EDGEWATER MAYOR Be Extra Cautious In Parking Your Extra Vehicles Page 4
EDGEWATER COLLECTIVE Jefferson Alumni Gathering: Honoring First Responders Page 5
40 WEST ARTS Lakewood Honored For Its Role In Creating ArtLine Page 9
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| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS | WEST HIGHLAND March 18 – April 14, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE
A City Mapped On A Ping-Pong Table Turns 50 n By
Mike McKibbin
F
ive decades ago, a petition to have what is now the City of Lakewood become part of Denver was actually an eff ort to see the city formed. That’s according to a 1969 local newspaper report, after residents overwhelmingly approved incorporation of what was fi rst called Jeff erson City. A few months later – after strong opposition to the name – what was then the third largest city in Colorado was renamed Lakewood. Copies of the Jeff erson Sentinel – now the Lakewood Sentinel – from the spring of 1969 in the county archivist offi ce included an April 17 story about the Denver City Council rejecting the annexation of a 27-square-mile area that would have included what became Lakewood. The story noted resident Pauline LeBlanc had proposed the annexation through a petition signed by 204 people. Then, on June 26 (two days after the incorporation vote), CITY OF LAKEWOOD AND 40 WEST ARTS STAFF recently attended the Colorado Business Committee for the front page headlines of the renamed Jeff erson City Sentinel Arts luncheon, where the City of Lakewood was honored for its collaborative work in creating and implementing read: “Welcome To The Big City” and “Landslide Creates New Continued on page 11
the 40 West ArtLine. Left to right: Laine Godsey, Kit Newland, Michelle Nierling, Sharon Vincent, Kathy Hodgson, Liz Black, Roger Wadnal, Alexis Moore, Vanessa Zarate and Christy Horber. PHOTO COURTESY 40 WEST ARTS DISTRICT.
Swallow Hill Music Programs Blossom In The Highlands n By
S
Ken Lutes
pring-like weather is a sure sign of new growth. Not only will burgeoning buds and bulbs soon fi ll the air and please the eye with their fragrance and colors, so will strains of many musical genres fl oat on the air in Denver’s West Highland neighborhood. Music instruction classes for all ages are held at Swallow Hill Music’s satellite school at Highlands United Methodist Church, 3131 Osceola St. Now is a good time to sign up. The spring session is underway, but “we have rolling admission for lots of our programming,” said Barry Osborne, Swallow Hill’s associate marketing director. “For group classes, folks can enroll until the end of the third week, which for this session is Sunday, March 24.” In its fi fth summer at the West Highland satellite school, Swallow Hill’s enrollment has grown to 70 group class students and 50 private lesson hours. In addition, about 40 Little Swallow students are presently enrolled, with room to grow. Geared for tots from six months to six years, Little Swallows classes “weave together sing-a-longs, storytelling, fi nger games, circle dances, rhythm instruments, and traditional, world and popular songs into a fun learning experience for each child and parent/caregiver,” states Swallow Hill’s online course description. According to research, Osborne says, engaging children in music education before age six helps the child to speak more clearly, develop a larger vocabulary and strengthen his or her social and emotional skills. Involvement in early childhood music programs is the fi rst step on the path to helping students advance skills such as collaboration, creative thinking, personal expression and self-direction. Exposure to music in early childhood promotes literacy,
gross and fi ne motor skills and prepares students for success in kindergarten by introducing them to basic classroom skills. Older kids and adults can take advantage of Swallow Hill’s more traditional off erings. “We are often thought of as a folk music school, and while there is plenty of folk music happening at all of our locations, we teach many genres including rock and roll, classical, pop, jazz, country, Celtic, bluegrass, and beyond,” Osborne said. “The longer our students stick around, the more they come to realize how interrelated all
these genres are.” Swallow Hill’s music school employs an “experiential” teaching method, that is, teaching music through popular and familiar songs – “hands on” learning, says Osborne, who believes learning music should be a fun and engaging experience. “In many of our classes we hope to have students playing a song by the end of their fi rst class. We feel this outlook works for all of our students, whether they are very young children in our Little Swallows classes or adult learners.
“Reading music is often part of how we teach, but diff erent instruments and diff erent genres require diff erent skill sets. An old-time folk music class might use tablature, while music for violin or cello might require more traditional note reading.” Swallow Hill also provides a wide range of Outreach programs, from music therapy, to after school programs, to extra sensory concerts, to students who receive Continued on page 2
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Coming Alongside Kids In Need n By
Laurie Dunklee
E
very young person is one relationship away from changing their life,” says Russel Dains, CEO of Save Our Youth, a 25-year-old mentoring organization in the Sloan’s Lake neighborhood. “For an atrisk kid who is behind in school and being raised by a working single parent, a positive relationship with another adult can be a big fi x.” Save Our Youth matches struggling kids one-on-one with long-term mentors, who provide support with life skills and school pressures. “The bottom line is that kids who are lonely and failing in school need hope. So, we come alongside them,” said Trudy Swain, associate director, who co-founded Save Our Youth in 1994. Save Our Youth occupies a corner building at 3443 West 23rd Ave. that was formerly the Sun Ray Super Market. The building was transformed into offi ces and meeting rooms using volunteer labor and donated materials. Swain and Luis Villarreal, a licensed clinical social worker, started the organization in response to Denver’s infamous 1993 Summer of Violence. That summer left 74 dead from gang-related violence and people were frightened, especially by random drive-by shootings. ThenContinued on page 2
TRUDY SWAIN AND RUSSEL DAINS with photos of kids mentored through Save Our Youth. “For an at-risk kid, a positive relationship with another adult can be a big fix,” says Dains. PHOTO BY LAURIE DUNKLEE.
