Arvada Press 041323

The rising sun and risen Son

Arvada West students walk out to protest gun violence

BY MACI LESH AND CHLOE RIOS ARVADA WEST HIGH SCHOOL

Students at Arvada West High School took a stance against gun violence in schools by leaving their classes and carrying neon signs to all four corners of 64th Avenue and Simms Street.

e April 5 walkout was national, organized by the group Students Demand Action. Made up of young activists in the wake of the Parkland, Florida, school shooting in 2018, Students Demand Action is, according to their website, committed to ending gun violence in our communities.

Red Rocks Amphitheatre

the perfect backdrop for Easter Sunrise Service

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

It’s not often that a band provides a soundtrack for a spectacular Colorado sunrise.

But that’s what the Conifer-based band Blood Brothers did on April 9 when they performed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre for Easter Sunrise Service. It was standing-room-only as thousands of people packed into

the amphitheater for the 76thannual nondenominational service.

is is the second year that Blood Brothers, led by Lance Swearengin, pastor at Conifer Community Church, provided music for the service. ey played traditional hymns like “Amazing Grace” and “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” along with some original material.

Hosted by the Colorado Council of Churches, the Christian Sunrise Service draws people from across the state and metro area to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Gates opened at 4:30 a.m., and worshippers arrived early to nab seats with a view of the eastern horizon. As it got closer to 6:32 a.m., some moved out

to the stairway to grab sel es and photos of the sunrise.

The band Blood Brothers began forming in 2015 when Swearengin, vocalist and guitarist, and his friend Josh Harwood, also a guitarist, began playing together. Drummer Taylor Mead joined next, and then Troy Steinbach on keyboards, Jay Genender on the ddle and Bob Brown on bass guitar. en vocalists Suzy Nelson and Sarah Bauer, who also has her own band, the Sarah Bauer Band, joined in.

Performing on the Red Rocks

SEE SERVICE, P6

“Would you rather have us students dead or would you rather keep your guns?” said sophomore Samuel Bierbrauer, who, along with junior Izzy Sprenger, was a leader of the Wednesday event.

“ ere is always something to be done, and it starts on this street corner, protesting, and not being apathetic. Politicians have the control to do this, and make change. It is possible!” Sprenger said. roughout the day, the two marched across the streets to amplify their demands.

e Columbine High School massacre in 1999 marked a notable place in history for growing gun violence in schools. After a drop

SEE WALK OUT, P2

The sun came up up over a packed Red Rocks Amphitheatre during the 76th annual Easter Sunrise Service on April 9.

PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG

in gun violence during pandemic lockdowns, violence has soared after students returned to in-person learning full time.

“With classes in session again, 42 K-12 schools experienced school shootings in 2021, and 46 endured one the next year — mirroring the nation’s broader rise in gun violence as it emerged from the pandemic,” the Washington Post reported in an April 2023 article.

With recent school shootings at e Covenant school in Nashville and at Denver’s East High School, concerns have been sparked among students nationwide and led to the walkout.

At Arvada West, junior Maggie Hodson held a sign saying “I should be worried about SATs, not my life.”

“I have a bulletproof thing in my bag, and I keep fake blood just in case,” freshman Sarah Smith who agreed with Hodson’s sign adds,”You have to prepare for these things. is is not something kids should be doing.”

addeus “Alden” Berryhill, sophomore, had a passionate defense of the protest while he stood at the northeast corner of 64th and Simms.

“I am out here today, using my voice and using my voice well to spread awareness to make sure

THEATRE CLASSES AT THE DCPA

Photo by McLeod9 Creative

Robert and Judi Newman

After arriving, many students pulled out their notebooks and wrote small but easy-to-see messages on their pages.

PHOTO BY MACI LESH

Freshman Jereimyah Berry hoisted on the back of one of his classmates, held his sign.

PHOTO BY MACI LESH

Many students marched from corner to corner, arm in arm, signs raised, waving them at cars, often chanting.

PHOTO BY MACI LESH

Students hold signs and chant.

PHOTO BY CHLOE RIOS

A student lifts a sign.

PHOTO BY MACI LESH

It’s any-bunny’s game

Local park district’s Easter egg hunt a hopping good time

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e Saturday before Easter always comes with great egg-pectations, and April 8 was no di erent as thousands of families across the Golden and Lakewood areas attended local Easter egg hunts.

e Applewood area’s Maple Grove Park was packed with 400-500 attendees, as families counted down the seconds until 10 a.m. on the dot.

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Some Thoughts on War & Peace As Rita and I Vacation in Eastern Europe

As I write this on Sunday evening, Rita and I are midway through our cruise of the Danube River from the Black Sea to Vienna. We just had a home visit and meal with four other couples at a home in Croatia. Our hostess earns extra money by hosting such tourist visits.

Her home was largely destroyed during the SerboCroatian War of the early 1990s, but they rebuilt it, with minimal help from their government. During the conflict itself they evacuated to another country. I remember those years well and tried to imagine what it would have been like if they had included such a situation for us.

We were already feeling blessed to live in the Denver area, spared from the tornados, hurricanes, mudslides, floods,

and earthquakes afflicting fellow Americans, but being bombed and having to rebuild entire cities — that’s something altogether different. Our guide told us that 91% of the buildings in the city where our ship docked, were destroyed. We saw many buildings that still showed damage from the war.

And we can’t forget that a few hundred miles to the east of where Rita and I are, whole cities, including homes, hospitals and schools, are being flattened by Russian artillery.

Yes, we “lucked out” choosing to be born in America and choosing to relocate to Colorado. But we can’t forget the suffering of those — in America and elsewhere — who have suffered and continue to suffer.

Preparing for the Biennial Property Tax Appeal Process

Nobody likes taxes, but our Colorado property tax system is, in my opinion, among the fairest in the nation, so as we brace ourselves for the “Notice of Valuation” we’ll receive early next month, I thought it useful to describe how it works and why I believe it to be relatively fair.

A 2022 post on the website Investopedia.com ranked Colorado as having the 5th “best” (i.e., lowest) property tax in the nation, behind Hawaii, Alabama, Louisiana and Wyoming. It calculated that the state’s “effective property tax rate” was 0.51% of a home’s valuation. Hawaii was lowest at 0.31% and New Jersey was highest at 2.31%.

However, that statewide average does not include the impact of metropolitan tax districts, which can nearly double the tax rate on a given home. (This is a huge scandal which is only recently beginning to get the attention of legislators, who could rein in their abuses if they choose.)

Putting aside that scandal for a moment, let me describe how property taxes are calculated in Colorado, as mandated by Colorado’s constitution.

The essence of the system is to have the county assessor determine the fair market value — that is, what every property could have sold for based on what comparable homes sold for — on June 30th of every even numbered year. That means that the valuation you receive in the mail next month will be what the county assessor’s computer program believed your house (as it is known to exist by the assessor) could have sold for on June 30, 2022.

That’s an unfortunate date this time around, because June 2022 may well have

been the peak of the recent run-up of home prices in Colorado and nationwide.

An important note: Although the valuation date is June 30th, it applies to what your house looked like on January 1st of the tax year. That made a big difference for victims of the Marshall Fire, because their home was worth next to nothing on Jan. 1, 2022, so the tax bill they received this year covering 2022 should have been close to zero dollars, not a repeat of their 2021 tax bill. If the fire had not destroyed their home, the valuation of it on June 30, 2020, would have applied to property taxes for both 2021 and 2022.

Getting back to the process, once the valuation on your home is finalized following any appeal you might make, your tax for this year and next is determined by applying your home’s mill levy to the assessed valuation, which is 6.95% of your home’s full valuation.

Thus a million-dollar home has an assessed value of $69,500, so if your mill levy is 100, then your tax bill would be $6,950. (It’s called a mill levy from the latin word for thousand, so the levy is applied to every thousand dollars of assessed value. Thus, 100 x 69.5 = 6,950.)

