Neighborhood Gazette – February 2019 – Edgewater by Neighborhood Gazette

EDGEWATER COUNCIL Mobility Study Is My Top Priority Page 4

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Denver Audubon Celebrating 50th Anniversary Page 5

UNDER THE DOME Looking Forward To Hearing Your Thoughts Page 12

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EDGEWATER

| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS | WEST HIGHLAND February 18 – March 17, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE

Living CarbonFree: How Hard Can That Be? n By

Mike McKibbin

here’s living off the grid, then there’s living carbon-free. Wheat Ridge resident Eric Wilson worked on his nearly 70-year-old home for five years to make it energy efficient and carbon-free. “I pay a lot of attention to my carbon footprint and things like how much I drive and how much meat I eat,” Wilson said in an interview. “Since I work in the field of home energy efficiency, we thought it made sense to do this with our house.” Wilson joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden in 2010, has performed energy audits and design assistance for a state energy program and conducted blower door tests on tribal housing. But Wilson said such a background is not necessary to undertake this type of project. Wilson said he and his wife bought their first home in 2012 — a less than 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, singlefamily home built in 1950 in the eastern part of Wheat Ridge, near 38th Avenue and Harlan Street. Continued on page 8

THIS MURAL ADORNING LAMAR STATION PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER IN LAKEWOOD was created during the 40 West Art District’s West Colfax Mural Fest, hosted annually at the Plaza; artist Caitlyn Shea created it. PHOTO COURTESY BROAD STREET REALTY.

Black And White House At Sloan’s Among Mayor’s Design Winners n By

Laurie Dunklee

loan’s Lake dog-walkers might do a double-take when they pass the Black and White House, on 23rd Avenue, just east of the park. In this neighborhood of mostly single-story ranch houses, the Black and White House is no exception – save for the big glass cube rising from its middle. The 1960s home won a Mayor’s Design Award for its transformation into a contemporary home with a two-story glass atrium. “This design won because it’s a modern redo that fits the block and the neighborhood,” said Alexandra Foster of Denver Community Planning and Development, which runs the annual awards. “Its scale is the same as the rest of the block, and the way it orients to the street. Lots of new projects in northwest Denver are not like the rest of the block. This is modern and interesting, but it doesn’t stand out in a negative way.” The basic shoebox-shaped house had remained fundamentally unchanged when Erin Little and Marc Perusse bought it two years ago. It was the perfect candidate for a remodel because the foundation was strong. “The foundation was two times as thick as it needed to be, and the house could really handle anything we wanted to do with it,” Little told Denver Life magazine. The couple wanted a view of Sloan’s Lake, as well as a light-filled space, so they hired architect Matt Davis of Davis Urban to rethink the house. Davis left standing the existing home and the existing garage – popping the top – and connected the two by designing a two-story glass cube as a modern bridge between them. The cube creates a grand dining room and a loft bedroom-office. Little and Perusse nicknamed their

finished 3,400-square-foot home “the black and white house” because the materials are limited to white painted brick with black custom steel windows and doors, with a dark charcoal standing seam siding at the addition. The five-bedroom house, which also includes a finished basement, won a Mayor’s Design Award in the “This is home” category, honoring single-family residences that exhibit “excellence in architecture, exterior design, and placemaking.” Most of the 17 award winners for 2018

were older places that were saved from neglect to preserve some of Denver’s past— perhaps reflecting a sense of so much history being lost to the massive building boom. “The history and character of our neighborhoods is important to residents,” said Foster. “People live in a neighborhood because they like the look and feel of the area. The award-winners fit their block as well as the neighborhood.” Foster said the intent of the awards, begun in 2005, is to highlight good design

and improve the public realm. Nominees represent a wide variety of projects, from new mixed-use developments to rejuvenated alleys. Anyone can nominate a project. The 2018 awards selection committee was comprised of an architect, a historic preservation leader, a city planning consultant, and a member of CityBuild (a community of millennials building civic engagement). “The judges are interested in city life: Continued on page 2

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Ed Pearl – Local Meteorologist With Impressive Career n By

Meghan Godby

eather is all around us. It’s the fabric of small talk and the narrative of our morning coffee. But although we interact with it every day, it’s not something most people think about. This isn’t the case for Ed Pearl, a Lakewood resident who has been practicing meteorology for decades. Ed grew up in Chicago but has lived in Lakewood since 1979. He’s drawn to the region for the same reasons many of us are - proximity to the mountains and convenience to downtown. His interest in weather began in childhood. “When I was 10, the forecast showed a high of 53 with a windy storm system to our north,” Ed remembers. “I was such an observer of weather, that I looked at the [clouds] outside [...] and grabbed my winter jacket.” His schoolmates, dressed for warmer weather, gave him some strange looks. But Ed had faith in his early forecasting skills. Continued on page 2

LAKEWOOD RESIDENT ED PEARL HAS BEEN PRACTICING METEOROLOGY – forecasting, consulting and research – for decades. PHOTO COURTESY ED PEARL

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how a building brings life to a city block, particularly if that building had been abandoned,” Foster said. The winners include several iconic saves, including the 1895 Bosler House in northwest Denver and the Punch Bowl Social, formerly the control tower at Stapleton Airport. “Always two or three winners feel unique, like the control tower; we don’t get one of those every year,” Foster said. Several new commercial buildings got a nod, including the Colorado Health Foundation at 18th and Pennsylvania, and the Circa Building at 16th and Platte. Also recognized were historic commercial buildings that were given new life, notably the large office building at STEAM on the Platte in Lincoln Park, a reclamation of industrial buildings that includes several that were abandoned. Some of this year’s more unusual projects included a bus shelter near Thomas Jefferson High School and a ticket booth at The Botanic Gardens, created by students at the University of Colorado Environmental Design school. “This year’s different projects were

Ed Pearl Continued from page 1

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“When I got home from school, there was already four inches of snow on the ground.” It’s a childhood dream that has blossomed into an extensive and impressive career. “I started out at the University of Arizona - they had good courses in weather and climatology, which I found fascinating,” he said. “I basically set myself up to be a weather forecaster, but then I went to the University of Chicago and became a supervisory meteorologist in Ted Fujita’s group.” If that name sounds familiar, it should. Over the course of several years, Ed and Ted developed what is known as the Fujita Scale, a sort of rating system for tornadoes. “We would look at footage that people had taken while on the ground and measure objects flying around,” Ed explained. “Each frame is so many seconds apart, so we could use that to compute velocity.” Based on velocity and wind speed data, they ranked tornadoes anywhere from an F1 to an F5, with F5 being the most severe. Photographs were taken both during and after the storm, which could later be used to correlate the damage associated with each step on the scale. During that time, Ed accepted an offer for a position at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, where he worked on weather satellites that they were developing. Shortly after, he moved to Colorado, where he began forecasting on radio and television (he worked on both Channel 4 and Channel 7 for a few years). In fact, he knows all too well the crazy weather that Colorado can throw at us. “The 1982 Christmas blizzard here, which was really amazing, [dumped] about two feet of snow at my house. About 36 hours before that, most of the weather forecasts were calling for snow showers. I kept looking at the charts going no, no, we’re going to have a major storm,” Ed recalls. “I called some of the major services including the National Weather Service and told them this looks serious.” His passion and keen eye for detail eventually led him to a career as a consulting

