Neighborhood Gazette – December 2016 by Neighborhood Gazette

Santa Rides with the Edgewater Fire

Our Stand of Elders

12 Months of Smart Savings Tips

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Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

EDGEWATER

| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS

December 13, 2016 – January 16, 2017 • ngazette.com • FREE

Edgewater Spending Shifts From Streets to Civic Center in 2017 n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

dgewater approved its 2017 budget on Dec. 1 and ushered in a new chapter in infrastructure projects, as well as gave its police force a needed raise. “The most significant change is the completion of the street paving and sidewalk project that we have been spending over $1 million per year on and adding the initial costs of constructing the Civic Center,” City Manager H.J. Stalf told the Neighborhood Gazette. Four out of five Edgewater voters approved a November ballot measure that allows the city to go up to $9.9 million in debt to finance a new civic center on a portion of Walker Branch Park, housing a new library, fitness center, city offices and police station. Public hearings on the project will begin in January. In recent years, funding has not been a problem for the city. Edgewater’s long-overdue street maintenance program was substantially completed in 2016, paid almost entirely by sales tax revenue from retail marijuana sales, according to a Nov. 10 budget letter to the mayor and city council. Although sales and use tax revenues have been growing – 17 percent from 2014 to 2015, and an estimated 15 percent this year – the document identified that marijuana revenues could be reduced if neighboring Denver allowed its cannabis vendors to increase retail hours, or if the Federal government (under a new administration) moves to curtail sales activity. n

Continued on page 2

WHO’S GOT THE BEST HOLIDAY LIGHTS in Edgewater? Parks and Recreation will deck the winners with gift cards on Dec. 22 when they judge the annual decorating contest. PHOTO: JOEL NEWTON

An Oasis in the Local Food Desert n By

Sally Griﬃn

o you live in a food desert? A food desert is defined as “an urban area in which it is difficult to buy affordable or good quality fresh food.” Many poor people live in food deserts – where they have plenty of food, but none of it healthy. According to a policy study done by the University of Denver’s Institute for Public Studies, the Denver metro area has a number of neighborhoods with limited access to full-service grocery stores or supermarkets. Residents have little or no opportunity to get fruits and vegetables, but lots of access to processed and fast foods. The results for families who live in these areas are higher rates of obesity, diabetes and heart problems. West Colfax, the area between Federal and Sheridan, reaching from 17th Avenue to Lakewood Gulch (approximately 12th Avenue), is one of several areas in the Denver area considered to be a food desert. It is, in part, because it is a very old business district and there is not enough parking to interest big-brand grocery stores. For those in the community who must depend on public transportation or their own feet, going over four miles round-trip to get fresh food is difficult, especially in bad weather or during busy times on the buses. What do you need in a desert? You need an oasis. Dan Shah, West Colfax BID executive director, and other leaders from the community came together to try to determine the best way to address this issue. What they found is that there is an active

and involved community that would back a community-owned grocery store with a goal to provide easy access to fresh foods. The solution they came up with is the West Colfax Food Cooperative that will reflect the demographics of the community; offer affordable, fresh food from local sources; be accessible to pedestrians and those who use public transportation; offer recipes and cooking classes; and, finally, serve as a community gathering hub.

However, consultant Caroline Savery, who has been helping the group identify best practices and issues for food co-ops, has indicated that people often perceive food co-ops as a natural, organic, expensive grocer, but food co-ops don’t have to be that. What will this oasis be like? Because a food co-op is owned by its members, what this food co-op will be to the community is largely determined by the community. This is why the current board of directors asked

the community, through a survey and focus groups, about the need for the co-op, and what things should be emphasized to get it started. Although the site for the co-op has not been picked yet, the group is in the process of hiring a manager who will help locate and equip an appropriate site. They have talked to two local farmers’ unions about supplying Continued on page 2

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

Get Involved: Severe Weather Shelter Network n By

Joel Newton

T VOLUNTEERS FROM FAITH BIBLE CHAPEL help prepare Sloan’s Lake Community Church for the night’s homeless guests; the church participates in the Severe Weather Shelter Network. PHOTO: JOEL NEWTON

hroughout history, churches have been known for their involvement in education, medical care and caring for the oppressed. In the midst of a booming economy in the metro Denver area, churches are quietly caring for those who are homeless and needing a warm place to stay at night. The Severe Weather Shelter Network grew out of Jefferson County’s Heading Home initiative with a desire to offer shelter to the homeless during cold nights. The idea was birthed in a Heading Home subcommittee to have faith communities open their doors as severe weather shelters. Continued on page 2

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – ngazette.com

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Continued from page 1

Regardless, Stalf reported that several new retail businesses had opened in the last two years and are expected to continue to generate significant sales tax revenues, and that existing businesses are performing well. More than $7 million in revenue is expected in 2017; the city estimates more than $7.1 million in receipts this year; $6,441,269 was collected in 2015. Of that, $4.6 million is from sales and use taxes (just over $4 million in 2015). The city spent an estimated $1.2 million on street improvements this year, and $1.1 million in 2015; those expenses drop to $100,000 in the 2017 budget. Sidewalk and curb repair spending of an estimated $220,000 this year and $301,800 in 2015 dropped to $25,000 in the new budget. New or increased spending in 2017 includes $500,000 for civic center preconstruction costs, $80,000 for alley improvements, and $170,000 for traffic signal upgrades (up from $15,000 in 2016). “Those are projects that are due and have been scheduled,” said Stalf. “A couple of alleys with bad drainage need

