Marshall Fire and Wind Event Commemoration
A Healing Journey....
As the one-year mark of the Marshall Fire and Wind Event approaches, it is important that those impacted recognize their emotional needs and take care of themselves. Researchers have found that it can take 24-60 months for a community to move through the phases of disaster response. The healing journey is a unique experience and one that each person processes differently.
There are many resources and events exclusively available to those affected by the Marshall Fire and Wind Event during the next few months.
As survivors hope that these events will provide spaces for the community to process their grief and focus on healing, they have kindly asked that members of the media not attend these events and respect survivors’ privacy during this time.
Commemorative Events/Activities
First Responders Appreciation Event
Saturday, Nov. 19 (open to the public)
Louisville Middle School, 1341 Main St. from noon to 3 p.m.
All are welcome to come out and cheer on our firefighters and police officers as they compete in an epic dodgeball tournament. Show your appreciation to Rocky Mountain Fire, Louisville Fire, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, and Louisville Police while you enjoy drinks and food truck fare. BYO chairs and warm clothes for this fun outdoor event hosted by local nonprofit, Louisville Rising.
Marshall Fire Holiday Market – Sunday, Nov. 27
(for those impacted by the fire and wind event)
South Street Market, 824 South St., Louisville, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The community is collecting new holiday decorations for families affected by the fire. They want to WRAP UP their friends and neighbors who have lost their homes with holiday cheer. Be sure to come and “shop” for free decorations. Dress for the weather; this event will take place outside.
Marshall Fire Christmas Extravaganza – Saturday, Dec. 3 (for those impacted by the fire and wind event)
A Precious Child, 7051 W. 118th Ave., Broomfield
Register for a time by Friday, Dec. 2, by emailing tamiowen@apreciouschild.org or calling 303-466-4272, ext. 321
Stocking decorating, ornament decorating, photo booth with Santa, children gift shopping, caregiver gift selection, cookie decorating, hot chocolate station, food/drink station.
OH OH 27 Ornament Gift Celebration – Saturday, Dec. 3 (for those impacted by the fire and wind event)
Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton Road, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies while picking handmade ornaments donated by your local community and across the country. Want to make your own winter décor? We’ll also have a workshop set up to DIY ornaments, menorahs and other decorations. Supplies, instructions and helpers included! View the flyer.
Weekend of Healing – Dec. 8-11
(for those impacted by the fire and wind event)
Louisville Recreation & Senior Center, 900 Via Appia Way
Join the fitness instructors at the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center for a weekend of classes themed for relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation. Sign up for Weekend of Healing events
Attendees will receive raffle tickets and will be eligible to win a variety of items, including gift cards from Mountain High Appliances, pedicures, massages, etc. We hope the door prizes provide more support and opportunities for Marshall Fire victims to pamper themselves and continue healing during the coming months. View the flyer.
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- Thursday, Dec. 8
- Full Moonrise Walk – 5:05 p.m.
- Restorative Yoga (in-person and hybrid class options will be available)
6-6:45 p.m. family friendly ages 14+
7-8 p.m. for adults
- Friday, Dec. 9
- One Year Later: A Walk of Reflection – 2-3 p.m.
- Rhythmic Movement & Meditation – 5-6 p.m.
- NEW! AcuDetox – 3-5 p.m. (no registration required)
- Saturday, Dec 10
- Moonset Walk – 8 a.m. (this will begin at the Davidson Mesa Trailhead, McCaslin Boulevard and Washington Avenue Louisville)
- Yoga for Healing -10-11 a.m.
- NEW! AcuDetox – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (no registration required)
- Yoga for Restoration & Healing – 3-4:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec 11
- Walk to Heal – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Avista Adventist Hospital
.6 mile walking course adjacent to the Louisville Community and Senior Center
Participants are encouraged to join for one lap, or many, and to reflect on the many words of encouragement posted along the route. This is a time to give and receive encouragement and words of hope, healing and peace. There will be a small memento available for the first 200 participants. No registration or fee is required to participate. View the flyer.
(open to the public)
- NIA – noon to 1 p.m.
- Walk to Heal – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., sponsored by Avista Adventist Hospital
- Thursday, Dec. 8
Interfaith Service of Support and Healing – Thursday, Dec. 29 (open to the public)
St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, 7520 South Boulder Road at 7 p.m.
Registration is required
No matter your faith journey, all are invited to gather for a time of support and healing. As the community faces the one-year anniversary of the Marshall Fire, join with leaders from the Great Dharma Chan Monastery, Congregation Har HaShem, St. Ambrose, St. John’s Episcopal Church and others, to seek together the peace and comfort of the Holy. All ages are welcome to attend the service, and a nursery for preschoolers will also be provided. There will be refreshments and a chance to engage in conversation with one another following the service in the Barcelona House next to the church. This service will also be livestreamed on the St. Ambrose YouTube Channel.
Marshall Fire Solidarity Breakfast – Friday, Dec. 30 (open to all)
Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton Road from 7-11 a.m.
Join us for an open house style breakfast featuring hot and cold foods and beverages from Serendipity Catering. All those impacted by the Marshall Fire including our first responders and volunteers are welcome to attend. Youth activities hosted by the Superior Youth Leadership Council and children’s activities and crafts also provided. In addition, mental, emotional and social support will be offered by local professionals. A jazz pianist will be playing for the group throughout the event.
