CALENDAR

Thu 12/09

Gambling Trip Z Casino (12/9)

@ 4pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Opera on Tap Colorado: Opera on Tap Brewery Tour - Front Range Brewing Company

@ 6:30pm Front Range Brewing Company, 400 W South Boulder Rd #1650, Lafayette

Featured

Music Bingo at Pour Tap House @ 7pm / Free Pour Tap House, 12433 East 104th Avenue, Commerce City

Shanghai Metro Temple w/ Tonic & Time, Larceny

@ 8pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Fri 12/10

Orchard Town Center's Makers Market Celebrates Shopping Local

@ 11am Dec 10th - Dec 12th The Orchard Town Center, 14697 Delaware Street, Westminster. meghan@meghan dougherty.com, 720-560-0177

North�eld Shopping & Te�as De Brazil

@ 4pm Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

Breakfast Burrito Bingo 12/10

@ 4pm Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

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Fort Lupton Parade of Lights @ 6pm Bank of Colorado, 605 4th Street, Fort Lupton. fortluptonchamber@ gmail.com, 303-857-4474 Featured

Thornton WinterFest @ 6:30pm Dec 10th - Dec 11th Carpenter Park Fields, 11000 Col‐orado Boulevard, Thornton. parks @thorntonco.gov, 303-255-7800

Sat 12/11

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Ballet Ariel's The Nutcracker @ 2pm / $38 Dec 11th - Dec 12th Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 South Allison Parkway, Lakewood. balletariel@comcast.net, 303-9454388

Cereal with Santa 9:00am

@ 4pm Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

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Brighton Festival of Lights Parade @ 5pm Brighton High School, 270 South 8th Avenue, Brighton. soconnor@ brightonco.gov, 303-655-2218

Sun 12/12

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“Old Time Radio” Christmas Plays @ 1pm Advent Lutheran Church Elca, 7979 Meade Street, Westminster. adventwestminster@gmail.com, 303-428-7501

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Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions @ 2:05pm / $67-$445 Empower Field At Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., Denver

Bruce Cook: Westminster Holiday Market

@ 3:30pm Westminster Holiday Market, 5845 W 89th Ave, Westminster

Jerry & Joy

@ 6pm The Glenn Bar & Grill, 11140 Irma Dr, Northglenn

Mon 12/13

Featured

Design a Custom T-Shirt @ 4:30pm Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 East 120th Avenue, Thornton. rbowman @anythinklibraries.org, 303-4053230

powered by

Holiday Cookie Decorating

@ 5pm Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Dinner Out The State House (12/13)

@ 11pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Tue 12/14

Holiday Shopping at Colorado Mills Mall (12/14)

@ 6pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Wed 12/15

Featured

Ryan Hutchens at Bitto Bistro @ 6pm Bitto Bistro, 14697 Delaware St #1000, Westminster

Travel Series: Tropical TravelEastern Caribbean 12/15

@ 8pm Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Thu 12/16

Twilight Dinner

@ 12:30am Dec 16th - Dec 15th Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

Featured

Cookies and Hot Chocolate @ 3pm Anythink Brighton, 327 East Bridge Street, Brighton. rbowman @anythinklibraries.org, 303-4053230

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The City of Brighton celebrated its annual Winter Festival and tree lighting ceremony downtown on Saturday, Dec. 4. The afternoon started with Santa Clause taking Christmas wishes from kids, family fun activities with The Teddy Bear & Friend tree and face painting. The Christmas tree on Founder Plaza was lit up at 5:00 p.m. followed by a concert with the internationally acclaimed Face Vocal Band from Boulder.

Left, Grayson Scott telling Santa he wants some Nunchucks and Dillion Scott wants a Nintendo Switch Game. At the face painting tent Gary Maes with Air Brush Face Painting and Balloons paints a snowman

character on Aislinn Urbina face. PHOTOS BY BELEN WARD

Davian Stevens-Celaya choose what teddy bear he wants to take home with dad Delbert Stevens. The tree of teddy bears donated by ARC Thrifts Stores and were dry cleaned. The kids were allowed to choose from the tree or table and take a bear. Jason Connor trying to decide what bear to take home.

