Jo Davis jdavis@coloradocommunitymedia.com
This week Jefferson County prepares for an important RTD closure, a seminar for LGBTQ+ estate planning, a fair full of resources for veterans, grants for Jeffco teachers and more.
RTD announces temporary changes on the G Line Sept. 19
The Regional Transportation District announced a disruption of the G Line schedule for Sept. 19. RTD service on the G Line will be closed for maintenance between Clear Creek/Federal Station at 2870 W 60th Ave, Denver and Wheat Ridge/Ward Road Station at 12000 Ridge Road, Wheat Ridge. Shuttle buses will be available all day to get passengers between stations.
According to the announcement, the maintenance scheduled "will improve reliability and safety along the line."
The RTD released the following list of places where riders can catch a shuttle. Customers may board bus shuttles at the following station gates:
- Clear Creek/Federal Station - Gate C (look for the bus shuttle service sign located below the elevator)
- 60th Ave. & Sheridan/Arvada Gold Strike Station - Gate A (look for bus shuttle service sign; same gate as Route 51B)
- Olde Town Arvada - Gate A (look for bus shuttle service sign; same gate as Route 76B)
- Arvada Ridge Station - Gate A (look for bus shuttle service sign)
- Wheat Ridge & Ward Road Station – Gate C (bus shuttle service information located below the elevator)
The RTD said the G Line will still operate on its 30-minute interval schedule from Union Station to Clear Creek/Federal Station. This service interruption will not affect the B Line between Union Station and Westminster Station.
The interruption is for one day only. The regular G Line service will resume on Sept. 20.
For more information, go to RTD-Denver.com.
Celebrate the 10th annual West Metro Veteran’s Fair on Oct. 5
The City of Lakewood and the #1777 Elks Lodge will host the 10th annual West Metro Veteran’s Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 5 at the lodge on 1455 Newland St, Lakewood. Over 50 organizations will be in attendance. The event will recognize all service branches of the military to serve the veterans and their families. The event is free to the public.
The purpose of the fair is to help out those who served in the military. Attendees will get information on benefits, counseling, employment, health care and housing. Unhoused vets will receive specially packed support kits, and all vets can receive free flu shots.
“I am proud to be a small part of the 10th annual West Metro Veterans Fair, an important event which prides itself on connecting veterans from across the metro area with the many organizations with missions to support and serve veterans,” said Master of Ceremonies Chris Hoeh. He is a United States Army Veteran and sergeant with the Lakewood Police Department.
For more information on the fair and a list of the vendors, go to Lakewood.org/VeteransFair.
Get estate planning help for LGBTQ+ from Cat Cares Society and attorney Erica Johnson
A nonprofit cat shelter, Cat Care Society, is holding a free estate planning event on Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the shelter on 5787 W 6th Ave, Lakewood. Attorney Erica Johnson will present a seminar on estate planning tips for the LGBTQ+ community and supporters.
Johnson will help attendees learn the ins and outs of estate planning. These include:
- Estate planning principles;
- The difference between a will and a trust;
- The importance of a power of attorney and living will; and
- How to incorporate your pets into your plans.
The event is free, but registration is required. To register, go to the event page on CatCaresSociety.org.
Golden VFW the #StillServing campaign honors a local vet and his dog
The Golden VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) recently honored a local veteran and his dog for the VFW #StillServing campaign. Zachary Bursnall and his dog Zip were honored for their “dedication to country and community,” according to the announcement.
Bursnall got Zip in 2022.
“Since then, the duo has been #StillServing as commander of the Golden VFW Post, at memorial services, walking in parades, advocating for service dogs for veterans and at VFW events,” the announcement said. “Everywhere they go, Zip assists Bursnall, even at the Buddy Poppy fundraisers where Zip delivers flowers to people. Bursnall is #StillServing to educate other veterans on how joining the VFW and having a service dog can help fill the hole many veterans feel after leaving the military.”
The #StillServing campaign recognizes veterans of foreign wars who are still serving but as volunteers in and around their communities. The Veterans Civic Index reported in 2021 that vets average about 30% more hours per year than civilians. About 40% of vets are involved in groups that are actively working on community issues. Vets also give 15 percent more to charity than civilians, according to the index.
For more information, go to VFW.org/StillServing.
Rocky Mountain McDonald's Owners/Operators have $2,000 for K-12 teachers
Teachers can apply today to get a $2,000 “One Class at a Time” grant from Rocky Mountain McDonald's Owners/Operators. The money is for any project that “improves the learning experience for their students during the 2023-2024 school year,” according to the announcement.
The program is taking applications now. Teachers must be prepared to answer the question, “How would you use this money to improve the learning opportunities for your students?” One teacher will be selected to win the $2,000 each week that school is in session through the end of the school year.
“As a local McDonald’s Owner who lives and works right here in the Denver area, I know how incredibly important it is to support education in our communities. Rocky Mountain McDonald’s Owners - being one of the largest employers in the state – know that education is very important and the foundation for success for our young people,” said Abraham Asfaw. “We are very excited to continue the second year of this program that contributes to enhancing educational opportunities where it’s needed the most.”
The Rocky Mountain McDonald's Owners/Operators are a group of small business owners that own about 40 McDonald's franchises all over the region. They continue to support area teachers, the Colorado Parent Teacher Association, and area students through scholarships, grant awards, supply donations and more. The One Class at a Time grant is in its second year. It has helped 18 classrooms with a total of $36,000.
To apply for the award, go to Rocky Mountain McDonald’s One Class at a Time webpage.
