Neighborhood Gazette – October 2017

LOCAL NEWS Who’s Running for Edgewater City Council Page 5

40 WEST ARTS EDGE Gallery Moves to 40 West Arts District

WEST COFLAX SKETCHES Pictures of West Colfax, 1870s to the Present

Page 6

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Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

EDGEWATER

| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS

October 17 – November 13, 2017 • ngazette.com • FREE

New Movement on Redevelopment of 20th and Depew in Edgewater ■ By

Joel Newton

T

he Edgewater City Council meeting on Sept. 21 was full of residents optimistically waiting to hear news on the mostly vacant property at 20th and Depew.

For those who have lived in town for more than 20 years, the optimism is reserved because this property is the parking lot of broken dreams. Since the City of Edgewater purchased the land in 2004, there have been many plans for how to redevelop the property, but all of them have fallen apart.

Plans have included using the space as a civic center, an ice-skating complex and numerous other ideas. At the council meeting it was stated that someone even came to city staff with a plan to use the land as a drone port. Most recently, Trinity Redevelopment had plans to redevelop the site, but those plans sat dormant and the city moved on.

Now there is a new developer coming in with plans Continued on page 2

EDGEWATER’S NEW CIVIC CENTER took a step closer to reality as groundbreaking ceremonies took place on Sept. 23 Pictured are (L-R): Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul, Edgewater Mayor Kris Teegardin and Jeffco Library Executive Director Pam Nissler. The facility will house administrative offices, the police department, a fitness center and gymnasium, public meetings spaces, and a 10,000-square-foot library. PHOTO: TIM BERLAND

Fate of Lakewood’s Strategic Growth Initiative ‘In Limbo’ ■ By

A

Jennifer LeDuc

lthough Lakewood City Clerk Margy Greer ruled against a protest attempting to squash a citizen’s petition to install stronger parameters around Lakewood’s approach to development, voters will still not be able to vote on the grassroots initiative at the polls in November.

Less than a week after Greer’s Sept. 18 decision, Steven Dorman and his attorney Dennis Polk filed a complaint in district court against Greer, the city, and two initiative proponents, stonewalling the Strategic Growth Initiative.

Lakewood Neighborhood Partnerships, a citizens group, developed the initiative, circulated the petition and submitted it to Lakewood City Council in August.

Dorman filed a protest on Aug. 21 against the city’s acceptance of the petitions, which supported putting the initiative in front of city council or on the November ballot. Polk also responded to an email dated June 7 sent to “Friends of Lakewood” from Mayor Adam Paul soliciting advice to ensure the door of opportunity is not shut on Lakewood and stating that Polk could be counted on “to help resist these types of measures.”

Dorman, a retiree and vice chair of the JeffCo Republican Party who moved to Lakewood several years ago, asserts the initiative violates the rights of property owners, although attempts to find property he owns within Lakewood, or Jefferson County, were unsuccessful.

Dorman’s complaint did not come as a surprise to her office, explained Greer.

During protest proceedings Polk asserted he’d take the case to the district court if Greer did not rule in favor of his case.

Since Dorman’s complaint was filed, Greer’s “heard nothing” from the court, so when, or if ever, the initiative would go

before city council or voters is unknown.

“When somebody files an initiative petition there’s no guarantee it will ever get on the ballot,” Greer explained. “They (the petitioners) did try to get it to me on time.

“We’re just in limbo,” she continued.

“That’s the main thing. City council can’t act on an action that’s under protest or appeal.”

City council can adopt the initiative, which is unlikely given the majority of members publicly against it, or send it to a special election to be held within 90 days of their decision, an effort potentially

costing Lakewood an estimated $300,000 said Greer.

Dorman’s protest not only disputes the language of the petition’s summary, which was drafted by the city clerk’s office, but also the weight and degree of attestation made by circulators to the notary publics who verified the collection of the signatures. It’s as complicated and nuanced as it sounds, and on Thursday, Sept. 7, nearly seven hours of argument and testimony, as well as legal fees, were spent scrutinizing the process and the intentions of the people

involved in bringing the initiative in front of residents to decide upon, and whether attesting to something in the presence of a notary bore the same weight as raising one’s hand and swearing under oath, and whether that was even called for.

At the hearing, following Polk’s request to serve 74 subpoenas over the Labor Day weekend, dozens of witnesses, including petition circulators as well as notaries, some from area banks and under representation Continued on page 4

N E I G H B O R H O O D F E AT U R E

Filling The Fall With Community Music ■ By

Sally Griffin

W

e helped raise enough money for almost a month of staff salaries at the Lomagundi Medical Clinic in Chinoi, Zimbabwe. All we had to do, along with about 60 other people, was to attend a concert at the small outdoor amphitheater at Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church.

The concert featured the Afro-Pop band, Nokuthula. In talking to the co-founder of Nokuthula, Andre Mallinger, she told us that she loves performing music made for communities by community members – what she calls “community music.” It occurred to me, in a community like ours, there must be more opportunities to participate in community music, if only as audience members.

The first place I found was with the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra (JSO). The JSO is a 75-member community orchestra that began in 1953 among a small group of faculty and students at Colorado School of Mines. This group quickly grew until, in 1957, it was recognized as the largest ensemble, based on community size, in the United States.

Today, the JSO is one of the oldest and largest community orchestras in THE ALL VOLUNTEER JEFFERSON SYMPHONY ORthe state of Colorado. Wow! Talk about community music.

CHESTRA rehearses for an upcoming performance.

The JSO has gone beyond community music to become a community

The JSO will perform five concerts for the 2017-18 season. PHOTO: KEITH BOBO/JSO

Continued on page 2

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017– ngazette.com

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Fall Music Continued from page 1

treasure. Its innovative programs include five classical concerts each season; the This furry feline is hiding Jefferson Symphony Showcase, in which somewhere in this issue. Find him solo and chamber musicians perform in and send an email to puzzle@ Publisher: Tim Berland 303-995-2806 small, intimate settings; the Jefferson Managing Editor: J. Patrick O’Leary ngazette.com and tell us where he Symphony International Young Artists is at. We will draw a winner out of the Competition, in which top young talent © OCTOBER 2017 All rights reserved. correct responses and compete for cash and the opportunity to The publishers assume no send them a cool prize. perform the winning concerto with the responsibility for representations, claims or opinions by any advertising JSO; and the Free Pops Concert in the Park, Good luck! or article in this publication. performed every August in Parfet Park in Golden.

The all-volunteer orchestra strives to keep its concerts affordable and accessible for all community members. It also provides free tickets to community members who might not, otherwise, be able to afford even the low ticket prices. The free concerts in August seek to provide music for community members of all ages to enjoy. In the best tradition of community music, this artistic resource adds awareness and pleasure to Wheat Ridge • Lakewood • Northwest Denver individuals and enhanced quality of life to Jefferson County.

There are five concerts that the JSO will 303 999-5789 thgir eht tceleS perform rstivtwo r o s i v d A n a o L .rS this – nyear. eerGThe .Mfin eK are at their Guy@NostalgicHomes.com normal venue, the Colorado School of Mines’ ruoy – redneL gninnur sraey 6 eniGreen zagaM 08Center.

25 ni lanoisWhile seforP rathat tS eriFisdebeing drawA renovated, YourRealEstateGuy.Net *robhgien the final three concerts will be performed at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church.

They take place Sundays and include music Select the of: – ecivreright S taerLender G • Brahms, Elgar and Beethoven, Oct. 22, your neighbor!

3 p.m.; • Stravinski and the holidays, Dec. 3, 3 ✔ Great Service ✔ Integrity p.m.; ytir✔geGreat tnI Rates Select the right Loan Advisor Sr. Loan Advisor • Tchaikovsky, Mozetich, Debussy and Ravel, Feb. 25, 4 p.m.; Lender – your 303-995-2806 e-mail: editor@ngazette.com Publication is the 15th of each month.

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LITTLETON CAPITAL PARTNERS ENTERED INTO A PURCHASE AGREEMENT with the City of Edgewater and Edgewater Redevelopment Authority to purchase and develop the mostly vacant property at 20th and Depew. PHOTO BY JOEL NEWTON

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• Prokofiev and and a to-be-announced piano concerto, March 2, 4 p.m.; and • Piazzolla, de Falla, Copeland, Bernstein and Hovhaness, May 6, 4 p.m.

Visit www.jeffsymphony.org/concerts for ticket information and prices.

Steve Mallison, the Director of Music at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, is justifiably proud of his church’s excellent acoustics and contribution to community music. In addition to hosting the Jefferson Symphony, the church will be hosting the following community music events: • The Golden Community Chorus, Dec. 2, at 3 and 7 p.m.

• The Alpine Chorale, around Easter and Christmas.

• Ralston Valley High School Choirs, at various times during the year.

Mallison can be reached at 303-4206346.

The Arvada United Methodist Church hosts the Jeffco Adult Community Band, which performs four times a year. This is a true example of community music made by community members and the band encourages all adult players of any band instrument to participate, without audition.

They play to enjoy music and share their talents. Contact gorgeouspan@msn.com for more information.

For a change of musical endeavors, the Arvada Center welcomes the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra, which features everything from big band to exciting modern jazz compositions on select Saturdays: • “New York Jazz,” Jan. 20; and • “Tribute to Buddy Rich,” March 24.

The Arvada Center Box Office, at 720898-7200, can give you more information,

Preserve our small-town values to maintain a great quality of life for you and your family.

Prioritize the safety of your family and well-maintained roads.

Foster a neighborly culture by keeping government focused on necessary services.

Continued from page 1

for what the site at 20th and Depew could become. At the council meeting, staff from Littleton Capital Partners (LCP) outlined their ideas for redeveloping the site. LCP has successfully completing projects along 38th Avenue, at the former St. Anthony’s site and in RiNo. They hope to keep the original buildings on the site and renovate them. They showed mockups of the former King Soopers building as a food hall like Avanti with a brewery and possibly a natural food market. Then the other buildings on the site would be renovated to hold craft retail offerings like high-end wine, beer, restored furniture and other options. There was no mention of incorporating the only remaining tenants on the property, Depew Liquors and La Cascada.

First Reading of the Purchase, Sale and Development Agreement between the City of Edgewater, the Edgewater Redevelopment Authority and Littleton Capital Partners passed unanimously, followed by a final vote on Oct. 5. Now Littleton Capital Partners will work to find investors and tenants for the property over the next few months and the plans will be developed further.