Severe Weather Continued from page 1

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After a full year of churches opening up their spaces on cold nights, Severe Weather Shelter Network became its own organization in 2014. One of the first churches to sign onto this effort was Sloan’s Lake Community Church just north of Sloan’s Lake. For years, Sloan’s Lake has hosted a Sunday morning breakfast for the homeless. It was at one of these breakfasts that one of the guests told them that their friend had frozen to death the night before. This motivated Sloan’s Lake Community Church to take their involvement to the next level and become a Severe Weather Shelter. During the cold snap the week of Dec. 5, Sloan’s Lake Community Church hosted homeless adults at their church facility. Church members from Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada prepared the building for the arriving guests and cooked up a warm meal when they arrived at 7 p.m. Each guest received a bed mat, towel and blankets for their night stay. “If it wasn’t for this place we would be outside in the cold at a campsite,” explained Daryl, one of the guests. He told of their nightly routine of having to find a relatively safe place to sleep outside and worrying

Food Coop Continued from page 1

the fresh food. The West Colfax Food Co-op will ensure broad access to fresh, local food in one of Denver’s most sparse food deserts. The co-op will support farmers, drive grassroots revitalization of the West Colfax neighborhood, and encourage healthy options in a community with one of the highest obesity rates in the Denver area. The board has determined that the West Colfax Food Co-op will be committed to: • Serving as a community-owned grocery store, • Providing equitable access to fresh, healthy, affordable food in West Colfax, • Delivering profits back into the community, • Sourcing products locally, • Celebrating culinary and cultural diversity, • Creating a welcoming, vibrant store environment, serving community needs. Anyone can become a member. Members are eligible to participate in special offers from partners’ businesses; purchase monthly members-only specials; receive discounts on special orders; and

to be addressed and we are working with Lakewood to replace and improve the signals at 20th and Pierce. Traffic signals are very expensive.” Total capital improvements are budgeted at $910,000, down from $1.2 million in 2016, and $1.4 million in 2015. Projected figures through 2020 are just over $1 million annually, with three quarters of that dedicated to civic center debt service ($750,000 each year). Operating expenses for city departments will increase 6 percent ($226,859) to just over $3.2 million. That included a 5.5 percent increase for police, from $1,623,478 to $171,3257. “We increased police department salaries by 10 percent across the board to make us more competitive in the market place and to be able to hire and retain good officers,” Stalf explained. A 75 percent increase to the City Manager’s budget – $168,659 to $294,772 – reflects the Director of Community Services’ impending Jan. 1 promotion to Deputy City Manager. Community Services’ budget dropped 29 percent – by $94,779, down to $228,217 – to reflect that. Public Works’ Superintendent position – vacant for the last two years – was restored, resulting in a 24 percent increase, $64,663, up to $332,989. about what to do with their possessions. “My family won’t send me letters or pictures but these people love me,” said Allison, another guest. The Severe Weather Shelters are open when overnight temperatures are 32 degrees or colder and wet, or 20 degrees or colder and dry. Church host sites open their buildings approximately every four weeks in rotation with other host sites. Single men, women and couples (without children) are provided shelter and are prescreened to determine eligibility. This year Severe Weather Shelter Network is partnering with the City of Lakewood to offer the Whitlock Recreation Center as a warming site before the guests are transported to the church host site. “The warming site provides a place for centralized pickup for the church host site and gives the guests a chance to get in out of the cold before transportation arrives,” said Severe Weather Shelter Executive Director Lynn Ann Huizingh, explaining the importance of this partnership. “It’s an anxiety reducer for our guests and makes it easier for our host sites.” The Severe Weather Shelter Network is always looking for more volunteers at the host sites. Volunteers can be van drivers, phone intake, overnight hosts, food preparation and a variety of other roles. For more information, visit www.swshelternetwork.com.

get refunds in years when the food co-op is profitable. In addition, members will vote for the board of directors and may even run for a seat on the board. Most of all, members will be supporting a business that is dedicated to helping the community’s quality of life by providing access to good food and community camaraderie. In exchange, the West Colfax Co-op pledges to serve the community with quality products and honest information. Unlike most businesses that make decisions primarily to maximize profits, cooperatives make decisions to maximize service to their owners and the community. The one-time voting membership investment is $200, and may be paid in installments. The board is also developing a scholarship program to provide membership fees for those who qualify. However, anyone will be able to shop at the co-op once it is open. It will accept SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for those relying on this program. To join, fill out an owner share purchase form on the website, pay the first installment of $25 or $50 or payment in full. The co-op’s bylaws are posted on the website, too. For more information, visit www.westcolfaxfoodcoop.org.

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

ngazette.com – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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hat if we were as committed to educate local as we were to shop local? In a rapidly changing community, Edgewater Collective is committed to continuing the movement to create local, thriving schools in the Edgewater area. For our local schools to thrive, they need to be connected to our thriving Edgewater community. As we look to 2017, Edgewater Collective is focusing on three areas: “school champions,” resource raising and school bridges. Our goal is to find a school champion on each street in Edgewater who can help promote and tell great stories about our local Edgewater schools. We’ll provide you with the stories, resources and information to champion our local schools. As we plan our 2017 budget, we are committed to raising more funds and collecting more resources like books for

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teachers and schools. As financial needs come up we endeavor to support student learning and teacher training in any way we can. Lastly, our hope is to create school bridges from our neighborhood schools to the Edgewater community so relationships can be built and community members can see and experience what is happening in our schools. Practically this means creating opportunities for school staff and students to enter into community events and initiatives. Then from the community side, we will continue organizing and advertising opportunities for community members to come to the schools for various events like sports and concerts. A large emphasis of the upcoming Edgewater Community Festival is on connecting schools to the community. Learn more about this effort at edgewatercollective.org.

