Chief Judge C. Vincent Phelps andJudge Brian Bowen on Jan. 29 officiallycommissioned the Adams CountyCourt for Veterans in the presence ofmore than 50 local and state colleaguesand supporters.

The Adams County Court forVeterans is one of the 17th JudicialDistrict’s Problem Solving Court pro-grams, designed to offer innovative andnontraditional approaches that integratetreatment and criminal justice case pro-cessing to certain select types of casesthat involve offenders who strugglewith substance abuse, mental health orother behavioral health issues.

The specialty court programs providemore positive outcomes for crime vic-tims, our community and the offendersby improving public safety and pre-venting repeat criminal behavior, which

also saves hundreds of thousands oftaxpayer dollars.

More than 1 million veterans whohave returned from Iraq andAfghanistan have been diagnosed withPTSD or Traumatic Brain Injuries,according to a news release announcingthe Court for Veterans. It added that 75percent of returning veterans will havesubstance-abuse issues. About 30,000veterans live in Adams County.

“The Adams County Court forVeterans will work with the uniqueneeds of our most dedicated citizenswho have put their lives on the line forAmerica, and are now currentlyinvolved in the criminal justice system,”the release stated.

“The Adams County Court forVeteran’s presiding judge, the Hon.

The BannerBrighton news for Brighton readers

Volume 6, No. 6 February 6, 2014 8 pages

45¢

Beatlemania livesWhat might have seemed

like a fad in the eyes of BabyBoomers’ parents hasturned, for some, into a life-time love of music. – Page 2

Film ‘by the book’Labor Day progresses

more like a book than a

movie, film critic MichaelMiller says.

– Page 5

Also:

Inside The Banner this week

Brighton Banter..................... 2Calendar ................................. 4Movie ..................................... 5Obituaries ............................. 7Sports ..................................... 8

Cheers for theBrighton Cham-ber.

– Page 6Don’t miss: “Shrek, The Musical” at Armory. See story, Page 7

See Veterans Court, Page 2

80-acrehomesprojectOK’d

See City Council, Page 2

See FMC, Page 6

Zion Lutheran School students work Hula-Hoopsin rotation with several other aerobic exercisesduring an exercise last week to learn about howthe heart functions and how to take care of the

heart. The school also gave from the heart lastweek, collecting nonperishable food for the St.Augustine Community Food Pantry.

Elena Townsend photo fior The Banner

By Lou Ellen Bromleyfor The Banner

The Brighton City Councilopened Tuesday night to a fullhouse. The nearly full housewas populated, in part, by peo-ple from the Fuller Estatesneighborhood to express con-cerns about a council resolutionabout the development of theVillage at Southgate project.

Fred Cooke, representingdeveloper Lorax Construction,of Loveland, outlined plans forthe nearly 80-acre site on 120thAvenue and Peoria Street.

He sought approval for amixed-use development consist-ing of both commercial and resi-dential buildings including mul-tifamily and single-family resi-dences plus open space andsome commercial property.

Cooke said his company haslooked into all aspects of theNew court serves needs of veterans

Hooping it upfor hearts

Judge Brian Bowen speaks at the commis-sioning of the new Veterans Court on Jan.29.

FMC plansBrighton site

FMC Technologies Inc., aglobal provider of technologysolutions for the energy indus-try, will locate a new sales andservice facility for itsCompletion Services, FluidControl and Surface Wellheadbusiness units on a 20-acre sitein Brighton.

FMC made the announcementin a news release distributed bythe Brighton EconomicDevelopment Corp.

The project is an expansion ofFMC Technologies' current

The BannerBrighton Banner (USPS 290), February 6, 2014,

Volume 6, No. 6, published weekly by BannerPress, 315 Strong St., Brighton, CO 80601

Subscription price $27 a year.Periodicals Postage Paid at Brighton, CO Postmaster: Please send address changes (Form

3579) to Brighton Banner, P.O. Box 1006, Brighton,CO 80601.

© 2014 Banner Press Publisher, ad sales representative .... Mark Humbert

News inquiries, call 303-654-1155 or e-mail ask@brightonbanner.com.

Advertising inquries: 720-937-6064

2 Brighton Banner February 6, 2014

Beatlemania provesit’s lifelong passion

Brighton Banter

By Mark HumbertOK, this isn’t about Brighton

and, to break another rule, it ISabout me … and millions ofother people affected in someway by an event that occurred50 years ago.

What the TV commentatorsdon’t tell you about the arrivalof The Beatles in the UnitedStates on Feb. 9, 1964, by then,the most popular pop musicgroup of all time already hadsecured the No. 1 spot for tworecords in the U.S. (I Want toHold Your Hand and She LovesYou, which topped he chartsduring the week before theyappeared on the Ed SullivanShow.

The kids at AetnaElementary School in Gary,Ind., and obviously in otherplaces across the country werehooked already.

One of my sixth-grade class-mates, Cathy Brown, stood atthe front of Mr. Risley’s roomone Friday morning (in some-thing akin to Show-and-Tell buta little more sophisticated) andsang part of I Want to Hold YourHand (with an error in thelyrics, substituting “I can’thave” for “I can’t hide,” anapparent issue with the accent).Later she added a couple offemale classmates and deliv-ered renditions of She Loves Youin English and German.

Our school culture was moreaffected when the musicteacher, Mrs. Tarrant, and threeother faculty members did aBeatles lip synch in Beatle wigsat a schoolwide show at theend of the year.

A Chicago radio stationoffered some sort of prize,probably a Beatle Book (a 32-page pamphlet with every-thing imaginable – with lotsof photos – about the latestsensation), for writing“Beatles” on objects. I chosewriting it on a 45-rpm record.Never turned it in, but I spentthe two bucks or whateveroutrageous amount for thebook. There were BeatleCards, Beatles posters and,for my 12th birthday, aBeatles cake, with plastic fig-urines of each of the FabFour, plus a drum set.

I suspect Brighton had itsown “British Invasion,” too. Iknow Boulder did, based onmy wife’s accounts. She recallsher sister getting tickets to asubsequent Beatles concert inDenver Her father agreed to

drive a carload of teenage girlsto the event and witness itwith the screaming masses.

The fact is, an entire genera-tion (and many of the next one)became Beatles fans.

A report this week on CBSSunday Morning alluded toanother effect: Youngsters,especially boys, across theUnited States, started pickingup guitars – many of the elec-tric variety. Christmas 1964 wasbig in our neighborhood formusic. Boys in two other hous-es within 100 feet of my roomreceived new guitars andamplifiers. For two of us, thatyear marked the beginning of alifelong relationship withmusic.

My friend Dan and I fre-quently got together andlearned to play the instru-ments. We’d actually startedemulating our heroes earlierwith tennis rackets and coffee-

can and fried-chicken-bucketdrums.

