Arvada Press 040623

Hope House breaks ground on $5.4 million Early Learning Center

Arvada City Council candidates file for district races; some omit conduct code

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Newcomer Libertarian candidates for Arvada’s municipal election in the fall would, if elected, bring party-a liated politics to what has been a nonpartisan body. e candidates would also represent a shift in approach to issues, like e orts to improve diversity and a ordable housing.

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

About a hundred teen moms will have a massive burden lifted o their shoulders soon, as Hope House Colorado broke ground on its new $5.4 million Early Learning Center, which will provide all-day childcare for 104 of the nonpro t’s moms and sta .

All seats at the Early Learning

Center are eligible for parents enrolled in Colorado Child Care Assistance Program for Families, and about 10 will be reserved for Hope House sta working at the center. e project broke ground on April 1 with a large crowd of onlookers in tow and is slated for completion in fall 2024.

e project was initially planned as a long-term objective for Hope House — an Arvada-based nonpro t that helps teen moms achieve self-su ciency through help with housing, transportation and childcare — but was jump-started by a $1 million gift from the Ackerman Trust after the trustee, Bill Ackerman, died.

Ackerman was a barber from Evergreen who was abandoned

by his mother during the Great Depression. He went to live in a group home and earned a prosperous life for himself, but wanted to help others avoid the same hardships he went through.

“( e donation) moved it up by 18 months,” Lisa Steven, Hope House’s founder and executive director. “We had not planned to start that early.”

Steven said Hope House has $700,000 left to raise, which she said they hope to achieve through grants and individual donations. Steven added that Hope house prefers to be debt-free and currently has no debt on any of the buildings they own.

Libertarian Murl Hendrickson is seeking to unseat Councilmember Lauren Simpson, who was elected in 2019, in District 2.And in District 4, Libertarian Jessica Fenske has led to face 12-year Councilmember Bob Fifer, who is term-limited for at-large seats, but can still run in district races.

Simpson and Fifer contrast with their challengers as they have no stated party a liations. Both see the council as a nonpartisan entity focused on collaborative governing.

None of the current seven members of council have party a liations.

Both Libertarians also stand out for refusing to sign Arvada’s Code of Fair Campaign Practices, which governs candidates’ conduct throughout the election cycle. Every other candidate for council, so far, has signed the voluntary pledge.

“I felt like it could potentially hinder my

Members of Hope House’s sta move dirt at the April 1 groundbreaking of Hope Houses’ Early Learning Center. PHOTO BY RYLEE DUNN

104 childcare spots, all CCAP eligible, to be available for Hope House moms, sta by 2024

Challengers square o against council members in Districts 2 and 4

GROUND

Steven also highlighted that Colorado is considered a “childcare desert” and only has one childcare slot available for every three children who need them. She said that quality childcare can make a world of di erence, especially for the young moms Hope House serves.

“Everything we do is based on building relationships and trust,” Steven said. “(Moms) may be starting at 16, 17 (years old) and they’ve never left a child with anybody besides family, and they’re very anxious about that. So, the fact that we o er an Early Learning Program is critical for building that transition pipeline.”

Hope House currently o ers a three-hour-per-day childcare program for moms, but when the Center is completed, it will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing more coverage.

Maria, a Hope House mom, said she’s been using the nonpro t’s Early Learning Program for ve years, and it’s allowed her more exibility in her life to achieve her goals.

“It has been very helpful in many ways, while I have been utilizing it I have been able to attend classes at hope house such as self-care classes, parenting classes, nancial classes,” Maria said. “It has bene ted my kids so much, they have interacted a lot more with kids while been in there, they love all the volunteers, and also how they do many bene cial things to help them learn.”

e groundbreaking on April 1 was attended by almost 100 community members, including Arvada Mayor Marc Williams and District 2 City Councilmember Lauren Simpson.

“ e celebration on Saturday is really a celebration for our whole community,” Steven said. “We’re so proud and so humbled to be part of the Arvada community, just operating Hope house out of Arvada has been a joy. Our community is so supportive, the fact that our community is coming together again to support and empower our teen moms is so important and special to us.

“We love being part of the Arvada community,” Steven concluded.

Hope House Director Lisa Steven introduces a teen mom and Hope Houses’ Program Director Lisa Kirk-Plowman.

Hope House Director Lisa Steven addresses the crowd.

The crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Early Learning Center.

City of Arvada stakeholders, including Mayor Marc Williams (center) and Councilmember Lauren Simpson (right) attended the groundbreaking. PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN

Arvada Chamber of Commerce names 2023 Badass Women of Arvada

Local leaders, small business owners, first responders recognized

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Arvada Chamber of Commerce recently completed its annual Badass Women of Arvada initiative, which recognizes women leaders in the community while celebrating Women’s History Month, by publishing profiles of over 30 members throughout the month of March.

Some of the women honored this year include Apex Parks and Recreation’s Katie Groke, Namiko Eshima of Namiko’s Japanese restaurant, Jeffco School Board Member Danielle Varda, Arvada Police Department’s Breann L. Bellio, Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez, Foothills Regional Housing’s Lori Rosendahl and many, many more.

Everyone honored by the chamber received a spotlight on the chamber’s website and social media and is invited to a mixer on April 6 at Silver Vines Winery that will bring together this year’s honorees and past Badass Women.

“Arvada is leading the way for women to be leaders,”

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Groke said in her profile. “I think we lead the way in empowering female leaders and giving space to new ideas. It has been exciting to see my hometown transform into such an innovative and progressive community allowing all voices to be heard and take charge. The more diverse voices at the table, the more robust decisions will be made.”

When Colbert Callen — director of sales and marketing at Footers Catering — was asked about the importance of highlighting the accomplishments of women, she deferred to her 9-year-old daughter.

“Here was her response: ‘Because it’s like a school. When a person walks in as a new student, they want to feel welcome and feel celebrated. They don’t want to feel alone,’” Callen said. “I couldn’t agree more. Creating a space that celebrates and welcomes every woman’s unique contribution to the world is a future I am proud to build toward.”

This year marks the third iteration of Badass Women of Arvada; the initiative began in 2021.

A YouTube Playlist Features 42 ‘Top Green Products’ From the International Builders Show

I would have loved to attend the 2023 International Builders Show in Las Vegas to check out the vendors of green products, but I have a job here that already keeps me pretty busy. So I was delighted to receive a link to a YouTube playlist of 42 videos featuring many of the same products that would have interested me.

In those videos Rate It Green host Matt Hoots of Sawhorse Inc. shares his picks for some of the best green building products from IBS. You’ll certainly make some new discoveries, as I did, and appreciate Matt's insights. Many of these products I already knew about and some of them I have mentioned in this column (such as the Rheem heat pump water heater), but I didn't make videos of them. He did. Thank you, Matt!

The videos are a great service, with the shortest ones being under 2 minutes and only one of them being over 10 minutes. Each of them is a short visit to a different IBS 2023 booth, interviewing the attendant about their product. It would have taken me a few days to do the same thing, with most of my time spent walking up and down the aisles looking for products that interested me and blowing off those which didn’t.

The nice thing about a YouTube playlist is that all the videos are listed on the side, and you can skip to the ones that interest you the most or skip to the next video as soon as you’ve seen enough of the one you’re watching.

The link for the YouTube playlist is too long to print here, but you can click

2 Local Entities Cited for Housing Affordability Work

Ivory Innovations has released the names of 24 finalists for the Ivory Prize for Housing Affordability, and two of them are in Denver. The finalists are selected by an advisory board which is composed of the top minds in housing across the U.S. In addition to awarding financial support, Ivory Innovations connects all of its finalists with leading practitioners, capital partners, student interns, and pro bono consulting or capacity-building services.