meteorologist, which he still does today. And it’s given him the opportunity to work on some interesting projects - he’s done everything from forecast Broncos games to concerts at Red Rocks (which snagged him lunches with performers like Stevie Nicks and Willie Nelson). But the most exciting? “[Forecasting for] a trans-Pacific balloon flight from Japan to the United States,” Ed shared. “I met with their meteorological service - I was able to use some of their data and even taught them a few things. I worked on models of what type of weather pattern would get them across.” The key was in finding the perfect jet stream - they needed enough force to make their journey, but not so much that they’d be flying into a massive storm. It was exciting but challenging. “Trying to do that was really tricky,” Ed explained. “At times, I thought it was nearly impossible.” But thanks to his accurate forecasting, the flight was successful and all passengers on board landed safe and sound. In fact, Ed’s become known for his accurate forecasts. The clients he does work for are varied - one day he might be working for the Colorado Symphony (those fancy violins are very sensitive to weather), the next, an agricultural client. And there’s no need for elaborate advertising - lots of satisfied customers means he gets nearly all of his business through word of mouth. He’s certainly busy, but manages to find time for other projects. He’s been working for the Harris Farmer’s Almanac since 1991, where he writes special articles and composes long-range forecasts. He also works as a meteorologist for Necrosearch International, a dedicated team of researchers that helps with unsolved murder cases. And he doesn’t plan to change things anytime soon. “I like what I’m doing,” Ed said. “I like my clients [...] If it’s running well, why ruin it? It keeps me nicely occupied. It’s an interesting business.” There’s something to be said about doing what you love - especially if it’s a lifelong dream. While no one can say with 100 percent certainty what the future holds, with Ed’s passion, dedication and humor, the forecast is clear - his future is pretty bright.

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especially different,” said Foster. “The ticket booth is a first.” Good design is a concern in northwest Denver, where new building has been vigorous and entire blocks have lost their context. District 1 City Councilman Rafael Espinoza was instrumental in passing a city ban on slot homes: multi-unit residential projects designed around a narrow driveway or open space, aka “the slot.” The outer walls often are bare of details, with blank walls and utility equipment facing the sidewalk. There are no real front doors, which, critics said, isn’t a great way to build a community. Slot homes proliferated in the West Colfax, Highland, Berkeley, Jefferson Park and Cherry Creek neighborhoods before the ban passed city council in May of 2018. Foster said the winning projects are those that bring a greater sense of community. “They are striking, and the community takes pride in them. The awards highlight good design as a way to say, ‘These projects are getting it right.’” A future concern is loss of green space because of increased density. Landscaping is a new Mayor’s Design Award category added this year. Foster said an area of interest is green spaces with public access, like the award-winning Backyard on Blake, a restored warehouse-turned-businessspace with grassy and garden areas.

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ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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EDGEWATER MAYOR

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Edgewater Community News accommodate pedestrians, cycles and public transportation goals. The Project promotes dgewater’s new recreation facility these goals with transitional style and varied and library programs are in full swing. architecture; creation of a pedestrian-friendly The library is filling the need for a place for environment with detached sidewalks, families to congregate to read, enjoy quiet front doors facing landscaped courtyards time in the meeting rooms and to participate and a narrower internal street to promote walkability. in all the services and programs “The project will include offered there. The hours are multi-family buildings consisting Monday through Thursday, 9 of nine two story and three story a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday through two-family dwelling structures Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and with 18 units; nine two story Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. and three story multiple family Our recreation facility with structures with 38 units; public/ private meeting rooms, full open space areas; water, sewer gym, state-of-the-art workout and utility improvements; equipment, indoor track and installation of W. 29th Avenue group classes such as yoga, spin street, curb, sidewalk, utility classes and other programs for all and right-of-way landscape ages is rounding out its schedule. Laura Keegan improvements; installation of Please check the city website often for updates, to register for classes, Kendall Street curb, street, sidewalk and rightbuy a yearly membership or see rates for of-way landscape improvements; on-site various passes. Better yet, come by and see detention pond; street lights; mail box kiosk; the facilities at 1800 Harlan St. for yourself. internal private street and alleys; and internal The General Recreation Facility Hours are sidewalk and pedestrian connections; signs; Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and wall/fencing on the 4.79 acre site.” Friday 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Other issues and projects in the upcoming months are: a new city website design Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. At the February city council meeting program; the continuation of the Mobility the final plan was approved for a new Study; the start of our 2020 Comprehensive neighborhood development with Trees Plan that will utilize many community Holding Company II & III, LLC to construct meetings to get feedback; we’re planning a a multi-family residential development on community service day in late April; and in the vacant property on 6170, 6200 and 6250 the near future, we’re looking to share more W. 29th Ave. This land lies to the north of information and available resources for our Terra Gardens. This development falls in line older adult community. Please check our city with our Comprehensive Plan by encouraging website, www.edgewaterco.com, often for housing diversity to attract and accommodate updates. Please remember to keep an eye out a variety of residents and lifestyle preferences. for your neighbors! That is what makes our Some information taken from the Ordinance community strong. 2019-01: “The Property is also located within Mayor Laura Keegan can be reached the Comprehensive Plan ‘Evolution Area’ that at lkeegan@edgewaterco.com or 303is proposed to improve the overall image, 232-0745 (landline).

n By

Laura Keegan

EDGEWATER CITY COUNCIL

Now that the Chocolate hearts Mobility Study Is My Top Priority are empty, come in for a W checkup and cleaning.

