy Jack Newton at 303-663-7702.
WINE WALKS, presented by the Parker Chamber of Commerce, are planned for the last Friday of the month, from May to October. The cost is $10 per adult, ages 21 and older. Tickets can be purchased at the event, or discount season passes are available on the chamber website at www.parkerchamber.com. Dates are Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.
OCT. 26
HALLOWEEN AT the library. Scare up some family-friendly holiday fun with Douglas County Libraries. Family Fall Fest means stories, treats, crafts and more. Event is at 6 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Parker Library, 10851 S. Crossroads Drive.
OCT. 26-27
WORKFORCE TRAINING. Learn how to become a wedding planner at an Arapahoe Community College workforce training program Oct. 26-27 at the college’s Parker campus. The Oct. 26 session runs from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and the Oct. 27 session runs from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The class will cover the roles and responsibilities of a wedding planner and details about the wedding industry such as budget, wedding etiquette/protocol, supervis-
ing a ceremony and how to put on a great reception. Cost for this two-day event is $199. For information, or to RSVP, contact Meredith Toield at [email protected] or 303-734-3701.
THROUGH OCT. 27
LITTLE SHOP. Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center presents “Little Shop of Horrors” from Oct. 19-27. Directed by Paul Dwyer and presented in partner-ship with Starkey Productions, “Little Shop” is a comedy horror rock about a lorist shop worker who raise a plant that feeds on human blood. Tickets start at $18 and can be purchased at www.PACEcenteronline.org, by calling 303-805-6800, or at the box oice, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker.
OCT. 27-28
QUILT SALE. The Mission Quilters of Ave Maria Church are having a quilt sale and boutique from 3-7 p.m. Oct. 27 and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28. Handmade quilts, throws, kids’ and baby items, table toppers and decorative accessories for the home will be available for sale. We are also raling a colorful queen sized quilt. Rale tickets are $2 and 3 for $5. The proceeds from the sale enable the quilters to make and donate quilts to nursing homes, hospitals and children’s ministries. We also donate money to help needy families with housing. The church address is at 9056 E. Parker Road, Parker.
OCT. 28
FALL FUNDRAISER. The Parker Arts Council presents “The Grapes of Death: A Vintage Murder Mystery,” its fall fun-draiser, at 3:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at Clavin’s Bar & Grill. The cost is $42 per person, which includes the bufet dinner, show, tax and tip. Bar bill is separate. Go to www.parkerartscouncil.org for tickets and information.
OCT. 29
DEDICATION CEREMONY. The Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center will dedicate its signature sculpture “Nucleus” at a ceremony from 5-6 p.m. Oct. 29 at the center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave. Visit www.PACEcenteronline.org.
OCT. 30
WRITE A novel in a month. Help Douglas County Libraries kick of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) with activities, prizes and snacks. This event for ages 11-18 will be at 5 p.m. Oct. 30 at the Parker Library, 10851 S. Crossroads Drive. Registration is required at 303-791-7323 or DouglasCountyLibraries.org.
NOV. 1-30
DRIVER SAFETY. AARP is ofering a free drivers safety classroom course from Nov. 1-30 to veterans. The class is open to all veterans regardless of age who serve or have served in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard/Reserves or Coast Guard. Their spouses, widows/widow-ers and children may also take the free class. The AARP driver safety course is the nation’s irst and largest course for drivers ages 50 and older. Classes are available all over Colorado. To register, call 303-764-5995 or go online at www.aarp.org/drive.
NOV. 2, Nov. 16
BLOOD DRIVE. PACE Community Cen-ter Community Blood Drive is from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. inside Bonils’ mobile bus at 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Bonils’ Appointment Center at 303-363-2300 or visit www.bonils.org.
NOV. 3
ENROLLMENT EVENT. Arapahoe Community College will ofer an opportunity for anyone to begin the process of enrolling in spring 2013 classes with the Start Now event from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 3 at all three ACC campuses (Littleton, Parker, Castle Rock). For information, or to apply for admission, contact the admission and records oice at [email protected] or 303-797-6521. Visit www.arapahoe.edu.
NOV. 10
TOY RUN. EC Riders plan its 9th annual toy run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10. Registrationo is from 8-10 a.m. at Stagecoach in Franktown with breakfast available for a small fee. An
8-mile parade of vehicles, including Marines, motorcycles, old cars, and the Elizabeth Fire Department, will start at 10 a.m. in Franktown and parade through Elizabeth ending at Casey Jones Park for everyone to enjoy door prizes, a 50/50 rale, live auction, food and fun. The cost of admission is a new unwrapped toy or cash donation for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Campaign. All monies and toys stay in and support the children of Elbert County. If you cannot make the run, and wish to donate a new, unwrapped toy you can come by the pavilion at Casey Jones after 11 a.m. the day of the ride, or do so at area businesses throughout the county marked with an oicial U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots drop box and Poster. Contact 303-435-2793 or www.ecriders.org.
NOV. 13
CONSERVATION AUCTION. The Cut-throat Chapter of Trout Unlimited will have its annual conservation auction from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 13 at the historic Highlands Ranch Mansion, 9900 S. Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch. The event includes a silent and live auc-tion, door prizes, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Auction items include vacations, guided ishing trips, ly ishing equipment, signed Broncos and Rockies memorabilia, outdoor apparel, etc. Proceeds from the auction are used to support CCTU’s local area conservation projects and youth and community education programs. Visit http://www.cutthroatctu.org or con-tact Cam Chandler at 303-956-5140.
