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MARCH 5, 2020

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THE BOTTOM LINE

“While COVID-19 is not an immediate risk, we should all use this time to learn about the virus, know the steps we can take to protect ourselves and prepare.”

Christine Billings with Jeffco Public Health | P16 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 22 | SPORTS: PAGE 24

ArvadaPress.com

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 40

2 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

Jeffco schools to close March 19 for labor shortage Teacher absences for state capitol rally cannot be filled

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With a number of Jeffco teaching staff taking a personal day Thursday, March 19 for the CEA Educator Day of Action, the school district has announced all schools will close that day.

On Feb. 26, the district sent out a letter stating that “the current number of teaching staff who are submitting an absence has moved beyond the maximum number of absences that can be covered by our guest teachers.” If schools were to open as planned, the staffing gaps would create “an unsafe school environment,” it said.

Extracurricular activities will not be canceled, unless a specific school announces a cancellation.

Schools will open as scheduled on Friday, March 20.

It will still be a work day for district employees. Any district employee wanting to attend the Day of Action will be required to use paid time off to do so, according to the district’s announcement.

The CEA, or Colorado Educators Association, has asked educators from across the state to rally at the Colorado State Capitol March 19, with the goal of addressing funding for public education. Some group members will also meet with legislators, advocating for increased educator wages, an initiative for a ballot issue to change the education funding system and the elimination of the Budget Stabilization Factor by 2022.

“Colorado students deserve a fully funded education system and educators who can afford to stay in the profession,” said a CEA statement included in the district letter.

The district stated that it communicated the upcoming schedule change as soon as it knew schools

would close.

“Please know we exhausted all resources before deciding to cancel school for students,” the district letter said. “Our intention in providing this notification now is to allow families to plan for this change.”

The district notification is expected to impact Jeffco school households that now require day care, or a parent to take time off from work.

Jeffco representatives who plan on attending the day of action, including Jeffco PTA president Shawna Fritzler and social-emotional learning counselor Casey Gardner, who works with gifted and talented students at Sheridan Green and Stevens elementaries, say students’ mental health is a primary concern associated with the funding shortage.

“Relationships are the most important aspect of all we do. If kids don’t feel safe, we can’t teach them,” Gardner said.

In the 16 years she has worked in

the district, she said she has seen countless teachers and administrators leave for higher paying jobs, making it difficult for students to connect with adults who stay at the school, year after year.

Fritzler has a similar story. In the 10 years her daughter has attended Jeffco schools, she has had 10 different principals, she said.

“People just don’t realize how much these budget cuts have negatively impacted our kids,” she said. “I’m sympathetic to legislators’ plight, but I also think our kids and the future or Colorado is valuable.”

It is not ideal to see the district close for a day, Fritzler and Gardner said; however, both feel it is necessary for educators to take advantage of the opportunity to advocate for change.

“It’s because our kids are worth it that we’re taking personal time to go do this,” Gardner said.

“Kids come first and we have to keep quality teachers in our schools.”

CORRECTION The Taxpayer Bill of Rights formula for county revenue growth is different than that of the state – it is based on CPI (or rate of inflation) and new construction growth. A Feb. 20 story regarding Jefferson County’s budget

situation listed the state formula incorrectly.

To report any corrections or clarifications please call 303-566-4129 or email gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

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Arvada Press 3

March 5, 2020

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6 Great New Listings by Golden Real Estate Fabulous Home in a Gated Foothills Subdivision Everything about this home at 22595 Treetop Lane speaks luxury and good taste in a Colorado Contemporary setting. It starts with the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design features such as the 90° corner windows, large expanses of glass allowing the blending of outdoor space with indoor space, and an emphasis on organic architecture. The expanse of light in the home gives a feeling of living in a $1,250,000 tree house. Included are inlaid hardwood fox prints on the staircase from the basement family room up to the master bedroom, and an 18-foot-tall wall of UV-protected windows facing west to the Continental Divide, with remote controlled solar shades.

The open floorplan is great for entertaining and family life as well. A gourmet kitchen features rare custom birds-eye maple cabinets with roll-outs. Abundant wildlife (elk, deer, turkey, fox, etc.) are common neighbors to enjoy in this setting.

This location deep within the gated Riva Chase subdivision insulates the home from Interstate 70 noise, yet the highway is close by, and you are within 30 minutes of downtown Denver. See the narrated video tour at www.RivaChaseHome.info.

High-End Patio Home in Dancing Willows Subdivision This 3-bedroom, 3½-bath patio home on a premium lot at 5738 S. Van Gordon Street is nearly maintenance-free and offers easy access to walking trails. It features an open floor plan with main-floor living. The master suite includes a 5piece bath and a large walk-in closet. The second main-floor bedroom also has an en suite bath and large walk-in closet. Features of this home in$725,000 clude crystal chandeliers (one of them Swarovski), custom window coverings, main-floor laundry, slab granite, stainless appliances, European birch hardwood floors, wet bar, workshop, 3-car garage and a covered and screened patio with hot tub overlooking Dancing Willows Park. To fully appreciate this home, visit DancingWillows Home.info to view a video walk-through narrated by Jim Smith. Then come to Saturday's open house, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or call your agent for a private showing.

Mesa Meadows Ranch Just Listed by Carol Milan This rare ranch home at 1013 Meadow Run, with its full walkout basement, backs to the $878,000 Tucker Gulch greenbelt. It’s situated in a quiet cul-de-sac with great views of North Table Mountain and the foothills. It has 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a main-floor office. This home has an open feel, featuring a large kitchen with breakfast bar island and a formal dining room.

The walk-out has ample space, a rough in for wet bar, and 3 bedrooms . The large fully fenced yard backs to the greenbelt, providing easily walkable access to downtown Golden. The 3-car garage and mature landscaping make this an incredibly rare find in one of Golden’s most popular neighborhoods. Take a narrated video tour at www.MesaMeadowsHome.com. Open house this Saturday, Mar. 7, 1 to 3 pm. Or call Carol at 720-982-4941.

2-BR Home in Gated Green Valley Ranch Subdivision Mitchell Place is a gated subdivision of 104 single-family homes on the eastern end of $345,000 Green Valley Ranch. All homes have the same address, 20000 Mitchell Place, but with separate unit numbers. This one is #85, and it’s deep inside the neighborhood, adjacent to a greenbelt. Recently vacated by a tenant, all flooring has been replaced with new carpeting and new hardwood, and the entire interior has been repainted. This home is in like-new condition! Visit GreenValleyRanchHome.info to view a narrated video tour, then come to our open house on Saturday, noon to 3 p.m., or call your agent for a showing!

2-Story Home North of Golden Listed by Kristi Brunel This 5-bedroom, 3½-bath home at 5914 Dun$674,000 raven Way is in the North Table Mountain Village subdivision just north of the City of Golden.

Including its finished basement with family room, study, 5th bedroom and full bathroom, this home has 3,336 finished square feet of living area. Its location a few blocks east of Hwy. 93 makes it convenient not only to downtown Golden, but also to Denver, Boulder, trailheads and I-70 into the mountains. The home is being sold by its original owner, who has made numerous improvements to it, including new Hardie board siding, fascia and soffits, new roof, and new Alside windows — all in 2017, and most with a 30-year warranty.

The home also has a solar photovoltaic system which substantially reduces its Xcel Energy bill for electricity. All you have to do is move in! See more pictures and take a narrated video tour at www.NorthGoldenHome.com, then call Kristi at 303 -525-2520 for a showing.

Just Listed: 5-Bedroom Luxury Arvada Ranch Home

You'll appreciate the quality features of this luxurious ranch home at 11948 W. 66th Lane, from the fabulous living room with invisible surround sound speakers, to the gourmet kitchen, the elegant master suite with fireplace and sunroom, and the finished garage with epoxy floor. To fully appreciate this great home, visit www.

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4 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

Broomfield withdraws support for Jefferson Parkway Safety-based decision expected to financially impact Arvada and Jeffco

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A Feb. 25 city council meeting in Broomfield attracted residents from across the Denver area, with individuals from Arvada, Jefferson County, Longmont, Boulder and Aurora addressing a council that held pieces of the Jefferson Parkway’s future in its hands.

And at the end of the meeting, the council sided with many of the residents who spoke, unanimously voting to cut its ties with the project.

“Although many questions remain in my mind, it’s prudent for us right now to withdraw,” said Broomfield councilmember Stan Jezierski. “The longer we wait to make a decision, we’ll be incurring additional obligations. We’re at a point right now where it sounds like we’re in or we’re out.”

The Jefferson Parkway is a proposed 10-mile toll road, to run through northwest Arvada and connect state highways 93 and 128, with part of the road adjacent to the former site of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant.

The plant was shut down in 1989 after multiple incidents, including spills and fires, contaminated the site’s soil with plutonium.

The government ordered a nuclear waste clean-up that concluded in 2005, but today, some concerned residents say construction of the proposed road would stir up plutonium that was buried as part of the clean-up. Particles of plutonium have been shown to cause cancer when inhaled.

Some of the entities behind the parkway have also voiced this concern. The project is a collaboration between Arvada, Jefferson County and Broomfield, each of which have contributed millions of dollars to the project so far.

The three governments make up the Jefferson Parkway Public Highway Authority, or JPPHA. As of Dec. 2019, JPPHA had collectively invested about $16 million into the parkway since

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2008, according to JPPHA executive director Bill Ray. Residents’ concerns about safety prompted JPPHA to conduct a soil sampling study of the area beginning May 2019. Three months into the study, JPPHA reported to the CDPHE (Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment) that one sample had tested for 264 pCi/g of plutonium, while the established safety standard is 50 pCi/g.

A second test of the same sample showed a much lower result at 2 pCi/g, and no other so-called plutonium hotspots were found throughout the course of the study. All samples are now collected, with the CDPHE preparing to issue its final report in the spring, CDPHE’s Laura Dixon said in a previous interview.

But that original result of 264 pCi/g remained at the forefront of Broomfield councilmembers’ minds, becoming the primary reason the council held its vote Feb. 25.

Some who spoke at the meeting, like Longmont resident Chris Allred, urged the council to show it prioritized public safety by voting to withdraw.

“This affects so many different communities and it affects people’s health.

The only way we can reconcile that is by acknowledging what it is and taking responsible steps,” Allred said. “It gives other governments the courage to take responsible steps.”

But two residents asked if Broomfield’s withdrawal could potentially work against public safety.

“It is short-sighted to withdraw.

Broomfield should use its authority and influence as much as it can” and potentially get the parkway rerouted away from Rocky Flats, said Broomfield resident James Marsh-Holschen.

Councilmembers acknowledged this concern when giving their final comments.

“I serve on the JPPHA board. Sure, we have a seat, but that seat has been relegated to the kids’ table,” said councilmember Heidi Henkel. “In my experience, we will always be outvoted (by other JPPHA members). They will continue to use our money for the route they have their eyes set on.”

The council voted unanimously to notify JPPHA of their withdrawal, after which JPPHA will inform

Jefferson Parkway

Broomfield of the cost associated with breaking its contract.

“It is disappointing that Broomfield made this decision without the benefit of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s analysis that is expected in April,” said a Feb. 26 JPPHA statement. “CDPHE has long been the lead agency monitoring public health and safety around Rocky Flats.”

Arvada mayor Marc Williams said while the JPPHA could move forward with only the two partners, the authority and governments will need to discuss the economic feasibility of that option.

“This is very disappointing,” he said of the Broomfield decision. “I’m not going to ignore the fact we had an anomalous test sample, but I think there were ways to deal with that. To simply pull out is not the way to deal with that. There was absolutely no negotiation.”

He said safety has been one of the authority’s primary concerns, with the JPPHA willing to take any remedial steps recommended by the CDPHE. He also questioned Henkel’s comment that Broomfield would consistently be outvoted by Arvada and Jefferson County, As far as the effects of Broomfield’s withdrawal, the authority plans to “contemplate the next steps for the parkway,” the JPPHA statement said.

So far, “the impacts of Broomfield’s withdrawal is mostly unknown,” said Arvada resident Brett Vernon, cofounder of community group Neigh-

bors of the Parkway.

The withdrawal may affect potential plans to link the parkway to the Northwest Parkway, he pointed out.

Williams agreed, saying that while that route could go forward with or without Broomfield’s participation, the option may hurt traffic on SH 128 and nearby roads, which Broomfield would not be prepared for if it is not involved in the planning.

Broomfield’s decision also puts “more pressure for pre-construction funding on Arvada and Jeffco,” Vernon said. Most immediately, JPPHA had asked Broomfield to contribute an additional $2.5 million for the project, which Broomfield had not yet provided at the time of the vote.

Additionally, if Broomfield’s withdrawal ultimately causes the project to fall through, Arvada and Jefferson County will have spent millions on a project that never comes to fruition, said Broomfield councilmember William Lindstedt.

“On one hand, we’re balancing public safety and on the other, we’re balancing our future transportation and the finances of our neighboring county,” he said. “It’s a hard decision, but the right thing to do is to not risk public safety.”

Should the project continue, several funding options would be on the table, Williams said. The authority will consider cutting some costs; asking the private partner who builds the parkway to contribute more than its original ask of more than $200 million; or requesting more money from Jefferson County and Arvada.

Arvada has always contributed to JPPHA through its general fund, Williams said, and would only consider providing the extra funds if the city could still “stay true to our commitment of having a balanced 10-year budget,” he said.

A final option would be to postpone the project or consider another transportation solution.

“If it’s determined we can’t go forward at this time, we still own the right of way, and we’ve got to address our traffic congestion issues,” Williams said. “Just because our friends in Broomfield have said they don’t want to be a part of it anymore doesn’t mean we’ll just stop. We’ll still have something.”

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Arvada Press 5

March 5, 2020

Jefferson County to try and preserve youth activities at fairgrounds County manager exploring public/private partnership

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Jefferson County Commissioners have directed county staff to pursue options for the fairgrounds that would allow the preservation of youth, equine and agricultural activities that currently take place there.

The commissioners offered that direction, which also calls for preserving the fairgrounds as a place where county residents can house their livestock in an emergency, at the end of a four hour-plus long meeting that saw dozens of residents give passionate pleas to the commissioners to save the fairgrounds.

The vast majority of those comments were focused on the need to preserve the fairgrounds for youth activities like Westernaires and 4-H. The commissioners noted that their recommendation was a response to the particular importance residents seemed to be placing on those activities over others that take place at the fairgrounds.

In a presentation to the commissioners, County Manager Don Davis explained that a plan for preserving the fairgrounds could come involve allowing Jefferson County Open Space to purchase the fairgrounds

and then partner with a private community group to manage the day-to-day operations of the facilities there.

“We believe that’s a viable path forward to preserve those (youth, agricultural and equine) activities in Jefferson County, because of how important we heard that was, and that we could partner with the community on possible solutions,” said Davis. “So that’s what we are recommending going forward.”

Such a plan would allow the fairground’s $1.8 million budget to come off the books of the county’s general fund as the county is seeking $12.5 million in cuts to its budget.

