EDGEWATER COUNCIL Edgewater’s Comprehensive Plan Is Coming Page 4
THE GREAT OUTDOORS Love Cycling? Consider A Group Ride Page 5
40 WEST ARTS 40 West, Colorado Mills Celebrate Lakewood’s 50th Page 13
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| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS | WEST HIGHLAND May 15 – June 16, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE
First Fridays, Colfax Art Crawls, And The Circus Come To The Art District ■ By
Nancy Hahn
F
ans of the 40 West Art District are familiar with the added fun of First Fridays. On the first Friday of each month, all the galleries are open for evening hours. Most are open until 9 or 10 p.m. Many galleries offer demonstrations or special activities for visitors. Sometimes there are food trucks or other vendors to add to the fun. First Friday is always special in the Art District and our warmer weather makes the evening even more fun. Now, something new is being added. On March 1, the art district celebrated a special Mardi Gras First Friday with beads, music, special players and fun. There was a marching band, other musicians, face-painters and lots of other fun. As the Art District grows, First Fridays are growing, also. These extra special First Fridays are so much fun, they will now be called Colfax Art Crawls and will be added three times a year. This writer’s first experience with a First Friday in the Art District was on June 2, 2017. There was a man with a big, red Continued on page 12
THE CIRCUS REALLY IS COMING TO THE 40 WEST ART DISTRICT on June 7, as the district celebrates a circusthemed Colfax Art Crawl. It’s a reprise of the first 2017 event, which featured circus performers wandering the district core, balloons and a massive metal elephant sculpture on loan from artist Greg Wasil. PHOTO: DAVE REIN.
Wheat Ridge, Edgewater Promote Tree Awareness ■ By
T
Meghan Godby
he Arbor Day Foundation has a program called Tree City USA, comprised of over 3,000 cities across the United States, including Wheat Ridge, Lakewood and Edgewater. The designation is based on four standards, including a well-funded community forestry program and tree-care ordinance. In fact, Wheat Ridge is the third oldest Tree City in the entire state, right behind Fort Collins and Colorado Springs. To celebrate their 40th anniversary as a Tree City, Wheat Ridge hosted a commemorative tree planting in partnership with the Mile High Youth Corps. Forty trees were planted in both parks and right-ofways, a project made possible by a grant from the Colorado Tree Coalition. The commemorative planting is only one of the city’s projects to help promote tree appreciation in the community. Last year, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, along with Kullerstrand Elementary, partnered with the Institute for Environmental Solutions (IES) to work on the Greenbelt. The three-year project was designed to perform sustainable environmental improvements while also creating hands-on learning opportunities for children. With help from the city, Patagonia, the Community First Foundation and over 2,000 hours of work, more than 700 new trees, shrubs or grasses were planted throughout the project. “It gives the kids an opportunity to be outside, to have a hands-on environmental education,” said Carol Lyons, Executive Director for IES in a video on the project. “I just love the excitement and knowing that what we’re doing today is going to be helping tomorrow.” Such efforts were echoed by the City of Edgewater, which hosted an Arbor Day
celebration on Saturday, April 27. The event brought neighbors and city staff together to help plant trees near the Civic Center. Not only was this an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors, but it was also a chance to learn more about tree care and maintenance. These awareness-building events are especially crucial as trees continue to face threats from disease and insects, like the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). While the EAB has not been detected
in Jefferson County, it is a genuine threat. Many cities have detailed mitigation plans so they can be ready to act at a moment's notice. Robin Rice, Forestry Technician for the City of Wheat Ridge, explains. “The USDA recommends communities prepare in advance,” she said. “Usually, EAB has been in a community a few years before it has been officially detected. We are monitoring, setting traps and treating some trees.”
The City of Edgewater also has EAB on its radar. An inventory of all Ash trees within public right-of-way was completed in 2014, and when the insect was discovered in Boulder, the Edgewater initiated prescribed removals of smaller trees and the tagging of larger trees. As we move into a time of increased development, these types of programs and plans of action will help ensure that our local communities can enjoy our trees for many generations to come.
PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW
Kate Farley: Growing An Urban Flower Farm In West Highland ■ By
Laurie Dunklee
“What I need most of all are flowers, always, always.” –Claude Monet “I hope to bring the community together to learn about urban agriculture and gardening,” says Kate Farley, who is transforming her corner lot in West Highland into a flower farm. “I’ve heard lots of positive feedback so far, from people walking by.” Farley, who moved to West Highland from the Cheesman Park neighborhood in 2013, started her 2,000-square-foot, cut-flower farm last summer. The urban farm, named Lily’s Flower Farm after her 90-pound Bernese mountain dog, is “a big experiment,” Farley says. This spring she planted 130 peonies on the parking strip and 130 dahlias in the backyard. Along with the perennials, she started many varieties of annuals from seed, in her basement under grow lights. “I plan to test about 70 varieties of flowers for their suitability as cut flowers: long, straight stems, a long shelf life, and popularity in bouquets. Mostly, I’ll go with the ones I think are pretty!” Continued on page 2
URBAN FARMER KATE FARLEY, who is transforming her corner lot in West Highland into a flower farm. PHOTO BY LAURIE DUNKLEE.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MAY 15 – JUNE 16 2019 – ngazette.com
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A LARGE BED OF ZINNIAS IN KATE FARLEY’S YARD last year. Farley is transforming her corner lot in West Highland into a flower farm. PHOTO BY LAURIE DUNKLEE.