Access to schools was also a critical discussion point as Edgewater has three schools located within its boundaries. hen you hear word “mobility” in Utilizing an existing “Safe Routes to School” relation to your community, what grant for improvements near Lumberg and comes to mind? Is it the ability to get around Jefferson Middle and High School along in a car? Is it about cycling? Walking? with identifying future grant opportunities Does it include accessibility for people in for school access was important to many wheelchairs? The elderly? Kids? citizens. To me, “mobility” means safety and The consultant team will accessibility for pedestrians be back in Edgewater in March for and cyclists of all ages as the second round of stakeholder well as drivers. Edgewater and community input. There has embarked on a Mobility will be separate focus groups for Study. This comprehensive businesses, Sheridan, and schools evaluation of existing multiand emergency response. There modal transportation will also be a design workshop facilities in the city will also and discussion of potential include recommendations for recommendations, all of which improving these facilities. The will require community input. city selected a consultant team, Once the final BlueZones LLC and Community recommendations are drafted, Builders, to conduct an existing Kara Swanson the big question is “when will all conditions inventory, agency of these items be implemented?” As with all stakeholder meetings, and a robust public infrastructure improvements, cost is at the outreach and input process. They will forefront of the planning and programming ultimately develop recommendations and of improvements. There will likely be priorities for implementation. “low-hanging fruit”: relatively inexpensive In January, the consultant team and improvements that provide an immediate city staff conducted stakeholder meetings benefit to users and can be followed by with CDOT, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, measures requiring more complex design or Jefferson County Schools, West Metro, and require additional funding. city representatives to better understand This Mobility Study will be the the requirements and current plans for our framework for prioritization for Edgewater’s adjacent communities and those that require transportation infrastructure and is the first access through and around Edgewater. of its kind in the city. This has been my In addition, two public walking audits top priority as a citizen, and now a council and meetings were held in January. The member, since my family and I moved here public was provided the opportunity to in 2007. I am so excited for the final study indicate their “problem areas” within the and hope to see you all at the upcoming city, and their feedback identified narrow meetings! sidewalks, unsafe intersections, areas of Contact Edgewater Councilmember speeding vehicles, etc. There were excellent Kara Swanson at kswanson@edgewaterdiscussions regarding potential traffic co.com or 303-378-9237. calming measures and traffic speed control. n By

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ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

n By

EDGEWATER COLLECTIVE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Edgewater History: Edgewater High School

Denver Audubon Celebrating Its 50th Anniversary

Joel Newton

n By

ave you ever driven by the Edgewater Plaza on 24th and Eaton and wondered what the older building to the south of the tall apartments once was? The older building is one of the last remnants of Edgewater High School. The Edgewater High School story begins in 1901 when a brick schoolhouse was built at 24th and Eaton which included first through eighth grades. Then in 1912 a second story was added to this school. The population in Edgewater grew so much that in 1924, a new structure was built on Eaton with two more rooms, a basement and a new assembly hall. Then in 1937 a gymnasium was added thanks to a WPA grant. You can still see this gymnasium on the south side of what is now the Edgewater Plaza. The first class to graduate the new Edgewater High School was in 1937. Edgewater High School had some very successful basketball teams winning the state championship in 1935, 1941 and 1952. In 1955, rival schools Mountair High School and Edgewater High School were combined by Jefferson County Schools. Grades 10-12 met at the former Edgewater High School at 24th and Eaton. Grades 7-9 were moved to the old Mountair High School at 1500 Chase St. in Lakewood which was converted to Belmont Junior High. Jefferson High School continued the excellent basketball tradition that started at Edgewater High School by having an undefeated basketball season and winning state in 1957. The new Jefferson High School at 24th and Pierce opened in 1958. Recently longtime Edgewater resident and Edgewater High School graduate Bill

Meghan Godby

EDGEWATER HIGH SCHOOL – circa 1938 PHOTO COURTESY JOEL NEWTON Bossert shared this information on how these Edgewater High School students still get together: “On July 15 I was chairman of the Edgewater H.S. reunion held at the Lakewood Elks Lodge at 1455 Newland. This is an event that is held about every four years and consists of everyone who ever attended E.H.S. from the first graduating class in 1937 up until 1955, my class, the last graduating class of E.H.S. before the merger with Mountair H.S. to form Jefferson H..S. We included the Jefferson classes of 1956-1959 as they were attending E.H.S. prior to the merger. “We had a total attendance, alumni and guests, of 141 from as far away as Wisconsin, Georgia, New Mexico and Arizona. Included were ex teachers and mayors of Edgewater. It was indeed a very successful and wonderful event, further testifying to the tight knit and very unique comradeship our school had. “In addition, we continue to have a reunion luncheon every other month at the American Legion in Edgewater for those who still reside in the area. This function usually gathers around 20-30 people.” Contact Edgewater Collective Executive Director Joel Newton at 303-748-0631.

oth Wheat Ridge and Lakewood are turning 50 this year, but there’s another organization reaching that milestone Denver Audubon. Serving Denver and the greater metro area (including all of Jefferson County), the non-profit is dedicated to connecting people to nature and advocating for birds, wildlife and their habitats. The past 50 years have been full of many varied projects. In the late 1980s, for example, Denver Audubon was involved in the opposition of Two Forks Dam, and years later began their environmental education with the Urban Education Program, which worked directly to bring the messaging of nature into our local school systems. But it didn’t stop there. Most recently, in the early 2000s, Denver Audubon opened its nature center (11280 Waterton Road in Littleton), across from Waterton Canyon. While they perform outreach and educational programs all throughout the metro region, the center serves as their home base for larger events and presentations. Karl Brummert, Executive Director, is proud of these accomplishments and is eager to plan for the future. And what’s next? Denver Audubon has a goal to make our region one of the bird friendliest places in the country. “It’s sort of our grand vision, guiding what we do,” Karl explained. “Obviously, that’s a big audacious goal.” A big goal, but not impossible. “We’re not going to do it ourselves,” he shared. “There’s no way our small organization can meet that goal. We need to partner with other organizations and seize some of their data as well.” It’s a multi-faceted approach. Educating

HOODED MERGANSER.

PHOTO BY DICK

VOGEL.

the public on bird-friendly landscaping, while effective, is only one piece of the puzzle. They are also interested in how many programs in the area are focused on birds and nature. This information can then be compared to other cities as a baseline for where we’re at and where we need to go. Essentially, it’s a combination of collecting existing data and implementing new programs. “We definitely want to get more people interested in birding [too],” says Karl. “So many people are interested in birds, [but] lots of people don’t know what Audubon is. We want to increase our visibility as an organization.” In addition to developing new educational programs, part of increasing visibility involves working with other local organizations, such as the High Line Canal Conservancy and the Front Range Birding Company. Because it’s a partnership, everyone benefits, including the birds. Continued on page 6

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – ngazette.com

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here are many things to consider when going through a separation or divorce. Title When mortgage financing is involved, it is Typically, the person that wants to really important to work with a Certified remain in the house and buy out the other Divorce Lending Professional, or CDLP. party may need to be on title for at a specific Guidelines and documentation timeframe prior to the application date requirements vary among lenders based of a refinance. However, divorce awarded on the type of loan being properties can follow different considered. rules where these timeframes Knowing what is required are waived. to qualify to retain a home or purchase a new home before, Transfer Of The Marital during or after the divorce is Home a key item in structuring the There are ways to transfer agreements. Lawyers may not the marital home in a divorce, realize how a lender counts but it will depend on who holds “qualifying income” and how title to the property and if there long it has to be received or is is a current mortgage associated expected to continue, especially with it. Wanda Norge when children are reaching the Refinancing the current age of 18 or 19 when payments loan to remove one spouse from the loan for child support, maintenance and social and title is the most frequently used way of security can be reduced or eliminated. transferring ownership. This equity buyout A finalized divorce decree or separation typically involves a payout to the spouse not agreement is going to be one of the items staying in the marital home. Cash out limits a lender will require since it outlines are based on the available equity. responsibility for current debts, properties, Assumable loans are possible to transfer child support, maintenance payments and between parties but the individual still even refinance closing costs. needs to qualify for it. These are typically FHA or VA, so most conventional loans are Joint Debts not assumable. The agreement will assign joint debt to Transfer of ownership is possible with one party or the other and the lender will various warranty deeds. count it against the person assigned. This is Also consult your financial planner, and a contingent liability since the creditor has tax consultant for tax-related impacts. not released that party from their obligation. Wanda Norge is a member of the If that joint account is not paid in a timely National Association of Divorce Profesmanner by the person responsible for it, it sionals, Mortgage Consultant, Certified can impact the other person’s credit scores. Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP), Ideally, joint accounts should be frozen and Equilane Lending, LLC (NMLS: 387869), 15 closed out as soon as possible. years experience. Phone: 303-419-6568, If the mortgage is one of those joint loans@wandanorge.com, www.wandanaccounts assigned to one person, the lender orge.com. NMLS:280102, MB:100018754

