Taste of Arvada returns to spotlight local bites and sips
Over 50 restaurants — including some newcomers — shared their favorite samples with the community
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Taste of Arvada is always a highly anticipated a air around town, and this year’s iteration did not disappoint.
Hundreds of community members came out to the Apex Center on July 11 to sample the best bites and sips from 50 restaurants — and 76 total vendors — at this year’s event. e Weber Brothers Band returned for the third straight year
to soundtrack the festivities, which took place in Apex’s parking lot and across two gymnasiums.
e event was put on by the Arvada Chamber of Commerce. Chamber President and CEO Kami Welch said the event is great because it acquaints folks from around town with local businesses and eateries.
Arvada City Manager Lorie Gillis resigns after nearly two years on the job
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Less than two years after Lorie Gillis was given the reins of the city team, Arvada is once again on the hunt for a new city manager.
Arvada’s City Council accepted Gillis’ resignation at an executive session on July 1. Her last day with the city will be on Aug. 2 and Deputy City Manager Linda Haley will be the acting city manager starting on Aug. 3, according to an email from Mayor Lauren Simpson to city sta . Gillis noti ed city sta of her resignation in an email on July 12. In that email, Gillis said she was “deeply proud” of what the city team accomplished during her tenure, and decided to step aside after “personal re ection.”
“ is decision was not made lightly, and it comes from a place of personal re ection,” Gillis said. “I am con dent that the Leadership Team, along with the talented and committed sta , will continue to drive our city forward with the same passion and integrity that has always de ned our e orts.”
Travelin’ Tom’s Co ee kept attendees energized, serving sips of iced co ee and fruity refreshers.
PHOTO BY LILLIAN FUGLEI
TASTE
“What I love about Taste of Arvada is that it brings our business community and our residents together to celebrate all the amazing things that we have here in Arvada,” Welch said. “It’s really exciting to see some of these new restaurants coming out, and for people to know that they exist so we can all support them.”
While the winners of the contest portion of Taste — which is voted on by attendees — won’t be available until after press time, here is a quick roundup of some highlights from this year’s event:
• Olde Town ne dining favorite Stone Cellar Bistro o ered samples of their tuna tartare on a sesame crisp that was not to be missed.
• New-to-Arvada restaurant Spice Room went all out for the a air, o ering folks a large plate with a plethora
of samples from their menu including chicken tikka masala, samosas and saag. e eats did not disappoint!
• AJ’s Deli and Jack’s Bar and Grill — both Five Parks mainstays — passed out utterly scrumptious cherry pie cups, with the vessel itself serving as the crust. Make sure to catch Jack’s rotating pie menu this summer.
• Acclaimed local Chef Oscar Padilla did double duty with his Freedom Street Social establishment Gaucho Parilla and previewed his new concept Agave Blue, which should open in the coming months. Gaucho’s nachos and Agave’s tuna ceviche were both highlights of the night.
• Another Five Parks eatery stood out, as Lot Que served hash browns topped with brisket, which made for a fabulous bite.
• Finally, Footers Catering o ered a rare glimpse into the magic that happens inside its kitchen, which is typically reserved for event cuisine. Its katsu corn dogs and key lime pie samples were the talk of the town.
Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson enjoys a sweet treat from Footers Catering Company---key lime pie.
PHOTOS BY LILLIAN FUGLEI
Jerimiah’s Italian Ice gave Arvadans a sweet summer treat as they wandered Taste of Arvada.
Attendees sampled a variety of sips and bites as they worked their way around the event, getting a taste of what Arvada has to o er.
ADVERTISEMENT
Renovation Trends Reflect Post-Pandemic Drive for Comfort, Warmth and Healthy Living
A May 30th article on Houzz.com caught my attention with the headline “7 Home Design Trends Emerging Now.” I’ll post a link to that article at RealEstateToday.substack.com
The trends which the article identified showed a rising interest in “organic” modern style and “dark and moody” interiors. They didn’t mention the pandemic, but it was on my mind as I pondered this dramatic shift in the public’s attitude toward home life. The after-effects of the pandemic and especially the lock-down period are still being felt in various ways, especially in the home design and real estate choices we each make. I’ve written in the past about how the workfrom-home mandates wreaked havoc on the commercial real estate market, especially post-pandemic, as many workers insisted on (with some employer agreement) continuing to work from home instead of returning to the office.
The biggest surge was observed in the use of search terms such as “organic modern,” whether it was for bedrooms, dining rooms or other rooms. I never thought of using the term “organic” for home design, but it seems to be close to what I’ve always called earth tones. This also tied in with the next most common search term, “dark” and “moody.”
bathroom I saw had a shower that was not separated from a standalone tub sitting on a tiled floor with a floor drain. The homeowner could have been Japanese or perhaps an American who lived there and adopted Japanese ways.
To quote from the article by Parker, “These spaces mix deep, dramatic colors and materials to create an intimate, sophisticated atmosphere with a touch of drama.” Pictures of rooms demonstrating results of those search terms are in the online article which you will want to check out.
It’s been a couple decades since the move away from white walls in new homes. Rounded wall corners are now commonplace, adding softness to walls which are now often a shade of gray.
(I enjoyed a visit to Tokyo decades ago, where I stayed in a student house with no bathing facilities. I, like others in the house, went to a neighborhood bathhouse where I squatted alongside others on a stool in front of a low faucet and washed and rinsed my body before joining others in a huge hot tub.)
Another trend cited by Parker is wellness, which is expressed in bathrooms as well as in saunas, steam showers, cold plunges, and yoga rooms. “Home spa” was a search term which jumped 34% from last year to this year.
Leisure spaces generally are also important to home buyers and home renovators. One search term which jumped by 107% year-over-year was “listening room.” Another was for a “piano room” or “piano living room.”
We’ve long seen pool tables and ping pong tables in homes, but now the big thing is “game rooms.” (This reminds me that in some 1950s one-story homes with basements, I have seen more than one which had a shuffle board court laid out using colored vinyl tiles, usually covered by wall-to-wall carpeting, greatly amusing the homeowner when it came time to replace the carpeting!)
The seventh and last trend identified in the Houzz article was an interest in “kid zones.” Yes, people are still having children, and having a place for them to engage in non-smartphone games is important to many parents, as it would be for Rita and me if we were of that age. (I suppose grandparents would want a kids zone, too, but even our grandchildren are in college now!)
Searches for “race car bed,” “teen lounge” and “tween bedroom” were all up year-over-year.
I found the article, which was filled with photo examples from vendors, very interesting — and fun. Check it out!
A second real estate impact from the lock-down period was the decision by many homeowners to relocate to homes that were further from their place of employment and/or move to a home more suited to working from home, such as with a separate home office space.
As for home design trends, how does one gauge such trends? For Mitchell Parker, the writer for Houzz, it was done by analyzing the year-over-year changes in search terms used on their website.
Are you following the 2024 presidential race? You may be interested in my political blog, which you can find at http://TalkingTurkey.substack.com
Another trend noted by Parker is reading rooms and walls of bookshelves, which may seem odd in an era noted for its switch to digital and audio books. (I myself am now hooked on audio books, following a previous addiction to ebooks, which are free from the Jeffco and other library systems.)
Japanese influences are coming into vogue, from the living room to bedroom to the garden, with green, including indoor plants like lemon grass dominating room décor. I recently toured a home which had a Japanese style bathroom. Japanese are fond of washing themselves outside the bathtub, and only going into the tub afterwards to soak. The
Development Opportunity in Westminster
The property at 9251 N. Wadsworth Boulevard offers a fantastic redevelopment opportunity in Jefferson County and City of Westminster! Formerly known as the Cheshire Cat Hospital, this 3-acre property operated as a veterinary clinic for the past 20 years and is currently zoned agricultural but is an area of focus for rezoning with both Jefferson County and the City of Westminster. The parcel is close to the Denver-Boulder Turnpike, Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport, Rock Creek Medical Campus, retail, municipal government, higher education and open space. If the purchaser wishes to maintain the agricultural zoning, the property could be used for an equine boarding facility with four horses per acre. In addition to domestic animals, the agricultural zoning offers several permitted uses including telecommunications towers, farming with residence, and stables -- a full list. It is co-listed at $2,490,000 by broker associates Chuck Brown and Austin Pottorff, whose cell numbers are at right. An aerial video tour of this listing created by Austin can be seen at www.GRElistings.com.