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ngazette.com – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Holidays of Hope: Helping Families in Need n

By Meghan Godby

or many of us, the holiday season means home-cooked meals, carefully wrapped presents, and quality time spent with family and friends. Sadly, less fortunate members of our community may not have the same experience. Many families struggle not only to provide gifts for their children but also to serve a healthy, wholesome meal at the dinner table. Luckily, there are numerous nonprofits in our community that can make this time of year a little easier. Family Tree, Inc., based in Wheat Ridge, aims to make a huge difference through their Holidays of Hope program. Made possible through generous donations by community members and local corporations, the program served over 250 families in 2015. This year? The reach is expected to double. Over 100 donors and many local corporations helped make the holidays happier for families across the entire Denver metro area. Family Tree wants to end the stigma surrounding child abuse/neglect, domestic violence and homelessness. Working from the belief that everyone deserves safe housing and loving relationships, they recognize the interconnectedness between these complex issues. Although their tireless support is available year-round to families in need, the holiday season is a great time of year to make a difference for those less fortunate. As part of the Adopt-A-Family program, each participating family provides a wish list: everything from household items to toys for young children. A popular option for individual donors, it’s a great way for the community to give back and spread the holiday spirit in the process. While local corporations often host donation drives, they can also participate in Adopt-AProgram, which helps support the valuable

programs and services that Family Tree provides to our community. “Holidays of Hope” is not limited to December, however. Last month, Thanksgiving meals were delivered to 70 needy families, and meal supplies were provided to dozens of others who might struggle to pay their grocery bill. Rhonda Shea, director of marketing and communications, finds the process

incredibly rewarding. She loves knowing that they are “providing families and individuals with hope: not the presents themselves – although they are so needed – but the hope of knowing that so many people care and want them to succeed. Hope in knowing they are not forgotten or disposable, and [that] our communities care about them. That is what the holidays are about: caring, sharing, and hope.”

Although names cannot be disclosed for privacy reasons, the impact of this program is clear. Rhonda shared a note from a recent client, which reads, “This is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for my family.” For a complete list of Family Tree’s programs and services and information on how you can help, visit their website at www.thefamilytree.org.

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Santa Rides with the Edgewater Fire Department n

By Joel Newton

ne of the great traditions in Edgewater involves Santa hitching a ride with the Edgewater Fire Department on Christmas Eve. Santa rides around town on the fire truck and delivers presents to Edgewater children. Parents leave presents on the doorstep and Santa brings them in to the kids. This tradition began in 1934 when Tony Noll began dressing up as Santa and going around town in his own car. Then in 1952, he began hitching a ride on the fire truck and continued this tradition until 1959. Since then, Edgewater Fire Department and now the West Metro Fire Protection District members have continued this special tradition. Here is a poem by fireman Fred Rudman titled “Warm Thoughts” about this great tradition: Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town Not an intersection was crowded There was no one around When up came a siren and commotion galore And all thought that Santa must be next door The fireman were out spreading joy once again Letting all people know that they were their friend Santa is coming! Not through the chimney or roof did Santa roam But on an old Dodge did he come to each home Bringing good cheer and joy And always some toys The picture above and historical details are from Santa is there for all girls and boys “Edgewater, Colorado: A Centennial CelebraThanks to all those who make it so bright tion” by Celora Jean Jones and Connie Jo Fox. On this warm and wonderful Christmas Eve night

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – ngazette.com

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engage our fellow neighbors, I would ask our members of the Silent Generation to consider sharing with their neighbors their he Silent Generation, born before 1945, needs and their stories. This sharing among were given this moniker because they neighbors allows our younger neighbors were known to be hard-working and quiet and our community the opportunity to give about their business. This description is still back to a generation which has given to us accurate into retirement for many members so very much. of this generation. I know that it is humbling and in some Within the cities of Wheat Ridge and cases prideful to admit our needs and our Edgewater it is my estimation that we have limitations, but to our community the over 2,300 members of this generation opportunity to serve our elders who are living quietly and is a blessing. independently, without any The Silent Generation other persons present in the has been coined as such, but home. Nearly 66 percent – 1,500 this doesn’t mean that we have – of these residents and fellow to be silent in our service to their neighbors are women who are needs. Sometimes we have to go over the age of 70 and are more out of our way to ask if someone than likely living independently. would like help or to ask if These numbers do not include someone would like a ride to the Silent Generation members who store. live with someone else. In my time listening and I choose the word Zachary Urban spending time with the elders “independently” over the word of our community, I have found “alone” because I hope in our that the less I talk and the more I listen, the tightknit community we would never define better. The one thing I have learned from someone as living “alone.” listening to my fellow neighbors is that they This stand of elders within our wish to set their own limits rather than have community living independently, ablelimits set upon them by others. Keep this bodied and freely is a testament to our in mind as you engage with your neighbors community as a whole. The bigger picture is about how you can be of service to them. that we all live in our tightknit community In addition to our individual efforts to because of the bonds created by this stand of serve our fellow neighbor’s needs, the Seniors’ elders. We are the saplings living the shade Resource Center is our Wheat Ridge-based of these members of the Silent Generation. nonprofit organization dedicated to being As we begin this Christmas season and a community partner, providing personas winter is finally upon us I would ask our focused, coordinated services to enhance Silent Generation to speak up. I would ask independence, dignity and quality of life. the rest of us to turn our ears toward our They can be reached by calling 303-238-8151. fellow neighbors. Zachary Urban can be reached at 720As each of us takes special care and 252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com. attention to walk across the street to n

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Where to Take Your Hard-to-Recycle Items By Shaina Aguilar

