🌱 STAR Expansion + Cinco de Mayo en Westwood + Lakewood Car Crash

Hello all! I'm back with your new copy of the Lakewood Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town today. Today's briefing includes updates on:

• STAR program expansion.
• This year's Cinco de Mayo celebration.
• EMDR therapy in Lakewood.

But first, today's weather: Not as warm; a p.m. t-shower. High: 67. Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories in Lakewood today:

1. Denver's Support Team Assisted Response (STAR) is gaining three more vans and six more employees this year. STAR allows experts to bypass police interference in cases like welfare checks. After its 2020 inception, STAR has responded to over 10,000 calls and successfully reduced crimes and costs. Read more at Axios Denver.
2. The Westwood Community Group is working to make this year's "Cinco de Mayo en Westwood" a more historical and cultural experience. The founder of Hecho en Westwood, Damaris Ronkanen, said, "The Mexican-American community and the Chicano community have used this holiday throughout history as a form of resistance and pride in their own culture, and I feel like some of that sentiment has been lost over the years. We’re really just wanting to bring that back. Southwest Denver is a predominantly Latino community and we’re just wanting to make sure there’s an opportunity for them to share their pride for their culture." Visit The Colorado Sun to read more.
3. A Tuesday night car crash resulted in the closure of westbound US 6 between CO 96 and Wadsworth Boulevard. It is unsure if anybody was seriously injured during the accident. Learn more at Denver 7.
4. EMDR therapy is becoming more popular and more available in Lakewood. It has proven notably effective at treating PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Learn more about EMDR therapy in Lakewood.

From our sponsor:

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Today in Lakewood:

• Baby Time — Belmar Library (9:15 AM)
• Baby Time at Ken Caryl Ranch House — Columbine Library (9:30 AM)
• Teen Advisory Board (TAB) —Lakewood Library (4:00 PM)
• May the 4th be With You — Edgewater Library (4:00 PM)
• Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit —Red Rocks (6:00 PM)
• Thursday Night Book Group - "The Dictionary of Lost Words," by Pip Williams — Lakewood Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Pasoga Springs: "Calling all nature lovers and adventure seekers! Get ready to explore the best outdoor activities in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, with our ultimate guide.🍃 1️⃣ " (Colorado, Denver 🌲 Travel | Hotels | Outdoors | Tips via Instagram)
• Mountain Adventures: "Get ready for endless sunshine and mountain adventures! ☀️🕶️ 💡" (Colorado, Denver 🌲 Travel | Hotels | Outdoors | Tips via Instagram)
• Unicorn Elk: "The UNICORN elk outstanding beauty 🦄🤩 💡 An unusual elk with an antler protruding from his forehead was spotted on a trail camera in Tampico on Sunday. ❓Have you seen it before? 📸 @markdingee 📍Colorado." (Colorado, Denver 🌲 Travel | Hotels | Outdoors | Tips via Instagram)
• Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day: "This week, in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day on May 5, CBI is trying to highlight Missing and Murdered Indigenous cold cases." (Colorado Bureau of Investigation via Facebook)
• Porter Park Open House: "Join us at the Porter Park Open House on Wednesday, May 17 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 731 Tabor St. Residents will have an opportunity to tour the site, review survey results and provide input on initial park concepts." (Lakewood Colorado City Government via Facebook)
• Wellness Fair: "Older Adult Wellness Fair: May 12, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Charles Whitlock Recreation Center, 1555 Dover St. Learn about local resources and services at this free event!" (Lakewood Colorado City Government via Facebook)

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Featured businesses:

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (May 9)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (May 9)
• Estate Planning Seminar at Goodson Recreation Center (May 9)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Jefferson County Public Library - Golden Library (May 11)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update.

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