NOV. 23
BLOOD DRIVE. Walmart Community Blood Drive is from 12:30-5 p.m. Nov. 23 inside Bonils’ mobile bus at 11101 S. Parker Road, Parker. For informa-tion or to schedule an appointment, contact the Bonils’ Appointment Center at 303-363-2300 or visit www.bonils.org.
DEC. 7-9, DEC. 14-16
PLAY. THE Parker Arts Council presents “It’s a Wonderful Life, A Live Radio Play” at 7 p.m. Dec. 7, 8, 14, and at 3 p.m. Dec. 8, 9, 15, 16, at the Mainstreet Center, 19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children. Visit www.parkerartscouncil.org for tickets and information.
DEC. 31
NEW YEAR’S Eve. The PACE Renais-sance Guild plans New Year’s Eve, New York Style starting at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at the PACE Center. A live theater production of “The Jerseys” will start at 9 p.m., followed by the Mainstage Theater being transformed to Times Square for the ball drop live from New York City. Ring in the new year at mid-night with champagne, followed by ireworks. Dancing continues through the evening. Tickets are available through Oct. 15 at a discounted rate. Go to www.PACEcenteronline.org or call 303-805-6800.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar submis-sions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send information to [email protected], attn: Parker Chronicle. No attachments. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.
24 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201224-Color
THINGS TO DO
Parker Chronicle 25 October 26, 2012
25-L IFE
South MetroLIFE
Award brings gratitude, tears
I’m honored to be honored.Sense of Security, a Colorado-based
breast cancer charity that helps patients with non-medical expenses, has been a favorite charity of mine since I was diag-nosed seven years ago.
In my own small way — with a ton of help from my friends — I have raised money for this unsung charity that lost some of its funding last year — a casu-alty of budget cuts.
On Saturday night, being given an award for my efforts during the annual Champagne and Diamonds fundraiser humbled me. The award reads: “With gratitude, Penny Parker. Thank you for your continued support and commit-ment to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients.”
Yes, I’m a survivor, but there are so many of us in this sorority that we never wanted to join. As I write this, tears are running down my face. It seems that Oc-tober — Breast Cancer Awareness Month — is the one time a year that my journey comes flooding back.
I was truly blessed to have such supportive people in my corner during that time — my darling husband, Greg Henry, and my BFF, Devany McNeill, who also accompanied me to the event.
I want to thank Rita McCoy, executive director of Sense of Security, Vicki Tosh-er, founder of the charity, and Regional Emmy Award winning doll face Chris Parente, co-host of FOX-31’s “Everyday,” who emceed.
I also want to give a shout-out to the Embassy Suites in downtown Denver, which blew me away with their banquet service of perfectly cooked beef tender-loin (like buttah), crisp asparagus and a potato dish. Amazing.
Thanks to all who deemed me worth of such an honor. If you’d like to con-tribute to such a deserving organization, go to www.senseofsecurity.org. Since its inception in 2000, Sense of Security has provided more than $1.4 million in financial assistance to more than 860 breast cancer patients in Colorado.
Think pink for charityThe 9th Door, the sexy tapas bar on
Blake Street in LoDo, is donating pro-ceeds from its Pink Coyote cocktail to Sense of Security during October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This could be the most fun you’ll ever have while donating to a worthy cause. See you there! For more informa-tion, go to www.senseofsecurity.org.
Historic Landmark statusSecretary of the Interior Ken Salazar
designated Denver’s Civic Center as a National Historic Landmark on Wednes-day, marking it as the City and County of Denver’s first NHL and one of two Civic Centers in the country to achieve this prestigious recognition, announced His-toric Denver Inc., the Denver nonprofit that submitted the NHL nomination.
Celebrations to honor this historic moment will take place in Denver’s Civic Center in 2013.
Four Seasons GM jammin’Thierry Kennel, general manager of
COSTUMED CRUSADERS
PHOTOS BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY
Hollywood seemed to be the trendy costume theme this
year at the South Suburban Spooktacular on Oct. 19.
Superheroes, vintage stars and a few from modern
animated ilms were out and about with a mission
to haunt. The annual Halloween event ofered a safe,
supervised alternative to traditional trick-or-treating for
children up to 11 years of age and featured a haunted
house, carnival games, tattoos, video games, hula hoops
and a cookie walk. More than 600 visitors came through
the doors of the Goodson Center, 6315 S. University Blvd.,
emptying the carnival of about 125 pounds of candy.
Chloe Palmer, 9, of Centennial is a blur of activity as she takes on the jump rope in full costume. Palmer was among more than 600 visitors to the annual Halloween Spooktacular,
which was held on Oct. 19 at South Suburban Parks and Recreation’s Goodson Center in Centennial.
Vintage Hollywood comes alive in 4-year-old Kimberly
Brito’s interpretation of Audrey Hepburn’s classic role in
“Breakfast at Tifany’s.” Kimberly was one of close to 600
visitors to South Suburban’s Halloween Spooktacular, at
Centennial’s Goodson Center.