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Swallow Hill Continued from page 1
music instruction through its scholarship programs. “Our greatest Outreach efforts in recent years have centered on our Little Swallows Early Childhood Education Classes, which provide high quality music instruction to underserved schools in our community,” Osborne said. Swallow Hill’s CEO Paul Lhevine has said, “We know that families are struggling across our community. We know they’re trying to make ends meet. Our Little Swallows Early Education program is providing formal music training for kids that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity, and we know that’s critical for their future development. “Formal music education really doesn’t exist in early childhood education settings. And even if there are programs, funding is hard to come by. “We believe in music education because music drives language and math skills. It promotes the appreciation of low pitch and high pitch, fast and slow pace, socialization and collaboration and so much more.” Most Little Swallows classes are taught in Denver Public Schools, but Swallow Hill is expanding their programs into other public and private school settings. Swallow Hill Music was founded
Save Our Youth Continued from page 1
governor Roy Romer said of the violence, “It’s not just the number of acts … It’s the increased awareness that these are very young people who have no code of conduct, no moral framework that teaches them to respect life.” Swain and Villarreal were compelled to act. “We started making phone calls to social workers and pastors, asking ‘What can we do?’” Swain said. “The kids were from broken families and most had no father in their lives. They were lonely and looking for a family, so some turned to gangs. Even kids who were not in gangs were affected by gang violence in their communities.” Now is not so different, she said. “Gangs are still here, though they are less visible. Kids suffer from domestic violence and neighborhoods are being broken up because of gentrification. Kids need the same support as when we started.” Many low-income families have moved out of northwest Denver because of gentrification, so Save Our Youth has expanded its area to include Edgewater, Aurora, Littleton, Lakewood and Adams County. “We go where the kids need us,” Swain said. In 2018, 350 mentees were helped oneon-one by an equal number of mentors. About 45 percent are boys and 55 percent are girls. The number of young people served depends on the number of mentors who volunteer. Mentors range in age from people in their 20s to nearly 80. They include teachers, business people and retirees. Many come from area churches. “They are people who are looking to give back,” said Dains, who succeeded Villarreal as CEO in January 2018. “They all have their own struggles to share. It’s an opportunity to model resiliency and other life skills, like problem-solving and critical thinking. When it comes to kids, what you do is most important. More is caught then taught. “Mentors have more to offer than they think. It’s amazing what happens when you keep showing up.” Mentors share one to three hours per week with a young person for an outing or just to spend time together. “Kids get to experience arts and sporting events that they probably have not been exposed to,” said Dains. “They go to the
in 1979 as an outgrowth of the Denver Folklore Center, which was begun in 1962 by Harry Tuft. The Folklore Center offered instrument sales and repairs, music lessons and concerts. Among the performers there in the 1960s and ‘70s were Joan Baez, Doc Watson, Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal. When Tuft wanted to focus the Folklore Center on the instrument side of things, according to Osborne, some of his employees, volunteers, and the community around the Folklore Center created Swallow Hill as a nonprofit to hold concerts and teach music lessons. Osborne said that Swallow Hill got its name from the neighborhood that many Denverites now know as Uptown, where the Denver Folklore Center was initially situated. “That neighborhood was originally developed in the late 1800s by a developer named George Swallow. Even though we’ve embraced the bird as our logo, Swallow Hill really has nothing to do with birds.” Swallow Hill Music is celebrating its 40th Anniversary throughout 2019. Over the years, Swallow Hill has moved from Uptown to South Broadway to South Pearl Street and has been at its current headquarters at 71 East Yale Ave. in Denver since 1999. Late spring sessions start April 29 at the West Highland satellite, and a summer session starts July 8. Get class and concert information at swallowhillmusic.org or call 303-777-1003.
Museum of Contemporary Art and the Rockies, the Nuggets and the Avalanche all donate tickets to us.” Mentors also encourage good attendance at school and may be on a teacher call list if their kid misses school. Save Our Youth’s Summer Academy helps mentees improve their math and languagearts skills, allowing them to catch up to their grade level. Mentors also help high school seniors transition into college or trade school — and keep checking in with them until they graduate. Save Our Youth started The Master’s Apprentice program, where young people learn plumbing, welding, carpentry and other trades from businesses that often hire them. The Master’s Apprentice is its own nonprofit organization now. Save Our Youth is a faith-based organization that encourages mentors to share their spiritual journey with their mentees. “Faith aids with healing,” said Dains. “But it’s OK if mentors don’t want to pray. We would never proselytize or try to convert a child.” Mentors make a one-year initial commitment but remain with their kids an average of 42 months — a long stretch compared with the national average of nine months. “Mentors stay because they get support from our trained social workers. We mentor the mentors so they don’t get discouraged,” Dains said. Dains and Swain said current challenges facing kids include legalized marijuana and the prevalence of social media. “The marijuana industry in Colorado is not favorable to kids,” said Swain. “All of us are stepping up our prevention efforts.” Dains said social media and video games have expanded the definition of poverty to include relational poverty. “Digital communication is no substitute for real relationships. It’s an opportunity for us because kids respond to human connection.” About 80 kids are on a wait list for mentors. “Kids call us, or their parents call us, asking for a mentor,” Dains said. “We just need more mentors. If they are willing, the impact is great.” Dains’ vision for the future looks like more mentors helping more kids. “I can see what would happen if every young person had someone to care about them, someone to turn to for help.” For more information see saveouryouth.org.
Have a news tip or story idea? Send it to editor@ngazette.com
ngazette.com – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – ngazette.com
EDGEWATER MAYOR
Jeffco Community Night
Be Extra Cautious In Parking Your Extra Vehicles
Denver Nuggets vs Detroit Pistons ★★★ March 26, 2019 • 7:00pm • Pepsi Center Upper level seats starting at $22 a ticket and lower/club seats starting at $46. Anyone who purchases a ticket through this link will receive a free Nuggets item with the new Nuggets logo! A portion of every ticket sold will go back to the Jeffco Foundation! Lyndsay.Marchbanks@TeamKSE.com with any questions.
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No person can park any motor home, recreational equipment or vehicle measuring s we near spring and summer, many greater than eight feet in height on any street will have extra vehicles to deal with. within the City within fi fty feet of the nearest Here’s some information on oversized point of any intersection of roadways; or continuously park, for more than 10 days on vehicle parking and storage in Edgewater: No truck, truck-trailer, tractor, or any street or roadway within the City, and you must have a permit issued by the tractor-trailer in excess of two Chief of Police or his designee for thousand pounds or exceeding this. You can reside for no longer twenty feet in length can park than seven consecutive days in for longer than two consecutive a travel trailer, tent trailer or hours on a street within a district motor home on a street within zoned residential or unless the City. These vehicles can be they are engaged in loading or parked along the front lot line unloading, or for a period no of the property and between greater than three days listed the side lot lines of the property on a temporary permit obtained and not within thirty feet of the from the Chief of Police upon nearest point of any intersection a showing of exceptional Laura Keegan of roadways. Not more than three need for such parking, nor can permits will be issued to the owner any detached nonmotorized equipment park on any city street, public or legal occupant of, or in connection with, way, or public property for longer than two any single residentially zoned property within the calendar year in which the application for hours. Except for a travel trailer or tent permit is made. For complete information trailer parked with an issued permit, no see Chapter 8, Article 1, section 1212 of the recreational equipment can be parked or Edgewater Muni Code. With warmer weather ahead, remember stored on any street within the City for a period more than thirty-six hours within to reach out to those neighbors who may any fi ve-day period unless that vehicle has not be able to keep up with their yard been issued a temporary permit for no more maintenance. It can be very enjoyable and than three additional days by the Chief of rewarding to work together. City Council has again updated our Police or his designee, based on a showing tobacco laws. In the Council Column, Caleb of exceptional need. Except for the above, no recreational Rountree has explained this in more detail. equipment or any other vehicle can be used I’m very proud of our continued progress for living, sleeping or housekeeping while over the years. Laura Keegan can be reached at parked on the streets, public ways, or public lkeegan@edgewaterco.com. property of this City. n By
A
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percent of those kids say it’s easy to get tobacco. What’s made tobacco so accessible ecently, Kahn Nguyen, from Jeff erson is the rise of e-cigarettes. Juul and other County’s Public Health Division, visited companies have introduced e-cigarettes that look and charge the same as many our council to talk about the rise in youth other common devices like memory sticks, tobacco use. While discussing the current battery chargers, and other features making state of tobacco use in our city, it became very clear that Edgewater wasn’t prepared them very easy to hide. A teacher in the front of a standard-sized class can’t smell for the new reality of the tobacco industry. a Juul being used in the back of the class. To try and prevent teen tobacco use and The vapor disappears quickly improve the public health of and can be easily hidden while our community, we decided to exhaling. One can go through the act on an ordinance designed nicotine equivalent of half a pack to raise the age to buy tobacco of cigarettes in the back of a class and protect the air quality in without the teacher ever knowing. our public spaces. Even worse, internal Before we dive into the marketing documents from reason behind the ordinance, I several major tobacco users show want to lay out what it says. The this wasn’t a fl aw in the design, two biggest parts are raising it’s a feature. With additions to the age to purchase tobacco the e-cig market like fruit and to 21 and creating a tobaccocandy fl avored tobacco pods, Caleb Rountree free zone within 20 feet of any tobacco companies made explicit public transit stop. attempts to connect with a new generation The reasoning behind the tobacco free of American youth to poison, and they zone is simple. If you’re waiting for public succeeded. transportation, you should not be forced As the body entrusted with public safety to inhale secondhand smoke, which causes cancer and several other well-documented and health for Edgewater, council decided to cut the supply line to minors. With kids medical problems. It’s common courtesy, 18-20 years old accounting for 2 percent of it’s promoting health in the community, and all tobacco sales while providing 90 percent it’s preserving our right to clean air. of the supply to high schoolers, we saw an The second part is designed around easy opportunity to cut the supply to our what youth tobacco use looks like in 2019. high school kids while helping steer recent One of the biggest changes in the biggest grads away from harmful substances. changes over the past few decades is the While the idea of criminalizing number of teens starting to smoke and how they’re doing it. One in three Colorado teens Continued on page 10 say they’ve used tobacco products, and 82
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n By
EDGEWATER COLLECTIVE
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Jefferson Alumni Gathering: Honoring First Responders
Flying A Kite – It’s Not Just For Kids n By
Joel Newton
T
J
efferson alumni are invited to come and honor their fellow graduates who have served as first responders in their communities. The Jefferson Booster Club is working with Jefferson alumni to organize another Jefferson Alumni Gathering on Saturday, April 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Jefferson Junior/Senior High School. Come connect with your fellow Saint alumni and honor our public servants. Find out more about the event and RSVP at jeffersonsaints.org.