Friends of the Fairgrounds Davis’ recommendation came after Robin Driggers, a Morrison veterinarian and leader of 4-H activities, told the commissioners she is a member of newly formed group called Friends of the Jefferson County Fairgrounds that wants to preserve the fairgrounds by taking over operation of the it via a public/private partnership with the county.

“As you finalize recommendations, please allow us to bring forth a business plan to consider running the fairgrounds in its entirety, by entering into a contract with Open Space and the county,” Driggers said to the commissioners.

Driggers said funding of the fairgrounds would come via “continued

events income as well as sponsorship and grants not open to government.”

But while Davis said such a plan would likely allow the county to maintain space for youth activities, it would likely mean that the fairgrounds would no longer be able to be used for many of the 1,200 events a year that currently take place around the facility.

That’s because many of those events, which range from professional wrestling shows to the annual Jefferson County Public Library’s used book sale, are not compatible with the Jeffco Open Space founding resolution which requires that activities taking place

at properties managed by Jeffco Open Space relate to outdoor recreation.

Tom Hoby, the director of Jeffco Open Space, echoed that concern, but noted it could be possible for such activities to continue at the space under a public/private partnership.

“We will need to figure that piece out as we move ahead,” he said. “If we want to preserve the whole package how do we do that and allow for some of the uses like VW bug shows and pinball shows to be held there that would be a key component for the nonprofit to be looking at.”

SEE FAIRGROUNDS, P17

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6 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

Local Methodists grapple with national changes Split in church is inevitable based on debate about LGBTQ marriages and ordinations

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER AND ELLIOTT WENZLER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

W

hen the Jardine family joined St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch in 2018, they were grateful to have a place where their oldest son would be accepted.

Not long before, the then 14-year-old had come out as gay, and the Parker family had immediately left their previous faith because they felt there wasn’t a place for them in the conservative congregation.

After a few Sundays at St. Andrew, “my son said to me, ‘I’m so glad I still get to have religion in my life,’” Ryan Jardine said. “That for me was such a touching moment.”

The Jardine family is pleased with their experience at the Highlands Ranch place of worship. But that’s only because the church actively breaks the Methodist denomination’s rules by performing same-sex marriages and ordaining LGBTQ people.

“I feel comfortable attending St. Andrew because I feel like they have the autonomy and desire to be inclusive,” Jardine said. “St. Andrew has gone out of their way with him to make sure he feels accepted and loved.”

But the United Methodist Church has been deeply divided for decades over how to include the LGBTQ community in its faith. And, in May, the issue may finally split the church as members vote on the Protocol, a proposal that would divide the church into two denominations — one for those who formally endorse same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy, and another for those who do not.

Two churches acting as one The United Methodist Church, or UMC, works a lot like modern democracies, with a system of delegates, conferences and legislation. When members want to make a change within the denomination, they must follow strict procedures.

The church first addressed homosexuality in the 1970s, when the UMC adopted a stance against condoning same-sex marriage. Since then, there have been multiple additions to that ruling, such as completely outlawing same-sex marriages and ordinations of clergy who identify as LGBTQ. Several attempts by delegates from progressive churches to remove language stating homosexuality is incompatible with Christianity have failed.

In 2019, delegates voted to approve the Traditionalist Plan, strengthening penalties for those who violate these policies.

Although LGBTQ marriages and ordinations are prohibited, churches throughout the country and the Denver metro area break these rules every

The Jardine family started attending St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch in 2018, drawn to the church for its stance on LGBTQ inclusivity.

CASEY VAN DIVIER

TIMELINE OF UMC’S DECISIONS ON HOMOSEXUALITY

Rev. Mark Feldmeir is the lead pastor at St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Highlands Ranch and has been performing same-sex weddings for 18 years. He also allows openly gay pastors to be clergy in his church.

ELLIOTT WENZLER year. Under current policy, church members can file a complaint against respective leaders, which can lead to the clergyperson losing his or her ordination.

But in the UMC’s Mountain Sky Conference, which includes Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana, the current bishop, Karen Oliveto, is the first openly lesbian person to hold her office. She recently said she won’t process complaints related to LGBTQ involvement in church rites.

“If people have proven they have the

Elected delegates from UMC churches around the world, half clergy and half lay people, make decisions about the denomination’s legislation during a General Conference, which normally meets every four years. During many of these meetings, delegates have voted on rules around LGBTQ people and their role in the church.

1972: The Social Principles, which are not considered church law but are considered to still be instructive, are adopted, including a statement on homosexuality.

“We declare our acceptance of homosexuals as persons of sacred worth … though we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching.”

1984: After multiple failed attempts to change the language of The Social Principles to make it more inclusive, additional language is added restricting ordination of LGBTQ people.

“Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church.”

1996: A petition is approved that prohibits the church from hosting or conducting same-sex marriages. This prohibition was added to The Social Principles.

2000: While the incompatibility clause in the Social Principals is upheld, it is softened and new language is added.

“We implore families and churches not gift for ministry,” she said, “to simply be LGBTQ is no reason to receive a complaint.”

Oliveto’s stance — she believes the Traditionalist Plan has created “a

to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.”

2004: The church’s official rules are amended, creating charges against clergy people who are openly gay and those who officiate same-sex marriages. These can now result in a church trial, which could strip the accused clergyperson of his or her ordination.

2008: A resolution is approved opposing homophobia. “(The church opposes) all forms of violence or discrimination based on gender, gender identity, sexual practice or sexual orientation.”

2019: In a 438-384 vote, the “Traditional Plan” is approved, reinforcing the teaching that homosexuality is incompatible with Christianity. The plan also strengthens the church’s penalties for those who violate this policy.

January 2020: The Protocol is introduced, proposing a split of the church based on the compatibility of LGBTQ people and the church.

“The United Methodist Church and its members are at an impasse, the Church’s witness and mission is being impeded and the Church itself as well as its members have been injured.”

May 2020: Delegates from the United Methodist Church will vote on whether or not to adopt the Protocol, which would effectively split the church in two. church of punishment” — reflects a simmering fracture within the church that has unfolded over five decades.

SEE METHODISTS, P7

Arvada Press 7

March 5, 2020

METHODISTS FROM PAGE 6

Rev. Bob Kaylor, lead pastor at Tri-Lakes UMC in Monument, which follows the more traditional belief, believes “we have long been at least two churches trying to act like one church.”

Traditionalist views, he said, are often misunderstood.

“The biggest misconception is that if you insist that Christian marriage is reserved for one man and one woman that somehow you hate your LGBTQ neighbors,” he wrote in an email to Colorado Community Media.

“We aren’t trying to deny any human rights to anyone. We simply believe that the rites of the church must be consistent with Scripture and the longstanding teaching of the church.”

The Protocol, conceived by delegates from churches across the world — including bishops and reverends — calls for worship practices to remain the same in all churches. But it gives traditionalists $25 million to create a new Methodist denomination, which would allow and enforce only unions between a man and a woman and prohibit ordinations of anyone who identifies as LGBTQ. Remaining churches continue as United Methodist and will support the inclusivity of all people in rites such as marriage and ordination.

While the Protocol isn’t the only proposal under consideration, it has the strongest momentum and was derived from the most viewpoints, according to UMC documents. Delegates worked on the plan in 2019 and announced it in January. In May, 862 delegates from across the world will convene in Minneapolis to vote on the Protocol.

If the legislation passes, the Mountain Sky Conference would vote by July 2021 whether to join the inclusive or traditional branch. Individual churches, regardless of their conference’s decision, also can vote to stand with either side, with all decisions to be made by Dec. 31, 2024.

According to Oliveto, most of the nearly 380 churches in her conference identify as inclusive of all people. In a petition signed last July, about a dozen leaders from churches throughout the conference stated they reject the traditionalists’ “strict requirements.”

“The Traditionalist Plan is against everything my region has come to understand about the body of Christ,” Oliveto said. “We’re grounded in an understanding of God’s generous grace.”

In the Denver metro area’s Methodist community, congregants and clergy say they are anxious and hopeful about the coming months and potential changes.

Some area churches have already lost members of their congregation over this issue. Others fear the split will lead to further departures.

Among religious leaders, “there is a strong push to keep as many people together as possible,” said Rev. Megan Armstrong, associate pastor at Arvada United Methodist Church.

Armstrong’s wife, Rev. Elizabeth Jackson, is also a UMC pastor. It’s important to the couple, who support an inclusive church, to try to keep congregations together, regardless of

What happens with complaints against the church

IF THE PROTOCOL LEGISLATION PASSES At a global conference this May in Minneapolis, hundreds of United Methodist Church delegates will vote whether to approve legislation based on the Protocol.

Should the legislation pass, the Protocol requires: • Those forming a new denomination will register by May 15, 2021.

• Regional conferences, such as the Mountain Sky Conference, which includes Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Montana, will choose which branch to affiliate with

by July 1, 2021.

• Leadership can choose to align with either branch by July 1, 2022.

• Local churches can choose to split from their conference until Dec. 31, 2024.

• $25 million will be allocated to the traditionalist Methodist denomination and $2 million will be set aside for any other denominations that are formed.

Married couple Rev. Megan Armstrong, right, and Rev. Elizabeth Jackson are both pastors in the United Methodist denomination, with Armstrong at Arvada UMC and Jackson at Louisville UMC. CASEY VAN DIVIER some members’ sexual orientation.

“These are the people who have sat next to you,” Armstrong said, “who have been there when your child was baptized, who have comforted you.”

An inevitable split Despite these shared experiences, church data shows conflicting viewpoints among its members.

A 2019 UMC survey of more than 500 congregants in the U.S. showed that 44% identified as conservative or traditional in their religious beliefs, 20% identified as progressive or liberal and the rest were a mix of moderate and unsure, according to a news release from the church.

In 2015, the church completed a similar poll asking about U.S. congregants’ beliefs on same-sex marriage.

It surveyed 400 people in each of three groups — pastors, leaders and members. Results showed 42% of members

disagreed with the church’s ban on same-sex marriage. About 38% of pastors also disagreed.

On both sides of the debate, Methodists cite the Bible and the central mission of Christianity to support their beliefs.

“The Bible has only six passages that speak to anything related to the issue of homosexuality,” said Rev. Mark Feldmeir, lead pastor at St. Andrew UMC in Highlands Ranch.

“Scripturally speaking, there’s no concept for homosexuality but we’ve interpreted some of those passages through the lens of our own biases.”

He believes passages interpreted in the present day as being about homosexuality actually referred to other concepts and have been misconstrued because of faulty translations and a lack of historical context.

SEE METHODISTS, P9

Bishop Karen Oliveto of the Mountain Sky Conference — which includes Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana — is the first openly lesbian bishop elected to the office.

COURTESY OF THE MOUNTAIN SKY CONFERENCE

8 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

PARTY CAUCUSES

THE ON MARCH 7:

A GUIDE

Yes, Colorado still has caucuses

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

C

olorado has historically chosen candidates for public office, including president, during caucus meetings. But that all changed, as many voters likely remember, in 2016 when the state’s voters decided to institute a primary process and make caucuses history. Right?

Well, not exactly. It turns out that while the state’s voters did decide to move to a primary system for choosing presidential candidates, the state maintains party caucuses as the first step in selecting the candidates that will be on the ballot for all county, district and state level races.

Anyone who is a registered Republican or Democrat (the deadline to do so was Feb. 14) is eligible to participate in their party’s precinct caucus, where party members will gather at local precincts to select delegates that will choose candidates for the primary ballots for state and local offices.

60+ Exercise your mind as you challenge other spellers age 60+ Thursday, March 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m. (check-in at 12:30 p.m.)

Apex Community Recreation Center 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada There are prizes for the top three spellers and refreshments for all. This event is free, but we ask both spellers and spectators to register by 3/13 at 303-425-9583.

A publication of

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

verified at the secretary of state’s website: www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/ elections/ Affiliated voters can visit their party’s county website to find their precinct location. The Jefferson County Republicans website is JeffcoRepublicans.com while Democrats can visit JeffcoDems. com.

Jeffco Republicans Chair Denise Mund adds that it is important voters check their precinct caucus site ahead of time even if they have caucused in the past because caucus sites have changed over time.

Caucusers are then recommended to show up at their caucus location on March 7 about half an hour before the start of their caucus (9 a.m. for Republicans and 2 p.m. for Democrats).

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CAUCUS

date for U.S. Senate. Candidates will need to get 15 percent of the support at a caucus in order to get county delegates (caucus goers can choose a different candidate to support if their candidate does not get at least 15 percent after the first preference poll count.

Democratic candidates will need at least 30 percent support at the state assembly to get on the primary ballot. However, candidates can also try for the primary ballot through a petition that requires them to gather 1,500 signatures from each of the state’s seven congressional districts. Candidates that attempt to reach the ballot using both methods must get 100 percent at the state assembly even if they get all the signatures they need.

Republicans will not hold a poll for U.S. senate this year. The presumptive Republican candidate is incumbent senator Cory Gardner.

Lists of all candidates for all open offices, including U.S. Senate, are available on each party’s county website.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR

come and help us make that happen.”

That’s also the case for the Republicans, Mund said, even if she doesn’t expect the same kind of turnout there was in the days when the primaries included a presidential straw poll.

“I don’t expect that kind of momentum but there is definitely a lot of people that are supporting the president and his pro-business and other policies they like so there is a momentum we have not seen in the past,” she said.

HOW TO CAUCUS MARCH 7

party to find your caucus location.

Show up at your caucus location about half an hour before it starts to get signed in. The Republican caucuses start at 9 a.m. while the Democratic caucuses start at 2 p.m.

Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder George Stern says the first thing to understand is that the caucuses, unlike elections, are run entirely by the parties.

“We have no oversight whatsoever of caucuses, it is strictly the political parties,” Stern said.

But while the Clerk and Recorder does not control the process, Stern says his office did make one contribution.

“The only involvement we have is we do offer a list of registered voters but simply give those lists to the parties and they are the ones determining who is showing up to caucus and able to caucus,” he said.

To participate in the caucus, those who are registered with a specific party (party affiliation can be

One of the primary activities that take place at the caucus is the selection of delegates to the assemblies where party candidates will be chosen. Those assemblies are where the candidates who will appear on primary ballots will be chosen. The Primary Election will take place on June 30, with mail ballots being sent out ahead of time. Those primary ballot results will choose each party’s final candidate for every non-presidential race for this year.

But that’s far from the only activity that will take place at the caucus.

“Another thing that happens that is very important is we talk about and vote on resolutions and changes to the party platform,” said Jeffco Dems 1st Vice Chair Scott Merrifield. “So it’s our opportunity to come in and shape what the party in Colorado is going to look like for the next couple of years.”

This year’s Democratic caucuses will also feature a preference poll where caucus goers will have the chance to align themselves with their preferred Democratic candi-

Although much of the media attention is going to this year’s primaries, leaders in both parties said they are hopeful for high turnout at the caucuses.

“I truly think we are going to have a big caucus this year,” said Merrifield. “I think people really want to be involved and there is a lot of real important issues. I encourage everybody who wants to have a voice in the shape of our party and who our candidates are going to be to be at caucus and to

Visit the Secretary of State’s website to confirm your voter registration. Voters must be affiliated with a party to participate. The affiliation deadline was Feb. 14.