Audubon Continued from page 5

If you’re interested in learning more about birds in our area, now is a great place to start. “Most people think of spring as birding season, and it is,” Karl explained. “But winter is actually really good around Denver, especially by open water. A lot of waterfowl nest up north, migrate here, and stay here for the winter.” Where should you look? Any park with open water is a great place to start. Expect to see lots of waterfowl including Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser, and Northern Shovelers, just to name a few. You can also spot the same songbirds that hang around

the area all year, even robins, who switch to berries as their main food source in the wintertime. Belmar Park, Prospect Park, Crown Hill and Sloan’s Lake are great neighborhood spots, but Karl also recommends Harriman Lake, near Kipling and Quincy. “It’s not well-known and not obvious,” he says, “but it’s a hot spot for birders.” Besides being beautiful to look at, birds serve important environmental functions. In fact, bird populations provide an important insight into the health of our overall environment. When we don’t see as many, we know habitats are in trouble. To learn more about how you can help, visit denveraudubon.org or call 303-9739530.

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ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

■ By

FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY

FITNESS CORNER

The Jeffco Food & Nutrition Task Force

Benefits Of A Daily Stretching Routine

Guy Nahmiach

hen you’re making 4.4 million lunches a year and serving 30,000 students every day in a three-hour time span – all managed, prepared and served by 400 people in 141 facilities – you know it’s a big deal! Jeffco Public Schools created the Jeffco Food and Nutrition Task Force to examine its current practices and make recommendation on improvements, the main focus being to provide healthy and nutritious meals for students. There are regulatory guidelines and financial frameworks to consider in this work: How much money comes from the federal government? What are the “must haves” and “must do’s” in order to qualify for such funds? “The Task Force will evaluate current practices in school nutrition and sustainability, as well as evaluate best and leading-edge practices and prepare both short- and long-term suggestions that can improve our school nutrition programs. The Task Force shall also consider the regulatory and financial considerations associated with any changes recommended and address those in a final report.” Topics range from the snack carts to possible options of having a centrally located food operations team to individual kitchens per school as well as the costs attributed with each option and the effects this can have on student participation, free and reduced services and the ability to maybe even generate funding from outside opportunities. Challenges include aging equipment such as dishwashers and ovens that are 45 years old. Lack of walk-in freezers and the list goes

on. Every meeting revolves around different topics such as environment, resources, sustainability, staffing and, obviously, nutrition values. Luckily our 26-person task force includes not only parents that care but certified nutritionists, licensed chefs, pediatric doctors and the list goes on. “During the 2018-19 school year, the Task Force will engage in a learning tour to increase understanding of current practices in Food and Nutrition Services. Grounded in what the Task Force learns, members will create a set of suggestions to enhance food and dining environment quality with an end goal of increased student participation with Food and Nutrition Services.” Finally, our goal is to prepare a “written report for the Superintendent, articulating recommendations for Jeffco Public Schools. A single report with consensus from the entire Task Force is likely to have the strongest influence on Jeffco Public School’s actions aligned with Task Force.” If you have any questions or recommendations for this task force, you may forward them to me at Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or call me at 303 999-5789. I will share them with the committee and contact you directly with answers. It’s an exciting time to be in Jeffco.

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the Mayo Clinic suggests that stretching before an intense athletic event may inhibit tretching does not have to be time performance. The Mayo Clinic suggests, consuming; in fact, most productive “instead of static stretching, try performing stretching can be completed within 10 to 15 a ‘dynamic warm-up.’ A dynamic warm-up minutes in the comfort of your own home involves performing movements similar to or office. Unsurprisingly, there those in your sport or physical are several health benefits to activity at a low level, then practicing a daily stretch routine gradually increasing the speed including: and intensity as you warm up.” • Increased circulation for 4. Keep it simple. Select improved performance a routine that is easy for you • Improved flexibility to remember and easy to • Promotes range of motion duplicate; this way, you are and reduces risk of injury more likely to stick to your • Improved posture. routine. • Stress reduction and 5. Hold the stretch and prolonged muscle tension focus where it feels tight. To Erin A. Drake • Mental clarity and increased get the maximum benefit of focus a stretch, hold it for 15 to 30 seconds, repeat it three or four times, and 8 Things to Remember when Stretching focus on the muscles that feel the most sore. 6. Pain is NOT gain. If you are injured, 1. Stretch safely using proper technique. The most important part of stretching ease up on the area of concern to avoid is to make certain you are safe in your exacerbating an injury. Be careful not to stretch. This means remembering proper overstretch a painful area, as this can cause joint alignment like stacking your joints unnecessary microtears in the muscle fibers. 7. Be balanced and symmetrical. In for optimal support (i.e., knees over ankles; shoulders over elbows). Incorrectly other words, if you do a stretch on one stretching can increase the risk of injury, so side, then do it on the other to avoid be sure to check with a health professional causing muscle imbalance. This applies to or personal trainer to ensure you are using the front and back of the body, and from side to side. correct postural form in your stretches. 8. Keep your routine. Repetition is the 2. Stretch when muscles are warm. Contrary to popular belief, stretching is not key to maximizing the benefits of stretching; a warm up. In fact, stretching non-warm the more you stretch, the more your body muscles can cause injury. Select an easy will respond by increasing your flexibility, warm-up, such as marching in place or circulation and range of motion. Erin A. Drake, MA, CYT, MT, is a yoga walking briskly before stretching. 3. Avoid stretching before an intense instructor at Feed Your Soul Fitness, physical event. Recent research noted by FeedYourSoulFitness.com. ■ By

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he 40 West Art District always benefited from art galleries moving to Lakewood from Denver to escape rocketing rents and property taxes. In May of 2017, for example, Charlie Walker brought Next Gallery to 40 West Art District. With new artists and shows each month, Next Gallery has become a great part of the art district. After this year’s tax season, several more wonderful Denver galleries are making the move to the art district. The 40 West Art District is such a vibrant and active location, the new galleries will fit right in and everyone will benefit. Creative people have always imagined bigger and created new. In the 40 West Art District of the past, a pathway of green painted footprints guided visitors to galleries and shops. A 2016 National Endowment for the Arts Grant enabled the 40 West Art District to create an interactive new pathway. The ArtLine features interactive art, fabulous sculptures, and brand new ways for area visitors and residents to explore and interact with art, not just near Colfax, but throughout the surrounding areas. First Fridays in 40 West have grown from visitors simply following a map of galleries with an occasional costumed player. Now, First Fridays can be evenings full of music, face-painters, food, and even an unexpected dinosaur.

