Laps for Learning 2022 – can you help?

Romey

It’s crazy to believe we’re already two months into the school year. Clara and Mariana are doing awesome at their schools and are getting ready to participate in their annual fund-raiser: Laps for Learning. On Thursday, Oct 13, they will be running laps around their schools and are looking for family and friends to sponsor them. Could you spare a few dollars?

100% of ALL proceeds earned will stay within our local school system, and this is their ONLY large-scale fundraiser for the year. The event takes place on Thursday, Oct 13, but you have until October 15 to give!

Use the links below, or you can reach out to me at jeromey [at] balderrama.org if you want to arrange another way to donate.

Sponsor Clara
Sponsor Mariana

Sadly, they have been resistant to making an appeals video, so I will need to lean on videos we’ve made in the past:

Thank you for your generosity!

Closing Chapters

Romey

Today marks a significant date in the story of my life, as it closes one of the best and most momentous chapters, with a bookend that has been the darkest and most challenging period in my life.

Today my divorce has been finalized.

This wasn’t something I ever imagined, and frankly was the last thing I wanted. However, I painfully have learned that while two people choose to get married, it only takes one person to want a divorce. These last few months have been a struggle, filled with grief, I have nothing but compassion and tenderness for those who have endured a similar experience.

Now begins my next chapter, one of adjustment, growth, and perseverance. My daughters and I are ok. Some of our days are still hard, filled with resurfacing stages of grief, triggered by the most unassuming – those days are difficult. Lately, however, the number and consistency of good days are increasing. I’ve been putting effort where I can: my physical and mental health, as well as loving my children relentlessly, and learning to give myself grace and love.

I’m healing, and am eternally grateful to all the family and friends that have journeyed with me during this difficult time. As my next chapter begins, I’m blessed to have you amidst its pages.

New Drum Cover: Aquatic Mouth Dance

Romey

I’ve really been digging the new Red Hot Chili Peppers album, “Unlimited Love”. Chad Smith has always been a drumming inspiration as mine, and I’ve been humbled when musicians I’ve played with compare my style to his. My favorite track on the album has to be Aquatic Mouth Dance, which has a really funky groove that accents the off-beat 16th notes from the snare to the kick.

1e&a2e&a3e&a4e&a
SnareXX
KickXXXXX

I’ll admit I struggled with the temptation of playing the 2e on the snare. If you listen closely to my cover, I’m sure you’ll find a few of my slip-ups with that groove. Overall this was a really fun song that I was anxious to try.

As always, I’d love to hear what you think and would love to know which Chili Peppers song is your favorite.

An unofficial statement regarding Clearview Library social media comments

Romey

Hello, I am a member of the Clearview Library Board of Trustees, BUT DO NOT SPEAK FOR THE BOARD. However, I would like to provide context regarding some of the points raised in this post and invite you or any member of our community to dialog with board members through direct contact. Please keep in mind that the Library Board of Trustees does not have input into program content or subjects.

Regarding the GLOW program, the library district’s partnership with SPLASH has been suspended for the time being while it is re-evaluated and reassessed. The G.L.O.W program will continue under the direction of the library district’s teen librarian.

As you have spent a copious amount of time reviewing board and staff emails, I would encourage you to also apply that level of diligence to read the Library’s “Financial Spending” section on its website, along with the budget, and financial statements found in the Board packets. I’d also invite you to review the “Future Projects” section and read “A Plan for the Future,” the short-and long-range facilities plan that begins to address the current needs of the district over the next 10 years. In the plan, you’ll find that through multiple surveys, community meetings, and listening sessions, more than 3,500 comments were received, with 1 of every 4 comments focused on space and facilities. In 2017 and 2018, the voters sent a clear message to the library district that any facility expansion would have to be done utilizing current funds, and through the fiduciary stewardship of recent library boards, they found a way to expand facilities and accommodate growth, all while living within the means of current funding sources.

As for the program policy, it is currently being evaluated and revised to account for the great feedback we’ve received. As I have previously stated, I have suggested that the policy explicitly states that parents/guardians are permitted to accompany their children to any programs. However, their child must be attending that event to enable parent/guardian accompaniment.

It is not my place to respond to criticisms of past or present library employees or contractors, except to say that Attorney Garcia is upholding compliance with Colorado Library Law, specifically the library user’s right to privacy regarding materials and services.

I’ve seen people ask “what can we do?” – please directly engage your Library Board members. Over the last few weeks, we have received numerous and heartfelt emails, phone calls, and I’ve had productive personal discussions surrounding these matters. I appreciate everyone’s perspective, especially those who would like to approach this conversation with a willingness for fruitful dialog. You can reach me at 970.372.0738 or jeromey.balderrama@clearviewlibrary.org
I do not respond to Facebook comment threads, but welcome any direct engagement or personal conversations.