Neighborhood Gazette – June 2016

5 Fridges, Three Doctors and Honeybees

WRHS STEAM Students Unveil Sculpture

Roots Go Deep In Gardening Families

see page 10

see page 11

see page 14

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

WHEAT RIDGE | EDGEWATER | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE

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JUNE 21–JULY 18, 2016

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Eight Inspirational Gardens on Wheat Ridge Tour, July 9

By Elisabeth Monaghan

I

t is almost time for what has become one of the area’s favorite annual events, the Wheat Ridge Garden Tour, Saturday, July 9.

When it was launched in 2011, 80 people toured 16 gardens. This year, more than 200 are expected to attend the tour, which will feature eight gardens. Six of these are new to the tour, and two are “All Star” gardens – gardens that have been part of the past tours.

The idea for the Wheat Ridge Garden Tour was born after Wheat Ridge residents Millie Nadler and Anne Brinkman attended a garden tour in a nearby community.

Inspired by the tour and champions of their own community of avid gardeners, Nadler and Brinkman agreed Wheat Ridge should have its own tour, showcasing a variety of gardens. After running the idea past community leader Chad Harr, it was decided: The City of Wheat Ridge would hold its own annual garden tour.

Vicki Ottoson, who is co-chairing this year’s event with Vivian Vos, treasurer of Citizens for an Inclusive Wheat Ridge, spends many hours during the warmer months in her own garden. After her garden was among those featured on the 2012 Garden Tour, Ottoson knew she had to get involved.

“Nothing gives me more pleasure than driving around town and seeing a wide array of beautiful gardens,” says Ottoson. She appreciates that there are as many unique gardens as there are people who plant them.

“Gardening allows people to create their own personal paradise, and there is no one right way to do it.”

To create a Garden Tour where attendees can enjoy the various garden styles, Ottoson and the planning committee include as many different styles as possible, from traditional, to Southwestern, cottage, eclectic, or whimsical, to ridge-view, which is a garden style that is unique to Wheat Ridge. Ottoson believes the Tour is an extension of Wheat Ridge’s rich history of being a strong gardening community.

Considering that Wheat Ridge Gardeners just added its 300th member since its March 30, 2015, launch on Facebook, she probably is right.

To ensure the tour runs smoothly and provides a wonderful memory for its attendees, at least 50 volunteers serve as garden hosts, ticket monitors, featured artists and committee members.

No event of this size could work without sponsors. This year’s generous sponsors include Pietra’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant, Golden Wealth Solutions, First Bank and the Wheat Ridge Chamber.

Rounding out the sponsors for 2016 is Monica Duran, City Council District I, who is thrilled to host this year’s public garden.

“The Wheat Ridge Garden Tour is a wonderful community-building event,” said Duran. “I am proud to be sponsoring this year’s public garden, the Richards-Hart Estate, located in Wheat Ridge’s historic Continued on page 2

Revised 38th Avenue Plan, Sales Tax Headed for November Vote

By Nancy Hahn

W

heat Ridge City Council came up with a modified plan for the 38th Avenue streetscape at its June 6 session, and will ask voters this fall for approval and a temporary sales tax to pay for it.

The Cre8 Your 38 process began last January, gathering public input to create a streetscape plan for 38th Avenue. The design chosen in that process was presented to council at the May 16 study session.

Participating community members shared their feelings about the work that had been done and the choices they had made in the five-month process. The community members dropped their less-expensive retrofit design in favor of a reconstruction design by a vote of 30 to 70 percent. The design would create a corridor with a consistent appearance, wide sidewalks and amenity zones to encourage walking, visiting and spending time.

The plan was the only topic of the June 6 council session, which lasted four hours. Council set the goal of coming to a consensus on a plan, so a ballot question could be written. A ballot question cannot be written to allow voters to choose between

two options – it must be worded so a “yes” means something will happen, and “no” means there will be no change.

Council had already concluded that the plan chosen by the Cre8 Your 38 process was not the best choice. It was, they felt, too expensive and would be too disruptive of traffic, businesses and neighborhoods.

Council did not approve the retrofit plan submitted by Cre8 Your 38, but worked on an adapted retrofit model. Adding amenity zones, as islands separate from the sidewalk, was one issue for council. Such amenity zones can require expensive solutions to ensure flow of wastewater. They may, also, mean a big gap from sidewalk to amenity zone, which could be covered with a metal grate, at a cost of $300 per foot.

Council’s adapted retrofit plan leaves many areas with trees or grass as existing amenity zones. Consistent lighting, benches and trash receptacles along the corridor will unify the look.

District IV Councilman Larry Mathews reminded the group that this does not create an entire corridor with the same look, which was the goal.

District II Councilman Zachary Urban Continued on page 2

JUDY HAZEN’S “ALL STAR” GARDEN features perennial, herb and annual flower beds along with this quintessential Front Range ridge-view. Garden styles, features and inspiration galore at the 2016 Wheat Ridge Garden Tour on Saturday, July 9th.

PHOTO: SCOTT WESLEY

Family Friendly Fun at the Saints Peter and Paul Festival

By Meghan Godby

A

good festival is the cornerstone of summer. Nothing beats a warm, sunny afternoon spent browsing vendor booths, listening to music, and chowing down on delicious food with friends and family.

In Colorado, we have ample festivals to keep us busy – nearly one for every weekend! Lucky for us, we don’t have to travel far to join in on the fun; we have plenty of festivities happening right here in Wheat Ridge. In fact, late June is the perfect time to get out and enjoy all that our community has to offer, like the Saints Peter and Paul Festival that runs from Friday, June 24 to Sunday, June 26 this year.

In 2008, the Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church (2900 Pierce St., Wheat Ridge) started a festival to celebrate the feast date of Saints Peter and Paul. This widely held tradition has deep roots in the Catholic community, and is celebrated annually on June 29. This date also coincides with the anniversary date of the parish, founded over 60 years ago in 1949. Although the festival has been around for less than a decade, it has an impressive turnout each year.

Numbers are expected to grow - this year, the parish is anticipating over 3,000 people to attend over the course of the weekend.

Sponsored by Clancy’s Irish Pub, the fun begins at 5 p.m. each evening. There are activities sure to please every member of the family, including games, food and even rides for the little ones. Don’t worry, though, the fun isn’t just for children! The festival also features an impressive musical line-up, including Orpheus Jones on Friday (think ‘90s rock band), No. 9 Coal (traditional bluegrass) on Saturday, and the Duke Street Kings (classic rock and roll) on Sunday evening. Have a competitive streak?

Consider participating in the first annual corn-hole tournament (bean bag toss) which begins on Saturday night.

Make sure you come hungry, too – the festival finishes strong with a chili cook-off on Sunday evening. This friendly neighborhood competition features prizes for first, second and third place. Need another reason to stick around on Sunday?

At 8 p.m. sharp, the parish will draw the winner for the $2,000 cash raffle. Although you do not need to be present to win, Wheat Ridge Councilmember Zach Urban points out that, “It is a lot more fun to hear your name called.”

As the festival chairman, Urban plays an integral role in the event’s success. His responsibility is to curate fun activities for the festival and ensure that it remains a safe, family-friendly event for the local community. Although this position is hard work, it’s worth it.

“My favorite part of the festival is watching my kids enjoying the games and rides,” Urban explained. He’s also excited to share a few updates to the event’s programming, particularly the car show.

“There is no entry fee for the car show this year; it is a free event for both cars and spectators.”

The show, which starts at 5 p.m. on Saturday, is sure to delight classic car enthusiasts throughout our community. The best part? It won’t cost a dime. (Admission to the festival is free, too, but food and certain events are fee-based.)

This year, to encourage a smaller carbon footprint, folks are invited to hop on their bicycles and “Pedal to the Festival” on Saturday evening. While cycling will definitely get your heart thumping, it will also help save money on gas (bike racks will be provided). And it gets better! You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a parade of bikes that same evening. Don’t forget your helmet!

Not only does the Saints Peter and Paul festival boast an array of activities and Continued on page 6

2

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – ngazette.com

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efferson County District Court Judge Christie Ann Bachmeyer ruled July 15 that part of Wheat Ridge Ballot Question 300 is unconstitutional and does not apply to the developer of Wheat Ridge Corners.

The ruling appears to clear the way for the development, which will include a WalMart store.

In January Quadrant Wheat Ridge Corners, LLC, filed a lawsuit asking the court to declare Ballot Question 300 – passed by voters in November 2015 – unconstitutional and prevent anyone from using it to undo its $6.25 million tax-increment financing agreement with the City of Wheat Ridge and Renewal Wheat Ridge. City council approved the agreement in February 2015, and RWR executed agreement carrying it out in June 2015. Both the city and RWR were named as defendants in the lawsuit.