Kate Farley Continued from page 1
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Farley knows about urban farming, having worked on farms in Colorado since 2014. After earning her undergraduate degree in environmental studies at Eckerd College in Florida, she moved here in 2013 to attend graduate school at the University of Colorado Denver, where she earned a certificate in urban agriculture. Her graduate thesis was running a communitysupported agriculture pilot program at Five Fridges Farm at 38th and Kipling in Wheat Ridge. “We partnered with Kullerstrand Elementary School to provide farm shares for five to 10 families, who volunteered on the farm,” Farley said. Before she graduated in 2016, she began working part time at The GrowHaus, a nonprofit indoor farm, marketplace and educational center in the ElyriaSwansea neighborhood. Food is grown in a 20,000-square-foot greenhouse using hydroponic and aquaponic methods. Farley became manager of the aquaponic farm and also handled sales and distribution. “I learned the business side of farming,” she said. “I’d always wanted my own farm and that must have been the reason we bought this corner lot in West Highland — though I didn’t realize it at the time.” She decided to grow flowers rather than vegetables to give herself a new challenge. “I’ve grown every lettuce and leafy green, so this is exciting and new. I’m artistic — I love crafts and floral design. Plus testing the different varieties will be fun.” The whole yard had been grass-covered for many years, so last summer Farley and her friends used a sod-cutter to get the grass out. “The soil underneath was lacking in nutrients, so we added between two and three inches of compost throughout,” she said. “We used 12 cubic yards of compost, a pile the size of a roll-off dumpster.” She gets help with the farm work from her boyfriend, Nathan, as well as the farm friends she met at GrowHaus. “Many of them own farms too, so we help each other and learn from each other.” Farley converted the old sprinkler heads to a drip system. “The flowers require some water but not nearly as much as grass. It’s crazy how much water grass takes.” Besides the parking strip, Farley has
NAMESAKE LILY, A BERNESE MOUNTAIN DOG, as a pup. PHOTO BY LAURIE DUNKLEE.
four-foot-wide garden beds around the house. The annuals will be grown with netting over them to hold them upright because “you want straight stems for flower arrangements,” she says. In back, dahlias and trellised sweet peas are fenced off to keep Lily the dog out. “Some flowers are toxic to dogs,” says Farley. She’ll grow a few veggies, but not enough to sell. “I’m not sure yet whether I need a cottage food license from the city, since I won’t be selling food. I’ve inquired but I haven’t heard back yet.” Farley plans to grow some unusual flower varieties, including lisianthus. “Twenty-five percent will be flowers I’ve never seen,” she said. “Things that are so cool, but nobody grows them here. Some you won’t see in the grocery store because they don’t ship and store well. “What will survive in this zone is changing because of climate change. So I’ll be pushing that, experimenting. I want flowers that you don’t see all that often, and I think my customers will want that too. Last year I grew a large bed of zinnias and invited people to take them for a donation. People didn’t donate as much for those as for the dahlias. So I think people want flowers they don’t see all the time.” The flowers will be for sale in front of the house most weekends from late June to early October. Flowers by the bunch, as well as custom bouquets, will be available by special order. Her biggest fears are hailstorms and windstorms. “But generally hail happens in May, so you can re-plant,” Farley said. She said the biggest reward is meeting her neighbors and the people who walk by. “Walkers get to see the process and the different varieties. Something different will be blooming every week.” In future, Farley wants to convert her garage into a workshop for making bouquets and holding classes. Maybe she’ll get a walkin cooler to store flowers. Her philosophy is to promote community-based farming: “Know your local farmer. Develop a personal relationship so you can share with each other on issues like pests and weeds.” For more information see Lilysflowerfarm.com, Lily’s Flower Farm on Facebook, or Lilysflowerfarm on Instagram. Or email Kate at lilysflowerfarm@gmail. com.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MAY 15 – JUNE 16 2019 – ngazette.com
EDGEWATER MAYOR An Edgewater Update vote of 7 to 0. For the many new Edgewater citizens who may own rental properties or dgewater has finalized the purchase of who are renting properties in Edgewater, I the properties located at 1730 and 1790 wanted to reach out and make certain that Harlan St., Lakewood, south of new Civic you know your rights and responsibilities Center at Walker-Branch Park. The former under our local laws. Full requirements and owners will vacate the property by the end protections are available on our city website: of May. The City of Edgewater will then take www.edgewaterco.com at Edgewater’s Municipal code link: the necessary steps to clear the Article 7 - Rental property of several buildings Property Maintenance and debris. The future use of the Code: “to provide minimum property will fall into guidelines standards to safeguard life and established in Edgewater’s limb, health, property, and Comprehensive Plan. This is a public welfare by regulating great extension to the Walkerand controlling the use, Branch property co-owned by occupancy, and maintenance of Edgewater and Lakewood. all residential structures At the Council Meeting on available for rent within May 7, the final report of the the City of Edgewater. This Mobility Plan was presented. Article establishes minimum This was the culmination of Laura Keegan standards for basic equipment many community events: walking tours and community meetings held to get and facilities; for occupancy; for plumbing, input from citizens and businesses. The heating and electrical systems; for fire traffic-calming study and meetings with safety; for exits; for pest control; and the public were a great success. A large for the safe and sanitary maintenance of number of the suggested implementations residential properties” and presented will begin being put into action Article 13 - Rental Property during the next year. The entire plan may Registration Code: “to provide minimum take up to 10 years and will go hand in hand standards to safeguard life and limb, health, with our upcoming 2020 Comprehensive property, and public welfare by regulating Plan, getting under way this month. More and controlling the use, occupancy, and information on all of these plans is available maintenance of all residential structures on our city website at www.edgewaterco. available for rent within the City of Edgewater. This Rental Code establishes minimum com. In 2011, as a council member, I began standards for basic equipment and facilities; working on laws for Renters’ Rights and for occupancy; for plumbing, heating and Rental Property Registration requirements. electrical systems; for fire safety; for exits; With years of work and support from for pest control; and for the safe and sanitary councilors, community members and other maintenance of residential properties.” city governments, council passed these Contact Edgewater mayor Laura ordinances into law in July of 2015 by a Keegan at lkeegan@edgewaterco.com.