The two Denver area finalists are: Madelon (MadelonGroup.com) simplifies infill housing development by streamlining and productizing the entire process. They seamlessly integrate each component, including pre-designed housing products that are compatible with industrialized housing manufacturers, into their online REDtech platform. This allows small local developers, non-profit institutions, and

Just

Listed:

even community trusts to get into the driver’s seat and finally leverage new construction technology to identify and build more affordable housing supply at scale.

Launched by Gary Community Ventures in partnership with Denver’s Black community, The Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth (DearfieldFund.com) provides up to $40,000 in down-payment assistance to first-time Black and African American homebuyers to help build generational wealth. The fund aims to close the racial wealth gap and accelerate Black homeownership by generating an average of $100K in net worth for 500-600 Black families, leading to $50-$75M in wealth creation for the Black community in Denver. The fund seeks to build a community of practice and to create a model that other cities could replicate in their own housing markets.

Development Site in Lakewood

on it at the posting of this article at www.GoldenREblog.com. Here are the video titles that stood out for me:

3D Printed Homes: Is This the Future of Housing?

Modern Heat Pump Designed to Work in HOT and COLD Climates

Rheem Heat Pump Water Heater to Replace Gas

This Toilet Could Have Saved Me $1,000 in Water Bills

Revolutionizing Construction With Plaex Building Systems

Gas Appliance Manufacturer Now Going Green With Induction Cooktops and Cookware

What Is the Difference Between Induction and Electric Cooktops?

Customized Switches and Sensors to Help with Indoor Air Quality

Cold Weather Heat Pump Advice

Hubers Zip Wall System: Air and Water Sealing Sheathing

Toto’s Washlet and Wall Hung Toilet Systems — Saving Water & Toilet Paper

Ventilation: Air Filtration and Humidity Management

Panasonic Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERVs) Explained

Sellers Are Helping Buyers to Buy Down Interest Rates to Sell Homes

With interest rates staying between 6 and 7 percent, it has become a common practice for buyers to demand and sellers to grant a concession by which the seller pays a fee to the buyer’s lender to get a lower interest rate for the first year or two, after which the buyer can hopefully refinance at a lower rate.

To see how pervasive this trend has become I ran some statistics on closings over the past 90 days and compared them to the first 90 days of 2022.

Neolith Sintered Stone: Sustainable Countertops, Shower Systems and Rainscreens

AZEK Decks: Recycled Content, EcoFriendly, Durable Decking

A Smarter Way to Add Solar to Your Roof: Solar Shingles

I should add that watching the playlist is “sustainable” in itself—you didn’t add to your carbon footprint by traveling to Las Vegas, and you didn’t come home with a bag full of handouts that will only go into the recycling bin!

I suggest you take notes as you watch these videos and create a menu of possible upgrades you could make to your home. Then review that menu and decide what to implement first.

Heads Up to All Homeowners: Property Valuations by County Assessor Are Coming in May

Colorado’s constitution dictates that in May of every odd-numbered year, each county assessor must provide every property owner with his or her estimate of the “full valuation” of their property as of June 30th of the previous year.

Your property taxes for 2023 (due next spring) and for 2024 will be based on that valuation, so you may want to appeal that valuation by the June deadline. As I have done in this column every other year for the past two decades, I will publish a guide for how to determine whether you have a case for reducing your valuation and the most successful way to submit it.

Check out JimSmithColumns.com for what I wrote in May 2021 and May 2019 to see that process, which will require some updating when I publish it next month.

$1,600,000

This 0.86-acre parcel at 730 Kipling Street comes with plans for 16 townhome-style units and an open case number with Lakewood Planning & Zoning. It’s a flat site adjacent to Lakewood High School and near the Kipling/6th Ave. Freeway interchange. That makes it close to both the Denver Federal Center and St. Anthony’s medical campus. Colorado Christian University is also just a few minutes from the site, along with other schools. From this site, you’re only minutes to downtown Denver or downtown Golden, and it’s centrally located in the metro area for ease of travel in all directions. For more details, visit www.LakewoodDevelopmentSite.info or call Austin Pottorff at 970-281-9071 for more info or to submit a contract.

During the 90 days prior to this Monday, there were 4,512 closings of residential listings on REcolorado.com in which it was stated on the MLS that the seller provided a concession related to buyer’s closing costs. During the first 90 days of 2022, that number was 2,675.

This will be a rough year for property owners because of the crazy runup in property values between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2022. The percentage increase in your home’s value between those two dates will be the basis for the percentage increase in your property taxes for 2023 and 2024.

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851

Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com

Congratulations to Chuck Brown, Our First Quarter Top Producer

Badass Women of Arvada logo.

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campaign,” Hendrickson said.

“No, I will not be signing that,” Fenske said, citing concerns about loose wording that could lead to misinterpretation on the campaign trail.

Overall, the mayor’s seat and three council seats are up for grabs. Termlimited Mayor Marc Williams is not running for a council seat.

e Arvada Press will this week preview the district races. Subsequent editions will cover the other races.

District 2

Candidates who have led so far: Lauren Simpson (incumbent; independent), Murl Hendrickson (Libertarian)

District 2 covers southeast Arvada, spanning north-south from 72nd Avenue down to 52nd Avenue and east-west from Wadsworth and Sheridan Boulevards. Simpson said her campaign is inspired by a love for community service and a desire to complete work she began in 2019.

“I love doing this job, I really do,” Simpson said. “Serving the citizens of our city gives me, personally, a feeling of great purpose and I feel it’s a way for me to use my skills to better the community where I’m raising my family. I love being able to help people… I love being able to a ect what I call active good in our community.

Simpson added that she enjoys

helping constituents solve problems.

“Some of the best moments have been when I’ve helped residents get their cul-de-sac repaved,” she said.

“I helped an elderly resident get the power lines of his house xed.

I helped a senior with breathing issues work out an issue with their neighbor’s illegal re pit. ese may seem like little things, but when they happen to you, they’re big deals.”

Simpson cited as her proudest achievements the city’s e orts to build and create 600 new a ordable housing units, the Olde Town pedestrian mall, Arvada’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the gift card drive for Marshall Fire victims. She said praised Councilmember Lisa Smith in the work.

She added that she feels the city has more work to do.

“It’s exciting about a ordable housing progress, but it’s not enough,” Simpson said. “I’m excited for the work focused on public safety and homelessness, which was made dramatically worse by the pandemic and I want to continue looking at solutions that help Arvada families.”

Simpson said that she’s engaged stakeholders on how to provide comprehensive, safe childcare for families.

Simpson also worked with the State Redistricting Committee and advocated for Arvada to be kept whole in terms of representation at the State Capitol, which, for the rst time in the city’s history, came to fruition with the redrawing of district maps.

Hendrickson said he’s spent most of his life in Colorado — save for a

stint in Texas — and moved to Arvada two years ago from the Boulder area.

He ran, unsuccessfully, for the Colorado State House in 2018 and recently moved to the Libertarian Party after spending most of his life as a Republican. He noted “disappointing primary results” and dissatisfaction with the direction of the party as his reasons.

Hendrickson said seeks to provide a new direction for council.

“Maybe a fresh perspective from a di erent party — someone like me — that’s o ering just a total serious reduction in government as opposed to the Democrats who want to grow government and Republicans who want the status quo,” he said. “People might be open to that idea and see if things get better.”

