Community staple Universal Music says goodbye

Northglenn-Thornton music store was instrumental for generations

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Back in 1960, Jim and Millie Patterson had the mission to put as many instruments in children’s hands and give as many music lessons as they could.

So they opened up a music store. ey started out successfully in Denver and eventually moved up to Northglenn. After 63 years, a move to ornton, and thousands of students, including more than 120 foster children later, Universal Music will play their last note on July 15.

“You’re 90 years old, that’s why we’re quitting,” Millie said to Jim jokingly. “We want to keep going.”

For Jim and Millie, their whole lives revolve around music. In fact, they met through music. Jim was in the Air Force band, and his bandmate introduced him to Millie, who at the time was in the Denver University summer orchestra. e two hit it o and the next 68 years are history.

“I wouldn’t have Jim without music,” said Millie.

Legacy

Part of the music in uence comes from Millie’s mother who insisted all her children take music lessons despite raising ve children on only $60 a week. Millie, 86, still plays in the Je Co Symphony and Jim, 90, still plays the drums.

“It’s in our blood,” said Jamie Brown, their daughter.

Jim and Millie’s two children are also musicians. Jamie plays the ute, and oboe and sings while Gary plays the drums. eir children and their grandchildren all play instruments, too.

Before kids, they decided to open e state may now have to refund nearly $1 billion more than originally expected, nonpartisan Legislative Council Sta and the governor’s O ce of State Planning and Budgeting told state lawmakers in June, increasing refund checks by hundreds of dollars per person. e legislature passed a bill in the nal three days of its 2023 lawmaking term, which ended May 8, that would make the refund check amounts the same for everyone if voters pass Proposition HH. ey were originally expected to be about $650 for single lers and

Exactly how large those Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights refund checks will be remains in ux, in part because the number will be determined by whether voters pass Proposition HH in November, a 10-year property tax relief plan from Democrats in the General Assembly and Gov. Jared Polis.

SEE REFUNDS, P10

Legacy Foundation hosts golf invitational

The Westminster Legacy Foundation is hosting the 15th Annual J & Nancy Heil Tribute Golf Invitational on July 31 at Legacy Ridge Golf Course.

The proceeds from the 2023 Heil Golf Invitation will advance the artistic, cultural and academic success for the students that are participating in the performing arts at Westminster High School. The funds raised will help with outfitting with uniforms and updating instruments for the Mariachi Band, equipping students playing in the orchestra and providing extra instructional coaching for students who want to learn how to better play, sing or act. Proceeds will also provide scholarships to two graduating seniors.

The link to sponsor or register is https://westyfoundation.networkforgood.com/events/54139-15thannual-j-nancy-heil-tribute-invitational-golf-tournament.

GOCO $350K grant goes to the High Line Canal preservation work

Efforts to protect the High Line Canal as a regional open space picked up a $350,000 grant from Great Outdoors Colorado.

The grant is part of GOCO’s Land Acquisition program, which supports urban and rural landscape, waterway, and habitat protection priorities and improves access to the outdoors.

High Line Canal is a 71-mile, 860-acre corridor provides valuable recreation access for the Denver-metro region. It winds through some of its most diverse communities, connecting neighbors to schools, community centers, and more than 8,000 acres of parks and open spaces. The canal spans communities in Denver, Douglas, Adams, and Arapahoe Counties, passing through a diversity of Front Range ecosystems along the way.

The High Line Canal is in a time of transition as its owner, Denver Water, reduces its reliance on the Canal for irrigation delivery. The High Line Canal Conservancy is planning for its future as a recreational, ecological, historical, and stormwater resource.

National Night Out returns to Northglenn

National Night Out, an annual celebration of community and of community policing returns to Northglenn Aug. 1 and the city is looking for volunteers to host block party events in their neighborhoods.

National Night Out is back in the neighborhoods of Northglenn – be a part of it!

Volunteers will meet and visit with neighbors, first responders and local officials while feasting on a potluck during a glorious

Colorado summer evening.

For more information or to sign up, contact Officer Chris Miller at cmiller@northglenn.org or 303.450.8852, or Officer Jeramie Lund at jlund@northglenn.org or 303.450.8850.

A Stroll in the Garden for CASA

The Court Appointed Special Advocate program, or CASA, for the 11th Judicial District is promoting one of its major fundraisers now scheduled for September.

CASA is inviting supporters to come enjoy a Stroll in the Garden at this year’s Indulge for CASA Gala from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 13 at Denver’s Balistreri Vineyards, 1946 E 66th Ave.

This Garden Party will be full of delicious food and drinks, fantastic auction prizes, exciting entertainment, and more! Indulge for CASA is presented by the Kenneth & Myra Monfort Charitable Foundation.

CASA’s mission is to provide court-appointed volunteer advocacy for children and youth from the child welfare system so every child can be safe, have a permanent home, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Healthy Farmers Markets

Adams County and Anythink Libraries are offering Healthy Farmers Markets in Thornton for residents this summer through Sept. 28.

The markets will provide $20 produce vouchers for residents who are 65+ or are enrolled in WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid. There will also be recipes and nutrition information available.

Tuesday markets will be from 9 a.m. to noon through Sept. 26, at Anythink Huron, 9417 Huron St. Thursday markets will be from 9 a.m. to noon through Sept. 28, at Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120 th Ave.

See all upcoming Adams County outreach events at adcogov.org/ outreach-events.

Annual Stars & Stripes Event to Feature Singer Thomas Mac

The annual pre-Independence Day celebration at Riverdale Regional Park is back! Mark your calendars for the Third of July celebration. Ward Electric presents a free evening in the park with country singer, Thomas Mac, and a festive display of fireworks.

Food and beverage vendors will begin serving at 4 p.m. Enjoy live music followed by the 9:30 p.m. fireworks show.

For the safety and comfort of your pets and all event attendees, please keep your furry friends at home for the Stars & Stripes event. Visitors are kindly reminded that most fireworks are illegal in Adams County; please leave fireworks of any type to our professionals.

For more event information and Park Rules, visit riverdaleregionalpark.org or call 303 637-8000.

Work Options FREE Culinary Training Program

The Adams County Human Services Department is partnering with local nonprofit Work Options to provide a free culinary training program for residents.

Program participants train with professional chefs over a six-week course and earn certifications and up to $400 per month. Work Options also offers food truck internships.

In addition to the training program, Work Options provides the Human Services Center 11860 Pecos St., Westminster, with a full menu of breakfast and lunch options including breakfast burritos, pastries, burgers, pizza, daily specials, and more in the Mountain View Café. The café is located on the third floor of HSC.

Learn more about the program at workoptions.org.