Oddly, during the first yearsof our Beatles infatuations, wetwo guitarists had chosenRingo as our favorite. Dan evennamed his dog Ringo (a bea-gle). We both “upgraded”about three years later to moreexpensive and versatileelectrics and amps. We both“wrote” songs, and formedbands. By then – in the subur-ban rush in the ’60s, we hadeach moved to other – separate– communities and, thoughseparated by miles, continuedto team up, plug in and enter-tain our respective neighbor-hoods on summer days (open agarage door and hold aninstant concert).

Even as geography andother interests sent us to otherschools and spheres of friends,music stayed a part of our livesand we even picked up ourguitars and played together.

Both of us left Indiana in our20s, but the music stayed withus.

Dan was far ahead of memusically by then and I alreadyhad started a newspaper career.He took lessons from a guy in

development and has met thecriteria required by Brightoncity government. He alsodefended the plans for thecommercial developmentalong 120th Avenue becauseof a lack of service-orientedbusinesses. Cooke also spokeof plans to incorporate anexisting barn and silo intopark space to maintain its his-torical value.

Nearby residents’ concernsincluded property values,overcrowding in the existingschools, the need for cross-walks around the schools forthe safety of the students,storm- drainage issues andthe impact on existing waterwells in the area.

Fuller Estates residents alsohave concerns about adequatepolice protection with theadded population. Noise andlight pollution were amongother major concerns, as wellas the location suggested forthe shopping areas and thelocations of multifamily resi-dences and single-family resi-dences in relation to FullerEstates neighborhoods.

Some residents felt thecommercial buildings shouldnot be located on 120thAvenue across from PrairieView Middle School becauseof possible danger to studentscrossing 120th to reach thestores planned for there.

Cooke explained that theOverall Development Plan isthe earliest stage of develop-ment and he is willing tomeet with Fuller Estates resi-dents and address their con-cerns and work on mutuallybeneficial solutions.

The council unanimously

approved the OverallDevelopment Plan and theplanned unit developmentfor the Village at Southgate,with the addition of researchin regard to drainage, buffers,lot sizes, and location densityof the population of thedevelopment.

In other business Tuesday:• Police Chief Clint

Blackhurst introduced newBrighton police officers SteveWoodruff and TommyQuayle. Blackhurst spokevery highly of both officersand their ties to Brighton.Quayle’s father, Tracy, is 30-years-plus police officer.

• Brighton’s PoliceExplorer Post members alsowere introduced to the coun-cil by Sgt. Matt Domenico,who praised the unit’s recentperformance at a competitionin Chandler, Ariz. Domickopointed out that the Explorersare active in the Brightoncommunity, involved inCulturefest, Boys and GirlsClub, the School District 27JWellness Fair and the Festivalof Lights, among others, accu-mulating thousands of hoursof volunteer service.

• The council confirmedthree appointments to cityboards and commissions: JeffBernard to the Board ofAppeals to fill a new term toSeptember 2016; ArchieDemarest to the BrightonPlanning Commission to fillan unexpired term in Ward 4,until January 2017; PhillipCovarrubias as alternatemember of the PlanningCommission to fill an unex-pired term to January 2016.

Guest commentaryabout our city

Brighton Banter is a fre-quent column by membersof local government, educa-tion, commerce and publicsafety and the community ona subject they choose. Theopinions expressed are thoseof the individual writers. Weinvite reader comment.

Beatles trading cards from the first series in 1964. At least three othersets of cards exist, including Beatles Color Cards. It’s possible in the’60s that these supplanted baseball cards for some.

See Beatles, Page 3

Brian Bowen, and the ACCVteam are committed to ensurethat our county’s veterans arereceiving the services, treat-ment and support that theyhave earned, while ensuringthe public’s safety throughthe criminal justice process.”

The Adams County Court

for Veterans team consists of:the 17th Judicial DistrictCourts, District Attorney’sOffice, Public Defender’sOffice, Adams CountySheriff’s Department, 17thJudicial District Probationdepartment, Veterans JusticeOutreach, Adams CountyVeterans Services, and theCommunity Reach Center.

Veterans Court, from Page 1

Court ensures support for vets

City Council, from Page 1

Police chief introducestwo new patrol officers

his town who was a local leg-end, Dave Sander, who, fromDan’s description, was a lotlike folk singer Pete Seeger(who died last week at age 94).

I always expected to hearDan on the radio. I heard peo-ple whose style and voicereminded me of him, but itwasn’t him.

Years ago, I discovered hewas married, had a couple ofkids and was not only a musi-cian but a teacher and luthierin the Upper Peninsula ofMichigan. Recently – say, twoweeks ago – I learned he wasstill performing. A YouTubevideo gave me the first chancesince childhood to see himonstage doing an original song.

My musical abilities don’treach his level, but I still loveto write and play music. Infact, my three appearancesonstage in Brighton with guitarin hand are the only threetimes in my adult life that Ihave played in front of people Ididn’t know.

The other part of the story isthat neither of us is a purerock-and-roller anymore. Danappears to have gone acousticand folky. For me, the genrevaries depending on whatinstrument I pick up (I took 36weeks of piano and music theo-ry during sixth and seventhgrade until I got that Kingstonone-pickup guitar, but alsohave dabbled with a mandolin,ukulele – thanks, More Musicfor Brighton – an electric bassand drums), the genre canchange as well. The only songI’ve ever had on a CD that wassold was a hymn that I couldneither play (too elaborate) norsing (not my key), but I wroteit – on a computer – for some-one else.

The computer age has madeit simpler to write music andhas provided yet anotheravenue to appreciate more clas-sical forms and instruments.The Beatles even made thathappen, tossing orchestralarrangements into their musica la George Martin(Beethoven’s Ode to Joy is in themovie, Help).

But as the Sunday Morningreport made clear, the Beatlesinfluenced millions in the sameway they drew in Dan and me.Just ask any late Baby Boomer.

Music is a part of most, ifnot all of our lives, and evenour children’s lives.

CBS will take us boomersand others back 50 years onSunday with a special programabout the Beatles’ first visit tothe United States. I rememberthat time well, but Allison andI still will watch.

Music is at least as impor-tant in the lives of members ofthe BrightonMusic Orchestra.Next month (March 2) it cele-brates local composers, includ-ing some of their own in a pro-gram, called “Homespun.” Insome cases, the Beatles havehad an effect on their lives andhave influenced their music. Inothers, like that of violist andcomposer Louis Jendras, hisinterest began in grade schoolbut grew during the folk move-ment (just before the Beatles’arrival). In the past, Homespunhas featured a Brightonian whogrew up in a musical family inNorthern Indiana …

And grew to a lifelonghobby (seldom curtailed by mysports injuries), thanks to TheBeatles.

Mark Humbert is BannerPress publisher and some-time musician.