Keep in mind when you appeal your valuation that every $10,000 in reduced full valuation is worth $695 in reduced assessed valuation. At a mill levy of 100, a full value reduction of that amount reduces your tax bill by only $69.50. That may not be worth arguing for, but a reduction of $100,000 would be worth $695.00. And if you’re in a metropolitan tax district with a high mill levy, it’s worth even more. Expect more on this topic in coming weeks.

As “baby boomers,” Rita and I are only a few years shy of being old enough to have lived through World War II. We didn’t personally experience it, and we were raised to believe that such devastation and military action was a thing of the past. But we have seen too much “conventional warfare” elsewhere and should realize that we are indeed exceptional as a nation for being spared it.

Last week we spent a day in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and the former capital of Yugoslavia. Located strategically at the confluence of two rivers, making it the crossroads for the separation of western and eastern Europe, it has been fought over through the centuries so many times that it has been destroyed and rebuilt no less than 40 times. Although it holds the “prize” in that regard, it is by no means alone in being destroyed by war multiple times. Can you imagine such a city being your home?

If you, like me, had thought that the wartime destruction/rebuilding cycle had been broken, you and I only need to look at what Vladimir Putin has accomplished in Ukraine, leveling multiple cities and towns, committing verifiable war crimes by targeting residential areas, hospitals, churches and schools.

But shouldn’t war itself be considered a “war crime”? We’d like to hope that Putin is the last monomaniacal leader to believe he is justified in invading and leveling another sovereign nation.

The creation of the European Union and the Euro Zone, plus the expansion of NATO gives hope that European countries, at least, will not go to war with each other ever again.

Meanwhile, with the increased political division in our own country and the use of “civil war” language on the far right, should we worry that those millions of assault weapons in our citizens’ personal arsenals might someday be used against perceived domestic enemies? Even posing that question would have been unthinkable a decade ago, but now it’s an increasing topic of serious discussion.

I wish more Americans could come to Eastern Europe or at least Western Europe to meet the people who have experienced the stupidity — and crime — of warfare at home. We have seen similar devastation from tornadoes in other parts of America, but imagine if those same scenes of devastation had been created by Americans attacking each other?

Please, let that not be our future!

Price Reduced on Golden Home With Views!

$1,494,000

This solar-powered home at 359 Canyon Point Circle was a model home for the Village at Mountain Ridge, the subdivision west of Highway 93 backing to the Mt. Galbraith Park. (There’s a trailhead to the park’s 5 miles of hiking trails within the subdivision.) The seller has made many improvements to the home since buying it in 2002, including a total renovation of the gourmet kitchen and master bathroom, plus adding 11.5 kW of solar panels, which meet all the electrical needs of the home. The main-floor deck was also completely rebuilt with composite decking, metal railings and a breakfast bar for enjoying the sunrises over South Table Mountain and the City of Golden, which are visible even from the walk-out basement. A walking path near this home allows children to walk safely to Mitchell Elementary School via a pedestrian bridge that crosses the highway. To appreciate all the features of this 4,106-sq.ft. home, take the narrated video tour at www.MountainRidgeHome.com, then call your agent or Jim Smith (below) to see it!

Jim Smith

Broker/Owner, 303-525-1851

Jim@GoldenRealEstate.com

1214 Washington Ave., Golden 80401

Broker Associates:

JIM SWANSON, 303-929-2727

CHUCK BROWN, 303-885-7855

DAVID DLUGASCH, 303-908-4835

GREG KRAFT, 720-353-1922

AUSTIN POTTORFF, 970-281-9071

Patty McConnell holds up Beckett, 1, to meet the Easter Bunny during Saturday morning’s easter egg event at Maple Grove Park.

A parent watches as Easter eggs are quickly scooped up and hidden away in baskets and bags during Saturday morning’s event at Maple Grove Park.

Photos by Sara Hertwig SEE GAME, P9

18th Annual Arvada Kite Festival set for April 16 at Stenger

Day of windy fun coincides with Gold Strike Park redesign

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Arvadans are hoping for windy skies on April 16, as the city prepares for its 18th Annual Arvada Kite Festival at Stenger Sports Complex. e event is free and open to the public, and will also coincide with the city’s redesign of Gold Strike Park.

e kite festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 16. Professional kite vendors and demos will be on site, but the majority of kite yers are local amateurs who do it for fun. Kites are available for purchase at the event, and there also will be food trucks. Pets are not allowed at the event.

“ e Kite Festival continues to grow each year and is quickly becoming one of Arvada’s greatest traditions,” Adelle Burton, Arvada’s special events coordinator said. “It’s a great opportunity to get outside with friends and family and enjoy a unique festival experience. Shout out to our awesome group of volunteers from the Arvada Festivals Commission. Without them, this free community event would not be possible.”

Also happening on April 16 is the

kicko for the Gold Strike Park redesign project, which will go through a planning process throughout 2023 before being implemented the following year. At Stenger, the city team will host an interactive pop-up where kids and residents can weigh in on what they would like to see out of the park.

e community identi ed possible needs for the park during the 2019 Clear Creek Corridor Plan, which included suggestions for a sculpture garden, outdoor education programs, river access, a community lawn, safer pedestrian access and additional parking.

“Community input is going to be a huge part of our e ort to redesign Gold Strike Park,” Maki Boyle, the project manager said. “We have

many engagement opportunities planned this year, starting with the pop-up adventure play activity at the Kite Festival where kids can show us rst-hand how they’d like to play in the park.”

Following the pop-up, a public meeting is set for May 4 at 5:30 p.m., where folks can provide more input.

e design process will continue with further community engagement thereafter, the city’s webpage on the project says.

Free parking is available at Stenger on a rst-come- rst-serve basis; the gates to the lots will open at 9:45 a.m. Space is limited and biking to the event if possible is recom-

A big kite flies at the 2022 Arvada Kite Festival.

PHOTOS BY RYLEE DUNN

The scene at Stenger for last year’s kite festival.

New park naming process down to top three

Little Raven Park, Strawberry Park, Vista Verde Park finalists for park north of Van Bibber trail

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e City of Arvada has narrowed down the naming process for a new park located to the north of Van Bibber Creek Trail and southeast of the intersection of Ward Road and 58th Avenue. Little Raven Park, Strawberry Park, Vista Verde Park are the three nalists for the new park’s name.

Council will discuss the matter and bring forth a resolution on April 17 to decide the name of the park. Another option discussed but not ultimately selected as a nalist was SaBell Park, as the former SaBell Nursery used to occupy the site, and a nearby housing development also bears the SaBell name.

Arvada Parks must be named in honor of a geographic or ecological reference, a historical reference or an in uential gure, according to the city’s policy on park naming. e three nalist name proposals were culled through community engagement.

Little Raven Park is a name proposed by local residents Jennifer Roberts and Chris Dampf meant to

honor Chief Little Raven of the Arapahoe tribe, who was a noted leader renowned for his ability to negotiate peace between both other tribes and white settlers in the late 1800s.

Multiple locals living near the park said they hoped the park name would honor the area’s indigenous heritage.

Strawberry Park was the top votegetter of the options the city put forth in the community engagement survey. e name references the area’s agricultural history; the fruit was originally grown along the creek.

Vista Verde Park was suggested as a culturally diverse name, which residents of the area seem to sup-

port. It translates to “green view” park and would be the rst park in Arvada with a Spanish name. While council expressed support

for each of the names, Little Raven Park and Strawberry Park seemed to be the early favorites based on discussion.

The area of the new park.

WALK OUT

that everyone that drives past this intersection knows that I will not remain apathetic, knows that I will not remain silent while my fellow students are being killed in classrooms, and then their deaths are blamed on marginalized communities,” he said.

His words were echoed by many other students, as well as his frustration with lawmakers and, in his opinion, their lack of action.

“ e leaders in this country have decided that it is politically acceptable to see the slaughters in our schools,” he said. “ at is disgusting, and that needs to stop. … at is why I am out here today. at is why this matters more than class.”