“I am cautiously optimistic Littleton Capital Partners will meet the terms and conditions set forth in the Purchase, Sale and Development Agreement,” said Edgewater Mayor Kris Teegardin. “I look forward to further information and progress

that points to the final sale of the property.”

40 West Residences Completed, Celebrated Grand Opening Archway Housing & Services celebrated the grand opening of 40 West Residences, located at Colfax Avenue and Gray, on Oct. 5.

The new residences will serve a range of populations, including low- and extremely low-income veterans, a critically underserved population in the Denver Metro area, according to Gateway.

Located a mile from the Lamar Street Station, 40 West Residences is a four-story, 46,663-square-foot building comprised of 54 one- and six two-bedroom units, 25 of which are set aside for homeless veterans.

Archway has secured 25 project-based VASH Vouchers to benefit the veterans, in partnership with the Department of Veteran Affairs – VA Eastern Colorado, the Colorado Division of Housing and HUD. Jefferson Center for Mental Health, the VA, and Rocky Mountain Human Services will also provide supportive services, assisting veterans in stabilizing their lives, according to Archway.

The total development cost of the project was $15 million, and Colorado Housing and Finance Authority awarded tax credits.

Archway’s mission is to change lives by providing housing and related supportive services that engender a safe environment and teach community skills for families with very low to moderate incomes.

Visit ArchwayHousingandServices.org for more information.

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California Golden bears

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Lakewood Growth Continued from page 1

of their financial institute’s legal counsel, were called to testify on the process by which they attested to the collection of petition signatures.

David Votava, a Lakewood resident and a petition circulator, testified at Thursday’s hearing. Polk asked, as he did of other circulators, if Votava raised his hand and swore “under oath” to the truthfulness of the collection of signatures when they were notarized.

“My signature was the affirmation of my oath,” Votava replied.

Under questioning by the attorney representing the Growth Initiative, former Secretary of State Scott Gessler, Votava revealed that he served as a notary in the Colorado Statehouse for 12 years, notarizing documents for senators and staff, and said he never followed the oath procedure Polk suggested.

“For 12 years you never did that?” asked Gessler.

“No,” affirmed Votava.

Contesting that the petition accurately explained the 14-page initiative in just two sentences, Polk also asked circulators how they explained the initiative if there were questions. Multiple petitioners testified residents were already aware of and informed on the initiative and were eager to add their signature.

What is the Strategic Growth Initiative?

To quote the city clerk’s summary on the initiative and receiving more than 5,000 supporting signatures, it is “An ordinance to limit residential growth to no more than one percent by implementing a permit allocation system that limits permit requests for new dwelling units, including City Council approval of allocations for projects of forty or more units.”

The initiative’s website elaborates, stating the initiative includes the assurance of the preservation of Lakewood’s “high quality of life, to maintain property values, to encourage preservation of larger open space … to encourage redevelopment of blighted and distressed areas” and ensure growth doesn’t “exceed the capacity of public facilities and community services.”

“The initiative allows growth while maintaining quality of life for future residents,” summarized Cathy Kertner, teacher and Lakewood resident who, as a member of Lakewood Neighborhood Partnerships, spearheaded the initiative and now defends the initiative against Dorman’s protest with co-petitioner Anita Springsteen.

Springsteen, a Lakewood resident and also an attorney, asserts the process of Dorman’s protest aims to prevent voters from deciding what’s right for the future of Lakewood, setting, what she calls, “a chilling precedent for future petitions” and the democratic process entitled to citizens.

Springsteen was in favor of the growth initiative as a resident frustrated with zoning measures that seemingly were changed at will and without the public’s awareness. However as the protest moved forward, the attorney’s focus dramatically shifted.

“The whole point is the idea of punishing people for circulating petitions is unconscionable,” she said, maintaining that whether you are for or against the initiative, people should be paying attention. This is how rights get taken away, she cautioned.

Ironically, Dorman also maintains his protest is not for lack of understanding why the initiative was created, but to defend his rights as a property owner.

The supporters of the initiative “have legitimate concerns,” he acknowledged. “I have nothing but the highest respect for supporters. But I’m absolutely opposed to this method of achieving their goal,” said Dorman, who is retired. “I’m not going to

stand idly by while you vote on my rights to exist.”

Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul, who vocally opposes the initiative, said he has largely distanced himself from the proceedings thus far and said he wasn’t in a position to offer a reflection on the protest hearing, but is concerned if the initiative goes to the people for a vote.

“It’s got gray areas,” he cautioned. “It’s not something to adopt willy nilly. There’s a better way to approach this and this isn’t the way.”

“We seem to have a lot of ordinances that have gray area,” said Kertner in response to the mayor’s concern. “It’s also true that if the mayor and council would pass something to address these issues we could pull the initiative.”

Paul said he does recognize people are concerned with development – he grew up here and remembers a very different Lakewood, and concedes the growth hasn’t been “perfect” but does not think an “ill conceived ordinance that melds Boulder and Golden” is the right direction for Lakewood.

“If you artificially stunt a market,” he said, “it’s going to price people out.”

In 1996 the residents of Golden, as did the residents of Boulder decades earlier, passed a measure nearly identical to the Lakewood initiative, which also caps growth at 1 percent, and is “diligently supported” according to the city of Golden’s website. The city’s website also advises “a limited number of building permits are available for new residential construction, and a permit may not be immediately available to a person requesting one.”

Evident following two separate presentations during the last city council meeting, people are already getting priced out of Lakewood, as in many communities along the Front Range, not just in Boulder.

Paul feels that by increasing the number of resident-owned dwellings in the city, versus rental units, is one way to shift that trend.

Addressing presumptions by some residents that people in city government are benefitting financially by the developments, Paul dismissed that notion.

“Do I get campaign contributions from developers? Yes. It’s unfortunate I have to run a campaign with donations.” But, he said he also has “hard” conversations with developers to ensure the best direction for the city. “You have to have thick skin to do this job,” the mayor said.

Ward 2 city councilor Scott Koop disapproves of the initiative.

“The initiative does not address the needs of Ward 2 at all,” said Koop. “Ward 2 needs redevelopment, we need new buildings.”

The councilor, whose term expires this year, believes developers talk to each other and are starting to question whether Lakewood is a place they want to do business, and that “hurts years of planning and progress.”

Ward 2 city councilor Sharon Vincent could not be reached for comment.

Charles Kenneth Davis, a city council candidate for Ward 2, also opposes the initiative despite feeling that “big picture thoughtfulness has been missing.”

“Blanket lockdown of city growth is not the way to go,” said Davis, who said he’s read the initiative in its entirety twice, each time coming away with a different understanding of it. “I think using the model as a tool to prevent urban sprawl is going to have some bad repercussions we can't foresee right now,” explaining that contrary to Golden’s position, there’s very little of Lakewood left for sprawl.

And as supply and demand goes, as jobs in the metro area have outpaced housing, Davis said “It’s math, and it’s an emotional math.”

Kertner, Dorman, and the mayor have never sat down together to discuss the initiative or protest, although when asked separately, each said they would be willing to do so.

“I don’t think Cathy has any ill-will,” Paul said. “I sit down with everybody and anybody.”

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5

Who’s Running for Edgewater City Council Compiled by Jennifer LeDuc

Cory Reid-Vanas

E

dgewater City Council candidates running on the November 2017 ballot were required to file paperwork with their city clerk by close of business Aug. 28. The following week, the Neighborhood Gazette emailed questionnaires to the hopefuls, along with a request for a high-resolution headshot photo.

We asked each candidate: • How long have you lived at your current address?

• How long have you lived in Jeffco?

• Current occupation?

• Previous occupations?

• Previous public service experience, if any?

• Community involvement and experience?

• Current and previous boards and committee memberships?

• What are the three key issues facing your community? Why? How will you address them and why are you qualified to do so?

• And to provide campaign website address and other contact information, if available.

Responses are published verbatim, although they may have been edited for length (character limits were included in the questionnaire), readability, potential libelous content, offensiveness or poor taste.

The Neighborhood Gazette does not endorse candidates. Individual staff members may be involved in political campaigns, but they do not speak officially for the newspaper.

Time at current address, Jeffco: 5 years; 5 years.

Current/Previous occupation: Family Therapist/Small Business Owner; Outdoor Youth Leadership Instructor.

Public Service: Not applicable.

Community Involvement: I have had many great opportunities to volunteer in our community by participating in the Denver Mayor's Youth Awards Selection Committee and working with Habitat for Humanity. But, for me, community involvement occurs daily through my own mental health counseling practice, Rocky Mountain Counseling, Coaching & Consulting. I have also engaged with organizations that support people with developmental disabilities and mental illness (CHARG Resource Center and ARC).

Board/Committee Memberships: Not applicable.

Key issues/how address: Edgewater is strong! Our community needs smart and thoughtful leadership to continue to grow sustainably. As a small city, we must consider our current needs and plan for the future, while remaining fiscally responsible. I will support small business development, wise updating of our infrastructure, and provide opportunities for community engagement and resources to empower citizens of Edgewater to live their dream.

Contact: cory4edgewatercitycouncil@gmail.com; 2295 Jay Street, Edgewater CO 80214; cory4edgewatercitycouncil@gmail.com.

John Beltrone

Caleb Rountree

Time at current address, Jeffco: 2.5 Years; 3 Years.

Current/Previous occupation: Analyst - National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL); Financial Auditor - KPMG. Public Service: This is my first time running for public office.

Community Involvement: For the past four years I have volunteered as a tax preparer for the Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC), helping low-income families get their taxes done for free. I volunteer with A Little Help, an organization dedicated to connecting neighbors to help seniors thrive. At work, I helped start and lead the NREL Bike MS team which has raised over $55,000 over the last 3 years to support the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In Jefferson County, I am spearheading an effort to better connect bike lanes from Edgewater to Golden. In Edgewater, I have been attending council meetings, participating in community events and meeting with city officials to better understand the issues facing the city. I also helped establish the group Solarize Edgewater, which educates and helps people who want to go solar.

Board/Committee Memberships: I currently serve as Board Vice-President of DABC and I am a member of Bike Jeffco (advocates for road cyclists and safety), HEALthy Edgewater (promotes healthy eating and active living), and the Edgewater Optimist Club (helps children succeed).

