On Monday morning, the day after Earth Day, I had the pleasure of attending the Foothills Elementary Garden Opening Ceremony at Foothills Elementary. My toddler son tagged along, and we both had a great time watching all the students!

We started the morning in the school gym, where I was told they start every school day to have their Morning Meeting before going to their classrooms. After some announcements and the pledge of allegiance, the entire student body went out to the area near the garden to listen to speakers and see the garden. I was so impressed by the way the students were all so engaged in what was happening!

Diane speaking to the group

Outside, many parents and community members joined the students, teachers, and staff of Foothills. There were invited guest speakers from the Jeffco School Board, Mayor Adam Paul, principals from other Green Mountain area schools, and Diane Rhodus, an instrumental part of the project and a Lakewood Connects Board Member. Amazing job Diane! Reg Cox, Lakewood Connects Executive Director was also invited to sit among honored guests during the opening ceremony.

All the people that made the garden happen!

This project and this ceremony was a true collaboration on every level. As an outsider, there just as a Lakewood Connects board member and community member to support this work, I was amazed at what is happening here. The sense of community is incredible, and it’s something I hope that my child and my family gets to experience someday. The connections between schools, government, businesses, and churches truly make a difference in the lives of people in Lakewood. I’m thankful to call this city home, thankful to call Diane and Reg friends, and thankful that projects like this ultimately bring glory to God through His people.

Reg & Diane in front of the garden

Rocks that the Foothills students painted for the garden

The massive garden – 22 beds!

I’m looking forward to seeing what the students grow in the garden and how it grows our community!

Courtney Drysdale
Lakewood Connects Board Member

Lakewood, like most major metro areas in the nation, has diverse populations, generations and socioeconomic sub categories all living together in the same community. These differences can divide or they can serve as a platform for civil dialogue. Left to our own devices human beings divide. “Together” isn’t natural for many reasons, so there will always be a need for leadership in building a clear, positive and accurate picture of “togetherness” and with it a road map for how to get there.

It makes sense that “together” is led by a group. In Lakewood a new group has formed with the task of helping bridge the divides in our community, that group is called Lakewood Forward. Lakewood Forward states its aim as: “Lakewood Forward informs, inspires, activates, and strengthens our community. We embrace change and innovation while respecting our heritage. We elevate ideas and solutions that will outlast institutions and government cycles.”

What does that mean, and what does that look like in action? Lakewood Forward recently hosted a Symposium at the local Elks club hosting 100 folks from the community. The Symposium was aimed at “Facts not Fear”, and this was accomplished by hosting three local experts from the areas of Education, Transportation and Housing to talk about the specific needs, opportunities, plans and challenges in their areas.

Suffice to say each presenter had great thoughts, pertinent information, and solid facts about their topic, and the audience questions were delivered and answered with dignity and respect. Lakewood Forward has intentionally invited audience members with diverse and opposing opinions on the topics. The goal of the Symposium was to walk away friends in disagreement who were informed and capable of sharing accurate information with others.

Here’s the key insight: “Cities are never the same… they can become better or they can become worse!” Former Mayor Steve Burkholder opened with this reflection, and it is a critical truth. Change is a constant. To become successful in leading a city towards “better” we must have accurate information, civil discourse, and the willingness to work with others with whom we disagree. “Better” is only possible when we treat each other with dignity and commit to looking forward!

It is an honor to serve on the board with Lakewood Forward and bring with me the goodwill and “sleeves rolled up and ready to help” attitude of over 30 churches and faith communities! Together we can and so together we must, because our future and everything we value depends on it!