Community Storytelling – Friday, Dec. 30 (for those impacted by the fire and wind event)
Superior Community Center, 1500 Coalton Road from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Superior Rising presents Community Storytelling, with the support of Colorado Public Radio. Listen in as residents affected by the fire share their story. *Superior Rising is seeking storytellers. Please contact Jenn Kaaoush, jenn.kaaoush@gmail.com, if you are interested in sharing a story. View the flyer.
A Service of Remembrance, Reflection, and Resilience – Friday, Dec. 30 (open to the public)
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church, 506 Via Appia Way, Louisville at 11 a.m.
Gather in community as we commemorate the first anniversary of the Marshall Fire. The worship service will be streamed live, and available to watch on demand after the event. Access digital worship here: https://www.ctsonline.org/worship-services.html.
WOW! Children’s Museum hosting Community Playtime – Friday, Dec. 30
110 N. Harrison Ave., Lafayette, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
WOW! will be open exclusively to families impacted by the Marshall Fire, including first-responder families.
Free with registration
Healing Classes – yoga, meditation, NIA – throughout the year
To continue support for those impacted by the Marshall Fire, the Louisville Recreation & Senior Center Fitness instructors are offering healing classes throughout the year. These classes are free, but please register in advance.
Marshall Renews Art Exhibition – Dec. 30-Feb. 4
375 S. McCaslin Blvd, Suite B, Louisville
Opening event: Friday, Dec. 30, from 7-10 p.m.
Exhibition hours: Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The juried exhibition explores the Marshall Fire’s impact on Colorado’s communities of Louisville, Superior, portions of Unincorporated Boulder County, and portions of Boulder by giving voice to victims as well as local artists. The exhibition will showcase what positive can come of such widespread destruction by exploring the paradox between renewal and ruin to envision new life in this healing arts exhibition. The art marks the freshness and represents new visions after fire’s destruction. Artists are local and impacted by the fire, with an intentional bias toward creating space for fire victims’ expressions. The exhibition is intended to generate a healing dialogue for victims. Learn more.
Extended Mental Health Support
Mental Health Partners (on-going counseling)
To access counseling services and crisis support, you can call 303-545-0852 or email communityoutreach@mhpcolorado.org. Community resources can also be found at www.mhpcolorado.org/cowildfiresupport/.
Jewish Family Service and Community Foundation Boulder County (on-going counseling)
Jewish Family Service and Community Foundation Boulder County continue to offer Boulder County Crisis Counseling to residents. The program offers 10 free individual or family counseling sessions and provides a pool of more than 250 licensed providers from which to choose. For additional details about the program, visit www.jewishfamilyservice.org/bcc.
Group EMDR
Jewish Family Services is offering virtual group EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) sessions to support those impacted by the fire. This group is designed to help increase your sense of balance, calm and ability to manage disturbing thoughts, feelings, and memories. The 90-minute, Group EMDR protocol is an evidence-based practice designed specifically to support individuals impacted by disasters such as wildfires. View available sessions. Zoom registration required.
Boulder Valley School District
Emotional well-being is a concern for all community members, including our youngest ones. Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) has resources available for families and employee directly impacted by the Marshall Fire. BVSD is providing social-emotional support for both students and employees. BVSD employees are also eligible for up to 8 free, confidential counseling sessions per year. For additional information, visit www.bvsd.org/current-topics/marshall-fire.
Crisis Cards
Mental Health Partners and Jewish Family Service will provide crisis cards to all businesses in Louisville and Superior, and library service desks in Louisville, Broomfield, Boulder and Lafayette for distribution among the community. Crisis cards provide 24/7 phone, text, in-person and online access to mental health support.
Pet Memorials
Louisville
Davidson Mesa Dog Park (McCaslin and Washington)
Informational Gathering – Saturday, Dec. 17, between 1-4 p.m.
(for those impacted by the fire)
Louisville Rising has commissioned Firefighter and Artist, Michael Garman, to create an art installation to honor the pets lost in the Marshall Fire. Residents who lost their pets are welcome to gather to learn more about the artist, the concept, the process, and how to participate.
Superior
Autrey Park (in the dog park), 1830 Honey Creek Drive
Arvada Girl Scouts have raised funds and purchased a memorial bench to be installed at the end of the year, or early next year (weather permitting).
Art Installation
The Louisville Cultural Council put forward a call-for-entries for a sculpture commemorating the Marshall Fire and received submissions from locally and internationally renowned artists. The final design will be selected by a jury of community members, and will be placed in historic downtown Louisville in 2023.
Share Your Story
The Louisville Historical Museum invites you to share your Marshall Fire stories as a means of community healing and to help future generations of Louisville and Colorado residents understand the gravity and range of experiences of this event. The Museum is creating a community archive for future Louisvillians, researchers, and community members to use as they try to understand what it was like to experience the fire, its aftermath, and the ongoing recovery. All experiences, responses, and perspectives are welcome. We invite everyone affected by the fire to add their voice to this collective of community stories from the Marshall Fire. Use the Marshall Fire Story Session Reservation form to schedule a session.
Partners