Key issues: "I would say that the three issues are development, code enforcement, and affordability. This is based on the 100+ conversations I have had with different people in town since I announced. Making community based policy decisions, encouraging dialogue between neighbors, and providing the tools for those in need to find help will address these problems. My professional experiences and relationships within the city qualify me to address these issues."

Contact: JohnBeltrone.com; john.beltrone@gmail.com; 2059 Eaton Street; john. beltrone@gmail.com.

Time at current address, Jeffco: Since April of last year; About 3 years now.

Current/Previous occupation: Sr. Marketing Manager for Email on Acid; Digital marketing and tech-based marketing.

Public Service: This is my first time running for public office.

Community Involvement: Since I was a small child, I've been active in legislative issues, testifying before committees in the Arkansas House of Representatives at the age of 8. Since, I've been an outspoken advocate for victims of sexual and physical abuse. I also enjoy working with children, having been a volunteer at the Tennyson Center for Children for over two years.

Board/Committee Memberships: House District 24 Captain, House District 24 Platform Committee Representative.

Key issues/how address: Using my experience in the new economy working with companies like Facebook, Google and others, I have a unique perspective and insights into how to best safeguard our community through responsible growth. We're going to develop 20th and Depew with shops resistant to the struggles of big box stores, create a more walkfriendly city, and focus on initiatives to keep our city clean including code enforcement.

Contact: 2220 Lamar St., Edgewater, CO 80214; 501-650-2747; caleb@ rountree4edgewater.com; rountree4edgewater.com.

Virgie A. Carr Time at current address, Jeffco: 19 Years; 49 years + 10 intermittent.

Current/Previous occupation: Retired; Program Assistant/ CDOT & CDOHS. Public Service: I served on the Edgewater Planning & Zoning Commission while the 2013 Comprehensive Plan was being developed.

Community Involvement: "Attend City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission meetings on a regular basis. Volunteer and participate in Colorado Senior Connections (CSC) programs and lead a few programs (Stitch & Chatter, Meditation and Stretching). Participate with the Prayer Shawl Ministry at church. " Board/Committee Memberships: I serve on my church's Administrative Board. I participate on the CSC Planning Committee.

Key issues/how address: Key issues? Every issue is a key issue for someone in the community. Why would I pick three or even one to say it is more important than the others?

They are all important to our citizens. Change is always an issue and it is the only constant in our lives. As each issue is brought forth I would speak with our citizens to ask their views and wishes.

We have to look at what is the best action for all of Edgewater for now and in the future.

Contact: 2537 Ingalls Street, Edgewater, CO 80214; gramvankittycar@gmail.com.

Darrin Levy Time at current address, Jeffco: 4 Years in Edgewater; 4 Years.

Current/Previous occupation: Father; Real Estate and Equities Investor Community Organizer; Small Business Owner; Property and Construction Manager; Commercial Real Estate Sales and Leasing Agent Public Service: United States Senate Legislative Aide Community Involvement: As a community organizer, I worked throughout Jeffco, including Edgewater. It was my job to talk to residents about important issues and organize educational events; Father of A Child's Place student; Would be honored to serve the community on City Council.

Board/Committee Memberships: Smoke-Free Denver; Five Points Media Center; Monaco Village HOA Key issues/how address: Our campaign is about preserving small-town values. I want to keep city government focused on the safety of our families, maintaining our roads and providing necessary services. This helps foster a climate of neighbors helping each other and working together to solve problems.

With my background in real estate, I am well-qualify to help guide the city through the civic center construction and subsequent disposition of city-owned property.

Contact: darrinlevy.com fb.me/DarrinforEdgewater; darrinforedgewater@darrinlevy. com; P.O. Box 140125, Edgewater 80214; darrinforedgewater@darrinlevy.com.

Janet Spangenberg Time at current address, Jeffco: In Edgewater since 2011; Jeffco, too, 6 years.

Current/Previous occupation: Own Cultural Phenomena – a local arts organization; I've worked most aspects of printing/publishing/ graphic arts, in large corporations, non-profit organizations, small businesses & self-employed.

Public Service: I was a community activist/leader regarding redeveloping Cinderella City, the first Light Rail line, & Cultural Arts before my appointment as inaugural Chair of Englewood Cultural Arts Commission.

Community Involvement: I became part of the Edgewater community history, and heart through Gina's Coffee Shop volunteering, and playing jazz on her little stage in 2010, a regular volunteer at the Celtic Harvest Festival, and other Edgewater events.

Cultural Phenomena had a booth representing four Edgewater artists at the summer Market & Music.

Board/Committee Memberships: I am a member of Edgewater City Council, Edgewater Liquor Authority board, Edgewater Optimists Club, Lakewood Arts Council, 40West Arts, and am Council liaison to Edgewater Parks, Recreation, Historic Preservation & Arts Advisory Board.

Key issues/how address: Completion of the Civic Center; 20th & Depew; and adequate Police/City staffing/compensation require responsible development balancing environment, economic & community needs, ensuring sustainable revenue for the long term.

I have a genuine relationship in this community representing citizen concerns over four years, a working relationship with City Council, Boards & Commissions and staff, and relevant knowledge regarding projects in process.

Contact: JanetSpangenberg@comcast.net; 2407 Lamar Street; JanetSpangenberg@ comcast.net.

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

SAFE HALLOWEEN FUN! TRUNK OR TREAT!

Saturday Oct. 28 • 4-6pm next to the Green at 38 (7101 W. 38th Ave.) Contact Carolyn • 720-259-1030 cdoran@wearelocalworks.org • WeAreLocalworks.com

6

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017– ngazette.com

Red Herring Art Supply

40 WEST ARTS DISTRICT EDGE Gallery Moves to 40 West Arts District n By

Liz Black

F hoo ghb o r i e N e Th u rc e !

Ar t S o

d

6719 W. Colfax Avenue next to Casa Bonita, in the Gallery of Everything

720-427-5339 www.RedHerringArt.com

Gallery of

Everything

Lak e w ood ’s A f f ordable Art St o re

6719 W. Colfax Ave. • 720-883-8132 (next door to Casa Bonita) • Open Thu-Sun 11-7

40+ Artists, Art Supplies, Collectibles and more Handpainted & antique furniture Gift certificates & Lay-a-way

ormerly located in the Navajo Street Art District and neighbor to NEXT and Pirate galleries, the EDGE gallery has found a new home in the 40 West Arts district at 7001 W. Colfax Avenue. Visitors should expect a lot of transition to come to their new space in the coming months. Welcome to the district!

For more information, visit www. edgeart.org.

Reed Art & Imaging Grand Opening Reed Art & Imaging is officially operating in their new space, right in the heart of 40 West Arts District and located on the southwest corner of Colfax and Allison, 8000 W. Colfax Ave. This 38-yearold family-owned business specializes in professional art prints including fine art printing and reproductions, photo to canvas and wall murals. They held a tour during their open house celebration on Friday, Oct. 13.

Visit www.reedphoto.com for more information.

C2 Gallery Adds a Mercantile Store C2 Gallery, 1522 Teller St., is excited to announce a big change to their space. Nov. 3 will mark the grand opening of C2 Gallery and Mercantile, a handmade collective shop.

The gallery is opening its walls, floors and ceiling to all handmade artists from fine art, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, body care and other works that are functional, conceptual or decorative.

Interested in joining? Email gallery manager Rosie Taylor at csquaredstudiosdenver@gmail.com. Visit www.c-squaredstudios.com for more information.

RIOT VI: Fast & Furious is Coming!

Join us for RIOT VI, Friday, Dec. 8,

from 6:30 to 10 p.m., at the Intrigue Auto Collection, 11100 W. 8th Ave. This location features dozens of classic and exotic cars and you become the adventure when you bedazzle your Hot Wheels car at the body shop and race it on the test track, belt out a song "car-a-oke" style, or drop in to a virtual reality racing session. Plenty of food and drinks make for a fun-filled evening just a few blocks off West Colfax.

Order your tickets today at https:// squareup.com/store/40W/

Oct. 26: Pinata-Making Workshop Join artist Nicole Banowetz for a fun, family-friendly pinata workshop at Lamar Station Crossing Apartments (community room), 1450 Lamar St., on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All supplies provided and the pinata will be displayed and broken open during Pirate: Contemporary Art's Dia De Los Muertos celebration.

Visit www.40westarts.org for more information.

Continued on page 7

NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS 40 West First Friday, the Last of the Season n By

T

EDGEWATER AT 25TH & SHERIDAN

Nancy Hahn

he final First Friday of the 40 West Art District’s season was celebrated on Oct. 6 with an Art Walk, very cooperative evening weather, and an unbeatable lineup of artists and art of all kinds.

Liquid Metal Coatings, at 7015 W. 16th St., had delicious snacks for visitors. While their metal coatings are practical and useful for many home makeover uses, their array of unique and amazing creations covered with metal are pure art.

C-Squared Studio, at 1522 Teller St., creates custom work of all kinds and C2 Gallery and displays several artists’ work. Professional Dance Company, DamageDance, included The C2 gallery in their First Friday dance performances.

The dance company’s director and choreographer, Jessica Taylor, said this event gives her dancers an opportunity to perform in front of people and a chance for people to see dance performances. It was a win/win for everyone!

The 40 West Gallery, at 1560 Teller St., is currently exhibiting art focusing on homelessness. Art considers and explores the issue from many points of view. Paula Baird’s three panels of “Beloved Community Village” show one effort to provide solutions.

“Shanty Town,” created by Rosie Taylor and painted by children during MuralFest, is displayed for visitors to write messages about their “secret, safe place” to put inside the windows of the town. Visit and add to the story!

Artists Karen Bennet and Kristyn Shafer were on hand to talk art and share snacks with visitors at the Next Gallery at 6851 W. Colfax Ave. The artists and the works being exhibited can change often so be sure and check them out frequently!

Miracle Street Gallery, 7001 W. Colfax Ave., is very active in the community and exhibits work from groups that often benefit from creating and sharing art. Snacks and conversation are always available.

Few of us have ever seen art like Nicole Banowitz’ art at Lamar Plaza! Her art is huge, inflated sculptures that are installed in the exhibit space. Banowitz explained she enjoys taking the idea of taking the “forms and shapes of something very small – like algae or bacteria – and making it huge.”

Amazing! Another type of art sharing space with Nicole Banowitz’ work at Lamar Plaza was Spoken Word. Saif Suhail and Mike Sindlelr shared their work with visitors.

Rolina Carter demonstrated the techniques for creating her forged jewelry at the Lakewood Arts Council at Lamar Plaza.