Carbon-Free Continued from page 1

Wilson said he knew of a special mortgage program that granted a 50 percent state incentive if home energy efficiency steps were taken within the first 90 days of home ownership. Xcel Energy offered other energy rebates, along with the bank the Wilsons used for a home loan. “All told, we got about $4,000 of work done for around $1,000,” Wilson said. Among the steps taken were air sealing the house, including attic leaks, then adding about one foot of cellulose insulation of shredded newspapers, Wilson stated. Wall insulation was blown in through holes drilled every 16 inches around the outside of the home. Most of the insulation work was done before the family moved in, Wilson said. “That made the rooms a lot more comfortable,” he added. Attic insulation also helps keep humidity levels low and prevents rooftop ice freezes, Wilson said. The home’s crawl space was also air sealed. A 15- to 20-year-old gas boiler that heated the house needed to be replaced about three years after the family moved in, Wilson said. An electric heat pump was installed since the home did not have heating ducts used by natural gas furnaces, he added. The system doubles as a summer air conditioner of sorts to help keep the house cool when temperatures rise, Wilson said. “There is a perception that heat pumps don’t work well in the kind of climate we have in Colorado,” he noted. “But modern heat pumps have come a long way. They’re much more efficient and can heat a home even when it gets to 15 below zero like it’s been here lately. We’re completely happy and it’s kept our house nice and warm.” Small backup electric heaters are present but not used too often, Wilson said. Wilson estimated the heat pump’s $5,000 cost was recovered almost immediately through lower heating bills. A new gas boiler could have cost around $12,000, he added, while geothermal heating and cooling was another consideration but cost more than $20,000. The Wilsons also replaced a gas water heater with an electric heater, while the home’s stove and clothes drier were already electric and it had double-pane windows, Wilson added. The family spent less on all

Kanon Collective had been part of the art scene on Santa Fe Drive for 13 years. The gallery held a last First Friday sale on Feb. 1, selling off art supplies, odds and ends, and furniture. Kanon Collective’s new home will be in Pasternack’s Art Hub at 6851 W. Colfax. They hope to open by the end of February. Shows will begin in March. Be ready to enjoy this gallery! Kanon has a wide variety of artists. Their artists create art of many forms, materials, and styles. There will, certainly, be unique art at Kanon Collective with something for everyone to enjoy! Core, another gallery from Denver’s Santa Fe Art District, will be joining Pirate Gallery in their spacious gallery at 7130 W. 16th Ave. Core’s artists create a wide variety of art in many, many styles. Sculpture in multiple materials, collage, painting, traditional and contemporary are just some of the work produced by Core artists. Since Pirate’s shows include, also, a wide variety of art, this will be a wonderful gallery to visit, often. Spark, another gallery on Santa Fe, is not planning to come to 40 West. At least, they don’t plan to come, yet. Several 40 West gallery owners, are trying hard to convince them. The 40 West Art District, itself, is a growing and changing work-in-progress. This seems completely appropriate for an art district. the improvements than the cost of a new gas boiler or furnace, he stated. While the Wilsons get all their electricity from Xcel’s Windsource program, which charges a slightly higher rate than natural gas-produced electricity, the family’s utility bills are slightly lower than last year. That’s despite the perception electrical heating is more expensive than natural gas. “So we were able to turn off our gas connection, which saves us a $14-a-month connection charge,” Wilson said. Other improvements were venting kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to the roof instead of the attic, which helps reduce rooftop ice freezes. The couple thought about replacing a solid wood door, but decided “it was really part of the house and we enjoy the older aesthetics of a home like this.” Wilson advised someone considering a similar project to carefully screen a contractor to ensure they are qualified and experienced in the type of work involved. “Make sure they are committed to energy savings and don’t cut corners,” he said. Home energy auditors can also help guide a homeowner, Wilson added, but cautioned against those that are too invested in selling any one system to a customer. Wilson also explained his family’s project at a February 12 Sustainable Edgewater Seminar — hosted by the city’s sustainability committee — entitled “Vintage Home Carbon Free.” Committee chair Lilly Allison Steirer said the City Council formed the 7-member group in early February. A temporary committee worked last year to set the groundwork for a sustainability plan to be added to Edgewater’s comprehensive plan now under revision. The committee plans to present its draft plan to the council in August. “The city has had a recycling program for about the last 10 years, and we want to look at that and things like greenhouse gas emissions,” Allison Steirer said. Feedback will be gathered through a citywide survey and a planned March 19 open house with the city’s recycling provider, Republic Waste Management. Energy use, land and water use are other areas the committee will research, Allison Steirer added. Future seminar topics could include rainwater harvesting and composting, she said, and once the council adopts a sustainability plan, the group will likely continue as a permanent board to oversee efforts and make regular reports.

ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

n By

NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Fat Tuesday On First Friday

What You Need To Know About Your Colorectal Cancer Risk

Nancy Hahn

hat do Next Gallery, Andrew Novick, and Casa Bonita have in common? They will all celebrate Andrew Novick’s birthday on Feb. 24. Next Gallery at 6851 W. Colfax will host an exhibit “Pretty in Pink - Celebrating All Things Casa Bonita” from Feb. 22 to March 10. Novick and Next artist Betsy $B Rudolph will be jurists for the exhibit. Novick, who the Denver Post called “The Man Who Saves Everything,” will celebrate his birthday and his 300th meal at Casa Bonita on Feb. 24. Novick’s collections include toys, Beverly Hills 90210 items, wacky food products, and anything related to teeth, photographs and so very much more. Tickets for this amazing birthday celebration must be purchased online and picked up at Next Gallery. A link to tickets is available on Casa Bonita’s Facebook page. There are several choices in tickets, although, the VIP choice is already sold out; other ticket choices are available. All ticket choices include dinner, unlimited sopapillas, and fun mementos and toys. 20 percent of the proceeds go to charity. If you haven’t caught the juried show at Edge Gallery at 7001 W. Colfax yet, you still have time. Adam Gildar of the Gildar Gallery in Denver was the jurist for the show. The Gildar Gallery creates exhibits featuring new contemporary artists. The show features 18 Edge artists. With so many artists, there will be a wide variety of contemporary works. You are sure to see works that you love and some that you don’t. See it with a friend for lively discussions. This show of contemporary art will continue until Feb. 24. On March 1, a new show will open featuring artists Gayla

n By

cancer risk is higher in African Americans, Alaska Natives and American Indians, as well as in low-income groups. • Age: Colorectal cancer is uncommon before age 40, but risk doubles every decade or until age 80. • Family History: This is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer. Individuals with one or more close relatives (parents, siblings and children) with the disease are at increased risk and should discuss screening with their providers well before age 40.