Past Clients Have Left Positive Reviews of Our Agents & Me
Greg Kraft was knowledgeable and professional. He was very easy to work with and was super proactive in searching the listings. That was a key in managing to buy the townhome in a very competitive market. He was also very responsive and communicated really well with us and the listing agents. We would recommend him without reservation. —
Jim Swanson was kind and patient while listening to my questions. He helped me to translate the real estate language and manage the sale process. He connected the dots, allowing me to make good decisions, maintain my personal integrity and profit from the sale when a great offer came to the forefront. Jim, thank you for putting communication and community first. — N. W.
Kathleen Jonke is a knowledgeable, efficient and hard working broker. Her availability and response time were exceptional. — K. Wiig
Chuck Brown is a superb Realtor. He is very knowledgeable regarding the market, very proactive and highly professional. Chuck was great at identifying potential properties that met our criteria, he moved very quickly to show us potential properties and his analysis of property values was on point and very thorough. Chuck was extremely proactive and responsive in his communications with us. Chuck went above and beyond our expectations. My wife and I have done six real estate transactions and we think Chuck is the best Realtor ever. We would highly recommend Chuck to other home buyers. — S. Diamond
Dave Dlugasch did a phenomenal job working with us! We were not easy buyers because of an extensive “wish list” and he did his homework on each property we looked at until we found the right one. He gave us great advice and was very supportive of all our questions throughout the entire process. — M. Madigan
Based on Jim Smith's knowledge, experience, and expertise in the real estate arena, we decided to work with him when it came time to downsize. We used Jim and his real estate firm to both purchase the new home and then sell our existing property. All communication with Jim has been top notch. In addition, he provided all packing materials along with free use of the company's moving truck and labor to make our move. It was a great experience from start to finish! — R. Trujillo
Jim Smith
J. Knight
Only rock-throwing defendant still set for trial pleads insanity, trial delayed
Joseph Koenig’s lawyers say a recent ADHD diagnosis qualifies him for insanity defense under new law
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A 2022 piece of legislation pertaining to the insanity defense in Colorado might change the course of Arvada rock-throwing suspect Joseph Koenig’s trial. Koenig’s lawyers are arguing that a recent ADHD diagnosis quali es him for the in-
RESIGNS
e city will now conduct a nationwide search for a new city manager that is expected to take between six and eight months, a City of Arvada spokesperson said.
Gillis was named Arvada’s city manager in August 2022 and began serving in that capacity on Sept. 26 of that year.
In her email to sta , Mayor Lauren Simpson acknowledged that there might be “questions and maybe even some concerns” about how the transition will impact the city team, but reassured sta that there is a plan in place for the immediate and not-so-immediate future.
“I understand that leadership transitions can be challenging, especially when they are unexpected,” Simpson said. “But what’s at the heart of this City’s success is not changing, and that’s you, our people. e professionalism and commitment each of you brings every day to your roles is admirable.
“ e City Council is committed to working alongside Ms. Haley and our entire leadership team to ensure the continued success of our City, both now and into the future,” Simpson continued.
Gillis was selected after a months-long search to replace Former City Manager Mark Deven — who retired after spending 11 years in that post — that saw Gillis and Casper, Wyoming City Manager James “Carter” Napier named as nalists. Gillis, who was previously Arvada’s deputy city manager since 2014, was chosen by a 7-0 city council vote at an executive session.
sanity defense, which has now pushed back his trial in the murder of Alexa Bartell.
On July 9, it was revealed in court that Koenig’s lawyer Martin Stuart raised the insanity defense in a ling on June 27, which stated that a recent ADHD diagnosis a ected Koenig’s decision-making on the night of Bartell’s death, according to information originally reported by Westword.
Under a piece of legislation passed during the 2022 legislative session, the insanity defense in Colorado was expanded to include people who are impacted by a mental illness that prevents them from forming a culpable mental state at the time of the crime they’re accused of committing.
is expansion is a noted departure from the typical insanity defense, which covers people who are so mentally impaired that they cannot tell right from wrong.
Koenig was the only one of the three original suspects in Bartell’s murder who was set to go to trial after fellow defendants Zachary Kwakand Nicholas Karol-Chik took plea deals and agreed to testify against Koenig.
Koenig’s trial was supposed to begin on July 19 but has now been delayed as First Judaical District Court Judge Christopher Zenisek weighs Stuart’s motion. A review hearing has now been scheduled for Aug. 23.
As per her contract, Gillis will receive six months’ pay as severance along with a payout of her earned bene ts, such as paid time o . According to the contract approved by city council in 2022, Gillis’ annual salary was $260,000;
therefore her payout would be roughly $130,000. Simpson commended Gillis for her work with the city team in a statement to the Arvada Press.
“I have greatly enjoyed working with Lorie these past ve years,” Simpson said. “Her intelligence, integrity and genuine commitment to everything she does are commendable, and I’m grateful — professionally and personally too — for all that she has contributed to Arvada over
the past decade.”
Haley has worked for the City of Arvada since 2007. She was named human resources director in 2014, and the promoted to deputy city manager in 2022.
Gillis was Arvada’s rst female city manager. Prior to her tenure at the city, she was Je erson County Public School’s director of nance from 2004 to 2014.
Outgoing Arvada City Manager Lorie Gillis. COURTESY PHOTOS
Arvada City Manger Linda Haley.
The new Lutheran Hospital.
We’re here for life.
From new life, through your entire life, the new Lutheran Hospital can now offer better access to more critical treatments, no matter what happens. Our expanded services, advanced technologies, and unsurpassed compassionate care mean that although we’ve moved, we’re still here for you, and we always will be.
New location opening this August at I-70 and Highway 58.
Arvada City Council hears update on Homelessness Strategic Plan
Council
BY LILLIAN FUGLEI SPECIAL TO THE ARVADA PRESS
As the summer is heating up, Arvada City Council is addressing one of the city’s hot button topics: homelessness.
Council held a workshop during a July 8 meeting to look at updates to the city’s Homelessness Strategic Plan — originally created in January 2023. e plan — presented by Scott Shields, a consultant to the city and CEO of Family Tree — provided an overview of the ways Arvada can work to address homelessness in the community, as well as some of the steps the city hopes to take to get there.
City role
Similar to past plans addressing homelessness, Arvada wants to take
a facilitating role. is means that the city wants to assist in e orts to address homelessness — but does not want to take a primary role by operating programs itself.
“ e city (can) serve as a convener, a facilitator, a collaborative funder of services helping people experiencing homelessness,” Shields said. “But it’s not recommended the city contemplate becoming a human services provider or a homeless services provider.”
Instead, Arvada wants to support its partners in their e orts to support those experiencing homelessness, according to the presentation. is includes Je erson County, but also foundations and faith communities that work with unhoused people as well.
Community needs
e presentation also identi ed the need to address homelessness within the city. Shields pointed towards data collected by the Homeless Management Information System —
On July 8, Arvada City Council took a look at the city’s Homelessness Strategic Plan.
PHOTO BY LILLIAN FUGLEI
Susan M. Duncan YMCA in Arvada celebrates 25 years
Arvadans enjoy cake and games during anniversary festivities
BY LILLIAN FUGLEI SPECIAL TO THE ARVADA PRESS
Each year, the YMCA is home to many birthday parties. Attendees swim a few laps in the pool, blow out the candles and cut the cake. is year, the Susan M. Duncan YMCA got a taste of its own cake when it celebrated its 25th birthday.
On June 7, the Duncan YMCA celebrated 25 years of serving the Arvada community. e party gave attendees a chance to walk down memory lane, remembering the impacts the Duncan YMCA has had.