The array of tools and the many ways the metals can be shaped were all explained to interested onlookers. Inside, Carter’s work was displayed, while visitors worked on art of their own. Terry Irish played for working artists and visitors. Everyone agreed that Terry’s music while they worked or shopped was wonderful!

While First Friday art district-wide events are finished for the season, artists are still creating and shops are still open; so stop by and check them out.

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Providing Shelter When It’s Needed Most n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

M

ore than 50 people will freeze to death on Denver metro area streets this coming winter due to simple lack of shelter.

How hard could it be to provide that life-saving shelter? Not very. But getting those people to the right place at the right time, without disrupting the community, is a challenge.

Although there are emergency shelters for families with children in the suburban communities surrounding Denver, there are none for individuals.

Severe Weather Shelter Network provides emergency shelter on life-threatening winter nights for single men, single women, and couples without children living on the streets of suburban communities, including Wheat Ridge and the West Colfax corridor. Its shelter season runs from Oct. 1 through April 30 each year.

Participating “host churches” open when overnight temperatures are going to be 32 degrees or colder and wet, or 20 degrees or colder and dry. The guests are transported to and from the churches from multiple pick-up and drop-off locations.

A hot, home cooked meal and bedding is provided upon arrival at the church. Men sleep in one large room and women sleep in another.

The network claims in five years its 600 volunteers and 22 partner churches have helped 500 homeless – including placing 16 in permanent housing. But that took more than simply opening up houses of worship every time the temperature drops.

Prior to being offered shelter, individuals must register and be screened for the season at a registration site, in person – no online or phone registration is allowed. The process takes about 20 minutes. Volunteers at the sites also connect the homeless with resources to assist in them in moving toward a more safe and stable lifestyle. Once registered, they can show up at a “warming site” during severe weather for a ride to shelter.

“Last year the City of Lakewood allowed us to partner with them to use the Whitlock Center as a warming site, a very important part of the sheltering experience,” said Severe Weather Shelter Network’s Executive Director, Lynn Ann Huizingh. A warming site is where the homeless are confirmed as registered, checked for intoxicants, and then wait for transportation shelter.

“If they’re not in a good state, it’s not good to send them to a church. So volunteers at the warming site will call Lakewood police, who will come and take them and find them other shelter.”

“In past years our guys were gathering at the Action Center (8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood), waiting for one, one-and-ahalf hours in the cold, continuing to drink, which elevates their anxiety,” Huizingh said. When the volunteer driver showed up, and had to assess their condition before allowing them aboard the warm vehicle, patience wore thin.

40 West Continued from page 6

Oct. 31: Sprout City Farms Haunted Harvest Fest Head to Mountair Park Community Farm on Tuesday, Oct. 31, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., for a Halloween festival complete with art-making activities, mural painting, yarn art and a costume parade with Molholm students from the school to the farm. All are invited and costumes are encouraged at this kid and family friendly event! Mountair Park Community Farm is located at 5620 W. 14th Ave. For more information, visit http:// sproutcityfarms.org/

Nov. 3: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration Pirate: Contemporary Art is a long-

7

Friends for a decade, dentist duo plant roots in their neighborhood as a new general dental practice!

Having Whitlock as a warming site $ 37 New Patient Special helped the network and its guests, but not includes exam and x-rays.

Offer not valid with insurance, discount, the center’s staff. or fee plan. Exp. 12/31/17 “They did not feel it was good for them to continue this year, because our guests would show up early in the day, then hang As a community-minded out in the lobby,” said Huizingh. “They said, practice, we welcome you ‘We appreciate what you are doing, but to stop by and meet we’re not a day site.’ Lakewood doesn’t have a day site. Now we don’t have a warming Dr. Garrison and Dr. Janda site, either.”

Although many churches along Colfax 4433 W 29th Ave. could provide that space, most have Suite 206 children’s programming afternoons, and Denver, CO 80212 the overlap of programs “isn’t a very good cityrootsdental.com scenario” Huizingh explained. The network (720) 428-8916 Call for current has the volunteers and coffee pots, but Call today for INCOME LIMITS an application and needs space, electricity and bathrooms from 303.424.9401 PRICING TDD 800.545.1833 x637 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on blustery evenings.

The network’s first night of shelter PROGRESSIVE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY was Monday, Oct. 9, serving a total of 40 6340 West 38th Ave. individuals.

Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033 Call for current “We are celebrating that we hit on all Call today for INCOME LIMITS cylinders,” she said. “It is always a bit nervean application and wracking the first night or two as we work 303.424.9401 PRICING x637 the kinks out to beginTDD the 800.545.1833 season well.”

HUD SUBSIDY WAITLIST LIST IS CLOSED As the Neighborhood Gazette went to DUE TO EXCESSIVE AVERAGE WAIT TIMES press, Huizingh was still seeking a warming APPLICATIONS FOR TAX CREDIT WILL BE ACCEPTED site along Colfax, although her volunteers PROGRESSIVE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY • Affordable Housing: Tax Credit and Subsidized Housing ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TAX CREDIT WAIT LIST would process guests on the street, if SUBSIDIZED WAIT LIST CLOSED for seniors 62 and older and adults with a disability necessary.

Affordable Housing: Tax Credit and Subsidized Housing for seniors • Accessible units “It has to be within walking distance of 62 and older and adults with a disability Accessible units where majority of our guys are camping…

• Major campus renovation completed Major campus renovation completed it would not make sense to use Arvada’s • Utilities included Utilities included Full Time Management Staff on site M-F warming site for guys in Lakewood. That’s • Full Time Management Staff on site M-F Learn more at www.hwcliving.com why we’re looking between Carr and Pierce along Colfax, a block or two either side…

Even Sloans Lake and Edgewater folks can get there fairly easily.”

“In Arvada, the city has provided a building that can be used for warming site – Olde Town, City Hall-ish – close enough to ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TAX CREDIT WAIT LIST Call 303-424-9401 for current pricing and income guidelines camping areas, easy to get to.”

SUBSIDIZED WAIT LIST CLOSED 6340 West 38th Ave. • Wheat Ridge • hwsca.com However, the Arvada warming site and its churches will not begin sheltering untilHousing: Tax Credit and Subsidized Housing for seniors Affordable 62 and older and adults with a disability Dec. 1.

Accessible “It’s going to be a short season,” saidunits Huizingh, who credits city staff for “taking Major campus renovation completed the reins” this summer. “There’s aUtilities desire included for sheltering there, but it took threeFull years Timefor Management Staff on site M-F I would be honored to have the parts and pieces to come together.”

Learn more at www.hwcliving.com your vote this November.

Volunteers are always needed.

“We continue to be in need of overnight www.riddle4mayor.com hosts at both Applewood Community Church and Sloan’s Lake Community for riddle4mayor@gmail.com Church. We need drivers, especially in the Lakewood area, both evening and morning drivers. We need warming site volunteers in the Lakewood area to help us at the current pick up site and will transition into the Strong Leadership Better Engagement A Broader Vision warming site once we lock one down.”

The network’s next volunteer training session will be Saturday, Nov. 18, at Arvada Covenant Church, 5555 Ward Road in ARCHWAY HOUSING & SERVICES, INC. will be accepting Arvada, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The network’s nearest registration sites applications for 40West Residences located in Lakewood are: The Action Center, 8755 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood; Family Tree, 3805 W. Marshall We will be accepting applications for 40West Residences beSt., Wheat Ridge; and Mean Street Ministry, ginning Friday, October 27th, 2017 from noon through 6pm and 1380 Ammons St. on Saturday, October 28th from 9am – 1pm. Applicants will be 6340 West 38th Ave. Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033

Progressive Senior Living Community

Todd

Riddle MAYOR

For more information, visit www.swshelternetwork.com, or call 720-515-9313.

standing Denver gallery that recently moved to 7130 W. 16th Ave., in the heart of 40 West Arts. Their annual Dia De Los Muertos celebration is incredible with altars, pinatas, and artwork relevant to the theme. Join them on Friday, Nov. 3, from 5 to 10 p.m. for this impressive event.

More details at www.pirateartonline. org.

Nov. 3: Denver Arts Week First Friday 40 West Arts is participating in Denver Arts Week and there is plenty happening in the district on First Friday, Nov. 3. See a full list of details on the Denver Arts Week website or pick up a brochure at the gallery and mark your calendar for a fun-filled week.

Visit www.denver.org/denver-artsweek/events/ for complete details.

accepted via lottery process. 40 West Residences is located at 5830 W. Colfax Ave in Lakewood, CO.

This property offers affordable one and two-bedroom rentals with rents ranging from $787 $1150 depending on the size and tax credit restriction of the available unit. You must earn at least 2.5 (two and half) times the monthly rent to qualify. Bring valid identification and social security card for all adult members in your household. Occupancy is available immediately.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! TRUNK OR TREAT!

Saturday Oct. 28 • 4-6pm next to the Green at 38 (7101 W. 38th Ave.) Contact Carolyn • 720-259-1030 cdoran@wearelocalworks.org WeAreLocalworks.com

8

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017– ngazette.com

Backyard Bats Benefit Just About Everybody n By

B

Sally Griffin

ats are blind flying mice that attack you, get tangled in your hair, suck your blood, and give you rabies. So, they must be crazy. Right? Not so fast! There are a number of misconceptions about bats that I want to clear up.

First, bats are not related to mice. In fact, they are probably more closely related to us than to rodents. According to the Living Webster Dictionary, bats are one of a group of mammals of the order Chiroptera possessing a pair of leathery wings which extend between the fore and the posterior limbs. The former are specially modified for flying, while the bones of the forefeet are extremely elongated. Chiroptera translates into “hand-wing,” which seems pretty accurate. Bats are the only mammals that can fly. They are also one of the most varied species.

Bats are not blind. All bats can see and some, even, have good eyesight. Many types of bats have small eyes and use echolocation to navigate, but this doesn’t mean they are blind. Echolocation or biological sonar is a very refined system, even more so than radar. Bats can detect a single strand of human hair and will usually avoid it. Bats don’t attack people and get tangled in their hair. Bats may fly toward you if they are trying to get away from something or to eat a bug that you may not have noticed above your head. Usually, this is a mosquito.

Mosquitos like to dive-bomb people from above. Plus, bats don’t build nests, so your hair would not be of interest to them unless it is harboring a large number of mosquitos or moths. So, then, they would just be helping you with your problem.

