Q & A
Lisa Stewart, above, is a member of the Diana Circle U.S., a group that preserves the memory of Diana, the late princess of Wales. Stewart will lead a balloon release at noon Aug. 31 in Prospect Park in Wheat Ridge to mark the eighth anniversary of Diana’s death, one of 37 such events across the country. Those attending are encouraged to bring their own helium-filled balloons, each with a message to Princess Diana.
Q: What got you interested, to this level, in Princess Diana?
A: Princess Diana married Prince Charles when I was 14, an age when most young girls still have a belief in fairy tales. She was a fairy tale come true, and ever since then, I have followed her life. I saw her in person on two occasions and got to shake her hand – for me, a dream come true.
Q: Why is a balloon release a proper way to memorialize her?
A: A balloon release allows anyone wanting to remember Diana to do so. It is inexpensive and can, as with the Diana Circle, be timed with others around the country to be released at the same time. In this day of Internet friendships and gatherings, it is the easiest way for everyone to participate and is also a physical way to mark the occasion.
Q: What significance does the princess have to people’s everyday lives in this country?
A: Princess Diana was a very good friend to charities in the U.S. Most notably, the auctioning of her dresses shortly before her death raised about $4 million for AIDS charities and breast cancer charities. … Diana’s legacy of selfless giving is ongoing and far-reaching and should be honored.
Q: There are plenty of people who would say there are better ways to invest your time and energy to help people in your own community. How would you respond to that sentiment?
A: The Diana Circle U.S. is a group of people whose main goal is to remember Diana for the good deeds she did while alive. Our projects encompass local charities, as well, with many members donating time and money to important causes in their communities. I would respond by asking those who question us: What have you done for your community today?
– Joey Bunch, Denver Post staff writer
REGIONAL NOTES
AURORA
Dispose of household chemicals
Aurora’s annual household chemical roundup is
set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 10 at Aurora Central Facilities,
13645 E. Ellsworth Ave.
The cleanup is open to all Aurora residents, who
must provide proof of residency. Residents may
bring pesticides, paint, automotive products and
household cleaners. The service is free, except for
tires. Disposal of regular tires costs $1, studded and
rimmed or oversized tires are $3, and extra-large
tires are $5. Business waste, medical/biological
waste, ammunition, propane tanks, household batteries
and explosives won’t be accepted.
Last year, event volunteers collected and disposed
of 29,000 gallons of materials that may have
otherwise ended up in landfills, potentially leaching
into the ground and poisoning waterways.
For more information or for an extensive list of
acceptable and prohibited items, call Jo Scarbeary
at 303-739-7372 or go to www.aurorawater.org and
click on Events.