February 6, 2014 Brighton Banner 3

Healing Hearts benefit Friday at Eagle View

For the heart, from the heart

Beatles from Page 2

Zion Lutheran School first-graders in Kristin Lee’s class won the competiton for the most nonperishablefood collected during a schoolwide drive. The school reported that 345 students collected 1,513 “pieces” offood during the drive last week. Banner Press photos

By Elena GuerreroTownsendfor The Banner

Zion Lutheran School bus-tled with activity last week.First, on Wednesday allgrades from kindergartenthrough eighth grade partici-pated in the Rope for Heartand Hoops for Heart event.The American HeartAssociation event helpedincrease kids’ knowledge ofhow their hearts work.

Schoolchildren gathered inthe gym and rotated every 10minutes through an array ofactivities. They jumped rope,played hop-scotch, andtwirled Hula-Hoops. Theyplayed games with a colorfulparachute and walked on abalance beam. Then, theyfilled out worksheets thathelped them increase theirknowledge of how to takecare of their hearts.

The Heart Associationunderstands that inactivekids are more likely tobecome inactive adults.

Zion Lutheran School alsoteaches the children aboutcommunity service. Studentstook canned goods and non-perishable items to the school.This year, Kristin Lee's first-grade class gathered the mostfood.

Lorri Carrier, the ParentTeacher League President forZion, said 345 students

brought in 1,513 pieces offood this year, an increasefrom last year.

Gerald Lucero from the St.Augustine Food Pantrypicked up the food, which thestudents and staffers helpedload.

"We hope that this act of

kindness continues and thatour community joins us andgives to their local foodpantries," Carrier said.

St. Augustine Food Pantryis at 29 S. Sixth Ave.,Brighton. the phone numberis 303-654-1040.

Zion Lutherean School students jump rope in an exercise to learnmore about taking care of their hearts. Elena Guerrero Townsend photos

For the second consecutiveyear, Pennock Center forCounseling will hold itsHealing Hearts benefit atEagle View Adult Center.

The event will be 6:30-8p.m. on Friday at the adultcenter, 1150 Prairie CenterParkway.

The evening will includeentertainment, hors d’oeu-vres, wine and silent and liveauctions.

Tickets are $15 and will be

available at the door, thoughalso sold in advance. Foradvance tickets, call 303-655-9065, Ext. 1.

Funds raised through thebenefit help keep costs afford-able for people who needcounseling.

One new group-counselingsession, to be offered laterthis month, is the 2014Healthy Relationships Group(10-11:30 a.m. Tuesdaysthrough May 13), beginning

Feb. 25. The 12-week pro-gram is a composite of socialskills training, assertivenesstraining and listening andnegotiation skills. Cost is $5per session (contact RachelMorici, 303-655-9065).

For more information oneither Healing Hearts or theHealthy Relationships Group,visit the Pennock Center web-site, www.pennockcounseling.org.

Second Eagle Fest Saturday

Beatles inspiredmany ‘boomers’

By Michelle Boyerfor The Banner

Although it’s the dead ofwinter, there’s still time forbirds. Barr Lake’s SecondAnnual Bald Eagle Fest willbe Saturday at Barr Lake StatePark,13401 Picadilly Road.

Rocky Mountain BirdObservatory staffers and vol-unteers will be at the BaldEagle Viewing Gazebo. TheRMBO will introduce partici-pants to the Bald Eagle WatchCitizen Science process.

The program is free,according to an RMBO newsrelease, but, a parks pass($7/daily; $70/annual) isrequired for entry. Call forinformation and to makereservations at 303-659-6005.

Another fun event offeredby RMBO is the Second

Annual “I Love SummerCamp Registration Kickoffand Campfire,” 7-9 p.m. onFeb. 15, at at the Old StoneHouse, at the end of LarkBunting Lane.

“The program will includea campfire, early-bird regis-tration discounts, silly songs,skits and stories; marshmal-low roasting,” RMBOCommunity Educator TylerEdmondson said.

There is a $7/vehicle fee toenter Barr Lake State Park,and a $2 per person fee toparticipate. Edmondson saidthe program fee will bewaived if registering for anysummer camps that night.

For more informationabout the Rocky MountainBird Observatory visitrmbo.org.

4 Brighton Banner February 6, 2014

Today95a Bistro, Eagle View Adult Centertrip, 12:25 p.m.; the Lafayette bistro hassomething for everyone, from chickenpot pie to sushi; $4 plus meal ($12+);deadline was Feb. 4

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Con-ference Center, 12:15-12:50 p.m.; $6drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bringyour mat, info 303-498-1840.

Pilates Mat Class, Platte Valley MedicalCenter Conference Center, 5:15-6 p.m.;increase strength, tone, flexibility, stami-na, overall fitness and health, taught bylicensed physical therapist and certifiedPilates instructor, $9 per class, 303-498-1840

Pictures on Your PC, AnythinkBrighton, 7-8 p.m.; a class on digital pic-tures and how to copy and share them.Basic editing and photo correction withPicasa. Basic computer skills and anemail address required. Registrationsuggested, anythinklibraries.org

Bingo at the VFW, 6 p.m.,161 N. MainSt. Progressive last game.

FridayIt’s All About You, Eagle View AdultCenter, 2 p.m.; Sometimes YOU justneed to believe that YOU can getthrough anything and believe YOU canfind joy in your life again. If YOU are asingle woman by divorce or widowhood,join some fun activities and food; greatmusic to move YOU and wise wordsfrom Gwen Crawford to help YOU inyour journey forward. Be inspired and betogether with other women who havedealt with the same loss. Wear comfort-able clothes to try some Zumba moves.$4, deadline Feb. 5

Healing Hearts Benefit for PennockCenter for Counseling, Eagle ViewAdult Center, 1150 Prairie Center Park-way, 6:30-8 p.m.; an evening of enter-tainment, hors d’oeuvres, wine, silentand live auctions; $15 at the door, or inadvance at 303-655-9065, ext. 1

Shrek, the Musical, Prairie Playhouseproduction in the Armory, 7 p.m.; thehilarious story of everyone's favoriteogre comes to life on stage; adults $10online, $15 at the door; 12 and under $7online, $8 at the door

SaturdaySecond Annual Bald Eagle Fest will beSaturday at Barr Lake State Park,13401

Picadilly Road. Information, reserva-tions: 303-659-6005

Cancer Support Group, Platte ValleyMedical Center, 11 a.m.-noon; for cancerpatients and their families, hosted in theOncology Clinic, suite 270, refresh-ments, RSVP 303-498-2200

Shrek, the Musical, Prairie Playhouseproduction in the Armory, 2 p.m. and 7p.m.; the hilarious story of everyone'sfavorite ogre comes to life on stage;adults $10 online, $15 at the door; 12and under $7 online, $8 at the door

SundayBreakfast at the V, everyone wel-come: 7-11 a.m., VFW Hall, 161 N.Main St.: Eggs to order; ham, bacon orsausage; hash-browns, toast; pancakes.Seniors, $5, under 55, $5.50.

