Volume 8 Issue 4 December 2018

The Sedalia View is published quarterly by the volunteers of the Sedalia Museum and Gardens.Deadline for the March 2019 issue is February 15.

Contact us: sedaliamuseum@gmail.com answering machine: 720-336-9388Post Office Box 394, Sedalia, CO 80135

sedaliamuseumandgardens.org and on Facebook: Sedalia Museum and Gardens

Celebrate Sedalia Winterfest December 8 from 10AM-2PMBanish all thoughts of impersonal shopping malls,

carols blaring over loud speakers, or pushy shoppers. Treat yourself and your family to a day of nostalgia with us in small-town Sedalia with spicy cookies, fresh pine boughs, sparkling lights, Santa and gifts. See old friends and make new ones as you travel around town.

Begin early at O’Brien’s Cafe with hot cinnamon rolls and a free cup of coffee. Arlene, Donna and Brittany—three generations of O’Briens—will make sure you’re well-fed. Next stop is Jarre Mart on Manhart. Get a drink or snacks and ask Dan for the latest fishing conditions on the South Platte. Buy your favorite fishermen Dan’s hand-tied flies for winter fishing—sparkly black and brown KF Emergers or gold-silver Rainbow Warriors. Then hop on on Zach Watts’ hayride pulled by his trusty tractor “Goat” for a ride to Sedalia Elementary. Fill a tin with homemade cookies for $5, and get (temporary) holiday tattoos for the kids! The school will be collecting $25 and $50 gift cards for families from our school community who need support this holiday season. Learn more about Rock the Barn, the school’s largest fundraiser.

Next, the big event! Visit Santa’s Workshop at the the Hell’s Angels Club House across the street from the Post Office. Sip hot chocolate while children shop. For just $1.00 per gift, children can buy something for parents, siblings and others. They can choose from jewelry, toys, sporting goods, tools and more. Volunteers will help them shop and wrap the gifts, and Santa will be waiting in his big red chair ready to hear Christmas wishes.

To stock Santa’s Workshop, before December 8 please donate re-gifted or gently used items you feel

children would like to give as gifts. Leave donated items at Deby Williams’ Farmers Insurance Office, across Highway 67 from the Post Office. Thank you for your help. Stop at Sedalia Bakery for a cookie and order peppermint cake or mincemeat pie for the holidays. Then step into the 1800s at Alexander’s General Store on Plum Street. Have some popcorn, browse the antiques and enter the raffle for some homemade jam. Around the corner is Bud’s Bar, a Sedalia institution. Order a burger (no fries!), and ask Nancy, Carrie or Cheri about the drawing for a $20 gift certificate. Follow the smell of pizza next door to PieZano’s, where Frankie will treat you to a free slice from 11 to 2pm.

Are you ready for Sedalia Museum’s festivities? Judy Penley on the keyboard, musicians of all ages (bring your own instruments), and anyone who can play the old pump organ will accompany a carol sing-along. Children can make Christmas crafts with Dee Rapata and her son, Sam. Sip hot spiced cider and nibble on Margaret Ellis’ Northfork fudge, Nena Robbins’ nut clusters, Carole Williams’ lemon bars as you visit with friends and neighbors. Enjoy the Museum’s exhibits and vintage Christmas decorations. Outside, the Douglas County K-9 Search and Rescue team will demonstrate how they find (volunteer) “lost” children. Take a turn around the Museum Gardens that are beautiful even in winter.

Last stop is the historic Manhart house, now Gabriel’s Restaurant. Welcome new owner Chuck Briggs, and relax with a complimentary cup of soup.

We hope you enjoy our small-town celebration.

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Tomato Tasting and Call for Growers As September 8th approached, Growers were

concerned there wouldn’t be many tomatoes ripe for the Tomato Tasting. How were we going to fry all those green ones? Then gradually 38 varieties (of the 70 sold in spring) appeared, and we sampled them all. Taxi ranked first; it’s a tasty, very productive medium-size yellow tomato. Brandymaster, brought by Wayne Eads from Greeley, ranked for sweetness and perfect ripeness; BS for its overall appearance and taste. Of the cherries, Sungold, a perennial favorite, took the win; Chocolate Cherry, Cherry Falls and Honey Drop ranked. All are varieties that do well in our area.

Productivity, though not rated at the Tasting, is very important to gardeners. Louviers’ Bob Snyder (BS) introduced us to his heirloom-in-the-making, grown for four years from saved seeds. It won first at the County Fair as a green tomato. BS plants grown in Sedalia were the most productive plants ever.

Bob’s poem says it all:

Big Showy, Big Shot, Big Sweet,Big Saver, Big Seed, Big Steak,

Big Saucy, Big Sassy, Big Spirit, Big Scarlett--Some of the names it could go by,

But I just like BS tomatoes and that’s no lie.My BS tomatoes are the best in the countyAnd in the fall they produce a big bounty.

BS tomatoes are red on the inside and have a sweet, sweet flavor.