The ballot initiative requires voter approval for future redevelopment projects receiving more than $2.5 in tax increment financing (TIF) from the city, but applies retroactively to March 1, 2015.

The court ruled the retroactive language of the measure was “unconstitutionally retrospective” in its response to Quadrant’s

38th Avenue Continued from page 1

added that the “piecemeal amenity zones” would soon cause 38th Avenue to become a street with many issues.

District I Councilwoman Janeece Hoppe reviewed the plan at the end of the four-hour meeting. 38th Avenue will be restriped from Sheridan Boulevard to Wadsworth Avenue where it is three lanes. The Green at Stevens Elementary will be enhanced to include an amphitheater and a gathering place. From Pierce Street to Upham Street, sidewalks

Garden Tour Continued from page 1

neighborhood at West 28th Avenue and Benton Street. Stop by and take in the beautiful scenic views.”

An “All Star” garden, the Richards-Hart Estate was the first garden to be featured in 2011, the tour’s inaugural year.

Proceeds from the tour benefit local charities, and so far, it has donated more than $5,800. This year, the organizations benefitting from the proceeds include the Jefferson Center for Mental Health’s veterans’ program and the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation. The Jefferson Center for Mental Health’s mission is to inspire hope, improve lives and strengthen the community by providing accessible mental health and related solutions for individual families. The Foundation

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motion for summary judgment, which was filed shortly after the city and RWR responded to the lawsuit. Summary judgment is a procedure by which the court rules on a claim without trial by applying established law to undisputed facts.

The court said its ruling did not apply to TIF agreements entered into after the election.

A $4.8 million TIF agreement between the city and Wazee Partners for the proposed West End 38 development – approved by city council Oct. 20, 2015, three weeks before the election – was also potentially affected by the ballot initiative. Wazee Partners had not joined the Quadrant lawsuit, but was waiting for the court to decide the action before moving forward with its plans.

Days before the ruling, the court denied Citizens for an Inclusive Wheat Ridge’s motion to intervene and participate in the case. The group had filed a flurry of briefs and motions in an apparent attempt to block Quadrant’s efforts to declare Question 300 unconstitutional and start development.

Following the court’s decision, Quadrant withdrew its remaining legal claim and waived its claim for costs. No attorney fees were requested or awarded, and the case is closed. will be added or repaired and curbs and gutters will be repaired. Public art and benches will be added. Amenity zones with planters will be created in some areas. From Pierce Street to Harlan Street, the city will work with property owners to consolidate long curb cuts.

A three-year, quarter-of-one-cent sales tax will pay for the project. Funds for the project will not exceed $4.5 million, and any excess funds will go into the city’s budget for other projects.

Council also decided that an alternate plan must be in place if the ballot question fails. Discussions will continue. manages funds for 25 civic and educational organizations, as well as three endowments (The Foundation also sponsors the Shades of Blue Ground School at Wheat Ridge High School and recently awarded nine Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarships.)

New to the event is a Garden Party taking place during the tour’s lunch stop at one of the gardens on the tour, where attendees will enjoy live music, featured artists and a silent auction.

One featured artist is Terry Weimer of Gidella Glass, who, along with the rest of the vendors and artists, has donated an item to the silent auction. Among the items in the silent auction is a bracelet donated by Wheat Ridge-based jeweler Anthony M’s Visions of Gold.

Back for the third time is a Guided Bike Tour, which will depart from the starting location promptly at 8:30 a.m. Interested bikers can sign-up for the on MeetUp.com.

The Garden Tour continues to gain in popularity. Not only does it attract more area residents to the Tour every year, but it also is drawing more people from distant communities like Broomfield, Evergreen, Littleton and Longmont. With that in mind, those interested in attending the 2016 Wheat Ridge Garden Tour are encouraged to pre-purchase their tickets at Twisted Smoothie on West 29th Avenue or Pietra’s Pizzeria on West 44th Avenue.

For more information about the 2016 Wheat Ridge Garden Tour, visit www.

WheatRidgeGardenTour.com and “Like” the Tour on Facebook.

No, Nancy Wrote That…

Nancy Hahn – not Carolyn Doran – is the author of “Begin Summer at the Ridge at 38 Criterium,” published in the May 17June 20, 2016, edition of the Neighborhood Gazette. Doran was the information contact for the event. We apologize for any confusion. – Editor

ngazette.com – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – ngazette.com

WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR

The Patchwork Quilt That is Our Community

Plan for 38th has Potential to Make Wheat Ridge Stronger

By Janeece Hoppe

O

ur great city of Wheat Ridge has so much to offer: great parks, beautiful open space, long-standing business community, a population that spans many generations, good schools and a collage of different styles of neighborhood. All of which create our city character.

To me the question is how can we honor the character of our city in completing our Main Street?

We have existing assets in our community that, with a little work, can be highlighted and respected in a process that creates our Main Street. Should we tear out beautiful healthy mature trees to replace with a sapling? Or should we put an amenity zone in a place that would not get utilized just to have it there? These types of questions were what I was asking myself while looking at the completion of a Main Street for our community while listening to all streams of information from the community.

The Cre8 Your 38 process was one source of information; clearly the majority of participants wanted three lanes, gathering spaces, community event space, landscaping, safety, multi-modal transportation options and art. Past ballot measures have told us that price point and where the money comes from is important. I also understood that some do not want to move the curb and gutter again. The businesses have said that long construction time is a concern.

Through many conversations, public testimony, emails, phone calls and casual conversations in line at the grocery store, people say they want an identity and forward movement. The Main Street completion plan that passed consensus on June 6 encapsulates these thoughts and moves

THE

forward a question for voter approval. We will always have people who want an all-ornothing approach on both sides of the issue, however we do not have to accept an all-ornothing approach.

We can increase safety and accessibility with three lanes of traffic, slower speeds, sidewalks and bike lanes. The redeveloping of the “Green” in front of Stevens Elementary for community gathering and amenities, along with amenities at High Court to Upham on the south side, and on the north side near Wheat Ridge Cyclery for citizens and business to utilize outdoor cafes and gathering spaces will support community engagement.

Beautification of the street with raised brick crosswalks, corner enhancements, sidewalks, art and landscaping creates a cohesive and visually appealing area. Not moving the curb and gutter more than 250 feet, allows for a lower price tag, dramatically less construction time, reduces impact on businesses, and does not trigger the streetwidth charter amendment. This reasonable plan utilizes a 0.25 percent sales tax increase to sunset in three years, not to exceed $4.5 million. We get help from nonresident shoppers who pay sales tax and get an affordable and complete main street for Wheat Ridge.

We are presenting a compromise solution that gives no one everything, but also honors, protects and respects the assets we already have in our community. Our city is much like a beautiful handmade quilt, many different pieces stitched together with patience and hard work to become a beautiful, one of a kind, functional work of art.

Contact Wheat Ridge District I representative Janeece Hoppe at 720-556-9425 or jhoppe@ci.wheatridge.co.us.

STARS AREALWAYS OUT

• Retaining the current three lanes of traffic from Sheridan to Wadsworth; • Redeveloping green space in front of f you asked 100 people what makes a city Stephens Elementary, with public space strong, you could get 100 different answers. and an outdoor amphitheater; There is one thing, though, that all strong • Designing and reworking amenity cities have in common: resiliency. Today’s zones of up to 250 feet without moving strong cities are responding well to what’s curbs and gutters from Pierce to Upham; happening around them, planning for the • Repairing and rebuilding sidewalks, future and becoming better places to live creating enhanced intersections and work. and adding landscaping to serve We are working to put as traffic buffers where needed Wheat Ridge on that path by from Pierce to Upham; developing projects that are • Adding new lighting, responding to the conditions of benches, trash cans and public today – like a booming regional art from Pierce to Upham and economy and population from Pierce to Harlan; and growth – with an eye to the • Working with property future – like our changing owners to consolidate wide demographics and demands driveways for improved safety, for better public spaces. One walkability and public comfort such project is the 38th Avenue Joyce Jay from Harlan to Wadsworth.

Streetscape.