MondayToddler Tales, Anythink Brighton, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; stories, songs and fingerplays geared just for toddlers, then havea few minutes of social time with theother caregivers while the children playwith toys. For kids ages 2-3. RSVPonline, anythinklibraries.org

Basic Computers 2, Anythink Brighton,10-11:30 a.m.; Sign up for an emailaddress and start learning the basics ofusing the Internet. Learn top 10 tips tomake using a computer easier; how tocopy and paste, search the Internet,save documents, more ... Registrationsuggested, anythinklibraries.org

Music and Movement, AnythinkBrighton, 10:30-11 a.m.; Sing, dance,and learn how to play some basic instru-ments. For kids ages 2-6. RSVP online,anythinklibraries.org

Video Games and Chatter, AnythinkBrighton, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; What do YOUwant at the library? Play video games,have fun with other teens and help thelibrary create new experiences for youand your friends. Snacks provided. Forgrades 6-12.

TuesdayCentury Gambling, Eagle View AdultCenter trip, 8:45 a.m.; After earning100 points on your players card,receive $5 in cash and $5 couponfor food. An extra hour to gamble, aswe leave the casino at 4 p.m. $15;deadline Feb. 6

Cardiac Support Group, Platte ValleyMedical Center Conference Room C,12:30-2 p.m.; for anyone coping withcardiovascular disease, RVSP, Danielle,303-659-7000

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Con-ference Center, 4:45-5:20 p.m.; $6 drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bring your

mat, 303-498-1840.

Total Joint University, Platte ValleyMedical Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; forpatients scheduled for or contemplatinga joint replacement; info from pre-op torecovery; RSVP svigil@pvmc.org, or303-498-1840

WednesdayBaby Bounce, Anythink Brighton, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; songs, rhymes and storiesfor babies and their caregivers. For agesbirth-23 months. RSVP online

Rowdy Readers, Anythink Brighton,10-11:30 a.m.; Discuss Hell on Wheels:Wicked Towns Along Union Pacific Rail-road, by Dick Kreck. Kreck tells the epicstory of westward expansion, from thegreat wagon trails to the track layers,and the “Hell on Wheels” towns wherethe West was at its wildest. For adults.RSVP online, anythinklibraries.org

Primetime for Preschoolers, AnythinkBrighton, 10:30-11 a.m.; stories, fingerplays, songs and other fun activities justfor preschoolers. For ages 3-5. RSVPonline, anythinklibraries.org

Laser Tag, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4p.m.; Design a maze and tag yourfriends with lasers. For grades 6-12.

After-School Get Together: Heart KeyRings, Anythink Brighton, 2:30-4:30p.m.; Learn a simple running stitch tosew a felt heart key ring ... for yourselfor to give someone to show how muchyou care. For students in grades K-5.

Brighton Beekeeping Club meeting,Agfinity / Ace Hardware, 55 W. BromleyLane, 6:30 p.m., info 720-685-1950

Tour of the Women’s and NewbornCenter, Platte Valley Medical Center, 6p.m.; Meet in the lobby by the fireplace;free by appointment, 303-498-3518

ThursdayCaregivers Support Group, EagleView Adult Center, 10-11 a.m.; join othercaregivers for valuable information andsupport, all ages welcome, 303-426-4408

Yoga, Platte Valley Medical Center Con-ference Center, 12:15-12:50 p.m.; $6drop-in rate; certified instructor. Bringyour mat, info 303-498-1840.

Bunco, Eagle View Adult Center, 1:15-3:45 p.m.; Bunco is an easy game, learnit in 5 minutes; fun, refreshments, prizes,$4, deadline two days ahead

Ansel Adams Symphony Salute,Eagle View Adult Center trip, 4:30 p.m.;the Lamont Symphony Orchestra at D.U.performs music by Copland and Bruckn-er; concert includes a newly composedtribute to photographer Ansel Adams.Dinner before at Poppies, $10 plus meal($12+); deadline Feb. 7

Pilates Mat Class, Platte Valley MedicalCenter Conference Center, 5:15-6 p.m.;increase strength, tone, flexibility, stami-na, overall fitness and health, taught bylicensed physical therapist and certifiedPilates instructor, $9 per class, 303-498-1840

Craigslist: Buying and Selling, AnythinkBrighton, 7-8 p.m.; Come and see whatCraigslist has to offer, how to create anaccount and buy or sell. Get helpsearching and responding to advertise-ments. An email account is required.Registration suggested.

p.m.

Eventsat theArmory

Images of Ziebice, A pictorial trip toSister City Ziebice, Poland. Award-winning photographer and Ziebiceresident Sanislaw Popardowski’sphoto essay. View the architecture,nature, city life and landscape of750-year-old city. Exhibit runsthrough Feb. 17.

Shrek The Musical, Prairie Play-house production, 7 p.m. on Feb. 7,8, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22, 3 p.m. onFeb. 8 and 22. $10 online, $15 atthe door, $7 online $8 at the door forchildren 12 and under.

Night of Stars annual audition, 6p.m., Feb. 17 for ages K-12. $5audition fee.

The week aheadWord on the streetQuestion: How and where did you meet yoursweetheart? What is the best Valentine’s gift he orshe gave you? (At Village Inn)

– By Elena Guerrero Townsend

Tell usSend your organization’s public events tomynews@brightonbanner.com,or write to The Banner, 315Strong St., Brighton, CO 80601

“I was 16 when I met my 17-year-old sailor at aUSO gathering in Hutchinson, Kan. There was aNavy Air Base in Hutchinson during World War II.Can you believe that?”

– Roger and Anita Childers

“I was a bouncer at Ace’s Country Bar in FederalHeights. She asked me to dance.” “And he saidno,” Dawn said. “I was interested in her, and we dated for a fewyears before we got married.”

– Tracy and Dawn Baker

“I met Steven Aliellowhen a co-workerbrought him over to myapartment. I thought,Oh, he’s cute. Hewood-burned a beautiful heart with raysaround it into a woodenplaque for me. I lovedit. ”

– Katie Smith

“We met at his aunt’s Christmas party. Phillip was freshout of the Marines. One year we had a candlelight din-ner, and he gave me a dozen roses.”

– Christina and Phillip Sailas

Toni Stratton portrays Pinocchioin the Prairie Playhouse produc-tion of Shrek, the Musical.

Photo courtesy Prairie Playhouse

West Ridge Elementaryfifth-grade teacher JulieSchwab will represent SchoolDistrict 27J and the state ofColorado in a national discus-sion about the developmentand implementation ofCommon Core StateStandards-aligned assess-ments for K-12 students, theschool district announced in anews release.

Schwab, a 27J teacher since2003, was selected by theNational EducationAssociation to serve as a StateEducator Reviewer as thePartnership for Assessment ofReadiness for College andCareers partners with theAmerican Federation ofTeachers and the NEA on theimplementation of the newstandards.

PARCC is a multistateassessment consortium that isdeveloping shared Englishlanguage arts and mathemat-ics assessments.