“We live just a block away, and I knew before we built our house that there was going to be a YMCA here,” said Ron Row, who has been a member of the Duncan YMCA since it opened. “ at was one of the reasons we purchased the house we did. We joined just as soon as it opened, and have been in love with it ever since.”
e Duncan YMCA — which opened in 1999–is named after Susan M. Duncan. Duncan served at the YMCA for 40 years in a variety of leadership roles. Her
fundraising and advocacy helped the YMCA of Metro Denver expand into communities throughout the Denver Metro Area.
“ e YMCA is a part of our neighborhood, and we see our neighbors here,” said Cheryl Row, another member since day one. “ ere is a feeling of family as a member. I feel very safe here, I love the facility and it’s wellkept. We are just so happy to be in this community.”
e celebration o ered attendees a chance to connect as a community, with games and face painting, as well
as plenty of cake to go around. Partygoers left their mark on the celebration, placing colorful handprints on a festive banner.
“As myself a summer camp, out-ofschool time and swimming camp graduate here at the Duncan Y, it is really exciting to celebrate 25 years as part of this Arvada community,” said Veronica Torsney, the Duncan YMCA Member Experience Manager. “ ank you all — We truly enjoy all of the years we have gotten to spend with you, and can’t wait to spend many, many more years here in the Arvada community.”
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 lkfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.
Arvada press
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Je erson County, Colorado, the Arvada Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 3540 Evergreen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Arvada Press, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
Like any good birthday party, the Susan M. Duncan YMCA celebrated 25 years with cake and games.
Partygoers left a colorful mark on the celebration, with handprints decorating the party banner.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRYN WEBSTER
or HMIS — that showed an increase in unhoused people in Arvada. In 2022, HMIS documented 201 individuals experiencing homelessness, while in 2023 that number rose to 298.
Shields also referenced data from the Je erson County annual Point in Time Count —which identi es people experiencing homelessness across the county. In 2022, the count documented 493 individuals experiencing homelessness, while in 2023 that number rose to 854 — showing a similar increase to the HMIS data.
As part of its guiding principles, the plan identi ed homelessness as
a community problem — one that occurs within the community and impacts the community. However, Council Member John Marriott pushed back on this idea, arguing that homelessness was an individual issue.
“Community didn’t make anyone homeless,” Marriott said. “Individuals made themselves homeless. I might change it to say that homelessness a ects the community in a negative way.”
Several other council members — including Sharon Davis, Randy Moorman and Shawna Ambrose — defended the principle, arguing that the unhoused people in Arvada are a part of the community.
“I believe that homelessness is a community problem and the data backs that up,” Moorman said. “Most
of the folks we are counting in our data collection are from Arvada, and that number is going up. is is a community problem that we have to address as a community.”
Goals
e plan also outlined several goals for the city in its e orts to combat homelessness.
e rst goal — which Shields noted was one of the biggest priorities — was to enhance services for those experiencing homelessness, in a way that increases options for economic and housing stability. Many of the strategies outlined with this goal related to services that could be o ered by the homelessness navigation center that may be opened in Arvada.
e city also hopes to foster longterm housing stability for people who have experienced homelessness, by maximizing permanent supportive housing — a form of affordable housing that o ers support services — and preserving a ordable housing.
Arvada also wants to help increase access to information about homelessness to the community, so the community has a better awareness and understanding of homelessness.
e last goal outlined in the presentation is to create data collection and reporting methods that will support continuous improvement, in order to continue to understand homelessness in Arvada and gauge how successful programs are.
Another goal is preventing people from experiencing homelessness, which the city hopes to do by preserving a ordable housing and creating prevention services for people who are at risk of becoming homeless.
While the presentation outlined a potential Homelessness Strategic Plan, the plan has not yet been nalized. City council still has to vote to adopt the plan, which they will do at a future meeting.
This summer, take simple steps for be er air
It’s another hot, sunny, bluesky day in Denver. The air is still and looks clear! Despite the beautiful day, you may feel irritation in your throat or a tightness in your chest while out walking the dog, at the park, riding your bike, or on an afternoon run. Your asthma may also be acting up.
This is likely the impact of ground-level ozone: the Front Range’s most pressing air quality problem each summer. We can’t see or smell it, but this pollutant accumulates the most on hot and sunny blue-sky days, reaching its highest levels in the afternoons and evenings.
While ozone serves an important purpose high up in the atmosphere — protecting us from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation — at ground level, high concentrations of ozone are unhealthy. Ozone makes it difficult to breathe, increases our susceptibility to respiratory infections, and exacerbates respiratory ailments such as asthma.
High ozone levels affect all of us. Even if you are healthy, ozone can impact the cells in your lungs during and after exposure, like
sunburn, and repeated exposure over time can lead to reduced lung function. The people at higher risk of exposure or more sensitive to this air pollution include the elderly, those with respiratory conditions, outdoor workers, outdoor athletes, and especially children, whose lungs are still developing.
Where does this air pollution come from? Ground-level ozone is not directly emitted from any source. It forms in the air when two chemicals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), react in the sunshine and heat of summer days. These chemicals are called ozone precursors, and they are released into the air from emissions made by our gaspowered vehicles, gas-powered lawn equipment, and oil and gas production across the Front Range.
Both colorless and odorless, ozone is different than wildfire smoke, tiny particulate matter called PM2.5 or PM10, and the visible Denver “brown cloud” of years past. However, ozone can combine with other air quality issues, and is sometimes referred to as “smog.”
errands, or taking the bus or the light rail to get where you need to go. Don’t forget: youth ride for free on RTD! For shorter distances, leave the car at home and walk, ride a scooter, or your bike or e-bike.
Fuel up your car after 5 p.m. to avoid releasing emissions during the heat of the day. Skip idling your car: instead, roll down the windows and turn off the engine while waiting in parking lots or lines. Consider a low- or zeroemissions vehicle, like an electric vehicle (EV), when it’s time to purchase a new vehicle.
While air quality in the region has greatly improved in the past half century, ozone remains a pressing issue to our health and environment. But as our gas-powered vehicles and gas-powered lawn equipment contribute to its formation, we all have the power to reduce ground-level ozone in the Front Range each summer!
First, sign up for ozone alerts. Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org to sign up for emails or text “BetterAirCO” to 21000 to receive air quality alerts on your phone. When the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE) forecasts a high ozone day, the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) will send you a timely text or email to let you know.
On high ozone days, protect your health by avoiding outdoor exercise or heavy exertion between noon and 8 p.m. Still want to get outside? Plan ahead and spend time outside in the morning, or later in the evening, when ozone levels will be lower.
Second, reduce your emissions! Take some Simple Steps for Better Air: Skip two car trips per week by carpooling, combining
Mow the lawn after 5 p.m. if you still use gas-powered equipment. Even better, upgrade your old gas lawn mower, trimmer, or leaf blower to a new electric one with a 30% state discount at participating retailers this year!
And if your job can be done remotely, work from home at least one day a week and eliminate your commute altogether.
Taking these timely, simple steps in the summer improves our Front Range air quality, our health, and our ability to enjoy the outdoors! Visit SimpleStepsBetterAir.org for more information about how to reduce your ozone impact this summer and help your community breathe easier.
Arvada Stake of Church of Latter-Day Saints hosts 4th of July celebration
Community leaders, representatives from multiple other faiths come together for family fun
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Folks of many di erent backgrounds came out to the Arvada Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4th of July celebration, which kicked o with an early morning fun run, followed by a patriotic program and a communal breakfast.
Arvada City Councilmembers, along with leaders from the Arvada United Methodist Church and Bahá’i Faith community came out to take part in the celebration, which featured a presentation from retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Erich Martin.
Martin shared his experiences of serving multiple deployments including Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom and other special forces missions.
Betty Anne Redson, a member of the Bahá’i Faith community in Arvada, said that the celebration brought people of many seemingly disparate groups together for a collaborative celebration.
“As a member of the Bahá’í Faith, it was uplifting to attend the unify-
ing Fourth of July commemoration hosted by Arvada’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” Redson said. “ e unity of religion and the unity of mankind are fundamental teachings of the Bahá’í Faith.