Starting the season

A listing of holiday events and celebrations

STAFF REPORT

Friday, Dec. 10

Thornton Winterfest: Come celebrate the season with the city’s annual holiday celebration through Dec. 11 at the Carpenter Park Fields, 108th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The festival opens at 6:30 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. Saturday and runs until 9 p.m. nightly. The festival features Santa’s Village, with ice skating, ice carving, food vendors, a tree decorating contest, a beer garden and visits

SEE EVENTS, P9

FAMILY DENTISTRY

JACLYNN SPENCER D.D.S. 30 South 20th Ave., Suite D, Brighton 303-659-3062

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The City of Fort Lupton celebrated it Winter Fest & Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 4, 2021. The event started with cookies and cocoa with Santa Clause at the Fort Lupton Public & School Library. It was followed by a holiday bazaar with shopping at the recreation center, chili dinner and holiday entertainment by the Legacy School of Dance. The Christmas tree was lit up at 5:30 p.m. with the community choir and horse-drawn carriage rides.

The library had all kinds arts and crafts activities for the kids and also taking portraits with Santa Clause. Optimist Club volunteers Mary Jesterling and Susan Moore volunteering to organize several tables of gifts to

distribute to the kids and families. PHOTOS BY BELEN WARD

The Fort Lupton Recreation Center celebrated winter fest with several vendors making handmade gift items. Dane Thompson looking at handmade jewelry made from recycled found jewelry by Shannon Brake and she also repairs jewelry. At the Fort Lupton Public & School Library, Santa was taking portraits with Marilyn and Pricilla Syme who were both shy and giggling. Avery and Addyson Parrick are lit up with lights and creating art.

EVENTS

from Santa Claus himself. Saturday events include a breakfast with Santa at 7:30 a.m., a 10 a.m. Ugly Sweater Fun Run 5k, a holiday marketplace and an 8:30 p.m. fi reworks display.

Fort Lupton Parade of Lights:

The city hosts its holiday parade of bright lights and cheer beginning at 6 p.m. at 605 4th St. – the Bank of Colorado Operations Center. A tree lighting ceremony is set for 6:45 p.m. Santa sticks around for photos from 7-8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 11

Brighton Parade of Lights: More than 75 colorful and creatively decorated fl oats will be featured in the city’s 26th annual holiday parade. The parade steps off at 5 p.m. heading south on North Main St., turns east onto Bridge St. to 10th Ave. and then to Southern Ave. before turning east to return to City Hall.

Sunday, Dec. 12 “Old Time Radio” Christmas

Plays: Two Old Time Radio Christmas plays will be performed live by the Advent Radio Players at 1 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church in Westminster, 7979 Meade St. in Westminster.

The Advent Radio Players have recreated old-time radio shows for the past nine years, using original scripts, several microphones and sound effects from the original programs just as they were heard on the radio. Each play is performed like a live radio show including lighted applause and on the air signs.

This year’s performances are a Fibber McGee and Molly Comedy, “Fibber Paints a Christmas Tree White” will be followed by a Dragnet Drama “The Big Little Jesus”. These will be presented using the original scripts and sounds just as they were presented on the air in 1945 and 1953. Donations are appreciated. You can also watch the plays live at https://www.facebook.com/ adventwestminsterco, the church’s Facebook page.

Saturday, Dec. 18 Thornton Chorus Winter Con-

cert: Thornton’s Community Chorus presents their annual holiday concert “Christmas Through the Ages”, featuring all varieties of holiday music, from 7-9 p.m. at the Village Church, 4550 2128th Ave., in Thornton. Contact Britney Farr at 661 212-3261 or email thorntonchorus@gmail.com for more information. This year’s concert will also be live-streamed on the group’s Youtube page, https://www.youtube. com/user/thorntonCchorus.

Merry ChristmasMerry Christmas

Chamber lunch

Ugly sweaters, the state of the Fort Lupton chamber and “The Jen and Jess Show” are part of the agenda at the Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce luncheon for December. It starts at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave.

The cost is $12 for an R.S.V.P. and $15 for walk-ins. Call 303-857-4494.