More than 20 states, includ-ing Colorado, participate inthe consortium.

The new, higher standards

and thedevelop-ment ofalignedassessmentsaredesigned toimprove col-lege andcareer readi-ness among

American students.Schwab will join educators

from across the country in aneffort to ensure the newplanned standards andassessments meet the highbar of quality necessary toinform instruction and willhave the opportunity to leadthe development of otherinstructional supports andmaterials.

Schwab will spend Fridaythrough Sunday inWashington, D.C., taking partin an initial training knownas an Item Review BootCamp.

After completion of theboot camp, she will take partin at least one other face-to-face or virtual meeting and

could be part of other stateand regional meetings.

She will be one of threeeducators representingColorado in the group.

“The test developmentprocess is complex andrequires the input of educa-tors to not only provideexpertise in crafting itemsthat appear on the assess-ments, but to ensure that their

collective voices help to iden-tify and inform professionallearning and instruction,”said West Ridge ElementaryPrincipal Carie Brock. “Juliehas more than 20 years ofexperience in elementary edu-cation and 27J has had thegreat fortune of being herhome for the past 11 years.

“It is no surprise that shehas eagerly accepted the

opportunity to volunteer hertime, expertise, and inspira-tional voice to implementchanges aimed at improvingstudent outcomes.”

It is anticipated that thePARCC ELA and mathemat-ics assessments will replacethe state’s current TCAP read-ing, writing and mathematicsassessments in the spring of2015.

Adele is a divorced singlemother. She lives on alimonywith her son. She struggles,desperately, to make endsmeet.

She is depressed, lonely,and has convinced herselfthat the element she needsmost in her life probably isn’tgoing to happen. So has herson. She also has no ideawhat is coming her way onLabor Day.

Adele and Henry are good,honest people. Other thaneach other, they don’t havemuch. They live their lives asfully as a single mother andonly child possibly can. Theyare good to each other andthey love each other.

Henry is a wonderful boy.He is conscious of their situa-tion and careful not to com-plicate it by being a surly, dif-ficult, or juvenile delinquenttype of kid, even though hecould easily be such. He hasstood up to the shortcomingsof his life and does all he canto be a joy and a help to hismom. Henry is Adele’s onlysource of comfort.

They go shopping theweekend before Labor Dayand are confronted by Frank,who is bleeding and limps.Frank is a good-looking guywith a build to match and athreatening appearancewhose capacity for violenceis, at first glance, obvious.

He commandeers them totheir house and we learnFrank is a fugitive who has

just escaped from prison. Thefear in mother and child ispalpable and Frank makes noattempt to dissipate it. Theaudience’s imagination needslittle effort to understand thedanger these two are in,much less all the possibleharm that can be perpetratedon an attractive woman and adefenseless sixth-grader.

The few hours Frank told

them was all he neededstretches to overnight andthen the next day. He fixesthe car, cleans up the house,does yard work, cooks forthem and makes a fair peachpie. Most important of all, hetakes a genuine interest in theboy. Gradually, mom, son,and the audience becomecajoled into accepting Frank,not to mention relieved, as itbecomes more and moreapparent that Frank is a forth-right man.

Still, there are momentswhen that terror rushes backin, such as the TV broadcastthat advises Frank was jailedfor murder, or when the oddknock comes on the frontdoor. However, Frank andAdele ultimately fall in loveand make plans to escape toCanada and start life all over.

Labor Day is an emotionalmovie, almost a chick flick,based on a novel by a womanfor women apparently to pos-tulate what the ideal manshould be like. We see Frankdoing laundry and youalmost expect him to be wear-

ing an apron. Although it hastense moments, there is littleaction, nothing thrilling orexciting, the pace slacks, andit almost becomes boring, butnot quite.

The director, who alsowrote the screenplay, doesn’tadd many filler shots orscenes, but the direction lacksvision. The audience viewsthe film exactly as one wouldexpect to see it, as if they’rereading a book and not beingentertained by a movie.

The backstories to both themain characters are of inter-est, revealing, and give thescript depth. The film wouldhave been a disaster, on theorder of a train wreck, with-out it.

All of the acting is average,a little bit stilted, and some ofthose child parts look asthough they were cast fromthe local high school dramadepartment. It would be diffi-cult to imagine that either ofthe principals would claimthis movie so much as comesclose to their best work.

February 6, 2014 Brighton Banner 5

‘Labor Day’ more like book than filmAt AMC Theaters inBrighton Pavilions

Writers: Jason Reitman,Joyce Maynard (book)Director: Jason ReitmanStarring: Josh Brolin, KateWinslet Genre: DramaRating: PG-13 for“sequences of violence andintense action, and brief lan-guage.” Run time: 1 hour, 51 minutes. Michael’s grade: 2 of 5

ByMichaelMillerAbbyWrightandMichaelMillerreviewnew movies regularly forThe Banner.

MoviesLabor Day

Prep sports this week Today: PVHS wrestling vs. Legacy, 7p.m.Friday: BHS girls’ basketball vs. PVHS,5:30 p.m.BHS boys’ basketball vs. PVHS, 7 p.m.BHS girls’ swimming championships atNorthglenn, 4:30 p.m.Saturday: PVHS wrestling at ThorntonInvite, 8 a.m.BHS girls’ swimming championships atNorthglenn, 8 a.m.BHS wrestling EMAC championships,TBDMonday: PVHS girls’ basketball atColumbine, 7 p.m.Tuesday: BHS boys’ basketball vs.

Rangeview, 7 p.m.BHS girls’ basketball at Rangeview, 7p.m.Scores: Boys’ Basketball – BHS 64, Hinkley62PVHS 58, Northglenn 26BHS 61, Adams City 36Aurora Central 71, PVHS 53PVHS 81, Gateway 79Castle View 45, PVHS 32Girls’ Basketball – Gateway 49, PVHS47PVHS 57, Aurora Central 50BHS 53, Hinkley 30BHS 60, Adams City 27

Teacher will review assessment program

Julie Schwab

By Elena Guerrero TownsendFor The Banner

Brighton’s Chamber ofCommerce had the crowd onits feet at the Armory on Jan.30, with the help of BrightonHigh School cheerleadersThis year for their annualState of the Chamber lunch-eon the Chamber invited theBulldogs cheerleaders.

The cheerleaders energizedthe room.

Board of DirectorsTreasurer Kevin Kildowentertained the group withsports trivia questions beforethey all sat down to businessat hand. Holly Hansen, theChamber’s new CEO, recog-nized the newest membersand the longest-standingmembers from each table,who then approached thestage to resounding applause.

Bryan Blehm, of ValleyBank & Trust and new cham-ber board president, revisitedthe chamber’s highlights of2013 and addressed its plansfor this year.

“We are a growing cham-ber,” Blehm said. “In the lastfew years we’ve experienceda lot of success, and thechamber has placed a highpriority on growing ourmembership.”

