Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I missed a vote on February 1, 2023, on the Motion Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 83. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 101. I missed a vote on November 3, 2023, on Amdt. 127 offered by Mr. Roy (TX). Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 595. I missed a vote on December 14, 2023, on the Motion to Adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 722.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ben Pyatt's dedication as a lifelong educator in our community. Mr. Pyatt has served generations of Arvada students and is retiring after thirty years in public education. In addition to his job as a math teacher, Mr. Pyatt helped teach student driving when Arvada High School was short on driving instructors. After the school disbanded the driver's ed program, Mr. Pyatt joined the Arvada Driving School, where he served for nearly three decades. Mr. Pyatt has played a key part in driver's education for Arvadans, teaching an estimated twenty-thousand people in his community how to drive over his career. It is my honor to recognize Mr. Ben Pyatt for his dedication to his community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. 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.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheat Ridge Rotary Club for receiving the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Non-Profit of the Year Award. The Non-Profit of the Year Award recognizes an organization serving the Wheat Ridge community for their outstanding work and the difference they are making in the community. The Wheat Ridge Rotary Club supports service activities by individuals and groups that are working to improve the community. They raise money by manning the beer tent at the Carnation Festival, volunteering at local schools, sponsoring a coat drive, and also offer scholarships for local students. We are grateful to the Wheat Ridge Rotary Club for their many contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wheat Ridge Cyclery for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Business of the Year Award. Wheat Ridge Cyclery has been a pillar of the Wheat Ridge community since 1973. Now in their 50th year, they employ over 80 individuals and are the largest and oldest independent bike shop in Colorado. Their philanthropic endeavors include sponsoring the Colorado High School Cycling League and the Colorado Mountain Bike Association and providing paid advocacy days for employees to assist in trail stewardship efforts. Wheat Ridge Cyclery also partners with Bicycles for Humanity to collect bikes that would have otherwise been thrown into Colorado landfills. These bikes are taken to Bicycle Empowerment Centers in Africa to help provide basic transportation and mobility. Wheat Ridge Cyclery's continued support to communities near and far is commendable and greatly appreciated. Congratulations to Wheat Ridge Cyclery on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for their continued contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheat Ridge Community and Family Coalition for Education for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 City Council Partnership Award. The award is given to an organization in the Wheat Ridge community that has demonstrated dedication, service, and leadership to the local area. The members of this organization selflessly volunteer their time, even in the face of challenging circumstances, to nurture and uplift young people growing up in Wheat Ridge. Initially formed as a response to the impact of the pandemic on Wheat Ridge families, the coalition has continued to support and address the needs of the community, ensuring that every family has the safety and support they need to navigate uncertain times. Congratulations to the Wheat Ridge Community and Family Coalition for Education on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for their contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize XO Gifts for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award. The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Congratulations to XO Gifts for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Parallel for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award. The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Congratulations to The Parallel for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Wolf + Wildflower for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award. The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Congratulations to Wolf + Wildflower for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Wheat Ridge Theatre Company for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Cultural Commission Award. The Cultural Commission Award recognizes a local business or organization that helps enrich art and culture in Wheat Ridge. Wheat Ridge Theatre Company strives to promote an artistic community where participants can express their diverse points of view through performative arts with the focus of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion. Their hard work and dedication to the Wheat Ridge Community is tremendous. Congratulations to the Wheat Ridge Theatre Company on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for their continued contribution to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize The Craft Box for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Sustainability Award. The Sustainability Award is given to a business in Wheat Ridge with a strong commitment to the environment. Since their opening, The Craft Box has created a sustainable program that has stopped 19,000 pieces of fabric, 6,000 rubber stamps, 14,000 books, and 152,000 craft items from ending up in a landfill--an estimated 12,000 pounds of waste. I thank The Craft Box for their continued work to help create a greener, more sustainable Wheat Ridge.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hunter Owen for receiving the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award. The Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce's Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes a member of the Wheat Ridge community for their outstanding volunteer service and contribution to their local community. Mr. Owen is the recipient of this year's award due to his unmatched willingness and dedication to answer the call of his community. He is a proud member of Wheat Ridge Kiwanis, the Rotary Club, and serves on the Chamber of Commerce Board as Member Chair. His tireless work ethic and dedication to the Wheat Ridge Community is tremendous. Congratulations to Mr. Owen on his many accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for his continued contribution to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lindsay Reinhart of Intermountain Healthcare for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Member of the Year Award. The Member of the Year Award is given to an individual who exemplifies exceptional leadership and commitment to the community. Ms. Reinhart embodies the meaning of selfless service and is always inclusive and welcoming. She is known by everyone who meets her to be helpful, well-organized, and willing to collaborate. She attends nearly every Wheat Ridge Business Association event and supports the community wholeheartedly. Congratulations to Ms. Reinhart on the accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for her continued contribution to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mestizo Brew Cantina for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award. The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Congratulations to Mestizo Brew Cantina for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Paul Sullivan, owner of Esters Pub for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award. The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Congratulations to Paul Sullivan for his contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Queen City Collective Coffee for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Reinvestment Award. The Reinvestment Award recognizes businesses that have demonstrated their commitment and investment in making Wheat Ridge a wonderful place to live, work, and play. Congratulations to Queen City Collective Coffee for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.