Parade of Lights

This year’s Parade of Lights begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10. Downtown Fort Lupton and the Fort Lupton High School LULAC club are the sponsors.

Businesses can register at http:// paradeofl ights.fortluptonchamber. org/?fbclid=IwAR18oTBm5-gnkDZBtrESj9Snl4nwLeLuBjLVl58i_ T3uDXH9aimi_j2Pvyc.

The parade begins at the Fort Lupton Fire Department, 2999 Ninth St., then heads west toward Fourth Street before ending at Fourth Street and Park Avenue.

The tree lighting ceremony starts at 6:45 p.m., and pictures with Santa start at 7 p.m. The evening also features cocoa and cookies.

Email mary.leblanc@bankofcolorado.com.

Santa’s coming to town

Santa Claus will make a stop at KM Coffee, 721 Fourth St., from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11. Stop by and tell him what’s on your wish list.

Marijuana applications

The deadline to submit an application for regulated marijuana is Tuesday, Dec. 28.

Visit https://www.fortluptonco. gov/962/Marijuana-Licensing?fbc lid=IwAR1miQKbc48FoWkUPsjgr B0cOZyZMnvebsSMIXb2ZWQjBB4z32EpBczIH4.

Governor forum

Nine Republican candidates for governor .. Greg Lopez, Heidi Ganahl, Danielle Neuschwanger, Jack Dillender, Darryl Gibbs, Jeff Fry, Jason Lopez. Jim Rundberg and Jon Gray-Ginsberg .. are due to appear at a candidate forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave.

The Republican Wlomen of Weld is the sponsor. There’s a 90-minute meet-and-greet/dinner before the

Growing grads

The next installment of Brighton’s Growing Grads program is at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at Anythink Library, 567 E. Bridge St.

Brighton Youth Services provides this annual college and career readiness event for highschool juniors and seniors and anyone interested in pursuing higher education. Students and families will be able to chat with colleges, trade schools and apprentice programs, view fi nancial aid presentations in both English and Spanish and check out local scholarships. Call 303-565-2000.

ONGOING

Toys for Tots

Tony Merritt, the local Edward Jones fi nancial advisor, is supporting the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program by using his offi ce as a drop-off location for this year’s toy drive, according to a press statement.

Local residents may help needy children in the area by bringing in a new, unwrapped toy to the offi ce, 150 Main St., Suite 1, during regular business hours through Dec. 3.

“With the holiday season around the corner, we are all getting ready for the festivities,” Merritt said in the statement. “And as this is the season of giving, now is a great time to remember the less fortunate in our community.”

Call 303-857-3983.

Donation time

The Fort Lupton Food & Clothing Bank is asking for donations of canneed fruit and N, variety of dry pasta and pasta dinners, peanut butter and canned meat such as tuna (including the pouches), to help out local schools that just reopened after a year of remote learning.

Other potential donations could include chicken, Vienna sausages, spam and salmon. The bank also needs personal items, such as toiletries and baby needs.

Drop off donations at the food and clothing bank’s back door, 421 Denver Ave., weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call 303-857-1096.

Teen hangout

Teens can stop by the Fort

New Co ee Shop in Fort Lupton!

Come in for a quick bite, tasty treats, or to quench your thirst.

OpeningPromotion Coupon Buy 1 Drink Get 1 Free

Lupton Pubic & School Library Wednesdays to play crafts, video games and hang out with friends after school.

Walk with a doc

Platte Valley Medical Center’s cardiac rehab team and Walk With A Doc will host monthly walks with Dr. Christopher Cannon, an interventional cardiologist at Brighton Heart and Vascular Institute.

This is a walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. After a few minutes to learn about a current health topic from the doctor, spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and a fun conversation. It’s a great way to get out, get active and enjoy all the benefi ts that come from walking.

Blessings in a Bag

Fort Lupton’s Backpack Program helps school children in need with a backpack of healthy food. It’s an all-volunteer program and is in need of volunteers. If interested in volunteering or donating, call 303718-4440. Mail donations to Blessings in a Bag, 306 Park Ave., Fort Lupton 80621.

Drop-in child care

The Fort Lupton Recreation Center offers drop-in child care from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 303-857-4200.