Chamber currently has 323members, having added 84new members to its roster.

“These companies andnonprofit organizations repre-sent thousands of jobs in theBrighton community andimmense revenue to our localeconomy,” Blehm said.

He discussed the waymembers can invest in the

organization. They can selectfrom seven different cate-gories from base membershipto platinum level. The newstructure is based on mem-bers’ individual needs, theirability to support theChamber, and desired out-come.

Membership goals for 2014are to secure one new plat-inum investor, upgrade 10percent of current member-ships, and increase theChairman’s Circle to 15 mem-bers. It aims to maintain itscurrent membership.

The Board of DirectorsTreasurer Kevin Kildow pre-sented the financial report,stating that the Chamber issolely funded by memberinvestments. Four signatureevents are membership dues,the golf tournament, DuckRace, and the annual banquet.

Those events generated$257,000, an increase of$41,612 for annual revenuesfrom 2012, a 19 percentincrease.

Hansen reviewed 2013’s

MVP moments. One of thosemoments was the city ofBrighton providing a LodgingTax grant.

“Because we run on a shoe-string budget, these fundsallowed the city to create andimplement some projects thatwe normally would not havebeen able to do,” Hansensaid.

The grant will allow theChamber to install an elec-tronic message board just out-side of Historic City Hall onthe Bridge Street side.Visibility of the board willallow the Chamber toannounce both communityand Chamber events. Themoney also helped upgradeour Community Resourceand Visitors Center inHistoric City Hall.

The Chamber also receiveda lodging tax mini grant forthe 30 Days 30 Ways to Shareprogram and expanded itsWelcome Bag program.

“We’ve had a big year sup-porting nonprofit organiza-tions with our rubber duck

race and duck hunt,” Hansensaid.

The Chamber’s KarahReygers introduced YvetteMartinez as the new commu-nity concierge, whose bilin-gual abilities will allow theChamber to reach anuntapped market by recruit-ing Hispanic business own-

ers.To support the city’s latest

Chamber events, or find alocal business to suit yourneeds visit http://brighton-chamber.com. The Chamberoffice is in the Historic CityHall, 22 S. Fourth Ave., Suite205. The phone number is303-659-0223.

6 Brighton Banner February 6, 2014

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AND APARTMENTS FOR RENT

Call Lambert Realty303-659-1216

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for more information

Chamber looks forward to growth in 2014

The Brighton High Schol cheerleaders provided the “pregame” enter-tainment last week at the State of the Chamber luncheon, which tookthe form of a pep rally. Elena Townsend photos for The Banner

Holly Hansen Brian Blehm

Colorado operations, with ini-tial staffing at the new facilityto include 66 employees. Thecompany plans to furtherexpand operations and addmore than 50 jobs over thenext five years. The averageannual wage for positions inthe Brighton facility is signifi-cantly higher than the countyaverage wage.

FMC Technologies’ $11.9million project will includeconstruction of a 50,000-square-foot facility tat 1571County Road 27, just west ofVestas in Brighton.

The project is in WeldCounty in an area known asthe Energy EmploymentCorridor and will join otherlarge area employers, includ-ing Baker Hughes, Anadarkoand Halliburton. CentralDevelopment of Denverwillmanage development of thefacility.

John Deiss, FMCTechnologies’ PropertyDevelopment Manager said:“(The Brighton) ... facility will

provide us with a single loca-tion that allows three of ourbusinesses to work togethermore closely to ensure cus-tomer success.”

In October, the ColoradoEconomic DevelopmentCommission considered andapproved FMC Technologies’application for $532,440 inperformance-based JobGrowth Incentive Tax Credits(JGITC) over a 60-month peri-od. Colorado’s JGITCProgram provides stateincome tax credits to busi-nesses undertaking job cre-ation projects in the state.

To qualify for the JGITCprogram businesses need tocreate at least 20 new jobs inColorado, with an averageyearly wage of at least 110percent of the county averagewage rate based on where thebusiness is located. The FMCTechnologies project also willbe located in a ColoradoEnterprise Zone (EZ) and willbe eligible for benefits underthe EZ Program. All new jobscreated must be maintainedfor at least one year after the

positions are hired to qualifyfor either State IncentiveProgram.

“The expansion of FMCTechnologies and the additionof new high-paying jobs isgreat news for Colorado andfor the Brighton community,”said Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Brighton EDC ChairmanJames Vigesaa commented:“The Brighton EDC has beenworking with FMCTechnologies since late 2012and these are the kinds ofprojects we love to bring toBrighton … good-paying jobswith benefits; solid capitalinvestment; and attracting agreat company like FMCTechnologies to join our com-munity. ”

In a letter of support forthe FMC Technologies project,Brighton Mayor Dick McLeanwrote to the ColoradoEconomic DevelopmentCommission: “The city ofBrighton is committed to pro-moting strong economicdevelopment programs in ourcommunity.”

FMC site to bring 66 employeesFMC, from Page 1

George A.McCormick

George A. McCormick, 80,of Lochbuie, died Feb. 4 at hishome. Born Sept. 5, 1933, inDenver to Addison and Nellie(Clark) McCormick, he grad-uated from high school inDenver and later marriedElaine Barslien in October1959 in Denver. He made hishome in the Lochbuie-Hudson area for the past 35years.

George owned and operat-ed SpitFire Automotive inDenver for more than 30years. He loved to followNASCAR and was an avidBroncos fan. He loved read-ing and listening to music,especially classical and theBig Bands. George’s true joyin life was flying his ownplane.

Survivors include his chil-dren Iris (Tim) Clark ofBrighton, Jim McCormick ofMorrison, Corey McCormickof Denver, DeAnna (Russell)Clark of Golden and Marjorie(Ron) McCormick ofMountain City, Tenn.; sistersJune (Bos) Boswell ofEnglewood and Lois Sheldenof Arvada; numerous grand-children and great-grandchil-dren.

Private family services willbe held at a later date. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home is han-dling the arrangements.

Ashley N. BowenAshley N. Bowen, 26, of

Brighton, died Jan. 30. Shewas born March 6, 1987, inDenver to Harvey and Patrice(Holgate) Bowen and attend-ed schools in Brighton.

Ashley had most recentlybeen working for the state

Health Department as ahome-health caretaker. Sheloved playing volleyball andbeing with her children, whowere her whole world.

Survivors include herfather Harvey (Connie)Bowen of Illinois; motherPatrice Bowen of Brighton;maternal grandmother SueHolgate of Scottsdale, Ariz.;brother Will (Misty) Foster ofBrighton; three children TianaTollander, Taylor Tollanderand Devon Bowen.

Visitation was 5-7 p.m.Wednesday, and funeral serv-ice, 11 a.m. today. All servicesat Tabor-Rice Funeral Home.Interment at ElmwoodCemetery.

