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Camping can be a real treat in Colorado. Learn how to make the most of your next trip on PAGE 12.
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Lots of locks lost for love Residents of all ages get shaved for cancer funding By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Parker Mayor Mike Waid gets his head shaved during the St. Baldrick’s fundraiser at the Vehicle Vault in Parker on April 23. Waid dyed his hair to raise awareness for the fundraiser prior to the event. Photo by Tom Skelley
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Last year I wanted to do it but I was too chicken.”
The Vehicle Vault’s floor needed an extra pass with the vacuum after the fourth annual St. Baldrick’s Shave the Mayor event on April 23. Fifty boys, girls and adults went under the clippers to raise money for pediatric cancer research, and their efforts generated over $32,000
Amirah Burciaga, 10-year-old participant
in contributions. Parker Mayor Mike Waid told the crowd about his 11-year-old inspiration for participating. Mason Penington was diagnosed with a brain tumor six years ago. He is doing well now, receiving a clean bill
of health at his most recent checkups, but the shock of his diagnosis was enough to motivate Waid, a friend and colleague of Penington’s mother Elise. Shave continues on Page 8
Colon cancer survivor urges screenings By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com Darin Johnson was shocked to learn he had cancer. “It was totally unexpected, and I really don’t think that it sunk in until a couple days later,” Johnson said. “It was the furthest thing from my mind.” Johnson had planned to have a colonoscopy when he was younger, but “life got in the way” and he procrastinated. At the urging of his wife, Nancy, he scheduled a screening when he turned 50 last July, the age when screenings are recommended by health care professionals. “He’s a guy who’s very fit, exercises and does all the right things,” said Cancer continues on Page 7
GO-KARTS REV UP
Emily Tice, 2, shows off the ladybug on her finger on April 22 at Merryhill Preschool in Parker. The school taught its students lessons on the benefits of insects throughout the previous week. Photos by Tom Skelley
Laughter and ladybugs Preschoolers release insects for Earth Day By Tom Skelley tskelley@colorado communitymedia.com
Overdrive Raceway, owned by a Castle Rock couple, will offer two floors of indoor electric go-kart tracks. PAGE 4
Cecilia Lieven, age 1, inspects insects at Merryhill Preschool in Parker on April 22. The school released 9,000 ladybugs to celebrate Earth Day.
Students at Merryhill Preschool in Parker bugged out to help the environment on Earth Day, releasing approximately 9,000 ladybugs outside the school to celebrate the event on April 22. Thirteen staff members, 30 parents and 88 children participated in the event that held lessons for all ages in-
volved. “It’s a great lesson that’s very age-appropriate,” said Kelsee Miller, assistant principal at Merryhill. “With our little guys it’s the exploration of bugs and insects … learning that bugs are our friends and not something to be scared of,” Miller said. “The older kids are learning that bugs and insects can really help the earth.” Miller said older students learned about the ways ladybugs can help the environment by acting as a natural pesticide, Ladybugs continues on Page 7
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