Arvada Press 0430

APRIL 30, 2020

ARTS GO VIRTUAL A digital approach to culture may be here to stay P14

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SURVIVING COVID-19 Area family shares story of close call with virus P4

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NEW CHIEF Meet Arvada’s new Fire Chief Mike Piper P7

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INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 14

ArvadaPress.com

VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 48

2 Arvada Press

April 30, 2020A

The next chapter begins at CCM

MY NAME IS

MONICA MICHAELS

T

Arvada resident loses 230 pounds, named ‘weight loss queen’ of nonprofit A healthy life In 2009, I weighed 400 pounds and I joined TOPS (weight loss education and support nonprofit).

I lost more than 100 pounds fairly quickly and then I plateaued for four to five years, but I didn’t give up like I have in the past. Now, I’ve lost about 230 pounds. For me, it had to be a lifestyle change. I used to set an alarm on my phone to remind me to exercise, and it just became part of my daily routine. I don’t even think about it anymore. `I can do more’ I live in Arvada and part of what made me want to lose weight is all the beautiful trails. I’ve been trying them all. The best part of losing weight is that I can do more and I don’t get tired. I actually look for ways to put movement in my days.

I just feel better and I’m healthier all around.

Staying active while staying at home I have a treadmill at home, so now that I can’t go to the gym,

Arvada resident Monica Michaels was named the international “weight loss queen” of weight loss nonprofit TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly), after losing about 230 pounds since 2009.

COURTESY OF MONICA MICHAELS

I walk on the treadmill and do weights at the same time. For people who don’t have equipment, it’s still OK to get outside and walk.

If you’re not used to it, start small; just walk around your living room during commercials. There are always things you can do.

If you have suggestions for My Name Is…, contact Casey Van Divier at cvandivier@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

his week marks a transition in editorial leadership for Colorado Community Media, publisher of your hometown newspapers.

After 13 years with FROM THE these papers, longtime PUBLISHER Managing Editor Chris Rotar is leaving to pursue other directions. Our papers are outstanding journalistic products in great measure because of Chris’ leadership and commitment to the mission of community journalism.

We greatly appreciate his outstanding work Jerry Healey and dedication and wish him well as he tackles his next adventure.

We are excited to introduce Mark Harden, a veteran, award-winning journalist in the Denver area, as the new editor of all our publications — the 18 metro-area weeklies and the two Denver monthlies. (You’ll find his column on the Local Voices page this week.)

It has been an interesting process, conducting interviews for the position and introducing Mark to the newsroom and staff, during these COVID-19 times. We have been working remotely since midMarch. Mark, who came on board three weeks ago, has had to meet everyone — and learn our production systems — all by videoconferences.

We are thrilled about the extensive print and digital experience and leader-

ship he brings to our newsroom and can’t wait until we’re able to work with him face-to-face.

Mark worked at the Denver Post from 1993-2007 in various positions, as city editor of a 35-reporter desk; online news, state/regional and national/foreign news editor; and music critic. He launched online breaking news coverage at the Post and expanded it at the Denver Business Journal, where he worked from 2007-2018 as reporter, new media editor and news director. He then spent a year and a half as managing editor of Colorado Politics, a weekly magazine and digital outlet of the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Before joining the Post, he was a reporter and editor at daily newspapers in San Francisco and the Seattle area, covering politics, science/environment, business/ development and local government. He has been freelance reporting and editing since October. He has won many national and regional awards for his work over his career.

Mark and his wife have lived in Centennial for 22 years; his two children attended Cherry Creek schools. He is passionate about the importance of local news to a community and delivering the best journalistic products we can.

We are excited to work with Mark — and for you to get to know him— as he helps us move forward with the next chapter at Colorado Community Media.

Jerry Healey is the president and publisher of Colorado Community Media. He can be reached at jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Arvada Press 3

April 30, 2020

Local charity drive to help moms in need STAFF REPORT

Through May 3, residents can participate in a charity drive to benefit nonprofit Hope House of Colorado, which serves teenage and young adult moms in the area. Through the drive, the nonprofit is collecting diapers, newborn and infant formula, baby wipes and grocery store gift cards.

The effort began when Arvada city councilmember Lauren Simpson contacted the nonprofit to ask if its moms were in need.

“They shared with me that dozens of the mothers that they support have been laid off,” Simpson said. “That sadly isn’t a surprise, because teen and young, single mothers are often among the most of vulnerable resi-

dents even in the best of economic times.”

Simpson has worked with the nonprofit and business Knead the Bakery to launch the drive, first sharing the news on social media. As of April 26, Simpson estimated the drive had collected between $800 and $900 worth of items and gift cards.

Donations can be kept in grocery

bags and dropped off at the bakery, 6510 Wadsworth Blvd. Simpson also encouraged donors to pick up a pastry while at the bakery to support a local business.

The bakery will accept donations during its normal business hours, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Items will be disinfected prior to delivery to Hope House, Simpson said.

CORRECTION Last week’s print edition about the county political party assemblies mentioned that the Republican Party candidate for the upcoming State Senate District 19 race is Lynn Gerber, to run against incum-

bent Democrat Rachel Zenzinger.

The House District 22 incumbent is Colin Larson.

Due to an editing error, all three candidate names were misspelled. The corrected version of

the article is available on Goldentranscript.net. To report any corrections or clarifications please call 303-566-4129 or email gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

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What Will Be the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Covid-19 on Real Estate?

As I write this column on Monday, April 27th, the infection rate of Covid-19 seems to be leveling off, and the rule against in-person showings has been relaxed, although open houses are still banned.

The inability to visit listings not only made it harder to sell homes, it also resulted in a reduction of roughly 50% in the number of homes being listed in April. Despite that, homes that were listed continued to go under contract quickly, thanks in part to good pictures and virtual tours.

It may be that the smart thing to do in April was to list your home, as long as you had good photos and a good virtual tour. It was a matter of supply and demand — many fewer listings meant less competition for the homes that were listed, while buyers were apparently still willing to “pull the trigger.”

I predict that there will be a bigger than usual surge of new listings in May and June, now that the no-showings rule has been relaxed. Although Jefferson County, like Denver and four other metro counties, has extended its stay-athome order through May 8th, it was the Division of Real Estate and the state Attorney General’s office that were setting the rules about showings and open houses, and they don’t enforce local ordinances, so it’s expected that in-person showings will be happening throughout

the metro area starting this week. Don’t, however. expect real estate offices to be open for walk-ins during this period.

So, what about the market going forward? The fact that mortgage rates are staying low, heading inexorably in the direction of 3% for a 30-year fixed loan, means that buyers are going to be supercharged as they go house hunting under fewer restrictions. There is pent-up demand, and there is also pent-up supply.

Nevertheless, we can’t ignore the near-depression economic scenario we face nationally in May. There will be many buyers not going back to work and unable to qualify for a home loan. However, the estimated 70% of Americans who were able to keep working from home or who had “essential” jobs, such as construction and health care, have been making good money — many earning overtime and/or hazard pay — and may want to reward themselves with a new home.

So, while we real estate professionals have remained fairly busy during April, I expect we’ll be even busier in May and throughout the summer — especially as rules are relaxed. There will, however, be some subtle and not-so-subtle changes to the way we practice.

Most real estate agents were already accustomed to working from home, only going to their offices for floor duty, to handle paperwork, or to meet with buyers and sellers. Contract software has

Coming Soon: Fabulous 5-BR Wheat Ridge Ranch This home at 2950 Jay Street looks like any $550,000 other nearby ranch from the front, but its unassuming front view hides a very special lot, which backs to a cul-de-sac off Ingalls Street. In the picture below, taken from this home’s 13’x15’ deck, you can see the oversized 2-car garage on the left and a 12’x12’ storage shed on the right, hiding a 24’x12’ RV parking space! The home itself has 5 bedrooms — 3 on the main-floor with hardwood floors and another 2 in the finished walk-out basement. All appliances are included in the updated eat-in kitchen with Corian countertops, double Corian sink and trash compactor. The basement includes a 12’x33’ family room with 7-speaker surround sound speakers, sofa and double recliner included. The big-screen TV is negotiable. Take a narrated video tour at www.

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been online for a decade or more. We are used to emailing documents and having clients sign contracts electronically instead of on paper, which has served us well during the stay-at-home period.

That will continue unchanged.

Showing appointments for nearly all MLS listings are handled by one company, ShowingTime, and increasingly the showings are being set online instead of speaking with an operator.

Where we will see the most changes will be with those activities that still require personal contact. Fist bumps and elbow bumps will probably replace handshakes long-term. We’re becoming hardwired as germophobes, I suspect.

Offices will be much cleaner. We’ll disinfect hard surfaces and wash hands more often. We’ll go back to having open houses eventually, but there may be fewer lookie-loos taking up our time.

It will be a while before buyers want to ride in our cars, preferring to follow us to showings in their own cars. I will continue to carry disposable gloves and

Clorox wipes in my car, to use when showing homes.

More agents will learn to do their own narrated video walk-throughs of their listings, as Golden Real Estate agents have been doing for 13 years. And more buyers will look for those video tours and be more selective about the homes they choose to see.

In conclusion, real estate has shown great resilience during the pandemic thanks to how online the industry has already become, and it will emerge from the current situation stronger than ever.

Why Real Estate Won’t Crash Like It Did Before

Many buyers and sellers of real estate are wondering whether we’ll see the kind of crash in real estate values that we saw in the Great Recession of 2008 onward. Experts agree that we will not.

In an April 22 post, realtor.com explained that circumstances this time are quite different from then. Reasons cited by realtor.com’s economist, Danielle Hale, include the following: First, the 2008 crash was created by a rash of bad mortgages — a situation that was remedied because of that crash.

Second, there was an oversupply of houses for sale, whereas today there is an undersupply.

According to the realtor.com post,

“There are simply too many would-be buyers out there: millennials eager to put down roots and start families, folks who lost their homes during the last recession and want to buy another property, and boomers looking to downsize.”

Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, predicts that home sales will pick up again quickly and that prices will not fall. He sees the luxury market taking the biggest hit, largely because the buyers of those homes may have lots of financial liquidity, but it is in stocks which they don’t want to sell while prices are low.

Also, widespread mortgage forbearance will prevent a surge in foreclosures.

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851 Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com

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4 Arvada Press

April 30, 2020A

A Lakewood man’s story of surviving COVID-19 After weeks in the hospital, resident and family encouraging others to take precautions

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It was March 15. Lakewood resident Brian Seamon had just spent a week dealing with the ripple effects of the coronavirus pandemic in his everyday life.