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Comprehensive Plan, key areas that have been identified for update include: vision and goals, community profile and land use, hat exactly is a Comprehensive Plan specifically addressing housing mix and and why does the City of Edgewater associated parking, mixed-use development, need one? This article will inform your and the inclusion of transportation elements understanding of the value of creating from the 2019 Mobility Plan. a comprehensive plan and how you can The Comp Plan process will run from contribute to the process. We need your mid-May to August ensuring ample time voice to ensure Edgewater’s continued to engage community members positive growth. through visioning forums, policy 2013 was the last time workshops, and on-site events Edgewater completed a including a pubic reach pop-up Comprehensive Plan and it during the Edgewater Market is time for an update. Often and Music event. cities will revise their goals and This is your call to action, vision to ensure that current please join us and share your and relevant issues are being voice. addressed, along with preparing Here are some specific for the future. dates to put on your calendar: In an attempt to clearly May 21, 7 p.m. (Visioning & define this concept, the comprehensive plan is a living Cory Reid-Vanas Community Character); May 22, 6:30 p.m. (Land Use & Economic document that provides a holistic Development); May 23, 7 p.m. (Housing). and sustainable vision to guide planning for These events will be held at the Edgewater Edgewater’s future. It also requires strong Civic Center and are family friendly. public participation for building informed The process will yield up to two drafts of consent, shared understanding, and the 2020 Edgewater Comprehensive Plan ownership of the Plan. for local review and discussion prior to final Furthermore, Edgewater’s Plan will be review and adoption by the Planning & Zoning directly connected to the city’s goals and Commission and City Council this fall. policies, linking to existing and future plans If you have any questions, please including the Parks and Open Space Plan, email council member Cory Reid-Vanas Design Guidelines, Urban Renewal and at creid-vanas@edgewater.com or Deputy Mobility Plans, among others. City Manager Dan Maples at dmaples@ Based on the findings of the Edgewater edgewater.com. Mobility Plan and review of the current n By
Cory Reid-Vanas
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n By
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
WEST METRO FIRE
Love Cycling? Consider A Group Ride
Wildfire Can Threaten Many Colorado Neighborhoods n By
Meghan Godby
Ronda Scholting
A
I
f you’ve spent any time on neighborhood roads lately, you’ve probably noticed something. Those bike lanes? They’re getting a lot of use. While die-hard cyclists are at it all year round, the warmer weather can bring even the dustiest bicycles out of the storage shed. For those that are new to the sport, the prospect of venturing out alone can be intimidating; even the most experienced riders enjoy some company from time to time. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to meet other cyclists in your neighborhood. Group rides are a great option. Consider the West Side Brewery Bike Loop, which combines cycling with a love of local brews. On the final Saturday of each month (April through September), join other beer lovers for a tour of local breweries (e.g., WestFax Brewing Company on West Colfax or Oasis Brewing in Denver). There are discounts at each stop and each monthly ride has a fun theme (April was Rock n’ Roll). The course starts at 11:30 a.m. and takes approximately three and a half hours; see westdenverbrewerybikeloop.com for more details. Local bike shops are another excellent resource. Wheat Ridge Cyclery (7085 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge) regularly hosts group rides, while Yawp Cyclery (2521 Sheridan Blvd., Edgewater) hosts rides most Thursday evenings. Since they are staffed by knowledgeable and passionate experts, you can stop by anytime for advice, questions or simply a quick chat. Visit wheatridgecyclery. com or yawpcyclery.com for more details. Depending on where you live, you might also want to check out BikeDenver
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(bikedenver.org). They host group rides every Thursday (including a line-up of farmer’s market rides this summer) and regularly lead programs for adults and children. The organization is especially passionate about promoting cyclist safety; stop by their free bike repair event on June 23 at Dailey Park (1 S. Cherokee St., Denver). Interested in a group ride, but not feeling confident when it comes to navigating neighborhood streets? The City of Wheat Ridge has you covered. On May 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., they'll be hosting a Bicycle and Pedestrian Safe Drivers Course at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center (4005 Kipling St.). The course will help educate motorists and cyclists on safety and legal issues and promote sharing the road. The class is free and open to everyone. For more information, call Robin Baker at 720-2591030. Other notable upcoming events include the Criterium Bike Race and festival at Stevens Elementary (June 9, 7101 W. 38th Ave.) and a kids’ Bicycle Rodeo and Giveaway at the Wheat Ridge Library (June 15 from 1 to 3 p.m.). For more information, visit wearelocalworks.org or jeffcolibrary. org, respectively.
snowy winter and wet spring have meteorologists predicting an average to below average wildfire season in Colorado this year. Even so, state fire officials are predicting we’ll see around 6,000 fires across the state. “I don’t want this average risk to lull people into a false sense of security,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis. “The number of people at risk of wildfire continues to increase with our increased population and with climate change.” The reality is that wildfires in Colorado don’t just happen in the forests and in the high country. They happen in what’s called the wildland-urban interface – where open spaces and parks border neighborhoods. Nearly three million Coloradans live in that interface. A place where a fast-moving grass or brush fire can quickly endanger hundreds of homes and families. “We have dozens of neighborhoods in the West Metro Fire Rescue district where homes could be impacted by fires in open spaces, or fires that start along roads or highways,” said Clint Fey, West Metro Division Chief, Risk Management. “That’s why our crews have trained extensively in how to quickly respond to these fires.” There’s a misconception that homes and property lost or damaged in a wildfire is a result of direct exposure to the main body of the fire. In most cases, it’s the embers from the fire, pushed aloft by the wind, that land around structures and ignite. The embers lodge on rooftops, in gutters, in flowerbeds, and under decks – where there may be dead or dry vegetation or debris. May is Wildfire Awareness Month, a great time to take a look at your property