They are tomatoes you taste and want to savor.At the County Fair BS green tomatoes won blue.

They are a great heirloom I am telling you.So next year when you grow

Try some BS tomatoes in your row.

The BS will be one of the many tomato varieties we will offer at the Museum’s plant sale in May 2019 in addition to other vegetables, herbs, and flowers. We grow heirlooms or hard to find plant varieties ordered from catalogs or from seeds we’ve saved. We always try to find what grows best in the Sedalia area.

The Growers welcome anyone interested in growing plants with us and taking part in our yearly activities and tours. Come join us January 12th from 10-12 at the Fire House Training Room to start planning what to grow for 2019. Community donations make it possible for us to provide seeds, containers and soil at no cost new growers. You provide the labor and learn along with us. Contact us at sedaliamuseumandgardens.org.

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Merry Christmas from West Douglas County Fireby Chief Terry Thompson

The Holidays are fast approaching and will be here before you know it!

A life-saving gift idea from West Douglas Fire Station 1Looking for a holiday gift idea that shows you care? A smoke alarm or CO detector is a terrific idea. Nine out of ten fires occur at night when people are asleep. So this holiday season, give your friends a present that protects and watches over them all year round.

A holiday message from West Douglas Station 2Candles are a traditional and beautiful part of the holiday season. They are also a direct source of fire in your home, so be cautious with them. Use non-flammable holders and position candles a safe distance from your tree and your other holiday decorations. Children are always fascinated by candles and are drawn to them, so place yours safely out of children’s reach.

A word from West Douglas Station 3People gathering together are the real joy of the holiday season. Take a few moments to protect your friends and family from an unexpected tragedy. Test all your detectors in your home to make sure they are working and be certain everyone in your family knows and practices your home fire escape plan.

A safety message from West Douglas Station 4It’s the holiday season and time to find just the right Christmas tree. Look for one that’s fresh and green. The needles should bend and not snap between your fingers. At home find a cool spot for your tree, away from heater vents and fireplaces. A dry tree is a serious fire hazard, so water yours often. After the holidays, dispose of the tree at a recycle center or your trash service

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He’s Done It Againby Bobbie Elder

A crowd of more than 50 pumpkin devotees gathered in the alley next to Bud’s Bar in October for the annual Pumpkin Weigh-in. Missing were Chet Hier’s pumpkins—hailed out—and Garo Chalian’s went to the deer (again). Newcomer Olga Curtis thought she’d be a contender with her 136 pound pumpkin, and Sheri Folsom’s 261 pounder was a sure win, since last year’s winner was only 235.5 pounds. The weigh-in results:

6th Susan Bell 14 pounds 5th Harper Elder 54 pounds 4th Olga Curtis 136 pounds 3rd Billy Moore 216 pounds 2nd Sheri Folsom 261 pounds 1st place once again went to Billy Moore for his a record-breaking 370 pound pumpkin!Because giant pumpkins wouldn’t fit on the antique Official Scale, contestants had to call on new

technology. Kudos to Stan Truitt, owner of Western Sling, who was kind enough to lend a digital scale to the Pumpkin Guys (Billy, Chet, Guy and Jeff). Suspended from an arm on the front loader, the pumpkin in its sling could be hooked to the scale for a readout and certification by the Pumpkin Weigh Master John Pope.

Contestants celebrated at Bud’s, and later the giant pumpkins found homes at the new hair salon and Sedalia Elementary where students had to guess the weight.

Notice all the women giving Billy some competition this year? The youngest, Harper Elder (age 10), a fourth generation pumpkin grower, warned, “Billy the Pumpkin King, watch out. I am going to get you next year!”

Billy with his 370 pound Winner Photo: Sandi Bender

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Page 5 Sedalia View

Gabriel’s By Carole Williams

Gabriel’s Restaurant is under new management. After 25 years under the ownership of Matthew and Jan Bundy, the historic property and glamorous dining spot has been sold.

What does this mean for Sedalia and all the restaurant’s fans? Jazz entertainment on Thursday evenings January through April. An expanded Bistro menu. Possibly weekend brunches in the spring. Special wine dinners with courses matched to carefully chosen wines, and of course, special private events, according to new owner Chuck Briggs. And no, it won’t be called “Chuck’s.” The Gabriel’s name has value as a high-end destination restaurant.

Chuck admits he wasn’t even looking for restaurants to buy. A veteran of the Colorado restaurant scene, both in management and then software applications for restaurants, Chuck hoped to open a craft distillery. He was negotiating for a property when his real estate broker got the Gabriel’s listing. Chuck and his wife, Leslie Powers, decided to take a look—and fell in love with the property and the building’s history as the private home of one of Sedalia’s founding families, the Manharts.

“I’d worked as a consultant with a lot of the mountain restaurants and inns,” Chuck said. “I’d always hoped to own one someday. This was a perfect opportunity. After years of consulting, it was time to practice what I preach.”