Dressed as Mr. Fredrickson from the animated comedy “Up,” 2-year-old Hunter Brito is all smiles at the South
Suburban Halloween Spooktacular Oct. 19 at the Goodson Center in Centennial. The annual event provides a safe
and supervised alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Parker continues on Page 26
26 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201226
Whole World Market returns to Pax Christi
The Whole World Market will be open, for the 12th year, on Nov. 3-4 at Pax Christi Church, 5761 McAr-thur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch.
There will be 33 vendors, with work by artisans from around the world. Proceeds go to individual art-ists and to nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Women’s Crisis and Family Out-reach Center.
There will be a cafe with pastries, drinks and soup on Saturday and pizza on Sunday for a free will offer-ing. Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 4. See: wholeworld-market.org.
`Harry the Great’ makes magicCreede Repertory Theatre brings
its world premiere production of “Harry the Great” by actor/play-wright John DiAntonio to Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., for 10 performances, Nov. 1-11. The comic story is set against the back-ground of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Director is Larry Hecht. Tickets start at $29. 720-509-1000, lonetree-artscenter.org.
New ragtime venueThe Ragtime Society of Colorado
will present “Something Doing, the Big Little Ragtime Band” at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 in a new venue: Schmitt Mu-sic, 155 W. Hampden Ave., Engle-wood. Quartet members are all members of Queen City Jazz: John Bredenberg, banjo and clarinet; Bill Clark, tuba; Hank Troy, piano; Mau-rie Walker, leader/arranger. Tickets: $20/$15 (members). 303-979-4353 or send a check to president Colleen Vander Hoek, 8360 S. Zephyr St., Lit-tleton, 80128.
Evergreen artists featuredThe Alliance of Artists of Ever-
green will be featured during Great Western Art Gallery’s Denver Arts Week show, opening Nov. 2, First Fri-day, with a reception. Gale Gatto, Jes-sica Wicken, Rodgers Naglor, Cathy Jones, Gail Posner, Pixie Glore, Jean Widman and Gayle MacDougall will exhibit, according to gallery owner Hilliard Moore of Highlands Ranch. The gallery is at 1455 Curtis St., in Brooks Tower. 303-396-2787.
MS suferer’s book availableSinger/author Bonnie Ellison
of Littleton attended the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Annual Meeting Oct. 20 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Westminster. Ellison, who has lived with multiple sclerosis for a number of years, introduced her book, “MS entertainer” and a related tribute CD by the FAB Co. Both are available from Amazon.com. Infor-mation at MSEntertainer.com.
‘The Seafarer’ auditionsDirector/actor/producer John
Ashton has tried for several years to get rights to “The Seafarer” by Conor McPherson and has announced au-ditions at 1 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Au-rora Fox Studio, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. Director will be Michael Stricker. Needed: four men ages 40-65 (the role of Sharky is cast). Irish
dialect required. Prepare to read from the script — sides available from [email protected]. Indicate role(s) you are interested in. Rehearsals begin Jan. 2. Call for appointment, 303-739-1970. Perfor-mances: Feb. 8 to March 3.
Linda Lowry work exhibited“Water Nymphs” by Linda Low-
ry is exhibited through Nov. 10 at Goodwin Fine Art, 1255 Delaware St., Denver. Lowry, who was chair of Arapahoe Community College’s art department, says she will return there to teach figure drawing in Jan-uary. Gallery hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays.
Festival ongoing at MizelThe Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies,
Music Festival is ongoing through Nov. 6 at the Mizel Arts and Culture Center, 350 S. Dahlia St., Denver, with a keynote speech by Rabbi Har-old S. Kushner at 4 p.m. Nov. 6. For information on programs and tick-ets: maccjcc.org.
Orchestra plays at churchThe Castle Rock Orchestra pres-
ents “The Lord of the Rings Experi-ence” at 3 p.m. Oct. 28. The concert will be at First United Methodist Church of Castle Rock, 1200 South Street, Castle Rock. The concert will feature music from all three “Lord of the Rings” movies as well as the theme from “Game of Thrones” and the Berceuse and Finale from Stravinsky’ “Firebird Suite.” A $5 per person, $20 per family donation is suggested. Attendees are welcome to attend in fantasy costume. Cas-tlerockorchestra.org.
The Four Seasons Hotel Denver, has been pro-moted to regional vice president, effective this week.Kennel will continue to serve as general manager of The Four Seasons Hotel Denver while assuming additional responsibilities as a Regional Vice Presi-dent for three additional Four Seasons properties.
Kennel will oversee Four Seasons Hotel Palo Alto (my home town), Four Seasons Hotel Mexi-co City and Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis in addition to the Denver property.
Conde Nast readers voteConde Nast Traveler
readers have spoken and they have chosen the top 10 hotels in the West —
meaning in Colorado and Utah.
No. 1 is The Oxford Hotel in LoDo.
No. 3 is the St. Julien Hotel & Spa in Boulder.
No. 4 is the Hotel Teatro downtown.
No. 5 is The Brown Palace.
No. 6 is The Four Sea-sons Hotel Denver.
No. 7 is The Ritz-Carl-ton Denver
No. 9 if The JW Marriott Denver
and No. 10 is The Curtis — a Doubletree by Hilton.
In the same survey, The Westin Riverfront was named the No. 1 resort in the “Top 40 Resorts in the West” category. For more information, go to www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/united-states/top-40-resorts-west-usa
or www.cntraveler.com/readers-choice-awards/united-states/top-10-ho-tels-west-usa.