There is only one species of bat that likes to drink blood: Vampire bats. They live in Mexico, Central and South America and prefer the blood of cows or other livestock to human blood. In fact, most bats are afraid of us and avoid us as much as they can.

Most bats are insect eaters. The more than 1,300 types of bats make up one-fourth of all mammal species. And they can be very different in size. The Bumblebee Bat, the smallest of the species, has a wingspan of six inches. In contrast, the largest bat, the Malayan Flying Fox, has a wingspan of six feet. Thank goodness, these bats don’t have vampire proclivities.

Less than one percent of bats have rabies. Like all mammals, bats can get rabies. When they do get rabies, they are very sick and usually die without contact with humans. However, if you see a bat on the ground or during the daytime, it might be sick. You should not try to handle it, keep children and pets away and call for help.

If you feel that you must remove the bat before animal control or wildlife technicians get there, only do so while wearing a longsleeved jacket and heavy gloves.

Bats are not crazy. They, however, do almost everything upside down, except go to the bathroom (which would be really crazy).

They are very sociable and live in large groups called colonies. They have only one baby a year. Bat babies often weigh almost one-fourth as much as their mom when they are born. (Can you imagine a human mom birthing a 30-pound baby?) Bat flight may appear crazy because they often fly in a figure-eight pattern, at up to 50 mph, while they hunt down the 2,000 to 6,000 insects that they eat every night. They do their hunting at night for the simple reason that is when there are the most insects, like mosquitos.

Bats’ eating preferences make them very beneficial to have in our backyards.

They also help farmers by consuming agricultural pests. A 2009 Journal of Medical Entomology study compared mosquito populations in areas with bats to areas without bats. After two months, the one with bats had a 32 percent reduction in mosquitoes compared to area without bats.

In fact, most environmentalists will tell

you that bats are the most environmentally friendly and least risky way to combat mosquitoes. Chemicals and pesticides carry heavy risks for both humans and other wildlife. Yet, the world is a dangerous place for bats. Although they provide important environmental activities, they are declining world-wide, largely due to human activity.

That is why many environmentalists and others are recommending people install bat houses.

There are several reasons for attracting bats to your backyard. First, of course, is pest control. Bats can also help by providing guano for fertilizer. Guano is the polite name for bat excrement, which, by the way can be used for fertilizing backyard plants and flowers. Guano is packed with nitrogen and phosphorous. Lastly, bats’ nightly display of aerial acrobatics can be an amazing thing to watch from your back deck.

According to Bat Conservation International, Inc. ( http://www.batcon.org ), here are some tips to get you started: • Bats prefer to roost on buildings or other large wooden or concrete structures.

But they may roost on poles. They don’t particularly like trees, unless they are dead.

Bat houses should get at least six hours of sun each day. The south or east side of a house or barn is ideal. Interior temperatures should be as warm and as stable as possible.

• Best places for bat houses are 20 to 30 feet from trees and 12 to 20 feet above

ground or the tallest vegetation. Locations near fairly large water sources, preferably within a quarter mile or less, are the most successful in attracting bats.

• If you have a cat, keep her inside at night, especially during the summer months when bat mothers are taking care of their young. Cat attacks are one of the most common causes of bat casualties.

• To provide them with a varied diet of insects, plant night-blooming plants, flowering annuals and perennials, and fragrant herbs and shrubs.

• Tall designs like multi-chambered nurseries and rocket-style houses perform best in attracting bats. But it may take two years for bats to find your bat house.

Occupancy may only be 50 percent in urban and suburban areas.

• Put a shallow tray under the bat house to collect the guano. Don’t use a bucket or deep container, because baby bats can fall from the bat house and get trapped.

• Many Colorado bats hibernate elsewhere during the winter, so you need to make sure that non-bat residents, like wasps, don’t take up residence while they are gone.

I don’t know where the slang use of “batty” as “insane” or “odd” came from. Bats are very useful wildlife and there are many benefits to keeping them around. So, the next time someone calls you “batty,” be sure to thank him.

International Craft Fair Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church (9180 W. 38th Ave.) Fri. Nov. 3 – 10 AM to 5 PM Sat. Nov. 4 – 9 AM to 4 PM Handmade crafts from U.S. and around the world homemade baked goods Lunch available daily 11-1 No admission charge.

FOR ALL YOUR DOMESTIC MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIR NEEDS

4303 Kipling St. 303-988-9159 Mention this ad for

10% Off All Parts

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

9

WEST COLFAX SKETCHES Lacking Photographic Memory: Pictures of West Colfax, 1870s to the Present n By

S

Robert Autobee

ince photography’s beginnings, amateurs and professionals alike frequently have offered the following wish as their forefinger tapped the shutter button: “I hope I’m in the right place at the right time.”

Regardless if the subject is an endangered Orange-Bellied Parrot clutching a tree limb, or humanity coping in the face of disaster, a photographer’s answered prayer is to capture a single moment that will last an eternity.

Cataloguing photographs of West Colfax Avenue from the late 19th century to today is similar to opening an oversized family scrapbook only to find missing images of important moments. An excellent example of a lost opportunity involves the legendary photographer William Henry Jackson.

Early in his career, Jackson established a photography studio in Omaha in 1867. A few years later, Ferdinand Hayden of the U.S. Geological and Geographical Survey of the Territories contracted with Jackson on a project unlike any other in the nation’s history. From 1870 to 1878, Jackson’s mission was to capture the wonders of Yellowstone, Mesa Verde, and other geologic glories of the American West.

Positioned behind his large format camera, Jackson also photographed the foothills in and around Golden. The South Golden Road (later West Colfax) wasn’t even a trail in the distance during the 1870s.

The Hogback and the foothills dominate his pictures. Nearly a century-and-a-half later, hours of gazing of Jackson’s prints can only leave the viewer with tired eyes and a nagging doubt if that barely visible scratch in the background is really today’s Avenue.

There is no one old photo that has come down to us that researchers and historians

identify as the earliest image of West Colfax.

We can thank Jefferson County’s well-todo farmers and orchardists for the earliest photographic documentation remaining of West Colfax. By the early 20th century, as Eastman-Kodak and other manufacturers sold cameras that the average man or woman could afford. The subject matter for the earliest Brownie owners often involved the family gathered in front of the house.

The number of the “well-to-do” during West Colfax’s earliest decade was limited at best. It stands to reason these images of proper Victorian West Colfaxians are few in number.

The rise in automobile ownership that resulted from mass production played a significant role in the changing West Colfax from pastoral to commercial. And rise in camera ownership that resulted from smaller, lighter-weight cameras, and commercial film developing, played a significant role in the number of pictures taken from the 1920s forward. In 1930, to celebrate its 50th Anniversary, the Eastman Kodak Company gave away over 500,000 cameras similar to its Hawk Eye No. 2 model. The offer was open only to children who turned 12 in 1930. It was a token of Kodak’s appreciation to the grandparents and parents who had helped develop amateur “picture-taking.” Kodak told parents that these cameras would increase their child’s appreciation of beautiful things and create lasting records. It was a gift that would keep giving. Unlike William Henry Jackson, the 12-year-old recipients of these cameras were not required to lug heavy equipment with the help of a pack mule or deal with chemicals in a dark room.

Picture postcards are an excellent source of what the buildings and business along the Avenue looked like before World

THE MASS PRODUCTION OF AUTOMOBILES AND CAMERAS during the early 20th century altered previously isolated West Colfax Avenue into an important element of the state’s tourism industry. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BROWNIE CAMERA PAGE, War II. In a reversal of the cozy family photos of a generation previous, the penny postcard images are devoid of people.

Postcard photographers were nameless “jobbers” who lived and worked in the cities where they shot pictures. The only indication of life were the De Sotos and Plymouths parked discreetly at the edges of each building. These men (and they were nearly all men in this line of work) gave us a record of West Colfax’s earliest motels and restaurants with a view of the Avenue that valued promotion over art.

There is one additional gap in the photographic record worth mentioning.

After World War II, West Colfax expanded on its reputation as the tourist’s gateway to a Rocky Mountain vacation. Businesses installed gaudy neon signs to distract drivers long enough for them to stop their cars and get out and shop. Photos of some of the more memorable neon displays – the Fordland sign and Leon “The Neon” Giraffe in front of Sachs Furniture – are difficult to find. Those interested in learning more about metro Denver’s significant neon legacy must rely on scratchy, overdeveloped images of display ads in microfilmed copies Continued on page 11

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017– ngazette.com

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he Edge Theater winds down its 2017 season with two plays. “A Delicate Balance” opened on Oct. 6 and runs through ABC LAUNDRY ABC LAUNDRY Nov. 5. Written by Edward Albee, the play Always Bright & Clean tells the story of middle-aged couple Agnes (Martha Harmon Pardee) and Tobias (Kevin Always Bright & Clean Hart), whose complacent lives are shattered The cleanest and friendliest laundry in town when longtime friends Harry (Steve Emily) and Edna (Abby Apple Boes) arrive on their Drop your laundry from 7-11 am doorstep. This play earned Albee his first Weekdays & we’ll do it for you!

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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s October Offerings Throughout the month of October, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Denver will screen horror films and cult classics with movie parties including “Ghostbusters,” “The Craft,” “The Addams Family” and “Beetlejuice.”

On Oct. 18, Gabrielle Union will participate via Skype to discuss her first novel “We’re Going to Need More Wine” around a screening of “Bring It On.” Also on Oct. 18, Osgood Perkins will introduce a screening of his film, “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” at Sloans Lake and will participate in a post-screening discussion.

For details or to purchase tickets, visit www.drafthouse.com/denver.

What Is Uninsured Motorist Coverage? Do I Need It? insurance coverage, then your UIM policy kicks in to pick up where the liability policy ast February I wrote an article about left off. Also, remember, your car insurance the importance of having Medical carrier cannot raise your monthly premium Payments Coverage as part of your car to penalize you for using UM/UIM Coverage.

Why is this important? insurance policy. Well, here is

UM/UIM coverage another highly recommended is extremely important. If and important part of your the at-fault driver that just policy to look at: Uninsured devastated your life doesn’t Motorist Coverage (UM) and have car insurance or has a Underinsured Motorist (UIM) state minimum policy, do you Coverage. really think that they will have any assets to go after if you What exactly is UM/UIM sue them? Highly unlikely.

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about ringing in the New Year!” explains the Edge Theater’s website. “’Resolutions’ is currently in development and we can't wait to share it with our Edge audiences - the first on the world to see it!”