Memorial contributions canbe made to the Ashley BowenMemorial Fund c/o ValleyBank & Trust, 30 N. FourthAve., Brighton. Tabor-RiceFuneral Home is handling thearrangements.

Jacob FoosJacob Foos, 97, of Brighton,

died Jan. 28. He was born inGill to Peter and ElizabethMiller Foos. Jacob marriedRuth Boggess on May 18,1944. She preceded him indeath in 2004.

Jake served in the ArmyAir Force in communicationsduring World War II. Hespent time in the Philippines

and, while there, accidentallyran into his brother, Herbert,who was stationed on theopposite side of the island.He was honorably dischargedin January 1946. In 1947, heand Ruth moved to Brighton.

Every year Jake took thefamily on a road-trip vacationto either Illinois orWashington state to visit fam-ily. The vacations werealways fun, something toremember and involved lotsof family.

Jake was a mechanic for 30years for P.I.E. in Denver,repairing the big trucks. Healso was the family mechanicfor kids and grandkids. Heenjoyed building things, tin-kering with cuckoo clocks,playing pinochle, doing cross-word puzzles and later doingword-search puzzles. He alsoliked to dance the polka andfox trot. He was a good sportand liked a good laugh. Healways enjoyed spendingtime with his family.

Jacob is survived by hischildren, Diana R. (Dan)Pollard, Brighton; Larry J.(Nancy) Foos, Thornton; sixgrandchildren, Logan (JoAnn)Pollard, Amanda (Marcelino)Pollard, Jason Foos, AlanFoos, Philip Foos and ChadFoos; five great-grandchil-dren, Jacob Foos, JaydenFoos, Jace Foos, Grant Pollard

and Hayden Pollard; and sis-ter, Mary Moore (age 101). Hewas preceded in death by hisbrothers Herbert and HermanFoos.

Graveside service wasWednesday at Fort LoganNational Cemetery, Denver.All are welcome to come. Seemore at: http://www.horancar-es.com/obituary/Jacob-Foos/Brighton-CO/1338501#sthash.8VfU3s78.dpuf.

Jim L. HaffnerJim L. Haffner, 73, of

Hudson, died Jan. 27. He wasborn in Hudson to John andCleo (Dunston) Haffner andattended schools in Hudsonand served in the Army. Thebiggest share of Jim’s life wasspent as a dairyman andfarming in Colorado. He alsoworked for Co-op in Prospect

Valley for 20 years, retiring in2006.

Survivors include his chil-dren Rick (Heidi) Robertsonof Keenesburg, Jerry Haffnerof Pueblo, Jodi Davidson ofGreenville, S.C., and BrandonHaffner of Roggen; siblingsJean Billinger of Northglenn,Shirley (Larry) Hamilton ofPalm Springs, Calif., LarryHaffner of Arlington, Wash.,Ron (Ann) Haffner of Greeleyand Jack (Judy) Haffner ofLas Cruces, N.M.; and sevengrandchildren.

Memorial service wasMonday at Tabor-RiceFuneral Home.

Memorial contributions canbe made to the AmericanLegion Post 180, 595 E.Railroad Ave., Keenesburg.Tabor-Rice Funeral Homehandled arrangements.

February 6, 2014 Brighton Banner 7

Obituaries/funeral notices

Shrek The Musical, based onthe Oscar-winningDreamWorks film that startedit all, brings the story ofeveryone’s favorite ogre tolife onstage.

“Prairie Playhouse's all-agecast with contemporary Rock-style musical score, new stageand seating configuration,and more fun that you canimagine ... this is our biggestproduction of the year, and agreat way to celebrate PPH’sbig sixth season,” states anews release from PrairiePlayhouse.

“It’s going to be our bestproduction yet, guaranteed,”Director Shauna Marble said.“We have a full orchestra:Shrek has a great rock/con-temporary score and our castis amazing.”

In a faraway kingdomturned upside down, thingsget ugly when an unseemlyogre (not a handsome prince)shows up to rescue a feisty

princess. Throw in a donkeywho won’t shut up, a villainwith a SHORT temper, acookie with an attitude andmore than a dozen other fairytale misfits, and you've gotthe kind of mess that calls fora real hero. Luckily, there'sone on hand, and his name isShrek.

“Shrek The Musical is partromance, part twisted fairytale and fun for everyone,”the release stated.

Performances are in theArmory, 300 Strong St.,Friday and Saturday, on Feb.13-15, and Feb. 20-22. Eachday during the three-week-end run, shows begin at 7p.m. (on the two Thursdays,three Fridays and Saturdays),plus matinee shows at 3 p.m.on Feb. 8 and 22.

John Hadfield, last seen onthe PPH stage as Capt. VonTrapp in The Sound of Music,plays the Ogre. AmyLaumann plays the plucky

Princess Fiona; Dan Lawless,a veteran of several PPH pro-ductions, including the mostrecent – A Christmas Carol –portrays Donkey.

The remaining members ofthe 48-person cast include:

Ray Sievering, LordFarquaad; Allex Hadfield,Gingy; Toni Stratton,?Pinocchio; Courtney Cox,Dragon, (Fiona, understudy),Soul backup, Duloc per-former, Little Red; RyanBowman, (Shrek understudy),Papa Ogre, Knight 1, Dwarf,Thelonius, Duloc performer;Anna Polson, Mama Ogre,Wicked Witch, Duloc per-former; Lauryn Madsen,Queen Lillian, Snow White'sHag Witch, Bluebird; DavidMarcy, King Harold, Knight 4,Hunter/Prince; MarkGodwin, Knight 3, TweedleDee, Captain of the Guard,Duloc performer, Tap Dancer;Brian Kile, Knight 2, TweedleDum, Duloc performer, tap

dancer; Erin Reeves, PeterPan, Soul backup, Duloc per-former, tap dancer; MadelynHapp, Fairy Godmother,Duloc performer;

Allison Jensen,Kid Fiona,Spoon; Hannah Marcy, LittleBo Beep; Rachel Marcy,Farmer; Adam McGrady,Humpty Dumpty; MalloryMoeller, Sugar Plum Fairy,Duloc performer; AndrewHadfield, Papa Bear, PiedPiper; Katie Harty, ?MamaBear; Aiden Lawless, BrotherBear, Duloc performer; ErikMadsen, ?Kid Shrek, BrotherBear; Maeghyn Williams,Baby Bear, Duloc performer;Casandra Baird, Pig 3, Dulocperformer; Jessica Connell,Blind Mouse, Duloc per-former; Baylee Hadfield, TeenFiona, Pig 2; Emily Lenehan,Pig 1; Todd Teter BlindMouse, Duloc performer;Katey Tippets, Blind Mouse;

Cindy Tovrea, Big BadWolf; Boston Dunlap, Jack,

Duloc performer; TreyaPember, Jill, Duloc performer;Quinn Cochran, Mad Hatter,Duloc performer; TraeEpema, Elf, Duloc performer;Shauna Marble, Duloc per-former, tap dancer; KatelynAnderson, Antelope; TylerDunlap, Tinkerbell; LaceyEasdon, Little Bunny;Kennedy Lawless, UglyDuckling; Deanna Marcy,Princess; Josalyn Tippets,Puss in Boots; Grace Wilson,Dish; KyleeAnn;Brueggemann, Rat of PiedPiper; Shelby Gupton, Rat ofPied Piper; Rachel Riewerts,Rat of Pied Piper; CarlenaLim, Duloc performer, TapDancer, Stage Manager.