“We’re so excited to once again see the JW Marriott Denver, The Ox-ford and the Curtis earn a spot on this prestigious list,” said Walter Isenberg, president and CEO of Denver’s Sage Hospitality.
Get your grrrr onThis year’s ninth an-
nual Denver Gorilla Run will be held on Oct. 27 in an attempt to hold onto its Guinness World Re-cord title of most people dressed as gorillas in one location with 1,069 par-ticipants in 2009.
This year’s event is expected to attract 1,300-plus participants in their gorilla costumes to enjoy
a scenic and fun 5K run/walk or ride through Lower Downtown and the Platte River Valley.
The Denver Gorilla Run, which benefits the Denver-based Mountain Gorilla Conservations Fund, offers a costume contest and three starting waves.
The Wheels will go first, runners go second and walkers go third.
The race is followed by an extravagant post-race party featuring a live performance by Under the Radar Band, and food from the Wynkoop Hold-ings family of restaurants including Lodo’s Bar and Grill and the Breckenridge Craft Brewery.
The run’s start/finish line and post-race party takes place outside of Wynkoop Brewing Co. at 18th and Wynkoop streets. Runners and spectators are invited to attend the celebratory Silverback Block Party.
More info at www.den-vergorillarun.com or by calling 720-524-0272.
Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, busi-nesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 303-619-5209.
Parker: Denver Gorilla Run coming soonParker continues from Page 25
Parker Chronicle 27 October 26, 201227
Ballet gets a move on at PACE“A lot of collaborations
start with a conversation over
coffee,” said Garrett Ammons,
Ballet Nouveau Colorado’s
artistic director, when asked
about where/how he begins
on a new program with a live
music component. “We discuss
whether we enter into the world
in a similar fashion.”
Conversation with the Ba-
roque Chamber Orchestra of
Colorado’s Frank Nowell result-
ed in the choice of music by Ital-
ian composers Tartini and Viv-
aldi for two new ballets by BNC:
“Dangerous Liaisons.” Perfor-
mances are set for Parker’s PACE
Center and the ballet’s home
turf in Federal Heights.
“D a n c e r / c h o re o g ra p h e r
Sarah Tallman has created a
work to Vivaldi’s music and I am
working now with Tartini,” Am-
mons said recently. “Every cho-
reographer has different ways of
working — what is represented
in those composers — not a de-
finitive storyline — we leave that
to viewers.
“We’ve embraced music that
is complex, textured, with virtu-
oso playing. There’s humor and
it’s sensual.”
The recorded music with
which they are rehearsing in-
cludes harpsichord and violin.
Dancers won’t hear entire or-
chestrations until final rehears-
als in the PACE Center theater,
when the orchestra “fleshes out
the sound.” This will happen a
week before performances.
“It’s a wonderful adventure —
a great way to create work. There
are some adjustments. Baroque
music is very improvisational —
soloists are free to interpret in
their work, as in jazz.”
This is Ammons’ first experi-
ence with a Baroque orchestra,
although he has worked with
jazz musicians. He sees a natural
synergy between contemporary
dance and Baroque.
Ammons started his career
in music, choir, musical theater,
dance. “I fell in love with dance
and focused.” He attended
Houston Ballet Academy, joined
that company, next moving to
Oregon and Ballet Memphis. He
and his wife, Associate Execu-
tive Director Dawn Fay, moved
to Colorado in 2007 and start-
ed Ballet Nouveau Colorado,
which is headquartered, with its
school, at 3001 Industrial Lane
in Broomfield.
It’s home performance venue
is the Performing Arts Complex
at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001
w. 84th Ave., Denver, where this
production will repeat on Nov.
10, 11.
The Baroque Chamber Or-
chestra of Colorado debuted in
2005, it’s a professional period-
instrument ensemble focused
on the “musical riches and spirit
of improvisation of the 17th and
18th centuries.” Artistic Director
Frank Nowell founded the or-
chestra.
Sets for “A Dangerous Liai-
son” will be minimal, Ammons
said. “The production is focused
on dancing…full of surprises,
whether audience members are
music lovers or dance lovers. It’s
a good opportunity to see both.”
IF YOU GO
PACE Center is at
20000 Pikes Peak Ave.,
Parker.
Performances: 7:30 p.m. Nov.
3; 2 p.m. Nov. 4. Tickets: $18-$28,
pacecenteronline.org, 303-805-
6800.
Pinnacle Charter
School is at 1001 W.
84th Ave., Federal
Heights.
Performances: 7:30 p.m. Nov.
9, Nov. 10; 2 p.m. Nov. 11. Tickets
$19-$27, bncdance.com, 303-
HAVE A QUES-
TION?
Let us answer it. Submit
any questions or
comments and send your
feedback to Colorado
Community Media,
9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd.,
Suite 210, Highlands
Ranch, CO 80129.
?
ParkerSPORTS28 Parker ChronicleOctober 26, 2012
OUT OF
BOUNDS
BY THE NUMBERS
Combined points scored by T h u n d e r -Ridge and Chaparral
in last Thursday’s 14-7 wiin by the top-ranked Grizzlies. The point to-tal was 48.4 points less than the combined 69.4 points per game the teams were averaging before the contest.
Yards per carry aver-aged this s e a s o n by Doug-las Coun-
ty running back Trey Smith. Smith ran for a school record 448 yards in a 38-14 Continen-tal League victory over Highlands Ranch last Friday night.
