Youth Commission recognizes talented local students

The Parker Youth Commission was formed last fall with the mission of growing and supporting the next generation of leaders in our community. Our Town Council and I wanted to provide Parker’s youngest residents with a much-needed outlet to represent the needs of their peers.

I’m proud to report that this group of exceptional young people has hit the ground running! I have been impressed with our commission members’ drive and motivation to make their mark on the community in such a short time period. ey have several active projects already in the works, including assisting with the commissioning of a new mural that will soon adorn the East-West Trail underpass at Chambers Road.

e promotion of community youth involvement has been another of the Youth Commission’s big priorities thus far. e group recently held its rst awards contest recognizing in uential and talented young individuals in our community. Ceremonies were held in late July to present the award winners.

I am thankful that these amazing young people showed their hometown spirit by participating in an event that showcased Parker and how they have made an impact in our Town. I am also grateful to the parents and families who have fostered good citizenship. We all know Parker is a very special place, and here are more examples of young people exemplifying what we love about our Town.

e Spirit of Parker Award was designed to recognize high school students who have made a positive, meaningful and bene cial impact on the Town of Parker. Submission requirements included a written composition, short-question answers and a letter of recommendation. Two winners were presented with $1,000 scholarships that will go directly to their higher education institute of choice. e Youth Commission’s second honor, thePride of Parker Award, was designed to provide middle school students with an opportu- look at similar titles. nity to express what Parker means to them through a visual art submission. Four winners—Isabella Benitez, Catalina Benitez, Drisha

Two Spirit of Parker Award recipients were selected—Emma Adams and Megan Bright. Emma is a Legend High School graduate who plans to pursue a degree in nursing at Grand Canyon University starting this fall, while Megan is a Ponderosa High School graduate who plans to attend the University of Northern Colorado this fall to study elementary education.

Mishra and Faye Reynolds–were selected to receive $200 gift cards after creating works ranging from multimedia art and drawings to photography.

Each of these talented young individuals were recognized by having their works placed on public display at the PACE Center through midAugust.

Do you know a teen who you think would be a good t for the Parker Youth Commission? A search is currently underway for a talented student to ll one open position for a two-year term! Learn more about how students can apply to serve, including quali cation requirements, at ParkerOnline.org/YouthCommission.

Toborg is mayor of the Town of Parker

“ e Last Stand” by Nathaniel Philbrick, “George Washington’s Secret Six” by Brian Kilmead and Don Yaeger, “ e Nine” by Gwen Strauss

Business books: “How to Sell to the Modern Buyer” by David Mattson, “10 Leadership Virtues for Disruptive Times” by Tom Ziglar, “Smart Brevity” by Jim VandeHei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz, “Traction” by Gino Wickman

Personal development books: “ e Power of Who” by Bob Beaudine, “ e Power of Community” by Howard Partridge, “Becoming a Master Communicator” by Renee Marino, “What Drives You” by Kevin Miller, “Growth with Goals” by Jill Hellwig

Fiction books: “Dark Vector” by Clive Cussler, “Wild Fire” by Nelson DeMille, “ e Lion” by Nelson DeMille, “American Assassin” by Vince Flynn, “Transfer of Power” by Vince Flynn

Again, those are just my recent favorites and if you are looking for a good book in a speci c genre, hopefully this list helps or inspires you to

And remember what Mary Schmich says about reading, “Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” It is so true, we can let whatever it is we read to lead us into a new paradigm and bring us into a new place mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Reading broadens our knowledge and leads us to new horizons. And the only thing that we are bound by is our own time and willingness to commit to making the e ort to read and read more often.

How about you? What are you reading these days? I always love getting fantastic book recommendations from our community and sharing what we both get out of the reading. I would love to see your list at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can read to learn, grow, imagine and escape it really will be a better than good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For those who haven’t stopped by their local library in recent years, it’s not just a place to pick up and drop o books anymore.

In the post-pandemic era, libraries have become meeting places, remote work spaces, play areas and more. Rather than the repositories of books and other print media they once were, libraries are taking on more of a community center role, sta members at Denverarea library districts explained.

“ ey’ve always had that role,” said Holly Grant of the Clear Creek County Library District. “But now, it’s about … not just seeing (a library) as a storehouse of knowledge and scholarship.”

To that end, libraries have diversi ed the items and programs they o er to address community needs. Depending on the district, patrons can check out everything from camping equipment to virtual reality headsets. Additionally, patrons can access video- and audiobook-streaming services for free with their library cards.

Plus, along with children’s storytime and book clubs, library events and programs can range from puppy yoga to snowshoe hikes.

“It’s a very di erent library than what many of us grew up with,” Holly Whelan of Arapahoe Libraries said. “ … We have everything, everything, everything.”

Items and resources aplenty

Whelan’s words aren’t an exaggeration, as sta members from multiple districts said their libraries o er so much it’s hard for them to remember everything. So, before buying, renting or downloading something, check the library rst.

Along with books, movies and comics, districts have nontraditional items for check-out. Many o er laptops, iPads, Kindles, mobile WiFi hotspots, passes to local museums, cookware, GoPro cameras and science kits.

Mark Fink, executive director of Anythink Libraries — which has branches from ornton to Bennett — said his district’s TryIts collection includes musical instruments for various experience levels; lawn games; outdoor gear like snowshoes and backpacks; 3-D printers; sewing machines and crafting kits; and microscopes.

People have borrowed them for weekend barbecues, camping trips, one-o projects, or to see whether they’d want to buy their own. Fink said the TryIts collection has been so popular, Anythink Libraries has “expanded the level of items we provide.”

O ering items like these saves patrons money and helps the environment too, Grant pointed out, as people aren’t buying things they might only use once.

Along with physical items, districts have several online resources patrons can access with their library cards. rough these apps and online services, patrons can download e-books and audiobooks, stream movies and TV shows, and access tutoring services and online classes — all for free.

Lizzie Gall of Je erson County Public Library said patrons who used to spend money on Audible and Net ix have saved money by nding their items through the library instead.

In-person services are also crucial, whether it’s answering technological questions or notarizing documents. Grant said Clear Creek patrons have asked for help setting up their Kindles and reviewing their emails, and tourists often stop into the Idaho Springs and Georgetown branches to ask questions about local sites and museums.

As Whelan summarized it: “If you think the library isn’t for you, or we don’t have anything to o er, think again. … We have something for everybody.”

Unique programs, events

Beyond summer reading and book clubs, libraries have expanded the type of events and programs they o er — ranging from outdoor and out-of-library adventures, to arts and culture, to physical and mental health.

Almost all are free and open to everyone, including out-of-district attendees. Some may require preregistration and/or tickets to cover event costs.

Clear Creek has hosted everything from snowshoe hikes to American Sign Language classes. It also has free present-wrapping stations in December, which are immensely popular, Grant said.

Both Je erson County and Arapahoe libraries have hosted after-hours laser tag for teens, which are well-attended and sometimes have fun themes like “Star Wars.” Gall highlighted other teen events, like this August’s Teen Iron Chef and the ongoing Coding Camp, which has expanded to include preteens.

Summertime outdoor concert series are a seed library at one of its