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Week of March 23, 2023
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
LittletonIndependent.net
VOLUME 134 | ISSUE 35
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SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS In this week’s paper!
Nutrition director advocates for meal programs Testifies in D.C. BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Looking towards July, nutrition directors in schools across the country are urging federal lawmakers to
strengthen their support of school nutrition programs. Jessica Gould, the nutrition director at Littleton Public Schools, was one of 800 school nutrition professionals who went to Washington D.C. in March to call for changes at the School Nutrition Association’s (SNA) annual legislative action con-
ference. They urged Congress to financially support school meal programs, slow regulatory changes and take steps towards offering free school meals for all students. “If (kids) don’t have nutrition in them, are they going to be able to learn all the things that we’re do-
Rep. Jason Crow holds first-ever town hall in Englewood Mental health, airport discussed BY TAYLER SHAW TSHAW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A crowd of residents gathered in Englewood High School March 14 for U.S. Rep. Jason Crow’s first-ever town hall in Englewood, discussing issues such as education funding, the Centennial Airport, water concerns and veterans’ mental health. “I’m so excited that Congressman Crow’s team and Congressman Crow asked if they could host a town hall here,” said Englewood Schools Superintendent Wendy Rubin, who introduced Crow. “He takes his responsibilities and obligations to our country, and to the people that he represents very, very seriously,” Rubin said. “I just could not be more thrilled that he decided to host this town hall here to really welcome Englewood and surrounding communities into CD (Congressional District) 6, and to show how accessible he is and to really show his heart of service.” Every 10 years, the U.S. population is counted through the national census and districts for the U.S. House of Representatives, also referred to as the congressional districts, are
ing and teaching them in school?” Gould said. “Giving every child the opportunity to have a nutritious breakfast and lunch keeps them fueled for their day so that they can learn and that they can reach their highest potential.” SEE MEALS, P2
Bortz inducted into Women’s Hall of Fame Reflects on courage, career, community BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
of the new district,” Crow said. “This is actually one of the most exciting parts of my job, just being here — being out, giving you an update on what I’m doing, taking your questions, taking your feedback. It helps me be a better representative and to do my job better.” During the question-and-answer portion of the event, residents spoke to a variety of issues the community faces to learn more about Crow’s opinions and plans for action.
When Libby Bortz left her home for college, her parents told her it was important to have an educated heart, not just an educated mind. “When you can feel with people and you know what it feels like to be in their shoes — that, for me, is kind of what an educated heart is about,” Bortz said. “It means that you think beyond yourself and you take into account other people’s needs, not just your own.” For Bortz, an educated heart was the motivator behind much of her work in Littleton, where she made a difference in the community through counseling, housing, education civil rights and criminal justice. Bortz was one of 17 trailblazing women inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame at the annual
SEE CROW, P20
SEE HALL OF FAME, P8
Crow emphasized the importance of veterans’ mental health support during the March 14 town hall. PHOTO BY TAYLER SHAW
redrawn, according to the Congressional Research Service. Due to Colorado’s population growth from 2010 to 2020, the state gained an eighth congressional district. Following a redistricting process, in November 2021, the Colorado Supreme Court approved the new, redrawn congressional maps, as reported by The Colorado Sun. Crow, a Democrat who was reelected in 2022, represents Colorado’s sixth congressional district, which now includes Englewood. “I’m really excited that this is a part
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 15
T S E B F THE O T S E B
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