Hendrickson is involved in Grace Church of Arvada, where he volunteers and is involved in the church’s acquisition of Faith Christian High School. He also volunteers with Special Olympics Golf and supports uni ed sports through his sister, who has Downs Syndrome.

Hendrickson is against government regulation of churches.

“We know there isn’t a separation of church and state,” he said.

He also is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and reducing government spending, taxation and a ordable housing, the latter of which he says should be created by a “free market.”

“I think government has just gotten bigger and bigger and bigger,” Hendrickson said. “ ey claim they want to help the working person,

but they don’t. It’s just made things harder on us. I’d look for areas of spending on a local level I think are unnecessary and obsolete and get rid of them

“ e town I lived in didn’t have public recreation at all in Texas,” Hendrickson continued. “No one seemed to be bothered by that.”

Hendrickson said he didn’t sign the fair campaigning code because he takes issue with a clause that prohibits candidates from racist conduct during their campaign.

“I believe that what constitutes racism is di erent than what a Democrat believes constitutes racism,” Hendrickson said. “Who decides if I’ve broken the pledge? What are the consequences?”

Hendrickson added that he would make Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work and Critical Race eory, or CRT, “illegal” because he feels those things are racist. When asked to de ne racism, Hendrickson said that he believes in “equality, not equity” and added that “now White men are being discriminated against.”

“I would de ne racism as negatively judging a person who shows good character or discriminating against them when they’re the most qualied (for a position) because of their race,” Hendrickson said. “Now White men are being discriminated against because companies are targeting Blacks or minorities or whoever and they’re not giving people the equal opportunity.”

He added: “Not every group in every eld has put forth the same IQ

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Second Saturday Summer Concert Series returning to Olde Town Arvada

Local original bands highlighted in annual free music, arts event

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Music lovers of Arvada, rejoice!

e 11th Annual Second Saturday Summer Concert Series and Street Fair is returning to Olde Town Arvada with an exciting slate of local musicians.

Second Saturdays for 2023 will take place on May 13, June 10, Sept. 8 and Aug. 12.

Two stages will host music this year: one in Olde Town Square, and one larger “bank” stage in the parking lot between the Community Banks of Colorado building and the 12 Volt Tavern. Each stage will have one headliner per Second Saturday in addition to supporting acts playing earlier in the day.

In addition to the music, over 40 artisans and vendors will be participating in booths and pop-ups at each event, including smaller local artisans such as Mermaid Walking Boutique, Native Fauna Art, Star Seed Dreams and Elemental Smoke BBQ food truck.

In addition to the vendors, Olde Town brick and mortar shops

including Electric Cherry, Ethan’s Gallery and Marmalade Lounge will be hosting special pop-ups at select Second Saturdays.

“ e Olde Town Business Improvement District is really excited to bring back 11th Second Saturday’s event which will be highlighting mostly local original artists and artisan vendors,” Stephanie Paul, the Olde Town BID’s Marketing and Events Manager said.

e rst two headliners, Night Routine and Boot Gun, both played Second Saturdays last year as smaller artists and have now graduated to

the big stage.

Night Routine’s keyboardist and vocalist Steve Maher said the band was wowed by Arvada’s community feel and support for the arts.

“Second Saturday was a really cool experience,” Maher said. “It’s just this beautiful festival; everyone’s dancing, enjoying the music. Community kind of gets lost in the city, when we were tapping into Arvada it was a really beautiful experience. To have people stop and dance in real time was cool to see. Stephanie and the Second Saturday team are so great to work with, we’re really

excited to do that again.”

Following the Night Routine/Boot Gun kicko on May 13, Fresh Fruit! And Elegant Plums will headline in June, followed by PJ Moon and the Swappers and Nik Parr and the Sel ess Lovers — the only band not local to Colorado, as Parr and the Lovers hail from Austin, Texas — and capped o by local-to-Arvada acts e Barlow and Buckstein in August.

Second Saturdays are open to the public and free to attend.

Meet Louie!

Louie (271264) is an 11-year-old Boxer mix. Nice fella with a sunny disposition, easy to be around, and an excellent walking partner! Louie is likely to be a good for many, don’t miss out! Our volunteers tell us he’s a total treat hound and adores human companionship. Not to mention, that smile! For his comfort as he’s not skilled at sharing his things with other dogs, Louie is available for adoption

Colorado Joint Replacement reunites you with the activities you love.

FoothillsAnimalShelter.org info@fas4pets.org

Todd M. Orthopedic Surgeon

Second Saturday’s poster graphic.

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or education level or values or character or things of that nature. Every individual should be judged solely on their quali cation. Race and gender shouldn’t have an impact.”

Hendrickson said he opposes CRT in schools because it discusses “systems in place of oppression instead of individual acts.”

Asked about her opponent’s decision to omit the fair conduct pledge from his campaign, Simpson had no comment.

“I don’t think Arvadans like negativity or divisiveness,” Simpson said. “I’ve signed my campaign fair conduct pledge and I have no comment on what other people do because we have to ask someone their reasons for why they choose to do something. I’m planning to run a positive campaign and I think we’re going to have a really great election cycle this year, because that’s just the way Arvada is.”

Simpson also explained why she does not a liate with a political party. She said she represents all of her constituents and believes many city issues do not need to be made partisan.

“ is is a nonpartisan race, and

as the mayor likes to say, ‘ ere’s no such thing as a pothole with an a liation,’” Simpson said. “We all have our values and we all have our beliefs and any voter is always free to ask me where I stand. I genuinely do not care where they come from politically. It’s my job to listen to them and to help them.”

Hendrickson said that he is guided by his Christian faith and is opposed to personal attacks on the campaign trail.

District 4

Candidates led: Bob Fifer (12 years at-large), Jessica Fenske (Libertarian)

District 4 Councilmember David Jones is not seeking reelection, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

At-Large Councilmember Bob Fifer is running against rst-time candidate Jessica Fenske. District 4 covers west Arvada including Candelas and Leyden Rock.

Fifer said he feels his experience, in conjunction with the city’s rapid growth, would be an asset on the council.

“In light of where we’re trying to take our city and what we’re trying to do, the council is still maturing,” Fifer said. “I thought it would be good for institutional knowledge and continuity of the council to run in District 4. e only councilmembers whose terms do not expire this year and are not seeking election are Lisa Smith and Randy Moorman — both in their rst terms.

“Our council — we can agree, we can disagree, agreeably, I guess you can say,” Fifer said. “I want to maintain that and I want to be able to help grow future leaders just a little bit longer so they have a little bit more tenure under their belt.”

Fifer added that decentralizing the police department and creating community stations, increasing funding to streets and infrastructure, and implementing performancebased budgeting within the city team are some of his proudest accomplishments from his time on council.

He said the three main areas he would like to address if reelected are a ordable housing, inclusivity and homelessness. Fifer said that bringing a ordable housing policies to council was a challenge in the early years of his term but e orts have

come to the forefront recently.

Fifer delineated between “chronic homeless,” which he said may carry a criminal element, and, “invisible homeless,” which he sees as people who are thrust into di cult situations without the support network to dig themselves out.

“We need to spend the resources in the right area,” Fifer said. “We’ve got to gure out a path forward on these two situations with homelessness and I believe there’s an opportunity to do it and I don’t want to prescribe it just yet, because I think we need to still have continued conversations around this topic.”

Fifer has lifelong roots in Arvada and lived in District 3 for 13 years before moving to District 4 in 2019. Since then, he’s seen the west side of Arvada grow considerably and raised concerns about metro districts, which he said accrue debt and lack the oversight.