WILDFIRES DON’T JUST HAPPEN IN FORESTS AND THE HIGH COUNTRY, but in the wildland-urban interface – where open spaces and parks border neighborhoods. PHOTO: WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE and consider some small, inexpensive changes that can make your home, family and community much safer. It all starts with a walk around your home after a windy day. “I tell people to take a look at where leaves or other debris pile up,” said West Metro Firefighter Jonathan Ashford. “And, then, make sure to keep those areas clean. You should have a five-foot fire-free area closest to your home using nonflammable landscaping material and fire-resistant plants.” Defensible space is a property’s first line of defense against wildfire. Creating and maintaining defensible space around homes can improve the property’s likelihood of surviving a wildfire. Having defensible space also makes it safer for firefighters who may have to defend someone’s home. “Your roof is also critical,” said Ashford. “Embers can collect and ignite on the roof, in gutters and enter unscreened openings, like roof vents. Clear all leaves, pine needles and other flammable debris.” For more information on how to help your property survive a wildfire, visit www. westmetrofire.org.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MAY 15 – JUNE 16 2019 – ngazette.com
ASK THE EXPERT
What’s Happening in the WRBA
What’s Happening In Our Real Estate Market? $425,000 in 2019 from $413,755 in 2018, an increase of 2.7 percent. hat’s happening in the real estate For detached homes: market? Let’s take a look at year • 85 homes have sold in Q1 2019 over year sales data for Wheat Ridge and compared to 93 last year, a decrease of 8.6 Edgewater. percent. In the midst of easing • The average price in the inventory woes for both our Q1 2019 has been $492,087, Denver metro market and major up 11.7 percent from last year’s markets nationwide, both the price of $440,543. Wheat Ridge and Edgewater • The median price for markets are bucking the trend! 2019 has been $450,000 versus Here’s an overview of what $421,000 in 2018, a gain of 6.9 inventory looks like year over percent. year: For attached homes: Inventory: • 26 residences have sold For all housing types: in the Q1 2019 as compared to • 127 new listings in Q1 2019 23 last year. Only three more Jenny Apel versus 154 new listings in 2018, a sales, but a 13 percent increase. decrease of 17.5 percent. • The average price for Q1 2019 was For detached homes: $329,294, a 5.3 percent increase over • 98 new listings in Q1 2019 versus 127 $312,735 in 2018. new listings in 2018, a decrease of 32.8 • The median price has increased to percent. $327,000, up 12.8 percent over 2018’s price For attached homes: of $290,000. • 29 new listings in Q1 2019 versus 27 Bottom line, inventory is still low and new listings in 2018, an increase of 7.4 prices are rising in both Wheat Ridge and percent. Edgewater. Why? The median price in Q1 As a result of continued diminishing 2019 is at $450,000 and nearly 50 percent inventory and continued demand, the of the metro-wide market sales are under number of sales has generally decreased $500k, making both Wheat Ridge and while both median and average prices have Edgewater seller’s markets. risen: Spring has officially sprung and with Sales warmer weather the inventory will likely For all housing types: look very much like last year in both • 111 sales in Q1 2019 versus 116 in 2018, markets. Both markets will continue to be a decrease of volume of sales of 4.3 percent. seller’s markets for 2019. • The average price for 2019 has If you are interested in a free market increased to $441,622 from $415,202 in analysis of your home, please contact 2018, a gain of 6.4 percent. Nostalgic Homes and 303-455-5535; • The median price has also risen to www.nostalgichomes.com n By
Jenny Apel
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DATE: Tuesday, June 11, 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: “Dealing with Difficult People” SPEAKER: Mark Loye, Director, Jefferson County Mediation Services and Principal, Oval Options for Conflict Management MEETING SPONSOR: Emily Green, Cibo Meals MEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Christine Jensen, Fairway Independent Mortgage and TBD
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Lisa Heppner - Heppner & Bourque, Inc. Leo (Tony) Hardesty - MassMutual Colorado Amber Zamudio - Zamudio Insurance Services Trudy Stephens - Avenida Lakewood We would love to have you join us for our next meeting. Call (720) 588-2317 or Email Membership Chair today for more information.
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Adrien Terrell
wonderful to add to unsweetened yogurt. Swap out jelly with pureed fruit. Topping salads or adding fruit to oats is also a great option.
ost of us are aware that sugar is not good for our health. It’s linked to obesity, increased risk of diabetes and Restrict Sugary Beverages cancer. It increases inflammation and raises Sugar-laden liquids can be a big diet blood pressure. Sugar is also the culprit for sabotager. Soda isn’t the only dangerous increasing the bacteria in mouths, causing item. Fruit juices, alcoholic beverages, cavities. Consuming fructose actually bottled coffees and teas contain extra sugar increases the appetite for sugary and fat. Swap soda for water with foods. It’s also contributes to a squeeze of lemon or cucumber mood swings; the initial spike in slices. Drink coffee and tea blood sugar causes endorphins either black or use Stevia for a to rise then crash. zero- calorie, natural sweetener. When hearing the word Avoid artificial sweeteners in “sugar,” you might envision diet soda, too. While it doesn’t lollipops in a candy store or contain extra calories, it’s been donuts in the break room. proven to cause cravings for Unfortunately, sugar is part of sugary foods. most of our daily diets without our knowledge. Refined sugar Read Labels in one form or another is always Foods that seem harmless Adrien Terrell in processed food. Here are eight like ketchup, marinades, ways to eat less sugar and find healthy barbeque and spaghetti sauces can contain alternatives. a lot of sugar. Use olive oil and vinegar in place of sweet salad dressings. When buying Add More Protein to Your Diet cereal or granola bars choose products with A diet rich in lean protein will keep you under four grams of sugar per serving. fuller longer and less likely to crave sweets. Plan each meal and snack around a healthy Chew Gum protein. Chewing sugar-free gum while you’re preparing meals is a great way to keep from Dark Chocolate snacking. When a sweet tooth strikes, a Occasionally treat a sweet tooth with piece of gum can help keep it at bay. chocolate that is 70 percent or higher in cocoa content. For a healthy snack combine Intake More Water nuts and a few dark chocolate chips. Most of the time when craving something sweet after a meal it’s not because of the Fruit need for sugar. Usually this craving signals Fresh fruit contains natural sugar and is Continued on page 15 full of fiber and antioxidants. Seasonal fruit is
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Jason E. Glass, Ed.D.