Total points allowed by Valor C h r i s t i a n f o o t b a l l during the
Eagles’ current six-game winning streak. Valor Christian has outscored its foes 289-14 during that stretch.
GAME OF THE WEEK
CROSS COUNTRY
State championshipSaturday, Oct. 27
Norris Penrose Event Center in Colorado
Springs
The cross country season comes to a close with the state champi-onship meet. The event kicks off with 2A girls at 9:30 a.m., with other races beginning every 30 minutes until the 5A boys take off at 1 p.m.
THEY SAID IT
“I think we can go far because when the pres-sure is on, we perform really well.”
Ponderosa linebacker Drew Stephon
21
14
9.6
Chaparral clips Falcons in rematchBy Criag [email protected]
Rubber match, anyone?It could happen but would have to
wait until the postseason. Two of the best teams in the state’s best league squared off last Thursday, and two-time defend-ing Class 5A champion Chaparral ex-acted a measure of revenge for one of its two losses. The third-ranked Wolverines prevailed in the rematch with a 3-1 (28-26, 25-21, 14-25, 25-18) victory at No. 8 Highlands Ranch.
The operative word is “measure,’’ as the Falcons’ 3-0 win in the Regis Jam on Sept. 1 was a fleeting memory.
“We came into it not really thinking about the last time because we’re con-cerned more about our own side,’’ said Chaparral co-captain Abby Shelton. “And we’re definitely a different team than when we played them early.’’
“That was at the beginning of the year, and we have a completely new rotation,’’ added Morgan Stanley.
Indeed, Stanley was on a recruiting trip to California when the first match was played - a visit that resulted in the outside hitter committing to Sacramento State.
“The big difference between the be-ginning of the season when we played them was they didn’t have Stanley,’’ said Highlands Ranch coach Lou Krauss. “She’s worth four or five points a set, and that’s about how much we beat them by.’’
Chaparral (17-2, 10-1 Continental) had clinched a third-straight league title with a 3-1 victory over No. 6 Legend on
Tuesday, but coach T.R. Ellis wanted her team to believe they had only secured a tie. “I didn’t tell the girls this game didn’t matter. I think they thought they were playing for the title,’’ she said.
Despite that and the revenge factor, “We should have played a lot more in-spired,’’ Ellis said. “We played a great game against Legend. Tonight was OK, but not a great match. It’s tough to play a team that’s tipping the ball like they do. They play small ball; they camp out in the middle and go tip-tip-tip. But we played during the fall break on their court and won.’’
Chaparral led for most of the first, sec-ond and fourth sets against the Falcons (14-5, 7-4), but had to survive two set points for the Falcons before taking the first set.
“I actually thought we had it because we got a nice pass and I thought we were going to side out,’’ Krauss said. “Then we made a little error that was very unchar-acteristic, and that tied it back up again. I think if we would’ve won the first set it might have been a longer match.’’
“We buckled down,’’ Ellis said.Highlands Ranch dominated the third
set, but Chaparral pulled away late in the fourth behind Shelton (15 kills) and Stan-ley (16 kills).
“They run a pretty simple offense,’’ Krauss said of Chaparral. “They don’t have to do a lot well. They just have to get it to the outside, and they’ve got two girls (Shelton and Stanley) who don’t error too much and hit the ball really hard -- that’s one thing we don’t really have.
“We had the defense set up for that. We
dug a lot of balls, but, still … I mean, it’s not a high-risk (offense). If I had some-one to do it, I would do it, too. But we need to score points by running a whole lot of different things. And we made too many unforced errors.’’
“We have two of the best hitters in the state,’’ Ellis said. “That’s our bread and butter.’’
After losing the third set, “We thought it was important to end this one playing Chaparral volleyball going into the fourth game because next weekend we have the Cheyenne Mountain tournament,’’ Shel-ton said. “We’re going to save some fire going into next week.’’
Highlands Ranch got 15 kills from Ra-chel Saczepanski to go with 10 for Brit-tanie Tannenbaum and 9 for Natalie Brunstein. Shayli Siegfried had 26 digs and Kristin Conor 38 assists for the Fal-cons.
Under a new format implemented for 2012, district tournaments have been re-placed with non-qualifying tournaments. Following those, teams will be seeded, with the top 12 hosting three-team re-gionals where only the winner qualifies for state.
Chaparral most assuredly will host a regional, and has been virtually un-beatable at home. But Highlands Ranch might not be so fortunate.
“We still have seeding committee, so I’m not sure if they’re going straight top 12, and I’m not sure how much we’ll drop after losing today,’’ Krauss said. “The tournament we’re playing, they’re all 4A and 3A teams, so that’s not going to help us with the (points) formula.’’
Chaparral’s Abby Shelton returns serve Oct. 18 with Hayley Ferguson backing her up. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen | [email protected]
DtT
Bspor
appointing first day for Douglas CPClass 5A state softball tourAer will call it a disappointing season. After all, they wwho r
goings against Eaglecrhind 8-0 after four inningsjumped rwas tors Rsettled the matter
for Hwould add two mordouble b
Parker Chronicle 29 October 26, 2012
Day One devastating to local teamsTitans, Mustangs make early exit at state
By Scott [email protected]
AURORA - It turned out to be a dis-appointing first day for Douglas County, Ponderosa and Legend in last Friday’s Class 5A state softball tournament at the Aurora Sports Park. But no coach or play-er will call it a disappointing season. After all, they were all part of the successful few who reached state.