“Arvada’s LDS Stake demonstrated and celebrated this unity on the historic day that celebrates the American commitment to the equality of mankind and the freedom of worship,” Redson continued.
Arvada City Councilmember Sharon Davis said the 4th of July is a unique celebration of all the di erent people and cultures that make up America and added that the Arvada Stake’s celebration represented the city’s place within that broader community.
“Independence Day is a national celebration that transcends religion and race,” Davis said. “Bottom line is we are Americans, this is the home of the free, and democracy is our core value. e Independence Day Celebration with the LDS community exempli es who Arvada is: all are welcome, everyone has a place here.”
e Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a unique place in American history, as it began in the U.S. in the 1820s. e religion’s central text, the Book of Mormon, posits that the Garden of Eden was in North America and that New Jerusalem would be built in Missouri.
Russian Author Leo Tolstoy once called the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints the “quintessential ‘American Religion.’”
e Arvada Stake’s Community Outreach Director Kenton Wride thanked all the people who joined in the celebration this year.
“Our annual July 4th celebration and breakfast was again a memorable tribute to our great country,” Wride said. “We owe our fondest gratitude to those who have served our country including those who have lost their lives in defense of our communities and freedoms.
“Also, it was a reminder to keep in mind those who have served our country and are still with us, like Erich Martin, who delivered a
heartfelt, inspiring message to all in attendance,” Wride continued. “ e fun vibe and sense of community at this event is what I most enjoy.”
Finally, Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson said the event represented some of the things she loves most about Independence Day.
“ e Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays, and it’s because of community-organized events like this that I love it so much,” Simpson said. “Arvada sees quite a few neighborhood-oriented celebrations around the city on the 4th, and it’s pretty special that the LDS community opens theirs up to welcome all comers.”
Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson stopped by the festivities.
COURTESY PHOTO
Republican candidate for Je erson County Commissioner drops out due to injury
Charlie Sturdavant will no longer seek the District 2 seat; county Republicans to search for replacement
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A jogging accident has sidelined the Republican candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner in District 2, as Charlie Sturdavant will no longer be physically able to seek the o ce.
Je erson County Republicans will likely begin searching for a replacement to face incumbent Andy Kerr in November’s election, according to a spokesperson.
About eight weeks ago, Sturdavant was jogging along Clear Creek early in the morning, when an askew branch of a cottonwood tree caused him to trip and seriously injure his knee. On July 8, Sturdavant said he led paperwork to drop out of the
race, which Je co Republicans conrmed they had led.
“Not only could I not run, I was unable to run also,” Sturdavant said, poking a bit of fun at the situation. “I’m just now getting to be a little more ambulatory. It’s been a real struggle. I missed eight weeks of campaigning and decided to back out and let somebody else that can campaign do that job.”
Sturdavant, who sought Golden’s mayoral o ce in 2023 and owns Golden City Brewery, said that although his recovery has been moving in the right direction, he is not in physical shape to run — in either sense of the word.
“It’s totally inopportune time to happen,” Sturdavant said.
At age 73, Sturdavant said that his time to seek political o ce has passed, and he will now focus on his brewery and art studio that he shares with his wife; she is a painter, while he is a lapidary and jeweler.
In terms of his eventual replacement, Sturdavant said he hopes the Je co Republicans select someone who will advocate for preserving
the TABOR amendment and ght against increased rules and regulations for businesses, which he says have gotten out of hand in recent years.
A spokesperson for the Je co Republicans did not specify a timeline for picking Sturdavant’s replacement but said an o cial announcement from the party would be coming soon.
“I really thought I could have a pretty good chance of winning,” Sturdavant said.
For now, Kerr is the lone candidate for District 2, as he advanced through the primaries unopposed. Election day is Nov. 5.
“As soon as I heard, I was able to get Charlie’s phone number through some mutual friends, and I gave him a call just to wish him the best,” Kerr said. “Everything in
Charlie Sturdavant will no longer be running for the Je erson County District 2 Commissioner’s seat after an injury incurred while jogging.
our charged political world doesn’t mean good people can’t be there for each other. I gave him a call and wished him the best, and we chatted a little bit.
“I hope he has a full and speedy recovery,” Kerr continued.
Flying Arva-Pride
Members of the Arvada Historical Society prepare the “Arva-Pride” flag to fly from the flour mill’s flagpole. “Arva-Pride” was used as a promotional slogan for the Arvada Flour Mill’s products in the first half of the 20th century after a contest in the Arvada Enterprise was held to help with the mill’s branding. The flagpole returned to use for the first time in decades over the weekend.
Colorado Community Media to Hold its First 5K Run
BY JO ANN M. COLTON
There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of Colorado than by witnessing all the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
from walking and/or running along our state’s many wonderful paths and scenic nature trails.
Join Colorado Community Media as we host our first-ever 5K run on Saturday, Aug. 24, at Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave. in Littleton.
And, before the run, we want you to submit your own “Trail Tales,” including photos, to your local newspaper (events@coloradocommunitymedia. com). Tell us where you most enjoy going for a walk or a run in your commuor elsewhere in Colorado.
In turn, we will share many of those adventurous tales with the readers of our two dozen community newspapers in the weeks ahead of the run. About the 5k: It is scheduled to loop around Johnston Reservoir from 9:30 a.m. to noon. It will start and end on the bike path near Shelter P. The event is different from most 5k runs in many ways. For starters, the sole purpose of this event is to simply provide an opportunity for people across Colorado to come together, interact, and share their personal experiences gained
There are no prizes associated with the event and participants will not receive a “standard” T-shirt. Instead, registered participants will receive a pair of custom running socks. The Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run is open to people of all ages. Participants have the option of making it a fun-filled day for the entire family. Registration fees are $35 for adults (ages 17 & up), $15 (ages 5 to 16), and free for children (ages 4 and under ). Parking for run participants and event attendees is available in the west parking lot, which can be reached as you enter Clement Park through the Library entrance on W. Bowles Avenue.
Park is currently being firmed up to feature other activities throughout the day including food and beverage purchase options offered by local food trucks, vendor booths, and live music entertainment.
“Your support of this event as a race participant and/or as an attendee is paramount to the success of our first Share Your Trail Tales 5k Run and it will help us sustain our ability to support local news,” Scott said. “We encourage the engagement of our readers and future readers to be part of this and future events at Colorado Community Media.”
Colorado Community Media publications span eight counties along Colorado’s majestic Front Range — Weld, Adams, Jeffco, Clear Creek, Douglas, Elbert, Arapahoe and Denver. As a nonprofit organization, community is important to us and we are eager to reach out and meet members of the communities our news organization serves.
Carlie Scott, Colorado Community Media’s events director, stated that the program for the Aug. 24 run in Clement
Colorado Community Media could not put on events like this 5k run without the help of its dedicated supporters and sponsors. Sponsorship provides an ideal marketing prospect for your business and positive brand recognition. The organization offers many levels of sponsorship and opportunities for involvement. As a sponsor, you can be part of a fun community event that promotes health and wellness.
To register for the Share Your Trail Tales 5k please visit our website www.coloradocommunitymedia.com and click on EVENTS/CONTEST tab.
Members of the Arvada Historical Society pack in on the porch of the Arvada Flour Mill to see the flag raised once more. PHOTOS BY LILLIAN FUGLEI
Remembering a local historian
A plaque dedicated to the late Arvada Historian Nancy Young on a bench in front of City Hall. City Council unanimously agreed to adorn the bench with the plaque; Councilmember Bob Fifer chose the quote.
The bench’s location in front of Arvada City Hall. COURTESY PHOTO BY SUSAN SHIRLEY
Vote for democrats to support everyone, not just the wealthy
As we approach the 2024 election, it is important to understand the true economic situation and how we got here. anks in part to Trump’s tax cuts, billionaires paid less in taxes than the working class for the rst time in history. While billionaires and corporations bene ted, middle-class families fell behind as a result of Trump’s failed policies. Trump’s tax cuts had a catastrophic impact on the national de cit, ballooning our national debt and steering it to hit historic highs relative to our economy.