6th Annual Roger’s Run: Edgewater 5k Coming on May 11 Education nonprofit Edgewater Collective is organizing the 6th annua Edgewater 5k with a new name this year, Roger’s Run. In memory of Roger the Elephant of Manhattan Beach fame, Roger’s Run is a 5k race through the beautiful treelined streets of Edgewater. The race will be on Saturday, May 11 and starts near Edgewater Elementary School. Proceeds from the race benefit the work of Edgewater Collective in our local schools. There are opportunities for businesses to sponsor Roger’s Run and help support our local schools. Sponsorships start at $100 so it can be a great opportunity for small businesses to get their name out in the community. This year there will also be race t-shirts which provide a great opportunity for business promotion.
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Find out more at edgewater5k.com.
Get Involved in Supporting Schools in Edgewater and Two Creeks With rising housing costs and rental rates in the 80214 area, our schools are
ROGER THE ELEPHANT OF Manhattan Beach fame is the inspiration for Roger’s Run, the Edgewater Collective’s annual 5K fundraising footrace benefitting Edgewater Schools, May 11. impacted with a loss of enrollment because families can no longer afford to live in the area. Therefore, Edgewater Collective is transitioning to focus on ways to support schools in raising student enrollment. Improving enrollment at our local schools increases the funds schools receive which can provide the right interventions and supports so all kids can succeed. Join us on Monday, April 1 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at the Edgewater Civic Center for our Community Board meeting. These meetings are open to the community and we would love to have others join our effort to support Edgewater Elementary, Lumberg Elementary, Molholm Elementary and Jefferson Junior/Senior High School. Contact Edgewater Collective Board President Joel Newton at 303-748-0631 or joel@edgewatercollective.org.
Meghan Godby
he year is 1827. George Pocock, an English schoolteacher, invents the Charvolant - a carriage powered not by horses, but by a kite. Just 75 years before that, Ben Franklin uses kites in his electricity experiments. And now, nearly 200 years later, kites are being used not only for casual flights in the park but also for more adventurous pursuits like kiteboarding. While it may seem like an easy and effortless pastime, flying a kite requires work. Sudden gusts of wind can be powerful, requiring stabilization in your arms, legs and core. Leon Wieczorek, Jr., a local kite enthusiast, agrees it’s a great workout. He’s new to the sport but passionate about the hobby. “Years ago, I heard about using a kite with a snowboard,” he explained. “Then, I was watching a documentary about a guy who used a kite and skis to travel to the South Pole in Antarctica.” The expedition inspired him to research kiteboarding, which is, not surprisingly, quite popular in Colorado. But it’s not just about stunt kites. Traditional kites have come a long way from the rudimentary diamond shapes that grace the pages of children’s books. Want to learn more? Head to YouTube - the site is full of tutorials for both the beginner and experienced kite flyer. Although it has not been updated in a few years, kitelife.com is another terrific
resource, with free tutorial videos and back issues of kite publications. Colorado Kite Force (coloradokiteforce. com) in Dillon is a great resource if you’re interested in any type of snowkiting. Not only can they help you purchase the right equipment, but they also offer lessons to help you hone your skills. Ready to make a purchase? Options abound online. You could also pay a visit to Abner’s Garden Center (12280 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, for traditional kites) or Larson’s Ski and Sport (4715 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, for stunt kites). The ideal wind speed for kite flying is 10 to 25 miles per hour, depending on your style of kite. Any large, open space will work, just make sure to avoid trees, power lines and large buildings. Not only can these structures tangle with your kite, but they can also interfere with the way the wind blows. Anderson Park (4355 Field St., Wheat Ridge) is a great local spot to get started, as well as the north side of Sloan’s Lake (Vrain Street and West 26th Avenue) and the south end of Panorama Park (Fenton Street and West 33rd Avenue). While it’s certainly fun and a great workout, that’s not the only benefit that kite flying has to offer. “It’s a great de-stressor,” Leon shares. “You’re completely focused on flying and controlling the kite, so you don’t get distracted by other things.” But the most important thing of all? “It connects you with an experience of youth,” he said.