EDGEWATER AT 25TH & SHERIDAN

ast month, I discussed the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling so that we can all reduce the amount of waste going to the landfills. You might be surprised to know how many different materials can be recycled. There are many local and online resources to help you find the best way to recycle your materials. The following will direct you toward locations to drop off your recyclables if you don’t have them picked up at your home. This list includes places to take your electronics, CFL and LED light bulbs, mattresses, plastic bags, latex paint, and even Styrofoam (not including Styrofoam packing peanuts). • SustainAbility is a recycling facility that employs individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities. They provide pick-up and drop off services for all recyclables, including hard-to-recycle items. They will even take Styrofoam! They are located at 6240 W. 54th Ave. in Arvada or 1270 S. Bannock St. in Denver; phone the Arvada location at 303-425-9226, and the Denver location at 303-424-1719. • Plastic Film Recycling provides a service to recycle plastic bags and wraps. Visit plasticfilmrecycle.org to find your nearest drop-off facility. • Spring Back recycles mattresses and creates employment opportunities for the disenfranchised. They are found at 3875 Steele St., Unit B, in Denver. Their phone is 720-515-1328. • Home Depot will take your used CFLs. (LED bulbs are considered electronic waste so can be taken to any of the electronic recycling facilities listed in this article.) • Green Sheen accepts latex paint for recycling and turns it into eco-friendly premium latex paint for sale. They are found at 1281 W. Dartmouth in Englewood and

can be reached at 303-514-3955. • Clear Intentions helps divert glass from the landfill and ensures that it gets recycled. Visit clearintentions.glass to find your nearest drop off. Electronics waste should not be thrown in the landfill. Electronics are made of valuable resources that can be reused, including metals, plastics and glass. In addition, some electronics contain harmful substances that, when discarded, can be a health risk to the environment. Below are a few places that can take electronics: • Metech is located at 500 W. 53rd Place in Denver. Their contact number is 720377-7700. This website provides a coupon for a reduced fee for recycling. Visit www. denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/ trash-and-recycling/recycling/electronicsrecycling.html • Blue Star Recyclers take electronics and other materials. They employ people with autism and other disabilities. They are found in Denver, Boulder and Colorado Springs. The Denver location is at 953 Decatur St. Their contact number is 303534-1667. • Action Recycling accepts electronics. They also pay for metals such as copper, brass, aluminum, nickel, lead, steel and iron. They are located at 7610 W. 42nd Ave. and can be contacted at 303-424-1600. Some additional resources are: • Arvada Recycling, located at 9630 Ralston Road. Their number is 303-9003461. • Lakewood Recycling Center, located at 1068 Quail St., phone 303-987-7974. • Ecocycle.org, Earth911.com, and teracycle.com can provide many helpful resources for other recyclables. For questions, comments, or help with any additional recycling questions, contact Shaina Aguilar at aguilar.shaina@ gmail.com.

ngazette.com – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

EDGEWATER MAYOR Stay Tuned for Civic Center Updates sustainability efforts in Edgewater. She helped lead Edgewater's switch to the current recycling program. Jeanette also ello friends and neighbors. I have served on the Parks, Recreation, Historic been receiving many correspondences Preservation & Arts Commission. During regarding the plans for the civic center. First her tenure, she was instrumental in and foremost, staff and the city attorney establishing the national program Keep are working diligently to start formalizing America Beautiful (www.kab.org). Her the process. There are many moving parts dedication and resiliency have to this beginning phase, and helped make Edgewater a better the city hopes to have a clear place to live, and we are very picture to submit to the public thankful for her voice and her in January. Please stay tuned time. for an official city update on this It is truly an honor to work matter. with people like Jeanette and Speaking of city business, Kent, for they not only dedicate Edgewater passed its 2017 themselves to civic duty, but also balanced budget. Although prepare the next generation of the city’s fiscal reserves and community leaders! next year’s economic forecast Lastly, I would like to are strong, there are still many Kris Teegardin give a shout out to Edgewater necessities and priorities the city American Legion Post 17 for must balance. Throughout the their efforts serving veterans as well as the year, city council and staff will be discussing community. The Legion hosted a memorial those priorities and discerning next steps in for former Mayor Roger Mariola. Roger the allocation of funds. was on the Edgewater Volunteer Fire On Tuesday, Dec. 6, Edgewater's Department, a Navy veteran, and served as own Kent Johnson was sworn in as a new mayor from 1993 to 1997. He will be sorely Director of the West Metro Fire Protection missed. District's Board of Directors. Kent will be The Legion also co-hosted an event representing Edgewater and Wheat Ridge honoring veterans on Veteran’s Day. Over on the board. Kent brings many years 200 people came out for the event and also of service, experience and leadership as donated to the sock and food drive. Thank a volunteer and chief of the Edgewater you to all the volunteers and community Fire Department. Kent has also served on members that made this a success! Edgewater's City Council. Many thanks go I hope you have a safe and happy holiday out to Kent for his continued dedication season, and I wish you the best of wishes and commitment, not only to Edgewater, into the new year. but to the entire West Metro community. Contact Edgewater Mayor Kris Teegar Last Thursday, Dec. 1, at its city council din at 720-568-0461 or kteegardin@edgemeeting, Edgewater celebrated Jeanette waterco.com. Papp. Jeanette has been a great leader in n