With his family in need of items like eggs and toilet paper, Seamon had traveled to numerous grocery stores across the metro area, on a mission to find necessities that seemed to be out of stock everywhere he went. Event cancellations, like the March 10 cancellation of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in the Seamons’ former town of Arvada, had the couple disappointed and unsure if such drastic measures were necessary.

But that Sunday, after waking up and making breakfast for his family, the more personal effects of COVID-19 in Seamon’s life started to appear.

“He was complaining it was really cold in the house,” said Seamon’s wife, Heather. Though her husband is 47 years old and relatively healthy,

he had pancreatitis several years ago, prompting Heather to call an urgent care center and ask if Brian should come in.

Instead, the center told the couple to go to the emergency room, where Brian was tested for the flu and strep. His doctor also wrote him an order to have the COVID-19 test that Friday, telling Brian to self-quarantine until then.

After that, the couple went back home.

“He kept getting sicker and sicker. He was throwing up the whole week,” Heather said. “His temperature was ranging from 101 to 102 and he couldn’t keep any of the medication down for his fever.”

After taking her husband to another hospital that Wednesday, a chest X-ray suggested nothing was wrong with his lungs, leading to Brian getting sent home once again. At the end of the week, Brian was tested for COVID-19 and took a prescription medication over the weekend, but by Sunday, a week after his symptoms began, he was finding it difficult to breathe — sparking yet another trip to the hospital that ended in Brian’s March 22 admission to the Medical Center of Aurora.

Following days of limited communication with her husband and his doctors, Heather woke up the morning of March 26 to a voicemail from her husband.

“On Wednesday night, they ran

another chest X-ray and his lungs looked really bad. They had taken him to the ICU (intensive care unit) in the middle of the night,” Heather said. “He said goodbye to me and told me to say goodbye to our son.”

Life in the ICU Meanwhile, Brian was told by his doctor he would be put on a ventilator, a machine that pumps oxygen into the lungs. Worried about the drastic treatment option, he asked the team to reconsider, with his doctors ultimately deciding to put him on a powered respirator instead.

“It feels like you’ve got your head out the window going 55 miles an hour,” Brian said of the respirator.

“Your mouth is so dry from the air being blown on your tongue and gums and teeth. I didn’t eat. I did not turn the TV on one time. All I wanted to do was sleep because it was so uncomfortable.”

Brian said he cannot remember the exact length of time he was on the respirator, estimating it was about three to four days. In addition to facing physical discomfort, he couldn’t have visitors and had little contact with his doctors, who all constantly wore extensive protective gear covering their entire bodies, Brian said, adding to his sense of unease.

Back at home, Heather was trying to keep herself occupied and help the couple’s son, a kindergartener, through his first weeks of online

Brian Seamon and his son, Avery, after Brian’s return from the ICU, where he was treated for COVID-19.

COURTESY OF HEATHER SEAMON

school.

With loved ones unable to comfort her in person, her support system quickly found countless ways to stand by her and her family, she said.

“People did things like video SEE COVID, P5

Arvada Press 5

April 30, 2020

Colorado Community Media earns honors in multi-state contest Reporters picked up three first-place awards in SPJ competition

BY CHRIS ROTAR CROTAR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

published in 2019.

SPJ is a national organization that advocates for high ethical standards for journalists, promotes journalism education and works to protect First Amendment rights.

The following awards for CCM were announced in mid-April:

Colorado Community Media reporters won seven awards, including three first-place honors, in the Society of Professional Journalists’ 2020 Top of the Rockies Contest.

The contest matched papers from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming. Weekly and daily publications were grouped together, based on the size of the newspapers’ circulation, or number of papers distributed. Work entered in the contest was

Circulation class of 10,000-29,999 First place —Breaking news story: Jessica Gibbs, Alex DeWind, David Gilbert, Ellis Arnold, Nick Puckett, for coverage of the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting First place — Marijuana general reporting: Jessica Gibbs, for “Family fights medical marijuana policy” Second place — General reporting (series or

COVID

he was moved out of the ICU and later discharged from the hospital April 7.

FROM PAGE 4

Raising awareness “Every day, I’ve significantly gotten better,” Brian said after two weeks of being back at home.

“When I was in the hospital and I tried to breathe in, it felt like I could only take in 25% of what I normally can. Within two days of being home, I was up to 75%, and now I’m at about 90 to 95%.”

However, the return home has come with some surprising changes, including that Brian has had to rely on an oxygen tank for a period of about six weeks from the time of his

chats, texting, setting up a meal train. It felt like I lived in a magical world because every day I would open the door and there would be a Starbucks on my porch,” Heather said. “I heard from people I went to college with, somebody I worked with 15 years ago sent us a gift card … Thoughtful little things meant the world and gave us a little bit of normalcy.”

And in the meantime, slowly, Brian started to take a turn for the better. With his health improving,

package): Jessica Gibbs, Alex DeWind, for sustained coverage of the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting Third place — Feature story (short form): Alex DeWind, for “The perfect son,” about Kendrick Castillo, the student killed in the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting Third place — Education (general reporting): Jessica Gibbs, for “Public funds for private schools” Circulation class of less than 10,000 First place — Education (enterprise reporting): Ellis Arnold, for “A united voice,” about mental health initiatives in the Cherry Creek School District Second place — Education (general reporting): Casey Van Divier, for “Bus driver shortage”

discharge.

“You don’t hear about anybody on the news going home with oxygen,” and the unexpected requirement has been an adjustment, Brian said.

Even so, doctors have told him that his health should return to normal in the coming months and he will not face any long-term medical effects because of the coronavirus.

To this day, the couple says they have no idea where Brian picked the virus up. As far as they know, none of their friends and none of Brian or Heather’s coworkers have had the disease, suggesting he possibly caught the virus somewhere in the community, they said.

Now, the couple is focused on shar-

ing their story to encourage others to take social distancing seriously and wear masks whenever they’re out in public.

“All my friends I’ve talked to say I’ve changed their life and their coworkers’ lives that they told my story to,” Brian said. “A lot more people took it seriously after hearing that.”

He and Heather are also hoping they could eventually do more to help others with the disease, with Heather planning to test for antibodies in hopes that both she and Brian can become plasma donors.

“I do everything I can so people don’t end up like me,” Brian said. “I just want people to be safe.”

6 Arvada Press

April 30, 2020A

City forum gives details on business reopenings, law enforcement City team members answer questions sent in by residents

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Leading up to a video chat forum held April 20, the city of Arvada asked residents to email and call in with their biggest questions about the city’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those questions were answered by city team members during the online forum, with residents also able to send questions in via email live amid the discussion.

As the questions came in, residents’ concerns centered around when businesses will open, the state of law enforcement and future city projects, with the city outlining its plan for each subject.

Distancing restrictions The city received several questions about Arvada’s approach to enforcing the stay-at-home order and social distancing restrictions. According to police chief Link Strate, the police department has been focused on educating the public about restrictions as opposed to forcibly breaking up gatherings.

The department has already responded to some calls and has

requested that groups disband, to which the “community has responded very well,” said detective Dave Snelling, spokesperson with the Arvada Police Department.

“When we get a complaint about a group, we’ll go to that group, we’ll remind them of the requirements and ask them to disperse,” Strate said.

“If we get to a point that we believe we have to enforce on one of these things, the request actually comes to a commander to make that decision.

It’s unlikely that physically breaking it up is the best course of action.

More likely, it’s going to be educating and helping them.”

City manager Mark Deven added that in the case of non-essential businesses that refuse to follow guidelines for closures or suspension of certain services, the city looks at referring these cases to the county public health department.

“As these orders have been issued by those public health authorities, they can engage with businesses and explain to them the possible penalties that might occur if they’re not adhered to,” he said.

So far, the Jefferson County Public Health has not received a complaint directly from the City of Arvada, said JCPH spokesperson Nikki Work.

Criminal activity Strate also addressed resident questions about criminal activity, particularly regarding if crime has

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risen or fallen during the pandemic and how the Jefferson County Jail’s limited capacity related to the virus has affected Arvada.

“What we saw initially after the pandemic was a sharp decrease in our calls for service and crime,” Strate said. “Since then, we have seen an uptick in some of our property crimes which include car thefts; domestics; and calls for service about people out in the parks and so on and so forth.”

Strate also cautioned that “this is such a small period of time that I wouldn’t put a lot of concern in crime trends.”

Further, it is true that the jail’s limited capacity has essentially prevented law enforcement from jailing as many as they normally would, he said. Law enforcement has been releasing those who commit less severe crimes, such as fourth and fifth class felonies.

But he added that in the case where a person has committed a less serious crime but is believed by police to be a threat to the community, jailing the offender is still an option.

“Under certain circumstances we’ve been able to call the jail and say we’re making a recommendation because of the violence they were involved in and the possibility they were armed,” Strate said. “The jail has been very receptive to that and accepted those individuals.”

He emphasized that the changes have

not impacted the department’s ability to jail domestic violence suspects.

Businesses Where some questioned if there is any possibility of Arvada charting its own course in terms of reopening businesses, Deven said the city plans to follow the recommendations from its state and county partners.

Gov. Jared Polis announced April 20 that the stay-at-home order would expire April 27, with some retail stores and personal businesses opening with restrictions that week. However, as of April 22, he had not yet given a specific date for when bars and restaurants can resume dine-in services, which have been suspended since March 17.

“We will work very strongly with the business community to implement all orders associated with reopening” as they come about, Deven said.

Another resident’s question asked about the status of the city’s Emergency Small Business Loan Fund, a roughly $2.5 million fund created by the city, the Arvada Economic Development Association and the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority. Local small businesses affected by the pandemic could apply for up to a $10,000 loan, with applications opening April 13.

The city accepted applications for six days, with about 320 businesses applying and 256 businesses able to SEE FORUM, P7

Arvada Press 7

April 30, 2020

Mike Piper is sworn in as Arvada’s new fire chief Former deputy chief has been with the department almost three decades About 29 years ago, Mike Piper had just joined the Arvada Fire Protection District (AFPD) as a volunteer firefighter. He remembers sitting in an auditorium with 98 other volunteers, listening to a speech from two fire chiefs who had an inspiring message to give. In the history of the department, they said, there had been almost exactly 100 times as many volunteers as there had been fire chiefs.

“This chief had calculated that the probability of someone becoming chief of our department was one in 100,” Piper recalls. To the 99 volunteers, “he said: There’s a fire chief somewhere in here. In my heart, it

motivated me and it never left.”

The Arvada native has remained with the department for decades, simultaneously obtaining degrees in fire science technology and philosophy and now pursuing a master’s degree in public administration.

After former fire chief Jon Greer’s retirement in 2019, the district launched a nationwide search for a new chief and selected Piper, who was sworn in April 13.