Freshman Jadeyn Goins was part of the protest, where about 50 to 60 students participated.

“I just feel like this isn’t an issue that is debatable,” he said. “All of these politicians, over 45, don’t know what we are going through, and they don’t know the daily

struggle of thinking that when you say goodbye to Mom and Dad, that it might be the last time you do it.”

Junior Makenna Nix held her sign almost the entire protest, with constant reminders to her classmates to keep safe and follow the law.

“We don’t deserve to go to school prepared for the possibility that we could die. ere have been way too many mass shootings in schools, and it’s absolutely ridiculous. Nothing is being done about it,” she said.

Many students marched arm in arm, signs raised, waving them at cars, often chanting.

A constant chant during the protest was “Dead kids can’t read.”

Many passing cars honked in support of the students, while others made rude hand gestures or threw trash and soda bottles. When support was given, students cheered for the cars, because they helped raise the message of the walkout.

Maci Lesh and Chloe Rios are students at Arvada West High School and editors at the student newspaper, e Westwind. is article is reprinted with permission. See more of their work at awestnews.com.

concert at Red Rocks when she was 7, she knew she wanted to perform on that stage.

Amphitheatre stage is a dream come true for the musicians.

“It’s on the bucket list for most musicians,” Steinbach added.

Bauer said when she went to a

Swearengin said playing this Easter gig has been a huge blessing for both his calling as a pastor and his lifelong enjoyment of music. is year, three of the band mem-

Lance Swearengin, pastor at Conifer Community Church, sings with his band Blood Brothers during Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG

Students hold signs.

PHOTO BY CHLOE RIOS

SERVICE

bers’ daughters joined on stage: Conifer High School freshmen Mattie Brown and Lily Harwood, and West Je erson Middle School eighthgrader Megan Swearengin. Megan explained that the three got to perform thanks to a pinky promise. Dad Lance promised the girls could sing with Blood Brothers if they played the Sunrise Service a second time.

While attending Sunrise Service is pretty special, performing at Red Rocks is even more special, according to the girls.

“You can see the sun rise every day, but performing at Red Rocks is amazing,” Lily said.

e band got its name when Harwood sent Swearengin a song called “Blood Brothers,” and Swearengin thought it would be a great name for a band. In 2022, when the Colorado Council of Churches asked for videos of bands interested in providing music for Sunrise Service, Swearengin took a chance and sent one in. e band was selected and has returned for its encore performance.

The attendees

Young and old attended Sunrise Service, all agreeing that Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a special place with beautiful views. Couple that with the picture-perfect sunrise and the 40-degree weather, and the service was a superb event.

Kevin and Rebecca Moots traveled from Parker to Morrison to attend the service with their children for

the rst time.

“We are very blessed to be here,” Rebecca said. “It doesn’t get any better than this.”

Kristen and Matt Maloney of Idaho Springs brought their sons Luke, 7, and Gram, 3, who were wide awake as they waited for the service to begin. is was also their rst time attending the service.

Don and Sarah, who live in Morrison, attend Sunrise Service occasionally, and this year the early service close to home was helping since they were hosting Easter dinner for family.

“ is is unique,” Don said. “ is is a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Sarah added: “We are celebrating

Meet Mona!

Mona (275431) is a 7-year-old female cat. She is shy, but given a chance to warm up, she requests pets with adorable head-butts. Mona can also be lured with treats! Mona and her sister Biscuit (275430) may be adopted together for a

FoothillsAnimalShelter.org info@fas4pets.org

From left, Lily Harwood, Megan Swearengin, Mattie Brown and Sarah Bauer sing during the 76th annual Red Rocks Easter Sunday Service.

Josh Harwood plays the guitar on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheatre with Conifer band Blood Brothers during the annual Easter Sunrise Service.

PHOTOS BY SARA HERTWIG

SEE SERVICE, P8

the resurrection of Jesus and the joy of the day.”

Hugh Morgan of Windsor and Stacey Banks of Golden also attended for the rst time.

“ is is a great opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather and celebrate Christ’s resurrection,” Banks said.

Morgan added that the turnout was impressive.

Regis Jesuit High School students Rosary Tambunan and Katie Nelson brought exchange student Ruby Hascka of Switzerland to see the sun rise at Red Rocks, not realizing that thousands would be joining them to witness the sight at the service.

“ is is a gift from God,” Tambunan said. “It’s a blessing in disguise.”

Jessica Gray of Littleton stopped on a stairway to admire the view, noting that the last time she went to Sunrise Service was about 25 years ago.

“It’s great to be here with the community and take in the beauty of God’s creation,” Gray said.

Easter is one of Gray’s favorite holidays because it’s about love and forgiveness, noting that the high attendance at the service showed people’s belief in God and the meaning of Easter.

The service Adrian Miller, who welcomed attendees to the service, told the crowd that it was easy to see that they loved the Lord because they came out even with a chill in the air. He was impressed that by applause, many said this was their rst time at Sunrise Service.

e Colorado Council of Churches, which sponsors the service, is comprised of 13 Christian denominations representing 800 churches.

e Rev. Tamara Boynton said she had a beautiful view from the stage as she looked at all the faces in the crowd.

“No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here,” she told them, calling Red Rocks Amphitheatre an apt location for the service. She told them to breathe in the area’s beauty and breathe out the distractions in their hearts; to breathe in unconditional love and breathe out others who sway them from that love; to breathe in the wonders of the risen Christ and breathe out the darkness of the tomb.

Blood Brothers sang an original song, which Swearengin told the crowd talked about the tension between the trouble in people’s lives and the celebration of Easter.

“We need to embrace (both) the hurt and the hope from our faith in Christ’s resurrection,” he said.

Public comment sought for naming of new park

A new park is coming to Arvada and the Arvada City Council wants to hear from you! e City of Arvada’s newest park is located just north of the Van Bibber Creek Trail and southeast of the Ward Road and W. 58th Avenue intersection. Park amenities include a multi-use play eld, a shade pavilion with picnic tables, new playground equipment, native vegetation and open space, direct access to the Van Bibber Creek Trail and more.

e Arvada Parks Advisory Committee (APAC) has recommended three proposed names for the new Arvada park. On April 3, 2023, APAC presented the following three recommended names to the Arvada City Council:

1. Strawberry Park

2. Vista Verde Park

3. Little Raven Park

On April 17, 2023, the Arvada City Council will vote on a name for the new park. If you would like to share comments with the City Council in advance of the meeting regarding the three proposed names, please send comments to City Clerk, Kristen Rush, 8101 Ralston Road, Arvada, Colorado 80002 or you can send an email to kristen@arvada.org.

Written comments shall be accepted until 5:00PM on Monday, April 17, 2023.

You may also submit comments verbally during the City Council meeting in person or via Zoom on April 17, 2023. Information for providing public comment can be found at https://arvada.org/city-hall/city-council/publiccomment

at

Poetry: April 22, 2023

1:00pm–4:00pm

Lakewood Campus Room 1160

Write

Fiction: May 6, 2023

1:00pm–4:00pm

Lakewood Campus Room 1160

Write

Register Here: https://bit.ly/3R9NzRu

Questions? sandra.sajbel@rrcc.edu

The glow of the sun peeks over the stage and onto the crowd gathered at Easter Sunday Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

PHOTOS BY SARA HERTWIG

Josh Harwood does a sound check before Blood Brothers plays the 76th annual Red Rocks Easter Sunday Service.

When the hour arrived, children tore under the boundary tape to nab all the colorful eggs littering the ground.

e Propsect Recreation & Park District set out more than 3,000 eggs, including 150 golden eggs that allowed children to pick out toys at the prize booth. e Easter bunny also attended, creating the perfect photo op for the youngsters.

