Brittany Pettersen

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Suzanne Smith, owner of Food for Thought, for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Mayor's Partnership Award. The Mayor's Partnership Award, selected by Mayor Bud Starker, recognizes an outstanding member of the community. Suzanne Smith is a life-long Wheat Ridge resident and has served the Denver metro area for over 30 years. What started as two parents providing hot lunches for school kids once a month for six years, has turned into Ms. Smiths' full-service catering company that continues to serve the community to this day. She is committed to providing a wide-range of delicious dishes through her catering business Food for Thought, as well as to her neighbors and friends. Her hardwork and dedication to the Wheat Ridge Community is tremendous. I thank Suzanne Smith for her outstanding leadership, going above and beyond to make a positive impact. She is an example of what makes Wheat Ridge such a wonderful place to live and work.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stylus and Crate of Wheat Ridge, Colorado for receiving the City of Wheat Ridge's Business of the Year Award. Stylus and Crate is an example of what makes Wheat Ridge such a wonderful community. They bring together coffee, art, and music enthusiasts alike, while also giving back to the community and doing their part to protect the environment. Stylus and Crate generously donates 3.33 percent of their revenue to charitable causes, often giving and beyond their set goal. Congratulations to Stylus and Crate 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 Habitat for Humanity for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Special Recognition Award. The Special Recognition Award is given to a person or organization in Wheat Ridge who exemplifies outstanding service, leadership, and participation in the community and aims to recognize them for their achievement. Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Habitat works with low- and middle-income families to build affordable homes. This year, Habitat began construction on 8 units in the Fruitdale neighborhood, bringing in 8 new families to Wheat Ridge. We are grateful to Habitat for Humanity for their continued contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize King of Wings 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 King of Wings for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jenny Snell of the Wheelie Bean for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association's 2023 Rising Star Award. The Rising Star Award is given to a member of the Wheat Ridge business community who has shown growing leadership through the year. Ms. Snell is a thriving small business owner who also gives back to her community through numerous boards, committees, and associations. She has shown incredible dedication to Wheat Ridge and continues to find ways to make Wheat Ridge a great place to live and work. Congratulations to Ms. Snell on her many accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for her continued contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Zach Sims for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Zach has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Zach, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Zach's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Oberon Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Zach Sims on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Onyx Svoboda for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Onyx has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Onyx, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Onyx's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Oberon Middle School, and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Onyx Svoboda on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 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 Esters Pub for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize GetRight's Bakery 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 GetRight's Bakery for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Em's Ice Cream 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 Em's Ice Cream for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cosmo's Dog Bakery 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 Cosmo's Dog Bakery for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Berkeley Park Running Company 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 Berkeley Park Running Company for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Davis Schilken, PC Law Offices for receiving the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Business of the Year Award. The Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year Award is given to businesses within our community who exemplify outstanding service, leadership, and participation in the community. Davis Schilken, PC Law Offices has been serving the community for many years. They work with residents in Wheat Ridge by providing information and resources to help people understand and navigate the legal process. Whether these individuals are planning for the future for their family or business, or if they have lost a loved one, the Schilken firm is dedicated to helping people in the Wheat Ridge community understand complex legal matters with creative, cutting-edge resources. Congratulations to Davis Schilken, PC Law Offices for their contribution to the Wheat Ridge community and for receiving this award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Krause for receiving the Wheat Ridge Business Association and Wheat Ridge LocalWorks' 2023 Connected Citizen Award. LocalWorks' mission is to make Wheat Ridge a more vibrant and sustainable place to live and work. David Krause was nominated by the community for this award because of his dedication to creating a welcoming environment for everyone in Wheat Ridge. He is always giving back, volunteering for events to help local businesses and his neighbors. A dad of two, Mr. Krause always takes the time out of his busy schedule to try and better his community. He is a great example of what makes Wheat Ridge such a wonderful place to live. Congratulations to David Krause on his many accomplishments that led to this prestigious award. We are grateful for his continued contributions to the Wheat Ridge community.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Shylow Atzenbeck for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Shylow has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Shylow, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Shylow's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Mandalay Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Shylow Atzenbeck on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dayana Banuelos for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Dayana has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Dayana, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Dayana's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Dayana Banuelos on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mia Quinones for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth Award. Mia has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Mia, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Mia's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Mia Quinones on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Evelyn Hickman for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Evelyn has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Evelyn, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Evelyn's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Three Creeks K-8 School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Evelyn Hickman on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Nayeli Lechuga for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Nayeli has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Nayeli, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Nayeli's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Nayeli Lechuga on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aaron Lane for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Aaron has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Aaron, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Aaron's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Moore Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Aaron Lane on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jayden Corn for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Jayden has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Jayden, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Jayden's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Jayden Corn on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kaleigh Melinger for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Kaleigh has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Kaleigh, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Kaleigh's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Kaleigh Melinger on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Larry Helmuth for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Larry has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Larry, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Larry's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Jefferson Jr./ Sr. High School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Larry Helmuth on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mauricio Garcia for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Mauricio has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Mauricio, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Mauricio's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Arvada K-8 School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Mauricio Garcia on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.

Ms. PETTERSEN

Ms. PETTERSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alli Gibson for earning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award. Alli has achieved great things, all while overcoming adversity and challenges along the way. Students like Alli, who strive to make the most of their education, develop crucial skills and a work ethic that will guide them for the rest of their lives. This award is a testament to Alli's hard work, determination, and perseverance at Mandalay Middle School and is clearly just the beginning of a bright and promising future. It is my honor to congratulate Alli Gibson on achieving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth Award.