Piper has about 29 years of experience as a member of the AFPD. He served eight years as a volunteer firefighter at AFPD while employed by the Fairmount Fire Protection District and South Metro Fire Rescue.

With the AFPD, he’s served as a captain, lieutenant, EMT and was deputy chief for 12 years. Piper was selected as interim chief in August leading up to his April appointment.

As chief, he hopes to lead the department as it builds on what it has been doing well and grows in innovative ways, he said.

“There are a lot of challenges we’re going to face in the future, and COVID is just one of them,” he said.

Piper also said the department will continue to look at strategies to combat the many health and safety threats firefighters face, with data showing that firefighters are at a greater risk for suicide, cancer and cardiovascular problems.

The issue is especially close to his heart after the 2017 loss of Arvada’s Lt. Jim Schaefer, he said.

“There is one common denominator that contributes to all of these problems, and that is sleep deprivation,” Piper said. “We’ve done some things to address that internally, but we also need to partner in research and train our firefighters (to practice) mindfulness, meditation, yoga — things that don’t necessarily meet the traditional image of the macho firefighter.”

Further, Piper said the department aims to keep doing everything it can to provide the best possible protection for the Arvada community.

“I feel a special commitment and responsibility to this community,” Piper said. “It’s a wonderful place and I’m humbled and honored beyond belief to be able to serve in a leadership capacity.”

FORUM

waitlist for businesses to receive funding after some of the loans begin to be repaid.

FROM PAGE 6

Road projects In response to questions about how street maintenance will be affected by COVID-19, Deven said there will be no changes to 2020 road projects.

Similarly, the 72nd Avenue and Ralston Road projects, funded by bond money through a 2018 voter-approved initiative, will move forward as planned.

Looking past 2020, Deven said some street maintenance projects may be altered but he does not expect major changes.

“Might we have to look at some changes in the future? The answer is yes,” Deven said. However, “we are putting in approximately $10 million a year into our infrastructure and we’re focused on continuing to do that not only in 2020 but into the future. We will have a priority on maintaining our infrastructure.”

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

receive loans, said community and economic development director Ryan Stachelski. The fund is now out of resources, with the city creating a

Mike Piper COURTESY OF ARVADA FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

C Mo #1 olora rtg Rev do ag ers ’s eB e rok er

Joining Forces to Help Save Lives

by Kathy Muni

T

he daily risks seniors are facing during this pandemic are extraordinary. Most of us sit back with a feeling of helplessness, wondering how we can keep our grandparents, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles, sisters and brothers safe in nursing homes or care centers and even more so for those struggling to live safely in their own homes.

That is why Silver Leaf Mortgage has partnered with the Forever Home Foundation to create a COVID-19 Community Outreach Program.

Utilizing Silver Leaf Mortgage’s Mobile Office Clean Room RV, we can get seniors the much-needed masks and gloves, cleaning and sanitation supplies, food and other essentials to keep living safely – BUT WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TODAY! The Forever Home Foundation’s extensive COVID-19 Community Outreach Program also supports those who serve our seniors such as Nursing homes, Care Centers, First Responders, and others by donating the same much-needed masks, other personal protective equipment (PPE), and cleaning and sanitation supplies to keep their residents, staff and facilities safe and clean.

You can help us save the lives of our most precious loved ones. Our goal is to help keep thousands of seniors safe and living their best lives. And, even if it’s only one senior that we save, it will all be worth the effort.

If you have the ability to support us, here are ways you can help today: • Monetary • Toiletries • Household • Non-perishable essential items food items • Cleaning supplies Donations are the main way you can support our mission.

To Make a Donation Visit: http://foreverhomefoundation.org/waysto-donate/ Or call the Forever Home Foundation at: (720) 458-4043 Let Silver Leaf Mortgage, Colorado’s #1 Reverse Mortgage Broker put a reverse mortgage in place while home values are high and interest rates are still near record lows. Because taking care of your financial health is just as important as your physical health right now. And the best part is, the proceeds from a reverse mortgage are tax-free money that may be used any way you choose.

Please give me a call today.

Kathy Muni, NMLS #1368981, is Senior Vice President and Reverse Mortgage Specialist at Silver Leaf Mortgage in Centennial.

Contact me at: (720) 458-4034, or you can email me at: KathyM@SilverLeafMortgage.com

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8 Arvada Press

April 30, 2020A

County financial picture not yet impacted by COVID-19 but challenges remain Jeffco’s reliance on property tax means impact could be felt in future years

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

While city officials in Golden, Wheat Ridge and other Jeffco cities are making plans to tighten their belts in response to major COVIDrelated hits to city revenues, Jeffco isn’t seeing a major impact from COVID-19 on county revenues So says county manager Don Davis, who explains the differing situations ultimately comes down to the fact that city revenues come from sales tax, which has been highly impacted by social distancing, while Jefferson County gets most of its revenue from property taxes.

“When you look at the county budget it depends on property taxes, which are based upon evaluations from the assessor, so it doesn’t have the same volatility of effect that sales tax does,” said Davis.

But the county’s reliance on property tax revenues also means it could see the economic damage of COVID-19 come to bear in two years—when properties are reassessed.

In Colorado, property taxes are paid based on the value of a prop-

erty as it is assessed on the last day of June in every even numbered year. Those valuation notices will be sent in May with residents then paying taxes calculated based on those assessed valuations for the next two years.

“That means if values go down because of COVID-19, that reduction of value will be reflected in the notices of value set in May 2021 and the taxes paid in 2022 and 2023,” said Jeffco Assessor Scot Kersgaard.

Assessor waives interest on property tax payments But while Davis said the county is not expecting to see a drop in property tax revenue, Jeffco Treasurer Jerry DiTullio said his office is waiving interest on late Davis property tax payments and allowing those payments to be broken up into multiple installments to help ease the burden on county property owners who have been facing property tax due dates just as they are facing job losses and DiTullio other financial challenges related to COVID-19.

The state allows property taxes to be paid in one payment due April 30 or in two payments, with the first due on March 2 and the second on

county employees have been workJune 15. However, the governor ening from home while about 1/3 have acted an executive order allowing to continued to work onsite. waive late interest and accept multiple payments. DiTullio has since Fairgrounds events canceled sent a letter to the governor asking One aspect of the county’s operahim to extend the order through at least June 20. tions that has been heavily impacted “Normally late interest is a hamby the pandemic situation is the mer to get people to pay their taxes county fairgrounds. All events schedon time in this case we are trying uled to be held at the fairgrounds to use the waiving of the interest have been canceled and organizers on the payment as a carrot to help have been given a refund. Davis said taxpayers make their payments,” being unable to host events at the DiTullio said. fairgrounds does “have an impact on DiTullio also said that while the the budget” but the county will have county will likely receive some late to wait and see how long the shutpayments as a result of that policy, down of events last to evaluate how he does not expect them to have an much of an impact that will. adverse impact on the county’s overDavis said he “doesn’t really see all finances. events taking place at the fairDavis said that while the county grounds anytime soon” as restrichas also faced some unexpected tions on large gatherings will costs relating to COVID-19, those likely remain in place even after costs will not be an issue for the the county’s stay-at-home order is county because the Federal governlifted. However, the inability to host ment is going to reimburse counties events at the fairgrounds during for such expenses. In Jeffco, those the pandemic will not have any expenses have included the cost to impact on the county’s preexisting the sheriff ’s office of reopening the plan to scale down operations at seventh floor of the jail to house the fairgrounds while maintaining inmates showing symptoms of COoperations supporting agricultural, VID-19 and the cost of PPE for first equine and youth activities but not responders. rental for private events in response But at the same time, the county to budget challenges that predate has also saved money in a variety of COVID-19. ways during the pandemic, includAlthough COVID-19 has not added ing from less usage of gas and office additional financial strain, Davis supplies from county employees now Towne 1065 N Ford.pdf working Olde at home.

Overall, 2/3 of1 4/16/20 12:18 PM SEE BUDGET, P9

ELECT

TED TERRANOVA “THE RIGHT PERSON AT THE RIGHT TIME” FOR

ARVADA FIRE PROTECTION BOARD-2020 Experience that Matters: Former • Arvada City Councilman • Arvada Planning Commissioner • Arvada Urban Renewal Authority Board Member • Arvada Variance Board Member • President of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce • President of AAARK Total Home Services • Arvada Fire Protection District Board 2008-2016 • President of the A.F.P.D. Board 2014-2016

For questions or comments- Ted can be reached at tedterranova@aaark.com or his cell phone at 303-877-6230.

Election Date May 5, 2020 • Polling Places: Apex Center 13150 W. 72nd Ave. or Apex Center 6842 Wadsworth Blvd.

Absentee Ballots may also be delivered to the polling places from 7:00AM to 7:00PM election day.

Endorsed by The Arvada Firefighters Union, Local #4056 PAID FOR BY TED TERRANOVA

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Arvada Press 9

April 30, 2020

Jeffco extending Stay-At-Home order through May 8 More businesses allowed to open on pick-up basis

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Jefferson County will continue to be under a Stay-At-Home order even after the statewide order expires on Saturday thanks to a countywide extension of the state’s order announced by Jefferson County Public Health on Friday morning.

The extension of the order, which will be in effect through May 8, will include most of the provisions of the statewide order. However, it also includes a new allowance for noncritical businesses to begin to offer curbside delivery of products with travel to pick-up these products now considered “necessary travel.”

“Our goal has always been to re-

BUDGET FROM PAGE 8

said the county is still anticipating needed to make budget cuts in 2021, although he said he is feeling optimistic that those cuts will not have to be extreme. However, he said it

duce the severity of this crisis with as short a disruption to people’s economic livelihoods as possible,” said JCPH Executive Director Dr. Mark B. Johnson in a press release about the extension of the order. “We hope this update to enable non-critical businesses to begin operating in this manner helps us start to get back on our feet.”

According to the release, county public health officials feel it is necessary to extend the order because Jefferson County, unlike many other areas of the state that have less population density, has not yet seen a decline in new daily COVID-19 cases.

The county’s release also states that the county “does not have sufficient testing capacity or data about community compliance and notes that “each of these benchmarks are key factors in the decision to phase toward reopening.”

Although the statewide Stay-at-

Home order is set to expire on Sunday, Gov. Jared Polis has directed local public health officials to implement data-informed strategies at the local level that best meet the needs of local communities. The decision to extend the order within Jefferson County was made after collaboration with public health officials across the Denver metro area, as well as with local business owners, community members and elected and appointed officials in Jefferson County.

According to the release, the brief extension will allow more time for JCPH to develop and implement strategies for how to safely reopen and how to communicate with the public about how to protect themselves from “a rapidly changing pandemic.” It will also allow the county to “ensure our strategies are equitable and reflect the needs of the community as a whole.”