Have a news tip, happening or story idea? Send it to editor@ngazette.com
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – ngazette.com
What’s Happening in the WRBA
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DATE: Tuesday, April 9, 2019 TIME: 7:00am-9:00am LOCATION: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO COST: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members TOPIC: “LUCK OF THE DRAW Lottery Networking Activity” SPEAKER: Facilitated by the Wheat Ridge Business Association MEETING SPONSOR: Tinamarie Seyfer, Five Rings Financial MEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Gayle Maschari-Mohr, Anthony M’s and Liz Keltner, Home Collective
Sue Ball • 303-421-7311 sueball.com
Paul V. LoNigro • 303-423-0162 9195 W. 44th Ave. • e-gia.com
Ron Benson • 720-879-3927 ronbenson777@gmail.com
Launch! The JCBRC Helps Local Businesses Grow
LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS CELEBRATE THEIR GRADUATION FROM THE Jefferson County Business Resource Center’s Launch! business development program. PHOTO: BLU HARTKOPP n By
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his month, 14 small businesses will graduate from Launch!, a business development program hosted by the Jefferson County Business Resource Center (JCBRC). Now in its fourth year, the course is designed to educate participants on all aspects of running a business - everything from writing a business plan to learning the ins and outs of finances and marketing. Amira Watters, who runs the program and also serves as the executive director of the JCBRC, explains. “Business owners are very passionate about their ideas and services,” she points out. “But they often fail to understand everything that is involved with launching, managing and growing a successful business. They don’t know what they don’t know, but that can be the Achille’s Heel.” “We have launched more than 50 unique business in Jefferson County since the program started,” Amira shared, “and over 100 businesses have [participated].” Originally, Launch! was a six-week program geared towards start-ups and new businesses (i.e., in operation for less than two years). However, Amira knew that more people could benefit, so it has expanded to include all businesses, even those that are more well-established. It now runs for nine weeks and focuses
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Cheryl Blum Garcia • 720-371-1736 www.CherylGarcia.com
Bud Starker • 303-233-3377 29th & Depew • west29th.com
Mark Plummer • 303-422-2018 mplummer@lfins.com
Emily Green • 720-530-3140 emily@cibomeals.com
Amira Watters • 303-996-8976 awatters@jeffcobrc.org
Pam Bales • 303-233-5555 pam@westmetrochamber.org
Christine Jensen • 303-456-4403 CJensen@FairwayMC.com
Tim Berland • 303-995-2806 ngazette.com
on a different topic each week. Capped at 15 participants, it’s small and intimate, giving businesses the benefit of one-onone attention. Each module is led by one or several business owners who are experts in their field. “We have roughly 13-17 business owners from Jefferson County that have risen to the top of their industry,” Amira shares. “They are highly vetted and really believe in the cause.” These professionals are not only successful but also generous, donating their time completely free of charge. They come from a variety of different industries but include Deb York of York Insurance, attorney Mike Ambroziak and Valerie Morris of Tintero Creative. The classes are shadowed by Lou Riverso, a business advisor to the JCBRC. She observes if participants are struggling with a certain area of focus, like bookkeeping, for example, and follows up with them to make sure they are getting the help they need. The results have been outstanding. Businesses are growing and participants are leaving more confident than ever. But it’s not just the new guys who are seeing a benefit; Amira shared that one participant had been in business for 25 years - the Continued on page 8
ASK THE EXPERT What To Do Before 30 If You Want To Build Wealth Live below your means. Living large and buying expensive “stuff” that depreciates can leave you drowning in debt. Spending Some key financial steps that you sensibly can help you grow your emergency could take. fund, and, by extension, your net worth. Your twenties are the perfect time to *Qualified accounts such as 401ks and save and invest. Do it now, and you will have Traditional IRAs are accounts a great ally – time – on your side. funded with tax deductible Think about doing the following contributions in which any things if you’re not doing them earnings are tax deferred already. until withdrawn, usually after Put money into a retirement retirement age. Unless certain plan. Save and invest through criteria are met, IRS penalties a 401(k), a 403(b), a Roth and income taxes may apply on or traditional Individual any withdrawals taken prior Retirement Account, a myRA to age 59-1/2 RMDs (required – whatever is available to you; minimum distributions) must any tax-advantaged retirement generally be taken by the account is better than none. If your employer doesn’t offer one, Victoria Thompson account holder within the year after turning 70-1/2. The Roth start an IRA or myRA on your IRA offers tax deferral on any earnings own. in the account. Withdrawals from the Consider an investment in equities. The account may be tax free, as long as they market goes up and down, but equities offer are considered qualified. Limitations and you the potential for double-digit yearly restrictions may apply. Withdrawals prior returns. From 1951-2016, the average yearly to age 59-1/2 or prior to the account being price return of the S&P 500 was 7.4 percent, opened for 5 years, whichever is later, may and roughly every fifth year saw a gain of result in a 10 percent IRS penalty tax. 23.5 percent or more. Please remember, The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index investing in equities involves risk, including and cannot be invested into directly. Past the complete loss of principal.* performance is no guarantee of future Whittle away at your debts. The less results. money you owe each month, the more Victoria Thompson is a partner at Resyou potentially have to save or invest. You olute Family Wealth Advisors. She can be can “pay yourself first” with it, rather than reached at 720-464-5697, victoria.thomppaying those you owe first and yourself son@lpl.com. second. n By
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ngazette.com – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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WEST METRO FIRE
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Lutheran Pioneers Dutch-Based Fall Prevention Class
CAMP EMBER ENCOURAGES GIRLS to explore careers in the fire service. It’s a partnership between West Metro Fire Rescue, Arvada Fire Rescue and Red Rocks Community College. WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE
and during the four days at the training centers, the girls participate in fire hydrant operations, fire hose handling, search and rescue, technical rescue and more. The goal of Camp Ember is show the girls what it takes to be a firefighter, but just as important, showing them that there are women who make firefighting a career. The camp instructors and mentors are female firefighters from metro area agencies. “You could say we’re trying to build the future of the fire service,” said Beckhorn. “We want them to leave camp knowing that they can overcome challenges and be successful because they’ve built that confidence in themselves.” Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.
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or four days and three nights, 16 young women will experience what it takes to be a firefighter. They will put out fires, rescue “victims” and learn how to work as a team. Camp Ember is a collaborative effort and partnership between West Metro Fire Rescue, Arvada Fire Rescue and Red Rocks Community College, designed to encourage young women to explore careers in the fire service. “Not many girls grow up knowing about the opportunities in the fire service,” said Lakota Beckhorn, West Metro firefighter/ paramedic, and Camp Ember Assistant Director. “Our hope is that this program will open their eyes, their hearts and their minds to what’s possible and at the same time, build self-confidence.” Nationally, just 7 percent of 1.1 million firefighters are women. Fire agencies know the value of bringing in people of different genders, backgrounds and perspectives, helping them to better serve their communities. “We are stronger as a fire district when we represent the people in our district,” said West Metro Fire Chief Don Lombardi. “Camp Ember opens the door of possibilities to young women, and teaches them what we value – teamwork, leadership and service.” The 2019 camp will be held May 30 through June 2, and participants will spend the days learning firefighting skills at the West Metro and Arvada training centers. At night they’ll sleep in the dorms at Colorado Christian University. The camp is free and campers are chosen based on essay responses in the application. Girls ages 16 to 18 are eligible and the deadline to apply is March 21 at: www.campember.net. This will be the third year for the camp,
