🌱 Social Security Delays + Traffic-Related Deaths + Casa Bonita Dates

Hello, friends! Let's get this Thursday started off right with a quick dive into the most important things going on in town these days, including updates on...

• Statistics about traffic fatalities.
• Queer bars to visit this Pride month.
• Today's events.

Today’s newsletter is sponsored by Aura Health

Aura: Top mindfulness app

Millions are using this app to sleep better, calm anxiety, and transform their lives. Aura is the new all-in-one mental wellness & sleep app that won “Best of Apple” award. Discover the world’s largest, personalized library of expert-created tracks for your well-being & sleep. Don’t wait another day to find peace daily and transform your life. Get your FREE Trial here.

Now, today's weather: A severe afternoon t-storm. High: 78. Low: 54.

From our sponsor:

Today’s Lakewood Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99 percent of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Lakewood Patch newsletter possible.

Here are the top stories in Lakewood today:

1. Lakewood's Social Security office has a longer wait time for disability claims than most. This is part of a nationwide trend and is partially due to funding and staff shortages. Read more at Denver 7.
2. Between 2019 and 2022, Colorado deaths related to traffic incidents increased by 27 percent. During that time, the amount of driving done in the state decreased by 1 percent. A research nonprofit, TRIP, has released a study about this national trend, saying, "After the declaration of the public health emergency in March 2020, driving patterns and behaviors in the United States changed significantly. Of the drivers who remained on the roads, some engaged in riskier behavior, including speeding, failure to wear seat belts, and driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs." Learn more at Fox 31.
3. After much anticipation, Casa Bonita finally has a reopening date. This significant restaurant, which is located in Lakewood, will be open to the public the next two weekends. Discover more at The Denver Post (Subscription).
4. The Denver Post has compiled a list of LGBTQIA+ bars to visit before the end of Pride month. The list includes a queer sports bar named Tight End, a rooftop named Denver Sweet, and many more. Find the whole catalog at The Denver Post (Subscription).

Today in Lakewood:

Thursday, June 22

• Toddler Time — Columbine Library (9:15 AM)
• Toddler Time — Lakewood Library (10:15 AM)
• Fun in Bloom! LEGO® Fun in the Sun — Belmar Library (1:00 PM)
• You (Are) Matter — Lakewood Library (1:00 PM)
• Hard Times Writing Workshop — Belmar Library (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Colorado Ballet: "IN THE BALANCE • Get ready for a thrilling season curated to remind audiences of ballet’s transcendent ability to illuminate tales of the human spirit. ✨ " (Colorado Ballet via Instagram)
• Art Museum: "Unleash your inner art connoisseur in the vibrant art museum scene of Denver! Embark on a captivating journey through masterpieces, contemporary creations, and thought-provoking exhibitions that will ignite your imagination🎨✨ " (Colorado, Denver 🌲 Travel | Hotels | Outdoors | Tips via Instagram)
• Colorado Bureau of Investigation: "Senior alert issued out of Garfield County. Please call 911 if you see him." (Colorado Bureau of Investigation via Facebook)
• Big Belmar Bash: "Mark your calendars for the first Big Belmar Bash, a community celebration of Independence Day in Belmar - Downtown Lakewood on Monday, July 3 from 5 to 10 p.m." (Lakewood Colorado City Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Lakewood Fitness and Massage — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (June 23)
• Arvada on Tap (June 24)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 27)
• Add your event

That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Lakewood Patch newsletter? Contact me at lakewood-co@patch.com