The proposal would be 38th Avenue, our main financed, with voter approval, by a onestreet, is a place where business is growing, quarter-of-one-penny sales tax increase for seeing a 78 percent increase in sales tax three years – that’s only 25 cents for every revenue to the city over the past five years. $100 spent! Total project costs would be During the same five-year time frame, sales capped at $4.5 million. If the tax increase tax revenue in the rest of the city increased brings in more than $4.5 million, the only 20 percent. additional funds would go in to the city’s That is tremendous economic growth capital improvement program budget. for 38th Avenue and we can do more The plan presented by city council on to support it. According to research by June 6 was developed after listening to Smart Growth America, “complete streets” many community voices and in an attempt encourage walking and bicycling along with to provide a compromise that supports the public transit and cars. They stimulate local vision and goals of a majority of community economies, encourage private investment members. And, it eliminates the stigma of a and raise property values. 38th Avenue has city without an attractive, viable main street. the potential to be a complete street with the This project has tremendous potential current proposal put forth by city council on – to make Wheat Ridge stronger, support June 6. It’s a plan that helps achieve many of local businesses and create community our goals, like improved walkability, slower spaces for our residents. To make Wheat traffic, more landscaping and better lighting Ridge resilient. while leaving the current width of the street Contact Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay the same and keeping overall project costs at 303-420-8533 or jjay@ci.wheatridge. reasonable. co.us.

The proposal includes:

By Joyce Jay

I

So live confident—in onfident—in a pla plac place ce of light, love l & wellness wellne

PARKS AND RECREATION Send Your Questions to Us, Not Facebook

By Guy Nahmiach

T

Our Doors are Now Open Tour Today

he Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation department would like for you to forward questions regarding programming, happenings, playgrounds and fields and other concerns to pandrfeedback@ ci.wheatridge.co.us.

I know it's more fun to post questions on social media and watch the conversation spiral out of control. Whether it's about erroneous spraying of our parks by a city vendor that is no longer a city vendor, or asking about why we only have a certain number of garbage bins in our parks or unleashed dogs creating havoc in playgrounds, you can now direct your questions to the experts.

Speaking of unleashed dogs, you'll be happy to know that the city is building a shelter at the Fruitdale off-leash dog park.

When first planned, dog-users voted against the shelter, but now more support has

grown for this project.

Finally, our city has applied for accreditation of its Parks & Rec program.

It would be only the fifth city in Colorado and 142nd in the United States. It involves a study of our operation system and the way we maintain our open and green spaces, utilization of technology, procedures that involve disaster mitigation, diversity in the workspace, ADA compliance, utilization of volunteers and other procedural requirements. This is a huge task to take on, but it would be a great accomplishment – one that would not only attract businesses and families to our community, but would legitimize the incredible efforts our staff undertakes to keep our green spaces safe and user friendly for our community.

Guy Nahmiach is the District III representative and chair of the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Commission; contact him at 303-999-5789 or Guy@Nostalgic Homes.com.

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ngazette.com – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

URBAN PERSPECTIVE If You Ask a Question, Be Prepared for the Answer lesson I have learned many times before: if you ask a question you better be prepared for an answer. find myself saying phrases to my kids I If we ask a question of someone, do distinctly remember my dad saying to we actually listen for an answer? In asking me. One of the phrases I have carried with the question, “Are you going to make it?” I me is the question, “Are you going to make wasn’t listening for an answer it?” This is usually said with a because I thought I knew the deadpan look as if to suggest the answer to always be, “Yes.” inquirer isn’t sure whether the

My son has taught me, child is going to make it through while the answer might seem whatever episode is presently obvious, that everything will be afflicting their universe. alright, we should always listen Usually the purpose of for this response and strive to this question is to attempt to actually hear the answer to the shrink the mountain the child questions we ask. is standing on back down to the

Now let me ask you a appropriate-sized molehill. Our serious question: Do you like three-year-old son Isaiah and festivals and food trucks? There eight-year-old daughter Isabella Zachary Urban are two events I am involved have stood atop any number of in helping to promote and organize this mountains when I have found myself asking summer that you must consider attending. them this question. Up until recently they The first event is coming up this weekend, usually shot back with a perfunctory, “Yes, the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Summer Dad, I’m going to make it.” Or, “I’m fine.”

Festival, June 24, 25 and 26, at 3900 Pierce The other day when I asked Isaiah, “Are St., starting at 5 p.m. each night. This you going to make it?” In a rather defiant summer festival will bring together good tone, his response was “No, I’m not going to food, live music, games, kids rides, bingo make it.” and so much more.

His response short-circuited the Later this summer, the Seniors Resource question for me. Until I heard his answer, Center(SRC) is proud to announce their first I realized I wasn’t actual asking for an annual “Food Truckin’ at Seniors Resource answer. The question hadn’t really been a Center.” Join me Thursday, August 11 for question in my mind, rather it was a means food trucks and more at SRC, featuring to an end, a way to move on from the current the incomparable Hazel Miller and her “episode.” The question was a way to diffuse five-piece band. Hazel will be providing and to diminish the impact of the present the sound track for your sampling of tasty circumstances as fleeting and temporary. cuisine and libations from local food trucks.

But his response was nonetheless Tickets to this event will be available at SRC. striking in his honest assessment of his Zachary Urban can be reached at 720current circumstance. As only a three-year252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com. old is able to do, his response reinforced a

By Zachary Urban

I

LOCALWORKS UPDATE Tools Available For Neighbors signatures of other neighbor participants and applies to have a 30-yard dumpster delivered to be filled over one weekend. The ome of my favorite childhood memories host and neighbors must help monitor to were when my neighbors got together. ensure the dumpster is not overfilled.

We would hold potlucks or watch big Clean Up Days is a great combo with the sporting events on TV while kids ran around Neighborhood Block Party grants and relies playing. on neighbors helping neighbors to get rid of At Localworks, we love helping eyesore junk. connect neighbors, whether at

TLC Wheat Ridge – In large community events like partnership with the Wheat the Ridge at 38 Criterium and Ridge Police Department, Brewfest, or something at the Localworks helps conduct block level. We want to make outreach to residents and sure you, as neighbors, are businesses in priority aware of some of the tools you neighborhoods and offers may find useful on your own neighborhood meetings, block block or may see utilized in your parties and neighborhood-wide neighborhood. clean up days. The police are Neighborhood Block working to reduce crime and to Party Grants – These grants increase property maintenance are for up to $150 to help with Britta Fisher in neighborhoods showing block party costs for neighbors signs of wear or increased levels of crime. that want to start the very first block party Localworks community building tools work or for those who want to restart having well to help neighbors in addressing some parties and haven’t had one in the past of the issues that the police and neighbors five years. Blocks in the TLC Wheat Ridge want to address. priority neighborhoods are given priority, I have fond memories of my neighbors. and there are some funds for the balance I remember with fondness cups of sugar of the city. The City of Wheat Ridge Public in a pinch, Halloween parties and support Works Department also has a permit for you during tough times. And I am very fond of to close off the street with some barricades my current neighbors for printing out a page during the block party if your neighbors sign in a pinch, happy hours and progressive on to the permit. dinners down the block. Our community is A block party is a simple way to meet strengthened by these interactions. Thanks some neighbors and can lead to greater for all you do to care for your neighbors. safety, connections and friendships.

For more information on all these tools, Clean Up Days – This program please go to www.WeAreLocalworks.org helps neighbors come together to pitch and click on Create and Your Neighborout the junk that accumulates in our yards hood or call 720-259-1030. and homes. A dumpster host collects the

By Britta Fisher

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Have a news tip or story idea? Send it to editor@ngazette.com

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New this Year!

Outside Agency Citizen Review Committee This year there will be an Outside Agency Program Citizen Review Committee who will review funding requests and recommend funding allocations to City Council for the Outside Agency Program.

Outside Agency Applicants: Outside agencies interested in applying for funds must submit an application by June 23, 2016 and be prepared to give a short 10-minute presentation to the Review Committee on one of the following dates: June 30, July 7, or July 14. Agencies should also be prepared to answer questions from the Committee. All applications must include a copy of the organization’s most recent budget documents including revenues and expenditures.

Priority shall be given to those organizations that provide programs and services that benefit and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Wheat Ridge.

All applications will be reviewed to ensure that they meet the established guidelines for the program based on the criteria listed on the application.

Applications are due by Thursday, June 23, 2016.

We invite non-denominational and non-sectarian agencies that: • Were organized in the State of Colorado • Have a principle place of business is in Jefferson County, Colorado

For more information and to apply go to: www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/831/Outside-Agency-Contributions or contact Carly Lorentz | clorentz@ci.wheatridge.co.us | 303-235-2867

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – ngazette.com

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EDGEWATER CITY NEWS Edgewater Business Crawl Coming on June 25

By Joel Newton

Grab a passport and go for a walk with your friends and neighbors along 25th Avenue in Edgewater. Explore the great businesses of Edgewater and get a chance to win some cool prizes as part of the first Edgewater Business Crawl organized by Business on the Edge. The Edgewater Business Crawl will be Saturday, June 25 from 4 to 7 p.m. At the end of the crawl there will be a celebration at Happy Leaf Kombucha complete with a band and other fun activities.