Douglas County struggled in the early goings against Eaglecrest, falling be-hind 8-0 after four innings. The Raptors jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead on a home run by Mikayla Faulkner. But the killer was the grand slam home run by the Rap-tors Rayle Glover in the fourth that really settled the matter.
Laramie Rewerts hit a two run homer for Douglas County in the fifth for the Huskies first runs of the game. They would add two more in sixth on an RBI double by Ashlee Kim.
“We went in with confidence, but I
think we became frustrated after their home run in the first inning,” Rewerts said. “Mentally, we didn’t come back. It was a good season, better than we thought. I think we can only be better next season.”
Douglas County coach Brian Stebbins was disappointed with the loss, but not the season.
“We had a slow start today and we didn’t take advantage of our situations when we had opportunities,” Stebbins said. “But we battled in the end and I couldn’t be more pleased with the girls. But I think we got hit by nerves. Overall, we enjoyed our regular season.”
It turned out to be a short day for Leg-end as the Titans were defeated by Dakota Ridge, 10-0 in six innings on a three-hit-ter. Two Titan hits were by Robyn Leigh-ton and the third by pitcher Madi Hunter.
“We came in as an underdog and not many expected us to even be here,” said Legend coach Shelly Boyd. “I’m just so proud of the girls. There has been a lot of surprising moments, but it just didn’t go
our way today. The girls have given a lot
of heart and certainly proud to have got-
ten this far.”
There are only two seniors on the Leg-
end team this season, Hunter and Karlee
Deaver.
“We did play the best we could today,
but we lost to a really good team,” Hunter
said. “It was a good season. We knew that
it would be hard coming in and we just
wanted to make sure we gave it our best.”
Added Deaver, “We came in with a lot
of heart and played the best we could. It
just didn’t go our way against a very good
team. No one is upset with our season, it
was fun and worth all our efforts.”
In the Class 4A tournament, Pondero-
sa opened with a 4-3 win over Frederick
but was sent home after a 6-1 set back to
Erie in the quarterfinals.
Amanda Ochoa hit two doubles to
pace the No. 4 Tigers.
Ponderosa had defeated Erie in last
week’s districts 4-3 behind the Mustangs’
four-run rally in the sixth.
In the rematch, Ponderosa pitcher Ally
Power struck out 10, but was touched for
two runs in the first, and the Mustangs
struggled offensively against Erie’s Carrie
Clarke, who tossed a three-hitter.
Ponderosa’s Kendra Dunham, No. 4, congratulates Mackenzie Mattey, No. 8, for making the last out of the Mustangs
irst round win.
Legend’s Kaley Garcia, No. 15, narrowly avoids Brooke Doumer, No. 5, as Doumer catches a lyball. Photos by Courtney Kuhlen | [email protected]
Stephon, Mustangs get defensive in low-scoring victoryPonderosa stay’s perfect, kicks Pine Creek
By Jim [email protected]
PARKER - Ponderosa linebacker Drew
Stephon called them fun but Mustangs
coach Jamie Woodruff indicated he was
getting too old to watch.
What they were referring to was the
close games that Ponderosa has been
playing the past two weeks.
The Mustangs, the second ranked
Class 4A team in Colorado, remained un-
beaten with a 13-10 Pikes Peak League
victory over Pine Creek last Friday at
Sports Authority Stadium.
Ponderosa, which edged Falcon 3-0 on
Oct. 2, is now 8-0 this season and 5-0 in
league play.
“I’m getting too old for this,” said
Woodruff. “I think when you win the
close games, they do help because we
know we can hang in there with our de-
fense and still win.”
Stephon was involved in several key
defensive plays for the Mustangs.
“Close games are exciting,” he said.
“It doesn’t get any better. It makes it fun.
It helps us with the toughness to finish.
I think we can go far because when the
pressure is on, we perform really well.”
The teams scored on the game’s first
three possessions and it appeared that
the contest was going to be high scoring,
but neither team scored in the second
half.
Ponderosa started the game by putting
together a 51-yard, 12-play scoring drive
that included one fourth down conver-
sion to grab a 7-0 lead after Corry Wil-
liams’ 5-yard TD run.
Pine Creek retaliated with a 67-yard
touchdown march on the Eagles first
possession to tie the game.
Then it was Ponderosa’s turn as Tan-
ner Augustine scored on a quarterback
sneak to cap a 67-yard drive.
The Mustangs extra point kick was
blocked as Ponderosa went ahead 13-7
with 9:47 left in the second period.
Late in the first half, Ponderosa made
one of its several good defensive plays
with Pine Creek on the Mustang 12-yard
line.
Chris Fox, Ponderosa’s 300-pound
lineman, rushed Eagles quarterback
Scott Savage and forced an incomplete
third down pass. Pine Creek had to settle
for a 29-yard field goal by Ian Fletcher
which trimmed Ponderosa’s lead to 13-10
with 38 seconds left before intermission.
“They were a good team,” said Ste-
phon said. “We knew they were. It was a
game circled at the beginning of the sea-
son.”
Stephon intercepted a Savage pass
early in the third quarter in the second-
half defensive standoff.