“We need to not do them anymore,” Fifer said, adding “there needs to be some sort of oversight put into that that is outside of the developer. So, either assign a City Council member to sit on that board or assign a city sta er or let there be an at-large citizen that can sit on that board for some improved oversight.” Fenske, a resident of District 4 since 2010, said the events of the last three years made her interested in running for o ce. She is a member of the Mises Caucus of the Libertarian Party, which seeks to elect candidates in local races rather than statewide or federal ones. (Hendrickson is also a member of the Mises Caucus.)

She runs a popular Twitter account and associated podcast called “Forest Mommy,” where she has discussed her campaign and qualms with the government. Fenske said that she hasn’t been involved in much organizing or volunteering in the Arvada community, but previously served on a land trust board in Douglas County and volunteered at the Stock Show.

“ ere hasn’t really been any, like major issues with our City Council,” Fenske said. “I really just want to spread the message to people that we don’t need to be as reliant on government, which is funny because I’m trying to get into government.”

Fenske said her main concerns are police reform — she cited the 2021

District 2 Arvada City Council Candidates Lauren Simpon (left) and Murl Hendrickson (right).

District 4 Arvada City Council Candidates Bob Fifer (left) and Jessica Fenske (right).

Report charts course for mitigating wildfire risks

Tribal partnerships are seen as key to e ort

BY ERIC GALATAS PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE

As wild re seasons in Colorado and across the American West become longer, less predictable and increasingly destructive, a new report aims to provide an equitable roadmap for protecting communities, watersheds and wildlife.

Rob Addington, Colorado forest program director for e Nature Conservancy, said engagement with tribal nations, who have been successful stewards of lands for thousands of years, will be critical to address the scale of the challenge.

“Developing tribal partnerships and really looking to tribal knowledge, ecological knowledge that many of the tribes hold from their centuries in many cases of working with the land, working with re,” Addington outlined.

Addington pointed out the roadmap represents a paradigm shift in modern forest and wild re management. After decades of re prevention strategies, for example, experts said prescribed burns will be necessary to thin fuel supplies across thousands of acres of dry western lands. e report also called for advanced computer modeling and unmanned drones to improve early detection, help battle res more ef-

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at Workshops with English Faculty from Red Rocks Community College

Poetry: April 22, 2023

1:00pm–4:00pm

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1:00pm–4:00pm

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Write short ction that accelerates plot and character development while connecting with readers. All levels welcome.

fectively, and to reseed and restore scarred forests.

e roadmap, created by e Aspen Institute and e Nature Conservancy, compiled input from more than 250 experts in forest and re management, federal, state,

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local, and Tribal Nation authorities, and the private sector, including the forest products and insurance industries.

Addington noted many of the report’s recommendations are shovel-ready, due to recent public investments such as the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the In ation Reduction Act.

“But what we need in parallel to complement that funding is this set of policy recommendations,” Addington urged. “To really make best use of that funding, and have it hit the ground in the most e cient and e ective way that we can.”

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police reform — she cited the 2021 Olde Town Shooting and the Brandon Valdez police excessive use of force case — along with lowering municipal taxes and curtailing government spending.

She wants to change the Arvada Police Department’s hiring practices, which she said could have prevented the Valdez the police incident, wherein an APD o cer allegedly assaulted a man accused of abusing his girlfriend. e city ultimately paid a $100,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging abuse.

“ ey hired a guy they shouldn’t have hired and he went and, like, beat the crap out of someone,” Fenske said, taking issue with the settlement.

Asked about government spending, Fenske said she would work to curb the city’s DEI work, “struggle sessions” she believes didn’t help the community.

“ at’s not bene cial to the citizens,” Fenske said. “Anything that’s spending that makes the bene ting the government more, I don’t want

Addington underscored building successful partnerships will be key for work that needs to happen in metropolitan areas and across tribal, federal, state and privately owned lands. e report also identi ed some potential roadblocks, and o ered policy solutions requiring action from Congress, the executive branch, and partners like states, Tribal Nations, nonpro ts, and industry.

is story via e Associated Press’ Storyshare. Colorado Community Media is a participant in Storyshare.

to do any of that. Like, ‘Oh, we need to spend money on redoing the whole o ce’ or, you know, stupid stu like that.”

Fenske added that she will not sign the candidate code of conduct because she does not trust the government to di erentiate between right and wrong.

“ ere’s no — who decides what’s right and what’s truth?” Fenske said. “I don’t trust the government to ever decide that… e words were just a little too loose. Like, you know, we live in a time where everybody’s words can be turned against them.”

Fenske added, however, that she would run a “fair” campaign and will accept the results of the election, regardless of the outcome.

Fifer called Fenske’s messaging “disruptive” and expressed concerns with her omission of the pledge.

“It just says, ‘we’re going to have a fair, open, transparent, respectful civil campaign,’” Fifer continued. “And so, it does disturb me that she is not going to sign it.”

Fifer also defended the city’s DEI e orts. He maintained that the city has a long way to go in terms of improving inclusivity.

FROM PAGE 6

A new report charts a course for mitigating wildfire risks.

COURTESY PHOTO

EASTER Worship

Arvada United Methodist Church

8:15am | In Person

10am | In Person & Livestream

childcare available

with JeffCo Brass, AUMC Choirs & Handbells

Arvada United Methodist Church invites you to Easter Worship services at 8:15am and 10am on Sunday, April 9, 2023. We are located at 6750 Carr Street in Arvada, CO. Our 10am service will also be livestreamed online. AUMC is an open and affirming community- all are welcome in our doors and at our table.

To learn more about Holy Week and Easter at AUMC, please visit us online at arvadaumc.org/lent

Church of the Beloved

Ecumenical Catholic Community

Holy Week Services and Easter Mass

We value diversity in…

Age

Ethnicity and Race

Marital Status

Sexual Orientation

Gender Expression

Religious Background …and more!

ALL Are Welcome!

In-person or on Zoom!

churchofthebeloved-ecc.org

Weekly Mass: Saturdays at 5pm

Holy Thursday: 7:30pm; Good Friday: 7pm

Easter Vigil: 9pm; Easter Mass: 8:30am

10500 Grant Dr, Northglenn CO

(303) 489-7046

SUNDAY

How much do you know about 2023 elections?

The League of Women Voters of Je erson County is here to inform voters with its recently updated Citizen’s Guide, slated to appear online by mid-April at https://lwvje co.org in a downloadable format.

e comprehensive Citizen’s Guide includes contact information for local, state and national elected o cials, as well as county, district and state court judges.

GUEST COLUMN

Voting information includes details about voter registrationand Special District elections. An election calendar alerts voters to quali cations and schedules.

Manthey

For example, April 25 is the last day citizens can

request an absentee ballot in order to vote in the May 2 Special District elections. ese could be by mail, absentee ballotor in person. Voters should check with the individual districts in which they pay taxes for more detailed information, or go to https://bit.ly/3YWKLJx

As the governing engines of towns, municipalities and unincorporated areas, Special Districts provide vital localservices: Wa-

ter and sanitation, re and parks and recreation, among others. To view the districts included in your property tax bill, visit https://bit. ly/3Lg9YYX.

Detailed information about future municipal and school board elections in November can be found later this year at VOTE411.org. For more information about the League of Women Voters of Je erson County, visit LWVJe co.org.

Novelty: Moving into your creative zone

Last month I talked about Ambiguity, the fourth in my Five-Part series on our relationship with time, how we respond to it in the forms it takes in our lives.

is month, let’s look at the nal aspect in this series: what happens when you move successfully from Ambiguity into Novelty.