• Starting at 3 p.m., pick up your “passport” at Joyride Brewing Company (2501 Sheridan Blvd.)

• Starting at 4 p.m., walk 25th Avenue, stopping at participating businesses on the way • Get your passport stamped at every stop • Turn it in at Happy Leaf Kombucha (5700 W. 25th Ave.) by 7 p.m.

• Win great prizes!

Legislating the Future Look of Edgewater What will Edgewater look like in five to 10 years? Most residents hope an empty retail store and parking lot no longer sit at the northeast corner of 20th and Depew.

But what will the homes look like? With growth pushing over from the Highlands and new townhomes on the market for a half a million dollars on Ames Street, residents are wondering if the small-town character of Edgewater will be maintained.

How do Edgewater’s leaders balance the will of landowners in Edgewater with maintaining the current character of Edgewater’s neighborhoods?

Edgewater City Council has begun to discuss this very issue and is debating the wisest course of action moving forward.

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for impact on the parish and local community.

In 2015 alone, it brought in a profit of over KRISTEEGARDIN.COM kris@kristeegardin.com 720.568.0461 $14,000, which |went directly to the parish’s school, programs and ministries (including Nursing Home Ministry and Homebound Ministry, to name a few).

While the staff of the parish do play an integral role in executing these programs, such local impacts would not be possible without the dozens of tireless volunteers (more than 100 in all) who help make this festival possible.

At its June 2 meeting, the Edgewater City Council discussed a possible Residential Design Standards Ordinance and will revisit the issue at its next meeting on July 7.

The discussion and adopting of a Residential Design Standards Ordinance stems from the 2013 Comprehensive Plan, which involved numerous opportunities for input from the community. One of the goals of the Comprehensive Plan was to “preserve and enhance the residential character of lower density neighborhoods.” Under this goal was the objective to “encourage compatible architectural styles, scale of structures and lower density.” The Plan outlined the action to achieve this goal and objective was developing residential guidelines and/or standards.

At the June 2 meeting, council discussed amendments to the existing bulk plane, maximum building height and lot coverage regulations.

These amendments would impact what type of new homes and additions that could be built in residential areas throughout Edgewater. The regulations would also impact the price of homes in Edgewater as developers look to scrape older houses to build new homes.

Residents are encouraged to voice their opinions on what they would like Edgewater neighborhoods to look like at the next council meeting, Thursday, July 7, 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers, 2401 Sheridan Blvd.

Edgewater Community Meeting Edgewater Collective is organizing a monthly community meeting for community members and business leaders to get to know each other and hear what is going on around town. Come and hear from Edgewater Police Chief John Mackey, city staff members and other local leaders.

The first Community Meeting will be in the morning of Thursday, July 7, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at American Legion Post 17, 1901 Harlan St. The City of Wheat Ridge is a closeknit community of friends, families and neighbors. Festivals such as these not only encourage us to have fun and enjoy the outdoors, but they also inspire us to unplug from our devices, slow down and meet our neighbors. Almost all vendors and sponsors are local, so it’s a great opportunity to discover and patronize businesses in our local community, too.

So mark your calendar and plan to join in on the fun! It’s the perfect way to kick off your family’s summer and give back at the same time.

For more information, visit www.peterandpaulcatholic.org/festival.html or call 303424-3706.

Reach Over 17,000 Readers Monthly Tim Berland • 303-995-2806 • tberland@ngazette.com

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ngazette.com – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

EDGEWATER CITY COUNCIL ‘Tis the Season! or in our local establishments at social get-togethers demonstrating products/ services, or at “informational community ummer is upon us, bringing warmmeetings.” Please, take your time making weather activity and fun! This means decisions; do your research verifying facts, the return of the Edgewater Market & and learning the pros/cons and alternatives.

Music, Thursday evenings, 5 to 8 p.m. There Even when you know and love the person, are some refreshing changes this year, so people, or organization and trust them be sure to come to this season’s kick-off on in other contexts, use your June 30! own judgment and research We’ve moved the Edgewater before signing contracts. A Market & Music a few blocks good neighbor, friend or family east on 25th, between Sheridan member may be great for and Ames, in the heart of advice on gardening, but not on our Olde Timey Main Street. how you should spend/invest Besides an eclectic assortment your money in the gardening of offerings in the vendor industry. tents (including locally grown

If you are told the produce), enjoy a bite and city supports or endorses refreshments at the many food programs/services that appear and drink establishments.

Contact Patrick at pamartinez@ Janet Spangenberg to be citizen-led initiatives, please call the city to confirm, edgewaterco.com for vendor especially if you’re being asked for money. booth availability.

Door-to-door sales are strictly prohibited Besides our Market & Music, summer without a City of Edgewater solicitation also brings feet on the streets throughout license, which must be presented when you town. Walkers, runners, bicycling and kids ask. If it’s really a good deal, it can wait until playing outside begin happening in droves, you’ve done your homework! revealing the vitality of what we love about Lastly, if you haven’t thought about it our small and friendly town. Please be yet, now is a good time to start planning a mindful driving your vehicles, as all these summer block party! Call the city at 303activities spill into our streets, and may 235-8300 about how they can help you require speeds less than our maximum limit register and have a great event, or visit the of 25 mph. website at www.edgewaterco.com.

The warm weather brings out other Stay safe, go outside and play, whatever activities as well, including door-to-door that means to you, remember your water solicitation. Here is a cautionary reminder and sun protection, and have a wonderful regarding any time you’re being encouraged summer! to enter contractual agreements that will Contact Edgewater Councilwoman Janet separate you from your money. Whether Spangenberg at 303-954-8649 or jspanit be friendly, pleasant people knocking genberg@edgewaterco.com. on your door promising to save you bucks,

By Janet Spangenberg

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EDGEWATER AT 25TH & SHERIDAN

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY The Dangers of Harvesting Rainwater

By Guy Nahmiach

A

s we celebrate the passing of the rainwater-harvesting bill, it's becoming apparent that the saying "Be careful what you wish for" will come into play this and every summer for the next few years.

Part of this process must include a certain level of education. Simply letting the water flow into some kind of a container is not going to work. In fact, with West Nile and Zika diseases growing, homeowners should be taking extra precautions in making sure that standing water is removed from around your home. Both diseases are mosquitoborne-related and can be dangerous. You can check CDC.gov for more information on both diseases, as well as the correct and safe

ways to harvest rainwater.

Water has always been important to humans. While 70 percent of our planet is covered with water, we use a very small portion, but have great impact on almost all of it: acid rain, toxic pollution and many other conditions render water unsafe for consumption.

It's interesting to see how Israel is leading in the field of desalination and helping convert huge amounts of ocean water into safe drinking water for communities around the world.

Leaving you with something to think about. We have the same amount of water today as we've always had...hmmm.

Contact Guy Nahmiach at 303-999-5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.net.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MAY 17 – JUNE 20, 2016 – ngazette.com

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – ngazette.com

5 Fridges, Three Doctors and Thousands of Honeybees

By Nancy Hahn

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any area residents know 5 Fridges Farm, 11100 W. 38th St., for its goat shares, chickens, eggs, handmade soap and classes, though a new and exciting research study about bees is just beginning at the farm.

Maybe, you have heard and wondered about the honeybee crisis. Maybe, you just love honey. This research project may have results that will be of interest to everyone including beekeepers, honey lovers, gardeners and farmers.

A new type of hive, called Flow Hive, was introduced on Indiegogo, a crowdfunding site, about one and a half years ago. Dr. Christy Brites, a palynologist (pollen expert) from the University of Colorado at Denver, became curious about it. She discussed the innovative hive with fellow CU-Denver professors Dr. Amanda Weaver, an agricultural geographer (also of 5 Fridges Farm), and Dr. Annika Mosier, a microbiologist.

To obtain the honey in a standard hive, the beekeeper must open the hive and pull out the wooden frames the bees have used to store honey. This is very disruptive to the bees and destructive to the hive itself. Flow Hive is entirely different: to extract the honey, a very small door is opened, a spigot turned, and honey flows out. Will this make a difference in health of the bees, in honey production, or in winter die-off numbers? Weaver, Mosier and Brites discussed ideas for using 5 Fridges Farm as the site for a field study.

The producer of Flow Hives donated 10 for the study. Twenty hive boxes were set up at the farm, 10 for the Flow Hives and 10 for standard hives. To fill the hives, 20 bee packages of up to 10,000 bees each arrived on Saturday, April 30. It snowed.

Because of the cold, the bees could not be hived, so Weaver brought the packages into the kitchen, so the bees would not freeze. Bee packages cannot be airtight, so the packages were covered with sheets.