Organizers noted that this year’s attendance was back to pre-pan-

You are invited to the 18th Annual

Ethics in Business Awards luncheon

Friday, May 5, 2023

11:30 am

Sheraton Denver West hotel

360 Union Blvd, Lakewood

The Rotary Club of Golden has conducted the Ethics in Business Awards program since 2006. The Club solicits nominations from the public of local organizations, both for-profit and not-for-profit, and students in the Ethics class at the Colorado School of Mines select the winners.

Winners and nominees will be announced and honored at the luncheon, which is normally attended by over 200 local business and community leaders.

The keynote speaker at the luncheon will be Peter J Coors, Director of Capital Projects—Molson Coors/ Golden. The emcee is the always-popular Ed Greene.

To register for the luncheon, go to ethics.goldenrotary.org/2023-eib-award-luncheon/

Help

celebrate Ethics in Business!

demic levels, and were happy to see how many families had walked to the event.

District Manager Kyle Parker, who joined the PRPD about two weeks ago, said this is the district’s big springtime event. Its biggest one of the year is Pumpkin Fest, which will be Oct. 7 at Fairmount Park.

PRPD’s boundaries are in unincorporated Je erson County between Golden, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and Arvada. It operates eight parks with two more under construction, and also runs the Applewood Golf Course. For more information on the district, its amenities and programs, visit prospectdistrict.org.

Golden eggs were turned in and exchanged for prizes during Saturday morning’s Easter egg event at Maple Grove Park.

FROM PAGE 3

A line of girls call out how many golden eggs they see as they wait for the Easter egg hunt to begin at Maple Grove Park.

PHOTOS BY SARA HERTWIG

Kyle Parker, District Manager for the Prospect Recreation and Park Disctrict, gives the o cial countdown at Saturday morning’s Easter egg hunt in Maple Grove Park.

A dancing bird finally gets some protection

What I remember most about that dark early morning of crouching on the prairie is the rhythmic sound of pounding. It was so loud I wondered if someone had put a microphone near the skinny legs of the dozen birds dancing on the turf. As the sun rose above the horizon in southeastern New Mexico, the male lesser prairie chickens continued their ritual performance, each hoping to entice a female.

ey strutted, leaped in the air with feathers spread, and bowed, but the greatest thrill was watching them pu up the garish, red-orange air sacs on either side of their necks.

Concealed in a blind, we watched late into the morning that spring of 1999, until the last birds — members of a rapidly vanishing species —  ew o .

I recalled that wonderful day recently, because in late March, after countless lawsuits and scienti c opinions, the lesser prairie chicken in New Mexico, Colorado and eastwards nally got what it so desperately needs — federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.

e designation, however, comes 25 long years after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  rst determined that this magical dancing bird could go the

way of the passenger pigeon.

In June 1988, the Service did something seemingly mundane, though it had profound consequences. It relegated the lesser prairie chicken to what might be called endangered species purgatory — making its protection status “warranted but ” under the Endangered Species Act. Precluded apparently meant, “We should list the birds but nd it impossible to do that.”

For decades, the Fish and Wildlife Service, under pressure from opponents in Congress and powerful industries, has used this designation to delay Endangered Species Act protections for hundreds of species that need an ecological safety net, including the lesser prairie chicken.

e result since 1998 has been predictable: e bird’s numbers have plummeted. In many parts of the West, it has disappeared entirely. Lesser prairie chickens now number about 30,000, less than 2% of what they were in the 19th century when the birds ourished in the hundreds of thousands.

Controversy around granting Endangered Species Act protection for the lesser prairie chicken has mainly been about oil and gas development. Meaningful protection of this bird, whose habitat covers millions of acres across New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma, would mean restraint from the oil and gas and agricultural industries. Pump jacks and plows are the greatest threats to prairie chicken survival.

Kansas Republicans, namely Sen. Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracy Mann, have already pressured the Fish and Wildlife Service to delay the date that the listing takes e ect. Texas has also led a lawsuit to block the listing, and Kansas and Oklahoma are threatening to sue. e long struggle to keep the birds alive is far from over.

Fifty years ago, Congress enacted the Endangered Species Act to recognize the importance of endangered and threatened species, citing their “esthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational and scienti c value to the Nation and its people.”

e Act’s vision was remarkable, and Americans are fortunate that the law fought for a half-century ago continues to be fought for today.

I am proud that our nation passed this powerful law to protect the diversity of life. But for our nation’s laws

to really mean something, they must be enforced, even when — especially when — opponents are among the most economically and politically powerful industries.

You’d think that identifying a species as “endangered” meant that there was still time to save it. But the prairie chicken, along with its high-pro le distant cousin, the sage grouse, is running out of time. e birds need lots of open space, and the new designation only puts some constraints on existing oil and gas operations, while limiting new development.

Later this spring, I intend to return to the prairies near the town of Milnesand, New Mexico, this time with my nine-year-old twins in tow. I can only hope that the birds are still dancing. I also hope that my boys have the opportunity to watch and wonder about why these birds return to woo females at the same place each spring, and what we, as a society, must do to ensure that the dance continues.

John Horning is a contributor to Writers on the Range, an independent nonpro t dedicated to spurring lively conversation about the West. He is the executive director of WildEarth Guardians and lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Skin care for spring and summer

Tips from a dermatologist FROM THE EDITOR

Students and families in the Pikes Peak region are gearing up for spring break later this month. Whether it’s a sandy beach or the snowy slopes, there are several skin care tips to keep in mind.

e most important advice a dermatologist can give you is: no matter the season, protect your skin

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Who are we waiting for? We should pass HB 1230 now

After another tragic and predictable school shooting, I am asking – begging – Rep. Daugherty to vote YES on HB 1230.

We must start to change the narrative around gun safety reform.

When we talk about freedom, we should consider how free we feel in public spaces like grocery stores and movie theaters. Jody Waters should have been safe at King Soopers. Alex

A publication of

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from solar radiation. ere is nothing that will bene t your skin as much, especially if you are thinking long term.

Whether you are going to enjoy the break on the mountains or at the beach, protect your skin from ultraviolet rays by

Teves should have been safe at Century Aurora 16.

When we talk about our uniquely American problem, we should talk about steps we can take to change it. It is not appropriate to call for an end to “lawless violence,” like Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert did in the aftermath of the Club Q shooting, while supporting laws that enable violence. Raymond Green Vance should not have died at Club Q. His girlfriend’s father should

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

KRISTEN FIORE West Metro Editor kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com

RYLEE DUNN Community Editor rdunn@coloradocommunitymedia.com

using sun protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses, as well as applying sunscreen to the exposed areas. For skiers, although most of the skin is covered by gear, it is very easy to forget the face. Don’t make that mistake. At high altitude, you are exposed to signi cantly more intense ultraviolet radiation than at sea level. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your entire face and neck before you put on your scarf, face cover, helmet or goggles. Even

not have had to tackle the problem; that’s the duty of our elected ocials.

When we talk about children, we should talk about our collective responsibility to protect them, even if we can’t save them all. It is simply not moral to say it’s utopia or bust. Saving one life is the calling of our leaders. What does one life look like? Kendrick Castillo. He should not have had to be a hero that day. His parents should not have to live

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

though you think most of your skin is covered, it is common to have people with intense facial sunburn after a day in the mountains - the classic skier sunburn that only spares the areas around the eyes, which are covered by the goggles. A useful tip is carrying in your pocket a sunscreen in a stick, so you can apply to the face without even tak-

without their only child. How do we protect our friends, loved ones, and children? We make it more di cult to kill them. HB 1230 does just that. It bans the sale, manufacturing, ownership and transfer of assault weapons because they are uniquely lethal. Regardless of what the opposition says, they are weapons designed to kill swiftly and

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

Dr. Renata Prado

Community voices: Kids enjoy Lake Arbor Homeowners Association egg hunt

BY SUBMITTED BY SARAH RUEN LAHOA MEMBERSHIP CHAIR

The Lake Arbor Homeowners Association hosted its annual Easter Egg Dash on April 1 at Lake Arbor Park in Arvada.

