ON THE TRAIL Open space officials, volunteers discuss trail etiquette amid increasing use P10
FREE
September 19, 2019
DENVER Since 1926
DENVER, COLORADO
A publication of
New Americans clear citizenship hurdle Nearly three dozen people from 21 countries take oath at ceremony BY SHANNA FORTIER SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
For Beate Wake, 52, becoming a U.S. citizen means having a stronger voice. “I don’t feel left out anymore, I feel like part of the group now,” said Wake, who is from Germany and has lived in the United States for 23 years. The thing she looks forward to the most is voting — which she registered to do immediately following her naturalization ceremony. Wake was one of 35 individuals from 21 countries who took the oath of allegiance and become a U.S. citizen Sept. 6 at a ceremony held at Four Mile Historic Park Grant Family Education Center at 715 S. Forest St. in Denver. Individuals earning citizenship at this ceremony were originally from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Bulgaria, Burma, Cameroon, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Germany, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, United Kingdom, Venezuela and Vietnam. “The sky is the limit here,” said Grace Setor, who originally moved to Denver from Ghana in the mid-’90s to attend Denver Seminary. Setor went back to Africa in 2000, but has called Colorado home again since 2008. “It took several years, but by God’s grace I get my citizenship today,” she said. “I’m so happy and thankful to God for this opportunity to be American — education, freedom of worship… everything that comes with it.” Michael Smith, of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, said taking the oath of allegiance is an extraordinary thing.
Thirty-five people from 21 countries became American citizens Sept. 6 at a naturalization ceremony held at Four Mile Historic Park.
SEE CITIZENSHIP, P15
SHANNA FORTIER
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
“When you live in an area like Baker, having a viable commercial district is an amenity.” Ron Tarver, business owner | Page 6 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11 VOLUME 92 | ISSUE 45