Thousands of bees escaped, though, and swarmed in the kitchen around the windows

SCIENTISTS CONVERGE ON 5 FRIDGES FARM to study the impact of a new type of beehive on honeybee health (left to right): microbiologist Dr. Annika Mosier, agricultural geographer Dr. Amanda Weaver and palynologist Dr. Christy Brites. Ten standard and 10 innovative Flow Hives are inside the boxes. PHOTO: NANCY HAHN and doors. Monday, the weather warmed and the bees remaining in packages were moved to the hives.

Scientists know that the honeybee population is in trouble. There are many theories about the cause. Perhaps the widespread use of chemicals on crops and gardens has affected bees or their microorganisms. Maybe, the practice of feeding sugar water or corn syrup to bees in the fall is weakening the population.

Protecting and feeding hived bees may allow weaker bees to survive changing the “survival of the fittest” in bee populations.

No one knows, for sure. The three doctors, though, are each going to use the protocols and process of laboratory research to examine questions and discover answers within their field of study.

Each doctor is excited to be working in a group with such diverse specialties.

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Weaver realized that when they all stand looking at the hives, each of them is thinking entirely different thoughts. She is wondering about honey production and whether the difference in hives will affect the honey.

Mosier, in contrast to a laboratory, notices the sound and intensity of 20 hives of bees. She will be looking at the microbes associated with the bees and sequencing their DNA. Brites is ready to look at pollen from the living, active environment on the farm, rather than prepared slides in a laboratory or pictures in a textbook.

All have observed the bees in the fields, been in bee suits at the hives, and are ready to begin gathering data. While each researcher has a different answer when asked how long the study will last, all agree that the work will be exciting, the results valuable, and the honey tasty.

FITNESS CORNER How Often and How Hard Should I Work Out? bad spark plugs might just get you stranded somewhere. Makes sense, right?

Your body is no different. If your hips question we routinely get from are tight and your knees ache, if you lack new clients is how often should a range of motion in your shoulders, and/ person exercise. The answer is always or if your heart and lungs can barely keep and unequivocally “It depends!” And the up when you’re going up a flight of stairs, question most often paired with that one there’s some maintenance you is, how intensely? Again, the need to do before you hop on a answer is, “That depends, too.” treadmill and go all out followed Really simply, how often and by lifting and moving heavy how hard depend entirely on who stuff. you are, what your experience The point is that we want with exercise is, what your to be able to move well before current level of conditioning is, adding complexity, resistance, what your current health status speed and intensity. If you is, what injuries have you had/ can’t walk down stairs without do you have and – this is the knee pain, you shouldn’t be big one – what are you trying to running. If your low back hurts accomplish? Simple right? when you’re standing up, you Before this goes any further, Tom Wigginton shouldn’t be picking up heavy here’s the standard health stuff from the floor. If you can’t jog lightly recommendation: Consult your physician for an hour, you shouldn’t be sprinting for to get a professional recommendation for two minutes. changes in your exercise and exertion levels.

Back to the original questions. How If your doctor recommends exercise, get often? Everyday. How intense? It depends. started!

Once your doctor says it’s a good idea Let’s compare your body to your car. If or a physical therapist gives you the green the wheels are out of alignment, tires are flat light, contact a skilled personal trainer with and the engine needs a tune up, it doesn’t several years of experience. For some folks, matter if the car is parked in the garage. two weeks of training might be enough.

There’s no harm in having a car that doesn’t Others benefit from a few weeks to a few run well if you don’t actually drive it. Now, months. That’s where what you’re trying if you can get it started and make a short to accomplish comes into play. The idea is trip to the store, it’s not going to go fast or start where you are, fix what needs fixing smooth, but you can probably get there and and then add complexity and intensity at back without too much trouble. But if you the pace that’s right for you. try to take your car onto the highway, you’re Tom Wigginton is the owner of Vitruvian Fitreally asking for trouble. And if you do it ness in Wheat Ridge. He is a husband, dad, regularly, the alignment problem is going to Denver native and a personal trainer who lead to a steering problem, the tire pressure loves to play hard, eat well and be happy. is going to become a safety hazard and the

By Tom Wigginton

A

Anderson Park • 44th Avenue & Field Street

Friday, August 12th: Saturday, August 13th: Sunday, August 14th: Automezzi 9:00am-1:00pm 4:00pm - 11:00pm Noon - 11:00pm Circus 1:00pm-6:00pm

ALSO FEATURING LIVE MUSIC - 12 BANDS!

Carnival, Student Art Auction, Parade, Fine Art Show, 200+ Artisan & Craft Vendors, Food, Beer & Wine Offerings

Visit www.thecarnationfestival.com for more information & circus tickets.

Enter code: NINO to save $5 on General Admission Circus Ticket.

ngazette.com – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHAT’S HAPPENING 35th Avenue, and feeding into Panorama Park. All are invited to bring their own lunch to a picnic in the northwest corner of the park, immediately after the parade.

For more information, email wheatridgefourthofjulyparade@gmail.com.

Summer food sites to provide free, nutritious meals to kids

WHEAT RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS created this aluminum sculpture to inspire cancer patients and their families. PHOTO: DANIELLE NAHMIACH

Lutheran Dedicates ‘Rooted in Hope’ Sculpture at Leaves of Hope On June 5, Lutheran Medical Center installed an 11-foot-tall sculpture built by Wheat Ridge High school students to inspire hope in Lutheran cancer patients and their families.

Designed by the school’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering art and math) class, the “Rooted in Hope” sculpture is made of aluminum and is a stylistic representation of the tree of life growing from the palm of the hand of hope.

The sculpture was dedicated as part of Lutheran’s Leaves of Hope Celebration, which included a 10K run, a 5K run/walk, a health and safety fair, live music and a community brunch. The event was Jefferson County’s largest National Cancer Survivors Day celebration.

Wheat Ridge Garden Tour Needs Volunteers Five more volunteers are needed for the 6th Annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour.

Ticket sales positions are open, and two shifts available: 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers get free tickets, which include the Lunch Stop/Garden Party..

To sign-up, email wrgtvolunteers@ gmail.com.

Time for the Wheat Ridge Fourth of July Parade & Picnic The Wheat Ridge 4th of July Parade and Picnic is a community event that celebrates families and neighbors. Individuals are invited to participate in the parade by decorating their bodies and bikes, or dogs, and walking or riding along the route.

They’re also looking for some spirited spectators to line the route!

Sponsors will be hosting a bike decorating station and prizes, as well as a field day at the park after the parade. The 2016 Parade Sponsors include Localworks, Wheat Ridge Rotary Club, the Wheat Ridge ATATs, West 29th Restaurant & Bar, Helliemae's/Post Oak Hall and Vitruvian Fitness.

Volunteer setup begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Wheat Ridge Active Adult Center parking lot, at 35th and Marshall.

The parade kicks off at 10 a.m., led by an engine from the West Metro Fire District, proceeding down Marshall to Fenton along

Summer should be a fun and enriching time for all Colorado kids and teens, but for many it represents a time when they are at the greatest risk of experiencing hunger due to lost access to school meals.

Hundreds of community sites across Colorado will provide free, healthy summer meals to all kids up to 18. Jeffco Public Schools participates in the Summer Meals Program, which was established as a safeguard for children during the summer months and is funded by the USDA and administered by the Colorado Department of Education.

Colorado families can find nearby summer food sites by calling the statewide, bilingual Hunger Free Hotline toll-free at 855-855-4626 or by using the interactive map at KidsFoodFinder.org.

Weekend Farmer’s Market in Wheat Ridge Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market sets up shop this summer at 7043 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Vendors include Face Painting with Barkey Creative (http://www.barkeycreative. com/); AK Haydon Floral Design; Murchak Hot Sauces (http://www.murchak. com); DenverFarmer.com (http://www.

DenverFarmer.com); Micro Farmers (https:// www.facebook.com/microfarmscolorado/); and great barbecue with the Oink Bros.

Most vendors will be on site from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kids Art Classes, Celebration at Teller Street Teller Street Gallery, 7190 W. 38th Ave., is celebrating an anniversary and offering summer art classes for kids and teens.

On Friday, June 24, the gallery will celebrate its fourth anniversary with art, wine, food and giveaways. Outside the gallery will have sidewalk chalk, and across the street will be a free booth with kids’ art projects.

Kids and teens art classes are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays through Aug. 4.

Cost is $15 for ages 3 to 5, and $25 for ages 6 and up. Six classes for $135 are available for ages 6-10 years, and Tween/Teen classes.

Patrons can mix and match classes or share with family and friends.

For more information, visit www.Tellerstreetgallery.com or call 303-424-9273.