Pine Creek was driving late in the
game at the Ponderosa 49-yard line when
Stephon and Kelton Good combined to
throw Pine Creek fullback Lavanson Cof-
fey for a yard loss to set up a fourth and
three. The Eagles pass fell incomplete
with 2:33 remaining in the game.
“That stop there was huge,” Woodruff
said. “We finally got it figured out what
they were doing. The kids usually do. We
just keep it simple and they started figur-
ing it out.”
After taking over on downs, the Mus-
tangs ran out the clock thanks to first
down runs by Dylan Spradling and Au-
gustine.
Augustine finished with four comple-
tions on nine attempts for 82 yards and
rushed for 36 yards on eight carries.
Williams was the game’s leading rush-
er with 128 yards on 19 carries to help
Ponderosa pile up 242 yards rushing.
Ponderosa quarterback Tanner Augustine scored on a quarterback sneak to cap a 67-yard drive as the Mustangs scored
a 13-10 Pikes Peak League victory over Pine Creek last Friday at Sports Authority Stadium. File photo
30 Parker Chronicle October 26, 2012
Lutheran tops D’Evelyn in elimination gameBy Craig [email protected]
PARKER — Lutheran wanted a statement game last Friday against D’Evelyn, and got it in more ways than one.
Most notably:•TheLions’sophomorepassingtandemofquarter-
back James Willis and receiver Joshua Clausen won the battleovertheJaguars’morehighly-toutedseniorduoofCodyMarvelandConnorSkelton.Willispassedfor191yardsandfourtouchdowns-threeofthemtoClausen.Marvelthrewfor248yardsandatouchdown-butwasharassedandsackedfourtimesintheirsthalf,includ-ing a safety - and Skelton did not reach the end zonedespitecatching10ballsfor80yards.
•Moreimportantly,theLionswonthewar,rollingtoa36-14winatSportsAuthorityStadiumthatLutherancoach Daryl Moe believes is the signature win in the pro-gram’s history.
“Itwasahugewinforus,’’Moesaidaftertheyouth-fulLionsimprovedto6-2andclinchedsecondplaceinMetroWestLeaguelessthanayearaftermovingupfrom1Ato3A.“Wesolditallweektoourguys(thatthiswas)the biggest game in our program. We made that jump, and (D’Evelyn is) one of the better teams year in andyear out in our league. So it was good to come out and take it to them.’’
Lutheran(4-1MetroWest)canonlyclaimtheleaguetitle if ninth-ranked Conifer (3-1) loses one of its inaltwogamesandtheLionsbeatAlamedatheinalweekoftheregularseason.ConiferownswinsoverbothLu-theranandD’Evelyn,whichfellto3-2intheleagueand5-4overall.
ButthewinsetsupLutheranforahighseedinthe16-team3Aplayoffield,especiallyifitcanclosewithwinsoverSteamboatSprings(non-leagueroadgamethisFri-day)andArvada.
AsforD’Evelyn’splayoffhopes,“Oh,we’redone,’’saidcoachJeremyHubbard,whose2011squadreachedthesemiinals.“This was a playoff game for us. If we hadwon and win out, we’re 7-3 and we’re in.’’
Lutheran,whichlostninekeyseniorsfromlastyear’s1A quarterinalist team and plays mostly sophomoresand juniors this year, sent D’Evelyn a message early. It beganwithDarianPerez’95-yardpuntreturnlessthanhalfwaythroughtheirstquarterandsnowballedfromthere.
Marvel was sacked twice on the next possession, and followingapunt,WillishookedupwithDerekHizerona 35-yard scoring strike.The fourth sack of Marvel re-sultedinasecond-quartersafety,followedbya12-play,40-yardscoringdriveinwhichLutheranconvertedfourthird downs - the inal one the irst of threeWillis-to-Clausen connections, a 14-yarder for a 23-0 lead with16.7secondsleftinthehalf.
Thetwohookeduptwiceinthefourthquarterfor48-
and36-yardtouchdowns,quellingapotentialD’Evelyncomeback.Obviouslylustered in theirsthalf,Marveldirecteddrivesof80and77yards inthethirdquarter.He scored on a 4-yard run on fourth down to cap theirstone,thenhitAnthonyPorrecofor23yardstomakeit23-14.
Then,“The big play hurt us.The big play hurt us,’’Hubbard said.
Marvel inished 22-of-34 for 248 yards passing, butclearly was affected by Lutheran’s defensive pressureupfront.Hewassackedonceinthesecondhalf,scram-blingfornogain,buttheirst-halfpassrushandtheLi-ons’abilitytocontainhimasarusherweresigniicant.D’Evelyn’s leading rusher with 812 yards coming intothegame,Marvelnettedjust16yardson13carriesandhadtworunningplaysotherthanthesacksfornegativeyards.
“Wehaven’tseenanybodyreallygetafterhimmuch,’’Moesaid.“Theyplayalotofzone(blocking)andweig-uredwe’dgoafterhimbecausehe’ssuchagoodquar-terback.Ithinkwefrustratedhimalittlebit,buthestillmade his plays.’’
HubbardsaidMarvelgotbangeduponhisirstrunofthegame.“IfCodydoesn’thaveadeepthighbruise,
hetakesoffonacoupleofthose(sacks).I’mnotsayingthatwewinthegame.Butitdoesn’tturnoutlikethatforsure.’’
Moe challenged the Willis-Clausen duo - particularly Clausen - to outplay Marvel and Clausen.