Visit the county website of your

Arvada Press 9

March 5, 2020

METHODISTS FROM PAGE 7

Kaylor, one of the area’s few traditionalist pastors, disagrees, saying Scripture clearly defines marriage as between a man and a woman. He also maintains the traditionalist view is inclusive.

“All of us are sinners in need of God’s grace and restoration. That is, I think, a radically inclusive position — though a very different way of defining inclusivity than my progressive colleagues might express,” Kaylor said in his email. “... the most inclusive church is the one where all the people are finding together that new way of life in Christ, no matter what their particular pattern of sin and brokenness might have been. I need my LGBTQ friends, my addicted friends, my greedy friends, my gluttonous friends … to be part of the church and they need me — because we all need Christ.”

Some local churches, like Littleton United Methodist Church, fall somewhere in the middle of the debate.

The church is open to all members of the LGBTQ community but also wants to be open to people who are somewhat more traditionalist, said Rev. Richard Evans, interim senior pastor.

“Right now,” he said, “I’m very much aware that I’m an interim minister of a ‘purple’ (politically mixed) church trying to be a minister to everybody (and) convey that whatever

BY THE NUMBERS • More than 12 million congregants make up the United Methodist Church worldwide.

• 6.8 million congregants are in the United States, with the remainder in Africa, Asia and Europe.

• The UMC has reached more than 136 countries.

Source: UMC.org happens, we remain open and respectful of different points of view.”

Local leaders such as Feldmeir and Armstrong believe the Mountain Sky conference will likely side with the inclusive branch if the Protocol is approved. But even if the legislation isn’t adopted, local pastors say a split is inevitable.

After the Traditionalist plan passed in 2019, St. Andrew led a group of about 50 like-minded churches from throughout the country in preliminary plans to leave the denomination if forced to follow the conservative policy. Those plans were put on hold when the Protocol was announced.

Should the Protocol not be approved, other churches such as Lakewood UMC also would consider leaving the denomination, said Rev. Ben Hensley, the church’s lead pastor.

“At Lakewood UMC, the conversation we will be having involves the question of who we are and our identity,” Hensley said. “Are we a congregation comfortable with discrimination against the LGBTQ community? I don’t believe (that we are).”

For churchgoers like the Jardines,

Mom and I love flowers. S he always let me help plant when I was a kid...

Rev. Bob Kaylor, who is the lead pastor at Tri-Lakes United Methodist Church, represents one of the few traditionalist churches in the Mountain Sky Conference.

COURTESY OF THE WESLEYAN COVENANT ASSOCIATION

these plans to split, no matter the process, are a necessary reassurance.

Their experience has found few fully inclusive places of worship south of Denver. But for the Jardines’ son, whose family asked that his name not be used for privacy reasons, St. Andrew’s viewpoint has allowed him to find a church community, particularly among his peers, that he didn’t have before.

“It makes it a lot easier in normal life” to accept himself, the teen said.

Without the Highlands Ranch church, the family wouldn’t know where to go.

Said Ryan Jardine: “We wouldn’t feel comfortable anywhere where LGBTQ individuals can’t be fully included in every aspect, including as pastors or reverends, (or be able to) participate in all rites.”

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10 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

Arvada’s Don Allard remembered Former city manager and councilmember had a passion for government

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Everybody who knew Don Allard, from colleagues to family members, could agree: the former public servant was never short on things to say about Arvada.

“All you had to do is ask him `what’s going on in Arvada,’ and he was off,” said daughter Beth Constantinou.

“He was extremely passionate.”

The Arvadan was involved with the city for about 43 years, first as deputy city manager and city manager, and then as a councilmember from 1993 to 2017.

On Feb. 19, the city joined together at the Arvada Center to celebrate the many contributions Allard made to Arvada in those four and a half decades.

Allard, 90, passed away Feb. 12, having previously been diagnosed with cancer. He grew up in Missouri and attended the University of Missouri, earning a bachelor’s degree in business and public administration.

Allard later earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas.

Tuesday March 17th 3:30 pm – Close

Former city councilmember Don Allard takes his oath at Arvada City Hall for the District 1 seat in 2001. Allard was a councilmember from 1993 to 2017.

COURTESY OF ARVADA MEDIA SERVICES

Allard at dinner with one of his daughters, Beth Constantinou.

Cousin Troy Underwood, who grew up with Allard in Missouri, remembers him for his kindness and character, even at a young age.

Though Allard was about six years older than Underwood, “he was just so nice to me. He took me under his

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COURTESY OF JANE ALLARD

wing,” Underwood said.

Allard, who played for several sports teams including the football team in high school and college, was idolized by Underwood even more than he idolized professional athletes, he said.

“Don just became my hero,” he said.

Allard was also a hero to daughters Constantinou and Jane Allard, who visited him in Missouri every summer while the two girls were growing up in California.

At the time, Allard was city manager of Columbia, Mo., and “it was so cool to us as kids. We would go down to City Hall, we would watch the Fourth of July parade,” Constantinou said. “To us, he was like the king of the city. I was so proud of him.”

Throughout their childhoods and into adulthood, Allard’s daughters have viewed their father as somebody to rely on.

“I’ve always known he was there for me if I needed him. There’s been a very strong connection between us,” said Jane Allard, who eventually moved to Colorado to be close to her father.

Both daughters said that Allard wasn’t one to give unsolicited advice; instead, many of the lessons they learned from him stemmed from just “being around him,” Jane said. “He was a man of great integrity and work ethic.”

Those who knew Allard all say that integrity shined through the most in his actions as a government official.

“He was a true gentleman and even when he disagreed with you, he disagreed agreeably,” said Mayor Marc Williams, who served with Allard on city council. “He had that old-school behavior I wish there was more of.”

As a city councilmember, Allard was known for advocating for smart spending, said former city councilmember Steve Urban.

C t F a G w b

Allard, second from left, and his w colleagues on the 2015 Arvada city council.

COURTESY OF ARVADA MEDIA SERVICES “He was a no-nonsense, no-frills city councilmember who believed we should be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” he said.

Allard was part of a council that approved numerous road projects, including street-widenings and the creation of W. 72nd Avenue.

He was an advocate for maintaining the city’s basic infrastructure and services and, as an avid golfer himself, was an advocate for the city’s golf courses, Williams said.

Allard also served on multiple boards and committees, such as the Apex Recreation District Board of Directors, the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority and the Arvada City Charter Review Committee.

While he served in city-level positions, his interest in government extended to the state and national levels, on which he often held long, thoughtful conversations with family and friends.

“It was always fun to sit with Don and really just talk about what was happening statewide,” said former city attorney Chris Daly. “He had a great sense of humor, and he’d been around a long time and had seen a lot of things happen.”

Constantinou, Underwood and Urban said that the decisions made in Allard’s career — and, perhaps, the motivator behind his career choice in the first place — was his love for other people.

“He was a sweet guy who was loved and admired by a lot of people,” Urban said. “He was genuine and just a good person to the core.”

Arvada Press 11

March 5, 2020

Jeffco high schoolers resting their case Student lawyers and witnesses compete in mock trial tournament

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Although the courts of Jefferson County usually go dark on weekends, they buzzed with activity on Saturday, Feb. 29 as lawyers made arguments and cross-examined witnesses about Gayle Gergich, a wealthy woman who’s willing of her prized corgi was being challenged in probate court.

But the fact that the case was taking place on a Saturday wasn’t the only thing unusual. Though they looked and sounded every bit the part, the attorneys in the courtroom were not professional lawyers but Jeffco high school students competing in the district’s annual mock trial competition.

The annual competition, which consisted of 18 teams from Jeffco high schools this year, provides students with the chance to learn the ins and outs of trials, and experience what it takes to argue one. The top teams from the district competition advanced to the state competition, at the Jefferson County Combined Court on March 13 and 14.

Esther van de Lagemaat, a Lakewood High School student who acted

Dakota Ridge High School student Trinity Thomas, playing the role of a witness, answers questions in court during the Jefferson County Mock Trial tournament.

PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO as a lawyer for her mock trial team, said she participates because she loves the challenge involved in preparing to argue a case.

“There are certain things you have to know really well like the witness statements, which you have to read and practically memorize and then you also have to know the rules of evidence which is another 17 pages you practically have to memorize,” she said.

Tom MacDonald, the coach of the Alameda High School team, said the process requires both lawyers and witnesses to prepare in a way similar to that of actors learning their roles for a show.

“You see some of these teams they come in and they are using notes and reading stuff that the coaches prepared for them and it doesn’t go over well because they are sitting there reading,” MacDonald said. “Where, if

the kids learn it and it becomes there’s then it really is a presentation and it makes it much more dramatic.”

For some of the students participating in the competition, mock trial provides a great opportunity to learn more about law in preparation for a career working in the legal system.

But even those who have no interest in such a career can find plenty that is useful about participating, Lakewood High School coach Jeff Kelson.

“The courtroom is the most challenging public speaking environment you can imagine because the opposition will interrupt you, the judge will interrupt you, the witness will fight back against you and you are all doing this in public,” Kelson said. “So if you learn to do this in high school you can give a speech in front of 300 people and feel like this is a piece of cake because no one is going to say ‘boo’ to me.”

Geri O’Brien Williams, an attorney who has coached the mock trial team at Lakewood’s D’Evelyn Junior Senior High School for nine years, said seeing her students develop those kind of real world skills is what keeps her coming back.

“I’m just inspired by the students and seeing not only potential for law school for them but just potential for real world careers,” she said. “It’s putting information together synthetizing it and presenting it and standing your ground.”

12 Arvada Press

LOCAL

March 5, 2020M

VOICES

Catching sight of the real America

T

he other day, I’m driving down the road, and I see a scene which has stuck with me.

There was a young woman, maybe late 20’s, HITTING slender and pretty, with brunette HOME hair that had been frosted pink or red or something. And she was walking down the street with a little girl, perhaps her daughter, maybe 5, blonde hair pulled back in twin pigtails, wearing her shiny pink Michael Alcorn puffy winter jacket,

But, for a moment, and maybe just a moment, I saw a family loving on each other and doing something fun together. And I also think, in that moment, I actually saw what most of real America is, or, at least, wants to be.

It’s easy, this week, with Super Tuesday, and Mike Bloomberg saturation, to think of America as this ugly, angry divided place where everybody spends all their time immersed in the sludge of politics and trying to figure out how to either cheat everybody around us or how to get revenge for being cheated. That’s not what I see. I see a mom walking to the convenience store to get ready for movie day with her daughter; I see dads spending their days off at their son’s school,

her backpack strapped to her back.

Having raised two girls, I assume the backpack was populated with the little girl’s favorite stuffed animal, and that animal’s favorite blanket.

The mom was carrying a drink tray with two or three Big Gulp-style drinks, and the little girl was carrying a bag from the convenience store.

I don’t know for sure, but, again, from experience, I assume there were a couple boxes of candy, maybe a box of microwave popcorn and, possibly, a box of Lucky Charms in there. And these two were laughing, and joking, and skipping along, and generally having a really wonderful moment.

I have no idea who these people are.

I have no idea of their circumstances.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR What’s the county’s game?

Why is it that Sheriff Schrader’s Jail and his department seem to be taking the biggest hit in Jeffco’s purported attempt to right its financial ship?

Why have we not seen any reports of staff reductions in our County’s overly bloated Administration which has grown exceedingly rapidly in recent years?

For that matter, why haven’t we seen any sign of good faith efforts by our County Commissioners to tighten their respective belts?

Shouldn’t they at least temporarily dispense with their County provided luxury cars?

Aren’t the so-called budget ‘cuts’ actually reductions in the rates of spending increases?

Or, is what we are seeing nothing more than a rerun of the time tested ‘Statue of Liberty’ ploy, where various governments first eliminate those services most beneficial and visible to the public, but retain all of their staffs?

Russell W Haas, Golden County must decide The Feb. 20 Tanscript listed the Jefferson County employees, which numbered 2,880+, and their salaries, which would need a monumental calculator to total. Of course this isn’t the total salary expense health insurance, any savings plan and rtirement the county pays must be totaled also.

Then of course there were the complaining county commission-

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ers regarding their budget and the denial of the citizens with the recent election to give them more funds.

TABOR alslows for revenue increase based on inflation and population growth so the county should have been adjusting their budget based on this instead of dipping into the reserves. If TABOR’s potential restriction of grant funding is such a problem, why haven’t the county and cities ect., lobbied the state legislature to address this problem with a ballot issue?

The manager Mr. Davis also says the percentage of property taxes the county gets has decreased even though property taxes go up. One of the problems, which he well knows, is the give-away programs that cities and the county promote as “tax incentives” for new development, that make them tax exempt for many years. This is a problem made by the greed of the cities and counties at the expense of school districts, water districts and on and on.

And of course there has been no mention of laying off employees, which is the biggest expense of the county. We read all the time of private businesses when they are out of money tey close stores (Macy’s being the latest) and fire and lay off employees.

The county must decide what services are essential, such as roads, courts, jail and what service is not essential. TABOR was passed in 1992 and the county must surely know the law by now and budget accordingly.

Elise Brougham, Wheat Ridge

helping kids cross the street safely and watching the playground; I see daughters going to Sunday Mass with their elderly mothers and then out to breakfast; I see endless lines of young men and women volunteering their time, energy and expertise to coach kids in soccer, basketball, baseball and a myriad of other sports and activities.

In short, the America I believe in is one where we take care of each other, where all we really want is a fair shot at life and the chance to be able to take an afternoon and have time with our kids. I know it doesn’t work out that way for everybody, and, I know in some SEE ALCORN, P13

Jeffco’s biggest budget bother not TABOR

I

n their column last week attempting to explain Jefferson County’s budget crisis, the Commissioners avoided the real issue.

It is not the TaxpayGUEST ers Bill of Rights, or so-called TABOR COLUMN Amendment.

Dick Hilker The reality: There is a virtual “city” of over 100,000 residents in the south end of the county that does not pay its fair share of financing local government.

That is because it is not an incorporated municipality.

Thus, merchants and service providers in the area collect no city sales taxes or fees, as they do in Lakewood, Golden, Wheat Ridge, Arvada and Edgewater. As a result, the county is stuck with providing municipal services — including street maintenance, snow removal, planning and zoning, administrative and legal services — to the growing area.That is not the job of county government.

No, the county doesn’t need to endanger public safety by releasing prisoners from jail, or play the “Poor Us Card” by threatening to close the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The Commissioners need to push south Jeffco residents to either incorporate or annex to Littleton or Lakewood, thus creating a large new stream of revenue to finance local services.

The Commissioners decry the fact that voters turned down their request to keep TABOR refunds — about $40 mil-

lion — rather than return the money to taxpayers. But that is just a temporary fix, not a solution. If city sales taxes were collected in the now-unincorporated area, revenues for local government would increase almost twice that.

Neighboring Lakewood expects $78 million in sales tax revenue this year.

There is also the issue of fairness.