Dr. Dennis J. Ahnen

T Lemke and Mala Setram-Wolfe. Both artists have taught art students at the League of Denver. Lemke creates surprising ceramic sculptures and installations that reflect her background in carving and in draftsmanship. The show of sculptures and other work by these artists will continue until March 17. March 1 is also a Friday, and the whole Art District is celebrating with a New Orleans style party and First Friday Art Crawl. You can begin your visit with a stop at 40 West Arts at 1560 Teller and enjoy some snacks and drinks. Celebrating the Month of Photography, 40 West Arts will be showing an exhibit of photograph by their members. The Denver Brass, a 14-piece marching band, will be marching and playing throughout the district. As the band wanders, they expect to stop and play a song or two in front of all the district galleries. Other musicians will, also, be entertaining throughout the district. There will, also, be palm readers, artists demonstrating their styles, and face-painters. Of course, you can expect lots of Mardi Gras beads! If you are ready to celebrate Fat Tuesday on First Friday, you may want to bring a bag to carry home all your treasures. Dress up, grab some necklaces, feathers, and masks, and join the Mardi Gras party!

he good news is that colorectal cancer rates are declining, and more people are getting screened every year and working on improving their overall health. The bad news is that it is still the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Know and understand your risk factors! Average risk individuals are those with no personal or family history of colorectal cancer or precancerous colonic polyp Risk Factors for Colorectal and no inflammatory bowel Cancer you can change: disease. Don’t wait until you are • Getting screened! Regular at the recommended screening colorectal cancer screening Dennis J. Ahnen can decrease risk by up to 70 age to talk to your physician about your risk factors. percent. Get Screened! The best screening test is • Smoking and/or alcohol use - Cigarette the one that actually gets done. Check with smoking is a cause of colorectal cancer, as your physician on which screening is right well as many other cancers. Excess alcohol for you. (an average of more than one drink per day • Average risk screening – Current for women, more than two per day for men) guidelines recommend starting Colorectal increases risk. Cancer (CRC) screening by age 45 or 50 and • Obesity - Being overweight increases continuing until age 75-85. the risk of colorectal cancer risk in both • High risk screening - Individuals with men and women. a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer • Lack of physical activity - Regular or large precancerous polyps should discuss exercise (30 to 60 minutes of vigorous their family history with their provider and activity three to four times per week) can start colonoscopy by age 40 or earlier if help protect from colorectal cancer. needed. • Diet - Diets high in red or processed meat, low in fruits and vegetables and low Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer you in high-fiber foods are associated with increased risk. cannot change: Dennis J. Ahnen, MD, AGAF, FACG, is • Country of origin - Developed countries a gastroenterologist at SCL Health hospilike the U.S. have a higher risk. tals. • Race/Ethnicity/Income: Colorectal

40 West Arts - Where Art Means Business! 40 West Arts is a state-certiﬁed creative district, a destination to explore and discover its unique culture (both old and new). But, it’s also a place where the business of creativity happens! From the more than 120 creative enterprises located in or near the district to the creative pulse emanating from the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design in the heart of the district, 40 West Arts is a creative destination where painters, sculptors, glassblowers, woodworkers, metalworkers, musicians, actors, motion artists, and makers of all kinds gather to connect, collaborate, and celebrate creativity!

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING Christie Mayer Elected To Blues & BBQ For Better Housing Foundation Board Of Directors The Blues & BBQ for Better Housing Foundation has named Christie Mayer to its Board of Directors. The board provides leadership to carry out the mission of raising funds for Habitat for Humanity Metro Denver. “Christie Mayer is a graphic designer and creative director whose talent for clean, efficient design has garnered national recognition,” according to a press release from the foundation. “With more than 20 years experience, Christie knows there are no shortcuts, but plenty of options for quick, effective design solutions. As one half of the creative team that re-positioned a Fortune 400 company’s stodgy, manufacturingoriented, and dated marketing efforts into an award-winning, industry leading branding campaign (still being emulated throughout the water management industry), Christie brings an emotionally powerful perspective to everything she does. It is that passion and perspective that made her the perfect fit for the Blues & BBQ Board of Directors.” “After moving to Edgewater, Colorado nearly seven years ago, I found ways to get involved in my community as much as I could from the start,” said Mayer. “I recently was approached by an Edgewater City Council member, for she thought I would be a good fit for this organization based on my previous involvement with the business owners and residents of our little, but tight community here in Edgewater. I am honored to be a part of the Blues & BBQ project here in my own backyard to help hard-working families and will give all I have to help make this event even more successful this year and the years to come.” “We are happy to have this mover and

shaker from the City of Edgewater join our Board of Directors,” said Ranger Miller, President of the Blues & BBQ for Better Housing Foundation Board of Directors. “Christie comes armed with lots of energy, enthusiasm and great ideas. We are fortunate to have her join our Board.” Mayer opened SloHi Coffee Co., a coffee shop, in Denver in 2014. In 2015, she partnered with the firm Think Global and built a world-class creative agency within that offered extraordinary branding and design talent to small women entrepreneurs all around the world at affordable rates. Her latest socialpreneur project was cofounding XceptionalED, an edtech startup in Phoenix, Ariz. Its mission is to inspire and empower professionals, teachers, and parents to help more people with special needs through online learning such as conferences, online courses and podcasts. Mayer co-founded Business on the Edge, a networking group of business owners in Edgewater. She has also volunteered on the Wheat Ridge Business Association.

Edgewater Library Celebrates Black History Month With Community Role Model Panel An inspiring panel of leaders will discuss their personal experiences living and working in Colorado in “Inspiring the Next Generation: Our Black Role Models in the Community,” Saturday, Feb. 23, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Edgewater Library, 1800 Harlan St. Hear about their role models and discover your own during this celebratory forum on Black History Month, leadership and community. The moderated panel discussion is followed by a question-andanswer session. Panelists include Brian M. Argrow,

