Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Amy Trujillo for receiving Denver7's ``Everyday Hero'' award in recognition of her service to the Wheat Ridge community.

Amy has been volunteering for the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation's 50+ Trip & Outdoor Recreation (Ramblers) Program since 2021. This was a critical time for Wheat Ridge Parks and Rec, as they were rebuilding and restarting programs shuttered during the pandemic. During a time of staff shortages, Amy led volunteer trips to hiking destinations, concerts, hot springs, and much more from as far south as Pueblo and as far north as Cheyenne, Wyoming. Without the help of volunteers like Amy, the Ramblers Program could have been canceled and the trips and experiences they offer our seniors would not have been possible.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Amy Trujillo for her extraordinary civic service and thank her for her dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 20- year-old Alexa Bartell from Arvada, Colorado.

Alexa's friends and family knew her as an outgoing, compassionate, and energetic young woman, saying she could light up the room with her infectious personality. She loved basketball, music, and connecting with others. Tragically, Alexa's life was cut short in April of 2023 by an act of reckless endangerment when she was driving near her hometown. Everyone who was fortunate to meet Alexa could see how intelligent, funny, and kind she was, and this tragedy took away her bright future.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, we honor the life of Alexa Bartell and continue to send support and love to her family and friends. In remembering Alexa, we not only mourn her passing, but also celebrate the joy and warmth she brought into the lives of those around her.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nick and Amie Costanzo of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Entrepreneurs of the Year Award.

Every year, the Entrepreneur of the Year award recognizes an individual or team's commitment, investment, and innovation as a business owner in the Arvada community.

The Costanzos have owned and operated the Marco's Pizza franchise in Arvada and surrounding communities for over 10 years. Recently, they had a vision of opening a space in northwest Arvada that would provide a community gathering space. That vision became a reality in 2022 when the Costanzos, along with three business partners, opened up Freedom Street Social, which has become a place many residents frequent to have fun and build community.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Nick and Amie Costanzo for this award and thank them for their commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chris Adams of Arvada, Colorado

for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Champion Award.

Every year, the Arvada Chamber of Commerce honors outstanding individuals and organizations that have left a lasting legacy on the Arvada area and its residents. Mr. Adams was a treasured member of the community, serving on the Chamber's Board of Directors, as well as at Thrive Workplace and Revive Church.

Mr. Adams was constantly asking tough questions and pushing those around him to achieve greatness. This drive created an environment of continuous improvement, propelling the Arvada Chamber and many local businesses toward success. His leadership, grace, and kindness will long be remembered in this area and beyond.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Mr. Adams for this award and thank him for his contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colorado Succeeds for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Behind the Scenes Award.

Every year, the Chamber of Commerce awards one Behind the Scenes honor to an organization or individual who has served as an unsung hero in the Arvada community.

Colorado Succeeds is a coalition of business leaders with a vision to radically improve education and training outcomes for learners across backgrounds. Through their invaluable partnership with the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, they support workforce development projects, recruit talent for local businesses and nonprofits, advocate for positive change in government, and fight to break down barriers in our state's workforce system.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Colorado Succeeds for this award and thank them for their commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Echter's Nursery and Garden Center of Arvada, Colorado for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Business of the Year Award.

Every year, this award recognizes a business that has established a reputation for providing a superior level of customer service while using ingenuity and innovation to overcome challenges. Not only are the businesses recognized for their economic impact and successes, but they receive this honor because of the support they provide the community by partnering with town residents and nonprofit organizations.

Echter's Nursery and Garden Center has been one of Colorado's premiere garden retailers since 1959. The center offers over 2500 varieties of flowers each year in its 70,000 square foot display area. Echter's also gives back to the community in a number of ways, from providing over 300 Christmas trees to families in need every year to hosting events with local nonprofits, such as food drives and fundraisers to provide financial support to teenage parents and their children.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Echter's Nursery and Garden Center for this award and thank them for their commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Foothills Regional Housing and the Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties for receiving the Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Nonprofit of the Year Award.

Every year, the Non-Profit of the Year Award typically honors one outstanding organization for their support of Arvada and its citizens through impactful programs, services, and overall involvement within the community.

This year, Foothills Regional Housing and CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties are being recognized together for their innovative development of the AVi at Olde Town affordable housing community which opened in February 2023. With 100 affordable housing units, AVi serves low-income families, homeless veterans, and emancipated foster youth. CASA manages an on-site Youth Alliance program which pairs foster youth with one-on-one educational, financial, and job mentors. Foothills Regional Housing also maintains an on-site case manager who provides direct support to residents and connects them to needed outside resources such as nutrition assistance or childcare. So far, the AVi development has housed over 100 families and made an immeasurable impact in the community.

On behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate these two organizations for this award and thank them for their contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the School of Mines for ranking number one in NCAA Division II for the first time in their football program's history. The Orediggers fought hard for their spot at the top through a strong and impressive season. They earned the division title by winning the Super Region IV final for the third year in a row and made the playoffs for the fifth year in a row, continuing the second-longest playoff streak in the country. Although they did not win in the final championship game, their season was an inspiration to people across Colorado.

This achievement was earned by the dedication of the players, support from students and the community, and the coaching of Pete Sterbick. The team has proven that the Colorado School of Mines is more than an academic powerhouse, it is an athletic one as well.

On behalf of the residents of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I congratulate the Orediggers on their successful season.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Abigail Harkey on completing the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program. The Fulbright program is one of the most prestigious and sought-after exchange programs in the world and speaks to Ms. Harkey's commitment to and passion for education.

As an accomplished art teacher, the Fulbright program allowed Ms. Harkey to travel to Finland where she explored how arts education and social-emotional learning contribute to positive school culture. We are proud that Ms. Harkey will now bring this experience back to Colorado to enrich our schools and give our students an international perspective.

On behalf of the residents of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I congratulate Ms. Harkey on receiving the Fulbright Award and participating in this impactful program. We are lucky to have dedicated educators like her serving our students.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jesse Mascarenas and Jason Burns of Salida, Colorado for being named Global Medical Response Stars of Life by the American Ambulance Association.

In May 2022, Mr. Mascarenas, a flight nurse, and Mr. Burns, a flight paramedic, responded to a call about a hiker who had fallen 200 feet down a mountain in poor weather. While the two treated the injured hiker, he went into cardiac arrest. Despite the patient's condition, Mr. Mascarenas and Mr. Burns were able to stabilize the patient until he could be treated at a nearby hospital. The hiker is alive today due to the heroic actions of Mr. Mascarenas and Mr. Burns.

It is my honor to recognize Mr. Mascarenas and Mr. Burns and thank them for their bravery and dedication to service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Bobby Magee Lopez, the winner of the Arvada Olde Town Shindig Mural Contest.

This competition showcased the work of local artists competing for the next Olde Town Mural commission. Mr. Lopez was selected by a panel of art experts to complete the city's next Olde Town mural project.

It is my honor to recognize and congratulate Mr. Lopez on his achievement and thank him for his dedication to public arts. Colorado's 7th Congressional District looks forward to enjoying his mural upon its completion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Nolan Keating and Milo Hummon for earning the Best in Show Award in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge.

Nolan and Milo built an app entitled Carbon Chronicle, which features a technically sophisticated interactive platforming game of an animal escaping rising ocean levels as well as informational slides to teach users about climate change.

Nolan and Milo, students from Golden High School, spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn about coding and app development while developing new skills and further advancing their STEM education. Their perseverance and dedication to this challenge exemplifies the character and determination the faculty instills in the students at Golden High.

Congratulations to Nolan Keating and Milo Hummon for their hard work on this project. I am certain they will exhibit the same dedication and character in their future accomplishments, and I wish them the best of luck going forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Parker Brown and his team at Carrabba's Italian Grill on winning Westminster's 2023 Large Business Community Support Award.

Receiving four nominations for the award, constituents in the community thanked Carrabba's owner, Parker Brown, for donating much of his resources and time to support local school events and students. Carraba's and Mr. Brown have donated food and raised funds for the community as a whole as well, earning them this Large Business Community Support Award.

Mr. Brown has been a managing partner for Carrabba's since 2013, and also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Westminster Chamber of Commerce.

On behalf of the residents of Colorado's 7th Congressional District, I congratulate Mr. Brown and his team for their hard work and thank them for their dedication to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) for receiving the Distinguished Unit of the Year Award from the Major County Sheriffs of America.

With a focus on violent crime, intelligence, government threats, and domestic counter-terrorism, this unit is responsible for investigating violent crimes and conducting task force operations to arrest those responsible. In 2022 alone, the unit worked 1,715 hours of collective overtime and conducted operations resulting in the arrests of nine gang members associated with a murder and five adults associated with a nationwide human trafficking operation.

It is my honor to recognize the members of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Special Investigations Unit on behalf of the people of Colorado's Seventh Congressional District. We thank them for their unwavering dedication to public service and their tireless work to protect our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Ava Sommer for earning an Honorable Mention Award in the 2023 Congressional App Challenge.

Ava built an app entitled Voter Pride Guide app, which helps users keep track of pro and anti-LGBTQ legislation in state legislatures around the country, share resources and articles, and connect them with ways to be civically engaged through voting and more.

Ava, a student from Peak to Peak High School, spent countless hours and used numerous tools to learn about coding and app development while developing new skills and further advancing her STEM education. Her perseverance and dedication to this challenge exemplifies the character and determination the faculty instills in the students at Peak to Peak High.

Congratulations to Ava Sommer for her hard work on this project. I am certain she will exhibit the same dedication and character in her future accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck going forward.