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EDGEWATER COUNCIL Snow Angels: Senior Snow Shoveling Program then assigns the approved volunteer to a senior within the same block, or as close to the volunteer’s residence as possible. Once remember the first time I met a snow angel. assigned, volunteers are given 24 hours My husband was out of town, it had just after a storm to clear the sidewalks around dumped a foot of snow, and I was pregnant. the senior’s home. We encourage volunteers Really, really pregnant. I didn’t finish two to do this as soon as possible to ensure squares of sidewalk before I had to go inside seniors can get in and out of their homes and rest. I was completely overwhelmed. after a storm. City staff works to fill in for When I came back outside, I saw my snow volunteers that are out of town angel walking back towards his during a storm. house over my newly cleared Snow Angel volunteers sidewalk. It was magic. not only provide the physical The stress of snow support of snow shoveling, removal is real for many of but also help engage seniors in our neighbors, especially the the community. All too often seniors in our community. This the needs of seniors go unmet is why the City of Edgewater is because of a disconnect between continuing to work with Jewish needs and services. However, Family Services and Senior volunteers have a unique Connections to provide snow opportunity to learn about the angels to our senior neighbors other needs a senior may have by offering the – official – Snow Kate Mulcahy through a casual neighborly Angel service. This program has conversation. been around a few years and now works As a recipient of this act of kindness, I with Edgewater’s seniors to evaluate their can say the level of gratitude I felt when the needs, both in terms of snow removal and burden of snow removal was taken off my possibly identifying other services they may shoulders was significant. What cannot be need. described, however, was the sense of worth All senior applicants go through a basic I felt knowing that someone cared enough screening process where a care worker has to take his time to help me. the opportunity to connect the individual If you are looking for a rewarding way with any additional programs that he or she to give back to your community or simply to may need. Following the screening process, tap into your inner angel, consider becoming the city works to match the applicant with a a Snow Angel. For further details, please volunteer that can shovel the snow from the contact Patrick Martinez at 720-763-3010 approved senior’s sidewalk. or find us online at www.playedgewater. Currently, the city is in need of snow com under “volunteer opportunities.” shoveling help. Volunteering begins with Contact Edgewater city councilwoman submitting an application and clearing a Kate Mulcahy at kmulcahy@edgewaterco. basic background screen to safeguard the com or 303-870-8659. well-being of our senior neighbors. The city

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always nice to use that dryer inside when it’s raining. I remember the water fountains we had in school and office buildings. No plastic water bottles and disposable cups. And what happened to the beer and pop bottles we could return to the store for cash? Instead, most are simply thrown away. My son argues that comparing coal to electric and solar to electric is like comparing a horse to a helicopter. Both are modes of transportation, but so vastly different they can’t be compared. Coal was very useful, but the more we use, the more harsh the consequences. Solar is free and clean. So maybe some forms of recycling are in fact, brand new to mankind. The reasons are different now. The stakes are much higher. Yes, many still look at the cost savings, but we’re talking about change of seasons we take for granted: flowers blooming when they’re supposed to bloom, leaves turning in the fall and snow falling when it’s supposed to snow. At some point our grandchildren will ask us, “What were you thinking?” and “Why didn't you stop?” I’m not saying that we all need to jump on bicycles. I'm not that guy. I like my cars. I am saying that we need to change the way we fuel our world. From solar/ electricity and hydrogen that are found free in our environment to basic filtered frenchfry oil from McDonald’s. It’s not about sacrifice, it’s about change!

By K. Xerxes Steirer

s a researcher and teacher at the Colorado School of Mines, my favorite topics to teach are energy and sustainability. We all can use the insight from these classes to help make our lives, homes and buildings more comfortable while at the same time saving energy and money! Along with the sun’s energy, a thin skin surrounding the globe sustains all life on earth. As we think globally, the call to act locally is growing. We can do good for our planet. The best place to start is at home and the best time to begin is now. You may have noticed more folks growing delicious food in their yards, putting solar on their roofs or simply favoring their bikes and trikes over cars and trucks. Nowadays, sustainability goes beyond reduce, reuse and recycle. I am excited to share this knowledge with you in the

Sustainable Edgewater Seminar Series in 2017. Did you know LEDs can pay their cost back in just 1.4 years? Ever wonder whether to put solar on the roof or put that money towards energy efficient heating, insulation or windows? We will facilitate informative discussions and learn from each other along the way. I will lead the first three seminars and welcome community members to suggest or lead a seminar in the months ahead. The Sustainable Edgewater Seminar Series will meet in the Edgewater Library from 7 to 8 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month. The first seminar, “Building Green for Zero Emissions,” will be on Jan. 17. Please contact me at xerxessteirer@gmail. com if you want to get involved or have any questions on energy and sustainability. I hope to see you there! K. Xerxes Steirer holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physics.

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ngazette.com – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Taken To Task on Sustainability I am a bit surprised and disappointed at the comment by Shaina Aguilar mentioned in the fourth paragraph of her article, “The 3R’s of a Sustainable Holiday” from the last issue of the Gazette. “…recycling does not eliminate our environmental impact.” A comment like this allows someone to have yet another excuse not to recycle or repurpose or re-use. Recycling leads the way for people to think about the other R’s: re-use and repurpose. Recycling creates other good environmental habits. Recycling creates new technologies. Recycling creates jobs out of these new technologies. Recycling creates job for the local organization called Sustainability, which employs special needs adults who otherwise could not find jobs for their skill sets. Businesses can get on board with recycling and connect with www.sustainabilityrecycling.com Glass jars are better recycled now through Clear Intentions, a company that sells the glass jars and bottles to Rocky Mountain Bottle Company located in Wheat Ridge for repurposing. The company Terracyle has programs for school fundraising. Start now to practice or get back in the habit of recycling. It’s the right thing to do for your community and for the environment. Let’s redefine waste and cultivate potential. Christine Taraskiewicz, Wheat Ridge Ms. Aguilar responds: Thank you so much for your feedback on the article. You are correct that recycling holds many benefits, including the jobs and businesses it supports. And yes, it is