Residents of cities pay for their municipal services. They should not have to pay a portion of the costs for some of their neighbors in equally urbanized areas.

It would not be fair to say this is a problem created by the present Board of Commissioners. It has been building for at least three decades. Leaders in Golden — for whatever reason — have been reluctant to force the issue of incorporation or annexation.

Likewise, south Jeffco residents, who have long maintained that they do not want another layer of government, are happy with the status quo. And why not?

But instead of blaming voters, our current commissioners need to force a solution — not a short fix.

South end residents need to be put on notice: If they want their services maintained at the current level, they need their own city.

And all residents of the county should keep their TABOR refunds.

Dick Hilker is a former editor and publisher of community newspapers in Jefferson County.

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Arvada Press 13

March 5, 2020

P

State-Run health care option bad for Colorado

roviding workers in Jefferson County – and throughout Colorado – access to high-quality, comprehensive health care coverage is a top priority for employGUEST ers. Yet this system, COLUMN which provides Jim Fitzmorris health security to 3 million Coloradans could be in jeopardy if some at the State Capitol get their way and create a government-run “public option” health plan.

We at the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation have been outspoken in our commitment for more affordable and accessible health care. Our concern is that the public option is loaded with unintended consequences including increasing premiums among private and employer-sponsored plans while driving health care providers out of the state or out of business entirely. The public option represents real threats to the state’s economy, the strength of local businesses and the quality of health care available to area workers and their families.

According to a study released late last year, imposing a state government option could reduce reimbursements to doctors and other health care pro-

viders by up to $1.4 billion. These costs would have to be made up somewhere, likely by Coloradans who currently receive employer-sponsored health care coverage. Forcing businesses and employees to pay higher costs in order to subsidize the state government option doesn’t sound like a very good option for Colorado.

Moreover, according to that same study, if these losses are foisted onto the employer-provided and private insurance market, Colorado businesses would face a more than 5 percent increase in the cost of health care. That would have severe, negative implications for our economy as it could mean Colorado losing up to 8,320 jobs and as much as $919 million in total GDP. On top of all that, the state government option could eliminate as many as 4,500 health care jobs across the state, exacerbating a physician shortage that is already hurting many Colorado communities, especially our rural ones.

In fact, another study released just last month outlined the devastating consequences that a state option would have on rural health care access. In rural parts of the state, many hospitals are already operating on razor-thin margins—many even operating at a loss—as they struggle to

ALCORN

somebody has never played chess before. They think one move at a time, overplay whatever hand they’re dealt, sometimes seem to take their moments in the spotlight to simply howl at the moon.

Think about that on Thursday, March 19. Who is going to be more inspired when teachers march on the state capitol: the legislators and governor, who are as friendly to the teachers’ union as any legislature in the last 15 years? Or the people who listen to Mandy Connell and the moms and dads who have to burn a sick day to watch kids who have a surprise day off ?

FROM PAGE 12

cases, it works out tragically. But I don’t think we get a lot better, as a society, when we look to some all-powerful, distant bureaucratic entity to take care of us. I think we get better when we remember to take care of each other.

In other news…

I’ve written before about my affinity for the game of chess. There are lessons about strategic thinking that are very difficult to pick up anywhere else.

To be clear, strategy isn’t about intellect or knowledge, though those certainly help; strategy is about looking at the whole board, seeing all the pieces, and projecting a sequence of moves to maximize the odds of winning.

I do think you can often tell when

Michael Alcorn is a teacher and writer who lives in Arvada with his wife and three children. His new novel, “Charon’s Blade,” is available at Amazon.com, on Kindle, or through MichaelJAlcorn. com.” His opinions are not necessarily those of Colorado Community Media.

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treat patients who face higher barriers to care. By reducing revenue at 83 percent of Colorado’s hospitals, a state government option could put up to 23 rural hospitals statewide at an increased risk of closure, according to this new study.

Eliminating options and reducing access for hard-to-reach, vulnerable patients should be a non-starter for anyone concerned about advancing Colorado’s health care goals. Moreover, for many smaller, rural communities, the local hospital is a major economic driver—not only providing much-needed local jobs, but supporting local businesses and spurring economic activity throughout the region and across the state. It would be a shame to allow these facilities to be forced out of business because of misguided state policy.

No one is saying our health care system is perfect, and there are definitely

steps we could take to increase health care coverage to the 6.5 percent of Coloradans who are still uninsured. However, moving forward with a “plan” that will increase health care costs for businesses and employees, threaten Colorado jobs and our economy, and undermine access to care for some of our most at-risk communities is not the answer.

Colorado lawmakers should look at the bigger picture and work on passing practical reforms that could actually expand coverage without hurting local businesses or working families.

The more you look at the public option, you realize that it’s really no option for Coloradans at all.

Jim Fitzmorris is Chairman of the Board of Jefferson Economic Development Corp., an advocate for Jefferson County’s business community and dedicated to building economic prosperity.

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

14 Arvada Press

LOCAL

March 5, 2020M

LIFE

Avourneen trio’s ‘Sparrow’ album takes wing

W

AMC Theaters across Denver, including in Highlands Ranch, Westminster and the Littleton area, have replaced traditional movie theater seats with power recliners.

COURTESY OF AMC THEATERS

Movie theaters step up comfort, amenities for enhanced experience

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

raditional moviegoing is struggling, and it’s not hard to see why. Cheap Netflix subscriptions. High (and higher) definition TVs. The ability to stream endless hours of entertainment with the push of a smartphone button.

It’s that seemingly endless entertainment bounty that makes the decline of the simpleton cinema inevitable, right? Perhaps, but don’t tell that to the executives at the nation’s two largest movie theater chains, Regal Cinemas and AMC Theaters.

They’ve both spent millions on lavish renovations and improvements to their theaters across the Denver area and show no signs of stopping.

From Westminster to Highlands Ranch and Arvada to Lone Tree, Denver-area audiences now sip craft beers and nosh on gourmet treats like flatbread pizzas and mac and cheese bites while watching crystalclear movies from recliner seats that they reserved hours and even days ahead of time.

It’s all part of a new focus on the guest that AMC public relations director Ryan Noonan says has swept both AMC and the theater industry as a whole in the last few years. That’s been especially true in the Denver area, which Noonan said has seen among the most renovations and investment among AMC markets.

“What we saw is that guests really

wanted this elevated moviegoing experience and they were no longer satisfied with just showing up and sitting in a seat and rubbing elbows with the person next to them,” Noonan said “They wanted to come sit in recliners, they wanted to enjoy better food, they wanted to have a beer as they watched a movie and they wanted to see it on a really big screen with the latest in projection technology. And as we’ve continued to provide that, we’ve seen more and more success and great guest feedback.”

Improvements can be costly Although each of those improvements represents a major investment on the part of theater operators, few match the costs of adding reclining seats, which not only require individual auditoriums to be closed during installation but also typically reduce their capacity by 50% to 60% once installed.

But while such a change would seem to represent a self-inflicted threat to theater bottom lines, Noonan said AMC has found it to be a net positive because theaters are now finding people are returning to theaters more often even if it means there are not as many seats available to sell on the most popular moviegoing weekends.

The unique attraction that such seats offer became evident when the seats were first installed in an entire AMC theater in Seattle, Noonan said, and strong consumer enthusiasm for them has also been evident in the Denver area.

“Almost immediately what we saw (in that first theater in Seattle) were guests coming up to the box office SEE THEATERS, P15

SWEETER EXPERIENCE Denver-area movie theaters with reclining seats, alcoholic beverages and other “experience” amenities include: Arvada Harkins Arvada 14 (9355 Park Meadows Drive) Centennial Regal Southglenn (6901 S. Vine St.) Denver Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Sloan’s Lake (4255 W. Colfax Ave.) AMC Dine-In Cherry Creek 8 (inside the Cherry Creek Mall) Esquire Theater (590 North Downing Street) Regal UA Denver Pavillions (500 16th St. Mall) Sie Film Center (2510 E. Colfax Ave.) Highlands Ranch AMC Highlands Ranch 24 (103 Centennial Blvd.)

Lakewood Century 16 Belmar (440 S. Teller St.) Littleton area Alamo Drafthouse (7301 South Santa Fe Drive) AMC Bowles Crossing 12 (8035 W. Bowles Ave.) Lone Tree Regal UA Meadows (9355 Park Meadows Drive) Westminster AMC Westminster 24 (10655 Westminster Blvd.)

AMC Orchard 12 (14653 Orchard Parkway) Alamo Drafthouse Westminster (8905 Westminster Blvd.)

hen talking about the Irish music he’s been playing as part of Denver band Avourneen for the last six years, guitarist and vocalist Adam Goldstein warmly quotes English writer and philosopher G.K. Chesterton’s thoughts on the uniqueness of the Irish: “All their wars are merry, and all their songs are sad.”

As the group prepares to release its debut full-length album, “Sparrow,” on March COMING Goldstein, ATTRACTIONS 8, violinist CL Morden and bassist Kenny Martinez are ready to show a wide audience that Irish music has a range that goes beyond sad songs. The music is thrilling, Clarke Reader dynamic and thoroughly modern.

“This music goes back hundreds of years, but we still have the freedom and space to put our own stamp on it,” Goldstein said. “What we did was assemble our own creation within this hundreds-year-old framework.

There are certain rules to the game, but within those confines, there’s a whole universe.”

Over the 15 tracks of “Sparrow,” the band explores traditional tunes (with a unique spin) like “Rising of the Moon,” and debuts originals “Sparrow,” “Banks of the Liffey” and “Cork March.” Fittingly, the journey of the originals on “Sparrow” started with a trip Goldstein and Morden made to Ireland in 2015.

“Sparrow” was recorded at Sawtelle Studios in Denver’s historic Swallow Hill folk music center in 2019. The album is the group’s first since its debut EP, which was released in 2014 when Avourneen first formed.

Goldstein describes “Sparrow” as a testament to how much Avourneen has grown over the last six years — growth that is largely the result of a passionate and varied performance schedule. They frequently can be found at Irish pubs all over the metro area, and also perform at marathon contradance festivals throughout the state and Western region. A traditional form of line-dancing, SEE READER, P15

Arvada Press 15

March 5, 2020

THEATERS FROM PAGE 14

and saying ‘I’d like to sit in a recliner to watch a movie’ and not ‘I’d like to go see this specific movie, what auditorium is it in?’” said Noonan.

The Alamo Drafthouse Effect But while these kind of amenityladen moviegoing experiences have become increasingly standard in Denver and other markets throughout the country, they were anything but when a Texan named Tim League opened a theater called Alamo Drafthouse that combined inseat food and drink service with an old-school Hollywood vibe in Austin, Texas in 1997.

Alamo Drafthouse is credited by many in the industry with spearheading changing consumer tastes and the evolving nature of theaters in the Denver market has followed quickly from the opening of Alamo Drafthouse’s first area theater in Littleton in 2013 (additional locations have since opened in the Sloan’s Lake area and Westminster).

Regal Cinemas, the nation’s second biggest theater chain and the operator of 13 theaters in Colorado, seemed to be following the Alamo model when it opened a Regal Cinebarre, its brand of dine-in theater, in Greenwood Village last year. The Cinebarre took over its space from Greenwood Plaza Stadium 12, an aging theater that had closed in 2018.

READER FROM PAGE 14

these events require musicians to play up to eight-hour shifts.

While such a range of performances takes a lot of work, Goldstein said it did wonders for the group, and helped build a fan base.

“It’s exciting to have a document of what we sound like now. In a way, all the live playing we’ve been doing over the last years has been practice for this album,” he said.

“This is a bridge to a really exciting new phase, one where all the hard work will pay off.”

Avourneen will unveil the album at a special performance at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 8 at the Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe St. in downtown Denver’s Daniels & Fisher Tower. The group will be joined by former members, as well as appearances from some of Colorado’s best-known Celtic musicians. And moving into the spring and summer, the band will be back to doing what they do best — taking their music out to the people who love it.

“There’s a timelessness to this music, and it takes such chops to do well,” Goldstein said. “But when it’s done well, it is some of most beautiful music around.”

“Sparrow” will be available on streaming services, at the group’s live shows and on www.avourneen. com. Visit www.clocktowercabaret.

“This state-of-the-art theater is a unique destination that provides moviegoers with an enhanced entertainment experience as they watch movies and eat a great meal,” Heather Peters, the public relations director for Regal Cinemas, wrote in an email. “The theater features a complete restaurant menu, traditional movie treats, plus a full bar with handcrafted cocktails and satellite television.”

Even some of Denver’s most classic and longstanding cinema destinations are taking note of the changing landscape and responding accordingly. When damage from a burst pipe forced the historic Esquire Theater in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood to close in late 2018, many assumed it would never reopen.

But when it did so last summer, the theater’s guests were greeted with the addition of new theater seats, carpeting and flooring as well as a new box office and concession stand. The improvements continued this winter with the addition of alcoholic beverages and an expanded concession menu.

“People increasingly expect to be able to grab a beer when they go out, and if we can have that for them it obviously keeps us in contention as far as a night out,” said the theater’s manager, Troy Lasley, who said alcohol has been popular at the theater.

Different angle on competition But will such changes allow theaters like the Esquire to stave

com for tickets to the album release show.

Mark a century of suffrage with Molly Brown Denver’s Molly Brown was an active member of the National American Women’s Suffrage Association, which worked hard in the early 20th century to ensure women had the right to vote. As 2020 is the centennial anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Molly Brown Museum and Historic Denver are hosting a slew of events this spring and summer to honor the historic efforts of the women who fought for its ratification.

As part of the organization’s tea time events, a discussion on Brown and Alva Belmont, who worked side-by-side in the fight for women’s suffrage, will be held at 1 and 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, at the Molly Brown House Museum, 1340 Pennsylvania St. The tea includes a tour of the museum.

Get tickets at www.historicdenver. org.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Thundercat at the Ogden Theatre If you’ve dug contemporary jazz music or some of the best recent hip-hop, you’ve enjoyed the work of bassist Stephen Lee Bruner — better known as Thundercat. The man has worked on albums from everyone from Suicidal Tendencies to Kendrick Lamar.

His 2017 album “Drunk,” was one of the year’s best. It’s home to the

off the challenge posed by Netflix, DisneyPlus and other in-home entertainment options? Patrick Corcoran, the vice president of the National Association of Theater Operators, says that’s not actually the right question. That’s because Corcoran and other industry insiders feel that movie theaters are not actually competing with streaming services.

“Our competition is primarily for people who want to get out of the house,” said Corcoran. “In terms of the home, the disruption has primarily been in the home whether it’s been with VCR or DVD or now streaming services.”

And that away-from-home experience market is one in which Noonan said the theater industry continues to hold its own. For evidence of that success, he points to data that shows the film industry continues to sell around twice as many tickets as the NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB professional sports leagues combined.

“I can’t think of a movie that’s been on a streaming service that’s ever got the amount of attention that ‘Avengers: Endgame’ got this year and that’s because movie theaters and movies up on the big screen are the cultural touchpoint for people that they gravitate towards,” Noonan said.