Home Instead Wheat Ridge Launches Senior Driving Ed Program Many seniors aren't ready to give up driving, with 90 percent relying on their cars for the independence to go where they want, when they want. But an unexplained dent or avoiding activities that require leaving home may be the first signs that families need to talk with their aging parents about driving.

To help families start this conversation – and keep families safe on the road – the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Wheat Ridge has launched a free community program called “Let's Talk about Driving”

(www.LetsTalkAboutDriving.com).

With this, families will find a Safe Driving Planner to help seniors assess their driving habits, along with free resources and tips to help families create a roadmap for reducing or stopping driving when the time is right.

Interested parties can contact Home Instead who will connect you with a local aging and senior care expert to discuss the program, as well as: • Why it is important to proactively speak with seniors so they have an active role in the process • How to start the conversation with older loved ones, and • Solutions to help seniors continue driving safely, such as by taking a thirdparty driving assessment.

For more information, contact Alexis Abel with Home Instead at alexis.abel@ fleishman.com or 402-617-4510.

Home Sharing for Seniors Home sharing is matching seniors with empty space in their homes with someone looking for an affordable place to live, while trading supportive services to support aging in place. By utilizing existing housing stock, Sunshine Home Share Colorado is increasing access to affordable, safe, decent housing in the community, while decreasing risk for potential homelessness. Helping someone find an affordable, safe place to live, while providing increased income and supportive services in trade, creates mutually beneficial relationships.

Sunshine staff are currently conducting phone screenings with potential home providers and home seekers. Their goal is to begin the matching process by early fall.

They anticipate making 10 safe, thoughtful matches in the first year of its pilot program.

All participants are required to complete a thorough background and screening process.

For additional information email sunshinehomeshare@gmail.com or call 303915-8264.

Wheat Ridge Garden Tour Needs Volunteers Five more volunteers are needed for the 6th Annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour.

Ticket sales positions are open, and two shifts are available: 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers get free tickets, which include the Lunch Stop/Garden Party.

To sign-up, email wrgtvolunteers@ gmail.com.

Town Center North Apartments Now Open Town Center North Apartments, a 50unit, age- and income-restricted community marked its grand opening with a May 17 ribbon-cutting celebration featuring a reception, remarks by public officials and site tours. The 7340 W. 44th Ave. development represents the second phase of the Wheat Ridge Town Center Apartments, an 88-unit project completed in 2012. Both communities are 100 percent leased.

The Town Center North Apartments are restricted to residents who are 62 years of age or older and have household income in the $34,000 to $38,000 range. The project, developed by Wazee Partners, includes 33 one-bedroom units and 17 two-bedroom apartments. The community features a dog run, resident garden plots, a fitness room, a library, and a coffee bar. The project was financed through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program.

For more information or to be placed on the waiting list for residency, visit www. wheatridgebusiness.com

Have a community announcement for Happenings?

Send it to editor@ngazette.com

11

Focus on Wheat Ridge Business

Brewery Rickoli, Wheat Ridge’s First and Original Microbrewery

By Benjamin Hollenbeck If you’ve had the opportunity to order and enjoy a craft beer in the state of Colorado within the past 15 years, chances are Rick Abitbol had something major to do with brewing it. He begins by explaining that the road wasn’t always easy in the beginning; he has worked multiple jobs at the same time as owning a business, at multiple times throughout his career in order to become successful.

A computer technician by trade, Rick started brewing beer back in the late 90’s. He says that he was bit by the home brewing bug severely early on.

After gaining a few years of experience brewing for Golden City Brewery and Twisted Pine, by 2001 Rick was a brewmaster working for Rock Bottom Brewery, a position that lasted eight years until the company was then bought out

by Craft Works.

Growing tired of working so hard for others while having to constantly readjust to always changing rules, 2012 is when Rick decided to be his own boss again by opening Wheat Ridge’s first microbrewery, Brewery Rickoli. He knew he had an original idea; make gluten free beer that tastes good so everyone can enjoy. Their trick is using a special enzyme, available to all brewers, which when added during the brewing process breaks down any gluten without affecting the flavor of the beer.

It wasn’t long before Rick found himself working with working with arguably one of the largest and best breweries, Samuel Adams. In 2013, Brewery Rickoli was selected for Sam Adam’s Brewing the Dreams program. To be eligible, they filled out all required paper work as well as submitted a 300 word essay.

Once they sent in their application, within a few weeks, they received a response that they won! They were flown to Boston, Massachusetts to meet with the brewmaster at Sam Adams where they created a collaboration beer and received additional advice on brewing.

Despite the success, it has required a strong work ethic, discipline and a lot of long hours, to which Rick says he wouldn’t have any other way. Once he discovered his love for brewing, there was no looking back, and everything else is history. Brewery Rickoli is open Moday from 3pm to 9pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 3pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday from noon to midnight, and Sunday from noon to 8pm.

Stop by Brewery Rickoli’s today to try some of the best tasting gluten free beer in the country.

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By Tom Shmuke

I

t’s difficult to make predictions, especially about the future. I do, however, get asked a lot about where cars are headed.

One way to qualify the passage of time is through technology eras, each hallmarked by the progression of transportation — from steam engine to internal combustion, jet propulsion, and so on. This is why flying cars and robotpiloted taxis remain a staple in science fiction narratives. But putting the Jetsons aside for a moment, what’s actually in store for the automotive world in the next few years?

1 year out: 2017 Head’s up: the cars of the not-so-distant future are being made today. Automakers have been hard at work testing tech that will appear in the car of tomorrow for some time, and we’re seeing the results already.

Ten years ago, cars with built-in Bluetooth, navigation, and parking sensors were the domain of top luxury vehicles. Now even the most affordable econo-box has these things, as options at the very least.

Connectivity is a major factor in making cars — our means of mobility — true mobile devices. Folks without factory-installed systems can get on-board with third party services like Verizon’s Hum or Vinli’s OBDII port accessory. Throw in Apple Carplay and Android Auto which will be barreling towards ubiquity by 2017, and the world of connected apps you’ve come to rely on from your smartphone will be available every time you get behind the wheel.

2 years out: 2018 Further along the foggy path of time,

it’s clear that autonomous driving will be a part of our automotive existence. We have seen grand demonstrations from Audi of RS7 sedans lapping Formula 1 courses and driving 500 miles, but these still seem like projects for the far future. What about sooner? As is turns out, many autonomous functions have crept into our lives under the label of driver-assist features: things like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and self-braking systems.

Auto piloted driving If we’ve got cars that can stop, steer, and accelerate independently already, why can’t we simply network these functions to work together? This thinking hasn’t escaped many automakers who are working on ways to do just that. Take Tesla’s autopilot system, which uses all these to operate semi-independently. Drivers still need to remain responsible behind the wheel, but it makes highway commutes easier, keeping within the chosen lane and monitoring the cars around with an array of sensors along the exterior.

5 years out: 2021 By 2021, the first production self-driving vehicle should be for sale. In 2014, Elon Musk said fully autonomous cars should be on the road in five to six years. And the folks at Ford, Google, and other companies have made similar projections. The challenge, of course, will be communicating to the other autonomous and human-piloted cars on the road.

Got a car care question? Email Tom Schmuke at tom@qualityautocare.com

FAMILY HEALTH Anxiety Management for Parents

By Shannon Gwash

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s last month was Mental Health Month, I thought I would share a little of my own experience. My 3-year-old daughter was a difficult baby, at best. She was colicky, didn’t sleep through the night until she was 13 months old and incredibly “spirited.”

During the first 18 months of her life, my anxiety was through the roof.

Over the years, I’ve learned how to manage my symptoms, but parenting brought a whole new level of barriers. I had to adjust and develop new ways to care for myself while parenting a tiny human because, at times, it was too much for me to handle.

But it turns out, I am not alone: approximately one in six parents has a mental health problem.

Linda Nordin, director of family services at Jefferson Center for Mental Health agrees. “How well you care for yourself will greatly influence how well you care for your child,” she said. “Do not feel guilty about taking that bath or going for a walk alone.”

She offers these other tips for parents who suffer from mental health conditions: Be aware of your body and emotions. Becoming in tune with your body and emotions is key. I can often sense when my anxiety is creeping in and it’s helpful to be aware of any patterns your body is trying to show you.

Make connections. It’s easy to revert into a turtle shell when struggling with mental health conditions, but reaching out is so important. Isolation is detrimental to both parents and kids.

Get involved in extracurriculars.

Though it may seem counterintuitive to

add one more thing to your plate, signing your child up for a community activity can be beneficial. You both meet new people in your community and you get some time to yourself.