Rick Yaconis will direct the play, which will run from Dec. 1 to 31.

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ngazette.com – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

EDGEWATER COLLECTIVE

11

What’s Happening in the WRBA

Diverse Learners School Board Candidate Forum n By

Joel Newton

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he Edgewater Collective firmly believes that it is important to encourage the voices of our Latino and Spanish-speaking students, parents and families in our community. We dream of a day when a Latino/Latina member of Jefferson County will sit on the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education.

This fall we are partnering with Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children (JAGC) to organize a Diverse Learners Candidate Forum on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School, 2305 Pierce St., in Edgewater.

For more information contact Joel Newton, joel@edgewatercollective.org or Susan Miller, info@jeffcogifted.org.

Edgewater Collective Receives Grant for Jefferson Community Center

We just received news that we have received a grant for $9,650 from Community First Foundation for the launch of the Jefferson Community Center at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School. The focus of the grant is connecting families in the 80124 ZIP code area with resources so that they can thrive.

Families who visit the Community Center will fill out a family needs survey and then we will work to connect them with a navigator who can assist them with a variety of resources in the area. We are also working with community partners to host monthly educational classes for parents on a variety of subjects. Our goal is to show that connecting parents with resources can have an impact on the educational outcomes of the students in that family.

We are excited and thankful for this grant from Community First Foundation and look forward to seeing the impact with families in our area.

EDGEWATER SCHOOLS Trick or Treat Street at Jefferson Jr./Sr. High School n By

Joel Newton

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efferson Junior/Senior High School invites the community to join them for the annual Trick or Treat Street! This fun community event will be Saturday, Oct. 28, from noon to 2 p.m. at the school, 2305

Colfax Sketches Continued from page 9

of the Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News and Lakewood Sentinel.

It is only within the past decade that the current generation of photographers have found in the remaining neon signs and the occupied and abandoned buildings along West Colfax some aesthetic inspiration. The images on Corky Scholl’s Save Our Signs website, and Barbara Gal’s photographs, demonstrate the poignancy of a tired building or a glowing neon display that has seen better days. And sometimes the photo leads to other art. Al Orahood creates photo real paintings

Fall Music Continued from page 2

including music subscriptions and individual concert tickets.

The Arvada Center also offers “Coffee Concerts with Jeffrey Siegel.” These are casual musicales during which Siegel discusses and then uses his piano virtuosity to perform engaging compositions, Wednesdays at 11 a.m.: • “Joyous Beethoven,” Nov. 1; • “The Classic Moderns,” Jan. 17; and • “Storytelling through Music,” March 14.

For more information: http:// arvadacenter.org/jeffrey-siegel-coffeeconcerts

Siegel also does “Keyboard Conversations,” Wednesday evening concerts (7:30 p.m.) that invite the community to interact with the performer. Before performing, he talks about each piece to help the audiences experience music in new ways and encourages the audience to engage in the music by asking questions.

• “Music of the Night – The Beautiful and the Bizarre,” Nov. 1; • “Love Inspired Music of Three Great Romantics – Chopin, Schumann and Liszt,” Jan. 17; and

Pierce St., Edgewater.

Please bring the family to enjoy a safe, indoor trick-or-treating experience filled with costumes, games and lots of fun. A donation is requested of one can of food per person, which will be donated to the Action Center. All ages are welcome. using photos often taken by his wife, Kristin.

Photography is an art. The great photographers are masters of light and composition. But, even the best will admit that the great photos are the result of being at the right place at the right time.

Not everyone is an artist. However, most of us who ever shot a picture have at least one right-place-and-right-time moment that creates a lasting record. We ask Neighborhood Gazette readers to contact us and let us know about their photographs of West Colfax over the past century. A discovery of lost images would fill many of the gaps in West Colfax’s history.

Contact Robert Autobee at Ana.inquiries@gmail.com if you have an unusual image from West Colfax’s past.

• “A Musical Kinship – Bach and Chopin,” March 14.

For more information: https:// arvadacenter.org/on-stage/jeffrey-siegelkeyboard-conversations-2 The Arvada Center is also a place for the Front Range Youth Symphony Orchestras that bring together talented young musicians from across the Front Range for unique study and training in orchestral repertoire. It is so successful that the group has toured on both coasts of the United States. The program is intended to be an enhancement to school music programs and has participants perform in three concerts per season at the Arvada Center, held Mondays at 7 p.m.: * Fall Concert, Oct. 23; * Winter Concert, Feb. 5; and * Spring Concert, April 30.

For more information: https:// arvadacenter.org/education/youthsymphony As you can see, there are plenty of opportunities to participate in community music within our community. Please take advantage of the wonderful musical adventures that exist right here in our own county. Who knows, you may have the opportunity to help pay the staff salaries of some groups closer to home.

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November 2017 Membership Breakfast Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2017 Time: 7:00-9:00 pm Location: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center – 4005 Kipling St. Cost: $15 for WRBA Members, $18 for Non-members SPEAKER: Jess Wiederholt TOPIC: Passion & Purpose = SUCCESS!

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017– ngazette.com

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he trees and brush looked green enough, but as the fire crept closer, the vegetation exploded in flames. The crew on West Metro’s Brush 39 engine was working on the West Mims Fire, burning in swampland in Georgia, where “low” humidity registered around 50 percent. The fire behavior, vegetation and weather conditions were very different than what West Metro Fire Rescue crews typically see in Colorado, giving them hands on, invaluable experience that they couldn’t have gotten anywhere else but on deployment.

Like many fire agencies across the country, West Metro has a group of firefighters, trained in wildland fire that routinely deploys to assist on fires across the country. In 2017, West Metro crews have worked on fires in California, Oregon, Georgia, Wyoming, Montana and Colorado.

Firefighters and fire apparatus (engines, brush trucks) are listed in a national database – the Resource Ordering and Status System – known as ROSS. Crews are called up, or ordered through regional dispatch centers. The call to deploy can come at any time.

“I’m always packed and ready to go,” said Lieutenant Brendan Finnegan, a member of West Metro’s Wildland Team.

“When you’re deployed, you sign on for 14 days of work on the fire and then on top of that, the travel time it takes to get there.

When you get the call, they need you as fast as you can get there.”

Once at the incident, firefighters typically work up to 16-hour days on the fire line, eating in a mess hall and sleeping in tents in fire camp. Crews are required to bring all the personal items they need for

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two weeks – clothing, protective equipment and their own tent – in one bag, typically called a “red” bag. When crews receive their orders, they know they’re headed to a fire, but that is sometimes all they know.

“You have to be up to the challenge to handle the assignment you’re given and the situation your crew might find itself in,” said Captain Todd Heinl, one of the West Metro firefighters who deployed to the West Mims Fire. “On some incidents, you’re not only dealing with the fire, but other things – like the alligators we saw on the West Mims Fire.”

The opportunity to deploy gives firefighters a wider range of experience that they can draw on once they get home.

“No matter where they go, crews learn lessons about fire behavior, firefighting methods or incident strategy,” said Heinl.

“We can use that to fight fires in our district.”

Ronda Scholting is West Metro Fire Rescue’s Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

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WEST METRO’S BRUSH 39 ENGINE CREW worked on the West Mims Fire in Georgia’s swampland recently. Left to right: Captain Todd Heinl, and Firefighters Tony Lodice, Rhett Blackmer and David Cullum. PHOTO BY WEST METRO

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olorado has seen quite the spike not only in residents, but specifically in the number of people 65 and over. According to the 2016 U.S. Census Bureau, Jefferson County accounts for 15.6 percent of the population that is 65 and over in the state.

Because the population of this generation is so high, it’s been hard not to notice that Jeffco is developing many types of residences to accommodate. This is anything from independent living to retirement homes and assisted living. However, there are still many original homeowners in the area who will have a tough decision to make as they approach their golden years.

Can I live out the remainder of my life in my home?

Why wouldn’t we try to live in our homes as many years as possible? After all, we spend decades and a countless amount of our hard-earned dollars perfecting our nests just the way we want them. A home really does become our best investment if we are lucky enough to take our last breath in them. So how do we know if we will be that lucky?

Sixty-five is a great age to start assessing the situation and the home. As retirement becomes approachable and insurance changes, we naturally tend to take a closer look at our personal health. Reflecting on the strengths and weaknesses of our body can help navigate what our future will look like. For instance, if blood pressure becomes an increasing problem, we adjust our diet and, by extension, the food in our kitchen.

When we know we will be more at risk for falling, we install pull bars in the shower and reinforce sturdy railing where it is needed. If we live alone, we consider adding an emergency alert system. It’s just survival.

We protect ourselves from Father Time.

When time finally does catch up and it’s time to make the decision of aging in place or moving to an assisted living/senior living home, there are small steps that can be taken to buy a little more time in our homes.

Gloria Rose is a Call Center Specialist for Senior Reach at the Senior Resource Center, a facility and program dedicated to support seniors living independently. Rose urges that when seniors begin to question whether they can live independently, they should start by consulting a family member, then a doctor and, finally, a home care manager to assess the home.

Rose is part of the a program at the Wheat Ridge Senior Resource Center location (multiple locations exist around the metro area) that provides in-home counseling for independent seniors and can assist when help is needed to making the life-transitioning decision, among other issues.

Since the goal of the Senior Resource Center is to help seniors live independently for as long as possible, Rose advises, “if they [seniors] are able to get a network of people around them (family, friends, neighbors, volunteer services, in-home care), they may be able to extend their time in the home.”

However, she says that they are still there to help seniors when they need to make that decision.

The Wheat Ridge location of the Senior Resource Center is at Chase and 32nd, behind the Wheat Ridge Library.

They provide many more services beyond counseling, such as transportation, adult day care, in-home volunteer match and much more.

Visit Senior Resource Center’s website at www.srcaging.org.