The ongoing City restoration project at the lake didn’t stop the fun with the perfect sunny Colorado day bringing the community together once again.

The welcoming neighborhood event brought together more than 150 children and their families to celebrate Easter and the joy of spring.

The all-volunteer LAHOA Board organized this long-standing event in northeast Arvada, handing out candy bags to the eager Egg Dash participants.

The local Lake Arbor Safeway and newly opened Einstein Bagels generously donated baked goods to aid in the celebration.

LAHOA also hosts an annual

SKIN CARE

FROM PAGE 10

ing your gloves o , while waiting in lift lines. It is easy to lose track of time when we are having fun in the slopes, so make sure to reapply every few runs.

After a fun day in the mountains, most people like a hot shower or a hot tub. While this feels lovely, remember that, associated with the dry air of the mountains and of heated spaces, this will dry your skin. Apply thick moisturizing cream to your skin at the end of the day to prevent dry or itchy skin.

If you are going to be at a sunny destination to enjoy the ocean or the pool, more of your skin will be exposed to the sun. Clothes provide a physical barrier to protect your skin, and there are several brands that o er clothes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number, which are made for outdoor activities. ey have cool breathable fabric, and

pool party at the Lake Arbor Pool each year, but the pool has been closed for over a year, being in disrepair. The LAHOA Board is in regular communication with the City of Arvada, awaiting action to be taken by the City Council to expend the funding needed to initiate the repairs. Like the lake, and many parts of the city, reinvestment over time is necessary to ensure the City of Arvada remains one of the most desirable suburban areas of Denver.

LAHOA uses a modest $30/year in voluntary homeowner dues payments to uphold the lovely community asthetic and offer opportunities for Lake Arbor residents to connect with each other and enjoy the beauty of Colorado living.  Next up, LAHOA will hold an Earth Day summer clean-up of the Discovery Trail that runs between the community’s two elementary schools. Learn more: https://www.lakearborhoa.org

some also can be used for swimming.

Regarding the sunscreen for the beach, look for one that is water resistant (stays e ective for 40 minutes in the water) or very water resistant (stays e ective for 80 minutes in the water). Even if your skin remains dry while using a water-resistant sunscreen, you’ll need to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours. Also, don’t forget your feet! If you’re wearing sandals, be sure to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin.

Remember that it does not matter if it’s a cloudy day on the mountain or at the beach. Ultra-violet A rays can go through clouds and cause skin damage.

Good skin care should happen all year round, but spring break is a great time to remind us of that, as we prepare to step out of the house and enjoy the beautiful outdoors.

Dr. Renata Prado is a boardcerti ed dermatologist and boardcerti ed Mohs Surgeon at Vanguard Skin Specialists

It is with great sorrow and bittersweet joy that the Smith, Tippy, DeCesare, and Williams families announce the passing of Dorothy Jane Smith. She was a kind, unimaginably generous, adventuresome, and fun-loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Dorothy passed away peacefully two weeks from her 100th birthday on Friday, March 31, 2023, at her home in Santa Clarita, CA.

Dorothy (a.k.a. “Dottie”) was an extremely generous and loving person and helped many in need throughout her lifetime. She was instrumental in supporting the work of Single Mothers Outreach in Santa Clarita. She grew up in a single parent home during the Great Depression and intimately knew how these families su ered and was happy to help.

She was born on April 15, 1923 in Denver Colorado to Robert and Annabel Wilcoxson, and was one of four children. During the Great Depression, Annabel and the children moved to a farm in Arvada while Robert continued to operate his hardware store in downtown Denver. Dorothy met and fell in love with Chester (Chet) Smith (also

originally from Denver) while she was visiting California with a girlfriend. ey married in December 28, 1948 and proudly produced two children, Valerie (Val) and Robert (Bob), as they set down roots in Burbank, CA.

Dorothy and Chet started a successful business in Burbank, manufacturing and selling medical devices. Dottie was the face of the business and most certainly the gatekeeper. She always kept a pound of See’s candies on her desk for visitors.

Dorothy leaves behind two beautiful great-grandchildren; Olivia and Calvin Williams; four adoring grandchildren; Christina DeCesare, Trisha Williams and husband Corey, Brian Tippy and wife Valerie Ontiveros, and Sherene Smith and partner Kat Glick; two loving and devoted children; Valerie Tippy and Robert Smith; and two children-in-law; Russ Tippy and DaAnne Smith.

In lieu of owers, memorial donations may be made to Single Mothers Outreach: https://singlemothersoutreach.org/donate/

8:30am, Mon-Sat

Confessions: 8am Tue-Fri; 7:30am & 4:00pm Sat

Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00pm

Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:00, 11:30am, 5:30pm

SMITH

Dorothy Jane “Dottie” (Wilcoxson) Smith April 15, 1923 - March 31, 2023

Children fill colorful bags with Easter eggs during the LAHOA egg hunt.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH RUEN

Warm Hearts Warm Babies serves hospitals, agencies across Colorado

BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Surrounded by colorful fabric patterns, handmade baby items and frequent laughter, volunteers of the Warm Hearts Warm Babies nonpro t went to work on a Friday morning to put together layettes for organizations who need them.

e nonpro t has a list of roughly 40 agencies it delivers items to throughout Colorado, said Kathleen Williams, the nonpro t’s grant coordinator. e list includes the Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Platte Valley Medical Center and Denver Medical Center.

“Warm Hearts is totally made up of volunteers,” said Sandi Powis, president of the board of directors. “Everyone’s volunteering with their heart and skills to make things for newborn (babies), preemies to help them get a good start in this world.”

Volunteers sew, knit, crochet and quilt items such as bibs, burp pads, jackets, hats and blankets. e items are assembled into a layette, which is a collection of clothing and accessories for newborn infants.

Each layette contains a quilt, two receiving blankets, bibs, burp pads, clothing and a goodie bag containing items such as a bottle, some diapers and a small toy. ese items are delivered in a handmade tote bag.

“All these items are made with love,” Powis said. “We don’t connect to the individuals personally. We deliver the layettes to hospitals, birthing centers, food banks — anyone that can help us help the newborn.”

A number of the mothers who receive these items are experiencing homelessness, sometimes living in shelters or in their cars, Williams said.

e nonpro t also o ers items for the neonatal intensive care units at hospitals in Colorado, such as positioning roles that are used to help support the infants.

“We also provide clothing for babies that don’t survive, from tiny little babies to full-term babies,” Williams said. “We have clothing for them that we hand out at the hospitals.”

Included in those burial layettes is a cloth-made envelope intended for the parents to hold important items and memories, Powis said.

“It’s sad, but it’s so important,” Powis said. “And to know that a mom wouldn’t have to go out, or send her mom or her sister to go out and nd things for her precious one that has passed — that it can be given to them and that’s not a worry for them.”

How it began

e nonpro t’s origin dates back to 1996, when a woman named Victoria Swain gave birth to a stillborn infant, according to the nonpro t’s website. e hospital she was at could not provide a blanket or clothes for her infant, prompt-

ing Swain to look into how she could help donate these types of items.

After recruiting some volunteers and spending a few years working through a di erent organization called Newborns in Need, in 2000, Swain and the other board members decided to create their own nonpro t: Warm Hearts Warm Babies.

Powis estimated the nonpro t currently has about 200 volunteers and 12 work groups throughout the state including in Arvada, Brighton, Littleton and ornton.

Powis is part of the work group in Conifer, where she lives. She joined the organization roughly six years ago.

“I’ve been doing things for babies for many years, donating to other groups, but they were all missing something. ere was no social connection with anyone else making things,” Powis said. “I found that they had a local organization up here in Conifer and it was like, that’s it — that’s one I can link up with. I can meet people right here in our community.”