Give your kids the best. Know the times/days when you’re both on and off. As a natural morning person, the start of the day is usually best for me. I like to wake up before my daughter does to get some “me time” in.

Celebrate your strengths. It’s easy to get hung up on our failures, but focusing on your strengths will put you in a much better frame of mind and give you something positive to build off. Focus on the good; it’s there, I promise.

Don’t lose yourself. Both parenting and mental illness can be all-consuming, leading you to forget what makes you unique and happy. Individualization is important to me and I have learned to keep myself, in spite of both being a mom and having anxiety. Often, this mindset benefits my daughter greatly, as she’s done some pretty cool things – concerts at Red Rocks, hikes all over the Front Range, baseball and hockey games, tiny tot yoga and yes, even the occasional beer fest.

Keep these tips in mind when you’re feeling overwhelmed by parenting. And if you are a parent with a mental illness and need some support, check out Jefferson Center’s website for resources and services. (link: www.jcmh.org) Shannon Gwash is the marketing and public relations manager for Jefferson Center for Mental Health. She is also a Certified Mayo Clinic Wellness Coach and can be reached at shannong@jcmh.org

Have a news tip or story idea? Send it to editor@ngazette.com

ngazette.com – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

SCHOOL CROSSING

PERSONAL TRAINING GROUP CLASSES INDOOR CYCLING TRX

Thank You, Everitt

By Guy Nahmiach

A

lready halfway into June and I’m trying to keep the Internet from hijacking our family's summer vacation. There were so many catchy headlines I wanted to use for this end-of-the-school-year column. "Community reacts to possible school closings,” “6-8 middle schools get a favorable vote,” and of course, “Wheat Ridge to have more massage parlors than schools.”

Instead, I wanted to conclude an important chapter in my son's middle school education at Everitt. It was an experience that not only transformed him from a boy to a young man, but also developed his passion for American history and woodworking. Who would have guessed?

After writing about this school for the past few years, it's been apparent that while Everitt provides an excellent level of traditional subjects such as math, English, science and history through great teachers such as Gallagher, Gould, Pless and Gold, Everitt also offers an incredible number of electives that allow each student to develop their own identities and explore passions not tapped into at most schools. The proof is that there are already 30 families from Prospect Valley that are signed up for Everitt next year. This would not have been the case two years ago.

A final Everitt thanks to principal Jeff Gomez for his great leadership and commitment to high level education and Allison McDonald, counselor extraordinaire, who took the time to not only guide Dylan through difficult times, but also helped me make sense of this mess we call middle school.

Still, with so many ongoing issues that will have great effects on our schools, it's important to stay involved or at least be aware of the possible changes. The district held 12 community meetings, including at our very own Wheat Ridge High, Stevens Elementary and Golden High. Online surveys were also available for parents to have their voices heard.

Large turnouts provided a range of opinions.

As described in my last column, the district was looking for feedback on consolidating schools and building new ones. Interestingly

enough, the board has already heard from the Prospect Valley and Stober families not interested in merging with their less-populated neighboring schools (Kullerstrand and Vivian).

However, the feedback from the community was positive in regards to moving sixth grade from the elementary level over to the middle schools. This was supported by teachers as well as parents. Obviously not everyone is on board.

But enough interest and support was shown to further explore that option. One obstacle with Manning not having the room for the additional grade, is already being priced-out as to accommodate the needs of that neighborhood.

Issues being considered are: school safety, a concern that was not a priority 40 years ago.

Multiple points of entry, lack of cameras and Internet bandwidth were not even on the radar back then. The second issue is the state law that prohibits turning away anyone with special needs: All services need to be offered at every school, including for gifted students, ramps, audio visual assistance, etc. And finally, the age of the buildings, with Edgewater and Slater elementary schools recently showing high levels of lead in the drinking water.

With so many moving parts and opinions from all sides, it was another conversation that was heating up as fast as our summer months.

This past Thursday, the Jeffco Board of Education decided against closing or merging any schools. They did however decide to move forward with middle schools to include 6th grade.

It's very interesting to find out that out of 50 states, we are number 48 (second to last) in the amount of dollars spent per student. In fact, even with our home values skyrocketing, the percentage of taxes is far from what is needed.

More so, the more local tax dollars we get, the more drastic cuts we suffer at the federal grant level. We certainly don't benefit from that pot-tax dollar that was supposed to solve everything. Every pot-tax dollar requested, has to be matched by the district up to 76 percent.

That’s far from realistic.

Thanks again Everitt, and as always, thank you for reading.

Contact Guy Nahmiach at 303-999-5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.net.

ASK THE EXPERT Powers of Attorney for Future Planning be effective immediately upon execution, or can be “springing”, which means they are effective only when the principal has been art of my practice as a lawyer in Jefferson determined to be incompetent. The general County includes what we generically and statutory powers of attorney are a refer to as estate planning, which includes convenient tool that can be used to avoid not only wills and trusts but also powers of having the court appoint a conservator to attorney and other important documents. handle an incompetent person’s financial A power of attorney appoints another affairs, which can be quite expensive. person as an agent to act in the principal’s

A medical power of stead. The principal is the attorney is a way to appoint person appointing the agent a family member or friend under the power of attorney. as agent to make decisions Powers of attorney come in concerning medical care. The many forms, including general medical power of attorney powers of attorney, statutory is executed to be used when powers of attorney, medical the principal is incompetent. powers of attorney and various This is because medical special powers of attorney. Special professionals seek “informed powers of attorney are limited consent” for all treatment, and to a particular transaction, such will seek the patient’s consent as signing documents for a realJoe Lusk whenever possible. As with the estate closing. statutory and general powers A statutory power of attorney of attorney, the medical power of attorney is a form of general or financial power of is a convenient tool that can be used to attorney that allows the agent to engage in avoid having a court appoint a guardian to various transactions on behalf of the agent. handle an incompetent person’s medical The form of the statutory power of attorney treatment. is governed by Colorado statute, and is As with any legal document, anyone a “check-the-box” form. The particular considering the use of a power of attorney powers are simplified in the form itself, but should consult with an attorney before are further defined by Colorado statute. preparing and executing such a document.

General powers of attorney are customJoe Lusk is a lawyer with Boatright & Ripp, drafted forms designed to grant general LLC in Wheat Ridge. He can be reached at transactional authority to the agent. Both 303-423-7131. statutory and general powers of attorney can

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Dear Wilmore-Davis Elementary Families, I am happy to announce a full-day kindergarten option at Wilmore-Davis Elementary!

All students in Jefferson County Public Schools are provided a minimum of half day kindergarten.

For the 2016-2017 school year, Wilmore-Davis Elementary will join the rest of the Wheat Ridge area elementary schools by providing a tuition based kindergarten program with a standard monthly fee of $300.

If you live in the Wilmore-Davis Elementary boundaries, it is important that you register your student for kindergarten early so we can determine how many choice enrollment applicants we can accept.

If you have a neighbor who has an upcoming kindergartener, please share this news. Thank you.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – ngazette.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS BEAT Roots Go Deep In Wheat Ridge’s Gardening Families

By Nancy Hahn

W

ith spring in full swing and the annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour just around the corner, the Neighborhood Gazette visited three longtime gardening stores, learned their history, some Wheat Ridge history, and enjoyed their unique personalities. Here are their stories.

Al’s Pine Garden and Nursery Al’s Pine Garden and Nursery, at 6815 44th Ave., faces land that was once a huge iris field. In the 1930s, Al Bacher began farming his land in Wheat Ridge.

Al was ambitious and wanted to develop a profitable business using his land for more than growing food for his family. He built a profitable business growing and selling pine trees. This was the beginning of Al’s Pine Garden. When the pines Al planted were ready for sale, Al dug each one up and wrapped it in burlap. Eventually plastic pots took over as a simpler method for growing and selling pines and other plants. Al’s granddaughter, Stephanie, explains, “Then

Al’s Pine Garden and Nursery, 6815 W. 44th Ave.

you could get pines everywhere.”

With pines no longer profitable, Al Bacher and his family kept the name for the business and began, by trial and error, to develop a replacement for the pines.

Al and his family farmed their land and sold produce. The family found selling a variety of plants for gardens, beginning with vegetable and fruit plants, a valuable addition to the business.

Al’s son, Daniel Bacher and Daniel’s wife, Linda, added the greenhouse to Al’s Pine Garden in 1972. The greenhouse really widened the business and the variety of

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plants available. The greenhouse keeps the environment so warm that perennials, for example, are seeded at Thanksgiving. Al’s Pine Garden became Al’s Pine Garden and Nursery.