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Services tail • •R Re es t
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SAVE THE DATE! Three Big Days
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school safety threat to Jeffco. An individual from Florida made her way to Jeffco and hen reflecting on this past school year, presented a credible, but unspecified, it is important for me to begin with threat to schools across the metro area. In a note of gratitude. I have had the honor of an unprecedented move, schools across serving this community as superintendent for the entire Denver-metro area closed out nearly two years now. As someone coming of an abundance of caution. Sadly, this in from the outside, people here may not individual took her own life, but the fears and fully realize what a wonderful place Jeffco reverberations from this event are still felt. Jeffco’s schools are incredibly is. Not only am I proud to work safe and we have one of the best as the leader of the public school school safety teams and systems system here, I am also a Jeffco in the world here. Still, there is parent. I am grateful every day much we can learn and we will for the opportunity to work with continue to work on making the great staff, students, and our schools as safe as they can families we have in Jeffco. I am possibly be. also grateful for the opportunity I had the chance to visit to raise our family here, and to be over 300 classrooms in Jeffco part of this community. this year. I saw great progress We also have much to in schools on our teachers and celebrate in Jeffco this school year. We remain incredibly appreciative Jason E. Glass, Ed.D. staff engaging with students and and thankful for our voters for passing ballot working to make learning meaningful and questions 5A and 5B last fall. These resources relevant. We want to create the same kinds will increase the competitiveness of our of complex tasks our students are asked district in terms of attracting and retaining to complete when they leave our schools. talent, add mental health and school security Our schools and staff got better at these supports, expand early childhood education, instructional changes this year and we are set add career/technical education options, and up for even more progress going forward. add greater instructional technology and In all, the 2018-19 school year has been curriculum. We will also be making a multi- a tremendous success and I am proud to call year and significant investment in our school Jeffco home. buildings. While there is an effort to improve Jason E. Glass, Ed.D., is Superintendent every Jeffco school with these new funds, & Chief Learner of Jeffco Public Schools; there is a focus on improving equity across www.jeffcopublicschools.org. our buildings and re-investing in our older If you have a question for our superintendent, please submit it to Guy@Nostalgic high schools. This spring brought another significant Homes.com or call it in to 303-999-5789. n By
• al
nts ra au
Reflections On This Past School Year
• Sh op Lo c
ASK THE SUPER
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MEDICALLY SPEAKING Where To Go For Care professionals can begin any necessary treatment before you get to the hospital, and uring a medical emergency, it can be the hospital staff will already be informed confusing to choose how you get the and ready to take over as soon as you arrive. right care, in the right setting and at the • A hospital-based emergency room has right time. the highest level of resources available to How can you know what you or a loved treat any serious medical problem, including one needs? How can you tell if it’s a medical surgery or admission to the hospital. emergency? How do you choose • Neighborhood between a nurse advice line or emergency rooms that aren’t online app, your own doctor, located in a hospital can handle an urgent care center, or an some emergencies, too, as long emergency room? What happens as you don’t need high-level if you call 911? intervention or surgery. There are no simple answers, • An urgent care clinic is even for medical professionals. the place to go when you or your Your symptoms, and how severe child have a condition that can’t they are, help us to determine wait until you can get into your what might be wrong and how doctor’s office, or it occurs afterquickly you need to be treated. hours but doesn’t require the Dr. Scott Miner However, it’s not the same high-level treatment found in an answer every time for everyone. ER. One way to help you make a good decision If you’re concerned about insurance is to ask yourself these questions: coverage or the cost – and who isn’t? – it’s • Do I need to be treated in minutes? important to check your insurance policy • Can it wait for hours? or call your insurance provider to see what • Will I be OK waiting a day or more? your financial responsibility might be. In general, certain symptoms will let The costs of care vary based on the level you know that you should seek medical you need. Make sure you understand the help right away. Head pain, chest pain or capabilities of the facility you are visiting, so abdominal pain doesn’t necessarily have to that you will be assured of getting the right be severe to signal a real problem. And while care when you need it. every headache isn’t a stroke, it’s better to For resources from the Colorado be checked out than to suffer a serious Hospital Association’s “Where for Care” condition that may impact your life. program, visit whereforcare.org. If you think that someone is having Dr. Miner is medical director of the a life-threatening emergency, the safest Emergency Department at Lutheran Medithing to do is to call 911. That way, trained cal Center. n By
Dr. Scott Miner
D
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Arts District Continued from page 1
nose on very high stilts. He was wearing a top hat with bunny ears, purple pants and a wildly colored vest. He carried a sign that said 40 West Arts. “This place is like a circus!” I thought. Well, ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, the circus really is coming! Visit the Art District on June 7 and see the circus! The First Friday in June, the district will be celebrating with a Colfax Art Crawl featuring an evening of circus fun! What is your favorite circus food? There will be stations for treats, including cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and even more. There will, also, be performances and circus-themed art throughout the district. Greg Wazil, an artist and metal sculptor,
uses all sorts of recycled metal to create his work. He will create an amazing sculpture garden of circus animals. How much fun will that be? The Rainbow Militia is a performing arts and circus group, who perform throughout the Denver area. The group hopes their performances combining elements of dance and of the circus will increase the enjoyment and interest in both. They will be performing aerial acts twirling on silk fabric high above the green line. Individuals with unique and fabulous looks created with tattoos, piercings, or even clothing styles will be on hand to add to the festive atmosphere. Children of all ages are invited to come wearing their favorite costumes. Will you be a superhero? An animal? A princess? Or, maybe, a circus performer? The next Colfax Art Crawl won’t be around for a while, so don’t miss this one!
CIRCUS PERFORMERS WILL AGAIN WANDER THE 40 WEST ART DISTRICT on June 7, as the district celebrates a circus-themed Colfax Art Crawl. It’s a reprise of the first 2017 event, which featured performances, balloons and a massive metal elephant sculpture on loan from artist Greg Wasil. PHOTO: KATY ZEIGLER.
FOCUS ON ENTERTAINMENT Ballet, Music And Strange Theater Close Out Spring n By
Elisabeth Monaghan
A
s June approaches, there are plenty of opportunities to take a break from studying for finals with activities for adultsonly audiences, as well as several that are family friendly. Following is just a few of the entertainment options to consider: Jello Biafra returns to the Alamo Drafthouse Denver for another installation of “Jello Biafra’s Incredibly Strange Theater: Welcome to the Wild World of Mamie van Doren.” (May 24, 7 p.m.) Tickets are available at www.drafthouse. com/denver. If you’re already a baker or looking for an opportunity to discover whether you can bake, the Edgewater Library is hosting “More Pie Please,” on Saturday, May 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. Participants will be provided with five ingredients they will use to make a German-inspired tart. They will also receive instructions on how to use those ingredients. The event is free and open to all. Details are available at www.eventbrite. com/e/more-pie-please-mas-pastel-porfavor-tickets. The Arvada Center continues its production of “Ella Enchanted” through May 22. Also happening at the Arvada Center is “Island of Memories,” an original ballet presented by the Arvada Center Dance Academy Ballet Program. The show runs from June 7 to 9, beginning at 7 p.m. And back by popular demand, Wonderbound presents Boomtown with Denver’s Chimney Choir. The performance will be in the Arvada Center’s Main Stage Theater, June 14 at 7:30 p.m. For details on these shows, or for
information on additional performances at the Arvada Center, visit www.arvadacenter. org. The Lakewood Symphony Orchestra presents “Music by the Book: Action and Adventure” on May 30 at the Lakewood Cultural Center. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $10. For details, visit www.lakewood. showcare.com. On May 31, Benchmark Theatre opens its run of “Bull in a China Shop,” by Byrna Turner. The comedy runs through June 29. For tickets or more information, visit www.benchmarktheatre.com/bull. Improv comedy troupe Rodents of Unusual Size are back in action, performing at the Grange in Wheat Ridge on June 1 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. According to the group’s website, “Nobody will be benefiting from this show … at least not monetarily. We are just going to have a good fun show.” Find out more at www.coloradoimprov. com. At 8 p.m. on Friday, June 7, the Edgewater Public Library presents a Star Party with the Denver Astronomical Society at Walker-Branch Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for a night of taking in the moon, planets and stars. Details are available at www. jeffcolibrary.bibliocommons.com/events. The Lakewood Cultural Center’s Sounds Exciting! kicks off its 2019 series on Wednesday, June 19. Every Wednesday evening through July will feature different bands, with the first performance by Hazel Miller Band. Tickets are $6 in advance or $8 at the door. For details, visit www. lakewood. showare.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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6719 W. Colfax Ave. • 720-883-8132 (next door to Casa Bonita) • Open Thu-Sun 11-7
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40 WEST ARTS 40 West, Colorado Mills Partner To Celebrate Lakewood’s 50th great way to say thank you to our awesome city.” See the “50 for 50” exhibit at Colorado Mills now through September in Hallway 4-1/2, between H&M and Dick’s Sporting Goods. See 40westarts.org or simon.com/ mall/colorado-mills for more information regarding these two organizations.