Committee openings

Fort Lupton has openings for several of its citizen advisory committees. Visit https://www.fortluptonco.gov/966/I-Want-To-Apply-fora-Committee.

Boards/committees’ openings

The city of Fort Lupton is looking for volunteers for its historic preservation board, the Fort Lupton Urban Renewal Authority, FLURA business representative (a fi ve-year term), FLURA alternate member (term expires March 5, 2023) and library board trustee (term expires December 2024).

Call Alyssa Knutson at 720-4666128.

Chess tournament

The Fort Lupton Public & School Library put together a chess tournament that’s ideal for beginning players.

Visit https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/1UFPA1ENiETkHnJjaHh_ E3hUAOEWSRKUXpU7utzYab-U/ viewform?fbclid=IwAR1M9cUK4b p7cJyH9phmivtIV6gmeXqd3kNra 5q_L113Py-IhRIHDjMHRd4&edit_ requested=true

Fort Lupton senior lunches

Senior lunches are available at noon Mondays at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave. Sign up by noon the previous Thursday. Call 303-857-4200, ext. 6166.

Co ee group

Fort Lupton’s weekly coffee group sessions are at 8 a.m. Wednesdays. Call 303-857-4200.

Water aerobics

The city’s water aerobics class meets from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at thke Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave. Call 303-857-4200.

Pen pals

Fort Lupton’s senior pen pal program through Twombly Elementary School is looking for participants. Learn more at: https://www. fortluptonco.gov/950/Senior-PenPal-Program

Craft classes

Monthly craft classes through the Fort Lupton Recreation Center (203 S. Harrison Ave.) are available. Call 303-857-4200, ext. 6166 with questions.

Free short-term radon test kits

Weld County residents can receive a free radon test kit (one per household, while supplies last). Test kits can be requested online at www.drhomeair.com/weld, according to a statement.

Call the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment at (970) 400-2226 or visit: www.weldgov.com/go/radon.

Warm Line up and running

Community Reach Center is offering a Warm Line (303-2806602) for those who want to talk to mental-health professionals about anxiety, lack of sleep and strained relationships, among other topics. The professionals can facilitate referrals to other programs for assistance.

A press statement said the line is not for crisis intervention. Those feeling unsafe or suicidal should call Colorado Crisis Services (1844-493-8255) or text 38255 or visit the Behavioral Urgent Care Center, 2551 W. 84th Ave., Westminster.

Also, the center’s COVID-19 Heroes Program is set up to assist healthcare workers during the pandemic. Those who live or work in Adams County can receive up to six free counseling sessions. Use the Warm Line for support and free counseling.

Brighton’s community intake location is at 1850 E. Egbert St., on the second fl oor. It’s open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays.

Here’s a list of locations where you can receive a test for COVID-19:

Brighton Advanced Urgent Care, 2801 Purcell St. Call 303-659-9700 or visit https://advurgent.com/locations/brighton/

Brighton Salud, 1860 E. Egbert St. Testing is available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Call 303-6972583 or visit https://www.saludclinic.org/covid-testing

Fort Lupton Salud, 1115 Second St. Testing is available on Tuesday and Thursday. Call 303-697-2583 or visit https://www.saludclinic.org/ covid-testing

FORT LUPTON POLICE BLOTTER

Here are the police reports for Nov. 20 to Nov. 26 to the Fort Lupton Police Department. Not every call made to the police is not listed on this report.

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Nov. 20

Police arrested a Fort Lupton man,42, at U.S. Highway 85 & mile marker 240, for DUI, driving while license is under restraint, an alcohol conviction and careless driving. He was held on bond at the Weld County Jail.

A Longmont man, 48, reported tools stolen worth $2,000 in the 700 block of Denver Avenue. The case is under investigation.

Police took a Fort Lupton man, 25 into custody in the 900 block of Cottonwood Court. He was held on bond at the Weld County Jail.

Nov. 22

An Aurora woman, 21, was arrested in the 2100 block of South Denver Avenue for DUI, drugs and other associated traffi c offenses. She was held on bond at the Weld County Jail.