With the support of local partners such as the Arvada Fire Protection District, we alls, especially among the elderly, can be hope this workshop will shed light on many a serious health threat – causing more of the hazards that put older adults at risk than 90 percent of hip fractures – and falls for falls, give them strategies to mitigate are one of the leading causes of death in their risk, and improve their balance and older adults. Giving seniors fall prevention reactions to prevent falls. skills can help them stay healthy, confident We have also partnered with Nymbl Science to sign up participants for a free and self-sufficient. balance training application One fall prevention program, that can be done through a researched and tested in the smart device in the comfort Netherlands, takes older adults of their own homes. Balance through an obstacle course that and exercise training is the is designed to teach them how most effective fall prevention to navigate different types of intervention, but few seniors terrain. The course is a fun and engage in a level that provides effective way to build confidence protective benefits. Nymbl and train muscles in how to helps bridge that gap in an respond to falling in a safe and interactive, fun way. supervised environment. This hands-on, A group of SCL Health Brooke Borysiewicz experiential approach differs workers recently traveled across greatly from traditional the Atlantic to attend the first Englishspeaking training course on the “Nijmegen approaches which have poor attendance Falls Prevention Program.” The program, and high dropout rates. Our group found which was featured in the New York Times, that many older adults do not self-identify is being rolled out for the first time in the as fall risks, which could explain this trend. The SCL Health workshop – dubbed U.S. – right here in Jefferson County. This innovative program has a goal of “Friends Don’t Let Friends Fall” – is aimed decreasing the number of falls sustained not only at those at risk for falls, but their by older adults. Falls are the second most friends, as they are often the ones starting common reason for visits to the Lutheran this difficult conversation. Emergency Department, with over 3,000 Friends Don’t Let Friends Fall is hosting free workshops on Saturdays in March visits in 2017 alone. The obstacle course simulates fall at the Arvada Fire Department training hazards encountered during daily activities. center from 10 to 11:30 a.m. We encourage Obstacles such as the “Belgian Sidewalk” community dwelling older adults at risk for (a wobbly wooden sidewalk affectionately or concerned about falling to come, and to named for their southwestern neighbor) bring a friend. Call 303-812-4897 to sign challenge balance and coordination, while up. heightening awareness and teaching Brooke Borysiewicz is an occupational safe strategies for negotiating dangerous therapist at Lutheran Medical Center. situations. n By
Ronda Scholting
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – ngazette.com
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FOCUS ON ENTERTAINMENT Plays, Musicals And More This Month ■ By
Elisabeth Monaghan
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pring ushers in a variety of special events and performances throughout the area. Following are just a few examples: The Golden Chamber of Commerce presents the 6th Annual Taste of Golden. The family-friendly event takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on March 25 at the Buffalo Rose Event Center, 1119 Washington Ave., in Golden. Ticket prices range from $15 (kids 12 and under) to $30 for adults. Kids 5 and under are free. Thornton Wilder’s beloved play “Our Town” opens at Miner’s Alley Playhouse in Golden on March 22 and will run through April 27. For more information, or to order tickets, visit www.minersalley.com. Current and upcoming performances at the Arvada Center include “The Moors,” which is described as a dark comedy with a sharp sense of the absurd (through May 18); “Trav’lin,” a musical that takes place during the Harlem Renaissance and features the music of legendary artists like Billie Holliday, Louie Armstrong and Count Basie (Running April 9 through 28); “Diary of Anne Frank” (through May 17) and “Sin Street Social Club,” described as a “flirty, fun feminist comedy” (through May 19). For tickets or more information, visit www.arvadacenter.org. The Lakewood Cultural Center presents “Crazy for You,” a “zany rich-boy-meetshometown-girl romantic comedy” based on popular George and Ira Gershwin tunes
RMCAD’S PRESENTATION OF “KUBO AND THE TWO STRINGS,” a “gorgeously animated and thoroughly epic hero's journey from the studio that gave us “Coraline” and “Boxtrolls,” will show April 10, at 7 p.m. For tickets and information, visit www.drafthouse.com/denver. (March 22 through April 7). For information visit www.lakewood.showare.com. In addition to screening the latest movies, the Alamo Drafthouse Denver will host the Black Actors Guild’s “Ya Teef” at the Barfly lounge (March 22); RMCAD’s presentation of “Kubo and the Two Strings,” a “gorgeously animated and thoroughly epic hero's journey from the studio that gave us “Coraline” and “Boxtrolls.” (April 10, 7 p.m.). For tickets and information, visit www.drafthouse.com/denver.
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
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Edgewater Sustainability Survey And Open House ■ By
Lilly Steirer
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ast November, 18 Edgewater citizens applied for a volunteer seat on the newly formed Sustainability Committee. This temporary committee has been tasked to create a sustainability plan that will be posed for city council to potentially adopt this summer. Mayor Laura Keegan nominated seven applicants and they went to work with their inaugural meeting on Jan. 15. Identifying what sustainability means to Edgewater is the first mission. Starting with the three pillars of economic, social and environmental, the committee is seeking the ideas of residents, local business owners, employees, city staff, city council, schools, the library and more to determine what is most important to our shared community as we move forward. Through the first few meetings, the Sustainability Committee identified the
LAUNCH Program Continued from page 6
course “changed his life and changed his business,” she shares. “It almost doubled!” So, what’s next? Amira doesn’t see things slowing down anytime soon. Thanks to a new $5,000 sponsorship from Sunflower Bank in 2019, things can only get better. In fact, the JCBRC plans to launch an alumni meeting at the end of the year. “Now that we’re four years in, we’re planning an annual opportunity for alumni to come together for special training and networking,” she said. “We want to keep in touch with them, do some surveys to see where they’re at today.” For more information, visit jeffcobrc. org or call 303-996-8976.
need to explore four categories: Energy, Land & Water, Materials & Waste, and the Social Vibrancy of our Community. The committee is eager for your feedback and suggestions. Through a survey, that can be taken online or by paper at the Civic Center, the committee hopes to gain clarity about Edgewater's definition of sustainability, where we are thriving now, and our desires for the future. On April 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., come to the Civic Center for the Sustainability Committee’s Open House. Members of the committee will be available to answer questions and to find out more about your desires while you sip on refreshments and enjoy treats. Also at the Open House, Republic Services will be sharing information about recycling and the Edgewater Library sponsored Sustainability Seminar will be sharing tips and books from the last two years of their programing. More offerings for the Open House will be considered at the Sustainability Committee meetings that are held on the first and third Tuesdays of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Edgewater Civic Center. All meetings are open to the public. If you are unable to attend the Open House, please fill out the survey or attend the public meetings. The committee needs your feedback to create a Sustainability Plan that truly reflects our community. Find the survey at www.edgewaterco.com and mark your calendar to attend to the Open House on April 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Civic Center, 1800 Harlan St. Lilly Steirer is the Chair of Edgewater's Sustainability Committee. If you have questions, suggestions, or ideas, please contact lilly@lillystable.com. For more information, go to www.edgewaterco.com.
REACH 25,000 HOMES! Call Tim Berland 303-995-2806
ngazette.com – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS
40 WEST ARTS
Springtime Is Fresh And New In The Art District
Lakewood Honored For Its Role In Creating The 40 West ArtLine
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Nancy Hahn
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pring begins on March 20 bringing new and exciting shows breezing in to the 40 West Art District. March is the Month of Photography, so a variety of photography shows are available. RMCAD, the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design at 1600 Pierce St., will host a large-scale photography, collage and video show in their Rotunda Gallery. The show, “Delirium,” shows Tyla Alisa Anthony’s thoughts about what she feels to be a throwback to the racism and divisiveness of past American culture. “Delirium” will run until April 5. Edge Gallery at 7001 Colfax is also hosting a photography show, a wide open community show. No restrictions were put on subject or size of the photographs. There was also no jury to judge the photographs. Viewers will have fun seeing and judging the great variety of work for themselves. The show and sale will run from March 22 to April 7. 40 West Arts at 1560 Teller St., is also holding a photography show of its members work. The show will continue through March 23, so there is still time to check it out. 40 West Art offers visitors a colorful and unique show beginning in April, the Colorado Mosaic Artists’ show, opening with a reception on April 5 from 5 to 9 p.m. Mosaics are created by attaching small objects to a surface to create a pattern or a picture. While this group has created mosaics which cover entire walls; this show will feature small works. The show’s theme is “Altitudes” and 47 works by 20 artists will be on display. The mosaic show will be such fun for viewers and budding artists. While each of the shows’ artists create mosaics, those artists use a
Liz Black
T CASA BONITA IS CELEBRATED WITH A VARIETY OF ART, including Laurie Adams’ “I Go For The Food,” at Next Gallery, 6851 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. PHOTO BY NANCY HAHN.