40 WEST ARTS AND COLORADO MILLS PARTNERED TO EXHIBIT “50 FOR 50,” 50 works of art themed to the state of Colorado in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the City of Lakewood, now through September in Hallway 4-1/2 at the mall. PHOTO BY KATHY FISHER. n By
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Liz Black
0 West Arts and Colorado Mills teamed up in 2018 to bring a number of largescale sculptures to the mall, drawing together two Lakewood West Colfax iconic organizations and showcasing the arts, free of charge, to a broader community. Colorado Mills and the district are partnering again, this time on an exhibit of 50 works of art themed to the state of Colorado, and in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the City of Lakewood. 40 West board member Sarah Vickers calls this collaboration “a great way to wish the City of Lakewood a Happy Birthday. These two organization are some of the most renowned in the city and both located along historic Route 40, Colfax Avenue. What a
Lakewood Arts Gallery and 40 West Arts Bring Kid-Friendly Art to the Community Lakewood Arts Gallery is Lakewood’s oldest continually-operating arts organization. Located in the heart of 40 West Arts District, Lakewood Arts has always been committed to off ering art courses and workshops to the community. They are now partnering with 40 West Arts to bring lowcost art classes to kids and families, in the form of a new program called Kids Create. Kids Create is a drop-in program with exciting themes like button-making and polymer clay for beginners. Classes are only $5 per person ($4 for Lakewood Arts members) and all courses are geared toward all-ages and beginners. 40 West Arts is thrilled to act as a partner and collaborator for this program with 40 West board member Katja Walton calling it “a phenomenal opportunity for two iconic Lakewood arts organizations to bring art to an underserved community and basically free of charge.” Kids Create summer off erings are already scheduled with more classes planned throughout the year. Learn more at: https://40westarts.org/ news/2019/5/9/kids-create-art-classes
A June Colfax Art Crawl of Circus Proportions The June First Friday at 40 West Arts (Friday June 7 between 6 and 9 p.m.) is shaping up to be another huge one with aerial artist acts, a metal menagerie of circus animals, light-up dancers moving through the crowd and more.
Additionally, the district is hosting popcorn and peanut vendors, food trucks and of course, all galleries, studios and creative businesses will be open to the public. All this is free of charge. Come out and support your local arts district for a night of circus fun. Learn more at: https://www.facebook. com/40WestArtsDistrict (then click on events)
GALLERY SPOTLIGHT Marcia Brill at Gallery of Everything The Gallery of Everything will spotlight the art of Marcia Brill with a meet and greet with the artist, Friday, June 7, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at 6719 W. Colfax, where Marcia’s work will be on exhibit. She is an active artist working in water media and mixed media. She has a Master’s degree in art education and has taught students of all ages. She is a member of several art organizations and is a signature member of the Colorado Watercolor Society and a charter member of the Foothill Art Center. She has won numerous awards at juried shows. Stop in and see the artwork of over 48 local artists at Gallery of Everything, 6719 W. Colfax, open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
STREET
PARTY!
First Friday, June 7 | 6-9pm Colfax Art Crawl in 40 West Arts District
Map & Details at www.40WestArts.org
Join 40 West Arts District and the 40 West ArtLine for a free outdoor celebration of circus arts, acts and events.
Let’s get weird.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MAY 15 – JUNE 16 2019 – ngazette.com
WHAT’S HAPPENING Joyride Joins The BYOB(ook) Club Scene Joyride Brewing Company joins the growing number of book clubs hosted by local breweries and Jefferson County Public Library, when it invites readers to discuss their favorite novel on Wednesday, May 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the 2501 Sheridan Boulevard brewery in Edgewater. Happy hour prices available. On Wednesday, June 12, 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 Science Fiction Book – 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, June 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m., to share and receive recommendations on books by American authors – 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. Brews or no brews, you can discuss great reads with the Edgewater Library Book Group, meeting monthly at the new Edgewater Library, 1800 Harlan St. On Saturday, June 8, 1 to 2 p.m., they’ll discuss Rebecca Serle’s 2018 novel, “The Dinner List,” the story of Sabrina, who arrives at her 30th birthday dinner she finds at the table not just her best friend, but also three significant people from her past, and well, Audrey Hepburn. Suitable for adults. For more information, call the Edgewater Library at 303-235-5275 or visit jeffcolibrary.org.
