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Week of April 13, 2023
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
LittletonIndependent.net
VOLUME 134 | ISSUE 38
Jeff Gaylord’s death shines light on life of strength and selflessness
Bemis Library eliminates fines for overdue books Joins national trend BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Photos, certificates and awards from Jeff Gaylord’s life on display at his memorial service at Southeast Christian Church.
From pro sports to the streets BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
On March 15, a deceased man was found at the north bus stop at Englewood Parkway and South Acoma Street in Englewood. Officials said the man was “likely a transient” and that his death did not seem criminal in nature. Little did they know, the man was Jeff Gaylord, a prominent football player, professional wrestler, brother and friend. At his memorial service at Southeast Christian Church in Parker, dozens gathered to share stories of Jeff ’s life and memories of their
PHOTO BY NINA JOSS
time with him. “As I’m looking around this room today, I see many familiar faces, as well as new ones,” said Angelia Anderson, executive director of a program called Treasure House of Hope that Jeff participated in. “This isn’t surprising to me because Jeff never met a stranger ... He always was so generous and outgoing.” Athletic history
Jeff, who was born in 1958, grew up in the suburbs of Kansas City as the middle child of five. From a young age, he was an impressive athlete, showing specific strengths as a discus thrower and football player during his high school years. “During his senior year, he was able to bench press 610 pounds,” SEE GAYLORD, P6
Bemis Public Library has joined libraries across the nation and state in eliminating fines for overdue materials. At a city council meeting on April 4, councilmembers voted unanimously to repeal the section of the city code that requires late charges for overdue library materials, ending a policy that had been in place at the library for about forty years. The decision will also waive existing overdue fees on patrons’ accounts. “It’s not really on a whim that we’re wanting to go fine-free,” acting library director Richard Allen said at the meeting. Close to 70% of Colorado libraries do not charge overdue fees, Allen said, along with many others across the nation. Nearby, Aurora Public Libraries, Denver Public Libraries and the Arapahoe Library District do not charge late fees. Prior to the decision, Bemis Public Library charged 20 cents per day for overdue fees for non-senior library patrons, Allen said. Englewood Public Library and Douglas County Libraries still have similar late fees in place. To fine or not to fine?
Jeff Gaylord in his high school football COURTESY OF TIM GAYLORD uniform.
Allen said people think libraries should charge late fees for three main reasons: to teach people responsibility, make them return SEE LIBRARY, P2
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 17 | SPORTS: PAGE 26
T BEFSTHE O T S E B
2023
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