If Ambiguity is about having no focus or passion with too many options to choose from, Novelty is the state you reach when you choose what you want to focus on, and your passions get ignited to get them going. All of them. At once.

For example, you just came out of the post-holiday season, weathered the dark of winter, and are seeing the beginnings of spring – you’re pulled into the daytime sunshine and able to feel how warm it can be. It’s a novel feeling to have after the cold and short days.

When novelty thaws us, we are able to focus on our passions again. You want to put your winter sweaters away, get the garden prepped for planting, start researching summer

UNLEARN IT

vacation spots. You’re touring schools with your college-bound senior, taking on the long-put-o bathroom renovation, cleaning out the garage, starting an exercise program, reducing sugar from the family diet, planning the visit from your relatives, nishing up a huge project at work, hiring new sta …you get the picture.

Instead of your list looking daunting or insurmountable, you’re energized to get them ALL done NOW.

You feel productive, gain a tremendous sense of accomplishment, and pride as you complete your projects. You power through any exhaustion and that nagging frazzled-feeling because the powerful sense of showing up in the world can be intoxicating.

Are you there? If you’re not sure, listen to how you describe your days—do you say things like, “I’m

crazy-busy” or “my life is insane?”

Look for signs that you may be becoming overwhelmed or anxious. Panic-attacks, storm-eating, sleeplessness, over-indulging alcohol or recreational drugs and watching TV or being on social media for many hours a day are just a few of the signals you may be too occupied to keep up the pace you’ve set for yourself.

What’s happening is a shift into over-drive where you are captive to the high energy and excitement of all the projects you have going on. And, while your creative surges are lling your tank in some aspects, they are also keeping you from self-calming, and unwinding which leads to anxiety and overwhelm.

Here are a few tools I use with my clients to help them self-regulate and move from Novelty into Stillness—(the point where we began this series).

Recognize one overwhelm pattern: One example is scrolling on Facebook for hours a day. Set an alarm and put your device down when it sounds. Stand up, move away

from your device and shake your body – dance around – sing – walk outside for ve minutes to break up the energy.

Practice relaxation techniques that are repetitive: If you don’t have one, one of my favorites is box breathing: breathe in for four counts, hold for four counts, breathe out for four counts and hold for four counts again. Repeat at least three times.

Welcome your empty mind: When a thought keeps cycling without a resolution, stop and thank it, then let it know you will give it attention – record a day and time. Notice how your mind clears.

Christine Kahane, NBC-HWC, MCHWC – is a Nationally BoardCerti ed Health & Wellness Coach, and owner of KAHANE COACHING (www.kahanecoaching.com), located at 30792 Southview Drive/Suite 206 in Evergreen, CO. For more information about coaching, or to write-in a question for UNlearn it! send your inquiries to christine@kahanecoaching.com.

Parkinson’s slows life down, but doesn’t stop a family’s love

My dad is one of the smartest people I know. He attended a technical school and, in the 1980s, turned that into a small business repairing stereos, TVs, VCRs, and, later, computers. If it could be tinkered with, my dad could x it, and his skills were so in need that they provided for our family when I was growing up.

It was my mom and dad’s dream to raise a family in the mountains. ey accomplished this dream. My dad sold his business, we uprooted from our home in Arkansas and moved to a mountain home in Colorado. I was

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in the fourth grade.

Sometimes it’s hard for me to remember that my dad has Parkinson’s disease.

He was diagnosed about 12 years ago.

In many ways, he is the same Mr. Fixit. But in other ways, he is not. It’s the little things. e day I moved into my new condo, as a rst-time homebuyer this past fall, I thought nothing of

Christy Steadman

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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it when asking my dad to bring his tools so he could change the front door lock. I thought this would be an easy chore for him while everyone else carried the heavy moving boxes up and down the stairs. at he remembered the tools is a win given his Parkinson’s. But my mom discreetly told me that he wouldn’t be able to change the lock — because of the cognitive skills he has lost over the years to the disease. And, thinking back, it’s possible that she brought the tools for him, though I didn’t ask.

Again, it’s the little things that

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don’t seem to matter at the time, but add up, in retrospect, and show how much my dad has changed.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and degenerative brain disorder that a ects a person’s muscle movement. But it is so much more than a movement disorder. e disease itself is not necessarily fatal, but complications can be serious and it can greatly diminish quality of life. Along with the motor, or movement, symptoms, there are many other symptoms. People with Parkinson’s

SEE STEADMAN, P11

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Press. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper. To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

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A legal newspaper of general circulation in Je erson County, Colorado, the Arvada Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 27972 Meadow Dr. Suite 320, Evergreen CO, 80439.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Arvada Press, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Christine Kahane

The Arvada Center invites audiences to join its book club

Anyone who has been in a book club before knows they can be a brilliant opportunity to bond with friends, both old and new, over a shared love of the written word. And they can also be ground zero for all kinds of interpersonal messiness.

In the Arvada Center’s production of Karen Zacarías’ laugh-out-loud “ e Book Club Play,” one group becomes the subject of a documentary lm maker, resulting in all kinds of hilarity as the members let the camera into their lives.

“I love books. And I nd book clubs fascinating,” wrote Kate Gleason, who plays several pundits in the show, in an email interview. “I like how book clubs are a chance for very di erent characters to come together in a shared experience. I was challenged and excited to play several wildly di erent characters with one common thread — books.”

“ e Book Club Play” runs at the Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., through May 18. Directed by Lynne Collins as part of the Black Box eatre repertory season, performances are at 7:30 p.m. on ursdays through Saturdays, 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Gathering with others who share a love of books is a tried-and-true setting for all kinds of stories, and there’s a good reason for this — in book clubs, members have a tendency to really let their hair down and cut loose. Not only does this make for a very dynamic energy between characters, but it can be a vehicle

COMING ATTRACTIONS

to explore how we connect with each other.

— a series that goes back more than 50 years.

FROM PAGE 10

can develop mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, apathy and irritability. ere’s also dementia, an issue that a ects not just my dad, but our whole family. ings have become slower year by year in the 12 years since my dad’s diagnosis. at doesn’t mean the decline has been steady or that family life has ground to a halt. I’m thankful that for many years my dad could still do almost everything. Now, it’s just life at a much slower pace and nothing that we, as a family, can’t manage with a little

Clarke Reader

“It’s about the relationships we have with our friends, family, and ourselves, all centered around great, or not so great, books,” Gleason wrote. “ e ability to agree or disagree is all part of the fun.”

Stories involving book clubs provide opportunities to explore all kinds of culture: classic highbrow novels and the authors who write them, as well as trashy books that provide an opportunity to get together and complain with friends. With that kind of range, audiences who see “ e Book Club Play” can expect laughs and literary references galore.

“Creating family and community are all part of our shared human experience. In all its glory and messiness,” Gleason wrote. “And books can connect or disconnect us from each other. Let the hilarity ensue.”

For more information and tickets, visit https://arvadacenter.org/ events/the-book-club-play.

History Colorado takes travelers on a tour of Arvada

No matter where you live, there’s always an opportunity to learn a little more about your town or city. at’s the ethos behind History Colorado’s Tours and Treks adventure series

patience.

One example: family celebrations and get-togethers. It takes him longer to unwrap a gift. So, now I am conscious about making sure there’s not too much tape securing the paper or too many ribbons to untie.

Parkinson’s is weird because some changes in my dad happened slowly while others seemed to come about all of a sudden.