Williams learned about the nonpro t through a quilt show, as representatives of the organization had a table at the event. Living in Aurora at the time, she initially joined the Aurora group. Since then, she has moved to Colorado Springs

SEE IN NEED, P13

CIRCLE PHOTO: Eleanor Morris, left, smiles alongside her grandmother, Glenda Bredeson, on March 17 at The Baby House in Arvada.

TOP RIGHT: Signs hanging in the Warm Hearts Warm Babies’ building, called The Baby House, in Arvada on March 17.

Information pamphlets within Warm Hearts Warm Babies’ building in Arvada on March 17.

PHOTOS BY TAYLER SHAW

Sandi Powis, president of the board of directors

LETTERS

efficiently, leaving wounds the most talented surgeon cannot fix. This is not about the Constitution; this is about our constitution. We must be bold and take major steps to protect our community. In 2020, in this free country, guns surpassed auto accidents to become the #1 killer of children. Our leaders must stop this monster in its tracks so that Coloradans just like Jody, Alex, Raymond and Kendrick live a long and free life.

and joined the local work group there.

e importance of the nonpro t’s work resonated with Williams after an interaction she had with a stranger a number of years ago, she said.

“I was still up in Aurora, out buying onesies and things for our (goodie) bags so that we could deliver onesies and diapers and things, and a lady was standing behind me at the cash register,” Williams said.

e woman asked her what she was buying the materials for, to which Williams began to explain Warm Hearts Warm Babies.

“And she stopped me and she said, ‘ en, I need to thank you, because my daughter just had a baby at the hospital and it was wintertime and … we had nothing to bring that baby home in. And I told the nurses and they brought us one of your bags,’” Williams said.

“And so that keeps me going,” she continued. “I think about that and that keeps me going and seeing how important it is, the work we do.”

Fostering community

Materials for making items and assembling the layettes are stored in the nonpro t’s building, based in Arvada, which is nicknamed “ e Baby House.”

Among the volunteers who gathered at the building that Friday was Glenda Bredeson, an Arvada resident who has been a part of the organization since 1999.

Over time, the nonpro t has gradually grown and expanded in di erent areas of Colorado, said Bredeson, vice president of the nonpro t’s board.

Volunteering for the nonpro t has become a family a air, as Bredeson’s 18-year-old granddaughter, Eleanor Morris, worked alongside Bredeson in e Baby House.

“I remember volunteering here when I was a little girl,” Morris said, explaining she and her cousins would help assemble goodie bags. “I’ve always loved it.”

Since then, she began crocheting and knitting items to donate.

“She was thrilled when she made her rst two baby hats and brought them in,” Bredeson said.

Although Morris lives in Virginia, she visits when she can and also plans to still create items to donate and ship them to the nonpro t.

“I was so excited just to be here and volunteer because I grew up always coming here. Every time I visited, I would be here, and it was just amazing,” she said.

One of Bredeson’s favorite parts of the nonpro t is the people. Vickie Lutz, an Arvada resident who began volunteering for the organization in 2020, agreed and said that’s true for most of the volunteers.

Lutz said the nonpro t has incredibly talented volunteers. She showed o intricate blankets, toys and clothing items in e Baby House that volunteers spent hours creating.

Challenges and goals

e talent of the volunteers isn’t just for mak-

Representative Daugherty, please vote YES on HB 1230.

Emily Farr, Arvada

In response to Fabyanic’s “Phubbing”

column

Thanks Arvada Press for Jerry Fabyanic’s recent editorial “Phubbing: A social disease.” This reminder of my own years in technical education and what I’ve seen USA young go through with other evolutionary technologies advancements is significant. These advances do cause needs; for better Citizenship, communal participations and learning how to make each community functional

ing impressive items, though — it can also be applied toward teaching younger people the craft.

“Eleanor came to us. She didn’t know how to knit or crochet, and now she’s phenomenal at it. ere are so many people here that are willing to teach,” Lutz said.

e need for more younger volunteers is a challenge the nonpro t faces.

“We’re all older, and it’s just not going to be sustainable if we don’t get young people,” Lutz said.

Powis said the organization also needs more volunteers who will sew.

“ e last couple of months, unfortunately, we’ve had to cut back. We’ve had to cut back on the clothes,” Powis said. “We were sending out two out ts. Now it’s down to one.”

Before COVID-19, the nonpro t was able to have a backup supply of clothing, she said. Now, the organization is scraping by, month by month, due to losing a lot of active members.

On top of the need for volunteers, there are also nancial pressures.

“Our donations have gone down drastically over the last couple of years,” Powis said. “And again, our volunteers and the items coming in have really gone down — but the need is still the same — more, more.”

To help raise funds to pay for costs such as rent, volunteers will create items to sell at various craft shows. e nonpro t is also one of the charities that people can select as part of the King Soopers Community Rewards program.

As the grant coordinator, Williams plans to work this year on nding new areas to get donations and support, she said. She noted that Sue Lee, cofounder of the nonpro t Sock It To ‘Em Sock Campaign, has helped by not only donating socks to Warm Hearts Warm Babies but also in providing connections to other people.

e nonpro t creates 125 to 150 layettes every month, Powis said. e main goal she has for this year is getting enough donations of money and items to continue the nonpro t’s work.

“ ere are other organizations out there that would love to have us help them, but at this point, we can’t go out and look for more agencies. But I know they’re there — I know there’s more mamas that could use the help,” she said. “I would (like) not only to be able to help who we have, but also for it to grow and help more.”  ere are a variety of ways that community members can support Warm Hearts Warm Babies, Williams explained.

“Even if people don’t sew or … they don’t crochet, but they can help in, you know, at e Baby House or they can help in collecting donations for us — do a donation drive for us in their schools or their churches — to help us so that we can continue to help these mothers and babies and give them a good start in life,” Williams said.

Powis encouraged people to reach out to the nonpro t and come visit them. ose interested in learning more about Warm Hearts Warm Babies can visit warmheartswarmbabies.org.

“We’re a world that needs to be more interactive with each other,” Powis said, emphasizing the importance of volunteering. “It’s so good for your soul.”

for all’s mutual benefit.

While new societal terminology like “Phubbing” aren’t new with advancing Tech effects, they do point to present societal adaptations and which issues caused should be addressed. American communities have survived other past Social Tech creations like “Cubbing” (PCs) and “Tubbing” (TVs). These other advances issues cause even still more social changes like “streaming” has. Our once protected “Mass Experiences” on our electronic screens now provide unfettered individualized involvements with complete media access given even to the

immature.

As stated, “…young people transition from childhood dependency to adulthood self-reliance.” Children are our communities’ life’s blood, and even minor Tech improvements make healthy survival of teens questionable. How young a child is too young or are parents’ direct approvals necessary with all public early educational lessons?   Extremely easy to use advanced technology interfaces makes’ parental advice, guidance and guidelines mandatory and an educational right for the betterment of all USA children.

Gary Scofield, Arvada

Handmade toys are one of the accessories included in layettes that Warm Hearts Warm Babies volunteers create. PHOTOS BY TAYLER SHAW

Colorful fabric patterns in The Baby House on March 17 in Arvada.

Completed layettes in The Baby House in Arvada on March 17.

Women+Film Festival brings small stories to big screen

There are many features that make lm festivals special events for attendees, but one that keeps me returning every year is the opportunity to catch lms on the big screen you might not be able to any other time. And providing that very experience to audiences is one of the top priorities of the 2023 Women+Film Festival

“So many lms, including a lot of independent lms, just don’t have the same budgets as major studio projects. So, we’re excited to bring smaller lms to local audiences so they can be seen,” said Ambriehl Turrentine, Denver Film programming manager. “ is year we’re looking to connect with viewers who may not be as familiar with the lm world and work we do at Denver Film.”   is year’s festival runs from April 13 through April 16 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver. e festival will screen 11 full-length movies, as well as short lms, and Denver Film ensured that special events aimed at drawing in more of a crowd are included as part of the lineup.

