WEEK OF OCTOBER 24, 2024
VOLUME 136 | ISSUE 12
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Englewood to host various Halloween, fall events BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Cassie and Josh Stewart, Liam Stewart’s parents, embrace each other as Runyon Elementary School music teacher Curtis Waibel plays the song inscribed on a commemorative bench in memory of Liam. PHOTOS BY NINA JOSS
‘We can make it safer’
Littleton community honors Liam Stewart, calls for safer streets one year after his death BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
In mid-October last year, Jaylan Nash went fishing with his friend, Liam Stewart. Days later, Liam was hit and killed by a car driver while riding his bicycle to school. On Oct. 17, 2024, one year after Liam’s death, 11-year-old Nash and his friends joined a massive group of Littleton community members at a rally and bicycle ride to honor their friend and call for safer streets in their city. “I think roads should become a bit safer, especially for kids,” Nash said, wearing his bicycle helmet over a baseball cap. “It’s been very nice honoring him, SEE LIAM, P16
From now until the end of October, Englewood Schools is hosting a plethora of events to reign in the spooky season. Superintendent Joanna Polzin said students, teachers and the community can enjoy many fall festivities. “In the fall, many of our schools host harvest or fall festivals,” Polzin said. “At these events, families gather, share a meal and play games. Additionally, several of our schools host or participate in trick-or-treat streets.” Charles Hay Elementary recently held its Harvest Fest, and Bishop Elementary will host its Fall Fest on Oct. 25 after school. It will include food, games, costumes and the popular cake walk. “Cherrelyn Elementary is hosting a Fall Festival on Friday, Oct. 25 at 5 p.m.,” Polzin said. “This event will have games, dancing, a raffle, bounce castle, tie-dye tshirts and two food trucks.” Additionally, there will be a parade at Clayton, and literacy activities – during which students dress in their pajamas and have guest readers – on Halloween at Charles Hay. “Englewood Middle School and Englewood Leadership Academy will host their annual Trick-or-Treat Street around the Englewood High School track on Oct. 29 from 5-7 p.m.,” Polzin said. Polzin said there will also be various sporting events and band concerts. Dr. Rana Razzaque, the district’s director of opportunity, access and inclusion, said the district loves fall, which is a unique time of year with an interesting history and many different holidays. “The Celtic people actually celebrated this changing of the seasons through the pagan celebration of Samhain, now called Halloween,” Razzaque said. “There are also celebrations like Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexican and Indigenous traditions to honor SEE HALLOWEEN, P8
SCHOOL OF CHOICE City Councilmember Gretchen Rydin, Mayor Kyle Schlachter and City Manager Jim Becklenberg ride bicycles at the Ride for Liam event on Oct. 17, 2024.
VOICES: 10 | LIFE: 12 | CALENDAR: 18
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