For instance, ve years ago, my dad could still take the family out for a day of boating on Chat eld Reservoir. And, just one year ago, he was driving his truck with no problems. Today, my dad cannot do those things. He cannot walk up stairs

SEE STEADMAN, P13

As part of this year’s lineup, History Colorado is hosting a Historic Arvada Walking Tour from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 15. According to provided information, the tour will provide a look at “historic buildings, tales of champions of religious and racial tolerance, and delicious spots to stop for snacks.”

All the details for the tour can be found at www.historycolorado.org/ tours-and-treks.

munity Park Road, at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. e symphony will be performing music from Rodney Sauer to accompany the lms. Buy tickets at https://broomeldsymphony.org.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Snail Mail at the Fox Theatre

Broomfield

Symphony celebrates Buster Keaton

You’d be forgiven for believing that the work of silent lm star Buster Keaton has very little to recommend it in the modern cinematic landscape. But upon closer inspection, his ngerprints are everywhere — a recent example is the ballet of violence that is “John Wick 4.”

To learn a little more about Keaton and what makes him such a special performer, check out the Broom eld Symphony’s presentation of two lms, “One Week” and “Sherlock Jr.” e screening will be held at the Broom eld Auditorium, 3 Com-

Lindsey Jordan, who records under the name Snail Mail, makes the kind of indie rock that fans of the genre’s early days in the 1990s will immediately recognize. While there are certainly familiar elements to Snail Mail’s music, she’s uses a razor-sharp pen to artfully delve into themes of loneliness, identity and human connection.

Snail Mail will be stopping by Boulder’s Fox eatre, 1135 13th St., at 8:30 p.m. on April 11. She’ll be joined by Water From Your Eyes and Dazy, both bands that represent exciting new talents that add a lot to indie rock. Get tickets at www.axs. com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

An tiques might seem like a eld that’s struggling to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, but the local scene in Elizabeth — and elsewhere in Colorado — suggests a renaissance of sorts might be occurring in the industry.

Randy Wallace owns Randy’s Antiques and Art on Main Street in Elizabeth. e bustling scene in town — featuring e Prickly Pear Antiques, e Carriage Shoppes and 1897 House of Antiques, among others — breeds community, not competition, he said.

“ e more stores in town, the better,” Wallace said. “People love to come antique shopping when there are multiple stores. Each one of our shops has a di erent niche, each one has just a little bit di erent style; I think customers enjoy having a di erent variety when they come to Elizabeth.”

Wallace said that while his shop specializes in antique art and furniture, others cater to di erent interests, like the Prickly Pear’s tearoom.

Over in Littleton, owner Joe Crawford of Old Crow Antiques had the novel idea to add a root beer bar to his shop, with the eventual goal of making the soda section — which currently carries between 60-90 varieties of vintage soda pop at any given time — the largest root beer bar in the world.

Crawford said Old Crow — which he opened three years ago with his brother — is one of the “new kids on the block” in the local

antiquing scene, but said they’ve been welcomed into the scene with open arms.

“I feel like we’re part of a larger community in the metro area,” Wallace said. “ ere are stores throughout the area, and we’ve gotten to know the people who own and work there — some have been here a long time.”

Nostalgia and good, old-fashioned, quality craftsmanship

Antique shops can often sprawl thousands of square feet — Old Crow’s showroom is over 45,000 square feet — packed with items from all eras and purposes. Shopkeepers say that a sense of longing for a di erent time helps people nd what they’re looking for out of the scores of inventories, in addition to the fact that many antiques have stood the test of time for a reason.

“In antique furniture, it’s already lasted 100 years, and — if you take care of it — it’ll last another 100 years,” Wallace said. “A lot of today’s stu is kind of throwaway.”

Julie McCoy, who runs own Unique Treasures Antiques and Collectibles in Wheat Ridge with her parents, echoed Wallace’s sentiment.

“(Antiques are) made so much better,” McCoy said. “ ey’re around 100 years later for a reason. It’s not like Ikea stu that you put together and throw away. It’s good quality

SEE NOSTALGIA, P13

Part of the showroom at Old Crow Antiques in Littleton.

NOSTALGIA

stuff that’s built to last. It builds a lot of memories with people.”

People also point to childhood nostalgia or family memories as

STEADMAN

alone.

Falling is one of the more serious complications of the disease. Falls can be fatal if they happen at the wrong time in the wrong place, like on a staircase or slipping on ice somewhere on the ve-and-a-half acre property in Bailey where my parents live.

He did experience a couple of falls this winter. Both were serious enough that they required hospitalization and surgery, followed by weeks of rehab in a nursing home. During one of our visits in the

reasons for antique shops’ sustained popularity.

“(People seek out) childhood memories,” McCoy said. “Stuff that’ll last, people come in and say, ‘My mom had this,’ they need to have that again to relive their childhood.”

Crawford said his family got into

nursing home, in the metro area, my dad said he’s doing OK. en he said, “I want to be closer to the mountains.” I told him he needs to try to remember not to fall so he could be at home in the mountains again.

Now he has a walker, but his Parkinson’s makes him forget that he needs to use it. e dementia seems to be coming faster. So, it’s a cycle: he tries to get up out of his chair and walk somewhere and somebody, usually my mother, has to stop him or he likely falls again. Falling is now part of my dad’s life – and our family’s.

It is still unknown why or how people develop Parkinson’s. Research on the causes and e orts to

the antiques business because of a love for history and historic items cultivated from time spent with grandparents as kids.

“We tell people it’s a walk down memory lane,” Crawford said. “You’ll see something that reminds you of another time, maybe a simpler time, or childhood.

lessen the severity are making progress. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, “scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors” are to blame. Still, there is no cure for Parkinson’s. I like to think that someday there will be one. Science is already going in the right direction, with rst-of-its-kind surgeries already developed and being perfected, and new movement-based therapies that directly target the parts of the brain that help people with Parkinson’s gain control of their movement.

If a big breakthrough on Parkinson’s comes, it probably will not be in time for my dad, maybe not even for me if I ever develop the disease. I hold hope for the possibility for

Something you haven’t thought of in maybe 50, 60 years.

“I’ll be reminded of my grandma, my family and that’s what it is for me, the stories and experiences of everything that’s here,” Crawford continued. “We say, ‘There are a lot of ghosts under this roof.’”

big improvements, or even a cure, in the lifetimes of my nieces or their children.

Awareness months o er us all a time for re ection. ey give people hope and motivate them and, perhaps most importantly, create the opportunity to share knowledge and personal stories, like mine and my dad’s.

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month. It also happens that it is the month of my dad’s birthday. We’ll all get together, I’m sure. In my mom and dad’s mountain home.

The exterior of Unique Treasures Antiques and Collectibles in Wheat Ridge. COURTESY UNIQUE TREASURES

Randy’s Arts and Antiques features a menagerie of furniture and art from di erent eras. COURTESY RANDY WALLACE

COURTESY JOE CRAWFORD

Christy Steadman is the editor of Colorado Community Media’s Life on Capitol Hill, Washington Park Pro le and Denver Herald newspapers.

2023

OFTHE BEST BEST

BEST OF THE BEST VOTE NOW!

Je erson County Briefs

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Je co transfers 20 acres near fairgrounds to Westernaires

For more than 20 years, the Westernaires have been using county land on the southeast side of the Je co Fairgrounds to practice riding horses and conducting drills.

Now, the land o cially belongs to the Westernaires, thanks to a recent Je co land transfer.

e Westernaires, an organization that’s served local youth since 1949, will now have a permanent home on the property, Je co con rmed in a recent press release.

e county will still have an interest in the property through deed restrictions, requiring that the Westernaires use the land for its programs or other park purposes. If it’s used in another manner, the county can elect to take the property back, Je co o cials explained.

e county previously conveyed a 4-acre parcel in 1964, and another 1.4 acres in 2001. e Westernaires have been using the discussed 20 acres since 1998.

