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An unforgettable Christmas Past
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How Denver became the Christmas Capital of the World
Today, Colorado’s “winter wonderland,” especially at Christmas time, takes on an enchanted atmosphere. A century ago, it was quite different.
Denver’s love affair with holiday lighting can be credited to Frances Belford Wayne, a Central City girl.
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Feliz Navidad! - Las Posadas and Piñatas Las Posadas can be either a single-night event or nine nights in a row leading up to Christmas, starting Dec. 16 and ending on Christmas Eve.
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50¢ D I S P A T C H
S i n c e 19 2 6 December 19, 2013
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Vol. 92 No. 52
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in Da Hood z y o T l a u n 10 an es holiday d i v o r p n u Toy R s cheer to kid th
Volunteers Tom Trujillo and Gregory Trujillo wrap donated gifts. Photos by Stefan Krusze
Mrs. and Mr. Claus get ready to hand out toys to children during the 10th annual Toyz in Da Hood Toy Run, Dec. 14.
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Arapahoe High shooting victim struggles to survive Claire Davis was in ‘wrong place at wrong time’
By Tom Barry On Dec. 13, Claire Esther Davis, 17, a senior at Arapahoe High was gunned down by a disgruntled classmate. The 18-yearold gunman shot her at point-blank range in an 80 second shooting spree. Davis was rushed to Littleton Adventist Hospital shortly after sustaining her injuries. She suffered major head injuries as a result of a bullet from a pump action shotgun, as noted by Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson. “Claire remains in critical condition. She is stable, but is in a coma,” said the Davis family in a Facebook posting on Sunday. “The first responders got Claire to the right place, at the right time, and the doctors and hospital staff are
doing a wonderful job taking care of her. We appreciate your continued good thoughts and prayers, and will provide updates as her condition improves…” From early indications, it does not appear that Davis and the gunman were even acquaintances. After the students were released from lockdown at the school on Friday afternoon, some students were aware that their classmate had been shot and was in critical condition at the time. “Claire Davis is a young woman of principle, she is a young woman of purpose, she is an innocent young lady and she was an innocent victim of an evil act of violence,” said Robinson in a statement. “Our beautiful daughter Claire Davis has severe head trauma as the result of a gunshot,” said a statement from the family of Claire Davis read by Robinson. “She needs your continued prayers. We would like to thank our family,
friends, the community and the equestrian community for their out pouring of love and support, as well as the school for their continued support of the students and teachers. “We would also like to express our gratitude to the first responders and the trauma team at Littleton Adventist Hospital for saving our daughter’s life and quickly getting her into surgery. “…Your prayers are appreciated…” Students at Arapahoe have held a couple candlelight vigils for her and there is a temporary living memorial at the school. Some students are attempting to have Claire’s favorite band, One Direction, to come visit her. The Warrior community at Arapahoe is a tight group and will rally for their classmate. A fellow student shared in a broadcast interview, if anyone can make it, Claire can.
Claire Davis Photos courtesy of Davis Family through Sheriff Grayson Robinson