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Lakewood Passes Ordinance To Keep Tobacco Away From Youth Lakewood City Council unanimously passed a non-cigarette tobacco retailer licensing (NCTRL) ordinance designed to protect youth from tobacco on Jan. 28, according to a release from Jefferson County Public Health. The ordinance requires that any business selling non-cigarette tobacco (including vape) products in the City of Lakewood purchase an annual license. Non-cigarette tobacco includes any tobacco product that is not a cigarette, such as e-cigarettes, chew or spit tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, snus and pipe tobacco. Tobacco retailer licensing is a proven strategy used to ensure responsible retailing, prevent illegal sales and reduce youth initiation of tobacco, according to the release. The new ordinance will become effective March 2 and makes Lakewood the 12th, and largest, community in the state of Colorado to license tobacco retailers. In addition to requiring that tobacco retailers purchase a license, Lakewood’s ordinance further supports youth tobacco prevention by including the following provisions: • Tobacco retail businesses must examine customer identification to confirm that individuals purchasing non-cigarette tobacco products are at least 18 years of age. • Minors under the age of 18 are not permitted to sell, stock, retrieve or handle non-cigarette tobacco products. • Self-service displays of all tobacco products are prohibited, except for in tobacco businesses with age restrictions for entry. • Tobacco retail businesses are prohibited within 500 feet of a youthoriented facility. While fewer youth are smoking cigarettes, the rapidly growing popularity of e-cigarettes has the potential to undo decades of declining youth tobacco use, according to the release. In Colorado, one third of high school students are currently using at least one form of tobacco – including 14 percent who currently use some form of non-electronic tobacco product (cigarettes, chew or spit tobacco, cigars, cigarillos, etc.) and 27 percent who currently use e-cigarettes. According to the National Youth Tobacco Survey, e-cigarettes are now the most commonly used tobacco product among youth, and current e-cigarette use among high school students nearly doubled from 2017-2018. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially declared youth e-cigarette use as an epidemic and the Jefferson County Board of Health has declared it a public health crisis. The release states that despite existing legislation which prohibits the sale of tobacco to minors, compliance inspections conducted in Lakewood under the FDA’s authority between 2017-2018 found that 17 percent of tobacco retailers in the City of Lakewood sold tobacco to a minor. According to the 2017 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey, over half of Colorado high school students under the age of 18 reported that it is “easy” or “very easy” to get cigarettes/vape products. The NCTRL ordinance is intended to lower these statistics and perceptions. The annual license fee paid by retailers will be used to fund administration of the

license and strong enforcement, including local compliance checks, to ensure that retailers do not sell non-cigarette tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. Licensing will also help to identify noncigarette tobacco retailers that have not previously been identified and require that they comply with the law. Without licensing, authorities do not have a reliable tracking mechanism to know where tobacco is being sold. When the ordinance goes into effect, any retailer who wishes to sell non-cigarette tobacco products must obtain a license from the city, and those found in violation of any state or local tobacco-related law could have their license suspended or revoked.

New Fiction, Family Favorites And Historical Fiction Discussed At Book Clubs Book some time to discuss great reads with the Edgewater Library Book Group, meeting monthly at the new Edgewater Library, 1800 Harlan St. On Saturday, March 9, 1 to 2 p.m., they’ll discuss Luke Allnutt’s 2018 novel, “We Own The Sky,” the tale of a man who takes solace in photographing the skyscrapers and cliff tops his son and he once visited after a devastating illness takes his family from him. Suitable for adults. On Wednesday, March 13, 6:30 to 8 p.m., the BYOB(ook) Club takes the traditional book club out of the library to WestFax Brewing Company, 6733 W. Colfax Ave. – where the beer is liberated and the dogs are welcome! Read any book that falls into the monthly theme – Read a Book a Family Member Loves – and show up to share, imbibe and receive great book recommendations. Happy hours prices are available for attendees. Across the border in Wheat Ridge, a rival BYOB(ook) Club meets Monday, March 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m., to share and receive recommendations on historical fiction books – this month’s theme. Monday is BOGO on some delectable beers, including an aptly named choice from Fiction Beer Company. Service animals are welcome, but please leave other four-legged friends at home. For more information, call the Edgewater Library at 303-235-5275 or visit jeffcolibrary.org.

‘Lakewood Speaks’ Allows On-Demand Participation In Public Meetings On-demand participation is now available for government, as Lakewood has rolled out a website for participating in city council meetings and discussions without needing to attend a meeting or public hearing. Lakewood Speaks provides residents and community members the opportunity to review council agenda items and comment on-demand when it’s convenient to them. Material for agenda items on the regular city council meetings is available for review and comment now at LakewoodSpeaks.org. Lakewood Speaks offers the following options: • Watch recorded videos of staff and other presentations. • Read staff reports and other documents. • Review any maps and other materials related to an agenda item. • Ask questions of and receive responses from staff. • Submit comments to City Council to be included in the public record. • Use mobile smartphones, tablets or computers for all these options. • View materials for public hearings 10 days prior to the meeting and make comments online until 24 hours prior to a meeting.

Visit LakewoodSpeaks.org.

ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Flashy, Raucous And Not Picky: Black-Billed Magpies n By

Sally Griﬃn

o you sometimes hear raucous calls outside your window? When you look out, do you see flashes of white against a black background sweeping past your window? Then you too are being visited by one of the most familiar and entertaining birds in Western North America – The Blackbilled Magpie. We see and hear magpies in our area under our kitchen window, mostly competing with the squirrels for the pine nuts and other goodies. They are a flashy relative of crows and, like crows, often gather in large numbers, especially if there is fresh roadkill or other carrion. Like most corvids (members of the jay or crow family), they are very openminded about their diet. In other words, they will eat almost anything. They will eat wild fruit, nuts and grains. They often forage on the ground for grasshoppers. They have even been seen flipping cow dung to find hidden beetles. They will kill and eat small rodents. They will raid other birds’ nests. They will help themselves to any human food that appeals to them at the time. But they really, really love carrion and will also eat the fly maggots that are found in the decaying meat. Sometimes, when they find a bunch of food, they will hide it so they can keep all the “good” stuff for themselves. They also have a peculiar habit of landing on cows and picking ticks off their backs. This helps the cow get rid of the ticks, but sometimes, to the irritation of farmers and ranchers, they peck too hard and open sores on the cows that can become infected. Historical records show that Blackbilled Magpies have been associated with people for a long time. The Lewis and Clark expedition reported that magpies would walk right into their tents and steal their food. Magpies frequently followed hunting parties of the Plains Indians and would help themselves to the leftovers after the bison kills. The Blackfoot tribe considers the magpie as a clever bird that has qualities associated with healers, soothsayers and elders of the tribe. Roman mythology identifies magpies with Bacchus, the god of wine, so they were associated with drunkenness. In China, a chattering magpie is a sign of good fortune and happiness and, thus, it is considered sacred in the Manchu area of China. They were developed as the