variety of materials and styles. Some mosaic artists use stones. Others use tiles. Any small objects from seeds to beads to glass can be used. Their variety of mosaic works will be on display until April 27. Stop, visit, and be inspired. Benchmark Theatre at 1560 Teller St., brings another variety of art to the art district. The theatre calls 2019, “A Season of Awakening.” Until April 13, an adaption of George Orwell’s “1984” will be on stage and there are still tickets available for some showings. The show was very successful on the Broadway stage and should be equally remarkable in 40 West. Orwell’s 1948 book introduced the phrase, “Big Brother is Watching.” In a world now filled with technology enabling “watching” to a level George Orwell never knew, an adaption of 1984 seems especially relevant. Beginning at the end of May, “Bull in a China Shop,” a comedy about education at the turn of the 20th century will be onstage. For more information or to purchase tickets, check out www.benchmarktheatre. com/2019.
he City of Lakewood was honored recently by Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) with the 2019 Business for the Arts award. This award celebrates the collaboration spearheaded by the city to create and implement the 40 West ArtLine, a 4-mile walkable, bikeable free outdoor art gallery. The ArtLine was created to connect visitors with the intersection of art and the outdoors and would not be possible without the collaboration and support of the Lakewood West Colfax Business Improvement District, 40 West Arts District, Community First Foundation and an initial major grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The 40 West ArtLine connects an actual green line on the pavement to three northeast Lakewood parks and over 70 new and existing art installations including three major sculptural pieces inspired by the Stegosaurus (Colorado’s state dinosaur) by artist team PUNCH and many ground murals, interactive mural games, interactive pieces, fence art and more. Visitors can pick up the green line anywhere along the route or by taking the W Line Light Rail train from Union Station to the Lamar Street stop. The 40 West ArtLine is a free, inclusive outdoor amenity open to all and envisioned to be the longest continuous arts experience in Colorado. Learn more at 40westarts.org and 40westartline.org.
Celebrate West Colfax at Our Annual Luncheon It’s that time again! The 5th Annual West Colfax Lately Luncheon is slated for Thursday, April 25, at the Lakewood Country
Club. The West Colfax Lately Luncheon is an annual celebration of the energy and momentum happening along West Colfax. Join us in honoring this year’s LEGEND and MOMENTUM Award winners and enjoy the special West Colfax-themed entertainment! In fact, we’re bringing back Benchmark Theatre for a second year for a West Colfax-inspired Saturday Night Live skit. Join in the fun to support WCCA and celebrate the renaissance of Lakewood’s historic West Colfax corridor. All are welcome to join and this exciting event is great for anyone looking to get involved with the West Colfax community. Meet local business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, creatives and more at this fun event. Grab your tickets here (they will sell out): https://westcolfax.org/west-colfax-lately-luncheon.
First Fridays in 40 West Arts The First Friday of the month is always a good time to experience 40 West Arts District. From new art exhibitions to networking with creatives, meeting an artist or listening to live music, First Friday is one of the best times to see, feel and experience everything that 40 West Arts has to offer. The district is open from 6 to 9 p.m., so grab a friend or a kiddo (we’re always family-friendly) and head on over. As we like to say: local artists are local entrepreneurs are local businesses. So stay local, buy local, support local with 40 West Arts.
Learn more at 40westarts.org.
Have a news tip or story idea? Send it to editor@ngazette.com
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 – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – ngazette.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING WestFax Brewing Marks Three Years With Two-Day Festival WestFax Brewing Company celebrated its three-year anniversary with a twoday brewery party that included seven beer releases, ax throwing, anniversary glassware, and a free concert inside the 6733 W. Colfax Ave. brew house, March 8 and 9. The staff did 1,800 pours for about 700 patrons – the biggest weekend of the year for the establishment. “It’s an opportunity to showcase your brewery,” said Brian Haitz, the brewery’s Marketing and Operations Manager. “It’s almost your own little brew festival … it’s defi nitely the biggest event of the year that we host.” Haitz said the brewery has staged an anniversary party each year since opening, and plans to continue. Of the barrel-aged beverages brewed up for the event, there were no survivors. “The small batch (draft) beers are gone, but we still have some four packs and bombers,” said Haitz. The Raspberry Berliner and Irish Thin Mint Nitro Pastry Stout sold out in an hour and a half. Pastry Stout? “That is a newer style,” Haitz explained. “Jagged Mountain did one with powdered donuts…” WestFax collaborated with Westbound & Down and Woods Boss Brewing to create a Brut IPA for the event. New to this year’s celebration was the “Concert in the Kettles,” featuring local bands The Kinky Fingers and Larry Nix playing live music inside the brewery’s production area – another fi rst for the brewery. “We opened up the back, roped off area – full of barrels, kettles, a ton of big shiny equipment – and built stage out of pallets,”
WESTFAX BREWING COMPANY STAFF POURED 1,800 BEERS for 700+ guests at its third anniversary celebration, March 8 and 9, at the 6733 W. Colfax Ave. brew house. The festival featured seven beer releases, axe-throwing, anniversary glassware and free concert. PHOTO BY JUSTIN GRAZIANO.
said Haitz. “It was really well received, and the sound, surprisingly, was really good.” The brewery would like to continue doing the concerts, but he said they don’t know if they will be quarterly, or two or three times a year. The party also featured food trucks, axe-throwing and free beard and hair trim by Crisp Barber Shop. For more information, call 303-2333742 or visit westfaxbrewingcompany. com.
Edgewater Partners With SilverSneakers And Silver&Fit To Provide Programs To Older Adults The City of Edgewater Recreation Department this month launched their new relationship with both SilverSneakers and
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303-781-7862
Most Insurance Plans Accepted
Silver&Fit, insurance-based programs for individuals 60 years and older. The programs give older adults access to countless facilities related to health and fi tness without having to pay for a membership. The cost is associated to participants’ supplemental insurance plans – specialty classes at the Edgewater facility only, do have an out-of-pocket fee, over and above beginner spin and yoga. Participation is open to all, in and out of Edgewater and Jeff erson County. For those older adults that are not interested in using the traditional facilities to live a healthier life (weights, cardio, stations) Edgewater welcomes and encourages them to come by and sign up for their Senior FREE Walk pass. This allows older adults not wanting to use weights or other equipment to solely use the indoor walking/running track at your leisure, as often as they would like, for free. Like most facilities serving the older adult population, visitors will be able to access the City of Edgewater’s Fitness Center amenities including weights and cardio, the indoor walking/running track, various freestanding fi tness stations, basketball courts, open gym times including pickleball courts, beginner yoga and spin, and universal locker rooms and lockers. To obtain a pass, check in at the Fitness Center desk located on the second fl oor of the new Edgewater Civic Center, 1800 Harlan St. (two blocks south of 20th Avenue), and present your SilverSneakers or Silver&Fit I.D. card with your 16-digit I.D. number, bring a statement or letter with your number on it or show us another facilities I.D. card that may have your I.D. on it. Edgewater will collect your general contact information and take your picture for your new Edgewater I.D. card. The City of Edgewater’s Fitness Center is open Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.; Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the City of Edgewater’s Fitness Center and available classes, visit www.playedgewater.com or call 720-763-3011.