“ e Westernaires are a staple in our county,” County Commissioner Andy Kerr commented in the press release, “and we would like to see them remain here.”

According to the organization’s website, the Westernaires are based at the fairgrounds in Golden, and have more than 1,000 participants aged 9 to 19. e organization promotes horsemanship, self-respect, responsibility and leadership. Its members perform at parades and other Western-themed events.

Director Bill Schleicher stated: “We are proud to celebrate the western heritage of Je erson County and appreciate the continued support of the county’s leadership.”

Coroner’s O ce receives international accreditation

e Je co Coroner’s O ce has received an accreditation from the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners. e

o ce self-submitted for the process, which takes ve years to complete.

e county announced the accreditation on March 28, emphasizing the high level of professionalism and excellence required to receive it.

“IACME accreditation allows our o ce to ensure to the people of Je erson County that our business practices and procedures are following established standards,” Coroner Annettee Cannon stated in the county press release. “ e accreditation strengthens the credibility of the Je erson County Coroner’s O ce and allows us to better serve the community.”

e IACME accreditation ensures the o ce’s operating policies, procedures and practices meet international standards. During the process, IACME reviewed 288 standards across the Coroner’s O ce, including administrative, forensic, investigative and facility review.

To receive IACME accreditation, 100% compliance with mandatory standards and 90% of all applicable standards must be met, the county stated.

e Coroner’s O ce establishes cause of death for those who die in accidents, acts of violence, and other special circumstances, such as unexpected or unattended deaths. For more information, visit je co.us/ coroner.

The Westernaires, a youth equestrian organization based in Je erson County, perform during the Stock Show Kick-o Parade in downtown Denver in January 2020. FILE PHOTO

Je erson County has transferred 20 acres, shown in green, near county fairgrounds to the Westernaires. Although owned by the county, the organization has been using these acres since 1998. COURTESY GRAPHIC

by

Thu 4/13

Kælan Mikla

@ 7pm Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver

Featured

AJ Finney Fan Page: Late Night Comedy @ Grandma's House @ 9pm Grandma's House, 1710 S Broadway, Den‐ver

Kyle Watson @ 10pm Temple Nightclub Denver, 1136 Broadway, Denver

Sun 4/16

Tue 4/18

Strawberry Girls @ 6pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

Oakum @ 8pm Globe Hall, 4483 Lo‐gan St, Denver

Valienta @ 8pm The Black Buzzard, 1624 Market St, Den‐ver

Shift @ 8:30pm

Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver

Fri 4/14

State 38 Distilling - 10th

Anniversary Party @ 4pm Apr 14th - Apr 15th

State 38 Distilling, 400 Corporate Circle, Suite B, Golden. don@state38.com, 720242-7219

Hunter James @ 8pm Cervantes' Master‐piece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Wel‐ton St, Denver

Deva Yoder @ 6pm Roxy Broadway, 554 S Broadway, Denver

Blink 90210/hellocentral/Radio

Fluke @ 8pm Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver

Coastless Creatives Presents: Redamancy and Friends @ 9:30pm Broadway Roxy, 554 S Broadway, Denver

NoizeyxFLO @ 11:45pm

Mile High Spirits Craft Cocktails + Live Mu‐sic, 2201, Lawrence Street, Denver

Sat 4/15

Paramount Theatre Club Seating: Samantha Bee @ 7pm / $59.50

Paramount Theatre, 1621 Glenarm, Denver

Featured Featured

Sprig of That @ 4pm Enigma Bazaar, 4923 W 38th Ave, Denver

Amelia Moore @ 7pm

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PIXY - KARMA IS A B 2023 USA TOUR [Denver] @ 7pm / $20-$450

Oriental Theater, 4335 W 44th Ave, Denver

Standards @ 7pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

Wed 4/19

Boundaries @ 6pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver Shadow of Intent @ 6pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Mae Krell: Sofar Sounds @ 7pm Sofar Sounds Denver, Denver

Mon 4/17

Colorado Rockies vs. Pittsburgh Pirates @ 6:40pm / $5-$300 Coors Field, 2001 Blake St., Denver

Jeff Ruby at Lion's Lair @ 8pm Lion's Lair, 2022 E Colfax Ave, Denver Crow Cavalier @ 8pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver

Fleetmac Wood presents Night Wonders DiscoDenver (Night 2) @ 9pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

Nikki Lane @ 8pm Bluebird Theatre, 3317 E. Colfax Av‐enue, Denver

Freddy Todd @ 9pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

powered

A-West baseball scratches out win over ThunderRidge

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARVADA — ere are several di erent ways to win a baseball game.

For example, Arvada West pushed the eventual game-winning run across the plate March 30 against underRidge without a hit in the bottom of the sixth inning.   e Wildcats claimed a 3-2 victory despite being held to just three hits in the non-league tilt against the Grizzlies.

“What we tell our kids all the time is as long as you stay close you always have a chance,” A-West coach Danny Vais said. “We all know baseball is a weird game and you see weird plays every time you go out there.”

With the game tied at 2-2 to start the bottom of the sixth inning, sophomore Dane Reed was hit-bypitch to start the inning. Reed would use his speed to steal second and third base. Sophomore Jordan Hamblin drove in Reed with a ground out to the shortstop to give the Wildcats a 3-2 lead.

Senior Seth Dreeszen took the mound for A-West (5-2 record) to try to close things out in the top of the seventh inning. However, just how most of the game went for the Wildcats, it wasn’t easy.

Dreeszen gave up a 1-out walk to underRidge’s Reed Ladewig. A single by Brock Lansville put the tying run in scoring position and go-ahead run on base. With Ladewig on third base, Dreeszen red his second wild pitch of the inning over the head of freshman catcher Brayden Reiner.

“I meant to do that,” Dreeszen joked of the wild pitch. “I over strided a little bit. I was trying to gas it up a little bit. It ended up working in our favor.”

Reiner was able to scramble to the backstop to retrieve the ball and re it to Dreeszen who raced to cover home plate. Dreeszen tagged out Ladewig trying to score for the second out of the inning.

After another walk issued by Dreeszen, underRidge’s Ty Beutner ied out to left eld to end the game.

Dreeszen picked up the save, while senior Tucker Deal picked up the victory. Deal pitched the fth and sixth inning after starter Will Stevens pitched the rst four innings.

“I’m always happy with our pitchers,” Vais said of what Stevens, Deal and Dreeszen did on the hill against the Grizzlies. “ ey know how to compete. ey know how to attack the zone. ey all know what their strengths are. It’s not always perfect, but they do a good job.”

underRidge has twice as many hits (six) than A-West. e Grizzlies (1-7) got a good outing from Lansville on the mound before A-West nally scored in the bottom of the fth inning. Dreeszen broke up Lansville’s shutout bid with a 2-out single to drive in Deal to tie the game up at 1-1.

“My bat wasn’t really awake either,” Dreeszen admitted. “It has been a little bit of a rough start to the season, but I was just trying to turn it around. Trying to stay as relaxed as possible.”

Senior Tobey Cassino’s single up the middle scored Dreeszen to give A-West its rst lead 2-1. underRidge did answer with an RBI ground-out by Brody Dinges in the top of the sixth inning to tie it up 2-2.

underRidge’s Jonah Lassen took the mound in the bottom of the sixth inning and ended up taking the loss despite not giving up a hit in the inning of work.