“And so while there will always be challenges, I think AMC and really the industry in general have done a really good job of pivoting to an elevated experience and I think guests have really responded.”

slyly beautiful love song “Show You the Way,” which features the following lyrics about the power of love, “Wake up and dream, tear down the wall/Of all you believe that might not be true/Long as love lies waiting there.”

Thundercat is gearing up to release his new album “It Is What It Is” in early April, and in support of the album, he’ll will be performing at the Ogden Theatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave., at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. Get tickets at www.ogdentheatre.com.

Capturing a day in a picture Photographer Stephen Wilkes goes beyond capturing a single moment in his photos. Instead, he photographs the progression of time from a fixed camera position for up to 30 hours and then blends the results into one picture. This blending process takes months of work.

In the last entry of Lone Tree’s National Geographic Live series, Wilkes’ images of cityscapes and landscapes is showcased in all its timeless beauty on a massive screen. Day to Night will be 8 p.m. on Friday, March 13 at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St. Get tickets at www.lonetreeartscenter.org.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

2020 BEST OF THE

BEST VOTE ONLINE NOW! VOTE FROM MARCH 1, 2020 TO APRIL 12, 2020 To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.

16 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

Q&A with Jeffco Public Health about the coronavirus Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Supervisor talks virus risks

BY JOSEPH RIOS JRIOS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It is a difficult task to surf the web or turn on the TV and not see or hear about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — and during this time, it is important to know what the facts are.

COVID-19 likely jumped to humans from an animal, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of the virus include shortness of breath, a cough and a fever.

Jefferson County Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Supervisor Christine Billings answered questions from Colorado Community Media about the disease, what Jefferson County Public Health is doing to prepare for a potential outbreak and more.

Is COVID-19 in Colorado?

There is an expanding global outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus, named COVID-19.

While most COVID-19 cases outside of China have been associated with travel to or from China, community spread is being detected in a growing

Christine Billings, emergency preparedness and response supervisor at Jefferson County Public Health.

COURTESY OF ASHELY SEVER number of countries — including Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam and Thailand. On Feb. 26, the CDC confirmed the first possible instance of community spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. Community spread means spread of an illness for which the source of infection is unknown.

As of Feb. 27, there are more than 80,000 cases worldwide, including more than 2,700 deaths. In the U.S., there have been 60 cases — most of which were among people who were evacuated from Wuhan, China and from the Diamond Princess cruise ship — and no deaths to date. There have been no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Colorado.

Folk Music Legends

What can someone do if exposed?

If you have been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 — or you have been in China or another country where there is widespread COVID-19 infection within the past two weeks and you develop a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing — we recommend that you seek medical care right away.

Call your health care provider or the emergency room before you go, so you don’t risk exposing others to the illness. Tell them your symptoms and that you suspect you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or recently traveled to China.

Your health care provider will give you instructions on how to get care and what to do next.

How has Jeffco prepared for a major outbreak?

Even though there have been no cases of COVID-19 in Jefferson County or Colorado, and though the immediate risk to most people is low, Jefferson County Public Health, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and our health and medical partners are prepared.

Jefferson County Public Health has conducted all-hazards planning for nearly two decades, and we are highly trained to respond to emerging threats just like this.

Since the start of the outbreak, we have been taking a proactive approach working closely with CDC, CDPHE and other partners to: Provide timely information about the outbreak to our community.

Share guidance with health care providers so they know how to safely care for people with possible COVID-19 infection.

Support local hospitals and other health and medical partners with requests for information and logistics.

Actively monitor the situation and refine our response and recovery plans.

We have also activated our Jefferson County Public Health Emergency Operations Plan and are using the incident command system to allow for enhanced and coordinated response efforts. Basically, this allows us to secure the resources we need and utilize the full breadth of subject matter expertise that we have across our

workforce to prepare. This structure also allows us to align efforts with other response partners.

How does coronavirus compare with influenza?

Much like influenza, COVID-19 is spread through coughing or sneezr ing, can be spread person-to-person F and is known to cause severe disease n and death in some people. Right now, l Colorado has no cases of COVID-19 and the number of cases in the U.S. is t still small, so the immediate risk of c transmission is low.

M However, it is still cold and flu C season, and people are much more p likely to encounter those viruses in their daily lives. A typical flu season F in Colorado will see thousands of hos- p pitalized cases and sometimes several f pediatric deaths.

H R Is there reason at this time for public concern? i As I mentioned, the immediate risk of COVID-19 to Coloradans is low.

Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in China and people who have traveled to China or other countries with widespread COVID-19 infection.

It’s normal to feel worried during times like this, but the best thing we can all do now is remain calm. Planning ahead means you don’t have to panic if there is an outbreak. That’s why I reiterate to our community members that while COVID-19 is not an immediate risk, we should all use this time to learn about the virus, know the steps we can take to protect ourselves and prepare.

How to get more information about COVID-19?

Residents can find the most accurate and timely information about COVID-19 at the following websites: CDPHE: www.colorado.gov/pacific/ cdphe/2019-novel-coronavirus CDC: www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov Jefferson County Public Health: www.jeffco.us/public-health For general questions about COVID-19, you can also call CO-HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911, or email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English and Spanish.

Weekly Carrier Routes Available West Metro Lakewood area.

Saturday • March 28 Paramount Theatre

• Part-time hours • Adaptable route sizes • No suit & tie required!

Previous carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required. no telephone inquiries - but

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Arvada Press 17

March 5, 2020

Beautiful Junk Sale to benefit Action Center STAFF REPORT

A rummage sale for a cause returns to the Jefferson County Fairgrounds to benefit residents in need and those experiencing homelessness.

The Beautiful Junk Sale features treasures, trinkets, rare finds and collectibles. All proceeds from the March 20-21 sale benefit The Action Center, a Jefferson County nonprofit.

Shopping hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Friday March 20, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 21 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall, 15200 W. 6th Ave. Frontage Road, Golden.

“We are so grateful for the incredible generosity of our community,

FAIRGROUNDS FROM PAGE 5

Davis also said that even a public/ private partnership would not be able to save the entire fairgrounds given the cost of maintaining the whole facility, and proposed that any effort be focused on saving the facilities most vital to youth, agricultural and equine activities. Facilities that are not be able to be maintained could be converted to other county uses, such as centralized DMV office, as the county continues to look for potential cost savings.

All three of the commissioners expressed support for Davis’ solution, even though it would likely mean both the size of the fairgrounds and the amount of activities it could offer would be reduced.

“Unfortunately whenever you want to save money it doesn’t come without reducing services but I think this an innovative solution,” said Commissioner Casey Tighe. “At the end of the day we’ve got to figure out this budget challenge but if we can keep a big piece of the fairgrounds together that

ST. JOAN OF ARC

your year-round donations of new and gently used clothing, household and personal care item enable us to consistently meet the critical needs of our participants and to support our ongoing programs and services through this important fundraiser,” Pam Brier, executive director, said in a news release.

General admission is buy one, get one free for $5. Children 16 and younger are free. For junk spelunkers who want to get a jump start on shopping, an early bird shopping period begins at 7 a.m. Friday, March 20. Cost is $30. Cash at the door is appreciated. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted for purchases.

To learn more about The Action Center, visit theactioncenterco.org or call 303-237-7704.

makes sense.”

However, Commissioner Lesley Dahlkemper said that while trying to “create a plan that addresses the issues (residents) care about makes sense,” citizens ultimately need to understand the deeper county budget issues that have put the fairgrounds, and myriad other county services, in jeopardy.

“I think another piece of this too is where do we continue to look at ongoing funding for the county,” said Dahlkemper. “And unless we have that solution solved, we are going to be right here next year and the following year and the year after that. So I would say that you help us find that path forward and that means we’ve got to talk about TABOR, we’ve got to talk about a continuing revenue source.

And we’ve got to do a better job of communicating where those dollars go and how they support the values we care about.”

Davis said the next steps would be to form a fairgrounds taskforce to look into a private/partnership.

The fairgrounds will honor all event contracts in place for 2020 but is not currently taking any reservations for events beyond the end of the year.

DENVER METRO

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Last two men sentenced in brutal Golden murder Rene Rosales and Alsonso Quintana will spend rest of their lives in prison STAFF REPORT

The last two men convicted in the witness retaliation murder of a 28-year-old woman in Golden in 2018 were sentenced on Feb. 24, according to a press release from the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

Alonso Quintana, 28, was sentenced to life in prison plus 160 years. This was Quintana’s third felony conviction. Rene Francisco Rosales, 27, was sentenced to 150 years in prison. This was his seventh felony conviction. Both men were sentenced as habitual criminals.

Quintana and Rosales were tried together along with Abel Candy Gallegos in the murder of Cymone Duran. All three men were found guilty for their involvement on multiple counts on Jan. 28.

Early in 2018, Duran had identified Quintana in a line-up in an attempted murder investigation in Adams County. According to the re-

lease, Duran had been approached

by Gallegos on social media and met with him, Rosales and others at a house in Denver on Nov. 5, 2018. Gallegos later took Duran to a parking lot at West Colfax Avenue and Kipling Street where she was assaulted by him and Gallegos and imprisoned in the back seat of a car.

Duran was then driven to a dark, secluded spot at 7th and Nile Streets in Golden, where Gallegos and Quintana shot her 10 times before leaving the area. Gallegos and Rosales later came back Quintana to pour gasoline on her body and set it on fire.

Gallegos was sentenced on Jan. 31 to life in prison plus 163 years. Quintana’s guilty charges included first degree murder, conspiracy Rosales to commit murder, kidnapping and retaliation against a witness. Rosale’s guilty charges included conspiracy to commit murder, tampering with a deceased body and tampering with physical evidence.

18 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Editor’s note: How to Make a Difference listings are published free, on a spaceavailable basis. Listings are submitted by the community; to submit a listing, or to change or delete an existing listing, contact hharden@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Deadline is noon Wednesday a week before publication.

A Precious Child assists children and families facing life challenges such as abuse and neglect, crisis situations and poverty. We work with more than 440 agency partners in Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson and Weld counties to identify those in the most need of our services.

Need: Volunteers are needed in all departments. We offer an array of volunteer opportunities for individuals (flexible and consistent scheduling available), corporate groups and community organizations. We accept groups of up to 60 attendees. We are in highest need of group volunteers and individual volunteers for our store, receptionist and donation center volunteer positions. More positions also available.

Requirement: Minimum age to volunteers is 5; ages 5-12 must attend with a parent/ guardian. Ages 13 and older can volunteer on their own.

Location: 7051 W. 118th Ave., Broomfield, CO 80020.

Contact: Joshua Walsh, Joshua@apreciouschild.org AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service.

Need: Help older, lower-income taxpayers prepare their tax returns.

Requirement: All le of experience are welcome; training and support provided.

Contact: 1-888-OUR-AARP (687-2277) or www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide Alzheimer’s Association, Colorado Chapter: Provides care and support to 67,000-plus families dealing with all kinds of dementing illnesses.

Need: Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee members.

Contact: Deb Wells, 303-813-1669 or dwells@alz.org.

Animal Rescue of the Rockies: Rescues homeless dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters.

Need: Foster-care families for death-row shelter dogs and cats Contact: www.animalrescueoftherockies.org Ainsley’s Angels in Denver: Pairing runners and riders with special needs or physical limitations in races from 5kgloba’s to marathons.

Need: Volunteers to run and help push the specialized race chairs in local races.

Volunteers to take pictures and videos of Angel teams at the start, middle and finish of races.

Requirements: Able to run/jog a 5k and/or work an iPhone.

Contact: Law Dickerson, 225-278-4265 or Denver@ainsleysangels.org, https://ainsleysangels.org/signup Arthritis Foundation, Colorado/Wyoming Chapter: Helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to care, advancements in sciences and community connections.

Need: Walk to Cure Arthritis committee members and general office volunteer support.

Contact: Amy Boulas, aboulas@arthritis.org, 720-409-3143.

AYUSA: International Youth Exchange Program: Promotes quality exchange programs for high school students from around the world.

Need: Host families for international high school students ages 15-18 studying in the Denver area.

Requirements: To provide students with a safe home, meals and transportation for 5-10 months. All family types are considered. Must fill out onlilne application and pass background check.

Contact: Adrienne Bivens, 720-467-6430 or abivens@ayusa.org. Go to www.ayusa.org.

CASA of Jefferson & Gilpin County: Court appointed special advocates work with abused and neglected children, speaking on behalf of them in court.

Need: Many volunteers needed; CASA Jeffco/ Gilpin relies on more than 200 volunteers, but many more are needed (just 30 percent of cases typically are covered). CASA volunteers dedicate 3-4 hours per week.

Requirements: Training is provided; must be 21 or older and pass a full background check including driving record.

Contact: Mallory Hastings, outreach and recruitment coordinator, at 303-271-6542, MalloryHastings@casajeffcogilpin.com or www.casajeffcogilpin.com.

Cat Care Society Nibbles `N Kibbles Food Bank: Works to reduce number of abandoned and surrendered cats.

Need: Donations of canned and bagged cat food and litter Contact: 303-239-9680 Colorado Refugee English as a Second Language Program: Teaches English to recently arrived refugees, who have fled war or persecution in their home country. In Colorado, refugees are from Afghanistan, Burma, Bhutan, Somalia, Iraq, Eritrea and D.R. Congo, among others.

Need: Volunteers to teach English. Tutoring takes place in the student’s home. Refugees live throughout Denver, but the largest

concentrations are in Thornton, near 88th Avenue and Washington Street, and in east Denver/Aurora, near Colfax Avenue and Yosemite Street.

Other details: Tutors do not need to speak the student’s language. Most participants are homebound women and small children, adults who are disabled, and senior citizens.

Many are not literate in their first language, and remain isolated from American culture.

Requirements: Volunteers must attend training at Emily Griffith Technical College in downtown Denver. Sessions take place every 6-8 weeks. Go to www.refugee-esl.org for information and volunteer application.

Contact: Sharon McCreary, 720-423-4843 or sharon.mccreary@emilygriffith.edu.

Common Earth Community Garden: Garden project for entire community of Arvada.

Need: Volunteers to help build and work in garden Contact: Anthony at 303-204-0840 or squiggy.as@gmail.com Dinosaur Ridge: Dinosaur Ridge, in Morrison, is a nonprofit, outdoor museum whose mission is to educate the public about, and ensure the preservation of, the natural and historic resources of Dinosaur Ridge, Triceratops Trail, and the surrounding areas.

Need: Individuals interested in volunteering as a docent, interpretive guide, office worker, track painter, fossil caster, or events and outreach liaison. Training is available.

Learn more at dinoridge.org/volunteer Contact: volunteer@dinoridge.org Elevation Hospice of Colorado: Familyowned local hospice based in Broomfield, looking for volunteers. We have a variety of locations where our patients live in the greater Denver/Arvada area.

Need: Volunteers needed for companionship with clients/families at end-of-life. We can tailor volunteer experience to each person’s skills, passion, and interest. This could be spending time through companionship, listening to life stories, light cleaning, light yard work, assisting in admin work, bereavement support, event planning, massage, reiki, art, beauty services, etc.