important to encourage people to recycle. In the article, I stated that as far as the 3 R’s, “All three concepts are important, but they should be thought of in steps.” So reduce and reuse are the more preferable steps, but recycling also helps to keep items out of the landfill and lessens the strain on virgin resources, so it is important as well. I also said that, “When the two previous options have been exhausted, recycling can lessen the demand on virgin resources, but does require energy so recycling does not eliminate our environmental footprint.” So the point to that sentence was to make sure people realize that recycling does use energy so it’s not without an environmental footprint. The transportation of recyclables, the processing, etc., use energy so there are still greenhouse gas emissions created. So, although we are being responsible stewards of the environment by recycling, it is possible that sometimes we can do even better. But you are correct, the landfill should be the last option. I love your comment about redefining waste. That's exactly what the 3 R’s are about. I do appreciate all of the resources you named in your feedback. Since the article is limited in space … my plan was to go into more detail about what and where to recycle in the next edition. It's great that we have those resources in Wheat Ridge and I'm excited to be able to write about them to make sure others know they exist. Sustainability is an awesome organization and I direct people towards it whenever I can. Your points about job creation is also very important and I will make sure to include that concept in my next article. Thank you so much for reading, for taking the time to comment, and for caring about the earth and all of us on it! Shaina Aguilar

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It’s also still the best fit because of how my daughter has bloomed while being there. Stevens has the most amazing staff; people who make deep, heartfelt connections with kids right away. Teachers who make time to allow their students a practice of centering and connecting with each other each morning before academics begin. Teachers who have high academic expectations and are using data and research-proven methods to meet each kid where they’re currently performing and get them where they need to be. People who believe that character development is an essential component of an education for tomorrow’s leaders. If I hadn’t taken the time to come and get to know Stevens, I might not have chosen it. And so, I’d like to extend to you an invitation. Consider joining us on Dec. 15 (6 p.m., 4001 Reed St.)to learn more about how Stevens might be the right fit for you. (For more information, contact Anna Jackson at Stevens Elementary, arjackso@jeffco.k12.co.us or 303-982-2198.) Ayrolyn Keady, Wheat Ridge

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – ngazette.com

ASK THE EXPERT Your Dollar at Work – 12 Months of Smart Savings Tips June – Vegetables fresh from our garden are less expensive than canned and frozen ake 2017 “the year of the dollar” by foods – and healthier, too! Start small – try trying some of these smart saving and a few tomato plants. (Don’t forget to water and fertilize regularly!) spending tips all year long. January – After-Christmas sales are a July – Play sports? Buy your equipment great way to stock up on holiday-themed at used sporting goods stores. From products such as wrapping paper, candles, catcher’s mitts to surfboards, these stores cards, and decorations. Most retailers sell their wares at a fraction of the original reduce prices on these items by 50 percent cost. August – Cash in on summer or more. But don’t stop there. clearance sales. Spruce up next Many specialty and gourmet summer’s wardrobe or outfit food items, and items of clothing yourself for a winter cruise. Also, – sweaters, hats, gloves, and start pricing next winter’s cord scarves – are put on clearance of wood. racks and sold for a fraction of September – In September their original price. and October auto dealers try to February – Getting a raise? clear their lots to make room Consider adding the extra for the next year’s models. By money to your retirement haggling, you may be able to savings plan and/or open a shave hundreds off a new car’s special account for next year’s holiday shopping or your Victoria Thompson sticker price. October – The Department summer vacation. March – March is considered a low- of Energy estimates that heating and season travel month to Europe. That’s cooling account for 50 to 70 percent of the the time of year when tourists are scarce, energy used in the average American home. attractive destinations such as London, Schedule a heating and cooling system Paris and Rome are quiet, and hotels and tune-up, insulate your attic, replace furnace filters and have your chimney cleaned. airfares are at some of their lowest rates. April – If you are among the majority of November – Many charities begin active Americans who get a tax refund, consider fundraising during this month. Before using that money to pay down credit card sending a donation to your favorite charity, debt, to make an extra principal-only check it out with the National Charities payment on your mortgage, or to build the Information Bureau or the BBB Wise Giving Alliance. foundation of an emergency fund. May – The Department of Energy December – Have a few extra dollars to estimates that water heating can account for spare? 14 to 25 percent of the energy consumed in Kick off 2018 by finding new ways to your home. Lowering the temperature on save and spend wisely. your hot-water heater during the summer Victoria Thompson is a partner at Resmonths will help cut costs. If you take olute Family Wealth Advisors. She can be a vacation, turn the temperature down reached at 20-464-5697, victoria.thompson@lpl.com. further. n

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est Metro Fire Rescue has been awarded its first Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its 2016 budget. The award is the only national awards program for governmental budgets and represents the commitment of the district’s Board of Directors and West Metro staff in meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. The award comes after the District faced and overcame a number of financial challenges tied to the 2008 recession and the narrow defeat of a mill levy increase in May of 2014. Shortly after the mill levy election, West Metro laid off some staff, demoted others and reduced services and response capabilities. The District got to work, meeting the challenges through thoughtful reallocation of resources and a detailed budget process that took a hard look at how best to serve residents, under the constraint of limited finances. West Metro also took advantage of state and federal grants to fund several initiatives, including the hiring of 38 new firefighters. Twenty-four of the new hires were funded with a federal grant. “It was a difficult time, but we did not compromise on our promise to serve our community to the best of our ability,” said Chief Don Lombardi, West Metro Fire

Rescue. “The fact that we’re now in a very good financial position is proof of our success.” West Metro’s budget was judged by a panel of independent reviewers, who assessed how well the budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device. West Metro had to meet or exceed nationally recognized guidelines for an effective budget presentation. “Our budget is a blueprint and a guide for the taxpayers in our district to show how well we manage our finances,” said Lombardi. “It’s important to us that we stay transparent and keep an open line of communication. We’re honored that the GFOA recognized that commitment with this award.” The Budget Presentation award program was established in 1984 to encourage and assist in the preparation of budget documents based on guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the Government Finance Officers Association’s best practices, then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal. The award is earned by only the top two percent of government agencies in the United States and Canada. Ronda Scholting is the Communications/Media Relations Specialist for West Metro Fire Rescue; contact her at rscholting@westmetrofire.org or 303-941-8317.