“No two communities in Colorado are the same, and each community has different needs as we look to the next stages of response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Johnson said.

“We have to consider what impact opening too soon could have on those in our community and region, and take a phased, science-based approach to reopening.”

According to the county website, as of April 23 there are 809 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 330 more cases that are probable, suspected or under investigation.

The county has seen 59 deaths and 257 hospitalizations. As of April 23, there 10,878 cases of COVID-19 in Colorado.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock has also announced he is extending the Stay-At-Home order within the city of Denver through May 8.

The full extended order can be viewed at jeffco.us.

will probably be a month before the county has the 2019 revenue numbers it will use to set its 2021 budget.

Davis also said that while the county expects property tax revenues to remain stable this year, many in the county are and will continue to experience economic hardship as a result of the crisis.

“There is no doubt that there will

be businesses that will shutter and things that will change,” said Davis.

“I think it is going to be really hard for those businesses that are people businesses. How do we maintain six feet of social distancing and go to a restaurant or brewpub?”

However, Davis also said he feels the county’s diversified economy has put it in a better position than com-

munities that are more reliant on a few industries and said he is confident the county and its economy will make it through the crisis.

“Throughout our history we’ve adapted and every time we’ve gone through something like this we’ve come out the other side,” said Davis.

“Maybe a little beat up and bruised but we come out stronger.”

10 Arvada Press

FROM THE EDITOR

Mark Harden

LOCAL

April 30, 2020A

VOICES

S

A hearty hello from the new guy

ince you’re reading this, I don’t need to tell you what an important role this newspaper plays in keeping our communities informed.

That’s why I couldn’t be prouder to be stepping in as editor of Colorado Community Media.

This locally owned family of 18 weekly newspapers and websites (including this one), plus two monthly Denver neighborhood publications, serves Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Elbert and Jefferson counties.

CCM’s dedicated news team includes some of the most talented journalists working in Colorado today, watchdogging local governments and school districts, spotlighting businesses and community groups, and portraying the

character and color of life in our cities and towns.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, CCM newspapers have performed a crucial service in keeping readers abreast of its impact in the communities they serve and how this global catastrophe affects lives, families, schools and businesses, proving the value of locally focused reporting. Like many of our readers, CCM reporters and editors have been working from home during the crisis, in some cases covering their beats while looking after their kids. I salute their commitment to telling these crucial stories under trying circumstances.

CCM journalists also compellingly conveyed the pain and anguish of the STEM School Highlands Ranch shooting last May, delivering

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Allport for re-election I am supporting Tim Allport for re-election to the Arvada Fire Board.

Tim has a diverse professional background, is a member of numerous boards, and is active in our Community. Tim is a State and Nationally Certified Addiction Counselor with extensive experience in government and the private sector. His training in School Security and Labor Management Relations also brings important experience to the board.

Join me in voting for Tim Allport, for the Arvada Fire Protection District.

Sara Gagliardi, Arvada McGoff for fire board I am writing to very enthusiastically endorse Mark McGoff for the Arvada Fire Protection District. I have known Mark very well for 25 or more years as not only a wonderful friend but as a person who simply always gets involved. Mark has served on a variety of boards, commissions and recently as an 8 year member of the Arvada City Council. The crossover that has existed between Arvada and the Arvada Fire Protection District on many mutual interests will be highly served because of Mark’s long record of service. I urge my fellow Arvada’s to vote for Mark McGoff to the Arvada Fire Protection District.

Bill Wehner, Arvada Celebrate Earth Day with single hauler Last week we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Arvada

A publication of

Call first: 14143 Denver West Pkwy., Suite 100, Golden 80401, 303-566-4100 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: ArvadaPress.com To subscribe call 303-566-4100

has a great opportunity now to make a big difference for the planet and our community by changing our waste hauling to be more efficient and more sustainable.

Recycling is one of the fastest and most cost effective actions our community can take today to address climate change. For every one ton of materials we recycle, we save three tons of carbon emissions. Recycling also conserves natural resources and protects our land, water and air.

Yet, Arvada has one of the lowest recycling rates in the Front Range, only recycling 13% of its waste (the national average is 34%). Why? Because we have an inefficient system where non-HOA homes have to find their own hauler, and this inefficiency raises costs for all, including the cost to recycle. Many residents chose not to participate due to the cost.

Changing our system to an organized waste system would reduce the cost for most residents. With one hauler servicing the city, residents would pay between $11.50 and $19.90 a month (depending on the size of trash can) for BOTH trash and recycling. That is a great deal, given that most residents are now paying between $20 and $30 per month. This new system would provide recycling to every home. That will greatly increase our recycling efforts!

This is the biggest step our city can take now to have a positive impact on the environment. What better way to celebrate Earth Day. Randy Moorman, Arvada

award-winning coverage of this close-to-home tragedy. And in 2018, our staff teamed up to present “Time to Talk,” a powerful series probing the challenges of mental health and how to spur discussion of the issue into everyday life.

Through it all, CCM has stayed true to its main goal: Keep it local. We are inundated with news and commentary about national and international developments, and the city of Denver is the focus of much coverage by its daily newspaper, TV stations and online outlets. Where CCM fills a vital role is in keeping the spotlight on the many distinctive metro-Denver communities where hundreds of thousands of people live, work and

Three things about this pandemic

W

SEE LETTERS, P12

SEE HARDEN, P11

hen this whole thing started, I hypothesized that three things were going to come out of an extended period of quarantine: 1. Many new babies HITTING 2. Many new divorces HOME 3. Unfortunately, an uptick in the rate of suicide It’s too early for data regarding #1.

And, actually, given the timeframe of six weeks and the fact that nobody is really allowed to go do maintenance appointments Michael Alcorn with their doctors yet, I suppose we won’t know the accuracy of this guess until December or January. Or February. Possibly March.

But certainly no later than next June.

Unless it’s sometime in 2024.

As to the second guess, again, it’s too early. But if the Hubei province of China, where Wuhan is located, is any indication, divorce lawyers are going to be very busy next year. Some cities report a 25% increase in divorce filings by late March; one city clerk processed a record number of divorce filings a few days after the lockdown was lifted.

It doesn’t take a lot of extrapolation to imagine that the same could easily be true in America when we’re all let out of our caves.

As to the last thing, I really, sincerely hope that I’m wrong. But I won’t be.

Experts cite among the leading causes of suicide isolation, loneliness, and the

lack of a support system. Can’t meet in groups, can’t gather for a meal with a friend, can’t go to soccer practice or church. Check, check and check. Los Angeles County has already reported an increase in traffic on their suicide hotlines, and professionals in other large cities are preparing for it. Yes, bullying at school contributes to suicide; but so does (and even moreso) abuse at home.

Add to that 22 million people who have lost their jobs in the last month, and, well, it’s not a pretty picture.

There are many lessons to be drawn from all of this, and none of them are political. But first, a warning: I am now about to give relationship advice. My buddy Jay and I, when we were writing a book together, promised that we would never give relationship advice. Between us, we are still less qualified to give relationship advice than any one fourth grader you might run into on the street.

So, that said, here is lesson number one: Kids — and especially girls raised on Disney movies — stop looking for Prince Charming. The primary characteristics of the “Prince or Princess Charming” type are: good-looking, fascinating conversationalists, and, apparently, able to break into song with woodland creatures (you may substitute in your own characteristic as you want). But, as the wickedly funny Stephen Sondheim wrote in “Into the Woods,” Prince Charming was raised to be charming, not sincere. Prince/ess Charming does not survive quarantine with you. God forbid we have to ever do this again, or, do this forever, you’re

JERRY HEALEY President

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MARK HARDEN Editor

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Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Press. We welcome letters to the editor. Please Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

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Email letters to gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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SEE ALCORN, P11 Arvada press A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Arvada Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 14143 Denver West Pkwy., Suite 100, Golden 80401.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Arvada Press, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Arvada Press 11

April 30, 2020

H

Don’t fall victim to coronavirus scams

ave you received your stimulus check yet? Has your small business loan been processed?

Have you heard anything about your unemployment ALCHEMY benefits?

No? Well, I am here to help … just send me your Social Security Number, your birthdate, your current address (with ZIP code), and, oh yes, your bank account and routing numbers. If you’re Andrea Doray reading this on your phone, just “click here” and you will immediately be taken care of.

STOP! Don’t do this … don’t ever do this. Don’t send anything like this to me or to anyone else. It’s 99.9 percent sure to be a scam. Bad actors abound in this age of coronavirus and there is no depth to which they won’t fall to take advantage of good people like you

and me, As AARP notes, “Fraudsters follow the headlines.” As of just last Thursday, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) had received more than 25,400 consumer complaints related to the outbreak, including nearly 14,000 fraud complaints. Victims have reported losing $19.3 million, with a median loss of $556.

That’s why the scenario above is not at all far-fetched. Scammers use emails and texts to “phish” for your personal and financial information while promising assistance if you do. Others threaten legal or financial consequences, or they may claim to be from your Internet provider or credit card company offering to “help” you fix a problem with your account.

These phishing attempts are now often linked to coronavirus fear and confusion about when and how help will arrive. You may also be swamped with offers for miracle cures … just enter your account number and CCV on the back of the card.

HARDEN

meeting many of you in the days to come. For those of you in the west and north metro areas, our regional editors Glenn Wallace and Scott Taylor are still on the job, overseeing our papers there, so please stay in contact with them. Glenn also serves as CCM’s lead online editor.

Thank you for reading us, supporting us, subscribing to us and advertising with us. In an era when news organizations big and small face extraordinary challenges that threaten their ability to bring you the truth — challenges greatly aggravated by the health crisis our world is now going through and its economic impact — we need the support of people like you more than ever. News is not cheap, and our ability to keep bringing it to you depends on community support.

So allow me to say hello, and to wish you, your family and your friends good health. I’m looking forward to working with our stellar team to bring you the news and information you need in the days ahead.

FROM PAGE 10

go to school, telling stories in ways that no one else does.

I come to this position after years as an editor and reporter at The Denver Post, Denver Business Journal and Colorado Politics magazine. I’m a 27-year resident of metro Denver who’s lived in Centennial since 1998, sending two kids through Cherry Creek schools. And I was reared in community journalism; when I was a boy I would hang out after school at the twice-weekly South San Francisco Enterprise-Journal, where my mother, Ellen Harden, was a proofreader.

I’m grateful to CCM owners Jerry and Ann Healey for entrusting me with this position. And I want to give a shout-out to my predecessor, Chris Rotar, who has led this staff with exceptional skill and passion for many years and has been patiently helping me get up to speed at CCM. He will be a tough act to follow, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.