Requirements: make commitment of at SEE VOLUNTEERS, P19

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Arvada Press 19

March 5, 2020

VOLUNTEERS FROM PAGE 18

least 1-2 hours a week for one year; must have valid auto insurance/license and ability to drive to visit in Boulder/Denver surrounding areas; complete 12-plus hours of training/orientation with volunteer coordinator/associate administrator and attend required in-services; must have effective communication skills to work with the terminally ill and families. Volunteers must listen without imposing spiritual, social, political values or beliefs; comply with state and federal regulations and pre-employment requirements including background check, TB test, and flu shot (if required at assigned facility).

Contact: Erica Chilin erica@elevationhhh. com or call 719-659-7275.

English as A Second Language Provides English as a Second Language and citizenship tutoring to adults at Arvada United Methodist Church.

Need: Adult tutor volunteers; no prior teaching experience required. Tutors do not need to know a second language. Need volunteers for small projects. Financial donations welcome.

Contact: Arvadaeslprogram@gmail.com or Kathy at 303-882-2751.

Front Range BEST: Hosts free robotics competitions for middle and high school students.

Need: Volunteers to help test and repair vex controller and motor parts; to count and organize miscellaneous materials.

Training: Provided; kit team meets weekly in Highlands Ranch.

Contact: Tami Kirkland, 720-323-6827 or tami.kirkland@frontrangebest.org. Go to www.frbest.org.

awareness and appreciation of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Need: Volunteers needed to update website and Facebook page by developing relevant resource materials, articles about refuge events and calendar postings; assist with developing a short introductory video for website; manage and organize volunteer activities; maintain and update information posted in the refuge kiosks; remove noxious weeds from the refuge; and perform regular clean-up and maintenance (picking up trash, spraying weeds, cutting grass with weed whacker) of the kiosk areas.

Location: Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge is at 9210 W. 80th Ave., Arvada.

Age requirements: Adults, or children with adult supervision; training will be provided if needed.

Contact: Janet Torma-Krajewski, 303-4232069 or jtorma79@gmail.com.

and greet customers. High school age or older.

Contact: GoldenOptimists@gmail.com

Gateway Battered Women’s Services: Serves domestic violence victims in Aurora and Arapahoe County.

Need: Volunteers for various fundraising, planning committees Contact: Jeneen Klippel, 303-343-1856; email jkworden@gatewayshelter.com.

Legacy Grace Community Development Corp.: Starts social enterprises, provides low-cost transitional housing and job training/placement for all people in the Denver area.

Need: Volunteers to help with resumes, 5-8 p.m. Wednesdays. Also need help in the art gallery (from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday); training provided.

Contact: legacygrace@live.com or Rick Roberts, 303-815-4914

Girl Scouts: Youth organization for girls.

Need: Volunteers for jobs ranging from running troops to helping with a science event or office work Age requirement: Men and women, 18-plus Contact: girlscoutsofcolorado.org, email inquiry@gscolorado.org or call 1-877-4045708

Foothills Art Center: Golden’s premier art facility.

Contact: volunteerinfo@foothillsartcenter. org

Global Orphan Relief: Develops and supports programs bringing light, comfort and security to orphans around the world.

Need: Super stars with website development, users of the abundant resources of social media. Those with great connection ability are needed to help with the development of the donor pool.

Contact: Those interested serving this faith-based Colorado nonprofit can contact Deitra Dupray, 303-895-7536 or dadupray@ comcast.net.

Founders and Friends of Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge: Restores native habitat and wildlife; provides opportunities to experience wildlife and nature; promotes

Golden Optimists Bicycle Recycle: Group repairs or recycles donated bicycles, and provides them to those who need them.

Need: People to work on bikes, help in shop

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Golden Visitors Center: Provides information about Golden and surrounding areas.

Need: Volunteers to man front desk and greet visitors, open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; two 4-hour shifts offered Requirement: Must be 18 and older, training provided Contact: Mary Gomez, 303-279-2282 or marygomezvisitorcenter@gmail.com Habitat ReStore: Nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers.

Need: Volunteers for Wheat Ridge, Denver or Littleton Habitat ReStores, helping with the cash register, dock and warehouse floor Contact: 303-996-5468, email Alice Goble at Alice@habitatmetrodenver.org

The Learning Source, nonprofit resource for adult education classes and family literacy Need: volunteers in Aurora, Centennial, Denver and Thornton. Join the volunteer pool of more than 130 individuals to help tutor adult students. Volunteer tutors help with one-on-one instruction or small group work.

Contact: debby@thelearningsource.org.

Learn more at TheLearningSource.org or call 303-922-4683.

Literacy Coalition of Colorado: Volunteer to support literacy in MetroDenver and impact state-wide literacy programs.

Need: Volunteer for special projects, training classes or provide clerical and administrative support. Volunteer for a few hours a week or occasionally as needed.

Contact: literacyvolunteercolorado@gmail. com or 720-251-3141. Go to Literacycolorado. org to volunteer for literacy providers nearest you.

Lutheran Family Services: Cultural Mentoring Program: We welcome refugee families and help them adjust to their new home.

Need: People who can commit to working with refugees on skills for self-sufficiency and helping them learn about their new home.

Requirements: Must be 18 or older (although children of volunteers are welcome to participate). One-hour training and orientation required.

Contact: David Cornish, 303-225-0199 or david.cornish@lfsrm.org; go to www.lfsrm. org.

Lutheran Hospice Need: Volunteers to assist in a couple of areas: 1. Be a friendly visitor by providing companionship or emotional support to patients and families in their own homes or visit patients in nursing facilities. Visits may include providing respite for caregivers. 2.

Work at the Collier Hospice Center reception desk, welcoming family members and visitors, and assisting with administrative projects.

20 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

CLUBS Editor’s note: Clubs listings are published free, on a space-available basis. Listings are submitted by the community; to submit a new listing, or to make changes to or remove an existing listing, contact hharden@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Grief Support Group: 6-7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd.

Have you lost someone you loved? Often walking through this time with others helps the journey. Call 303-425-9583.

Mondays Arvada Chorale: an auditioned community chorus, rehearses Monday evenings from September to June at Arvada United Methodist Church, 6750 Carr St., Arvada.

The chorale performs three concerts a year plus many community events. For audition information, call 720-432-9341, or email info@arvadachorale.org.

Jefferson County Republican Men’s Club: meets Mondays from 7-9 a.m. at Davie’s Chuckwagon Diner, 10151 W. 26th Ave., west of intersection at Kipling and 26th. Meeting fee is $5 cash, then you can purchase coffee or breakfast as you wish. Republicans of all ages welcome. Women are welcome. People curious about the issues of the day are welcome. Website: www.JRMC2.com. Email Dan Bidstrup, President@JRMC2.com.

Divorce Workshop: 5:30-7:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Sheridan Library, 3425 W. Oxford Ave., Denver. Covers legal, financial and social issues of divorce.

Check-in from 5:15-5:30 p.m. Register at www.divorceworkshopdenver.com.

Volunteer presenters include an attorney, mediator, therapist and wealth manager.

Discussion items include co-parenting, child support, family coping, tax consequences, property division, hostile spouses and more.

Contact 303-210-2607 or info@divorceworkshopdenver.com.

Drop-In Discovery: 10 a.m. the first Thursday and the third Monday of each month at Majestic View Nature Center, 7030 Garrison St., Arvada. Explore different themes using hands-on activities, books, puzzles, crafts and more. Info: arvada.org or 720-8987405.

Golden Chapter, Order of DeMolay: 7 p.m. every first and third Wednesday in the town of Golden. For young men ages 12-21, DeMolay offers character building, leadership training, and life skill development. Contact demolaygolden@gmail. com or www.coloradodemolay.org and visit Golden’s page under the Chapter tab by clicking on the Golden photo.

Golden Nar-Anon Family Group: 7:30-9 p.m. Mondays at Calvary Episcopal Church, 1320 Arapahoe St. Enter on the east side of the church and follow the signs to the upstairs meeting room. Contact 800-4776291 or go to Nar-Anon.org.

NEW! e iv Excluslors!

Wall Co

Job’s Daughters, Golden Chapter: meets the second and fourth Monday of each month in Golden. Join girls and young women ages 10-20 to learn leadership and organizational skills in meetings with support from friends. Rewards of membership include life skills, community work and significant scholarships for college. Contact 303-204-1572.

Lakewood Elks. In Lakewood since 1949; club is celebrating its 70th anniversary year. Elks began in 1868. Lodge meetings at 7 p.m. the first and third Monday of the month at 1455 Newland St., Lakewood.

Youth, veterans, community programs and more. Call 303-238-1307.

Mile High Branch 49, Fleet Reserve Association: meets at 11 a.m. the second Monday of each month at American Legion Post 161, 6230 W. 60th Ave., Arvada. FRA is a congressionally chartered, nonprofit organization representing the interests of current and former enlisted members of the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. In addition to its advocacy work on Capitol Hill in support of enlisted personnel, FRA aids its members with career issues by maintaining close relationships with government agencies and by educating lawmakers about the challenges facing those who serve in the armed forces. The FRA Education Foundation also awards scholarships totaling $100,000 annually, sponsors a national essay contest, and assists its members with disaster relief grants.

Open Mic Night: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Mondays at Living Water Unity Spiritual Community, 7401 W. 59th Ave., Arvada. Gives teens the opportunity to express their performing art including voice and instrument, acting, poetry, stand-up comedy, mime, etc. Open to all students in sixth to 12th grades. Email bellbottoms809@gmail.com.

Photo Club at Mile Hi meets at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of each month at Mile Hi Church, 9077 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood.

Social time and conversation begin at 6:30 p.m. and presentation begins at 7:10 p.m.

Learn more at https://www.photoclubatmilehi.com/ Square Dancing: 7 p.m. Mondays at the Wheat Ridge Grange, 3850 High Court.

Want some fun exercise? Learn to square dance. Call 303-973-9529.

TOPS CO 35, Arvada: a weight-loss support group. Find out how you can Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Group meets Mondays at Community in Christ Lutheran Church, 12229 W. 80th Ave. Weigh-in is from 6-6:45 p.m., followed by a meeting. Call 303-905-7171.

Wheat Ridge Rotary Club: noon to 1:30 p.m. most Mondays at Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 45th and Kipling. Come as our guest and learn about our service projects for the community. Go to www.wheatridgerotary. org.

Tuesdays Applewood Kiwanis Club: 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays at Davies’ Chuck Wagon Diner, 10151 W. 26th Ave., Wheat Ridge. We are volunteers with the goals of improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our projects include providing school supplies to schools in low-income areas, Ronald McDonald House, mentoring middle school students, Salvation Army fundraising. Go to www.applewoodkiwanis.com.

Arvada Fine Arts Guild: 2-4 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at Indian Tree Golf Club, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, in the restaurant/clubhouse. Meetings are free and open to the public. Go to http:// arvadafineartsguild.com/

Arvada Sunrise Rotary Club: 7-8 a.m. Tuesdays at The Arvada Center for The Arts and Humanities, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Learn about community service projects and what Rotary does in the world to help people.

Denver Apple Pi: 7-9 p.m. the third Tuesday each month at the Applewood Community Church (downstairs), 12930 W. 32nd Ave., Golden. An Apple/Mac computer user group. Go to denverapplepi.com.

Discovery Play: 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge. Build STEM skills as you enjoy songs, stories and hands-on fun with your family. For preschoolers and younger.

Golden Optimist Breakfast Club: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 a.m. at the Windy Saddle coffee shop, 1110 Washington Ave., Golden. They are a small but mighty service organization in Golden. It is part of The Optimist International, whose mission is “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.” They also operate the Golden Optimists Bicycle Recycle Program at 1200 Johnson Rd, Golden, open Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons. Visit this informal friendly group at the Windy Saddle or at the bike shop and share your ideas to bring positive impact to our com- N munity. GoldenOptimists.org or email at GoldenOptimists@gmail.com Golden Rotary: 7:15-8:30 a.m. Tuesdays at Rolling Hills Country Club, 15707 W. 26 Ave., Golden. Visit www.rotayclubofgolden.org or contact Pat Madison at 303-279-1021.

Lakewood Chapter of Retired and Active Federal Employees: 1 p.m. the second Tuesday of most months at the Episcopal Church, 10th and Garrison. Call Greg Kann at 303-718-7307 with questions.

M

Lake Arbor Optimist Club Bringing Out the Best in Kids: 7 a.m. Tuesdays at Indian Tree P Golf Course, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada.

Breakfast served. Contact Terri Kearney, president, 303-506-6692; or Ralph Schell, treasurer, 303-886-5134. New members welcome.

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Arvada Press 21

March 5, 2020

A fun way to teach frugality “Cannot people realize how large an income is thrift?” Cicero 106-43 BC Whether the GUEST virtue is called frugality, thriftiness, COLUMN parsimony, pruEsther Macalady dence, or economy, this grandma has a fun way to encourage it. Grandma Dee arranges for her grandchildren to go grocery shopping with her.

Making the shopping list Grandma and the boys go around the house to check what is out of stock and pour over ads and prices to make a list. They divide the cost of foods by the weight in the package to find out the cost per unit. Are the house and generic brands cheaper? Is the quality the same? What about

CLUBS

FROM PAGE 20

Northside Coin Club: 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at 12205 Perry St., at the Friendship Hall in the Cimarron Village in Broomfield. A group of collectors promotes the hobby of numismatics. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Go to www.northsidecoinclub.org.

Master Networks of Belmar: 10-11 a.m.

Tuesdays at DeMarras Bourbon Bar & Eatery, 11100 W. Alameda Ave. For entrepreneurs and professionals interested in growing their business and personal connections. Call Suzie at 303-979-9077 or email Littleton@Mathnasium.com.

Ports of Call Singles Club, 55 Plus Social hours take place from 4-6 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at 3 Margaritas in Lakewood (contact Carol at 303-389-7707), and the fourth Tuesday of each month at Chads in Lakewood (contact Darlene at 303-233-4099). Denver meetings are the fourth Thursday of each month at Baker St. Pub, 8101 E. Belleview, in the Tech Center (contact Harold at 303-693-3434). For information and a monthly newsletter, call JoAnn, membership chairperson, at 303-751-5195, or Mary, president, at 303985-8937.

Rocky Mountain Team Survivor, a health, education and fitness program for women of all abilities who have experienced cancer or are currently in treatment, offers weekly free, fun, supportive activities. Tuesdays, 10 a.m., Boulder Creek Walk (meet at Boulder Public Library main entrance). Tuesday, 11-11:30 a.m., Yoga, Boulder Senior Center, 909 Arapahoe Avenue. Thursdays, 6-7 p.m., Fitness Training, Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, 311 Mapleton Avenue (entrance on Maxwell Avenue.). Learn more at rockymtn-teamsurvivor.org.

Speak Up Toastmasters meets from 6:15-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays at Faith Lutheran Church, 17701 W. 16th Ave., Golden. Enter through west side of building. Gain confidence in public speaking skills in an enjoyable, supportive and educational environment. Beginning and experienced speakers welcome. See our Facebook page at Speak Up Toastmasters Colorado.

toilet paper and paper toweling? Are they getting quality for their money? Are there times when a better quality justifies paying more? They discuss the grocery ads and head to the store.