Marble, the executive direc-tor and founder of PrairiePlayhouse, is also musicdirector and choreographer.

PPH started in February2009 with Schoolhouse Rock,Live!, its first children’s musi-cal, at Prairie View High.

Musical ‘Shrek’ takes Armory stage on Friday

8 Brighton Banner February 6, 2014

By Michelle Boyerfor The Banner

On Friday, Brighton willhost the second doubleheaderbasketball game of the seasonagainst cross-town rivalPrairie View High School.

The girls will lay it all onthe line at 7 p.m. in an EastMetro Athletic Conferencematchup. The Bulldogs are 3-1 in league play and theThunderhawks are closebehind with a 3-2 record.

In last month’s rival gameat Prairie View, Brightonsqueezed by Prairie View, 48-42.

“We’ll treat the PrairieView game like any on ourschedule,” BHS Coach DanDoehler said. “After we gotupset by (Westminster) inearly January, we’ve learnednot to look ahead, and takeone game at a time. Howeverafter Westy lost to Rangeviewrecently, we’re back in themix. We also can’t get lost inthe hype of this game. Theatmosphere will be electric,and we get this game athome.

“We just need to show up,do what we do and the restwill take care of itself.”

The game will for sure beabout Brighton’s five spot,Cassie Kaiser, and PrairieView’s Alek Anderson.“Cassie has been an anchorfor us in the post,” Doehlersaid.

“She’s one of the toughestkids I’ve ever been around.Her knowledge of the game isincreasing every day, which is

allowing her to create moreopportunities not only forherself, but for teammates aswell. She’s having a careeryear in points, rebounds andblocked shots. Cassie will beextremely missed going intonext year, but we have somegreat youth that should stepin right away and fill hervoid.”

Kaiser has played basket-ball since sixth grade, withfour of her teammates.

“I consider it a passion,because I love playing it, andit’s something fun to do withmy friends,” she said.

She said her team is goingto work together and staypositive, playing the gamethey’re best at on Friday.“We’re going to play ourhearts out, since it’s our lastrivalry game, and make itcount,” she said.

“I’m just going to do mypart and get some easy buck-

ets down low, and also sup-port the rest of my team toaccomplish their goals.”

Kaiser said this season hasbeen a great ride for the team.“We have a winning record,even though we’ve had a cou-ple tough losses I love everyminute on the court withthese girls and my coaches.I’m going to enjoy the rest ofour final season together.”

“Going up against Cassie is

a battle, because we’re bothphysical and aggressive play-ers,” Prairie View post player,Alek Anderson said. “I planon being aggressive, confi-dent and to not make thesame mistakes that I madethe last time we faced offwith Brighton.”

Anderson made the transi-tion from C-team last year tovarsity this year. The sopho-more said it was painful. “Ittook me a little while toadjust to intensity, the speed,the physicality and the focusneeded to succeed on varsi-ty,” she said. “Luckily it did-n’t take too long.”

The 5-foot-9 post also occa-sionally plays forward for theThunderhawks.

“I think it’s my speed andagility that helps me on thecourt,” she said. “I’ve beenplaying for three seasons now(started playing in eighthgrade). I started playing bas-ketball because I wanted totry something new, andended up loving it.”

Anderson also participatesin track. She said when itcomes to both sports, she’spassionate for each. “Forinstance, I’m passionate aboutbasketball because of the sideof me that wants to directlycompete, and get physicaland aggressive. “

Track, I love because of theside of me that’s more tomyself and wants to trainhard to get that personal besttime,” Anderson said.

Rivalry: Kaiser, Anderson square off

Wrestling like a family to Bulldogs’ BalderasBy Michelle Boyerfor The Banner

Brighton Bulldogs wrestlerTony Balderas said his

favorite move is his double-leg takedown.

“I’m confident on my feetand I can take anyone down,”he said.

The 106-pound senior hasbeen wrestling for 13 years.“I started when I was littleand my parents just put me init, and I never quit,” Balderassaid.

He said the Brightonwrestling team is like anarmy. “You can win or youcan lose (individually),” hesaid. “But your team can winor lose at the same time.Wrestling is the true meaningof, you’re only hurting your-self. But as you get older yourealize you hurt your team.Wrestling is more like a fami-ly than a team.”

Balderas is looking goodthis season, and hopes tomake the Class 5A StateChampionship for the firsttime in his high school careerthis year. He must first quali-fy at the regional tournamenton Feb. 14-15 at Bear CreekHigh School.

“Tony is definitely a hope-ful, and he is currently

ranked fourth in the state,”Coach Tom Wagner said.

Balderas has a record of 26-7. Brighton hosted its invita-tional last weekend with 10teams, which, Wagner said,were all competitive andmade a tough day forwrestling.

“My team wrestled verywell on the road to beinghealthy,” he said. “We camein third place as a team, andjust 13 points out of firstplace. We advanced six guys

to the finals and ended upwith two champs.”

Balderas, at 106 pounds,and Orlando Gallegos at 132took tournament titles; JaredGarcia (113), Raymond Baca(126), Dalton Wadkins (182)and Sam Jackson (285) placedsecond; and Tomas Sanchez(195) placed fourth.

“We’ve had a crazy year,going from a very toughteam, to struggling to fill thelineup,” Wagner said.“Between kids’ ineligibilities

due to injuries it’s been a yearthat myself, as a coach or acompetitor, have never beenthrough in my life. Theinjuries are getting better, andkids are getting back in thelineup and, I hope, ready forthe push for regionals andstate.

Coronado finished theBrighton tournament firstwith 153 points as a team.Cherokee Trail was secondwith 145.5 points, andBrighton third with 139points. Prairie View finishedthe tournament sixth, with 90points.

Last year Balderas was oneplace short of qualifying forstate during the regional tour-nament.

“I blew it in a match bytwo points,” he said. “Thisyear will be the first timecompeting at state.”

After high school, Balderasplans to attend Front RangeCommunity College. He thenwill transfer to a university,where he wants to attain hisdegree to be a psychothera-pist.

Brighton High School 106-pound wrestler takes control of his oppo-nent during a tournament earlier this season. He won his weight classSaturday at the Brighton Invitational. Michelle Boyer photo for The Banner

Brighton HighSchool guardAdam Tabor

S

Brighton senior center Cassie Kaiser. Prairie View’s Alek Anderson. Michelle Boyer photos