March 3, 2016
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GoldenTranscript.net J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Some star-spangled restoration Programs
support homeless students
Donor from Koenig family comes to see artifact as it’s restored
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com A very large flag presents a very big mystery to Golden historians. The flag in question — a 12-by-24foot, 38-star American flag — once flew over the capitol of the Colorado Territory, back when the legislature used to meet in what is now the Old Capitol Grill on Washington Avenue in Golden. Although much factual evidence still needs to be confirmed, “it’s been an opportunity to dig down and do more research,” Golden History Museums’ curator Mark Dodge said. What historians do know is that the 38th star on the flag represents Colorado’s entry into the Union in 1876, which would have been long after Denver became the territorial seat and, later, the state capitol. But perhaps the 38th star was sewn on later. The flag, which is part of the Golden Flag continues on Page 8
Number of homeless is growing, experts say, caused in part by lack of affordable housing By Crystal Anderson Canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Mark Dodge, curator at the Golden History Museums, carefully packs the 12-by-24foot, 38-star American flag into a larger box so it can go to the History Colorado Center in downtown Denver. The flag will be in Denver March 14-18 so it can be cleaned and repaired by Paulette Reading, a professional textiles conservator from Mountain States Art Conservation. Photo by Christy Steadman
4-H tree-mendous sale on tap
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com Flowers and trees improve the natural beauty of landscape, but they can do even more than that.
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The tree seedlings for this year’s Jeffco 4-H Tree-mendous Sale are grown by the Colorado State Forest Service Nursery to promote conservation practices in the state’s rural and urban landscapes. These tree’s conservation efforts include rural windbreaks, wildlife habitat and conservation for pollinators. For example, shade trees can reduce air conditioning needs, and flowers support the pollinators important to agricultural production. Planting more drought-tolerant species can reduce the use of water, and planting insect and disease-resistant species may avoid widespread tree loss and the need for expensive chemical treatment.
It’s an economical way to reforest your property.”
– Curtis Utley, Horticulture agent for Colorado State University Extension
Orders may be placed through April 8, and plants will be ready for pick up April 28-30 at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 W. 6th Ave. Frontage Road, in Golden. People may place orders at www.4htrees.org or by calling 303-271-6620 for an information brochure and order form to mail in. People must pre-order, and it is recommended to do so early, as certain species sell out every year. Both online and in the brochure, people will have access to brief descriptions and prices of the more than 40 species available. Plants are grown from both seed and cuttings, and are available in several quantities, containers and sizes. The sale has been going on since 1975. People tend to like it for its economics, said Curtis Utley, the horticulture agent for the Colorado State University Extension in Jefferson County. “It’s an economical way to reforest your property,” he said. Plus, Utley added, many of the plants available are native to Colorado. The Jefferson County 4-H puts the sale on as one of its projects. It gets a percentage of the commission, which supports other 4-H activities. Anybody who can plant trees on their property is welcome to purchase plants from the sale, said Master Gardner Duane Davidson, but the purpose is to provide a resource for people to promote conservation efforts. “The philosophy,” Davidson said, “is to assist in tending to the environment — and improving it as much as possible.”
For Preston Jenkins, 12, watching his mom teeter on the edge of homelessness left him anxious. “I did not like seeing my mom stressed out about it all,” he said. And “I was stressed out because we had to move and be homeless.” Preston held on to happy thoughts — “when we get out of here and get our new place, I will have a new start and new friends” — to help him feel better. That anxiety, along with tiredness, lack of focus and social skills are key factors affecting the more than 2,800 homeless students in Jefferson County schools, Jeffco district experts say. But the district’s Community & Family Connections department, a team that helps connect students andfamiliess with resources to lessen the impact of homelessness, works hard to relieve those burdens. Students continues on Page 5
Lakewood resident Beth Thomas stands with her two kids, Preston and Milani, outside their new apartment after living three months in a homeless shelter. Thomas is now enjoying life in her own home and sharing quality time with her kids. Courtesy photo
GOLDEN TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 0746-6382) OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401 | PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Golden Transcript is published weekly on Thursday by Mile High Newspapers, 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GOLDEN, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 5 p.m. | Classifieds: Tue. 8 a.m. | Obits: Tue. 12 p.m. | Legals: Thurs. 11 a.m.