Purposeful Shopping At the store each boy and Grandma have a cart and list including the item sizes. Shopping with a list reduces the amount of impulse buying. She tells them to carefully read packages and sizes on the list. Is the item 8 or 16 ounces? Sometimes they need to go back.

Since they are now in middle school the boys estimate the total cost of the items in each cart and consolidate into cart when finished. The boys are sent out to find one food item

Wheat Ridge Art League meets at 6:45 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the Wheat Ridge Grange (downstairs level), 3850 High Court, Wheat Ridge. Enjoy an art demo by an award-winning artist each month at 7:30 pm. All art mediums and abilities welcome. Contact Pat McAleese at 303-941-4928 or mcpainter03@comcast. net for information. No meeting August or December.

Wheat Ridge Historical Society: 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month in the red brick house at Historic Park, 4610 Robb St., Wheat Ridge. Social begins at 7 p.m.

Info: 303-421-9111 or www.wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

Wednesdays Adult Roller Skating is offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at Roller City at 64th and Sheridan, Arvada. Cost is $5 plus $2 to rent skates. Contact Toni at 303-868-8273.

American Legion Auxiliary presents Burger Nite, 5-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday at Post 178, 1655 Simms St., Lakewood. Members, their guests and active military invited for varied food and reasonable prices. Visit www.alpost178.org.

they would like to add to the cart.

They move to the checkout, help pack the bags of groceries, and load the car. At home the boys unpack the goods and stock them in the correct place so grandma can find them again. They have had an adventure with grandma and really helped her out.

Does this afternoon help teach wise spending? Grandma is not lecturing about frugality, she is giving the kids opportunities to spend wisely and learn how to do it. Well, except for the food item at the end. That’s a toss-up.

Econ Lessons Families can also teach economics by setting savings goals. By itself, a savings goal doesn’t sound like much of a way to be frugal. However, a

emphasis on assistance to and support of Arvada’s youth. Visitors are always welcome. For additional information visit www.arvadarotary.org or call Matt Weller 303-480-5220 or 303-908-7165.

Buffalo Toastmasters meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at the Denver West Office Park, 14142 Denver West Parkway, Building 51, Suite 195, Golden.

Go to www.buffalotoastmasters.org or www.meetup.com/Buffalo-ToastmastersGolden/ for more information. Buffalo

goal, such as saving for a vacation or an item can be a way to get kids to see the benefits of saving money for other purposes and delaying gratification.

Families can teach the differences between a “want” and a “need.”

Purchasing items like groceries are “needs.” Most other things are “wants.”

Economists say taking time researching a product to find the best price and best reviews, translates into money saved that you don’t have to earn. This also helps plan for purchases and delay gratification.

Esther Macalady is a retired schoolteacher in Golden. For more see grandparentsteachtoo.blogspot.com and wnmufm. org/Learning Through the Seasons.

Toastmasters, where public speaking and leadership excellence is encouraged in a safe environment.

Dawn Yawn Toastmasters: 6:45-8:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Mimi’s Restaurant, 14265 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. Do you communicate with confidence or are you worried about your next presentation or job interview? First three meetings free.

Contact John Googins, VP of Education, 303-547-0084, john.googins@gmail.com; or Jean Kelly, president, 303-560-4827, jean.kelly@rrcc.edu.

CONGRATULATIONS Front Range Lumber Company

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Arvada Business Connection is a friendly group of Arvada business owners who meet at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at restaurants in the Arvada area. Our emphasis is relationship marketing. All are welcome - friends, spouses, and kids, too. For meeting location, check our Facebook page, @ArvadaBusinessConnection or call 303-906-4838.

Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis meets from 7-8 a.m. Wednesdays at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., for a breakfast meeting. We invite you to join us for great fellowship, interesting programs, and the satisfaction of serving your community. This Kiwanis organization supports the Arvada Community Food Bank, the school backpack program, Santa House, Ralston House, and many other local organizations.

For information or to visit a meeting, call Brad at 303-431-4697.

Arvada Rotary meets from 6:30-8 p.m.

Wednesdays at Indian Tree Golf Club, 7555 Wadsworth Blvd. The club engages in a variety of community service projects, with

Your dedication to keeping Colorado workers safe on the job has earned you Pinnacol Assurance’s Circle of Safety Award.

Thank you for doing your part to keep your employees living happy, safe and healthy lives.

22 Arvada Press

THINGS to DO

THEATER

Up Next at Colorado ACTS: Sherlock Holmes and the Hound of the Baskervilles Dinner Theatre: Performances: 7 p.m. March 6, 7 Matinee: 2 p.m. March 7 at Colorado ACTS Theatre, 11455 West Interstate 70 Frontage Road, North, Wheat Ridge. Dinner and show tickets are $15. Show only tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for students and senior citizens. Visit coloradoacts.org or call 303-456-6772 for more information.

Miners Alley Playhouse & The Buffalo Rose Present: Once in Concert One Night Only St. Patricks Day 2020!: 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 17 at Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Ave., Golden. The award-winning cast of Once will be performing music from the show along with other Irish folk favorites and a performance by the Connoly Irish Dance Company. The Buffalo Rose will also be serving up a delicious 3-course Irish meal that will be available for an additional $20.and available by calling 303-935-3044 or online at minersalley.com.

ART

3rd Annual Casa Bonita Art Exhibition: Runs through March 8 at Next Gallery, W. Colfax Ave., Unit B, Lakewood.

Artists from all over the Denver Metro area have created art that celebrates the iconic Lakewood restaurant. Visit nextartgallerydenver.com for more information.

MUSIC

ALPINE CHORALE CONCERT: “Transcendence”: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 3 & 4 at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

The Chorale will be joined by its Festival Orchestra and the Arvada High School Chorale for a program highlighted by Gabriel Faure’s “Requiem.”

Tickets are adults, $15; seniors, $13; students $5. They will be available at the door or at alpinechorale.org.

EVENTS

Yoga, Burger & Beer!: 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, March 7 at Flying Pig Bacon Co, 5777 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada.

Join us the first Saturday of every month at Flying Pig Bacon Co. in Olde Town Arvada for just $20 ($15 if you are a current member) Visit eventbrite.com/e/yoga-burger-beertickets-86081974503 for more information.

March 5, 2020M

spirit and warms your heart! Tickets are $10 pre-sale; $12 at the door, with children under 11 free. For more information or to order tickets, visit confluencechoir.org or call 303-279-2932.

Food Pantry Agape Life Church distributes free food from 10-11 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month (weather permitting) at the church, 5970 W. 60th Ave. in Arvada.

ALC provides this service to all qualifying Colorado residence.

Call 303-431-6481 to see if you qualify.

LHS Theatre Company Performs Classic West Side Story: The show runs Wednesday, March 11 at 6 p.m., and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 12, 13, and 14 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for students and senior citizens, and $15 for adults. Tickets can be purchased online at our. show/lhswss or call the box office at 303-9827123. All seats are reserved.

Putin’s Russia: 3 to 4 p.m.

Thursday, March 5 at Applewood Place, 2800 Youngfield St., Lakewood. Join Active Minds as we examine the story of Russia under the influence of Vladimir Putin.

Cost: Free. RSVP Required (Limited Seating): 303-2334343.

this week’s TOP FIVE The Golden Eagle Concert Band presents: Around & Out Of This World: 7 to 9 p.m.

Thursday, March 5 at Apex Community Recreation Center, 6842 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada.

The Golden Eagle Concert Band presents a concert that will take you on a trip around the world and beyond. Free: Donations requested at the door. Visit goldeneagleconcertband.org for more information.

5th Annual Jeffco International Women’s Day: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Friday, March 6 at Baldoria on the Water, 146 Van Gordon St., Golden. 5th Annual Jeffco International Women’s Day on March 6, 2020 will include keynote speaker Heidi Ganahl, a “meet & greet” with elected officials and candidates for office, door prizes, lunch and much more.

Visit JeffcoWomen2020.org for more information.

Confluence Sings Songs of Hope in the Dark: 2 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at St. James Episcopal Church, 8235 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge.

Whether you prefer Mozart or Bobby McFerrin, you will enjoy music that touches your

Glow Skate: 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.

Saturday, March 7 at Apex Center, 13150 W. 72nd Ave., Arvada.

Lace up your ice skates and get ready for the lights and music - Glow Skate is back! This is a family-friendly event, open to everyone of all ages. Visit apexprd.org for more information.

ETHEL’s Documerica - a multimedia concert: “ETHEL’s Documerica,” presented by the Lakewood Cultural Center (470 S. Allison Parkway - 80226) is a multimedia concert that melds multiple-screen video projections with original music by some of today’s top composers, performed with electrifying virtuosity by the indie-classical quartet ETHEL Through new music, ETHEL explores this compelling snapshot of a tumultuous era that powerfully connects to today’s environmental and social issues.

March 13 @ 7:30pm - Tickets start at $22 at Lakewood.org/ LCCPresents, 303-987-7845 or the Box Office.

Olde Town Arvada St. Patrick’s Day: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 14. Your Top Destination for St. Patrick’s Day on the Front Range!

Comedy Night @ West Woods features Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11 at the West Woods Restaurant, 6655 Quaker St. in Arvada. The doc is headed back to Arvada and you don’t want to miss him. Kevin Fitzgerald began his career in show business as a bouncer for the Rolling Stones, starred on Animal Planet’s “Emergency Vets,” for 10 seasons and travels all over the country performing standup comedy. Tickets available at SlapHappyEntertainment.com.

Join us for live music, craft vendors, tons of street eats, family fun and of course plenty of libations from Arvada’s favorite breweries, wineries and distilleries. Visit oldetownarvada.org for more information.

Shrine of St. Anne’s Catholic Church 84th Annual Spaghetti Dinner: Noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday, March 29 at Shrine of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 7555 Grant Place, Arvada. Cost $9.00, Adults, $4.00 children (9 & younger).

For more information call 303420-1280.

HEALTH

Buddy Saturday//Free Fitness Class: 9:15 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 14 at The Studio on 64th, 6350 Wadsworth, Unit A, Arvada. Every month The Studio opens its doors to our community & offers a free 75 minute “COMBO” class which includes kickboxing, kettlebells & yoga and is beginner friendly. If you are new to kickboxing or want a little refresher, join us for an intro session at 9:15 am. Class will start at 9:30 am. Email StudioOn64@gmail. com or call 303-423-6067 for more information.

EDUCATION

From Beets to Bayonets: Colorado’s War on Migrant Labor: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 12 at Golden History Museum, 923 10th St., Golden.

In the early twentieth century, Colorado led the nation in sugar production, thanks to beets harvested by migrant workers across the state. Free for members; $10 plus online registration fee for nonmembers. Visit goldenhistory. org for more information.

TriceraTOTs Preschool Program: TriceraTOTs is a toddler program perfect for children ages 2-5 years. The program consists of reading 2-4 dinosaurthemed books and then participating in a 15-minute craft or activity.

The program lasts 30-45 minutes.

Cost: $5/child (nonmember); $3/child (FODR member); children age one or under are free. Attendance: Limit to 20 children. Register at dinoridge.org/tours-programs/ triceratots-preschool-program/.

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute/DU, OLLI West: Classes for 50-plus in art, literature, music, history, philosophy, politics, science, wellness, and the world.

Classes meet at the Jefferson Unitarian Church at 14350 32nd Ave. No tests; learn as much as you want. Go to portfolio. du.edu/olliwest or call 303503-3992.

Editor’s note: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. To place a calendar item, go to eventlink. coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Things to Do events run free, on a space-available basis.

Arvada Press 23

March 5, 2020

A delight to read about the Rocketman in his own words

N

obody said it would be easy.

You have your eyes set on something but doing it will take time, sacrifice, and effort. You’ll get things right, but you’ll also get in your own way before you get to where you want to be and if you don’t believe that, then read “Me” by Elton John.

On and off through most of his life, Elton John had a tumultuous relationship with his mother. She was sometimes angry, sometimes abusive, rarely loving, but she did one important thing for BOOKWORM him: she introduced him to Elvis Presley music.

Though John says he’d wanted to be a musician since he was very small, the 78 RPM his “mum” brought home opened a window for a huge record collection, a passion for seeing live music, and a dream of playing in a band onstage. Soon, he was gigging Terri with regional bands and accidentally meeting people who Schlichenmeyer would help his career.

At nineteen, he was still a virgin, still naïve about being gay, and rather blithe about his natural ability to write music.

That was okay, though; he’d met Bernie Taupin, who wrote lyrics over breakfast and together, they’d pen hits by lunchtime.

At twenty-two, John had fallen in love with a man, was no longer a virgin, and “things (professionally) were starting to move, very gradually.”

Just one year later, he performed for the first time in America.

Through his early career, stardom gave John a delightful platter of surprises and he seized most everything that came his way.He later hobnobbed with royalty. He fell in love, married, divorced, and fell into an obsession over something that made his life so, so much harder…

There is a certain aura surrounding the first third of “Me,” and it’ll charm the socks off you: author Elton John writes about his childhood, quickly, before he leaps into the bits about his early career with a sense of ABOUT THE BOOK wide-eyed awe at what life had just handed him.

Alas, after the kid-in-a“Me” candy-store naiveté evapoBy Elton John rates and his career takes $30 off, John’s account of his 375 pages young-manhood seems jaded; he says he was “exhausted” by constant work and pressures, and the second third of his book shows that in the voice readers see.

Here – in the stories of parties, recording sessions, and industry goings-on – the tale starts to slip into that which plagues so many star biographies: name-dropping and seemingly unnecessary sameness.

It would mar the book, were it not for the sense of droll humor that John continues to pack around his anecdotes.

By the final third of this book, we get a settled John who’s clean, happier, less frenetic but still funny. Here’s where readers reach what is likely familiar, as though we’ve read this book before.

But, of course, you haven’t because “Me” is John’s first and only autobiography and enjoying it is easy.

Cover photo for “Me” by Elton John.

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24 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

LOCAL

SPORTS

Ralston Valley grabs first playoff win since 2017

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARVADA — Ralston Valley’s boys basketball team had the sweet taste of a playoff victory Feb. 29.

“I think for almost all of us this is our first playoff win,” Ralston Valley senior Walker Brickle said after the No. 3-seeded Mustangs defeated No. 30 Arapahoe 63-52 on Saturday night.

“I’m just really proud of everyone and excited for the next round.”

Ralston Valley (21-3 record) will host No. 19 George Washington on Wednesday, March 4, in the round of 16 of the Class 5A boys basketball state tournament. The Patriots upset No. 14 Horizon 80-60 earlier in the day in a second-round game.

“Getting that one win is really hard to get,” Ralston Valley coach Chris Braketa said of getting his first playoff win in three years as head coach for the Mustangs. “GW is a really tough team and they are on a run. They are playing really good late and they are really athletic.”

The only current player for Ralston Valley who has experience a postseason win is senior Caden

Gigstad. The Mustangs defeated Fruita-Monument in the opening round of the 5A state tournament back on Feb. 22, 2017 when Gigstad was a freshman.