The Biden Administration and Colorado Democrats have delivered results Colorado Democrats, President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are continuing to create millions of new jobs, lowering costs and building the economy from the bottom up and the middle out:
U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen fought for $1,954,103 in federal funding for Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
U.S. Rep. Jason Crow fought for $21,294,509 for Congressional District 6, including funding for the Aurora Community Mental Health Center, e Roots- A Community Hub for Newcomers in Colorado, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Library Improvements Project.
U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, Sen. John Hickenlooper and Sen. Michael Bennet secured over $9.3 million
ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:
• Email your letter to kfiore@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.
• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.
• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.
• Letters should be exclusively submitted
FROM THE LEFT
in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to support wild re resilience work and fuels management projects.
Every July 4, America celebrates Independence Day commemorating the Second Continental Congress’ ratication of the Declaration of Independence. By this radical action, the thirteen colonies declared they were no longer subjects of England and King George III.
Intolerable acts FROM
THE RIGHT
Outside groups estimate that the In ation Reduction Act has helped create over 3,500 good-paying clean energy jobs in Colorado in the one year since the law was signed. 15 million Americans saved an average of $800 on health insurance in 2023 thanks to President Biden’s landmark In ation Reduction Act.
Kathryn Wallace
Coloradans are saving money on prescription drugs thanks to President Biden’s work to cap the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors. Companies have invested over $3 billion in Colorado for manufacturing and clean energy investments. Coloradans are saving $140.4 million on energy costs thanks to home energy rebates. Colorado has received $1.3 billion to help bring affordable and reliable internet access to families across the state.
Democrats up and down the ballot deserve your vote in the fall so we can continue to support ALL the people who live in Je co and Colorado, not just the wealthy.
Kathryn Wallace is the Chair of the Je erson County Democratic Party.
to Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.
• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.
is decision arose over several years from about 1765 until 1776, during which time the King and English Parliament passed ve “Intolerable Acts”. e Sugar Act reduced a previous tax on molasses but added heightened enforcement through increased naval presence.
e Stamp Act taxed documents and paper goods to raise funds for British soldiers stationed in the Colonies. e Currency Act denied the colonists the use of locally issued paper currency, mandating the use of the Pound Sterling, which made already issued Continental currency almost worthless. e Townshend Acts created a host of taxes on items like paper, glass and tea. Finally, the Quartering Act demanded that colonists house British soldiers in their homes.
ese tyrannical actions from England were so intolerable that 40%-50% of the colonists agreed that America should become an independent nation. us began the American War of Independence with victory in September of 1783.
Why review this history? Because today, in the U.S., Colorado, and Jefferson County we are seeing many intolerable conditions. Mass illegal immigration, sanctioned by the Biden Administration, has been fully embraced by Gov. Jaren Polis and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Colorado is a sanctuary state and Denver is a sanctuary city with free services for immigrants paid for by us local taxpayers.
Taxation is increasing at an alarming rate as those in our government demonstrate no regard for its impact on income earners. “Fees,” like the Hospital Provider Fee, are actually additional taxes hidden through other names. In Je erson County and at the State level, politicians are doing all they can to eliminate the taxpayer protection we
have enjoyed since 1992 – TABOR, the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. is action will increase property and income taxes, while seeking to redistribute money from those who pay taxes to those who don’t. Regulations are destroying many small businesses. Denver has a mandatory minimum wage with annual adjustments for in ation. Of course, the recipients of these wages like this idea but small businesses are struggling to keep up with these rising costs. It’s estimated that nearly 10,000 fast food jobs have been lost in California due to a $20 per hour minimum wage. It’s likely that the minimum wage increase will reduce government income as many jobs are lost and earners aren’t paying taxes. Finally, de cit spending is killing our economy and causing continued rising in ation. Locally, everything we buy costs more than ever. For example, food prices are up 25% since 2020 and gasoline prices are as much as 85% higher depending on where you live. e U.S. is adding $1 trillion to the national debt every 100 days. Clearly, this is not sustainable.
Are we experiencing our own “Intolerable Acts”? Should a new citizen revolution be expected? Perhaps what we really need is for elected o cials to stop acting like British tyrants. Perhaps we, the people electing these o cials, need to vote for people who will eliminate these intolerable actions. We have the opportunity to begin this process on Nov. 5, 2024.
Don Ytterberg is a former fourtime chair of the Je co Republicans and former two-time Vice Chair of the Colorado Republican Party. He has been a candidate for the Colorado Senate and the U.S. House. He and his wife Kim have been residents of Je erson County since 1987 where he has been a business owner since 1990.
Don Ytterberg
Miners Alley Goes Back to School
There are many ways to approach school, and not every student thrives under the same conditions. Or, in the case of Dewey Finn, every teacher.
But that just provides the opportunity for more creativity in learning, and as the musical “School of Rock” at Miners Alley Playhouse entertainingly demonstrates, that can make all the di erence.
OBITUARIES
COMING ATTRACTIONS
And that willingness to learn extends to the creatives on and o stage.
“For me, if a project scares me, that means I should do it,” said Warren Sherrill, director of the production and associate artistic director at Miners Alley. “When I was approached about directing this show it was really exciting to me, because it’s a massive undertaking. ere are a bunch of kids on stage (about half of whom need to play speci c instruments), an adult ensemble and a regular band. It’s a big show for us to bite o , but I know we can pull it o .”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The political divide needs to be recalculated to incorporate all groups
As David Hill’s letter of July 4 is in response to Don Ytterberg’s editorial of June 20th it is easy to see the problems all U.S. citizens face in voting this November and hard to know who or what to believe in and the readily available wealth of miss information and political propaganda.
“School of Rock” runs at Miners Alley, 1100 Miners Alley in Golden, from Friday, July 26 through Sunday, Sept. 15. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on ursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.
e show features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Julian Fellowes and is based on the classic 2003 lm starring Jack Black. e story follows Dewey, a failed rockstar who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. ere he discovers a class of straight-A students and decides to turn them into the rock band he always wanted.
SEE READER, P21
Where Ytterberg’s editorial’s is about the diametrically opposed positions of conservatism and progressivism, Hill’s letter drops into nothing but attacks on all he personally dislikes about conservative politics as seen through a unique de nition of an o -base ideology, the manipulation of the U.S. legal system, the Republican Political Party, Supreme Court recent decisions and of course President Donald Trump the “Bad Orange Man.”
e most blatant misrepresentation in this letter is that Project 2025 is Trump’s plan, not the Heritage Foundation that created it. e letter’s insistence of putting words into others and organizations mouths and ideas not in facts is wrong. is all is mostly nothing but fear mongering for votes which is so prevalent in today’s U.S. media and the propaganda pushed out by political outlets and party holders for their own bene t.
GRAY
Heather Jill (Gray) Gray February 14, 1975 - February 15, 2024
Heather Jill Gray, Age 49, (DOB 2/14/1975) passed on February 15, 2024, due to complications from breast cancer. She is survived by her father, James Gray and her brother, Matthew Gray as well as Matthew’s 3 sons; Tyler, Jaxon and Dylan.
A celebration of life will be held on July 20, 2024 in Wallkill, N.Y.
Ruth Ann Rogers May 7, 1937 - July 2, 2024
87, passed away peacefully with loving support from all her family and friends.
Please visit monarchsociety.com for full obituary and memorial service information. ROGERS
e only hypocrisy here is the ever more populist belief that total control of the U.S. by a single party government system will bring on some kind of utopian society only achievable through this government’s actions and regulations, which is false. Both present top political parties in the U.S. need to go through some serious changes and reformulations much like the federal government needs to stop spending the country into an oblivion and stop stealing from its citizens to pay for votes from those noncitizens being imported.
e most populace political group in the U.S. today is independents which are made up of both conservatives and progressives. is group is necessary to throw any election to one or the other of the two major party candidates.
e political divide needs to be recalculated to incorporate all groups instead of just Conservatives or Progressives or even Democrats or Republicans. Our diversity as an entire nation is important and the U.S. founders set up the government system to use this advantage through our three independent branches of government. One branch should not have power over another nor should one branch give up their powers or responsibilities to another branch.