One of the most exciting events is a marketplace, which will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on April 15 in the Sie lobby. According to provided information, shoppers will be able to peruse “gifts, artwork, crafts and novelties from local, womanowned businesses.” ere will also be live question and answer sessions with lmmakers following showings of “ e Disappearance of Shere Hite” on April 15 at and “Girl Talk” on April 16.

“We’ll also have a discussion after ‘Plan C’ on Friday, which will feature the director and representatives from Planned Parenthood,” Turrentine said. “We always look for was to tap into the local lm community, and this lm is a great opportunity to do so.”

As far as lms to get excited about, there’s also festival opener “Judy Blume Forever,” which will be shown before its streaming debut. With a lm version of Blume’s immortal, “Are You ere God? It’s Me, Margaret” coming later in the month, this is a great opportunity to learn more about the wonderful author.

No matter what audiences see, Turrentine hopes people come away with something new to explore.

“I don’t want people to be intimidated by any of the lms or the festival. At the end of the day, it’s another form of entertainment,” she said. “ ey provide the chance to connect — with a story, someone in the audience or a lmmaker.”

Full festival details and tickets can be found at www.denver lm.org.

Take a trip to world of the beyond with Paranormal Cirque

Most of us probably have a pretty good idea of what a circus performance will look like. at’s not how Cirque Italia does things,

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Clarke Reader

and “Paranormal Cirque,” its latest production, proves that and then some. Described in provided information as an “innovative horror story” for a mature audience, the show aims to take audiences on a thrilling and sexy ride that combines theatre, circus and cabaret.

e show will be staged under a big top tent at the Denver Premium Outlets parking lot, 13801 Grant St. in ornton, from April 20 through April 23. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. ursday and Friday, 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

All the information and tickets van be found at http://www.paranormalcirque.com/tickets.

Samantha Bee, Your Favorite Woman, comes to Denver

Canada’s Samantha Bee is, quiet simply, one of the funniest people on the planet. It’s a total bummer her talk show, “Full Frontal with Samantha Bee,” was cancelled last year, as the world could really use her whip-smart take on the day’s events right now.

Fortunately, Bee is doing a national tour and she’ll be bringing “Your Favorite Woman” to the Paramount eatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in Denver at 7 p.m. April 15. I’m not even a little doubtful that it will be one of the year’s funniest and most thought-provoking evenings, so secure tickets by visiting https://www. ticketmaster.com.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Dawes at the Ogden Theatre ere’s not a lot of folk rock bands making the rounds on the music scene anymore, which is too bad. e genre was at its peak at the same time some of the century’s best music was being written. ankfully, there are still a few laborers working in the eld of this particular genre, and one of the best is Dawes. e Los Angeles based group not only excel in the kind of music pioneered by e Byrds and CSNY, but over their career they’ve added alt-rock elements, which keeps the sound from growing stale. Last year’s “Misadventures of a Doomscroller,” is their most experimental and far-ranging release to date.

Dawes will be performing at e Ogden eatre, 935 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, at 8 p.m. April 19. I saw them perform at the Arvada Center last summer and can personally attest to the quality of live performance attendees are in for. Get tickets at https://www.ticketmaster. com.

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

Thu 4/20

Erin Stereo: Mile High 420 Festival

2023 @ 1pm Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Ave., Denver

Featured

Tivoli Club Brass Band @ 7pm Dazzle Denver, 1512 Curtis St, Denver

Jonathan Foster Music: Jonathan Foster at Lion's Lair @ 7pm Lion's Lair, 2022 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Wed 4/26

Featured

Weathers @ 6:30pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Tenia Nelson Trio @ 6:30pm Denver Press Club, 1330 Glenarm Pl, Den‐ver

Narcotic Wasteland - Denver

Deathfest @ 7pm

The King Room, 6100 E 39th Ave, Denver

Death By Dub @ 11:59pm

Knew Conscious, 2350 Lawrence St, Den‐ver

Fri 4/21

Denver Pub Crawl - LODO @ 7pm / $30-$33

Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row, 1946 Mar‐ket Street, Denver

Featured Featured

LP Giobbi: Regenerate Festival Pre-Party @ 9pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Sat 4/22

Featured

Featured

Ripe @ 8pm

Bluebird Theatre, 3317 E. Colfax Av‐enue, Denver

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

Tue 4/25

Every Avenue @ 7pm / $22 Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Live Music on TapHolly Vose @ 5:30pm / Free Colorado Tap House, 14982 West 69th Av‐enue, Arvada. info@coloradotap house.com, 720-826-8326

Erin Stereo:

Galacdisco at Meow Wolf @ 8pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

Ladies Night Out @ 8pm Paramount Theatre Denver, Denver

Jeffrey Dallet @ 1:30pm

Cadence Lakewood, 3151 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood

Page 9 @ 7pm

The Lodge at Woods Boss, 675 22nd St, Denver

Good Comedy Presents Bo Johnson Live in Denver @ 8pm

The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St, Denver

Watermelon Funk @ 11:59pm

Knew Conscious, 2350 Lawrence St, Den‐ver

Sun 4/23

Thousand Frames @ 5:30pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Damn Skippy @ 8pm

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

Mon 4/24

Suicide Silence @ 4:30pm

Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Yaeji @ 8pm Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Featured Featured

Pote Baby @ 8pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Fat Nick @ 6pm Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver

KXLLSWXTCH @ 6pm Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver

Luminous Kid @ 7pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Featured Featured

Ninety Percent 90s @ 8pm Herman's Hideaway, 1578 S Broadway, Denver

In Plain Air @ 8pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver

powered by

Arvada West boys lacrosse makes history at NAAC

BY DENNIS PLEUSS JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

ARVADA — Arvada West sophomore Creighton Major played keep away to run out the nal seconds to give the Wildcats a historic victory April 7 at the North Area Athletic Complex.

A-West hung on for a 7-6 win over Heritage in boys lacrosse action. It was the Wildcats’ rst conference win for the program that is in its rst season of varsity play.

“ at was awesome,” A-West coach Derek Snyder said. “Our boys stepped up and played with a lot of heart. ey kept their heads. It was a great game all around.”

A-West junior Cooper Greason put the Wildcats up 7-6 with 7 seconds remaining in the third quarter. e nal 12 minutes was all about defense with both A-West (4-2 record, 1-1 in Class 5A League #1) and Heritage (2-5, 0-2) unable to nd the back of the net.

Heritage did have a huge opportunity in the nal 44 seconds. A-West was tagged with a pair of fouls that gave the Eagles a 2-minute advantage. However, the Eagles couldn’t get a shot past A-West junior goalie Jayden Bergstrom to send the game into overtime.

“He (Bergstrom) really stood on his head today,” Snyder said. “All the defense played great. We dominated on defense that second half.”

Heritage’s nal scoring chance ended up with a turnover where Major was able to pick up the loose ball and run from mid eld and behind Heritage’s goal to run out the clock.

“ at last ten second,’ Major said of his most memorable moment during his 3-goal night.

Major led all scorers with a pair of

goals in the rst quarter that helped A-West to a 3-2 lead. Heritage actually took a 6-5 lead with three straight goals, but Major scored his hat-trick with 8:50 left in the third quarter to tie things up 6-6.

“He (Major) got himself a game ball,” Snyder said. “ at was probably the best lacrosse that young

man has played in a while. I’m very proud of him.’

Seniors Jaden Lawson, Mitchell See and Sterling Haid all had a goal each, along with the eventual gamewinning goal by Greason helped A-West to the history making night.

“It means a lot to me especially being the only sophomore on the

(varsity) team,” Major said of the league win. “I wanted to help my team get this win. Overall I think we played really good.”

e Wildcats are back a NAAC on Monday, April 10, for a non-league game against Fairview. A-West gets back into league play against Prairie View on Wednesday, April 12, at Trailblazer Stadium in Lakewood.

“We expect to go to playo s. We really do,” Snyder said.