In Memoriam: Edgewater’s Catherine Potter Catherine “Cathy” Potter passed away March 14 at her home at age 75. She was born in Colorado on Oct. 3, 1943, to Benoit Bourg and Ruby (Noel) Bourg. She grew up in Edgewater and graduated from Jeff erson High School in 1962. Cathy was married to Robert “Bob” Potter in 1964. They were together for 52 fantastic and loving years before Bob's passing in 2017. They moved to Longmont in 1969, where she actively participated in PTA and Girl Scouts. Cathy loved the out-ofdoors, traveling, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Cathy is preceded in death by her
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possession of tobacco by people under the age of 21 was tossed around, we voted against it. I’m glad we did. Our goal with this ordinance is to stop teens from getting addicted and making it easier for them to fi nd help when they become addicted. By criminalizing this, we would create an enforcement nightmare for our schools while discouraging kids to report their own use. We want kids to come forward when they have a problem, not hide a non-violent, low-level violation because they’re afraid of criminal action. I’m proud of the direction our city has taken. With the month between vote and enforcement for our business community to adjust, we’re confi dent our city is proceeding responsibly, and safely while leading the metro area in preventing youth tobacco. Contact Edgewater City Councilman Caleb Rountree at CRountree@edgewaterco.com.
husband, parents, and sister Patty. She is survived by her son Bill Potter, daughter Michelle Phillips (Mitch Gieber), her granddaughters Heather Phillips and Amber (Kris) Piltz, her great grandson Greyson Piltz, her brother-in-law Gary Potter and sister-in-law Sally (Rob) May. The family invites all friends to join them for lunch and a celebration of Cathy's life. It will be held Sunday, March 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Dickens Opera House, 300 Main St., Longmont. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Memorial contributions can be made to The Inn Between in care of Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences.
Free Talks On Historic Elitch Theatre Offered At Tenn Street Save the date for upcoming Saturday afternoon Historic Elitch Theatre Talks with Pamela Nowak held at Tenn Street Coff ee and Books, 4418 Tennyson St. The free, public talks start at 2 p.m. and end around 4 p.m. On March 23, “America’s Playhouse: Realizing the Elitch Dream” explores the history of the Elitch Theatre and takes a fun look behind the scenes. From 1890 to its closing in 1987, the theatre featured vaudeville, traveling troupes and summer stock theatre, attracting America’s greatest stars. On April 13, “How the Garden Grew: A History of Elitch Gardens” describes the original park, its fi rst attractions, and how it evolved over its 129 years, from a quiet family destination to one of America’s most celebrated amusement parks. For more information on the talks and other offerings, visit www.historicelitchtheatre.org.
Provide Ideas And Feedback To Edgewater’s Sustainability Committee At Open House, April 9 Edgewater's newly formed Sustainability Committee is looking for feedback as they work to create a Sustainability Plan. On Tuesday April 9 from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the committee will host an Open House at Edgewater Civic Center, 1800 Harlan St., where they will also be gathering ideas and looking for feedback. Republic Services and the Edgewater Library’s Sustainability Seminar will also be available to answer questions. Come and enjoy refreshments and treats while sharing your thoughts about sustainability. A survey is now available to gather information on where Edgewater is currently with sustainability eff orts and where the community would like to head into the future. Save paper by taking the survey online or pick up a copy at the Civic Center and drop it off there as well. For more information visit www.edgewaterco.com.
Classics And Books About Society’s Problems On Tap 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, April 13, 1 to 2 p.m., they’ll discuss James Fenimore Cooper’s 2018 novel, “The Last of the Mohicans,” the tale of Hawkeye, the scout who leads a small band of Americans fl eeing from the British and their Indian allies in the French and Indian War. Suitable for adults. On Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Continued on page 12
ngazette.com – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
City of Lakewood Continued from page 1
Municipality.” The issue passed, 8,476 to 3,371. A small boxed story reported LeBlanc was pleased and had started the annexation issue to get Jefferson City formed. “When we asked Denver to annex us, we made the area so large that it could never afford to take us in,” LeBlanc was quoted. “But it got people thinking and they finally took action. We were just playing for incorporation. This is just wonderful. I’m very happy.” “It is impossible to pinpoint any special reason for this landslide,” the paper’s editorial read. “Basically, people finally came to the conclusion that the area can’t continue as it is. There was a certain fear of Denver, a desire to keep the R-1 school system intact, and growing discontent with county government dispensed from Golden. It all added up to Jefferson City.”
Why incorporate a mystery
Whether or not fear of annexation – which would have included adding Jefferson County School District R-1 to Denver Public Schools – court-ordered busing to desegregate Denver schools or other factors spurred incorporation to remain in question 50 years later. Local historian Kristen Autobee, the former curator and administrator of Lakewood’s Heritage Center, authored two books on the city’s history with her late husband, Robert Autobee. While she does not believe racism was a deciding factor in the 1969 effort, “I’ve been working on this question for about 20 years and still don’t have an honest answer,” Autobee said. Autobee agreed some incorporation backers were motivated by not wanting to become residents of Denver. A crime wave could have been another factor, she added. “My gut feeling is there was no one reason people voted to incorporate in ‘69,” Autobee said. “There was just a lot going on.” In a March 2, 2010, Lakewood history video, Betty Miller, the first woman city council member (served from 1969-75) and now deceased, said when she and her husband bought an area house, “the Realtor said ‘don’t worry, you’re going to be annexed by Denver in the next few years.’ So I moved here thinking I wanted to be in Denver.” Miller believed Denver’s desegregation battles were a factor for incorporation. “That was a terribly big issue,” she said “…I think an awful lot of it was due to the school situation.” Dick Hilker, then the editor and general manager of the Sentinel, recalled two main issues – inadequate law enforcement by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and opposition to annexation – were reasons for incorporation. “No one really wanted to form another big government, but we wanted a police department,” Hilker said in an interview. “I’m sure some people moved to Jefferson County to avoid busing. But our schools had a great reputation at the time, too, and we
didn’t want to see any changes to our school district.” Business-wise, Hilker said keeping a local identity was important. “There were no big chain stores at the time, it was all locally owned businesses,” he noted. “So the (East Jefferson) chamber of commerce had a lot of influence and supported incorporation to maintain that local identity.” The Lakewood Heritage Center website noted June 24 was the incorporation election, Aug. 28 saw the first municipal officers sworn in, Nov. 4 was the advisory vote on the name of the city, and Nov. 6 was when city council passed a resolution to change the name to Lakewood. A city website said the name Lakewood was given to a subdivision that William Loveland, owner of the Colorado Central Railroad, established in 1889 near West Colfax Avenue and Harlan Street. Loveland had lived in or near the township of Lakewood, New Jersey, Hilker said. Jefferson City was chosen to “try to appease everyone,” he added. “They didn’t want to antagonize any area by calling it some other area.” In the June 26 Sentinel editorial, the paper stated, “Probably the most understated thing about Jefferson City is its name. We agree with many citizens who have complained that a much better moniker could have been selected. “We think a more suitable name could be found. We urge the election commission to include a name referendum on the ballot for city council and mayor. The commission should ask for suggested names and select two or three that are appropriate and include them with Jefferson City on the ballot.” An attorney, Elias Candall, led the effort to change the name. “He was always active in some cause or another and just really disliked the name,” Hilker said.