I look forward to hearing from and

ALCORN FROM PAGE 10

going to want to be locked up with your best friend. Somebody you can laugh with, kid around with, have common interests and — oh, and by the way, even that person is going to get on your nerves. Charm and song are going to make you want to throw heavy cookwear at somebody’s head.

You want to be part of hypothesis #1?

Look for your best friend. Hypothesis #2? Charming.

The other lesson is this: just because we have a name for this thing that we’re all afraid of right now, doesn’t mean that it is the only thing that defines

Mark Harden can be reached at mharden@coloradocommunitymedia.com and on Twitter at @MarkHardenCCM.

Don’t – just don’t – respond. Even if you believe you know the sender and even if you think the message is legitimate, don’t respond. Hang up, close out the link, delete the text – whatever form this communication takes, get rid of it and contact the sender in a different way. Email the organization if you receive a text, or call if you receive an email, for example, to verify that they’ve sent you something. Most times, they have. But better to be safe than really, really sorry.

Scammers easily “spoof ” websites, names, and phone numbers – that is, they look like something or someone you are familiar with – to lure you into giving them your information with official-looking and -sounding communication. Banks and credit card sites are often spoofed, as well as cable, Internet, and wireless providers, and even sites such as Google and Facebook.

The best defense, again, is never to click or follow a link. Go directly to

the site through your own browser and don’t rely on autofill … type in the address yourself. When robocalls get into the act as they try to trick you into answering questions or divulging personal and financial information, just hang up and, for extra peace of mind, block the numbers.

Scammers are not new, and the sophistication of their tools is increasing exponentially. Although we always need to be aware of such fraud, the urgency and uncertainty of current times can cause us to let down our guards and become unwitting victims.

Please, my friends, pay attention, wash your hands, and stay well and safe, in all regards.

Andrea Doray is a writer who recommends you type in the addresses for sites such as www.coronavirus.gov and www. cdc.gov to get the latest on COVID-19 relief and the coronavirus. Contact Andrea at a.doray@andreadoray.com.

OBITUARIES GUINN

Marianne Guinn

10/18/1930 – 4/16/2020 Marianne was born in Minneapolis, MN, the only daughter of Mildred and Richard Gerberding. Growing up with six brothers, Marianne became a strong woman early on!

The Lutheran church was an important part of growing up as Marianne’s father was a Lutheran minister and bishop. Marianne attended Thiel College, a Lutheran school, in Greenville, PA , where she graduated with a degree in English, and met Tom Guinn. They were married on December 28, 1951, while Marianne was a senior. She finished her degree while Tom went off to seminary in Minneapolis. After reuniting in Minneapolis, the first of Marianne’s four children, Andrea, was born in 1953. Marianne and Tom moved to Pleasant Hills, PA, and Blaine, MN, where Pastor Tom served

Lutheran congregations.

Two sons, Rick and David, were born in PA and a second daughter, Beth, was born in MN. After moving to Arvada Colorado in 1964, Marianne obtained her teaching certificate from the University of Colorado.

She was the director of the North Area Jefferson County Parent Education / Pre-School program for nearly 20 years. When she retired, she kept busy with volunteering and family activities. She loved being around her children and grandchildren.

Tom, her husband of 68 years, preceded her in death three months ago.

Marianne is survived by her children, Andrea (Bob) Mooney, Rick (Angela) Guinn, Dave (Kim) Guinn, and Beth (Steve) Knutson-Gustafson, 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Full obituary at Horan & McConaty.

“at-risk.” In reality, the overall death rate in America is slightly down so far this year from last year, but unless we can get our support systems and job markets and tribes fired up again, that’s not going to remain true for long. I’m not saying throw the whole thing open and go get ‘em; I’m saying it’s time for a few smart people to be looking ahead to what’s next.

Before there’s less and less to look ahead to.

In Loving Memory

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.

Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

Private 303-566-4100

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

12 Arvada Press

LETTERS FROM PAGE 10

Borgen Project can help It can be easy to be pessimistic about the state that our world and society is in on a normal day but this sentiment can especially be felt right now as we face a pandemic with COVID-19. The good news is that many organizations all over the nation are still working hard to make the world a better place, and The Borgen Project is just one example. The Borgen Project a nonprofit organization that seeks to reduce poverty by making it a focus of United States foreign policy. The organization focuses on high impact and systematicchange by contacting and meeting with congressional leaders to ask them to cosponsor poverty-reducing legislation. In the 17 years that the organization has been operating it has helped several poverty-reducing legislation be passed. Action that can be taken by us all is to urge congressional leaders to support the Global Health Security Act, which would increase the U.S. government’s efforts to support epidemic and pandemic preparedness and prevent threats of infectious disease outbreaks.

With this being said I urge Senator Michael Bennet, Senator Cory Gardner, and Representative Ed Pearlmutter to support the Global Health Security Act. Lastly, if you are wanting to contribute your time by volunteering with The Borgen Project, remote volunteer positions are also open.

Melia Reyther-Espinoza Lakewood Why not more furloughs?

Hopefully by the time your paper is printed, our elected officials who run special districts, local municipalities, Jefferson County and the state of Colorado will have followed the lead of Boulder. Last week Boulder announced it would furlough more than 730 employees; Aurora said it will leave 500 employees without pay: and Broomfield is doing the same with 230.

Gov. Polis unilaterally put thousands of hard-working Coloradans out of work. Yet he had not furloughed nonessential state employees. Why? Perhaps with some exceptions, there is no reason most Jeffco library or Apex Rec District employees should be receiving full pay and benefits while at home. Hundreds of city and county employees should be furloughed as well.

April 30, 2020A

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep in mind the following rules: • Submit your letter in a Word document or in the body of an email. No PDFs, please.

• Letters must be limited to 250 words.

• Do not use all caps, italics or bold text.

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• Include a source and a link to it for any information that is not common knowledge.

We will not publish information that cannot easily be verified.

• If you quote a person, we must be able to easily verify it. That means the quote must have been published, stated during a public Better yet, government could begin easing restrictions to allow businesses that practice social distancing to reopen! When private companies’ employees get back to work, the government could recall its non-essential employees. Let’s do it when it’s safe, but until then, let’s have equity between government and non-government employees.

Mark Salley, Arvada Don’t politicize pandemic’s name Michael Alcorn’s April 16 column on the COVID-19 pandemic highlights the good deeds of people and businesses around the country who are responding in a positive way to the ongoing crisis.

The piece highlights our “best selves” and promotes a sense of solidarity, that we’re all in this together. He undercuts his message, however, by using the politicized term “Wuhan” virus.Using inflammatory language leads to unintended consequences. One example, American citizens of Asian descent who are no more culpable for this crisis than you or I are being targeted physically, verbally, and economically as scapegoats by people angry and frustrated with the prolonged shutdown and loss of life. The disease responsible for this pandemic is COVID-19 according to the CDC. The name identifies a specific virus that does not respect national or political boundaries. This outbreak came from China. The next may come from Tokyo or London or Denver. Should we then call it the “Denver” virus? If we truly want to be our “best selves,” let’s leave politics out of it.

John Helfrich, Lakewood A virus by any other name I refute letters like Tracy Abell’s

meeting or found on video.

• Submit ideas and opinions that are yours — and in your words. We do not publish letters as part of a letter-writing campaign.

• Letters may be edited for clarity, grammar, punctuation and length.

• Letters will not be published from the same writer on consecutive weeks.

• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Friday for it to appear in the following week’s newspaper.

• Include your full name, address and phone number. We publish only your name and city or town of residence • Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com and Mary McWilliams’ about Michael Alcorn’s language and use of “Wuhan Virus” as “politically incorrect.” Even Bill Maher’s “Real Time” Show thinks this is wrong as he stated at the end of a recent episode, and he hates Trump.

It’s always been “Political Correct” to name a virus after its point of origin as these diseases have generally killed great numbers of people worldwide no matter its origins.There are too many examples of this to list them here.

Political correctness here is being used as an attack on First Amendment rights. Many in the media want to take away our rights to even protest Wuhan Virus shutdowns.

No political system has ever been proven to be totally correct or for everyone. Being political correct is one sided thinking and discrimination like homophobia, racism, sexism and the like. It’s just another labeling system like these other terms and used to denigrate and demean others. Political correctness is now more representative of “Political Corruption” or “Political Criminality.” Many Federal, State and Local Politicians and the media are using this Pandemic to steal more from every American than since this country’s constitutional founding.

Today many Americans want nothing more for our free American society but totalitarian controls and our governments paying for all we do.The problem already found with this system is it’s unsustainable. The only way governments work is by respecting all citizens, their efforts and economic inputs.

Gary Scofield, Arvada Thanks for calling it such This is thank-you letter for continuing use of “Wuhan” in naming of

panic-virus. Not everyone in beautiful Jefferson County believes being politically correct is a virtue. Also, more than one billion souls live under oppression by an extremely politically correct regime-tyranny in China, an eighth of all the human beings alive on Earth. Most do not believe being politically correct is a virtue either. Political correctness is a vice that kills the soul.

Keep writing for souls like me.

Ten-Thousand Thank You’s.

Xiào Lóng N , Arvada

Pandemic police state?

Has Jeffco’s government taken on the mantle of a totalitarian police state?

How many readers know that, by State Law, County Commissioners have no executive power over decisions being made by their so-called Health Departments?

Of what was our Legislature thinking, when it ceded such enormous power to unelected bodies?

Should not the Jeffco Commission’s independently issued Diktat extending its shutdowns/lockdowns into May, with additional provisos encouraging residents to ‘rat’ on their neighbors for purported or even imagined violations, give chill to even the most naive?

How many more shuttered businesses will die because of it?

Will our Commissioners direct our Sheriff to go after such targeted victims, or to ignore such ill-mannered and petty accusations?

Do countywide COVID related deaths of less than a statistically insignificant 1/day (61 this year out of ~450,000 residents) justify this overreach, or are those self designated ‘experts’ relying on yet another discredited ‘model’?

Why was this action required at all, as Gov. Polis announced just last Monday, that statewide restrictions would be eased in some areas starting on the 27th?

Can the Department’s so-called newfound largess, allow my dentist to offer curbside service, ... or my barber?

Isn’t this seeming flexing of power reminiscent of KGB actions in the old Soviet Union, or the present day dictatorial control measures exhibited in Cuba and China?

Where are the voices of our County Commissioners when we need their protections?

Russell W Haas, Golden

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Arvada Press 13

April 30, 2020

Child care enrollment takes hard hit Some centers still open, others suspend operations during response to virus

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

“Sanitizing like crazy” is just a part of life at child care centers, said Pam Kenney, director of Thomas Learning Centers. But in the wake of COVID-19’s arrival, the past weeks have seen Denver area daycares take a variety of extra precautions to make sure their kids go home germ-free.