Police issued a summon to a La Salle man, 35, for causing a traffi c accident for careless driving at U.S. Highway 85 and Weld County Road 14.5.

A Fort Lupton man,33, was issued a summons for causing a careless driving accident in the 1000 block of South Denver Avenue.

A Fort Lupton 16-year old teenage boy was arrested in the 200 block of South Harrison Avenue on a $1,000 warrant. He was released on a Personal Recognizance bond.

Nov. 23

Police issued a summons to a 15year old teenage girl for failing to stop at a yield sign at South Denver Avenue & Weld County Road 12.

Police issued a summons to a Fort Lupton woman,23, for an animal vaccination violation and registration in the 1100 block of Lantern Drive.

Nov. 24

Police arrested a Fort Lupton man,25, in the 300 block of Harrison Avenue on a Weld County warrant for a failure to appear on protection order violation. He was held on bond at the Weld County Jail.

Police took a Fort Lupton man, 39, into custody at Fulton Avenue and Second Street on a warrant out of Adams County for failure to appear on false information he provided to a pawnbroker and theft. He was held on bond at the Weld County Jail.

Nov. 25

Police issued a summons to a Commerce City man, 19, for causing a careless driving hit and run accident and driving without proof of insurance at U.S. Highway 85 and Donna Street.

A Fort Lupton man, 38, was arrested at U.S. Highway 85 & mile marker 241 for DUI and speeding. He was held on bond at the Weld County Jail.

Nov. 26

Police issued a summons to an Aurora woman, 31, at U.S. Highway 85 & Weld County Road 15.5 for displaying fi ctitious plates and disobeying a traffi c control device.

BRIEFS

a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sundays, noon and 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 6 p.m. Thursdays and 9 p.m. Fridays.

Call 303-659-9953 or visit www. brighton1aa.org.

Volunteers needed

Qualifi ed Listeners needs volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, handyman services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries and veterans to be trained to become qualifi ed listeners.

Visit qualifi edlisteners.org/volunteerapp and fi ll out the form or call 720-600-0860.

Relief funding

Small businesses can apply for up to $35,000 in relief funding through a mix of grants and lowinterest loans.

Visit EnergizeColorado.com. It’s available to businesses with less than 25 full-time employees.

Eagle Express rides

Barr Lake State Park will offer virtual rides aboard the Eagle Express. Join Ranger Michelle and her friends as they read a story about our natural world that is sure to entertain your preschooler while teaching them about plants, animals and our planet. Call 303659-6005.

Storytime

Barr Lake State Park’s storytime program goes virtual this year.

Rangers will read stories about the natural world. Call 303-659-6005 with questions.

The South Platte Valley Historical Park will be reopening for public visitation on May 3, 2021. The hours the park will be open are from 10:00 till 4:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, check our website, www. spvhs.org or call 303-857-1710.

Help for vets

Qualifi ed Listeners, a veteran and family resource hub serving northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, has several power chairs, power scooters and electric wheelchairs available.

The VA offers urgent care services to eligible veterans, both at VA medical facilities or at several in-network urgent care clinics that are closer to home. Use this benefi t to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections.

To fi nd the closest facility to you visit www.va.gov/fi nd-locations or call 720-600-0860.

Qualifi ed Listeners also needs volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, handyman services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries and veterans to be trained to become qualifi ed listeners.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

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In this way, The Sun contributes to a more vibrant, informed and whole Colorado.

The Sun, launched in 2018, is committed to fact-based, in-depth and nonpartisan journalism. It covers everything from politics and culture to the outdoor industry and education.

Now, The Colorado Sun co-owns this and other Colorado Community Media newspapers as a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy. The Sun is CCM’s partner for statewide news.

For Colorado Sun stories, opinions and more, and to support The Sun’s misssion as a member or subscriber, visit coloradosun.com.

Because you want to know... What’s going on in my hometown?

From special events to local politics, We’ve got you covered. Join us for free Cookies and Crafts

Open to all ages between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Dec. 11th before the Festival of Lights Parade.

We will be serving hot cider outside. The Episcopal Church welcomes everyone.

Save the date for Christmas Eve Service with Carols at 6:30 and worship with Eucharist at 7:00 pm.