Gary Sco eld, Arvada
obituaries@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Clarke Reader
HIGHLANDS RANCH NATIVE MAKES TEAM USA ROWING SQUAD
Jessica
from Colorado to the Olympics
BY JOHN RENFROW
Even while playing multiple sports at Mountain Vista High School, Jessica oennes never saw herself as a stellar athlete; much less an Olympian. But a decade later, that’s exactly what she is after qualifying for Team USA as a rower on the women’s pair team. It’s not her rst time qualifying, either.
oennes spoke with Colorado Community Media on the Fourth of July before hopping on a plane to Paris for the Summer Olympics.
“As I have been told many times in my career,
there is no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than by practicing my craft for the United States,” oennes said.
So rather than hot dogs and reworks, oennes enjoyed multiple weightlifting sessions, in-thewater practice runs, yoga, working online, packing and more.
It’s her return to the big stage after the Tokyo Games in 2020, where she was a bow seat in the women’s eight group of rowers. at squad nished fourth in that event.
Now she and her partner, Azja Czajkowski, pair up for the U.S. as a smaller unit going for the gold after winning the pair at the 2024 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials in April.
oennes and Czajkowski will compete against the world’s best rowing pairs later this month. But oennes’ journey to the top of her sport is unique; she had never rowed in her life until walk-
ing on to the University of Washington’s team in 2015. at’s about as late a start as possible.
And she wasn’t exactly counting up o ers from colleges, she said.
“I was probably one of the least talented athletes in all of the incredible number of people that came out of Mountain Vista,” oennes said. “And I don’t say that humbly; I say that as a fact. I had the privilege of playing on a volleyball team where, I think, 12 out of 13 women went to a Division I school to play volleyball. I had a basketball team where I was the varsity benchwarmer. I just wasn’t quite in my body yet. I really was scrappy, though.” at scrappiness took her to the world stage again. For more on her journey and focus going into Paris, check out the brief Q&A with oennes on the next page.
Thoennes’ path
Highlands Ranch native Jessica Thoennes, left, and her partner Azja Czajkowski pose for a photo after winning the pair at the 2024 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials in April. The two rowers’
TEAM USA
To watch oennes in action, tune in on Sunday, July 28 at 2:30 a.m. MT on NBC or Peacock. For those without TV or streaming access, follow @womenintheboat on Instagram for updates, schedules and more. e full Olympics schedule can be found at www.olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule.
Colorado Community Media: How did you
become an Olympian and Division I athlete if you weren’t as good as the other girls on your Mountain Vista teams?
oennes:I was scrappy, determined and I outworked everybody else. ose were my characteristics in high school. I knew I wasn’t the biggest, I knew I wasn’t the fastest and I knew I wasn’t the strongest. So I had to be able to outwork, out-hustle and be willing to go just another inch to just make the team, which really helped when I went to college as a walk-on. I had never rowed before.
CCM: How did you get into rowing in college?
oennes:I had no idea what I was getting myself into. One of my characteristics is I say, ‘Well, how hard can it actually be?’ So I said to myself, ‘I’ll do it for a year. How hard could it be?’ And it turns out I was really bad. It was really hard. And I was like, “Well, I’ve really gotten myself up this creek without a paddle, so I better gure this out.’ It took me about two years to come around and gure things out. By the time I hit my junior year, I was like, ‘Oh, this is fantastic. I love this. is is incredible.’ So, I’ve always been scrappy. I’ve never been the No. 1. But I had a lot of try. I’m a bit of a stubborn creature and I just keep working at things.
CCM: What was your reaction to learning you made the Olympics again?
oennes: at was one of the best moments where, for a little bit, I was wondering if the three-and-a-half, four years that I’ve worked … You have all those thoughts that go through your head like, ‘Is this going to pay o ? Is this going to work?’ And in those moments, you can’t really think about that. But as soon as the buzzer went o , I was so elated because it was just a con rmation of, ‘Yeah, I do this really well and I have been doing this really well.’
CCM: How do you balance that elation with the quick turnaround of getting to work for Paris?
oennes: I think I did it a little bit better than I did last time. One, it comes with experience. But I think I just knew that if we wanted to really have a big impact on the pair eld, like Azja and I were both hoping, we needed to take a few days and celebrate, take a rest. en get right back to work.
CCM: What’s a typical day for you when you’re preparing for the Olympics?
oennes:I’m up every day super early. Out of the house by 6 o’clock. We do one practice in the morning, and that’s about two and a half hours; three once you get all your warmup stu in. Get o the water. I work in addition to rowing, so I’ll hop online for an hour or two to kind of decompress for practice and get some work sorted. en hop back in the boat or cross-train for an afternoon session. en I’ve been doing a ton of yoga. We are religious weightlifters. We are in the gym, at minimum twice a day, but usually three times a day.
CCM: As a pair, you’re relying on a partner heavily, but what are one or two things you feel you need to polish ahead of the Olympics?
oennes: Every pair has its own unique dynamic in what you need to do. As the stroke seat, something that I really needed to solidify in these past couple of months has been providing a rhythm that is followable and fast. at’s something that we have been working on super diligently. at falls a little heavier on my shoulders, but Azja certainly contributes in that aspect. She’s got all the power back there. She’s hauling me around a lot of the time. Speci cally, I’ve really been working on my catch entry, which is the dynamic portion of rowing you can never be too good at. As your blade enters the water, you have to be patient to let it go all the way in and not jump on it before you’re fully buried. So my focus has been rhythm and catches.
Jessica Thoennes, middle, shares a moment with her fellow rowers between competitions. As one of the members of the pair team, Thoennes said her success comes from doing her part but also relying on her partner to match her energy and rhythm. PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROW2K
Azja Czajkowski, left, and Jessica Thoennes share a moment of relief in the boat. The duo won the pair at the 2024 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Team Trials in April, which qualified them for the Summer Olympics in Paris this month.
Evergreen Jazz Festival returns for 21st event
educational concert and includes student clinics taught by festival musicians.
BY JANE REUTER JREUTER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A jazz festival renowned for its unique, intimate venues and mountain setting returns to Evergreen late this month. e 21st Evergreen Jazz Festival is July 26, 27 and 28, and features bands playing at ve venues scattered around the area.
In keeping with the festival’s goal of education and drawing new fans to jazz, the event opens with an
“Our festival is di erent,” said Jim Reiners, the event’s marketing director. “Most jazz festivals these days are held in hotels. ey don’t begin to o er the same kind of listening environment our venues do. e multi-venue program we use is like a much more traditional festival. It’s an up-close and personal atmosphere with world-class bands. I think people like that, and they love coming up to the mountains.”
Venues include the Evergreen Lake House, Evergreen Christian Church, Center Stage and the ballroom and patio at the Evergreen Elks Lodge.
The Evergreen Jazz Festival returns late this month for its 21st event.
Thu 7/25
Miles Over Mountains at New Terrain Brewing Co @ 7pm
New Terrain Brewing Company, 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy, Golden
Anna Moss @ 8pm
Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver
DJ Rockstar Aaron: GOOD LUCK
CLUB - An Unapologetic Dance Party @ 8pm
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Fri 7/26
Global Dance Festival @ 5pm
National Western Events Center, Denver
Live @ The Rose - Wash Park Band @ 7pm / $25
Buffalo Rose, 1119 Washington Avenue, Golden. information@buffalorose.net
Bison Bone: Underground Music Showcase 2024 @ 7pm
The UMS House, 119 S Broadway, Denver
Sublime with Rome @ 8pm
Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver
Sat 7/27
Black Carl @ 1pm X Denver, 2635 Welton Street, Denver
Same Cloth @ 7pm
Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver
A Brother's Fountain @ 8pm
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Sun 7/28
Lolita Worldwide: Underground Music Showcase 2024 @ 2pm
State urges families to schedule vaccines as measles cases rise
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Colorado public health o cials are encouraging families to ensure their children are current on their vaccines this summer, especially those required by school and childcare facilities, including measles, whooping cough, mumps, polio and varicella (chickenpox).