Though the family restaurant market in Denver is soft just now, the trend doesn’t seem to affect higher-end restaurants. To Chuck, part of the appeal of Gabriel’s is that in addition to its reputation as a destination for special occasions, it also has a neighborhood component, the Bistro, offering a Happy Hour menu at attractive prices.

He counts himself lucky to have worked side-by-side with the Bundys and Chef Antonio Gonzales for a month during the transition.

“Matthew showed me all the ropes, and introduced me to the community,” he said. Most of the staff remains with the restaurant, except Chef Antonio Gonzalez. Antonio now only lends a hand during the busy season though his wife still works full-time at Gabriel’s as the pantry chef. The real estate

agent, a specialist in restaurant properties, said it was the smoothest transition he ever saw. New chef Ruben Huante and Chuck will work together to maintain Gabriel’s

reputation for elegant and distinctive meals. Chuck and Leslie

plan to have the same hands-on family involvement enjoyed by the Bundys.

Chuck still hasn’t given up his dream for that boutique distillery. Already Gabriel’s serves desserts and cocktails made with their special limoncello recipe. Eventually he hopes to build a small distillery and get the licensing necessary to market Italian inspired liqueurs and specialty spirits.

In January, the restaurant will close for a few days for some necessary repairs to the historic main house, and a general freshening up. Watch the walls in the main entry area as Chuck adds more historic photos.

“We plan to keep honoring the Manhart legacy,” he said.

Gabriel’s new owner Chuck BriggsPhoto: Carole Williams

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Page 6 Sedalia View

Update on Proposed Zoning Change by Carole Williams

Several projects are in the early planning stages for the Sedalia area.The proposed motor home storage facility on Douglas Avenue behind Rampart Firearms has moved from

preliminary application to proposal level. Many issues, including access, drainage, fencing, traffic, etc. still must be addressed. To follow the progress of this project, see SP2018-065 at the Douglas County Planning Commission site under www.douglas.co.us/government.

Rezoning requests for the Sutton property on Rio Grande Ave. to allow low-density housing do not appear to have moved from the preliminary application phase. See SP2018-165.

The Sedalia Landfill has requested a boundary change to allow dumping of clean fill dirt from the current site onto land within the expanded boundaries. A formal land use application has not been submitted but would require a major amendment to Douglas County’s development plan. See SP2018-235.

Cherokee Ranch has applied to construct a new event space for up to 300 people. This appears to be near the current cattle barns off of Hwy. 85. Existing buildings on the site would be renovated. See SP2018-249.

A new project since the last issue of the View is a rezoning request for the Polson property on Hwy. 67 between the Post Office and Plum Creek from agricultural to Sedalia Downtown. See PS2018-217.

Christmas Events Up the Canyonby Patty McDonough

Sprucewood Christmas SaleArts and Crafts

Refreshments and Socializing with the Neighbors-Saturday, December 1, 2018

11:00am- 5:00 pmCrafters can bring a nice munchy to share as a table fee.

For more info call 303-688-8357

Santa is coming to the Indian Park Schoolhouse on December 15th at 2:00 pm!Hot cider and hot chocolate!

We will enjoy music from the player piano. If there is snow, we will build snowmen!

Page 7 Sedalia View

Don’t forget about our community pantry or the the little free library caboose

Take what you need, give what you can!

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Please join us for ourAnnual Christmas Eve Service

Monday, Dec. 24, 5 to 6 PMYou’re warmly invited– just come as you are!

Sunday School 9:00 AM / Worship 10 AM (Located 4 blocks west of the Firehouse)4371 Platte Ave – right in Sedalia

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… and the Word became flesh & dwelt among us.”John 1:1, 14

Plumcreekchapel.org / 720-981-8029Pastor Jon Schrag

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PAIDPermit #14Sedalia, CO

Sedalia ViewBox 394Sedalia , CO 80135

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Sedalia Community CalendarRegular Meetings:Mondays - 9:00 a.m. Gentle Yoga at the Sedalia Fire Station. Free to all.Fourth Friday of each month- 10a.m. Jan-Oct (9AM in summer) Community and Museum meeting at Sedalia Fire station.Second Tuesday of the month- 7p.m. Dining for Women, Indian Creek Clubhouse. Contact Betty Purkey-Huck, bphck2@gmail.com or 303-688-4983First Friday of the month-First Friday Club, Check Facebook under Sedalia for location.

Special Events: SEDALIA WINTERFEST!!! Saturday December 8 10AM-2PM

Plum Creek Chapel Christmas carolers will be going out caroling from the back of a hay trailer again this year on Friday evening, Dec. 21 at 5:30 PM. Contact Pastor Jon if you’d like to join in the fun. 720-981-8029The Annual Community Christmas Eve Service will also be held at Plum Creek Chapel on Monday, Dec. 24, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM. All are welcome!!

Rock the Barn, April 27th, 2019. Join the Sedalia community for good food, dancing and an auction. All benefiting Sedalia Elementary. More details to come.