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After 70-plus years, Rockley Music to say goodbye to Lakewood
Since 1990
BUDGET CUTS Jeffco looks to shave 7% from most departments
P7
Instruments will be sold for ”once in a generation” prices BY JOSEPH RIOS JRIOS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
During the Rockley family’s 70-plus years of operating the Rockley Music Center on West Colfax, adapting to the needs of the community has been vital. When Melvin and Mildred Rockley opened the store’s original location at Colfax and Wadsworth in 1946, the family sold washers, dryers, sheet music, record players and band and orchestral instruments. Once 1955 hit, the couple moved their business to its current location at 8555 W. Colfax Ave. where they designed and helped to build the location. The washers and dryers were replaced with music records, a guitar department and a teaching studio where residents could learn instruments. Eventually, a piano department was created along with a piano showroom. But all good things must come to an end, and the Rockley Music Center is planning on closing its Lakewood location, hopefully by the end of the year. The instruments like violins, violas, cellos, basses, grand pianos, keyboards and more will be sold for what the store is calling “once in a generation” prices starting Nov. 19. “The word that comes to mind is iconic,” said Liane Rockley, vice president of the Rockley Music Center, when describing the store. “Most of the community that has been here in our area for a long time has always known us. We’re one of the landmark locations, kind of like Davey’s Chuck Wagon Diner.” Michael Alcorn, who went to Alameda International JR/SR High School SEE ROCKLEY, P2
NEW WAYS TO PLAY
How playgrounds have evolved in the metro area P14
SPECIAL DANCE
Newton, left, and Melvin Rockley. The music center has been part of the Lakewood community since 1946. COURTESY OF LIANE ROCKLEY
DID YOU KNOW INSIDE
RISE program creates social connections P4
It can take up to 24 hours for every five pounds to thaw a thoroughly frozen turkey in the refrigerator.
Source: USDA Food Safety Education: www.fsis.usda.gov
VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 18 | SPORTS: PAGE 20
LakewoodSentinel.com
VOLUME 96 | ISSUE 13