“Keeping our kids healthy at school starts with getting them vaccinated,” Dr. Ned Calonge, chief medical ofcer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said in a statement.
“Summer break is a great time to schedule check-ups and make sure your child’s immunizations are up to date. is simple step helps keep them healthy and allows them to
focus on learning and having fun in school.
“With recent measles outbreaks in the United States and around the world, it’s more important than ever to ensure all students are caught up on childhood vaccines,” Calonge continued.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. has already seen more than twice as many measles cases in the rst half of 2024 than in all of 2023.
Measles appears as a rash and can cause life-long hearing loss and brain damage. Up to 20% of those infected will need to be treated in a hospital, and severe cases can lead to respiratory failure and death. e CDC recommends the MMR vaccine as the best way to prevent becoming infected.
ST. JOANOF ARC CATHOLICCHURCH
Proclaiming Christ from the Mountains to the Plains
www.StJoanArvada.org
12735 W 58th Ave · 80002 · 303-420-1232
Daily Masses: 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
Green Mountain Presbyterian Church 12900 W Alameda Pkwy Lakewood, CO 80228
303-985-8733 www.gmpc.net Sunday Worship 10:00AM “Find Connection…Discover Faith” All Are Welcome
Data published by the CDPHE shows that for the 2023-2024 school year, nearly 93% of the state’s pre-K through grade 12 students were fully vaccinated against measles. Yet, because measles spreads so quickly, Immunization Branch chief at CDPHE Heather Roth said 95% of the population needs to be immunized to achieve herd immunity.
“While there hasn’t been a case of measles in Colorado this year, that doesn’t mean the risk isn’t there,” Roth said. “Measles can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area, so someone traveling either to or from Colorado could expose others, leaving unvaccinated adults and children at risk.”
Roth noted that some school districts and schools have far lower immunization rates than the state average, which is concerning. She
speculated the lower rates within speci c communities are less about vaccine hesitation and more about lack of access to regular healthcare or health insurance.
Vaccine compliance rates also dropped after the COVID outbreak as many families missed preventive healthcare appointments or well visits.
“ e good news is that many children are eligible for free or low-cost vaccines. To nd a provider near you, visit COVax4Kids.org,” Roth said. “We encourage you to make an appointment now rather than waiting for school to start when it can take longer to get in.”
e Colorado School & Child Care Immunization Data dashboard allows individuals to search immunization rates for required vaccines by school district, school or location.
Annual criterium races toward Littleton
Your Place of Worship
City gears up for bicycle race event
BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Downtown Littleton is at.
For most shopping areas, this wouldn’t be much of a selling point. But in Littleton, its topography creates the perfect conditions for a massive annual event, one that most Colorado cities can’t claim.
e day-long bicycle racing event starts with beginner competitions and culminates in professional races, where cyclists have been known to ride over 40 mph in their nishing sprints.
“People are just giving it everything they got,” said Chip Brunk, the race director.
We meet in person with extraordinary live music on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 10:30a.m. to noon at:
Activity Options, 7401 W. 59th Ave., Arvada, 80003.
All other Sunday meetings are on zoom from 10:30a.m. to noon.
Please phone: 720-576-9193, or email: livingwaterspiritualcommunity@gmail.com
Our website is: www.livingwaterunity.org
To advertise your place of worship in this section, call Erin at 303-566-4074 or email
eaddenbrooke@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com
From around the country — and sometimes around the world — cyclists travel to Littleton each summer for the Littleton Twilight Criterium.
is year, the criterium will take place from 2:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Aug. 3. e course — which includes portions of West Main Street, South Sycamore Street, West Berry Avenue, West Powers Avenue and South Curtice Street — will host 10 races over the course of the day and one “cruiser ride” open to the public.
e one of the biggest challenges was nding child actors who could handle the many requirements of their roles — they essentially have to be triple threats, as they have to act, sing and play instruments. Sherrill said about 70 children auditioned and the actors they selected are going to wow audiences.
“ e kids are just amazing talents and they carry a large chunk of the show and they’re going to knock people over,” he said. “I’m so excited for audiences to see them and witness their brilliance.”
While the aim is always to entertain audiences, Sherrill hopes that they also come away with a renewed appreciation of the importance of music, especially for you children. It really has the power to unlock so much that a less creative education can’t.
“A big part of the show is the kids
FESTIVAL
Each year’s lineup features some returning favorite acts as well as a few newcomers. is year, new acts include Arkansas-based Hal Smith’s El Dorado Jazz Band. Some members of the group performed together in southern California in the 1960s. “Hal was at our very rst festival and is just a world-class performer,” Reiners said. “ is is a new group
nding their true selves through music, no matter what that is,” he said. “It’s about doing what you feel passionate about and having a sense of security that I’ve always felt the arts provide.”
Light Up the Night at the Pedal the Moon Bike Ride
Castle Rock’s annual Pedal the Moon bike ride is one of those special events that can only happen during the summer.
e ride will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, with participants meeting at Castle View High School, 5254 N. Meadows Drive. From there, riders will follow the East Plum Creek Trail. Cyclists are encouraged to get festive and soup up their bikes with light and other decorations and they can use a decorating station located at the intersection of East Plum Creek and Hangman’s Gulch trails with glowin-the-dark items and other goodies. All participants must wear a helmet and have a front headlamp and blinking rear light. Registration and
he’s put together.”
Another is the Chicago Cellar Boys, a Windy City group formed in 2017 that specializes in the classic jazz and dance styles of the 1920s and 30s.
While Reiner’s excited about the new groups, he said festival-goers have traditionally been happy with the event lineup.
“We have comment cards each year so patrons can tell us what they think,” he said. “ ey all want every band brought back every year, which speaks to the quality of the music.”
Reiners, now an Austin, Texas resi-
other details are available at https:// visitcastlerock.org/events/.
Dazzle Jazz and Colorado Music HOF Keep El Chapultepec’s Culture Alive
El Chapultepec was one of Denver’s most storied jazz and blues clubs and its closure in 2020 was a heartbreaker for a lot of music fans. But it’s spirit lives on, courtesy of Dazzle Jazz Club and the Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
e recently created El Chapultepec Legacy Project is working with the hall of fame to host a launch event at 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 at Dazzle, 1080 14th St. e event, “Ode to the Early Days,” is a throwback to the straight-ahead be-bop standards that launched the original El Chapultepec. e aim of the project is to keep quality live music accessible in Denver. Get tickets at www.dazzledenver.com.
Clarke’s
Concert of the Week — Vampire Weekend at Red Rocks
For my money, Vampire Week-
dent, helped launch the festival in 2001 when he lived in Evergreen. He worked closely with event founder Sterling Nelson, who died in 2020. Volunteers are still needed to help with various aspects of the event, with free tickets awarded for the amount of time worked, Reiners said. Tickets range from $60 to $165. e $165 three-day pass includes full admission to all events. Tickets for speci c days and times can also be purchased.
For more information and tickets, visit evergreenjazz.org.
end has remained one of the best and most innovative indie rock bands since their debut album was released back in 2008. ey’ve only released ve albums over their 16year career, but they clearly prioritize quality over quantity. is year’s release, “Only God Was Above Us,” is perhaps their most experimental and inquisitive yet.
In support of the album, Vampire Weekend is playing Red Rocks, 18300 W. Alameda Parkway in Morrison, at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 19. ey’ll be joined by young blues great Christone “King sh” Ingram, making for a truly eclectic and entertaining evening.
Get tickets at www.axs.com.
Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail. com.
MEET SISSY!