At Denver Child Care Center, teachers are working to help younger children stay spaced out even when they don’t understand social distancing.

At Thomas Learning Centers, which has locations in Westminster and Lakewood, students are avoiding sharing toys, such as by using their own labeled bags of Play-Doh each day.

At both centers, ritual sanitizings of surfaces and toys have turned into multiple rounds of disinfecting, and every child goes through a quick wellness check before entering the classroom.

The Denver, Westminster and Lakewood centers are part of the state’s Emergency Child Care Collaborative, which the state government launched March 23 to allow some child care facilities to stay open amid stay-at-home orders. Many other daycares in the area are also part of the initiative, which aims to provide daycare for essential workers, including those who work essential jobs from home and those who are continuing to work in person. The collaborative also covers the full cost of child care tuition for these families.

For Alexis Archuleta, an essential worker with Denver Human Services who has two sons attending Denver Child Care Center, “I wasn’t sure I’d be able to work from home if the center didn’t stay open,” she said.

“This really is the only feasible option. I couldn’t really have my boys around while I’m talking to the people I’m assisting,” she said. “The center is so open in helping people that need it. I appreciate they’re taking precautions and that my kids are safe.”

For some child care facilities, the

KidsTown Parker had no children in attendance in early April when it temporarily closed because of low enrollment stemming from the COVID-19 spread and stay-at-home orders. KidsTown locations reopened April 27 with limited capacity.

COURTESY OF KIDSTOWN

FIND CARE Essential workers in need of child care can get a referral to a center in the state’s Emergency Child Care Collaborative by going online to covidchildcarecolorado.com. ability to continue doing business has offered hope that the centers can weather the storm during a time when more parents are staying home with their kids than ever, reducing a widespread need for child care.

But the measure hasn’t been able to eliminate all of the centers’ challenges. Even with some new referrals coming in to Denver Child Care Center and some regulars continuing to attend each day, enrollment has dropped significantly, said Rich Silvas, executive of operations. In turn, the daycare has had to cut staff members’ hours by about 50%, he said.

“Our staff is our family. We’re always worried about each other and it is difficult to say we’ve cut half of your work schedule, because that’s half of your income,” he said. “It’s hardship for everybody.”

At her centers, Kenney has also seen a drop in attendance due to the pandemic. On April 3, just four children were in attendance and the daycare has also cut staff hours, employing just one teacher a day instead of two.

However, the center is also committed to staying open for those who don’t have other options.

“We’re just trying to help our existing families, who are very appreciative,” Kenney said, “and trying to be part of the community.”

Other centers have been forced to close, not because they aren’t authorized to stay open, but because they don’t have the enrollment to make the money necessary to stay open. That was the case for KidsTown Drop-In Child Care, which has locations in Highlands Ranch, Parker and the Smoky Hill area.

A fourth KidsTown location, in Castle Rock, closed at the end of March because of the financial loss it has incurred from the coronavirus.

Regional director Hollie Wilson said because families are typically referred to full-time centers before part-time

centers like KidsTown, the daycare’s enrollment dropped by about 99% with the spread of the coronavirus, forcing the centers to close.

KidsTown locations reopened on April 27 with limited capacity.

Wilson said, during the closure the company had to work with local banks to maintain a line of credit to keep the business from going under.

In the meantime, the centers haven’t lost touch with the families they served on a daily basis, Wilson said.

“We’ve been in contact with our regulars to ask if there’s anything they need and we’re going to be sharing books, crafts and sensory activities on Facebook,” she said.

Wilson said the business would continue online learning support to parents even after the centers open again.

Back in Denver, Silvas is likewise looking forward to the pandemic coming to an end and business returning to normal.

“We know we are going to fill up right away when this is over,” he said.

“And the big question is, how long is this going to last?”

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14 Arvada Press

LOCAL

April 30, 2020A

LIFE

Help protect historic structures from the couch

F

in what began as an experiment to try to adapt and stay connected to the museum’s audience during the closure.

“It’s actually been a little freeing for us because we are trying to just rapidly come up with stuff instead of taking weeks or months to plan something,” Richie said. “So far the stuff we have been doing has kind of had a grittier feel than some of the more produced stuff we are used to doing,” It’s an approach that seems to be finding an audience, as Richie said the museum has seen “an eight- or nine-fold increase” in its web and social media traffic. The director said he has also been excited to see people tune into the programs not just from Golden but around the world.

“The museum has a number of members that lived in Golden and moved away but still want to stay connected, or maybe their family members were pioneers in Golden but they’ve never been here, and now they are able to participate

or the last decade, HistoriCorps — founded in Denver and now based in Morrison — has been striving to protect the historic buildings that keep the stories of our country alive from disrepair, demolition and replacement. Buildings that the organization have worked on range from fire towers and mining complexes to a slave dwellings and ranches.

“The preservation of buildings is extremely important, especially since America has a hard relationship with preserving them,” said Tegan GudCOMING funds and ATTRACTIONS mundson, relationship manager with HistoriCorps. “We’ve torn down a lot of great structures, and when they’re taken down, they can’t put it back.”

Throughout the year HistoriCorps relies on volunteers Clarke Reader to help with projects all over the country (though the majority of their projects are in different places in Colorado) in week-long shifts.

During the summer volunteer groups are often made up of students on break from school, but retirees and adults passionate about the environment and history also regularly donate their time.

But with all the precautions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the bulk of this year’s projects have been cancelled or postponed, which is putting the organization’s future in danger. In an effort to raise funds, HistoriCorps released a new documentary to Vimeo that shares the organization’s story. The hour-long documentary is directed by Joseph Daniel and narrated by Peter Coyote (whose voice is very recognizable from his work with Ken Burns).

“The film follows us through some of our more adventurous projects during a season,” Gudmundson said. “It explains why we do the work we do, and why its important. It’s really a beautiful movie, and made me want to join the organization when I first saw it.”

HistoriCorps works closely with organizations like the USDA Forest Service, Preservation50 and The Rocky Mountain Land Library, but like so many organizations, will need extra help during this shut down.

“We’re here to help save America’s places and history,” Gudmundson said.

“When we protect these structures, we’re protecting the land as well, because the structures maintain the land’s stories.”

SEE ARTS, P15

SEE READER, P15

Megan Murphy holds a chicken during a “Meet the Chickens” event as part of the Jefferson County Library District’s online offerings.

COURTESY PHOTO

Some institutions say digital approach could become lasting element

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

own Hall Arts Center in Littleton was just about to start its spring kids’ classes when the arrival of COVID-19 changed everything.

“Once that all came apart, I, like everybody else, sort of sat back and said: ‘What do we do?’” said Robert Michael Sanders, the education manager at the arts center.

But as the situation came into clearer focus, Sanders realized the center had an opportunity to do something good to help preserve a sense of normalcy for kids and the parents who are struggling to keep them entertained and engaged.

“What we did is we sort of created a pile of classes and decided we could put them together online and just put it out there for people,’” Sanders said. “And we decided that the best thing we could do for the kids stuck at home is just offer something (free of charge) and not add a financial hit to the parents who may or may not be working.”

Sanders said the arts center is offering 10 classes that take place on weekdays between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. to mimic a traditional afterschool program. About 90 kids are currently enrolled.

WHERE TO FIND FREE VIRTUAL PROGRAMS AND CONTENT • Denver Museum of Nature & Science Visit dmns.org and click on the DMNS@Home tab • Golden History Museum and Park Visit goldenhistory.org. The list of weekly programs comes out on Sunday.

• Jefferson County Libraries Visit Jeffcolibrary.org.

• Town Hall Arts Center Virtual spring classes are currently in-session. Information about summer class offerings, which will likely be paid, will be posted at townhallartscenter.org.

“The response has actually been pretty overwhelming,” Sanders said.

It’s a new way of teaching for Sanders and his team and a new way of learning for the students, but one that has become increasingly commonplace in recent weeks as museums, libraries and other cultural institutions and organizations have responded to the closure of their physical facilities by pivoting to offering content and experiences virtually.

‘Meet the Chickens’ and more On the website of the Golden History Museum and Park, the virtual offerings, which are updated weekly, have ranged from lectures about history and museum artifacts to a “meet the chickens” program offering a behind-the-scenes look at the park’s chickens. Then there is a new recurring feature in which Nathan Richie, the museum’s director, demonstrates how to make a historical recipe in his kitchen with the help of his two kids.

Now, the museum is seeing value

Arvada Press 15

April 30, 2020

ARTS

VOTING EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2020

FROM PAGE 14

in the museum in ways that they’ve never been able to before,” said Richie.

Richie said the museum is making plans to continue with some online programming — although likely at a reduced frequency — even after the museum reopens.

Museums as large as the Denver Museum of Nature & Science are salso experimenting with homemade content and offerings—and seeing success doing so.

Tina Martinez, the director of programs and partnerships at the DMNS, said the museum is now seeing “thousands of people” tune into the programs it is posting on the DMNS@Home section of its website.

Martinez said she received plenty of feedback by people who have been amazed by the ability of museum staff to offer “museum-quality” programming online.

“We did one program where we used some of our planetarium technology and we were able to put that online and take people through all through the universe just as we would in the planetarium, but we were doing that through a Zoom platform,” said Martinez.

Few Denver-area institutions can match the programming capacity of the Jefferson County Public Library system, which puts on “thousands of programs” each year, according to Assistant Director of Community Engagement Deirdre Keating. But with the system’s 10 library branches closed until further notice, Keat. ing said the system is now focusing on “trying to meet people where they kare at, and right now that’s in their homes online.”

On April 13, the library began post-

READER FROM PAGE 14

s The film is $10 to rent, and can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/ondemand/savingplaces. For more information on HistoriCorps and to donate, visit www.historicorps.org.

Get a jump start on giving this Tuesday Giving Tuesday is an annual opportunity for people to support charities and organizations doing good in the world. But thanks to the unprecedented challenges created by COVID-19, supporters are getting an early change to help.

According to provided informay tion, #GivingTuesdayNow is “a new global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5 — in addition to the regularly scheduled Dec 1 #GivingTuesday — as an emergency response.” Many organizations will be participating in a variety of ways and not only will financial assistance be accepted, but people can also donate supplies to health care workers and more.

Visit https://now.givingtuesday.org

2020 Briana Francis, a kids and family librarian at Jefferson County Library District, during her recording of a virtual storytime.

COURTESY PHOTOS ing a variety of virtual story time videos online (one aimed at babies and toddlers has received several hundred views) and it’s also posting a variety of other offerings aimed at kids and adults to the virtual programs section of its website.