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

FITNESS CORNER The 3 Components of Getting and Staying Healthy inflammation, low energy, headaches and weight gain. Most fitness programs do not hen it comes to being on the path offer assistance with nutrition. What is it of health and wellness in our lives, that you need? Meal plans, food journals, it’s important to find something that accountability, ability to ask questions? encompasses all aspects so that there Can you see yourself following the gym or is sustainable success. The three main studio’s food philosophy? components for success are fitness, nutrition Accountability: Sometimes it just and accountability. Not all programs include breaks down to the fact that we know what all three components and your health could to do, we just don’t do it. Life happens, be suffering from it. With the holidays in distractions happen and excuses arise. What quick approach, it’s a vital time programs can offer you the to get yourself on track so you ability to be held accountable don’t end up gaining weight and to be supported on a through them. monthly basis? Make sure that Fitness: Getting activity you have some forum to ask is clearly an important aspect questions, get support and to especially when weight loss be motivated as well as inspired is desired. However, even even when you are not physically if weight loss isn’t the main at the location. If you struggle objective, activity can play a with the mindset aspect of your massive role in keeping joints health and wellness journey, healthy, bones strong as well you may want to make sure that Brandy Martin as maintaining a healthy heart. the program gives coaching on Finding a fitness routine that mindset practices as well. can include resistance training (lifting Coming into one of the most challenging weights), cardiovascular training (cardio) times of year, it is important to have yourself and then some recovery or self-care such as dialed into a program that will assist you yoga will allow you to improve in all aspects. in every way. This will help you resist the Make sure that the trainers or coaches temptations and unhealthy habits of the are concerned with form and alignment holiday season. Cold weather and darker so that you stay safe and always speak to days will not affect your health and wellness someone about your injuries or limitations. journey. You won’t be sick as often or even at Ensure that the program fits your individual all when you are eating healthy and working needs. For example, if you are a beginner out consistently. you will not feel comfortable in a high- Come try Feed Your Soul Fitness for intensity workout environment mixed with one of our 6 week challenges that provide a competitive feel. workouts, meal plans, grocery shopping Nutrition: Let’s face it. It’s the lists, accountability and motivation. Feel the most important and hardest to do. You best you ever have this holiday season! may feel you eat well. However, if you scanned through every single thing that Brandy Martin is owner of Feed Your Soul went in your mouth, you would better Fitness; contact her at Brandy@FeedYourunderstand why you deal with chronic pain, SoulFitness.com or 303-947-5631. n By

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Ask the Superintendent While you've been “good” at remaining neutral in this election, you’ve shown up to campaign parties. Is it your opinion that instead of remaining neutral, you would instead just cheer on every candidate? After all, you will possibly be working with that new person.

It is well known that Jeffco has a history of contentious board races. The 2015 recall election drew in an estimated million dollars in campaign spending (much of it from sources outside of the community) and garnered national media coverage.

Jeffco Public Schools has a five-member board, and three seats are up for re-election this November. District 1 features incumbent Brad Rupert versus challenger Matt Van Gieson.

District 2 features incumbent Susan Harmon versus challenger Erica Shields. Board President Ron Mitchell is running unopposed in District 5.

I’ve met with all of the candidates and offered to provide them any information or support they needed in terms of factual information in the course of the campaign. I did my homework on Jeffco before taking the job here and knew that these bruising board races would likely be part of the equation going forward. For my part, I’ve asked all the candidates and the community to work on keeping our dignity through this process. We should be tough on the issues, scrutinize election-season claims, and ask the critical questions. But, I think we can also do this while being respectful of different points of view. At the end of this race, we are all still going to be neighbors.

As a public servant, I’m prohibited from advocating for or against any candidate or issue on the ballot. My professional responsibility as superintendent is to keep the community informed that we have a board election coming up, urge them to know the candidates, and encourage our citizens to be engaged in the democratic process. When I’ve been asked and my calendar allows, I have attended events to support any candidate running for the board of education. Serving on the board is a tough and time-consuming job, with no compensation or reward other than the opportunity to do good for the community’s kids. I respect and honor anyone willing to run and serve on an elected school board.

I am also a private citizen and a Jeffco parent. Sarah (my wife) and I have a current student (Norah is 5 and in Kindergarten) and our son Chase (4 years old) will start in Jeffco Public Schools next year. So, this race matters to me on a number of levels. Collectively, the Board of Education serves as my “boss” in their governance role over the district. They also have a key role in shaping the strategic direction for our schools and have a significant fiduciary responsibility over our budget. Critical questions should be addressed in this board race.

We all want student achievement to grow, but exactly how are you going to bring that about? Everyone wants more services for kids, but how will you deliver those within the limitations of our budget, where you have to make trade-offs? And, during campaigns it’s easy to speak in platitudes and generalizations, but how will you work to balance diverging values and interests in the community – where there are no clear answers or easy solutions. Most of the issues boards wrestle with are complex and wicked problems, where you have to make tough choices. A community needs thoughtful people on the board who are willing to wade into the complexity of the work and help our schools navigate toward the best solutions for us.

Thank you for your question.

Dr. Jason Glass If you have a question for our new superintendent please submit it to Guy@ NostalgicHomes.com or call it in to 303-999-5789.

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Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

When One Is Too Many: Recognizing Addiction more than four drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks a week for men, and no more than three drinks a day and seven drinks all weather brings a focus on addiction a week for women. Drinking beyond these and mental health, especially as we thresholds is considered harmful. head into the holiday season. Last month

The key is to identify was National Recovery Month, when recreational drug use and which is a time to celebrate those moderate drinking become a who are recovering from either problem. A simple and straight a substance use disorder or a forward gauge to measure mental health condition. if you or a loved one has a Addiction treatment and problem with drugs or alcohol mental health services can is the CAGE screening: enable people to live happy and

• Has one tried to Cut rewarding lives. According to back on drinking or drug use the Substance Abuse and Mental and has been unable?

Health Services Administration

• Have others grown (SAMHSA), “Recovery Month Brad Sjostrom Angry at the person’s drinking spreads the positive message or drug use? that behavioral health is essential to overall • Does one feel Guilty about his or her health, prevention works, treatment is alcohol or drug use? effective and people can and do recover.”

• Has one drank alcohol or used Substance problems are highly prevalent drugs in the morning as an Eye opener to in the U.S. According to the National soothe a hang-over or prevent withdrawal Institute of Drug Abuse, in 2016 more than symptoms?

20 million people nationwide suffered from Help for addiction can take many forms: drug and alcohol abuse issues. The rate from mutual help groups, such as Narcotics of addiction to opioids including heroin Anonymous, to more structured outpatient has doubled: 10 percent of those with a treatment or inpatient treatment for those substance use disorder are addicted to an who have more severe addiction issues. Like opioid. In the past decade, the increase in many issues, in order to change, the person opioid addiction has led to a doubling of seeking help needs to admit that he or she drug overdose deaths. The cost of treatment has a problem. The good news is that people and incarceration runs nearly $700 billion can and do get better! annually for taxpayers.

Brad Sjostrom, Licensed Clinical Social In terms of alcohol, roughly 51.5 percent Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, is of Americans are regular drinkers, which the manager of Addiction Services at West means they have at least 12 or more drinks Pines Behavioral Health. a year. Moderate drinking is considered no n By

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017– ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING connections, will be featured. Check the website for times and locations.

Participants can enter contests and win weekly prizes throughout the six weeks on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram and a grand prize at the end of the program.

People will earn an entry each time they play using the #stoutsandstories. The grand prize includes an annual Colorado State Parks pass.

Connections in Edgewater, City Edgewater, and Jewish Family Service.

Check out all the beer-related programs the library has planned at jeffcolibrary.org/beer.

American Legion Post 17, 1901 Harlan St., Edgewater, is throwing a costume party for kids, Sunday, Oct. 29, from 2 to 4 p.m., featuring games, crafts, prizes, food, a parade and a storyteller. It’s a safe place for kids ages 2 to 12 to romp in their disguises.

Recognize and honor veterans and active military for their service at the Post’s Veterans Day Bingo Tournament, Saturday, Nov. 11, from noon to 3 p.m. Includes barbecue, free lunch to any veteran, special giveaways and raffles. First four games pay out $50 and the fifth is the jackpot. Bingo cards are $1 each or six for $5. Must be 18 year of age to play.

Dispose of StormDamaged Tree Limbs on Oct. 21 EDGEWATER BUSINESS WAS ON DISPLAY Saturday, Sept. 30 for the second annual Edgewater Business Crawl. Participants completed passports by visiting area businesses with a chance to win raffle prizes and enjoyed live music at a community after party. PHOTO: TIM BERLAND

Westfax Brewing, Edgewater Library Part of Library’s ‘Stouts and Stories, Ales and Tales’ Lakewood’s Westfax Brewing, 6733 W. Colfax Ave., will host a tap party as part of the Jefferson County Public Library’s “Stouts & Stories, Ales and Tales” celebration, Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m.

And, the Edgewater Library will stage a beer-glass etching class and beer talk on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Patrons can customize their own beer pint glass, all supplies and materials are provided, free of charge, while supplies last. Then, Joyride Brewery co-owners Dave Bergen and Grant Babb, along with

Fermentation Society President Chris Mendez, will expound on fermentation and craft beer brewing. Adults only, no registration required.

“Stouts & Stories, Ales and Tales” is a six-week celebration of Jefferson County beer and books with special events, tap parties, contests, prizes and a passport beer tour.

Now through Nov. 15, residents can pick up Beer Tour Passports from any Jeffco branch library and receive discounts and prizes at brewery partners in the county.

Other library events include “The Story of Beer” where people can learn the origins and history of beer in Jefferson County, how it’s made, different types of beer and stories of the rise of several great American brewers and beer families. Trends in micro brewing and craft beers, and their strong Colorado

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The City of Lakewood has opened a drop-off site for residents to recycle broken tree limbs from the recent storm: Saturday, Oct. 21, 8 a.m. to noon, at Lakewood’s Greenhouse, 9556 W. Yale Ave.

Shop and Indulge at Stitch ‘n Chatter Bazaar and Bake Sale, Oct. 28 Looking for crafts and wares handmade by seniors? Check out the fourth annual Stitch ‘n Chatter Fall Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale, hosted by Edgewater’s American Legion Post 17, Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1901 Harlan St. The one-of-a-kind event features the handiwork of senior-aged, older adult crafters – great gifts for the coming holiday season – plus a bake sale and door prizes.

Admission is free.

The Post is located south of West 20th Avenue and Harlan Street. Parking will be available in the east front lot of Harlan and west back lot off of Ingalls Street.

Sponsors include Colorado Senior

of

For more information, contact Felicia Goett at 720-763-3042.

American Legion Hosts Kids’ Costume Party, Bingo Tournament

For more information, call 303-238-2401.