“ ese are the kind of games that (league) is going to look like,” Dreeszen said. “ e more we can do the little things right the more we can scratch out some wins against some really good teams. We’ve got some tough games coming up.”

A-West is scheduled to hit the road this week for games against Mullen and Cherry Creek.

Dennis Pleuss is the sports information director for Je co Public Schools. For more Je co coverage, go to CHSAANow.com.

Arvada West pitcher Will Stevens fires to the plate during the non-league game March 30 against ThunderRidge. The Wildcats rallied for a 3-2 home victory.

Arvada West senior Seth Dreeszen is able to check his swing on a high pitch during the Wildcats’ 3-2 home victory over ThunderRidge on March 30.

The furry ice fisher: Mayor Parker the Snow Dog

BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE OLOVE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

What can a dog teach you about ice shing? Actually, a lot, if that dog is Mayor Parker the Snow Dog, Mayor of Georgetown and member of the Scheels Pro Sta Ice Fishing Team.

Parker the Snow Dog, beloved internet sensation and four-legged philanthropist also happens to be an ice shing ambassador. Not only is he a member of the Scheels Pro Sta , but he’s an ambassador for Eskimo Ice Fishing, Stormy Kromer and WSI Sports. How does he do it with no thumbs? With a little help from his dad, Dustin Schaefer.  e two got into the sport three years ago.

“We really didn’t know what we were doing or getting ourselves into,” Schaefer said.

Now, Parker is a brand ambassador for multiple outdoors out tters.

“His main purpose is to be an ambassador to the sport of ice shing,” Schaefer said.

Parker examines a fish his dad helped him catch.

PHOTO BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

Mayor Parker loves to ice fish, even though he doesn’t have thumbs

SEE ICE FISHING, P23

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ICE FISHING

If you check out any of his social channels, you’ll see Parker posed in front of ice shing tents, watching augers drill into the ice and helping his dad reel in the day’s big catch. He likes to get cozy on his bed in the tent and watch the action from there, too.

“He loves laying on his cot while I’m ice shing, snuggling with his toys,” Schaefer said.

Some popular lakes for ice shing in Clear Creek are Georgetown Lake, Clear Lake and St. Mary’s. e season in Clear Creek lasts from around January to the end of March, depending on the weather.

“We’ve been lucky this winter with cool temperatures through March;

that’s gonna extend the ice shing season,” Schaefer said.

One of the misconceptions about ice shing, according to Schaefer, is that it’s a “cold sport for grumpy old men.” Since the start of the pandem-

PARKER’S TIPS FOR TAKING YOUR DOG ICE FISHING

1. Keep your dog on a leash if other people are fishing nearby. Dogs will love to run to other fishing camps and eat whatever they find. This can be dangerous if there are hooks and lures. Also, it’s just courteous not to have your dog running around their camp peeing on tents and fishing gear. Bring an extra ice fishing anchor so you can tether them outside on nice days.

2. Like I mentioned above: Fishing hooks and lures are very dangerous. Keep these and your bait in a secure spot that your pup won’t get into.

3. Keep your dog occupied. Pack a couple KONGS or some treats and reward them throughout the day.

4. Leave no trace. Bring poop bags and pick up after your pup. If you can take the time to bag the poop, then most likely you can figure a way to pack it out.

5. Be careful where you leave your augers. Augers are sharp and can be very danger-

ous to doggos. Leave your auger in a safe spot and make sure you have a cover for your blades.

6. Bring food and water. Your dog will get hungry and thirsty on a fishing trip. Bring a couple collapsible bowls, water and food.

7. Bring a little dog bed or cot for your dog to lay on. The ice can get cold, and your pup will thank you later. Ice fishing sleds with a bed or blanket inside make a great home base for your dog.

8. Make sure your pup has a collar with updated ID tags. If fishing at night, make sure your dog has a light on their collar if going outside the tent.

9. If your dog has issues with their paws getting cold or getting ice balls, check out dog booties or mushers wax. Jackets are always another option on cold days.

10. Most importantly, if your dog doesn’t want to go, don’t make them.

ic, Schaefer has seen the ice shing demographic change, with more families partaking in the sport.

“It’s a great opportunity for a family to spend quality time together,” he said.  is season, Parker and his dad caught their biggest sh so far, a 36” Lake Trout on Lake Granby. at sh quali ed them for the Master Angler Award with the Colorado Parks and Wildlife.

After that, Parker isn’t very impressed with the smaller catches.

He saves his excitement for the big ones.

Parker and Schaefer hit the ice whenever they can, be it after work or a planned longer trip. e dynamic duo enjoyed a full season of shing together, and even took some Broncos players on ice- shing trips to share Parker’s love for shing.

“ is season we’ve gotten close to 30 days of ice shing on 10 di erent lakes in Colorado. ere’s nothing better than ice shing with your furry best friend,” Schaefer said.

Authorizing an Intergovernmental Programmatic Agreement by and between the City of Arvada and the Colorado State Historic Preservation Officer ("SHPO") Regarding the Administration of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") Programs.

CB23-008 An Ordinance Authorizing an Additional Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2023.

Legal Notice No. 416085

The names of persons nominated as Director to serve until May 2027 (two seats to be voted upon): BARRY BEAL, JR. BRETT G. VERNON SCOTT J. PLUMMER

Ashley B. Frisbie Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. 415048

First Publication: April 6, 2023

Last Publication: April 6, 2023

Publisher: Jeffco Transcript and the Arvada Press Public Notice NOTICE OF MAIL BALLOT ELECTION VAUXMONT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT CITY OF ARVADA, JEFFERSON COUNTY, COLORADO

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, and, particularly, to the electors of the VAUXMONT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT, of the City of Arvada, Jefferson County, Colorado.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a mail ballot election will be held on the 2ND day of May, 2023, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Mail ballots are required to be mailed to eligible electors between 22 and 15 days prior to Election Day (between April 10, 2023 and April 17, 2023). At said election, the electors of the District shall vote for:

Three (3) Directors who will each serve a four (4)-year term,

The names of persons nominated as Director for a four (4)-Year Term:

Daniel Wardrop Jr.

Anna P. Smith

Jonathan Morse

Peter Schulte

Isaac Orion Lynn

Ryan Dunham

Paul Hoisington.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that an eligible elector of said district, for the purpose of said election, is a person registered to vote and who has been a resident of the District, or who, or whose spouse or civil union partner, owns taxable real or personal property within the District, whether said person resides within the District or not, or a person who is obligated to pay taxes under a contract to purchase taxable property within the District shall be considered an owner of taxable property for the purpose of qualifying as an eligible elector.

Eligible electors of the VAUXMONT METROPOLITAN DISTRICT may apply for a mail ballot, drop off a voted ballot, beginning April 10, 2023, or request a replacement ballot at the following location or by contacting:

Sarah Shepherd, the District Designated Election Official (DEO)

Mailing address: P.O. Box 359, Littleton, Colorado 80160

Physical Address: 1100 W. Littleton Blvd. #101, Littleton, CO 80120

Telephone: 303-482-1002;

Email: info@ccrider.us.

The Office of the Designated Election Official

is open on the following days: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from April 10, 2023-May 1, 2023, and 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday May 2, 2023. Ballots must be received by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day, May 2, 2023. Please call or email in advance for replacement ballot requests during office hours or on Election Day.

Voters delivering ballots to the Designated Election Official’s Office

Schaefer releases a fish.

Parker and his dad are locked in on fishing.

PHOTOS BY OLIVIA JEWELL