cartoon characters, Heckle and Jeckle and were portrayed as loud, abrasive and somewhat looney. They are large birds, which makes their calls very loud. Their sounds include whining sounds such as “maag” or “awkawk” followed by a series of raspy “chuck, chuck” sounds. Like other corvids, they are intelligent birds and are quick learners. Like a parrot, they can mimic the calls of other birds and have been known to imitate human words. One writer talks about how the magpies would call the dogs in his mother’s voice. They are attracted to shiny things so you don’t want to leave your jewelry anywhere that they can get to it. Magpies are, surprisingly, the only nonmammals that can recognize themselves in a mirror. What they think of their image in the mirror is uncertain because nobody seems to have ever interpreted magpie speech. Magpies have long wedge-shaped tails that are longer than their bodies. They have short rounded wings. They average about 19 inches in length and weigh about half a pound. Most people think that they are just black and white in color, but, in fact, the feathers of the tail and wings are iridescent. Viewed from the top, they have a bronzygreen to purple color. They have white bellies and shoulder patches and their wings flash white when they launch into flight. They are not swift when in flight. So, they avoid predators by flitting in and about tree limbs or heading for heavy cover. They will usually stay close to cover, but sometimes forage in the open with a characteristic strut, followed by quick hop if they need to cover ground quickly. Magpie is an odd name. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, they are referred to as “Magot Pies,” probably from the black and white birds that were seen flipping cow pies to look for maggots. In Webster’s Dictionary, the name is supposed to come from “Mag” which is short for Margaret. The “pie” may come from the name of their class of birds, which is “pica.” Or some say the term “pie” is derived from the French for black-andwhite or “pied.” Magpies are capable of causing a number of problems, including damage to crops and livestock. Perhaps the most notorious magpie behavior is that of picking open wounds and scabs on the backs of livestock. If they find an open wound, they can keep

picking at it until they create a much larger wound. The wound may eventually become infected and, in some instances, may kill the animal. They can be very destructive to poultry, eating eggs or killing hatchlings. Large roosts of magpies can be a nuisance because of loud noises they make and the excessive odor of their droppings. They are protected as migratory nongame birds, but there are some things you can try if they become a nuisance: • Remove offending nests • Remove things that attract them, like, carrion, garbage, bird feeders and pet food. • Using netting to protect poultry and poultry nests. • Use a frightening program that may include the use of fireworks, scarecrows and propane cannons. (You may want to check it out with your neighbors, however, before you start exploding fireworks or shooting

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cannons!) • Visual scare devices like Mylar tape, balloons and flags may temporarily scare them. • Remove brush, and tree branches where they like to roost • There are traps that can be used, but these require proper care of the traps and the use of decoy birds. You should always check local laws before doing any trapping. • One authority says to “use an umbrella as a protection against aggressive diving attacks.” • You can move to Nebraska. (Just kidding!) It seems the Nebraska population of magpies is rapidly declining while the Colorado population is increasing. There is speculation that this is caused by the birds contracting West Nile Virus in Nebraska. The higher altitudes of Colorado seem to be less hospitable to the West Nile Virus.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – ngazette.com

WEST METRO FIRE

UNDER THE DOME

West Metro Fireﬁghters, Technology Save Lives

Looking Forward To Hearing Your Thoughts

Ronda Scholting

ver the past year, 10 patients who suffered from cardiac arrest in West Metro’s district were able to walk out of the hospital just days after firefighters used the LUCAS CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) device to treat them. All of the patients were in full cardiac arrest – unconscious, no pulse and were not breathing when West Metro crews arrived on scene. A combination of firefighter’s actions, the LUCAS device and emergency care at the hospital resulted in patient survival. “Everyone who assisted in the treatment of the patients is responsible for the great outcome,” said Fire Chief Don Lombardi, West Metro Fire Rescue. “And the LUCAS was a key part of that treatment. In each case, the device helped our crews get the patient’s heart beating before the ambulance arrived at the emergency room where more definitive care can be delivered.” The LUCAS performs consistent, continuous CPR compressions for firefighters so they can tackle other aspects of critical patient care, such as administering medication and maintaining an airway. Patients that need immediate transport to the nearest hospital have to be moved – onto a gurney, into an ambulance and then into the hospital’s emergency room. If a crew is using only manual CPR, that means pausing chest compressions. The

best CPR, according to medical research, is CPR that is continuous. The LUCAS performs compressions for firefighters, no matter where the patient is, or what position they’re in. West Metro introduced the LUCAS to the fire district in March 2018. Then, the device was carried on about half of the district’s ambulances. With the program’s success, West Metro now has the LUCAS on every one of its 11 ambulances, with one device carried by an on-duty safety and medical officer. “The LUCAS has proved to be an extremely valuable tool,” said Lombardi. “There is no better feeling for our crews than to be able to save a life.” Ted Amidon, of Highlands Ranch, was the first patient saved through use of the LUCAS device. Ted was with his son’s Boy Scout troop at Bear Creek Lake Park when he collapsed. His wife Kirsten started CPR. West Metro firefighters took over, putting the LUCAS in place before moving Ted to the ambulance. On the ride to the emergency room, Ted was able to talk with his rescuers. And, after treatment in the heart catheterization lab, he walked out of the hospital after a short stay. “What do you say, but thank you,” said Amidon. “I was glad to get another chance and glad that we have these resources.” Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

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

Since the start of the legislative session, I’ve been hard at work introducing bills that work for our future. The first bill I introduced e are over a month into the 2019 was Dental Services For Pregnant Women legislative session, and my first On Children's Basic Health Plan Plus. session serving as your state representative Currently, pregnant women are not eligible for House District 24 which encompasses for dental coverage under CHP+. This bill Wheat Ridge, Golden, Edgewater and will extend eligibility for dental coverage Mountain View. I am honored and to pregnant women insured grateful to serve not only as through CHP+ during and your representative, but as the after their pregnancy. The bill first Latina representative for passed committee unanimously this district. I look forward to and will be heard next in the hearing your thoughts over the Appropriations committee. coming months on how we can Moreover, I am excited to work together to protect and be part of a multi-year effort to enhance our unique quality of pass a paid family and medical life. leave bill with Rep. Matt Gray, I ran for the legislature on Sen. Faith Winter and Sen. the foundation of fighting for our Angela Williams because no most vulnerable, because I’ve one should have to risk financial been one of our most vulnerable. Monica Duran ruin – or getting fired – if they I want to see a Colorado where have to take care of a sick family member or everyone has access to affordable health the birth of a child. care that doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg In addition to these issues, I will be and expands opportunity for all. working on topics of labor workforce I ran for the legislature because we need protection, animal welfare, elder care and to give our students, teachers and schools protecting Colorado’s unique way of life. the tools they need to succeed. Many One of my biggest promises I made when I students have never had the experience of ran was to listen to your ideas and concerns. being in a fully funded school system. That’s Please reach out anytime. why we need to advocate for a modernized, My phone number is 303-866-5522 and equitable school finance formula that targets my email is monica.duran.house@state. the investments that will meet the needs of co.us. I am going to need your help to come all students. up with bold ideas and actions to ensure the And finally, I ran on the idea that all Colorado way of life is about every person women should have the ability to make having a chance to succeed. their own decisions about what is right for Contact House District 24 Representheir body and their lives. I look forward to tative Monica Duran at 303-866-5522 or working with my colleagues to ensure these monica.duran.house@state.co.us. rights are protected. n By

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