Watch Lakewood City Council Candidate Forums Online Did you miss the live forums for Lakewood City Council candidates? No worry, they’re available online. The video forums – available for candidates in each of Lakewood’s five wards – are sponsored by the Jeffco League of Women Voters and moderated by former 9News anchorman Mark Koebrich. Go to Lakewood.org/ CandidateForums to find yours. The programs will also air at various times on Lakewood8 cable TV – see a schedule at Lakewood.org/ForumTVSchedule.

Continued on page 15

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 14

Sustainable Edgewater Seminar Series, Nov. 20 Learn how send gifts without breaking the bank – or the planet – in “Sustainable Gifting,” next in the Sustainable Edgewater Seminar Series, held Tuesday, Nov. 21, 7 to 8 p.m., at the Edgewater Library 5843 W. 25th Ave. For more information, call the Edgewater Library, 303-235-5275.

Dia de los Muertos, Book Group, LEGO Playtime at Edgewater Library Edgewater Library, located at 5843 W. 25th Ave., is offering a continuing cavalcade of free classes and activities for children, teens and adults.

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos – The Festival of Bones – Thursday, Oct. 19, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Library staff and patrons will honor the contributions of all of their ancestors by learning the traditional techniques of decorating sugar skulls. The skull represents death while the sugar represents the sweetness of life.

Get in the spirit! Presented by the CHAC Gallery & Cultural Center, it’s limited to 25 participants and registration is required.

Suitable for all ages.

Book Group meets Nov. 4 (usually the second Saturday), 1 to 2 p.m., to discuss “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend” by Katarina Bivald. Suitable for adults.

Play and build with LEGO bricks every Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., during LEGO Play and Build. Suitable for all ages.

All events are free.

For more information, call 303-2355275 or visit jeffcolibrary.org.

Senior Connections Offers Free Classes, Social Events Colorado Senior Connections hosts a continuing series of fun events for seniors.

The Historical Society Quilting Circle next meets inside the Wheat Ridge Historical Park Museum, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Learn about the history of Wheat Ridge and bring a project to work on – it doesn't have to be quilting! There is a show-and-tell time to see what everyone is working on. All levels are welcome, and others can help you get started if you want to learn. Feel free to bring a sack lunch.

Men’s Group meets twice a month to discuss sports, politics and current events.

No subject is off limits, but members are expected to behave appropriately. Each member will take a turn leading a group discussion. Men from Edgewater, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and around are welcome.

Next meetings are Thursday, Oct. 26 and Nov. 9, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Edgewater Rec Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave. Join Colorado Senior Connections for Classical Connections Music Class, an amazing musical tour through the classical music world, taught by Betsy Schwarm, a college professor and noted music historian.

Tuesdays, Nov. 7 and 21, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at the Edgewater Rec Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave. Pay $5 upon arrival.

Beginners are welcome in “An Afternoon of Bunko,” a fun dice game with lots of action that is easy to learn; $6 per class.

Held Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1 to 3:30 p.m., at the Edgewater Rec Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave. Call 720-763-3042 for more information.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/COSeniorConnection/

B-YODA and More at Corky Gonzales Library There are free celebrations, gaming, music therapy sessions and classes this month and next at the Rodolfo “Corky”

Gonzales Branch Library, located at 1498 N. Irving St., Denver.

Explore three highly rated music players you can install on your phone or tablet in B-YODA, Monday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. B-YODA – Bring Your Own Device Android – explores various apps for phones and devices using the Android Operating System. These gathering are the first Monday of every month in the second floor meeting room.

Sign up for a free, two-day small business workshop, Monday, Oct. 23 at 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m., in the second floor Eugene Lucero Meeting Room. The comprehensive class is designed to assist a new or established small business owner with the tools, resources and knowledge to take their concept to the next level. For adults 18 and over; call or text Cheryl at 720-299-5268, or email cheryllucerobiz@gmail.com, to reserve a spot.

Travel through time and across the world to explore the Denver Art Museum’s rich collections, peek behind the scenes to see how an exhibition comes together and pick up a few tips for channeling your inner art critic and personal creativity in “The Culturals: Art with the Denver Art Museum,” Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Level 2 Collaborative Area.

Suitable for adults.

Kids learn to play a new instrument in Family Ukulele Workshop with Swallow Hill Music Association, Thursday, Oct. 26, 1 to 2 p.m., in the Lena Archuleta Meeting Room. The condensed course will provide a great foundation to beginning music and playing this fun little instrument. Ideal for children ages 5 and older.

The Denver Network of Las Comadres & Friends National Latino Book Club will discuss Rodrigo Hasbun’s “Affections” and have additional conversations about Jorge Argueta’s “Somos Como Las Nubes” (“We Are Like The Clouds”), Saturday, Oct. 28, 1 to 3 p.m. in the second floor Eugene Lucero Meeting Room.

Come sing, relax and socialize in “Songbirds Sing-a-Long,” a dementiafriendly program open to seniors and their caretakers, Friday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Lena Archuleta Community Room. No musical experience necessary.

Teens gather around for great board games, ping pong, Legos, Wii U and XBOX ONE in “Game Day!” every Friday, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Lena Archuleta Meeting Room. No registration required. Free snacks!

For more information, call 720-8652370 or visit www.denverlibrary.org.

Join a Lakewood Board or Commission Lakewood residents can help make decisions about building issues and historic preservation by applying for openings on Lakewood’s boards and commissions.

One opening currently exists on the Board of Appeals, which is a quasi-judicial body that hears and decides appeals of rulings or decisions made by Lakewood’s codes administrator.

One opening currently exists for a threeyear term on the Historic Preservation Commission, which conducts public hearings on applications for landmark designation and makes recommendations to the City Council.

The deadline to apply is Nov. 17, and applications are available online at Lakewood.org/GetOnBoard, which also provides a full description of the qualifications for each position.

For more information, contact Donna Moreno at 303-987-7661 or donmor@lakewood.org.

Have a community announcement for Happenings? Send it to editor@ngazette.com

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017– ngazette.com

PEOPLE WE SHOULD KNOW – LAKEWOOD Meet Rick Dailey, RMCAD’s Gallery Director n By

C

Sally Griffin

ommunity resources that many people do not know about are the art galleries at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD). The college has bachelor’s programs in nine areas of art and design. An important part of these programs includes providing places filled with creativity and enlightenment. And many of these places or galleries are open to the public. The person in charge of these galleries is Rick Dailey.

As Gallery Director, Dailey curates numerous exhibitions each year in RMCAD galleries. He and his staff support students by installing their work around campus and in their Graduation Exhibition.

Dailey manages five galleries. The Philip J. Steele Gallery, named after RMCAD’s founder, is the largest gallery space.

Annually, it hosts five to six visiting artists, three Graduation Exhibitions, and the Annual Student Exhibition, as well as the Bi-Annual Faculty and Staff Show.

The Rotunda Gallery is the second largest gallery and features student, faculty and visiting artist work.

The much-loved Rude Gallery is a petite space that showcases student, faculty, and local artists.

The remaining Alumni and Student Galleries focus on representing the diverse work being created by RMCAD students.

Dailey has worked at RMCAD for almost a year and a half. Before that, he was the Studio Coordinator of Photography and New Media at Anderson Ranch Arts Center.

He is also an artist in his own right.

“I am a studio artist in sculpture, photography and installation; I also have a background in graphic design and art education,” said Dailey. “Becoming an artist wasn’t a decision – I am compelled to create.

“My practice allows me to process my

social environment by engaging in selfreflection and dialog with others through my art. Creating is how I choose to communicate and, at times, contemplate my own struggles with societal limitations and injustices.

“Becoming a Gallery Director has allowed me to expand my own practice by being in critical dialog with a diverse set of national and international artists.”

Dailey has big plans for the galleries at the college and he encourages the public to join him and his staff at all the galleries and the Visiting Artist, Scholar, and Designer (VASD) Program events. The lineup for the 2017/2018 galleries season began with Denver-based artist collective Hyperlink in the Philip J. Steele Gallery, RMCAD faculty Joshua Field in the Rotunda Gallery, and a collaborative show of Kim Putnam and Tya Alisa Anthony in the Rude Gallery. These exhibitions ended Oct. 5.

The next big multi-gallery opening is slated for Oct. 19: New York-based artist Lauren Clay and Florida-based artist Selina Román in the Philip J. Steele Gallery. In conjunction with Clay and Román, Denverbased artists Paul Keefe and Justin Camilli will be showing in the Rotunda Gallery.

These exhibitions will be the finale of the 2017 visiting artist exhibition series.

On opening night there will be a public reception from 4 to 7 p.m. to celebrate these amazing artists.

Starting the 2018 gallery season, Dailey is teaming up with Gretchen Marie Schaefer, head of the VASD Program, to bring London-based artist Sophie Clements to campus. Clements’ solo exhibition and lecture will occur on Jan. 16, 2018, in the Mary Harris Auditorium and Philip J. Steele Gallery.

To find out more about the VASD program, visit www.vasd.rmcad.edu/

COURTESY RICK DAILEY

current-lecture-series/ Dailey welcomes the local community to attend opening receptions and pop in anytime during the show dates. Exhibitions at RMCAD are free and open to the public.

He specifies that exhibitions typically rotate every five to six weeks, so there is always something new for RMCAD students and the public to see.

RMCAD has found the perfect location for their campus and galleries on the old JCRS (Jewish Consumptive Relief Society) campus, located at 1600 Pierce St. If you have never been to the campus, it is the site of the JCRS TB Sanitarium and later the American Medical Center, a unique collection of lawns, gardens and buildings that more closely resembled a college campus than a medical facility, according to RMCAD’s website. The school purchased the site in 2002 and has taken great care to preserve the history of the beautiful campus, while also modernizing each building to serve the evolving needs of their art and design students.

The Philip J. Steele Gallery is located

towards the east side of campus near oncampus parking, and the Rotunda, Rude, Alumni and Student Galleries are located in the central part of campus. Visitor parking is available on the north side of the Texas Building, the first building you encounter as you enter the campus. Please enter through the north entrance of the Texas Building Visitors are asked to check in during normal open gallery hours at the Information Desk located in the first-floor hallway of the Texas building to get a parking and visitor pass. Checking in helps the staff know who is visiting the campus and gives them an opportunity to point people in the right direction.

Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for observed holidays. The opening receptions are usually on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m.

To stay connected with gallery programming and other RMCAD events, visit www.facebook.com/RMCADartschool/ or www.rmcad.edu/exhibitions. Or email the Philip J. Steele Gallery directly at pjsgallery@rmcad.edu to join the email list.