‘A scary experience’
Jefferson City’s boundaries were drawn on a basement ping-pong table in the home of James Jeff “Jim” Richey, chairman of the incorporation group. Richey was also the city’s first mayor, serving almost nine years, from 1969-77, and was often referred to as the Father of Lakewood. He later ran unsuccessfully for governor and passed away Nov. 29, 2014. Richey talked about the incorporation in two Lakewood history videos, dated Feb. 9, 2007, and June 22, 2012. Richey noted annexation and “very little protection from the sheriff’s department” were issues, along with the loss of local schools if the area were annexed. Richey recalled a so-called “garage gorilla” or “garage rapist” was active and the sheriff’s department had just three cars to patrol the area. Richey said the incorporation might have been the largest one in history at the time. “Waking up one morning after an election and having almost 100,000 people as a new city and not having any employees, any ordinances, any rolling stock, was a little bit of a scary experience,” he said.
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ONE OF THE FIRST CITY COUNCILS OF WHAT IS NOW LAKEWOOD posed for this Lakewood Sentinel photo. Back row, left to right: Robert Clement, William Brown, Bill Stepp, Betty Miller, Robert Bailey, Gene Fortier and Galt McClurg. Front row, left to right: Charles Whitlock, Theodore Eaker, Mayor James Richey and Mel Flowers. Flowers replaced Gilbert Gfell, an original councilman representing the Green Mountain area with Bailey, after Gfell moved from his ward and resigned in 1972. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF LAKEWOOD. Officials in Denver weren’t too happy with Jefferson City’s incorporation, he noted. “They thought this was a territory that was going to be theirs,” Richey said. “They put roadblocks in front of each thing we tried to do.” The first election after incorporation featured 113 candidates for 13 offices, including seven candidates for mayor. Richey said the idea of running for mayor grew out of the June 24 incorporation election night, “When someone yelled ‘there’s the mayor’.” Richey added he and other officials wanted to “soften the image” of the new police department. “We hired the police chief before the city administrator,” Richey stated. “If I had that to do over, it would be the other way around. And we hired the wrong chief. Everyone in the metro area disliked (our) police.” City officers were also required to have a college degree and to wear blue blazers and gray slacks. “And we called them ‘agents,’ instead of officers,” Richey added.
A HALF-CENTURY AGO, CITY LIMITS SIGNS for the just-formed Jefferson City did not remain up very long. After the eastern Jefferson County area was incorporated in June 1969, opposition to the name led the city council to change it to Lakewood two months later. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF LAKEWOOD. Soon, however, they realized that went too far, so more traditional titles and uniforms were used, he said. “I don’t think I would have had near the fun running an organized city as it was putting a city together,” Richey stated. “But I’m not sure you could draw a city map on a ping-pong table today.”
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 18 – APRIL 14, 2019 – ngazette.com
Happenings Continued from page 10
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 About a Problem Facing Society Today – and show up to share, imbibe and receive great book recommendations. Happy hours prices are available for attendees. Across the border in Wheat Ridge at Colorado Plus Brew Pub, 6995 W. 38th Ave., a rival BYOB(ook) Club meets Monday, April 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., to share and receive recommendations on classic 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.
Family Tree Renames Women In Crisis Emergency Shelter To Roots Of Courage Family Tree has changed the name of Women In Crisis, its domestic violence emergency shelter, to Roots of Courage. “We felt it was very important to rename the shelter because our previous name, Women In Crisis, did not accurately represent the services we provide and the population we serve,” said according to shelter director Tirzah Stein in a March 7 press release. “We recognize the significance of having a name that is not only aligned with Family Tree’s mission and philosophy to be inclusive of all gender identities, but
one that shares a positive, powerful and uplifting message.” The purpose of Roots of Courage (ROC) is to help keep survivors safe from domestic violence by providing a 24-hour crisis line, emergency shelter, safety planning, advocacy, community resources, health care and other supportive services, according to Stein. “Providing a confidential place to stay is just one component of the ROC shelter program. Food and shelter are the most basic needs addressed by what we do. As important, and sometimes more important, are the emotional needs that are addressed during a survivor's stay in the shelter. Advocacy, support, information, and community resources all provide the foundation that survivors need to make courageous decisions to be safe. Through one-on-one advocacy and support groups, survivors are given the opportunity to learn about domestic violence, the effects it has on their lives, and how to plan for their safety.”
Stein hopes the name change will empower survivors to seek services and help them feel welcome and accepted. “We know not everyone experiencing domestic violence, relates to ‘being in crisis,’ and not all survivors are female identified.” Family Tree works alongside people affected by child abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness throughout their journey to safety and economic independence, according to Stein. It provides emergency residential services, case management and advocacy, therapeutic services, outreach support, housing search and placement, education and employment support, among many other services. For over four decades, Family Tree has provided innovative, life-changing services designed to end child abuse and neglect, domestic violence and homelessness. As one of the only non-profit organizations in the Denver metro area working to address the interconnectedness among these issues, Family Tree is changing how individuals, families and communities see, respond to, and overcome these challenges. For more information, visit www.thefamilytree.org.
Stop In For Memory Café, April 17
COME CELEBRATE OUR NEW ROOFTOP PATIO!
The Wheat Ridge Memory Café at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 Depew St., is a welcoming place for people living with memory loss and their caregivers, held Wednesday, April 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This ongoing monthly series presented by the Alzheimer’s Association invites you to gather to relax and socialize with others while enjoying a cup of coffee, a fun activity, or a brief presentation. It’s suitable for adults, 60+.
National Vote Compact, Putin And Other Issues At League of Women Voters Events
Saturday, March 23rd 11AM-10PM 2501 Sheridan Blvd. Edgewater, CO JoyrideBrewing.com (720) 432-7560
March 23rd
The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County is hosting discussions and book clubs an issues of importance to locals. An informational session about the National Popular Vote interstate compact will be presented by Linda Sorauf, National Popular Vote Colorado, Wednesday, March 20, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Belmar Library 555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. NPV is an agreement among states to award electors based on the popular vote in all 50 states, to ensure that every vote in every state matters equally in the presidential general election. The informational session is free and open to all. No Reservations required, but seating is limited. Monthly Unit Meetings of League members and guests provide opportunities to discuss and take action on issues that are important to the community and the world. They are: Applewood/Lakewood, April 10, 9 to 11 a.m., at Brookdale Meridian Westland, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood; Jeffco Evening, April 10, 6 to 8 p.m., at League of Women Voters, 1425 Brentwood St., Lakewood; and Lakewood/Golden, April 11, 9 to 11 a.m., at Cason-Howell House, 1575 Kipling, Lakewood. The League hosts a non-fiction book club with two meetings each month, in April discussing Masha Gessen’s “The Man without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladimir Putin.” Clubs will meet Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m., at Brookdale Meridian Senior Living, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood; and Wednesday, April 17, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Lakewood Library 10200 W. 20th Ave., Lakewood (please call to verify location prior as they may meet at a different library from time to time). Open to the public. Call Lynne at 303-985-5128 for more information. The League of Women Voters has been empowering voters and defending democracy since 1920. The League is a membership based non-profit political organization that promotes active government participation. Visit www.lwvjeffco.org for more information on membership and upcoming events.