Daniel continues to farm the family land and is, also, busy in and around the greenhouse. Customers often call him, “Al,” and he never minds. The greenhouse is now managed by Daniel and Linda’s daughter, Stephanie Dustan, along with her sister, Jennifer Dent. Toy dump trucks and minions under the table of morning glories make it clear that this is a family business.

The customer area of the greenhouse is small and every inch of it is full of healthy, lush plants. Right now, most of those plants are vegetables, herbs, and bedding plants ready to be tucked into gardens. There are, also, perennials and even cacti and succulents.

Customers often have questions. These gardening experts are ready with answers and full of suggestions for your gardening success.

Stephanie Dustan thoroughly enjoys every aspect of the business. She is proud to let customers know that all of their plants are seeded “in house.” No growing plants are shipped to Al’s for sale, ever.

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Visit this garden center’s Facebook page at www.alspinegarden.com to check out beautiful photographs and updates. Since there is no phone, you can leave a message on their Facebook page, also. Al’s Pine Garden and Nursery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week at 6815 W. 44th Ave. in Wheat Ridge.

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Viewing the growing area of the greenhouse, it is clear that row-on-row of plants at every stage from the smallest seedlings are ready to replace those sold. They are replaced over and over, all day long.

Stephanie Dustan encourages customers to enjoy being at Al’s Garden and Nursery. She, also, hopes that gardening is a way children can be encouraged to get out of the house and away from computer and television screens – to get their hands dirty. Visits from school groups, scouts, and outreach to the community encourage young customers. Al’s Pine Garden and Nursery is certainly enjoyable. One customer even suggested hammocks could be strung between the greenhouse supports, so customers could have “camp-outs!” Raise your hand if you would sign up for that camp-out!

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ngazette.com – JUNE 21 – JULY 18, 2016 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Young’s Market and Garden Center, 9400 W. 44th Ave.,

Young’s Market and Garden Center Young’s Market and Garden Center, at 9400 W. 44th Avenue, has been a part of Wheat Ridge since the beginning of the 1950s. Wheat Ridge and 44th Avenue were quite different in at that time. 44th Avenue was an important direct route from Golden to Denver. Traveling through Wheat Ridge, drivers would pass farm after farm. This Golden-to-Denver traffic was an advantage to Wheat Ridge farmers on 44th. They filled their trucks with freshly-picked produce early every morning, drove down to 44th Avenue, and sold their fresh produce from their trucks. Les Young was one of those farmers.

This was the beginning of Young’s Market.

Les Young was looking for new ways to build his business and expanded by adding plants and other garden products. That business became Young’s Market and Garden Center.

In the late 1970s, Abner Becerra, the owner of Abner’s Garden Center farther west on 44th, approached Les Young with an offer to buy the business. Les Young willingly sold it and went home to Kentucky.

Abner’s son, Ed Becerra took over Young’s Market and Garden Center and purchased it from his dad the next year. In 1983 44th Avenue was widened to two lanes each way and some businesses along 44th were shut down for two or three months. This made for a very difficult first year.

Since then, though, Young’s has never stopped expanding. Both business and family have continued to grow together.

To keep the farm produce part of the business, without a farm, Ed would take off in the truck early each morning to buy fresh produce and be back by 6:30 a.m. Now that produce can be delivered. Ed's wife, Kyle Becerra, as a young mother was not satisfied with day care choices, and decided to try bringing her children, Erika, Evan and Elizabeth to work with her. Raising children in the business became important for the family and for the business. Kyle feels that the children learned lessons of courtesy and responsibility, not to mention math and life science. Regular customers enjoy feeling that they have watched the children grow

up. Grandson Nolan felt his work at Young’s was so important that he was concerned that he might be fired when he started Kindergarten.

Ed and Kyle Becerra have expanded Young’s Market and Garden Center’s size and product lines over the years. In the early 1990s they purchased the car lot west of Young’s to enable more growth.

Greenhouses are filled with indoor and outdoor plants of all kinds. Buyers can find all possible supplies to keep those plants growing, too. Young’s has so much more, though. Metal and concrete statues and garden ornaments, pavers, and pots of all kinds and sizes are available. Ed added pond supplies; including everything to create a pond, as well as, fish and plants to fill them. Ed and Kyle or their daughter Elizabeth would love to visit with you at Young’s Market and Garden Center. Maybe it will even be one of Nolan’s days on the job.

Young’s Market and Garden Center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and open Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by 9400 W. 44th Ave. or call 303-422-8408. There is, also, great information and photography on the website at youngsmarketandgardencenter.com or their Facebook page.

Cary West’s Southwest Gardens There is no wasted space inside or out at Cary West’s Southwest Gardens at 4114 Harlan Street at this time of year. In any season, though, this garden center is full of both seasonal offerings and of the unique and the striking. Tucked into a primarily residential area, neighbors find Southwest Gardens a pleasant destination for their walks. A little table beside a raised lily pond greets visitors approaching the front door and serves as a spot to relax or make tough decisions about purchases.

In the summer of 1989, Cary West was renting a greenhouse in Denver. Then a hailstorm destroyed it. Searching for another greenhouse, he found one on the corner of Harlan Street and 41st Avenue.

The couple who owned the greenhouse made the decision to retire and, happily, sold the business to West. He began work right away by planting poinsettias in June to sell in the following holiday season Twenty-seven Junes later, Southwest Gardens’ outside areas are full of bedding plants, perennials, strawberries, and many varieties of vegetables and herbs for gardens.

At the entrance there is a huge assortment of brightly painted pottery pots of every shape and size. Inside there are supplies of all kinds, including supplies for fairy gardens.

While customers are buying plants for planting now, West has to be planting and

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planning for the future. The greenhouses are bright and as full as possible with plants growing for the next season, for future sale.

Some plants, though, are grown without any expectation for sale. Many customers find Southwest Gardens most notable for the succulents and cacti. Such a variety of such healthy plants! Cary West enjoys working with these plants and has several unique and rare specimens. Some of the cacti are decades old and some very, very large. Air plants of a variety that is extinct in the wild flourish in hanging wire baskets.

The packed baskets contain nothing but lush, healthy air plants. They are not for sale, but are simply growing to preserve them from extinction. West, also, has hybridized a lovely and unique succulent. The flower stem sometimes splits into two stems. The tips touch and a heart forms as the flowers grow and drape downward. Lovely.

Each season has its own popular varieties of plants that customers seek out. “No single type of plant or seasonal specialty is enough for a garden center to prosper,” West says.

All are necessary and many customers have their favorites. The plants, themselves, are reason enough to visit; but customers enjoy the no-pressure atmosphere, too. West

15

Southwest Gardens, 4114 Harlan St.

greets many customers by name and many greet him by name, also. As seems to be the rule with garden centers, West and his staff are willing to take time to listen to customers’ needs and answer their questions.

At one time, the entire block on which Southwest Gardens flourishes was an apple orchard. Clearly this spot has long been an environment perfect for growing all varieties of plants and building relationships, too.

Visit Southwest Gardens at 4114 Harlan St. in Wheat Ridge, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can, also, call 303-4235606 or check out photographs and ideas on Southwest Gardens on Facebook.

LOCAL BUSINESS CALENDAR hOMe Collective Opens Its Doors hOMe Collective, a new holistic-focused wellness center, celebrated its opening in May with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The center offers a range of services, from therapy and nutritional counseling to yoga workshops.

For more information, visit http://www. homecollective.org.

Free Program by Jeffco Business Resource Center The Jeffco Business Resource Center presents a free class, “Intentional Data Intelligent Growth! – How Small Business Owners Can Work Smarter, Not Harder With the Help of Information,” June 22, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at City of Lakewood, 480 S. Allison Pkwy., second floor of south building.

For more information and to register, visit www.jeffcobrc.org.

Local PostNet Owner Larry Cox Honored with Overachiever Award Local entrepreneur Larry Cox, owner of the PostNet print and marketing solutions

franchise at 4385 Wadsworth Blvd. in Wheat Ridge, earned the Overachiever Award at the company’s recent national conference.

The Overachiever Award is given for outstanding sales growth performance year over year.

“We’re honored to be recognized among an inspiring and dedicated group of PostNet franchisees who work hard to serve their local communities,” said Cox. “It’s not just about running a business. We’re doing our part to help our neighbors and fellow small business owners succeed.”

Wheat Ridge Regional Center Welcomes New Director Dawn L. Jacobs, an executive at skilledcare facilities in five states over the last 26 years, has been named Director of the Wheat Ridge Regional Center (WRRC).

Jacobs will be responsible for the operation of WRRC by directly supervising all facility departments, which encompasses about 400 full-time staff.

WRRC is licensed as an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and provides full-time direct care for approximately 130 residents who have complex medical and/or behavioral needs.

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