Reduced-Price Trees For Lakewood’s 50th Lakewood Loves Trees is providing four different species of trees at a reduced price of $75 each for residents to plant in honor of Lakewood’s 50th Anniversary. The trees will be about 10-feet tall in pots several feet wide for residents to pick up and would normally sell for $135 or more. The available species are the Imperial Honey Locust, Kentucky Coffee Tree, London Plane Tree and the city’s official tree, the Western Hackberry. All the trees are drought-tolerant and grow well in the metro area’s dry climate. Pre-order trees through May 25, or until supplies last, by visiting Lakewood.org/50, or visiting or call one of Lakewood’s four recreation centers and placing an order at the front desk. Pre-orders are limited to Lakewood residents and one tree per household. During the ordering process, you can select your preferred tree, and you will be contacted if that tree is no longer available to preorder. You will be able to pick up your tree from 8 a.m. to noon on June 1 at the city’s greenhouse, 9556 W. Yale Ave. Prospective planters can review photos of the four kinds of trees, which will grow to 30-40 feet tall, at Lakewood.org/50, along with answers to frequently asked questions and the planting and care guides. They can also drop a pin on an online city map to share where they plan to plant the tree.
Beatles, Santana Tribute Bands Headline Lakewood Rockin’ Block Party The City of Lakewood will host a free party to kick off the summer season from 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, June 8, at the Lakewood
Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St. This year, in celebration of Lakewood’s 50th Anniversary, party like it’s 1969 at Rockin’ Block, an evening of free live music from 4 Lads From Liverpool, a Beatles tribute band, with opening act Soul Sacrifice, a Santana tribute band. The event is geared to all ages with activities for children, live music, affordable food trucks, The Beer Garden presented by Foothills Credit Union and an outdoor movie screening of “The Love Bug.” The event concludes INSPIRE Arts Week, which begins May 30. For party details, visit Lakewood.org/ RockinBlock.
League Discusses Local Wildland Fire Fighting Book The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County hosts a non-fiction book club with two meetings each month, in May discussing “Wildfire: On The Front Lines With Station 8,” a story of modern wildfire science interwoven with the history, landscape, and human behavior involved, based on the year journalist Heather Hansen spent with the City of Boulder Wildland Fire Division, Station 8. The club will meet Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m., at Brookdale Meridian Senior Living, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood. Open to the public. Call Lynne at 303-985-5128 for more information. There is no book club meeting in June. 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.
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INSPIRE Arts Week Runs May 30 To June 8 Lakewood Heritage, Culture & the Arts will host INSPIRE Arts Week from Thursday, May 30 to Saturday, June 8 with a extensive collection of free and discounted events presented by art and cultural organizations throughout Lakewood. Born from a community visioning process in 2010, the 10-day event showcases the vibrant and rich arts culture that exists in the third largest city in the metro area. Explore more than 30 events including exhibition openings at Lakewood Cultural Center, First Friday art walks, the four-mile 40 West ArtLine outdoor gallery experience, a dinosaur sculpture hunt, live music, dance performances and the Rockin' Block Party at Lakewood Heritage Center and much more. Lakewood Arts Center and Gallery, 6731 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood, will be the site of numerous art events such as a stone sculpting demo by Annette Sapp, an interactive piece called “Where oh Where in Lakewood,” artists’ memories and mentors and numerous fine art exhibits in the Gallery. Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, 1600 Pierce St., Lakewood, will host a First Friday reception for “The Rock and The True Believers,” a solo exhibition by Brooklynbased artist Jillian McDonald, on June 7, from 4 to 7 p.m., as part of arts week. The exhibition will open with an additional reception on May 21, 4 to 7 p.m., and remain on display through June 28. Other participating organizations include the City of Lakewood, 40 West Arts District and 40 West ArtLine, Alameda Gateway, Anam Cara Living Arts Studio and Gallery, Artists in Residences Studio Tour, Arts on Belmar, Ballet Melange, Belmar Library, Lakewood Arts Council, Lakewood Cultural Center, Lakewood Heritage Center, Lakewood Historical Society, NEXT Gallery, Red Herring Art Supply, Rockley Music Center, Valkarie Gallery and Studio, Washington Heights Arts Center and Zikr Dance Ensemble. For the complete list of events, visit Lakewood.org/INSPIRE, or visit the websites of the participating organizations.
Caregivers, Those With Memory Loss Welcome At Memory Café 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, June 19, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This ongoing monthly series presented by the Alzheimer’s Association invites you to gather to relax, paint and socialize with others while enjoying a cup of coffee, a fun activity, or a brief presentation. It’s suitable for adults, 60+. Continued on page 14
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ngazette.com – MAY 15 – JUNE 16, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 14
Celebrate Lakewood’s 50th At ‘TimeShare: Looking Toward the Future’ The City of Lakewood, in partnership with the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) and the 40 West Arts District, presents “TimeShare: Looking Toward the Future,” an arts exhibition in celebration of the city’s 50th anniversary, at the Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, and Civic Center, 480 S. Allison Parkway, through Aug. 23. The exhibition is a communitywide arts engagement opportunity with a unifying theme of contemplating what the future might look like. By exhibiting artworks that are forward thinking, it is asking the community to explore arts and technological developments of the past and present while celebrating the next 50 years of artistic progress within Lakewood. The goal is to bring together artists and cultural producers who are grappling with the collision of technology and art with a sense of wonder and curiosity. The exhibition will feature innovative work in experimental, digital or time-based mediums. It will showcase video, 3D and animated shorts, soundscapes, digitally enhanced performances and experimental photography. For more information, visit Lakewood. org/Exhibitions, call 303-987-7844 or email LaiGod@Lakewood.org.
PrintReleaf Tree Project, Mountair Park Farm Among Winners Of Sustainability Awards The Minuteman Press company in Lakewood converts the paper footprint of its clients into the planting of trees in a seamless process that off sets their paper consumption, and the company does it at no extra cost for their customers. This inventive initiative is just one of this year’s winners of Lakewood’s Sustainability Awards, which have recognized residents, community members and organizations helping to create a more sustainable city for 12 years. The owner of Minuteman Press, Michael Inzitari, launched the PrintReleaf platform in April 2018, and it enables customers such as Jeff co Public Schools to eff ortlessly have trees planted throughout world that are the
equivalent of the paper consumed for the printing job. Since its inception, the company has had 151 trees planted, off setting more than 1.25 million standard pages of paper. Other winners include the Recycling in Green Mountain Schools project, the Fleischer Family Farm, the Mountair Park Community Farm, Dunstan Middle School kid-friendly version of Lakewood’s Sustainability Plan, Green Mountain Homeschoolers park pickup project, and Lakewood High School’s Environmental Club. Awards were also made to Lakewood employees for eco-friendly city initiatives.