“I don’t know what I was thinking back then,” Gigstad said when asked if he though as a freshman if the Mustangs would advance to the Sweet 16 during his time at Ralston Valley. “This year I think we can go further than that. But we have to focus one game at a time.”

Ralston Valley endured a 3-20 record during the 2017-18 season in Braketa’s first year at the helm. The Mustangs were 17-7 last season, but suffered a second-round playoff loss at home after a first-round bye.

After a great start that featured Ralston Valley getting out to a 35-20 lead at halftime thanks to a big 13-point quarter by senior Caleb Rillos, Arapahoe (13-12) battled back.

“I was nervous. I’m not going to lie,” Braketa said about the Warriors going on an 11-0 run in the third quarter to cut the lead to single-digits. “We talked at halftime SEE BOYS, P31

Ralston Valley junior Sydney Bevington (33) goes up strong during the Mustangs’ second-round state playoff victory over Pine Creek on Feb. 28. Bevington scored a game-high 16 points to advance the Mustangs to the Sweet 16.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ralston Valley girls basketball gallops into Sweet 16

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARVADA — Ralston Valley junior Sydney Bevington was a bit of a decoy early on Feb. 28 in the Class 5A girls basketball second-round state tournament game.

No. 39-seeded Pine Creek had seen Bevington and No. 7 Mustangs earlier in the season. Knowing what one of the top juniors in the state — who is averaging a double-double in scoring and rebounds — is capable of the Eagles’ defense was clearly focused on shutting Bevington down.

Including one of the Pine Creek fans yelling, “She is looking to shoot!” every time Bevington had the ball no matter where it was on the court.

“My shot wasn’t really on necessarily,” Bevington said after the Mustangs advanced to the Sweet 16 with a convincing 56-28 victory over Pine

Creek. “Everyone else was making a lot of 3-pointers.”

Bevington went scoreless in the first quarter. However, juniors Rachel Meeks and McKenna Nichols, along with senior Ellie Schweiker each knocked down a 3-pointer in the opening quarter to help the Mustangs get out to a 16-6 lead.

“If you do that, she (Bevington) will find the open person,” Ralston Valley coach Jeff Gomer said of the first quarter with the Eagles focusing on Bevington. “And we need those kids to hit those shots for us to go further.”

Bevington did get going herself offensively. The junior poured in 11 of her game-high 16 points in the second quarter as Ralston Valley opened up a 36-12 lead by halftime.

Sophomore Saya Sabus contributed 12 points and Schweiker finished with SEE GIRLS, P25

Ralston Valley senior Luke Carlston (12) goes up for a shot against Arapahoe senior David Brophy (2) during the first half Feb. 29 at Ralston Valley High School. The Mustangs took a 63-52 victory in the second-round of the Class 5A boys basketball state tournament.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arvada Press 25

March 5, 2020

Ralston Valley junior McKenna Nichols (12) soars toward the basket with Pine Creek senior Haley Murdock (55) and Madelyn Blazo (5) guarding her Feb. 28. The Mustangs’ 56-28 victory advanced Ralston Valley into the Sweet 16 where it was scheduled to host Jeffco rival Columbine on Tuesday, March 3, after press deadline.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

FROM PAGE 24

11 points as the Mustangs put it on cruise control in the second half. The defense stayed strong, limiting Pine Creek to single digits in all but the Eagles’ 10-point fourth quarter.

Pine Creek senior Haley Murdock finished off her prep career scoring a team-high eight points for the Eagles (10-15 record).

“In practice a lot we focus on hard work on defense and playing hard,” Schweiker said. “If you have the right mentality the steals will come and shots will comes. It’s about playing hard on that side of the court.”

A hard non-league schedule is something Ralston Valley (19-5) hopes will benefit the Mustangs as they get deeper into the postseason. Four of Ralston Valley’s five losses this season came against the top four seeds — Valor Christian, Cherry Creek, Regis Jesuit and Grandview — in the 5A state tournament.

“I think it really prepared us,” Bevington said of playing the likes of Grandview and Cherry Creek. “They are just a different style of play then

Dennis Pleuss is a media specialist for Jeffco Public Schools with a focus on athletics and activities. For more Jeffco coverage, go online at CHSAANow.com

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

GIRLS

what we see in Jeffco. Playing that higher competition increases our speed of the game. That is why Gomer does it. To get us ready for playoffs.”

Ralston Valley now gets ready to host a familiar foe in the next round on Tuesday, March 3, after press time.

Jeffco rival and No. 23 Columbine (1510) went on the road against upset No. 10 Fountain-Fort Carson on Friday night. The Rebels won 51-39 in overtime to set up a third meeting against the Mustangs.

“I would be excited to see Columbine again,” Bevington said before the Rebels pulled off the upset against Fountain-Fort Carson. “Their coach always makes adjustments, but we always seem to pull out the win.”

The Mustangs went 2-0 against the Rebels this season. However, both games were fairly close contests.

“They gave us two games,” Gomer said when asked about possibility of facing Columbine again. “We’ve just got to play well. If we play well we’ll move on. I don’t like playing someone three times, but it is what it is.”

THANKS for

PLAYING!

26 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

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30 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091

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To Advertise call Karen 303.566.4091 kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Arvada Press 31

March 5, 2020

BOYS FROM PAGE 24

that they were going to make a run because they are a very good team. We knew with (Korey) Hess and (Bryson) Stephens — those are two really good guards — they would make that run.

I’m proud of our guys for containing and maintaining what we had.”

Arapahoe senior Bryson Stephens poured in a gamehigh 31 points. A pair of free throws by Stephens with 2:29 left in the fourth quarter cut Ralston Valley’s lead to 52-46.

“He (Stephens) is a quick one,” Gigstad said of guarding Stephens for most of the night. “He put me to the test for sure.”

Arapahoe had the ball down just six points with less than two minutes to play, but the Mustangs’ defense stepped up. Ralston Valley sophomore Beau Wilken was able to grab a steal on an inside pass by the Warriors and get it ahead to Brickle for a layup and the foul.

“That was huge and then he made the free throw,” Braketa said of Brickle’s 3-point play the hard way with 1:37 left in the fourth quarter that pushed the Mustangs’ lead to 55-46. “Walker came up big. He played pretty well the whole game.”

While the Mustangs made just four field goals in the second half, Ralston Valley went 17-for-21 from the free-throw line in the final quarter to seal the victory.

Brickle missed three free throws in the first quarter, but went 5-for-5 in the final four minutes.

“I missed a couple in the beginning,” Brickle said of his free throws. “I just tightened it up and trusted my shot.”

Brickle finished with 14 points. Gigstad poured in 16 points while Rillos finished with a team-high 21 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the charity stripe.

Dennis Pleuss is a media specialist for Jeffco Public Schools with a focus on athletics and activities. For more Jeffco coverage, go online at CHSAANow.com

NEW LITTLE LIBRARY LOCATION

Arthur van de Lagemaat, 11, a fifth-grader at Excel Academy, worked with his father to build a free “Little Library” as a community project through the Cub Scouts. The library at 6603 Independence Street allows visitors to stop by and drop off or withdraw any books available. Many of the books already inside were donated by friends and neighbors who attended the project’s grand opening in January, and currently, there are more than 20 books in the library; additionally, “we have a whole other box” of books ready to be stocked, van de Lagemaat said.

CASEY VAN DIVIER

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES Public Notice

INVITATION TO BID

Denver View Reservoir & Irrigation Company (Denver View) is accepting sealed bids to purchase one (1) share of stock. As a Denver View stockholder, you would be entitled to a prorata share of irrigation water out of Tucker Lake.

The stockholder must be able to irrigate from Tucker Ditch, and such water must be used upon the land of the stockholder.

Public Notice

The following ordinance was adopted by the City Council of the City of Arvada on second reading following the public hearing held on March 2, 2020:

Public Notices callOrdinance Sheree 303.566.4088 #4724 An Ordinance Rezoning City and County Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT at the meeting of the Arvada City Council to be held on MONDAY, March 16, 2020, at 6:15 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada CO, City Council will hold a public hearing on the following proposed ordinance and thereafter will consider it for final passage and adoption.

For the full text version in electronic form go to www.arvada.org/legalnotices, click on Current Legal Notices, then click on the title of the ordinance you wish to view. The full text version is also available in printed form in the City Clerk’s office. Contact 720.898.7550 if you have questions.

CB 20-002 An Ordinance Amending Sections 78-292, 78-295, 78-298, and 78-299, of Article V, Rights-of-Way, of Chapter 78, Public Improvements, of the Arvada City Code.

Legal Notice No.: 406877 First Publication: March 5, 2020 Last Publication: March 5, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript Public Notice

The following ordinance was adopted by the City Council of the City of Arvada on second reading following the public hearing held on March 2, 2020:

Ordinance #4724 An Ordinance Rezoning Certain Land Within the City of Arvada, Colorado Tap House, from City of Arvada PUD-I (Planned Unit Development-Industrial) to PUDBPR (Planned Unit Development-Business/Professional/Residential), and Amending the Official Zoning Maps of the City of Arvada, Colorado, Approximately Located at 14982 W. 69th Avenue Legal Notice No.: 406878 First Publication: March 5, 2020 Last Publication: March 5, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript

Certain Land Within the City of Arvada, Colorado Tap House, from City of Arvada PUD-I (Planned Unit Development-Industrial) to PUDBPR (Planned Unit Development-Business/Professional/Residential), and Amending the Official Zoning Maps of the City of Arvada, Colorado, Approximately Located at 14982 W. 69th Avenue

City and County

Legal Notice No.: 406878 First Publication: March 5, 2020 Last Publication: March 5, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript Public Notice The following variances from the Land Development Code (LDC) have been requested: VAR2020-0002, James Cillessen, 11766 W. 53rd Place, to construct an eight-foot-tall, solid fence along the East (side) property line when Section 6.5.8(A) of the LDC restricts fence height to six feet and requires all fences over 48 inches in height and adjacent to open space be at least 50 percent open for the portion about 48 inches.

Hearing thereon will be held before the Board of Adjustment on March 24, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Road, when and where you may speak at the hearing. Additional information can be obtained from the Community Development Department or written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing.

CITY OF ARVADA BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT /s/ Russ Rizzo, Secretary Legal Notice No.: 406879 First Publication: March 5, 2020 Last Publication: March 5, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript Public Notice The following variances from the Land Development Code (LDC) have been requested: VAR2020-0001, Patricia Herrick, 11765 W. 53rd Place, to construct an eight-foot-tall, solid fence along the East (side) property line when Section 6.5.8(A) of the LDC restricts fence height to six feet and requires all fences over 48 inches in height and adjacent to open space be at least 50 percent open for the portion about 48 inches.

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that disbursements in final settlement will be issued by the Finance Director at 10:00 a.m., March 17, 2020 to Jalisco International Inc. for work related to Project No. 13-ST-24 – W 72nd Avenue & Indiana Intersection Improvements and performed under that contract dated March 5, 2018 for the City of Arvada.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that furnished labor, material, drayage, sustenance, provisions or other supplies used or consumed by said contractor or his sub-contractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done by said Jalisco International Inc. and its claim has not been paid, may at any time on or prior to the hour of the date above stated, file with the Finance Director of the City of Arvada at City Hall, a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

In addition to the purchase price of the stock, legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com stockholders must pay annual assessments,

The following variances from the Land Development Code (LDC) have been requested:

City and County

VAR2020-0001, Patricia Herrick, 11765 W. 53rd Place, to construct an eight-foot-tall, solid fence along the East (side) property line when Section 6.5.8(A) of the LDC restricts fence height to six feet and requires all fences over 48 inches in height and adjacent to open space be at least 50 percent open for the portion about 48 inches.

Hearing thereon will be held before the Board of Adjustment on March 24, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Road, when and where you may speak at the hearing. Additional information can be obtained from the Community Development Department or written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing.

CITY OF ARVADA BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT /s/ Russ Rizzo, Secretary Legal Notice No.: 406880 First Publication: March 5, 2020 Last Publication: March 5, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript Public Notice INVITATION TO BID Denver View Reservoir & Irrigation Company (Denver View) is accepting sealed bids to purchase one (1) share of stock. As a Denver View stockholder, you would be entitled to a prorata share of irrigation water out of Tucker Lake.

The stockholder must be able to irrigate from Tucker Ditch, and such water must be used upon the land of the stockholder.

In addition to the purchase price of the stock, stockholders must pay annual assessments, currently $100 per share annually, to the ditch company for use of the water. All interested parties can submit a sealed bid to the Denver View secretary at the following address: Denver View Reservoir & Irrigation Company Attn: Wendy Essert PO Box 8101 Arvada, CO 80001-8101 All bids must be received by 5 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

currently $100 per share annually, to the ditch company for use of the water. All interested parties can submit a sealed bid to the Denver View secretary at the following address:

City and County

Denver View Reservoir & Irrigation Company Attn: Wendy Essert PO Box 8101 Arvada, CO 80001-8101

All bids must be received by 5 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Please direct all inquiries to Wendy Essert at wessert@arvada.org Legal Notice No.: 406881 First Publication: March 5, 2020 Last Publication: March 12, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript

Bids and Settlements Public Notice NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT Notice is hereby given that disbursements in final settlement will be issued by the Finance Director at 10:00 a.m., March 17, 2020 to Jalisco International Inc. for work related to Project No. 13-ST-24 – W 72nd Avenue & Indiana Intersection Improvements and performed under that contract dated March 5, 2018 for the City of Arvada.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that furnished labor, material, drayage, sustenance, provisions or other supplies used or consumed by said contractor or his sub-contractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done by said Jalisco International Inc. and its claim has not been paid, may at any time on or prior to the hour of the date above stated, file with the Finance Director of the City of Arvada at City Hall, a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

Dated this February 13, 2020 CITY OF ARVADA /s/ Kristen Rush, City Clerk

Bids and Settlements

Dated this February 13, 2020 CITY OF ARVADA /s/ Kristen Rush, City Clerk Legal Notice No.: 406832 First Publication: February 27, 2020 Last Publication: March 5, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript Public Notice NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT

Notice is hereby given that disbursements in final settlement will be issued by the Finance Director at 10:00 a.m., March 17, 2020 to Insituform Technologies, Inc. for work related to Project No. 19-SR-02 – 2019 Trenchless Sewer Main Replacement and performed under that contract dated February 4, 2019 for the City of Arvada.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that furnished labor, material, drayage, sustenance, provisions or other supplies used or consumed by said contractor or his sub-contractors in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done by said Insituform Technologies, Inc. and its claim has not been paid, may at any time on or prior to the hour of the date above stated, file with the Finance Director of the City of Arvada at City Hall, a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim.

Dated this February 18, 2020 CITY OF ARVADA /s/ Kristen Rush, City Clerk Legal Notice No.: 406833 First Publication: February 27, 2020 Last Publication: March 5, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript

Arvada Legals 3.5.20 * 1

32 Arvada Press

March 5, 2020M

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