ngazette.com – DECEMBER 13, 2016 – JANUARY 16, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHAT’S HAPPENING Free Play for All Ages at Edgewater Library Edgewater Library, located at 5843 W. 25th Ave., offers entertaining activities for everyone from babies through teens over the holidays. Teen are invited to be creative, find a new hobby, or just have some fun with people their own age in Teen Time, Thursday, Jan. 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Teen Time is designed to be a varied experience. No registration is required and all supplies are provided. Make history together in Crafty History, Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 4 to 5 p.m. Kids ages six and up learn about a special event in history and then create a related craft. It’s crafty and fun! All ages are welcome to come play and build with LEGOs in LEGO Play and Build, every Wednesday from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Weekly children’s activities include Baby Time, Mondays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; PreSchool Time, Tuesdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m.; Toddler Time, Thursdays, 11 to 11:30 a.m. All events are free. Note: the library will be closed Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24. For more information, call 303-2355275 or visit jeﬀcolibrary.org.

Santa Claus is Coming to Orum House, Dec. 17 The City of Edgewater will be getting a visit from Santa at the historic Orum House, 2444 Depew St., on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. It’s a chance to take pictures with Santa as well as see one of the historic treasures of Edgewater. For more information visit www. playedgewater.com or call 720-763-3010.

Lakewood Will Recycle Your Busted Christmas Lights Recycle your old, broken or unused strings of holiday lights by dropping them off in collection totes at the Quail Street Recycling Center, 1068 Quail St., in Lakewood, 7 a.m. through 5 p.m., through Sunday, Jan. 15. All types of holiday string lights are accepted. No sorting is necessary, nor do you need to be a Lakewood resident. The City of Lakewood hosts the program, with services provided by METech Recycling.

Recreation Advisory Board will judge holiday decorations throughout Edgewater and award the best Thursday evening, Dec. 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. The registration deadline has passed for the contestants, but revelers can cruise the city’s neighborhoods and enjoy the holiday spectacle on their own. For more information visit www. playedgewater.com or call 720-763-3010.

Catch ‘A View From the Bridge’ at The Edge Theater The Edge Theater will stage a New Year’s Eve presentation of Arthur Miller’s “A View from the Bridge” followed by a party, starting at 8 p.m. at the 1560 Teller St. theater. Winner of the 2016 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Play, “A View From the Bridge” portrays the struggles of the Carbone family after the arrival of cousins illegally emigrating from Italy. Have other plans for New Years? Performances are held Saturdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 6 p.m., through Dec. 30 (but no shows Dec. 24 and 25). Visit theedgetheater.com or call 303232-0363 for tickets ($28) and information.

Stitch and Chatter, Dec. 21 & 28 Bring your knitting, crochet or embroidery projects to Stitch and Chatter, Senior Connection Edgewater’s free, drop-in handcrafts group, Wednesday, Dec. 21 and 28, 1 to 3:30 p.m. The social gathering takes place every Wednesday at the Edgewater Plaza Building, 2250 Eaton St. All ages and levels are welcome. For more information, contact Felica Goett, fgoett@jewishfamilyservice.org, or Eric Strother, estrother@jewishfamilyservice.org, or call 720-763-3042.

We’re Closed for the Holidays

Free Walk-In Wellness Clinic, Jan. 6

Rediscover Jeﬀco Discussion, Dec. 14 & 15

On Friday, Jan. 6, Physician Assistant students from Red Rocks Community College set up shop in the Edgewater Plaza Gym, 2250 Eaton St., and provide basic health check ups which include weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, heart rate and more, for free. Arrive any time between 2:30 and 4 p.m.; no registration necessary. Offered the first Friday of every month.

For more information, call the Jeffco League of Women Voters at 303-2380032.

Viewing Edgewater’s Best Holiday Lights The City of Edgewater’s Parks and

For more information, call the Jeffco League of Women Voters at 303-2380032.

Volunteer Opportunity With Tax Prep Clinics With tax season just around the corner, the Denver Asset Building Coalition (DABC) is recruiting volunteers to serve low-income families with free tax preparation services. Each year, DABC receives a lending hand from many great volunteers from the Denver Metro area. Volunteers are needed beginning Jan. 28 through April 17, 2017. DABC's free eight-hour training curriculum is offered at the Mi Casa Resource Center every Saturday through Jan. 21. No accounting experience is needed, and volunteers build their resumes by adding new skills while helping working people reach financial self-sufficiency. For more information, call 303-3887030, email Marissa@denverabc.org, or visit www.denverabc.org.

Jeﬀco Library Receives State Grant for 2017 Jefferson County Public Library will purchase additional educational materials in 2017, thanks to a $131,272 grant from the Colorado State Library, through the State Grants to Libraries Act. “We’re grateful to have these resources to support our literacy and educational initiatives,” said JCPL executive director. “We are committed to the goal of helping every child in Jefferson County enter kindergarten with the skills they need to be

ready to read, and these funds will help us to buy books and other resources to assist us in that effort.” Under the State Grants to Libraries Act, publicly supported libraries in Colorado, including public libraries, school libraries, and academic libraries, may apply for funds to obtain educational resources they would otherwise be unable to afford. In October, 2016-2017 grants totaling $2,461,462 were awarded to 315 libraries across Colorado. For more information contact your local library or visit jeﬀcolibrary.org.