“They’re getting a little rhythm going between thetwo,’’ Moe said.“Skelton is a heck of a receiver, and Itold(Clausen),`Hey,goshoweverybodyherethatyoushould be considered the best in the league. He an-sweredthebell,forsure.’’
Willis, who was 9-of-13 , could feel for Marvel. Itwasn’t until Game 7 that Lutheran played with a fullcomplementofrunningbacks.Withnoseriousrunninggame during that stretch - which included the loss to Conifer -Will saidopponents“wererushingguyskindoflikewhatMarvelwaslookingattodayandIwasjusttrying to get through it.’’
But with backs like sophomore Christian Versteeg back, Lutheran complemented Willis’ passing with a solidrunninggame.Versteedran26timesfor109yardsandtheLionsinishedwith217yardsontheground.
Lutheran quarterback James Willis passes Oct. 20. Lutheran’s Joshua Claussen makes a reception Oct. 20 during his team’s 36-14 victory against D’Evelyn at Sports Authority Stadium. Photos by Courtney Kuhlen | [email protected]
Sports roundup: Smith leads DC past Highlands RanchJunior running back runs for school-record 448 yards
By Jim [email protected]
DouglasCountyjuniorrunningbackTreySmithsetaschoolrecordlastFridaynightwhenherushedfor448yardsina38-14ContinentalLeaguevictoryoverHigh-lands Ranch.
Smith carried the ball 26 times and scored fourtouchdownsastheHuskies(2-2,5-3)overcamea14-10halftimedeicittooutscoretheFalcons28-0inthesec-ondhalf.
Fortheseason,Smithhasrunfor1,527yardson158carries and is averaging 190.9 yards per game. He isthesecondleadingClass5Arusherinthestate,trailingThornton’sKeynanHuguleywhohasgained1,636yards.
“Hedidagreatjob,”saidDouglasCountycoachJeffKetron of Smith. “The offensive line obviously playeda big role as did our wide receivers and other running backs.
“Treyhasgreatspeedwithlongstrides.Itdoesn’tlooklike he’s going fast but he is. He has great break awayspeed but I think the best thing is he has unbelivable vi-sion and real good hips, real good balance.”
ROCK CANYON SECOND - Rock Canyon moved intosecondplaceinthePioneerLeagueafternotchinga23-13winoverLegendatSheaStadium.
QuarterbackRyanHommelpassedfor200yardsandatouchdownfortheJaguars(4-2,6-2).Legend(3-2,4-4)droppedintoatieforthirdplace.
Running back Eric Williams ran for 152 yards andthree touchdowns for Rock Canyon and increased hisseasonrushingtotalto1,217yards.
Legend’sNicholasEvdosscoredtwiceandrushedfor74yards.
EIGHT ADVANCE - Eight Contintenal League soc-certeamswereseededinthestateplayoffswhichbeganearlier this week.
LeaguechampionHeritage(9-1-1,12-1-2)wasseed-ed third.
Ponderosa inished second in the league and theMustangs(8-3-0,9-4-2)wereseededifthintheClass4Atournament.
Mountain Vista, Rock Canyon, Highlands Ranch and RegisJesuittiedforthirdintheinalContinentalstand-ingswith7-4-0records.
TheGoldenEagles(9-6-0)enteredthestateplayoffsasaNo.16seed.RockCanyon(8-6-1)wasseeded19th,HighlandsRanch(8-6-1)15thandRegis(8-6-1)20th.
ThunderRidge (7-7-1)drewaNo.24seedandLeg-end(7-5-3)wasaNo.25seedinthestatetournament
bracket.CROSS COUNTRY-MountainVista`sboyswonthe
Class 5A Region 5 cross country meet and the GoldenEagles girls were second.
Thetopivefullteamsandallathleteswhoinishedinthetop15qualiiedforSaturday’sstatecrosscountrychampionships which will be held at Cheyenne Moun-tain’s Stampede cross country course.
Chaparral inished third in the Region 5 boys meetandRockCanyonwasfourth.
Mountain Vista’s Connor Weaver (15:59) inishedthirdintheindividualboysracefollowedbyteammatesAndrewWalton(16:03)infourthandEricSteiner(16:06)inifth.
OtherContinentialLeaguerunnersinthetop15wereRockCanyon’sLucasWest(16:16)ineighth,Chaparral’sDominic Compoz (16:19) tenth, Jacob Lucero (16:21)of Douglas County 11th, Mountain Vista’s Blake Graf(16:22)12th,SethParker(16:23)ofMountainVista13th,the Golden Eagles Noel Wagner (16:25) 14th and Ste-phenGeisler(16:28)ofMountainVista15th.
MacyKreutz(19:02)ofHighlandsRanchcameinsev-enth,CastleView’sMorganNeher(19:05)wasninth,So-lanaQuistorff(19:13)ofDouglasCounty14thandRockCanyon’sMorganCooney(19:13)ran15th.
Ponderosa’sboyswerethirdintheRegion1Class4AqualifyingmeetandtheMustangsgirlswereifth.
Parker Chronicle 31 October 26, 201231-Color
32 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201232-Color
Parker Chronicle 33 October 26, 201233-Color
34 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201234-Color
Parker Chronicle 35 October 26, 201235-Color
36 Parker Chronicle October 26, 201236-Color
Parker Chronicle 37 October 26, 2012