“Its’s very much been about figuring out how to do things in an entirely different format,” said Keating. “And it’s amazing to me because these are librarians in their home, with my staff holding their hands and showing them how to videotape themselves and get some good audio, and then our graphic design team editing those videos and fixing the sound and getting them ready.”

to see how you can help.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week - Tedeschi Trucks Band on Swamp Family TV The band formed by husband and wife duo Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks is one of the great touring standard bearers of the kind of soul-drenched, rambling rock that The Allman Brothers brought to fans all over the country. It makes sense — Trucks is the nephew of Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks, and was a member of the band since 1999.

The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s annual stops at Red Rocks are reliably some of the best performances the stage hosts every summer, but area huge draw for lovers of just plain great music. And every Thursday at 6 p.m. they’re bringing some of their favorite performances online for free to satiate fans.

Visit the group’s Facebook page or www.youtube.com/TTBFromTheRoad for the shows.

Streaming style - ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ Who could’ve predicted when “The Office” first made a cultural splash, that its mockumentary style of storytelling

BEST OF THE

BEST Karen Walker, a kids and family librarian at the Jefferson County Library District, inside the virtual studio she has created inside her home for presenting virtual programs, such as storytime.

would carry on to such an extent that one of the best current examples of its style is about vampires? Foreseen or not, FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows” is one of the funniest and most delightful shows on television.

The show follows four vampires who live together in a house on New York’s Staten Island — Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), her husband Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch, all of whom are served by Nandor’s familiar, Guillermo (Harvey Guillén). Special note must be made of Berry — if you’ve seen him in any of his British shows, particularly “The IT Crowd,” you know that velvety, sonorous voice of his can be mined for limitless laughs.

Seeing as most of us are spending the bulk of our time inside, a show about characters who can only leave their home when its dark hits on a whole different level. But its still screamingly funny. The first season is available on-demand and on Hulu and the second season is currently airing on Wednesdays on FX. Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

VOTING EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 2020

VOTE ONLINE NOW! VOTING EXTENDED TO APRIL 30, 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

April 30, 2020A

Jeffco Public Schools recognized for music programming, access The D’Evelyn High marching band competes at the state championships in 2019.

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In choir director Chris Maunu’s experience, few places lend themselves to discussion about social issues quite as well as the music room does.

While some may picture a choir classroom as a place to simply learn songs and scales, “we have used the music platform to address vulnerable societal topics such as teen bullying and suicide, school violence, and the world refugee crisis,” said Maunu, who works at Arvada West High School.

“What has been particularly enlightening about some of these projects is watching the students interact with one another,” Maunu said. “Because of the safe atmosphere of the choir classroom, and because they experienced the bond of music first, they were able to disagree while still honoring and respecting one another.

That is not typical in the world.”

The choirs Maunu directs have translated this understanding into moving shows, from the 2019 performance of a student’s poem about the issue of gun violence in schools, to an April 2020 digital performance sharing a message of hope with their neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The lessons learned in the music classroom far surpass music,” Maunu said.

And across Jeffco Public Schools,

COURTESY OF D’EVELYN HIGH SCHOOL

district leaders and teachers have long held that same belief, prompting an academic and financial focus on music that has led to national recognition this year.

In April, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation selected the Jeffco school district as a Best Community for Music Education in 2020. Out of more than 700 awarded districts, only three Colorado districts including Jeffco received the 2020 award, which recognizes communities that provide exceptional music programming and access for students.

The award not only shines a light on Jeffco’s work but could encourage new partnerships, allowing for even more programming in district schools down the road, said the district’s music coordinator, Amy Woodley.

As for why the district has been able to provide such programming, one factor is the school board and community’s effort to put resources toward the arts, she said.

“Every (district’s) funding is different and their needs are different. We’ve been able to maintain a minimum funding for many years,” Woodley said. “It’s something that’s always a priority.”

Opportunities in the arts The district is home to numerous secondary schools that have sent students to competitions, conferences and festivals, including Evergreen, Dakota Ridge, Lakewood, Chatfield, Arvada West, Bear Creek, Ralston Valley and D’Evelyn high schools.

Some schools have also placed in championships or earned recognition in their competitions. The marching band at D’Evelyn High School in Lakewood, for instance, has won eight state championships — a product of students rehearsing three days a week after school, for two weeks during the summer and almost every Saturday in August, September and October, said instrumental music director Becky Paschke.

Many Jeffco schools also allow stu-

dents to take on leadership roles as members of the Tri-M Music Honor Society, which has been in Jeffco schools for about 20 years, Woodley said.

Each school’s successes start with a foundation in music. All Jeffco elementary students take a music class every year, which isn’t the case in all districts, Woodley said.

At the Manning School of Academics and Arts in Golden, that foundation has proven to carry into students’ middle school years, where more than 400 of the school’s 675 students take choir, orchestra, band or guitar classes, said principal Jeena Templeton.

Like Maunu, Templeton believes that music classes provide more than just a chance to refine musical talent.

“They grow as people,” she said.

“They find their voices, their passions and themselves as an essential part of an ensemble.”

The school also offers a music technology class, allowing students to practice composing and songwriting, said music instructor Derek Miller.

“We examine the modern music industry, possible careers in music, and discuss the ways that music enriches our lives,” he said. “These lessons help Manning students to see themselves as creative, confident individuals with something to say and a community that listens.”

Additionally, students in district SEE MUSIC, P18

Got a taste of remote learning and liked it?

When you get your invitation to take the 2020 census, make sure you’re counted.

Did you know funding for the community programs you care about is based on census numbers? Make sure you and your community are counted by responding to the 2020 census.

we’re in this together

Then you’ll be happy to know you can continue to be a remote learner next year! Jeffco Virtual Academy is here for you!

JVA has been offering 6-12 grade students an online learning path since 2009.

We’re proud to provide full-time program options to residents of Colorado-Middle School, High School, Credit Recovery, Credit Advancement, and Concurrent Enrollment for college credit. JVA is a Jeffco Public School and has been offering 6-12 grade students a tuition-free online learning path since 2009. These programs expose students to challenging coursework with academic and social support. Some programs require students to be on campus one day a week.

This year, you can answer online, by phone or mail.

Learn more about the census at 2020census.gov.

Interested in finding more about JVA in an upcoming Information Session, visit www.jeffcovirtual.org or email jeffcovirtualacademy@jeffco.k12.co.us

Arvada Press 17

April 30, 2020

Jeffco Schools preparing for roughly $34 million in cuts District will ask community to weigh in on reductions

BY CASEY VAN DIVIER CVANDIVIER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Since the coronavirus outbreak began, school district officials have been prepared to make some reductions to the budget for 2020-2021. But an April 21 letter to the community from Superintendent Jason Glass stated that cuts may be even greater than the district originally thought.

Just weeks earlier,at the April 2 Board of Education meeting, the district financial team was projecting just over $2 million in cuts based on predictions that state funding would not increase this year. But by midApril, the news had changed: Not only will Colorado districts not receive new funding, they are now being “told to expect reductions between 1 to 10% below current funding levels,” Glass said in his letter.

The letter to the community came just days after Glass broke the same news to staff members, hoping to prepare them for what’s ahead. Jeffco could be

looking at a range of $7 to $70 million in cuts, though the district is planning to model a reduction around 5% in cuts, or $34 million, as it builds its upcoming budget, Glass said.

“Charter schools would also receive a proportionate reduction out of this amount,” and any federal aid would be shared with charters, he said.

Glass added that the virus will not only impact funds this year but for several years down the line because of the declining economy and its impact on tax collections.

Looking ahead, he outlined a few next steps related to the budgeting process.

This year, the 2019-2020 school year, the district aims to finish the year with a balanced budget and continue to compensate employees without cutting pay, he said.

For 2020-2021, “we will likely have to look at making some difficult choices in order to bring our expenditures in line with a new and lower revenue reality,” Glass said.

While as superintendent, Glass does not vote on the budget, he listed the likely options for reductions in order of how disruptive he believes those cuts would be. Least disruptive would be pulling from the district reserves,

Local Focus. More News.

he said, followed by district level cuts and reductions; salary freezes; furlough days; salary reductions; school closures and consolidations; and staff layoffs.

In an April 23 Facebook Live video on the Jeffco Public Schools Facebook page, Glass further detailed what those cuts might look like. After about $3.4 million in cuts is absorbed by charter schools, the remainder of the district will need to make about $30 million in cuts, he said.

One possibility would be to use $15 million from district reserves; cut $7 million by implementing two furlough days for staff; cut $6 million by instituting a 1% pay cut for all employees; and cut $2 million from district departments and programming, he said. Other options are also possible and will be based on the board’s decision and community input.

Depending on how much the district receives in federal aid, it may be able to use $20 million from its reserves, reducing the amount of cuts needed in other categories.

In the live video, Glass also emphasized that while the district is currently mdoeling a budget with $34 million in cuts, “we have even started to hear of higher number cuts over 10%” as a pos-

sibility. In the case of a 10%, or roughly $70 million reduction, additional furlough days, layoffs and school closures could potentially come into play, he said.

If reductions exceed 15%, “we’re going to have to think of some structural changes,” such as a shift to a four-day work week, Glass said.

So far, no district budget reduction decisions have been finalized. Jeffco will know the exact amount of the budget reduction when the state makes final education funding decisions at the end of May. The Board of Education must approve its budget by June 30.

Glass encouraged community members to keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to weigh in on potential reductions. Community members can also emailCovid19jps@jeffco.k12. co.us to say what they would like to see prioritized in the budget.

“We will be sending out multiple opportunities for you to share your values and to have your perspective included as we navigate this budget,” Glass said in his letter. “If we are able to come together on our values, there is a path where we can weather this storm and continue to serve our students and community while also taking care of people.”

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Firearms, Soulstice Spas, MartonVape LLC-Inventory, Arcade Games, Fixtures, Equipment & More On Behalf Of The United States Bankruptcy Court & Others 1501 West Wesley Avenue, Denver

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Wednesday, May 20th - 2:00 PM

Sunday, May 10th – 2:00 PM

On Behalf Of The United States Bankruptcy Court 4233 S Buckley Road, Aurora, CO 80013

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Abandoned & Confiscated Vehicle Auction-OVER 150 SCHEDULED TO BE SOLD On Behalf Of The City & County Of Denver 5226 Brighton Boulevard (Denver Sheriff Vehicle Impound Facility), Denver

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(303) 934-8322 | www.Dickensheet.com

18 Arvada Press

April 30, 2020A

Best behavior for benefiting the birds

A

n interesting number of people have observed fewer birds in their yards and wondering why? A reading of the Bird Conservancy OUTDOOR of the Rockies LIVING e-newsletter has some supportive explanation. To some degree there is a connection with the current coronavirus threat and in other ways a matter of seasonal migration and climate.