Jeﬀco Library Comes to Seniors Via Home Service Residents in the Jefferson County Public Library District who are unable to come to the library due to a disability can use the library from home, requesting materials online or letting staff make recommendations. The items are then delivered to their homes by volunteers or U.S. mail. It’s free, and there are no late fines or mailing costs to patrons who use the service. JCPL’s Home Delivery Service makes library resources available to all, providing equal access to information and opportunities. JCPL serves 150 residents with disabilities with delivery and supports 25 of the County’s assisted living and nursing homes with library materials. Home service programs are a common offering through large library systems, including Arapahoe, Denver, and Boulder Libraries. And their value is being felt as the state absorbs the aging Baby Boomers. For more information contact your local library or visit jeﬀcolibrary.org.

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

IF IT WERE ONLY THIS EASY FOR A LOST PET TO FIND ITS WAY HOME.

Edgewater city offices will be closed on for holidays on three upcoming Mondays: Dec. 26 as well as Jan. 2 and 16. Lakewood municipal offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26.

For more information, visit www. Lakewood.org/Recycling or call 303-9877190.

Jeffco League of Women Voters, will host an exploration of Jefferson County’s past, present and future at its Applewood Area meeting, “Rediscover Jeffco,” Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Westland Meridian, 10695 West 17th Ave., starting at 9:15 a.m. Fifty years ago Jefferson County was a farm community that was converting its cornfields to new houses. Today, it is a well-developed county, but with what? Going where? What resources are needed to go forward? This exploration will reveal current county demographics and how it impacts the resources regarding aging, housing and education. Can’t make that date? Join the Lakewood/Golden Area meeting, Thursday, Dec. 15, 9:15 a.m., at the Cason Howell House, 1575 Kipling, Lakewood.

housing and education. Can’t make that date? Join the Lakewood/Golden Area meeting, Thursday, Dec. 15, 9:15 a.m., at the Cason Howell House, 1575 Kipling, Lakewood.

For more information, contact Felica Goett, fgoett@jewishfamilyservice.org, or Eric Strother, estrother@jewishfamilyservice.org, or call 720-763-3042.

Rediscover Jeﬀco Discussion, Dec. 14 & 15 Jeffco League of Women Voters, will host an exploration of Jefferson County’s past, present and future at its Applewood Area meeting, “Rediscover Jeffco,” Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Westland Meridian, 10695 West 17th Ave., starting at 9:15 a.m. Fifty years ago Jefferson County was a farm community that was converting its cornfields to new houses. Today, it is a well-developed county, but with what? Going where? What resources are needed to go forward? This exploration will reveal current county demographics and how it impacts the resources regarding aging,

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or participating in activities that bring joy can counteract the negative effects of stress. When made a daily practice, people t is no secret that in our society women experience a more positive outlook on life remain the predominant caretakers for and report less chronic stress. their families and communities in spite of When juggling a busy schedule you growing responsibilities. Women are often may need to get creative in finding time for the primary decision maker for medical yourself. I practice mindfulness care for their immediate family every day with an intentional and extended families, as well reflection on gratitude. During as caring for aging parents at my daily commute, I call to increasing rates. In most cases, mind at least three things for this is in addition to their fullwhich I am thankful. By simply time employment. calling these thoughts to my According to the American attention and reflecting on them Psychological Association, stress I experience more calm and joy can be identified as a feeling of in my life overall. The social being overwhelmed, run-down scientists who have studied this or worried. Over time, stress practice at Duke University say can take a toll on our emotional Andrea Burch that it is because you train our and physical well-being. Left brain to pay more attention to the untreated or unmanaged, good things that are happening throughout chronic stress can result in serious health the day instead of just the bad things. conditions including anxiety, insomnia, Laughter has been shown to release muscle pain, high blood pressure and a chemicals in your brain that ease muscle weakened immune system. tension and combat the unhealthy physical Research shows that stress can effects that stress has on your body. Mayo contribute to the development of major Clinic research shows that laughter can have illnesses, such as heart disease, depression positive long-term effects on your immune and obesity. Yet, despite its connection system, reduce pain and improve your mood to illness, APA's Stress in America survey and overall outlook on life. Let's face it – it revealed that 33 percent of Americans never also makes you more fun to be around! discuss ways to manage stress with their These are only some of the ways that healthcare provider. people are finding to help manage the stress Being the epicenter of support for in their lives. I encourage you to find an so many people both personally and easy way to care for yourself that works for professionally is taxing, especially over time. you and your schedule. Small but powerful Developing habits that promote wellness changes can go a long way to managing your and your health is key to preventing serious health over time. diseases long-term and also enable you to Andrea Burch, MS, BSN, RN, CNRN, get the most joy out of every day. serves as Vice President and Chief Nurs Intentionally scheduling time to spend ing Officer at Lutheran Medical Center. in reflection, meditation, daily exercise n

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Answers to Questions Posed to Schools Superintendent Dan McMinimee We have a nice long winter break coming up. What will the top officer at Jeffco Schools assign as homework to all students and staff over the holidays? I know our political climate and recent news headlines may have caused uncertainty in some of our communities. We, as a school district, feel it is important to reiterate our commitment to ensuring our schools are a safe, welcoming environment for every student. Please know we will continue to provide quality education to ALL students, just as we do now. Jeffco Public Schools remains fully committed to our values of inclusion, equity, and fair treatment. No student should feel unsafe coming to school. No student should be treated disrespectfully. Our school district, Board of Education, teachers, and entire staff are here to support ALL students. Your task, over the next few weeks, is to help us in creating and maintaining a safe and inclusive environment. In regards to the above, what things are we doing well? What things could we do better? We would love to hear from you. Happy Holidays. Thank you, Dan McMinimee, Superintendent, Jefferson County Public Schools These are responses to questions submitted by members of our community. If you have a question for Superintendent McMinimee, please submit it to guy@ NostalgicHomes.com or call it in to 303-999-5789.

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