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Sign Up Now For Epic Ryde Triathlon Enjoy Epic Ryde's version of a triathlon, complete with a 45-minute instructor led Indoor Ryde, a 45-minute Circuit Training class and one lap around Sloan’s Lake, Saturday, June 29, starting at 8:30 a.m., at the gym. That’s 2.6 miles and both runners and walkers are welcome. The cost of participating is $40. This event is open to the general public and you do not have to be a current Epic Ryde member to participate. The entry fee will include an Epic Ryde Hat & Water Bottle and one free drink at Growler's after the event. Epic Ryde SloHi is located at 4433 W. 29th #204, Denver. Visit Epicryde.com for details or to register.
Fitness Corner Continued from page 6
you need more hydration. Try to drink a full glass of water before each meal. Not only will this help keep you hydrated it will also aid in feeling fuller.
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Exercise is a great way to reduce cravings for sugar. The raise in endorphins is better than a sugar rush and benefi ts your body in many ways! While it may not be possible to cut sugar entirely from the diet, mindfully watching the intake, making substitutions and changing your taste pallet with healthy foods will benefi t the body signifi cantly. Adrien Terrell is an instructor with Feed Your Soul Fitness, feedyoursoulfitness.com.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MAY 15 – JUNE 16 2019 – ngazette.com
Rabbits: Chewing Their Way Through Garden And More n By
I
Sally Griffin
live in a neighborhood that is spending a great deal of time and effort to try to invite a nesting pair of great horned owls into our area. While we appreciate the beauty of these birds, we really want them here for their predatory nature. We want them here because of the rabbits. Yes, those cute little cottontails are chewing their way through our common areas, under our decks and into our garages. It is not their fault; they must gnaw their front incisors to keep them down. Rabbits have teeth that grow continually throughout their lives. They will chew on a wide variety of items that naturally wear down their teeth. Buried cable can sometimes be vulnerable to digging and chewing bunnies. I have heard tales of rabbits disabling cars by chewing through the wires. Some of the rabbits’ favorite areas for chewing and eating tend to be neighborhood lawns and landscaped areas. Landscaping provides a real smorgasbord of tasty treats — tree roots, lawns and summertime flowers. And according to one resident, they are even chewing our concrete. At the same time, they sure are cute. My grandchildren love to watch them chase and hop over each other in the common area. It is amazing how fast they are and the zig-zag pattern that they use to cover the open areas.
The grandkids compete to see who can spot the most bunnies as we drive into the area. And the babies are absolutely adorable: the way they freeze in plain sight, blending in with their surroundings and stay that way, with their little noses twitching, until it is safe to move again. Rabbits are very social creatures and are known for their insatiable reproductive prowess. Rabbits provide a crucial link in the food chain by converting plants into the meat that is essential to carnivores like owls. Rabbits play a major role near the bottom of the food chain, and breed and multiply quickly in order to keep up with the mortality rate from these flying predators. Only 15 percent of baby rabbits make it to their first birthday. So, to ensure that the population grows, rabbits have more babies. There can be four pregnancies per year that each produce three to eight babies, called kittens or kits. That means that each rabbit mom can produce over 20 kits each year. If there is a lack of natural predators, an area like ours can quickly become overrun with rabbits. The busiest time of day for rabbits is at dusk and dawn. This is when they venture out to find food. The low light allows them to hide from predators. Predators — which include owls, hawks, eagles, falcons, coyotes, foxes and free-ranging dogs — are a constant threat. Their flexible and strong
legs enable them to jump up to eight feet. Cottontail rabbits have eyes that are positioned on each side of their heads and can rotate 360 degrees. This allows them to look behind them without noticeably turning their heads. This ability, coupled with keen hearing from the stretched-out length of their ears, enables rabbits to detect danger. They can run up to 18 miles an hour and may often run in a zigzag pattern to escape a predator. Their coloring helps rabbits blend
with the colors of the underbrush and thus prevent an attack. Rabbits don’t get a lot of nourishment from their diet. It is so bad that they often eat their own excrement. Rabbits have two types of droppings. Hard pellets are dry and contain bits of digested vegetation that we often see as scat. Soft pellets on the other hand are not discarded but are eaten to gain additional nutrients from the same food. Talk about recycling! Rabbits can sometimes spread disease. Last year, a rabbit found in Jefferson County died from a rare, infectious tick-spread disease: tularemia, also known as “rabbit fever.” Luckily, there are only about 200 human cases of the disease in the U.S. each year. It can be transmitted to people if they eat undercooked, infected meat or handle a sick animal without gloves and protection. What can you do to control rabbit problems, aside from inviting in predators? Here are some suggestions: • The most effective, permanent protection for small gardens is a wellconstructed fence. Chicken wire supported by posts every 6-8 feet is strong enough to exclude rabbits. Such fences need to be only 2 feet high. Make sure the bottom of the fence is either buried 6-8 inches deep or staked tightly to the ground to prevent rabbits from pushing underneath. • You can find lots of homemade repellant recipes to put on your garden. But Dutch farmers have found what works best for them: Tabasco sauce. Farmers say the rabbits jump a meter in the air and run for cover after tasting the spicy sauce. And animal protection groups call it a wonderful alternative to the shotgun. • Rabbits will eat most anything. However, there are some plants that they seem to like less. Filling your garden with these on the outside edges may make your garden less appetizing. These include, among others, daffodils, lilac, marigolds, zinnias, snapdragons and lavender. However, different rabbits have different tastes so not everything may work with your rabbits. • Change the surroundings. Rabbits avoid areas with little cover. So, keep your lawn mowed, remove piles of brush, wood or stones and seal off decks or other places where rabbits can hide. Scare devices like balloons or fake predators may work for short periods, until the rabbits get used to them and ignore them. • Use automatic motion-activated sprinklers that spray water on any rabbit that comes into the sensor’s range. Those emitting a sound can add extra scare power. • Relocating individual cottontails away from their home range is merely a shortterm and expensive solution. By removing some rabbits you invite many more to come in and compete for your newly available garden. • Rabbits can be hunted in Colorado, but only during certain seasons. And our neighborhood will not be doing what one resident suggested. We will not be equipping our residents with BB guns! You may want to rethink that alternative as well. (By the way, I could find no evidence anywhere that rabbits actually gnaw on concrete.)