Ron Hellbusch Here is brief look at how the coronavirus is influencing bird behavior. The coronavirus has caused us to alter our daily habits considerably and those changes have some influence on the support and relationship with our backyard bird families.

Make windows safer day and night. Close drapes, blinds or curtains so there is visual barrier for birds to see and avoid injuring themselves by otherwise flying into clear glass. The virus has us at home “shelter- in -Place” when

we tend to keep window coverings open.

Keep cats indoors more during the day to avoid their predator nature.

Make native plants and bushes more attractive to birds for roosting and nesting all which offer protection.

Do less current early spring trimming and cutting of brush, and certain trees, all of which are protective natural cover and habitat for birds.

Minimize use and careless disposal of plastics. They are not only unattractive to the environment, but create hiding places for bird predators and draw birds seeking water or resting sites.

Hang bird feeders in clear, open tree branches, also on free standing yard poles that cats cannot access.

Provide watering containers or safe open bird watering fountains, which will serve the local birds and offer backyard bird watching.

Life for both our bird populations and for our families is not in its normal, natural flow. It is our time to make some helpful changes.

MUSIC

for music, he recalls the emphasis on music during his years as a Jeffco student before he ultimately returned to the district as a music teacher himself. Woodley likewise says she remembers getting her own strong music education in Jeffco, having attended district schools starting in kindergarten.

“The award definitely speaks to my experience as both a former music student and community member,” Miller said. “It is not just a statement on current programming, but also on the unwavering support of the Jeffco community and decades of hard work by our music educators.”

FROM PAGE 16

music programs say they have gained relationships alongside new musical and life skills.

“After you spend so much time on that one show, it just forms a bond that you can’t get anywhere else,” said Rayna Hylden, a student in D’Evelyn’s marching band. “It’s just a group full of love and a lot of big and small experiences you can’t replace.”

Miller added that, while encouraging students to explore their own love

Outdoorsman and Westminster resident Ron Hellbusch can be reached at Ron-Hellbusch Comcast.net

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

Arvada Press 19

April 30, 2020

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20 Arvada Press

April 30, 2020A

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Arvada Press 21

April 30, 2020

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P L A C E A D S O N L I N E 2 4 / 7 AT

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Misc. Notices ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Arvada Press 23

April 30, 2020

Arvada fourth-grader getting lawmaker attention Madhvi Chittoor helped get three bills introduced in the state legislature

BY GLENN WALLACE GWALLACE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A fourth grader from Arvada played an important role in getting three environmental bills before the Colorado Legislature this year.

Madhvi Chittoor spent Earth Day 2020 doing distance learning, instead of attending Hackberry Hill Elementary.

“It’s pretty hard but I’m getting used to it,” Chittoor said of distance learning.

But on top of her standard fourth grade curriculum, she has also learned far more about civics and politics than most elementary school students ever will. Chittoor’s activisim, including participating in the Global Climate Strike environmental protection rally on Sept. 20 of last year, and speaking directly to several lawmakers on Capitol Hill led to three being introduced during this year’s legislative session: SB 20-010 (giving local municipalities the ability to ban single-use plastic use), HB 20-1162(prohibiting restaurant use of polystyrene) and HB-20-1163 (banning single-use plastic use in restaurants).

In October and November Madhvi said she stayed active, attending environmental events — including sharing the stage with climate activist and 2019 Time Person of the Year Greta Thurnburg — and collecting more than 2,000 signatures on a petition calling for a ban on the use of styrofoam.

Her work started to get noticed by legislators. At a meeting with HD-27 Representa-

tive Brianna Titone (D-Arvada), Madhvi Chittoor said Titone said she turned over her petition signatures, and Titone said she would pass it along to other legislators for potential action.

As the bills about plastic and styrofoam developed, Madhvi’s mother Lalitha Chittoor said Madhvi met with each bill’s sponsors.

“We also met with many of the committee members,” Lalitha Chittoor said.

Madhvi, who says watching a documentary about plastic’s impact on sea life is what first inspired her to get active about making a change, said she felt excited about prodding politicians to take action on the plastic issue.

“I felt extremely happy that it went to Capitol Hill,” Madhvi Chittoor said. “I just talk naturally, I’m not very nervous.”

Even at her young age, Madhvi Chittoor is no stranger to bringing attention to her cause of choice. She’s spoken to multiple city councils, and her own school district’s superintendent about moving away from disposable plastic use.

Not all of the bills the Arvada activist helped launch will be signed into law. SB 20-010 for instance, did not make it out of an early committee hearing. The bills HB 201162 and HB-20-1163 are both in process, but the legislative session has been suspended until at least May 18 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it uncertain if they will be among the bills the legislature will have time to even debate before the end of the session.

Madhvi Chittor says she will continue doing what she can to campaign against the use of plastics that damage the ecosystem, and have potential health impacts on us too.

After all, she says, “our home planiet, it’s the only one we have. We don’t really want to ruin it.”

Arvada fourth grader Madhvi Chittoor holds up a sign at a rally last year in Denver.

COURTESY PHOTO

LEGISLATIVE SPONSORS Prohibiting single-use plastic in restaurants Rep. Alex Valdez Rep. Emily Sirota Sen. Julie Gonzales

Polystyrene ban Rep Lisa Cutter Rep. Jonathan Singer Sen. Mike Foote Sen. Tammy Story

Allowing municipalities to ban plastics Rep. Meg Froelich Rep. Alex Valdez Sen. Kerry Donovan

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 City and County NOTICE

A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on May 19, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider a Preliminary Development Plan for the Cottages at Ralston Fields, generally located at 5810 Miller Street. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.arvadapermits.org/etrakit3/search/pr oject.aspx?activityno=DA2019-0134 or by visiting the Community and Economic Development Dept., written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing.

CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Patricia Connell, Secretary Legal Notice No.: 407235 First Publication: April 30, 2020 Last Publication: April 30, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript NOTICE

A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on May 19, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider the Comprehensive Plan Amendments Associated with Land Devel-

City and County NOTICE A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on May 19, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider the Comprehensive Plan Amendments Associated with Land Development Code Remapping the Northwest Portion of the City. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.arvadapermits.org/etrakit3/search/pr oject.aspx?activityno=CP2020-0003 or by visiting the Community and Economic Development Dept., written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing.

CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Patricia Connell, Secretary Legal Notice No.: 407236 First Publication: April 30, 2020 Last Publication: April 30, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript NOTICE A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on May 19, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider the Remapping the Northwest Portion of the City in Conjunction with the Land Development Code. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.ar-

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com ARVADA URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

Citywill and County A public hearing be held before the Arvada

Planning Commission on May 19, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider the Remapping the Northwest Portion of the City in Conjunction with the Land Development Code. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.arvadapermits.org/etrakit3/search/project.aspx?ac tivityno=LDC2020-0002 or by visiting the Community and Economic Development Dept., written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing.

CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Patricia Connell, Secretary Legal Notice No.: 407237 First Publication: April 30, 2020 Last Publication: April 30, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript NOTICE A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on May 19, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider an Alternative Sign Program for Stenger Sports Complex, generally located at 11200 W 58th Avenue. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.arvadapermits.org/etrakit3/search/pr oject.aspx?activityno=DA2020-0020 or by visiting the Community and Economic Development

A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission on May 19, 2020, at 6:15 p.m., Arvada Municipal Building, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider an Alternative Sign Program for Stenger Sports Complex, generally located at 11200 W 58th Avenue. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.arvadapermits.org/etrakit3/search/pr oject.aspx?activityno=DA2020-0020 or by visiting the Community and Economic Development Dept., written comments may be filed therewith no later than 8 days prior to the hearing.

City and County

CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Patricia Connell, Secretary Legal Notice No.: 407238 First Publication: April 30, 2020 Last Publication: April 30, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript NOTICE ARVADA URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing virtually to consider a Final Amendment to its 2019 Budget on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating in the virtual meeting, please email info@arvadaurbanrenewal.org before noon on May 6, 2020 to receive meeting registration information.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR FINAL BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019

The Arvada Urban Renewal Authority Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing virtually to consider a Final Amendment to its 2019 Budget on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating in the virtual meeting, please email info@arvadaurbanrenewal.org before noon on May 6, 2020 to receive meeting registration information.

City and County

The proposed Final Amendment to the 2019 Budget is available for inspection by any interested elector by emailing info@arvadaurbanrenewal.org.

14. Any interested elector of the City of Arvada, Colorado, may file or register via email or mail with the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority any objections to the proposed Final Amendment to the 2019 Budget at any time prior to noon on its final approval scheduled for May 6, 2020.

ARVADA URBAN RENEWAL AUTHORITY Maureen Phair, Executive Director 5601 Olde Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite 210 Arvada, Colorado 80002 Legal Notice No.: 407239 First Publication: April 30, 2020 Last Publication: April 30, 2020 Publisher: Wheat Ridge Transcript

Arvada Legals 4.30.20 * 1

24 Arvada Press

April 30, 2020A

Applewood Business Association MAY Newsletter ApplewoodBusiness.com | AbsolutelyApplewood.com

Open For Business, COVID-19 Response

The Applewood Business Association is working hard to support our members and our community during the COVID-19 crisis. Please visit our website for continued COVID announcements. In addition, please support ABA members and local Applewood businesses during COVID-19 by checking the Applewood Community Foundation’s – Open for Business list:

https://applewoodcommunityfoundation.org/open-for-business

Annual ABA Flag Day Celebration!

June 14th through July 5th

Find Hot Deals from ABA Members

Sponsor an American Flag Basic Sponsorship - $50 Premium Sponsorship, Flag of Honor - $100 To sponsor a flag and for more Flag Day details visit ApplewoodBusiness.com ABA Business Memberships

An Annual Membership to the Applewood Business Association is a great way to stay involved in the local business community, ensuring maximum exposure to members and residents of the Applewood marketplace. Annual Memberships range from Basic business membership to premium levels of membership that provide added benefits and event sponsorship opportunities.

Basic Membership is affordable beginning at $150 (with a one-time $20 enrollment fee). If you are a new or existing business in Applewood or have potential customers in Applewood, now is the perfect time for your business to become an ABA Member!

MEMBERSHIP INVESTMENT Basic Membership – ABA Annual dues: $150 Second Business – A second business owned and operated by a Basic Member with the same representative. Annual dues: $75 (as long as primary membership dues are paid) Individual Membership – An individual not associated with any business. Annual dues: $75 Premium Level Memberships – visit our website for Member benefits and rates. Premium levels are auto-renewal. Contact our Membership Chair to opt out of auto-renew.

visit AbsolutelyApplewood.com

ABA Sponsors

P. O. Box 5177 • Wheat Ridge, CO 80034-5177 www.applewoodbusiness.com Phone: 720-460-1539