Westminster 10-10-2013
October 10, 2013
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A Colorado Community Media Publication Election: Candidates respond to questions. See Page 8
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 51
‘She taught us that family is important, we all should be better neighbors and community members.’ Police Chief Lee Birk
Honoring Jessica
ourwestminsternews.com
Lao to rebuild temple Plans revealed at community meeting on Oct. 2 By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
From left, Jessica Ridgeway’s aunt Rebecca Ridgeway and Jessica’s mother Sarah Ridgeway hold hands during an opening prayer at the dedication ceremony of the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Westminster.
Family, community come together to dedicate park for Ridgeway By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com
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Far right, Sarah Ridgeway, Jessica Ridgeway’s mother, and other family members of Jessica, release 10 balloons in honor of Jessica’s 10 years of life during the dedication ceremony of the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Westminster. Photos by Ashley Reimers POSTAL ADDRESS
ith the sun shining bright and children laughing, the community of Westminster and the Ridgeway family celebrated the dedication of the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, the oneyear anniversary of Jessica’s disappearance. Hundreds of people wearing purple, Jessica’s favorite color, came together to honor the life of Jessica and her legacy, which will be remembered by a park created and built in the 10-year-old’s name and memory. On Oct. 5, 2012, Jessica was kidnapped and later killed by Austin Sigg, 18, who recently pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree murder and kidnapping. Her disappearance sparked a massive search with hundreds of community volunteers and 75 law enforcement agencies working around the clock to bring Jessica home. Days later her remains were found in an open space area
and in the crawl space of Sigg’s home. One member of law enforcement particularly invested in the case was Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk, who dedicated many hours for the past year to achieve justice for Jessica. During the dedication ceremony he held back tears describing how Jessica’s life has taught the community to love and care more, and although he had never met Jessica, himself and several other law enforcement would agree that they were profoundly touched by Jessica and came to feel as though she was their own daughter. “Jessica brought out what is good and right in people in our community. This park is part of Jessica’s legacy, but what it really signifies is the lessons Jessica taught us,” he said. “She taught us that family is important, we all should be better neighbors and community members and we all should care and love more because life is short and these things are what are most important.” Ridgeway continues on Page 7
A devastating fire destroyed the Lao Buddhist Temple of Colorado in Westminster in December 2011. And now, the Lao community is beginning the process of rebuilding their temple, a place that not only serves as a gathering building for their Theravada Buddhist religion practices, but also a place to sustain their culture. Since then, the Laotian community has been gathering in a large tent on the property at 10685 Dover St. and on Oct. 2, the Laotian community hosted a community meeting inviting neighbors to view the proposed plans for the redevelopment of the Lao Buddhist Temple. Westminster city planner Patty McCartney said the meeting is just the beginning stage of planning process to construct a new temple. She said the plan is still in review process and eventually will move forward to the planning commission and then city council. The plans include two buildings, a small 30-foot by 30-foot building to be used by the monks and a second larger building, 90-foot by 90-foot, which will be the temple. The property is about 4.5 acres total and according to Tom Pong, project director of the rebuilding team, the new temple will have a capacity of about 300-350 people. “This site and temple means so much to our entire Lao community and has been the center point for us to continue with our peaceful Theravada Buddhist religion practices, shelter for our entire community to gather and sustain our culture and a place for refuge for those in need of help,” Pong said. “It is open to all who are interested in learning more about our rich culture and peaceful religious meditation practice.” Pong said securing all of the financing for the redevelopment will be challenging, but seeing the white tent every day and knowing some elderly members of the Lao Buddhist community are waiting to see the redevelopment come to life are great sources of motivation. “We have terminally ill members who want to see this erected,” he said. “That is very motivating for our community. And we have faith and trust in each other that it will happen.” For more information or to donate to the Lao Buddhist Temple in Westminster, visit www.watlaodenver.net.
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