Sissy (296237) is a 9-year-old female Labrador Retriever/American Pit Bull mix. Insecure at times, Sissy does best with verbal support and gentle guidance. She is affectionate with her people once comfortable and enjoys playing with
303.278.7575
FoothillsAnimalShelter.org info@fas4pets.org
BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Against the LA Aviators on July 12, the Colorado Summit was a lot like this weekend’s heat wave — immediate, relentless and dangerous.
e Summit closed out its regular season with a 26-16 home win over the Aviators, capitalizing o turnovers and quick strikes. e Golden-based team ends the 2024 regular season 6-6, and as of July 15, was in fourth place out of the seven teams in the UFA West Division.
Other teams in the Ultimate Frisbee Association — formerly called the American Ultimate Disc League — are closing out their regular seasons over the July 1921 weekend.
Sal Pace, one of the Summit’s owners, said the team likely won’t host a playo game this year.
For the July 12 regular-season nale, plenty of dedicated Summit and Aviators fans packed the stands despite the 90-degree heat at the 7 p.m. start time. While the visitors’ side o ered more shade, Summit fans simply popped on their sunglasses and sunscreen as they cheered on the home team.
Both fans and players alike stayed well-hydrated, as the teams took additional heat index water breaks during the game.
Turnovers were a major factor in the Summit’s victory, as the LA Aviators committed 25 to the home team’s 15. e Summit o ense also racked up several points with quick, successive strikes, particularly in the second half.
After taking a 8-5 lead in the rst quarter, the Summit dominated the second by scoring four successive goals before the Aviators could answer. e home team led 15-7 at halftime.
With the sunlight completely gone from the eld and the air around Marv Kay Stadium nally starting to cool o , the Summit players increased their lead to 10 points by the end of the third
SPORTS
Colorado Summit closes out regular season with home win
quarter. And they didn’t let their foot o the gas throughout the fourth quarter, winning their last 2024 game at Marv Kay Stadium 26-16.
Alex Atkins led the Summit with ve goals, as well as points played with 21. Quinn Finer led the team with seven assists, while Alex Tatum and Mathieu Agee tied for the most blocks at three each.
Overall, the Summit completed 94% of its passes. Its o ensive line converted on 67% of its possessions, while its defensive line converted on 53%.
While a home playo game likely isn’t in the cards for the Summit, Pace said at the July 12 game that the team plans to return to Golden’s Marv Kay Stadium next season.
For the latest on the UFA standings and playo schedule, visit watchufa.com.
Fans support Colorado Summit players with a sign during the July 12 home game at Marv Kay Stadium. Hundreds of fans braved the 90-degree heat to cheer on the Summit during its last game of the regular season.
Colorado Summit’s Sam Goldstein, right, defends an LA Aviator player during the July 12 game at Marv Kay Stadium. The Summit won its final home game of the season 26-16, and ended its regular season 6-6.
PHOTOS BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
CAREERS
MARKETPLACE
Misc. Notices
WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA. A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Visit
Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!
Merchandise Firewood
Health & Beauty
Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with details! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258
Medical
Miscellaneous
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888489-3936
Split & Delivered $450 a cord Stacking $50 Call 303-647-2475 or 720-323-2173
Lawn & Garden
Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833606-6777
Attention oxygen therapy users! Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. Free information kit. 1-866-4779045
Miscellaneous
Become a published author We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo. com/ads
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 833-308-1971
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/ mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-9486176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Aging Roof? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091
MARKETPLACE
Miscellaneous
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833399-3595
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 8/25/24. Call 1-844-501-3208
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-844-591-7951
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-543-9189
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306
Water damage cleanup:
A small amount of water can cause major damage to your home. Our trusted professionals dry out wet areas & repair to protect your family
& your home value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809. Have zip code!
Apartments for Rent 1 and 2 bed apts 1,600-2,250 July 1 Small community
Walking distance to campus One block to city park and Natural Grocers Trails out back door 5x8 storage included 720-298-1321 Wanted
Discerning, healthy woman over 60 looking for carriage house to rent. Inexpensive, possibly trade for helping owner with yard, etc. Email: talk_with_mel@ hotmail.com or call 719-5109100.
Puppies Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com
Wanted
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
RACES
“We want to provide a free, fun day for Littleton residents to have a great family experience,” said city spokesperson Kelli Narde. “We also want to provide some economic bene t for our businesses.”
In addition to the race, the event includes beer stations, food trucks, live music and a “kid’s zone” complete with face painting and an inatable bounce house, Narde said. e last two races of the day are professional races and are part of an eight-race national series called the American Criterium Cup (ACC). e series is partnered with USA Cycling “to serve as the premier professional road race calendar in the United States,” according to its website.
For the rst time, the series includes a junior event this year. e ACC Junior Criterium Cup will include competitions for athletes ages 15 to 16 and 17 to 18 years old, according to its website.
At Littleton’s event, where Audi Denver is a main sponsor, junior athletes will compete in the rst race of the day at 2:15 p.m. Athletes as young as 10 years old are allowed to race in this event, but those younger
than 15 will not be included in the national series.
Over 500 cyclists usually compete at the criterium, Brunk said, with top racers winning prizes. For the professional races, about $15,000 will be
awarded in cash prizes.
For the winners of the entire American Criterium Cup, which ends in September, $100,000 is on the line.
For Brunk, who has raced in the event as an amateur, the day is full of
excitement.
“It’s at, it’s really fast, and great crowds, a great energy,” he said. “ ere’s an energy that you get when you line up for that race at the beginning that’s just palpable — and so much more than any other race.”
Even from people who aren’t familiar with cycling, Brunk said he always hears that the event is “exciting.”
e cyclists clump up, just feet away from each other, speeding past viewers and drafting o of each others’ wind, he said.
Every year, famous cyclists compete in the race, including former national and world champions who now compete for fun.
“Seeing all this talent line up and give it 100% for our race, that’s my favorite part,” Brunk said.
Last year, Narde said, about 14,000 people attended the event. She and Brunk said they hope people come this year to enjoy the excitement of the races, cycling on the course and the overall energy of the day.
“We have the beer gardens and the band going and just, there’s an energy there that you’re not going to experience (at) too many events,” Brunk said. “It’s just really a very exciting, fun event for everybody, family and kids, and it just builds throughout the day.”
2024
Last Publication: July 18, 2024 Publisher: Jeffco Transcript PUBLIC NOTICE
The following ordinance was adopted by the City Council of the City of Arvada on second reading following the public hearing held on July 15, 2024: Ordinance #4874 An Ordinance Rezoning Certain Land Within The City Of Arvada, Lot 1 And Lot 2, Block 2, Candelas Commercial Filing No. 2, Otherwise Known As Candelas Point, From PUD (Planned Unit Development) To CG (Commercial,
General), And Amending The Official Zoning Maps Of The City Of Arvada, Colorado, Generally Located On The Southside of Candelas Parkway Between Wilkerson Court And West 92nd Drive
Legal Notice No. 418733
First Publication: July 18, 2024
Last Publication: July 18, 2024
Publisher: Jeffco Transcript
Public Notice
Notice of 2025 Human Services Funding Cycle
The City of Arvada will open its 2025 Human Services Funding Pool on August 1st, and applications will be accepted until 5:00 pm August 30th. A link to the City’s grant portal is located on the City’s Human Services & Community Development Block Grant page. It can also be accessed at www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=arvada.
Human Services Funding focuses on serving Arvada residents classified as low-income, disabled, elderly, and female head of households. Special consideration is given to programs that align with the City Council Strategic Plan, primarily housing insecurity and homelessness.
Human Services Funding awards a total of $260,000 annually to non-profits serving Arvada residents. Funding consists of HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and City of Arvada General Funds. All applications are reviewed and scored by the nine member Human Services Funding Committee. The Human Services Funding Committee meets to determine where funds are awarded.
Human Services Funding Eligibility
1. Must serve Arvada Residents
2. The organization applying for funding must have had non-profit 501 (C)(3) or 509 (A)
receiving assistance from the project or program proposed for funding must have been low or moderate-income (LMI) persons or households based on current FY HUD
The persons or households receiving
and migrant farm workers. Should you have
Cyclists speed down the street during the Littleton Twilight Criterium in 2023. COURTESY CITY OF LITTLETON