A-West would either have to win the conference title or nish high enough in the RPI rankings to make the 24-team 5A state tournament.

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

Local track athletes gather for D’Evelyn Invite

Arvada West junior Cooper Greason, left, shows some fancy stick handling to avoid the check of Heritage senior Jackson Gautreau during the Class 5A League #1 game April 7 at the North Area Athletic Complex. The Wildcats grabbed a 7-6 victory for the program’s first conference victory.

PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Arvada West senior Caleb Luyk, left, tries to cut o Heritage senior Dominic Ranallo’s path to the goal during the first quarter April 7 at the North Area Athletic Complex. The Wildcats hung on for a 7-6 victory that featured a scoreless fourth quarter.

Ralston Valley junior Giada Giarratano crosses the finish-line during the girls 100-meter hurdles during the D’Evelyn Invite on April 8 at Je co Stadium. Giarratano’s time of 16.43 seconds was good enough for second place. Ralston Valley won both the boys and girls team titles at the meet that featured 24 teams from across the state. PHOTOS BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Bear Creek senior Nathan Zayone, far right, and Green Mountain senior Evan Morrison, far left, run during the 3rd heat of the boys 1,600-meter race during the D’Evelyn Invite on April 8 at Je co Stadium. Morrison finished sixth and Zayone placed seventh.

PHOTO BY DENNIS PLEUSS/JEFFCO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JEFFERSON COUNTY BRIEFS

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Je com 911 launches app for non-emergency services

Je com 911, the county’s emergency communications agency, has launched a free phone app to provide residents and visitors access to non-emergency public safety resources.

It also allows users to sign up for LookoutAlert emergency noti cations and report illegal reworks activity with the push of a button.

e Je com 911 app is now available on Apple and Google Play stores.

Executive Director Je Street stated that his agency wants to provide citizens “the best and most e cient response to requests,” and believed the app and the Je com911.org website would accomplish those goals.

e agency currently averages about 2,000 emergency and nonemergency calls a day, totaling about 800,000 annually.

In an April 3 press release, Streeter described how the app allows users to report non-emergency incidents, such as reporting code violations or inquiring about welfare check requests, without calling a traditional phone line or speaking to a dispatcher.

Instead, users can ll out a form

on the app with their name, contact information, date and time of the incident, and brief description. Google Maps provides the location through the Je com 911 app. Once submitted, users will receive con rmation that the message has been received and appropriate public safety resources have been assigned.

Other features include:

Immediate updates through push noti cations;A “ reworks” button to report illegal reworks activity closer to Independence Day; andA sign-up for LookoutAlert emergency noti cations.

Je com 911, which is based in Lakewood, is celebrating its fth anniversary this month. It started as a consolidation of eight separate law, re and EMS dispatch agencies, and now provides communication services for 24 agencies and more than 600,000 residents.

For more information, visit jeffcom911.org.

CDOT begins six-month project along Highway 93 is month, the Colorado Department of Transportation kicks o a six-month project along Highway 93 between Golden and the west Arvada area.

Crews will repave the highway and make safety improvements along a

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3.1-mile stretch between U.S. Highway 6 and 58th Avenue, CDOT and the City of Golden con rmed in a recent press release.

e rst stage of the project will be daytime work to complete erosion control, widening and ADA curb ramps. e second stage kicks o in June with nighttime milling and paving operations along with guardrail updates. Finally, the third stage in late summer will switch back to daytime work to complete signage, striping and rumble strips.

e entire project is expected to be complete by October.

Daytime working hours will be 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and nighttime working hours will be 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Sunday through ursday.

Starting in April, motorists should expect northbound and southbound single-lane closures during normal working hours, potential tra c shifts during guardrail operations, rough pavement in the project area, and reduced speed limits during widening operations.

In total, the project will: Repave Highway 93;Replace the signal at 58th Avenue;Widen the road between Washington Avenue and Mesa Drive;Add ADA-compliant curb ramps and guardrail upgrades; Update signage and striping;Add rumble

strips;Lengthen the northbound acceleration lane from westbound Washington Avenue;Add a second northbound lane between Washington Avenue and Golden Gate Canyon Road; andAdd a median on the east and west sides of Pine Ridge Road to reinforce existing turning restrictions onto the highway.

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CASA, Je co mark Child Abuse Prevention Month

Both Je erson County and the local chapter of CASA, or Court Appointed Special Advocates, are recognizing April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

CASA of Je erson & Gilpin Counties, which is one of ve chapters in the Denver area and one of 17 statewide, is hosting a special new

volunteer training and a community event this month.

e organization’s volunteers advocate for children who’ve experienced neglect and abuse by being constants in their lives amid ongoing court cases.

CASA of Je erson & Gilpin Counties has served more than 4,600 children since 2001, including more than 400 in 2022.

For anyone who’s interested in becoming a volunteer or wants to learn more about the organization, visit casaje cogilpin.com.

roughout April, Je erson County typically has a month of activities and fundraisers for National Child Abuse Prevention Month, such as the iconic blue pinwheels near the county building in Golden. e pinwheel is an uplifting reminder of childhood and the bright futures all children deserve, as the county has described.

Residents are encouraged to wear blue during April to raise awareness toward preventing child abuse.

According to Je co, one in ve Colorado parents doesn’t feel like they have anyone they can turn to for day-to-day emotional support in raising children. Everyone plays a role in strengthening families.

Anyone concerned about a child’s safety or well-being should call the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-844-CO-4KIDS. Calls are accepted 24/7 and remain con dential. More information is available at CO4KIDS.org.

G Line tracks on the north and Interstate 70 on the south. The Arvada Marketplace shopping center along 52nd Avenue is also included, as are commercial and light industry areas east of the shopping center. Members of the public may attend. To submit written public comment to be considered by the Commission, email comments to cedboardsandcommission@arvada.org by 5 p.m. on 5/1/2023. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.arvadapermits.org/etrakit3/search/ project.aspx?activityno=CP2023-0001, CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Tim Knapp, Secretary

Legal Notice No. 416148

First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Jeffco Transcript PUBLIC NOTICE

A public hearing will be held before the Arvada Planning Commission scheduled for May 2, 2023 at 6:15 p.m., Arvada City Hall, 8101 Ralston Rd., Arvada, when and where you may speak on the matter to consider Northwest Arvada Sub-Area Plan, Two areas generally located along State Highway 72 in the area east of Highway (SH) 93 to Indiana Street and along Indiana Street between the railroad right-of-way on the south and the City boundary on the north. Members of the public may attend. To submit written public comment to be considered by the Commission, email comments to cedboardsandcommission@ arvada.org by 5 p.m. on 5/1/2023. Additional information can be obtained from https://www.arvadapermits.org/etrakit3/search/ project.aspx?activityno=CP2023-0002, CITY OF ARVADA PLANNING COMMISSION /s/ Tim Knapp, Secretary Legal Notice No. 416149 First Publication: April 13, 2023

Last Publication: April 13, 2023

Publisher: Jeffco Transcript

Metro Districts Budget Hearings

Public

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the LEYDEN ROCK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT (the “District”), will hold a meeting via teleconference on April 18, 2023 at 6:00 p.m., for the purpose of conducting such business as may come before the Board including a public hearing on the amendment to the 2022 budget (the “Amended Budget”). This meeting can be joined using the following teleconference information: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88169711850?pwd =MVBaYlFOUjltQWQzMEFNWUtrbFUwQT09

Meeting ID: 881 6971 1850

Passcode: 983761

Call-in Number:1-720-707-2699

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Amended Budget has been submitted to the District. A copy

of the Amended Budget is on file in the office of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, 8390 E Crescent Pkwy #300, Englewood, CO 80111, where the same is open for public inspection.

Any interested elector of the District may file any objections to the Amended Budget at any time prior to final adoption of the Amended Budget by the Board. This meeting is open to the public and the agenda for any meeting may be obtained by calling (303) 858-1800.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: