Neighborhood Gazette – January 2018 by Neighborhood Gazette

SCHOOL CROSSING Good Teachers, Great Teachers: What’s The Diﬀerence? Page 5

NEIGHBORHOOD FEATURE Don’t Feed, Befriend or Fool With Foxes Page 8

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW Retired Wheat Ridge Doctor Still Helping Post-Polio Victims Page 12

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Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE January 16 — February 12, 2018 • ngazette.com • FREE

Will 2018 Be The Year of the G Line? n By

Jennifer LeDuc

t looks like 2018 may just be the year of the G Line. After a Public Utilities Commission judge’s ruling last year in favor of resumed testing for the 11-mile line and a PUC certification hearing scheduled for later this year, the Regional Transportation District said that while it’s “hard to predict” when the line would open, the advancement in testing of the sophisticated and leading-edge Positive Train Control system is a significant new momentum for the line. Tina Jaqez, public affairs manager with the RTD, expressed cautious optimism for what the testing and hearing forecasted for the future of the line. “This is definitely a great milestone for us that we can start the testing and obviously gets us closer,” Jaqez said, explaining that any additional testing and identifying when the line opens depends on the outcome of the PUC hearings. “But it’s a really good thing; it’s a step forward and we’re really positive about that.” So, on Tuesday, Jan. 2, the G Line’s rail heated up with a commuter train traveling between the Pecos station and the final station at Ward Road in Wheat Ridge, with horns Continued on page 10

THE STEVENS ELEMENTARY RUBIK’S CUBE CLUB is run by their principal TJ McManus and funded through Federal 21st Century Learning Grant. See “School Crossing” on page 5. PHOTO: TJ MCMANUS

Civic Resolution for 2018: Be Active on City Commissions, Boards n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

heat Ridge City Council voted in October to do away with the existing baseball field at Anderson Park as part of a master plan for renovation, following a long evening of impassioned and contentious testimony by residents and park users. Although the fate of the field was ultimately determined by a vote of an elected city council, the detailed plan was the result of months of work by the city’s Parks and Recreation Commission. The commission is a group of eight appointed – not elected – citizens, two from each district, whose duties include reviewing all existing and proposed legislation relating to parks and recreation matters, and making recommendations on parks and recreation matters to the city council. In the case of the Anderson Park Master Plan, council members sent the commission’s plan back for revisions (redesign to keep the ball field), but ultimately approved it as-is at the following regular session. The lesson, for anyone who wants to guide and influence city decisions, is to take an active role in your municipality’s boards and commissions, by applying for an open position or regularly attending the meetings. The Town of Mountain View has recently appointed or re-appointed five citizens to its Board of Adjustments and Appeals. The City of Edgewater has one vacancy on its Board of Adjustment, due to a recent resignation. However, the City of Wheat Ridge is seeking candidates for a total of 26 openings on eight of its 10 boards and commissions. How much influence can a citizen serving on a commission or board have over city decisions?

A lot, according to Wheat Ridge Treasurer Jerry DiTullio. In the past he has served on the city’s campaign finance reform committee and housing authority, as well as various county and state boards. He’s also served as mayor and a council member. “You’re in on the front end of many projects that come before council or the public,” he explained. “You can also direct input to staff or city council about an issue… guide the discussion to include information from the public as well… so once they make a decision, all their recommendations are forwarded to city council. If they accept those, you can say you helped influence or shape public policy.” But not always. Council does not have to

accept the recommendations. “That’s happened in a few cases. But more times than not, they are open to recommendations.” By example, he said city council took the city’s DIRT task force’s recommendations on infrastructure projects and financing “verbatim,” and sent it to voters as ballot issue 2E in 2016. But influence is not everything. “Volunteering, in my mind, isn’t about influencing city decisions; it is more about supporting the city’s process,” said Karen Hing of Edgewater, who has served on several commissions and is currently on that city’s Planning & Zoning and Board of Adjustments.

“There is a lot of work that needs to be done to be a good steward of the community. Boards, commissions and council all work together. Serving on boards or commissions gives someone an opportunity to represent, and most importantly support, the direction you, your friends, and your neighbors would like to see the city move toward. Your commitment also assures that diverse opinions are vetted through a strong and equitable process.” Like DiTullio, Hing believes influence is not guaranteed. “As a commissioner, you are but one vote among many as you give recommendations Continued on page 10

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

TIF Money Helps Improve Longtime Local Business n By

Mike McKibbin

A 6,600-SQUARE-FOOT, TWO-STORY BUILDING is under construction at the corner of Kipling and Jellison streets in Wheat Ridge. When finished – perhaps in March or April – the adjacent, nearly 50-year-old Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage will move to the building. PHOTO BY MIKE MCKIBBIN.

nearly half-century-old Wheat Ridge business hopes to welcome customers in a new building this spring, thanks partly to city urban renewal district funds and a lot of money, time, effort, number crunching and headaches for the owners. The Swiss Flower and Gift Cottage, 9840 W. 44th Ave., is two blocks east of Kipling Street, at the intersection of Kipling and Jellison Street. Heidi Haas Sheard and her husband, Russ Sheard, bought the business from her sister 29 years ago. They acquired another building from Continued on page 2

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – ngazette.com

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Swiss Flower Continued from page 1

her parents about 15 or 16 years ago, then purchased the adjacent property where the new building is under construction. The 5,000-square-foot shop has been open since 1969. Haas Sheard and her family lived behind the building. Along with flowers, the business also houses a wedding shop, antiques, jewelry, clothes and assorted gifts. “From the front, it doesn’t look like much but a tiny flower shop. But it’s not just a flower or gift shop,” Haas Sheard added. “We like to say that if it makes you happy, we have it here. It’s just a good energy property, so we wanted to stay here.”

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Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, allows an urban renewal authority or board to use net new tax revenues generated by projects within a designated area to help finance improvements. TIF is a new source of tax revenue, not an added tax, that would not be available but for new investment, according to the Denver Urban Renewal Authority. Wheat Ridge adopted its first urban renewal plan in 1987, said economic development director and urban renewal authority executive director Steve Art. “It’s a very valuable tool for a city like Wheat Ridge to help make sure we have a strong business economy,” he said. “For a lot of small businesses, it would be very hard to build something without a public/private partnership” such as the TIF program. When a redevelopment project is planned, the authority or board decides how much added property and/or sales taxes may be generated. That “tax increment” is used to either finance the issuance of bonds or reimburse developers for some of their costs. In either case, the new revenue must be used for improvements that help the public and support redevelopment, such as site clearance, streets, utilities, parks, removal of hazardous materials or conditions or site acquisition. Renewal Wheat Ridge, the city’s urban renewal authority, has approved approximately $15 million in TIF money for several projects, Art said. “In Heidi’s case, they showed the return on investment and it was a perfect fit for them,” Art added.

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Russ Sheard wrote in a detailed email that the city requires “substantial due diligence” on potential projects to receive TIF money. If a business is in a TIF district, the business owner chooses an economic consulting firm to develop an analysis – which can last a year and cost between $7,000 to $10,000, Sheard noted. That helps decide how much TIF money the project might receive. Sheard stated the couple’s new 6,600-square-foot, two-story building will cost approximately $1.7 million. Preliminary expenses included architectural, structural, plumbing, mechanical and electrical plans for the new building, civil engineering plans to subdivide the property, tree removal and building demolition, Sheard noted. The city’s TIF funding for the new building is approximately $650,000, with $500,000 of that amount directly associated with public improvements to and around a four-lot, two-acre subdivision with a large detention pond. Those include a sidewalk along Jellison, the relocation of Xcel power poles and a stop sign, plus an entrance off Jellison. The rest will be used to help cover new building construction, facade and/or curb appeal upgrades and improvements. Sheard also wrote that he and his wife spent $130,000 on an architect and engineer to seek contractor bids and place a “hold” on the property until they were ready to build. That process took about a year, he added.

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

HEIDI HAAS SHEARD, CO-OWNER OF THE SWISS FLOWER and Gift Cottage, 9840 W. 44th Ave., in Wheat Ridge, hopes to move into a new, larger building next door in early spring. She and her husband, Russ Sheard, were helped financially by some $650,000 in city tax increment financing money from the city to help make the $1.7 million project a reality. PHOTO BY MIKE MCKIBBIN. Stating that “a project of this size is a virtual minefield of expensive scenarios,” Sheard noted a “handful of difficulties” came up, such as getting quotes to underground utilities. That took 18 months and came in at $67,000, Sheard wrote. The couple had estimated $50,000 to underground gas and electric utilities in their TIF application. Other utilities, such as phone and cable, wanted another $50,000 to underground. The couple decided to spend just $15,000 to move power poles. Another hurdle was getting subcontractors on board, Sheard added. “In a construction boom period, as we have been experiencing, it can be incredibly difficult to even find subs to quote the work,” Sheard wrote. “Many of them are just too busy already.” Since work began last July, unexpected or overlooked expenses have occurred. “We continue to find significant error along the way, things like the omission of important dimensions, to name a few,” Sheard wrote. “All of these potential problems are ours to deal with.” Haas Sheard hoped the new building is finished in March or April. “We’ve meticulously thought through every square inch of this building,” she said. “The challenge was not to lose the quaintness of the shop in the building next door.” The building will feature a fireplace, two patios and a large French door. The business employs 4.5 workers and may add a few more with the new building, Haas Sheard said.

Future TIF help lined up

The subdivision project consists of the existing Swiss Flower building and a small house of about 500 square feet that will be demolished for parking spaces. The remaining three lots of approximately a halfacre each will house the new Swiss Flower shop and two future phases of approximately 12,000 square feet of leasable space. Those phases must be completed in three and six years, respectively. Each will cost approximately $750,000, not including the existing property cost, Sheard noted. Each phase is to receive approximately $3,000 in TIF money if construction happens within the timeframes, Sheard wrote. The first phase also includes 140 parking spaces. Haas Sherard noted those spaces include the next two phases, envisioned as an art district development. The existing shop will be used as a gallery to display the artistic creations that result, she added. “I think this is a great use of the TIF money because it’s a small project with someone who’s been here in Wheat Ridge,” Haas Sheard said. “It shows we have committed to the city.”

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ngazette.com – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – ngazette.com

LOWER RATE.

Rethink Your New Year’s Resolution For 2018 juvenile court providing help for victims of child abuse and neglect. Is the environment a passion of yours? ave you resolved to lose that extra Are you wanting to impact how we use our weight, eat healthier, or get to the gym local resources and contribute globally to a on a regular basis this coming year? We’ve more sustainable world? Stop by one of the all made resolutions to ring in the new year Wheat Ridge Environmental Sustainability but thinking back I’m not sure how many Committee meetings and see how you can I really kept by the time February rolled become involved in the recommendations around. they will be making to city council this year. This year I’m taking a different And, if you care about approach, I’m planning to make the quality of life here in Wheat small changes in my life that will Ridge, simply get involved in make a difference both locally your city government. City and globally. In my new role as council meetings are open to mayor, with your help and that the public and your comments of city council, I already have the and concerns are always unique opportunity to impact welcome. I will be continuing Wheat Ridge in the coming year. “Coffee with the Mayor,” However, I know that there are monthly gatherings in town to many other ways I can make a share ideas for improving life in difference. Wheat Ridge. We’re finalizing We’re all aware of the issue of the schedule now so look for homelessness in our community. Bud Starker these gatherings to resume If this is an area you are especially in the spring. You might also consider concerned about, consider volunteering with becoming a member of one of our boards some of our local nonprofit organizations and commissions. Applications are open like Family Tree or Heading Home. Too now, available on the city’s website and busy with family and a career to volunteer? due back Jan. 31. Your opinions are valued Make a donation or see if there are other and contributing your ideas, insights, and things these organizations need like food or concerns can help guide city staff and city clothing items. council as we embark on all the exciting Have a particular interest in the success projects planned for 2018 and beyond. of our children and youth? Become a mentor, It really can be easy to stick to that New get active in your child’s PTSA program, Year’s resolution if you focus on what matters read at the Wheat Ridge library, help with to you, to our community and to our world. the Feed the Future Backpack Program at Thank you for all you do to make our city a Stevens Elementary, or join CASA (Court great place to live and happy New Year! Appointed Special Advocate), a program for n By

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ngazette.com – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

SCHOOL CROSSING

SCHOOL VISITOR PASS

Good Teachers, Great Teachers: What’s The Difference?

Reflections And Resolutions

Wait, there’s another principal shouting from his window about his school. Did you omething came across my social media know that Prospect Valley received the radar this week: the difference between Governor’s Distinguished Improvement good and great teachers. This really made Award? Principal Collins is also very proud me think back to the teachers I had growing of the 14 staff members that have committed up and what lasting memories I was left to earning a GT designation. Not only will with. Certainly the “mean” ones that made the school pay for their certificate, it will me accountable for my performance and the allow time for the actual coursework. I am excited about “nice” ones that wanted to be my the future of Pennington friend. The great ones that made Elementary and its conversion me passionate about geography into an expeditionary learning and the good ones that helped me style. A hiring committee has understand the subject matter been assembled to choose a new enough to pass my exams. The principal that will help bring good ones that turned the other back the community inside the eye when I was late to class and classrooms. With 62 percent the great ones that had me race of the neighborhood families to my seat early in anticipation having choiced elsewhere, of the lesson. The jury is still Pennington has been on the out on my 10th grade chemistry Guy Nahmiach verge of closing for the last teacher, Mr. Bramble, who asked few years. With the value of the me if I “intended to bring my brain back to extended school day still being debated, I God unused.” What is it about those great teachers hope the new leadership will bring back the that know what button to push to turn that excitement and value of this neighborhood school. passion on? Principals tell me it is a quality they look Did you know that in the last 20 years for in every hire. That teachers not only need 31 million students dropped out of college? to teach but also must get students excited Cost was the number one reason: pay for it about the subject matter itself. As a parent now or pay for it later. Take a part-time job we know which of our kids’ teachers are built that takes away from your studies but leaves that way. The way that has students still you debt-free, or borrow now and spend talking about their class while climbing into the next 20 years paying it off. This is an the car at the pick-up line. The assignment issue that will get louder. Did you know that that has the whole family involved at the college costs have gone up over 400 percent in the last 25 years? Colleges have become dinner table. I love the great teachers but am thankful huge businesses promising a bright future for the good ones as well. Students will have and an easier entrance process only to turn different opinions on teachers based on away those that have paid after only a year. their needs and how they are perceived to Should college entrance be harder on the be “liked.” Time will filter perceptions and promise of a four-year commitment? How eventually a verdict will be stamped into has yesterday’s bachelor’s degree become today’s masters? Do you have a story to their memories. Nowhere are you as good as the people share with our readers? We’d love to hear. If around you as inside of our schools. Great you are a parent, teacher or a principal and principals celebrate their teachers and are wondering, “Why isn’t Guy writing about students. Principals like TJ McManus over our school?” I would answer you with, “Why at Stevens Elementary, which boasts about aren’t you writing or calling me with news the increase of students attending after- about your school? Student achievements? school clubs. In fact Stevens averages 221 Staff awards?” Shout out your windows for students per week. That’s huge! McManus all of us to hear. also is proud of the 100 families they fed Happy New Year everyone. And as over the holidays and the 180 kids that go always, thanks for reading. home every weekend with a backpack full of Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789. food.

n By

Guy Nahmiach

ASK THE SUPER Looking Back – And Looking Forward what hopes and fears were present in our community. In the fall, the community began ver the holiday break, I had the time considering the direction our schools to reflect on this past year and all the would take through the Board of Education changes that have come to Jeffco Public elections. Ultimately, three incumbent Schools, and to also consider our future. candidates prevailed in November, 2017 marked a number of seismic changes effectively stabilizing Jeffco in Jeffco. This past spring, the Public Schools’ governance for Board of Education decided at least the next four years. to make a change in the During this same time, leadership of the organization I was working heavily on a new and began searching for a new vision document for our schools superintendent. which sought to build on the As I came to Jeffco this district’s previous strategic plan, summer, the biggest question but also to clarify a bold new loomed around what would be path for our students, staff, and the long-term strategic direction community. That document, for Jeffco Public Schools. This Jeffco Generations, was released question was dependent on what collective vision would Jason E. Glass, Ed.D. in mid-October and we have been engaged in a communityemerge from the community, wide discussion about it since then. the board, and me as the new leader. I spent The big idea behind Generations is much of July and August crisscrossing the to change the student experience – an county in an effort to understand context intentional effort to make our students’ and build relationships. For me, the adage “seek to understand” was strongly present Continued on page 11 as I worked to get to know Jeffco and n By

Jason E. Glass

grade students are counted in the Algebra 1 and Geometry results, so our 8th grade appy New Year! I hope everyone – results do not include our most advanced students, staff, families and neighbors students.) We also saw impressive growth – had a wonderful break, and we’re all scores for our students. Two Jeffco revived and ready to return to the great schools, Wheat Ridge Articulation Area’s Pennington and Kullerstrand, received work of educating our future! Over the break, I reflected on where the Center of Excellence Award, meaning we are as a district, where we’ve been, they educate a high percentage of at-risk and where we’re heading – and I couldn’t students and showed the highest rates of growth. Congratulations to be more hopeful and excited Prospect Valley and Vivian about Jeffco’s direction. Our for winning the Governor’s district saw many changes this Distinguished Improvement past year. Our Board hired Award for their growth scores, new Superintendent Dr. Jason and a shout out to The Manning Glass, whose vision, direction, School for being a John and strong leadership inspire Irwin School of Excellence, and motivate. Our voters redemonstrating excellent elected Ron, Brad, and Susan, academic achievement. As a showing clear confidence in Board, we recognized Everitt for our board and solidifying the winning a grant for a $100,000 stability Jeffco needs to make fitness room, and Wheat Ridge Ali Lasell progress for students. Dr. Glass High School’s STEM program has already enhanced the Jeffco 2020 Vision, now called Jeffco Generations, for earning first place in the Shell Ecoclarifying our focus on Student Learning, Marathon for second time in three years Conditions for Learning, and Readiness for with their hydrogen fuel car! So many great Learning. With enhancements to the short- things are happening in all of our schools! and long-term strategic plan, this Vision As I discussed Jeffco and New Year’s is actively becoming reality, ALIVE in our resolutions with my family, we decided to do monthly community service projects together. classrooms! As we celebrate accomplishments I would love to hear your recommendations, of students, educators, and schools, we and look forward to sharing our experiences will also continue to address challenges and more great learning opportunities together. I’m excited to share that our happening in our schools. students outperformed the state in each Ali Lasell is the 1st Vice President of Language Arts CMAS standardized test at the Jeffco School Board. Questions for every grade level! We had the same positive this guest writer or suggestions for future results in Math, with the exception of 8th guest writers should be sent in to Guy@ grade. (Note: About a third of Jeffco’s 8th NostalgicHomes.com n By

Ali Lasell

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Standing Up for Jeffco running to pass more legislation that honors hard work and protects the Colorado s the 2018 legislative session gears we love. Here are a few policies I will be up, we have 120 days to push forward working to pass: policies that are going to make a real • Passing a tax deduction for retired difference in real people’s dayveterans. to-day lives. I believe every • Expanding vocational/ hard-working Coloradan should technical training and have the opportunity to prosper apprenticeship opportunities so in Colorado’s economy, send that every student has access to their kids to great public schools a good-paying job. and be able to build a secure • Promoting common future for their families. sense ways to close the pay gap In early 2017, I wrote to between men and women to you about three important grow our economy. legislative goals I had: I first ran for the state • Pass the Wage Theft legislature because I believe Transparency Act to make Jessie Danielson we need leaders who will stand wage-theft violations public. up for a stronger, more secure • Promote equal pay for equal work with middle class and an economy that works for the Pay Transparency Act. everyone. Expanding opportunity means • Fight elder abuse by cracking down on strengthening our schools, leveling the the financial exploitation of seniors. economic playing field and helping retirees All three of those policies are now law and seniors live independently and securely. and are making a real difference for ordinary I work for you. It’s that simple. If you Coloradans. I also worked closely with law have questions, concerns or ideas, I want to enforcement to pass legislation cracking hear them. You can reach me by email me at down on child predators. And veterans jessie.danielson.house@state.co.us. My cell can now secure college credit for service phone is 720-276-3468. If you are coming skills, helping them earn degrees faster and to visit the Capitol, let me know. cheaper and get them on the path to secure Thank you for the honor of serving you. employment. We also held state government Jessie Danielson represents State accountable for poorly communicating with House District 24, which includes Golden, Medicaid patients, jeopardizing health care, Wheat Ridge and other areas in Jefferson and passed legislation cutting red tape so County. Rep. Danielson’s legislative office that folks are being better served. phone is 303-866-5522. Her website is This year I am hitting the ground www.jessiedanielson.com. n By

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ith the subject of auxiliary dwelling units – ADUs – on the horizon for the City of Wheat Ridge, we seem to be stuck trying to solve new problems with old solutions: tiny homes, above-garage homes, refurbished motorhomes, basements and so many other versions of what and how people envision a home to be. A home that will accommodate the owners’ parents, children and certainly tenants who will help them pay their mortgage while providing a place to live to people that can’t afford a more traditional place. Tradition is key to this whole process, trying to address a new problem with the same solutions on the same menu with prices that are oblivious of the root of the problem. Meaning that traditionally, our kids have gone away to college and have stayed away. But as you read in my School Crossing column in this issue of the Neighborhood Gazette, 41 percent of children come back at some point Traditionally, families that could not find an affordable place to live in would simply look in other parts of the state and would even move to other parts of the country. While Idaho is attracting the highest numbers right now, Colorado is expected to attract newcomers at a rate of 100,000 people per year for the next 10 years. The cost of the auxiliary dwelling unit is only partial to the overall price tag, as the city code requires a separate sewer line – not to be shared with the existing one we have to our home. The separate utility services include an electrical line with a separate meter from Xcel and a new water line. This additional (approximate) $25,000 cost to a project makes it that much harder for the elderly to set up separate living quarters. Not to mention those first-time home buyers that are already struggling with mortgage payments. As a real estate broker I certainly have seen my share of local “McGuivers” that find

ways to run electrical cords and water pipes in “creative” but definitely not safe manners. I always think about it this way: would you let your son or daughter live in there? Keep in mind that renting out a portion of your home makes you responsible and, more importantly, liable for what happens in that space. Per code, by the law and “Can you sleep at night?” Those are three good rules to keep in mind. On the other hand, it’s time for our city building departments to seek more affordable solutions that achieve the same level of safety. Septic tanks, chamber systems, evapotranspiration and drip beds are proven, safe and a fraction of the price of traditional sewer systems. Solar and wind systems that are clean and simple to operate. In fact, solar power prices have dropped 61 percent since 2009. I would challenge city governments and institutional utility companies that the only reason they won’t offer innovative means of servicing auxiliary dwelling units is so we would need to be tied to a grid they control. Including your need to be part of it: they can charge you as much as they want and keep those rates climbing as as high and as often as they see fit. Let’s not talk about ADUs as a source of revenue (for homeowners and the city) but more as a solution for our diverse and growing community.

ngazette.com – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

MOUNTAIN VIEWS Meet Municipal Court Judge Mark C. Pautler n By

Patricia Lilliston

n the third Wednesday of each month, Mountain View Municipal Court convenes with the Honorable Mark C. Pautler presiding. After ruling on a full docket on the morning of Dec. 20, Pautler struck his gavel, adjourned the court, and then eased from the case files into sharing the particulars of his career, the challenges regarding his position, and advice with respect to courtroom protocol. Once a member of the clergy in St. Louis, Mo., Pautler relocated to Denver to accept a position at Regis University. Now his resume spans 30 years and includes experience as a correctional officer, teacher and grant administrator. Pautler was appointed the presiding judge for the town of Mountain View in February 2013. He has served as the President of the First Judicial District Bar Association, been a member on the Colorado Municipal Judges Board of Directors, and actively involved in various civic and governmental organizations. “As a judge, my greatest challenge is to make certain that each defendant has been advised correctly and understands fully their rights,” asserted Pautler. Pautler then referred to an Advisement of Rights document which lists 15 rights that he reviews with defendants. Pautler stated, “I want all who leave my court to feel that their case has been heard and considered fairly, and that they have been treated with respect.” Circumstances vary as to the reason or as to the role an individual experiences in the courtroom. Whether a defendant, summons as a witness or called to court for jury duty, Pautler recommends, “People coming to court, should understand that the environment is potentially an adversarial setting.” As a defendant, Pautler suggests, “The individual should be prompt, listen to all aspects of advisement, exhibit respect and ultimately take responsibility.” He continues, “Witnesses should know that their appearance in court is not about them. Rather, the lawyers on both sides, prompt questions to gather information to support their case. Witnesses should listen and base their response simply on the context of the question.” When citizens are requested for jury duty, Pautler advises, “Be forthright in answering the initial jury pool questions. If selected as a juror, be prompt to court, and keep an open mind to both sides of the case.” Although approximately 95 percent of the people he encounters during the monthly municipal court session are nonresidents, Pautler concludes, “Mountain View is a nice community with professional police officers and efficient court personnel. I enjoy working here.” Anyone can attend, observe and learn more about the judicial system by coming into the Town Hall at 4671 Benton St., for the monthly Municipal Court session. For

additional information or court schedule, visit the Mountain View town website, http://mtvgov.org. Why the Black Robe? Upon entering a courtroom, most identify the judge as the individual wearing the long black robe. This traditional attire for the women and men who preside over criminal and civil cases began approximately 700 years ago in England. English judges traditionally wore robes of various colors. Violet was the standard for the summer robe, while green robes were favored in winter. Scarlet robes were worn for special occasions. Although open to question, historians theorize that the adaptation of wearing mainly black robes began during the mourning period for an English monarch. When judges in the American colonies presided over criminal and civil cases they tended to follow the English tradition of wearing robes and wigs After the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams argued as to how judges should dress in the courtroom. Jefferson believed that judges should distance themselves from English tradition and wear only a suit during courtroom procedures. Adams disagreed and wanted judges to continue wearing robes and wigs similar to the English tradition. A compromise was reached with the decision prevailing that American judges would wear robes and not wigs. Although to some, the common black robe represents governmental power and authority, the simplicity of the black robe can also symbolize the neutrality and humility of a judge. Retired Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Sandra Day O’Connor acknowledged that wearing the black robe is not only a matter of tradition, but a means to symbolize that judges in our country share a common responsibility to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law. 50 Book Challenge With 2018 newly logged on the calendar, resolutions become personal commitments and often overwhelming challenges. Common goals loom from venturing into a new hobby, saving money, ingesting more nutritious food, and maintaining a regular workout regime. With a visit to Mountain View’s Little Free Library, all of these common intentions can become accomplishments. On Jan. 12, the 50 Book Challenge launched at the Lady Bug Library. Acceptance of the challenge offers the hobby of reading, saves funds as one takes a book and returns a book. Additionally, reading supplies food for thought, and provides substantial exercise for the brain. That’s four resolutions achieved with the acceptance of one challenge. Are you ready for the challenge? Resolve to stop by the Little Free Library on the North side of the Town Hall at 4176 Benton St. Pick up a 50 Book Challenge checklist and choose your next best title.

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Don’t Feed, Befriend or Fool With Foxes n By Sally Griffin

ome animals capture the human imagination. This is true in many lands and many times. These animals are imbued with characteristics that seem all too human. This is especially true for the fox. Viewed as the embodiment of trickery, even to the point of treachery, foxes are met with both respect for and disapproval of their craftiness. The word shenanigan (a deceitful trick or mischief) is said to come from the Irish expression sionnachuighim, meaning, “I play the fox.” The story of Goldilocks and the three bears is supposedly derived from an older tale of three bears who live in a castle in the woods that is visited by the fox, Scrapefoot, who drinks their milk, sits in their chairs and sleeps in their beds. Where does this come from and why the fox? In myths, the coyote is a close competitor

for trickiness. However, more often than not, Old Man Coyote ends up tricking himself. In the wild, where coyotes and foxes are found together, it is the coyote that wins the day and the territory. However, the fox is almost an archetype (pure embodiment) of living successfully by one’s wits and getting ahead, often at the expense of others. The moral of most stories has the fox as someone to be both admired and loathed. They are seen as a being who is intrinsically untrustworthy. Hence a “foxy lady” is both someone who is appealing and attractive and someone who is not to be trusted. Maybe part of this is because foxes are asocial. They live by themselves. Ironically, when looking at the actions and demeanor of real foxes, there are many reason to doubt many of the myths and tales about foxes. Foxes are found throughout the world, apart from Antarctica. Four out of the five

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kinds of foxes live successfully in Colorado. These include the most common type – the red foxes – but also swift, kit and gray foxes. Each fox has its own niche habitat in Colorado. The gray fox lives in areas with lots of brush, the kit and swift fox, who are closely linked in size and hunting habits, live in the desert area shrub-lands. The red fox lives pretty much wherever he wants to live. This includes our area which, not unlike most urban areas in Colorado, is home to many red foxes. They commonly live in areas where they can find the things they need: water, food and places for dens. If humans also want to inhabit those same areas, the fox is willing to share. Foxes become accustomed to human activity and are seldom aggressive toward people. The red fox is best identified by its reddish coat, black legs and ears, and long, white-tipped, bushy tail. But according to the Colorado Division of Wildlife, they can also be jet black or silver with white accents. Foxes, while part of Canidae family (the same family as wolves and coyotes) are much smaller and much less strong than other canids. They weigh from 6 to 31 pounds, stand 14 to 20 inches tall and are 17 to 36 inches long. Their tail adds 12 to 21 inches to their length. For such a small creature, the red fox is a beautiful sight. Watching a red fox hunt in deep snow is a wonderful experience. Their red coat is striking against the white of the snow. The fox sits so quietly that you wonder what he is doing. But if you watch carefully, you will see his ears twitching just slightly. Suddenly, he crouches, then jumps high in the air and his landing digs a sudden deep hole in the snow. At the bottom of the hole is a mouse that is quickly dispensed with and carried off to one of the fox’s dens for storage, or, depending on the time of year, to the main den where hungry kits wait. Experts say that foxes can pounce up to 16 feet to land on their prey. Their hearing is highly developed which allows them to hunt even in deep snow. The omnivorous red fox is skilled at hunting, in addition to rodents, rabbits and birds, and birds’ eggs. They will also eat insects, grasshoppers, fish, crawfish and worms. Occasionally, they like desserts of fruit, berries

and nuts. Red foxes often live alone, on a range of 5 to 10 square miles, depending on food availability. In urban settings they tolerate each other in closer proximity because more food is available. Although they are spotted at all times of day, they tend to be more active at dawn and dusk. Their eating habits are what get them in trouble with the humans with whom they cohabitate. The old saying about “The fox in the hen house,” is based on the ability of a single fox to decimate the population of the hen house or rabbit hutch in an amazingly short period of time. Also, danger to small pets, particularly those under 10 pounds, is possible, although typically rare. The other threat from foxes involve diseases like rabies and mange. In fact, the City of Wheat Ridge has recently experienced an increase in calls reporting foxes with Sarcoptic Mange. This is an infestation of mites on the animal’s skin, which can cause hair loss, severe irritation and can cause death to the animal. It is highly contagious to humans and pets. The good news is that foxes are very shy and will usually avoid people. However, if they have found your area to be a good or easy source of food, they are likely to return when they don’t think you are around. And their reputation is well deserved. They will find ways to tease guard dogs. They quickly adapt to noise-making devices and flashing lights, which provide only a temporary deterrent. A combination of frightening devices used at irregular intervals may keep the foxes from figuring them out. If noise and light at random times will drive you nuts, another deterrent is Mylar balloons bobbing around the protected areas. Most authorities agree that the best bet is to simply deny the foxes access to food sources, including vulnerable livestock. Experts suggest: • Never feed foxes. • Do not try to befriend them. • Monitor your pets’ activities when they are outside. • Provide backyard poultry and rabbits with good, secure housing. • Prevent foxes from denning under porches, decks or outbuildings. • If you spot a sick fox in Wheat Ridge, call animal control at 303-237-2220.

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ngazette.com – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

ASK THE EXPERT Tax Reform Is Here! n By

Jennifer Verhey

ax reform is here! While the new laws will not affect the tax return you will be filing in the next few months, you can take action now to increase your refund next year.While we will all benefit from the lower tax rates, there are some groups that will ben efit from certain new provisions.

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The child tax credit was increased to $2,000. The income limits to Rental Property and claim this credit were increased Business Owners so more families can take The new section 199A, often advantage of this tax break. referred to as the 20 percent A new family credit of $500 deduction. Of course, this was for older children and other Congresses doing, so 20 percent dependents has been added. is not a simple 20 percent. The College savings accounts calculation is complex and is can now be used to pay for K-12 full of rules and restrictions, private school tuition. and the IRS is expected to issue Saving for your first its interpretation. We would be home purchase? Colorado has a happy to assist you in getting Jennifer Verhey new deduction to assist you. prepared to maximize this tax break. A little planning now can save you a lot of taxes later. If you have been preparing Seniors your taxes yourself, this is a good year to The additional deduction for seniors hire a professional. We have saved many was retained. Medical expenses can still be DIYs significant tax dollars. Now through deducted in 2017 and 2018 and then the Feb. 15 we are offering a special for new deduction goes away. This might be the year clients. Please call for details. Jennifer Verhey is with American Eato get those procedures done that you have gle Tax; contact her at 303-422-1996. been putting off.

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SENIOR FOCUS Winter Help, Snow Or No Snow n By

Tawny Clary

lthough we may not have seen a whole lot of snow this season, winter has still found a way to establish its presence. Our typical winter foes have still managed to come without fail. We’ve still had bitterly cold nights (and some days), icy spots causing car accidents as well as the neverforgotten flu season – and this year is a doozy. We would like to point you toward a few resources to help you get through the remaining winter months. If Jack Frost is nipping at your nose a little too much this winter, there is an excellent resource available to assist with utilities and in-home warmth. It is the independent, nonprofit organization Energy Outreach Colorado. One service that they pride themselves on is being able to help “… seniors keep up with their heating bills and remain warm and safe in their homes.” You can find them online by going to the website energyoutreach.org and clicking on the Get Help tab at the top of the page. This will provide you with a list of qualifications for financial assistance with your energy bill. You will likely need to start by applying for Colorado’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP). There are also links on this page for furnace help and tips to have a more energy-efficient home. If your concern is less about keeping warm inside and more about going outside, there are also resources to help you get around so you don’t have to drive in the cold, icy weather. While there are several transportation services available, the Senior Resource Center offers volunteer-based rides, mostly focused on healthcare-related appointments and grocery trips (up to six bags and no more than 20 pounds). They book up fast, so it is advised to let them know about your appointment or grocery trip at least seven days in advance. This service is offered for free to anyone 60 or older. Before using the first service, you will need to call the Senior Resource Center’s transportation department so they can fill out a one-page form with you over the phone. You can reach the transportation department at 303-235-6972. In an effort to save gas and time, volunteer drivers will try to combine trips among seniors in your area. If possible, it helps to keep

appointments between 9:30 a.m. and midafternoon. However, services can be used as early as 7 a.m. and up to as late as 4 p.m., if necessary. Keep in mind when you call the transportation department, they will need to know the exact address where you are going (not cross streets) as well as the time you need to be dropped off and picked up. Even with help inside and outside the home, sometimes we just can’t escape those pesky germs. And sometimes those germs can be much more dangerous than pesky. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), December to February is the peak of flu season. By the end of December, the CDC saw an increase in the “number of states reporting widespread activity.” This season has shown similarities to “the peak of the 2014-2015 season, which was the most severe season in recent years. Seniors should be particularly aware because the flu can lower immunization, making you more susceptible to pneumonia. A great resource to answer any questions you may have about the flu is at cdc.gov. Finally, just in case the snow finds its way back to Colorado, shoveling services can be found through the Senior Resource Center (303-238-8151) or Volunteers of America (303-297-0408) which includes Denver’s Snow Buddies program. You may also visit the Jefferson County Council on Aging at jeffcocouncilonaging.org to find a long list of other Senior Resources available.

Senior Winter Resource Checklist Energy Outreach Colorado. energyoutreach.org

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – ngazette.com

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G-Line Continued from page 1

punctuating the air – a startling reminder to many residents and drivers that indeed, these tracks were built for a high-speed train. The judge’s approval means that the long-stymied testing taking place the first two weeks of January, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., is the most rigorous testing to date on the G Line. While flaggers remain in place along the G line and DIA’s A Line, late last year the Federal Railroad Administration approved the RTD’s request to demobilize the flaggers on the B line, which runs between Westminster and Denver’s Union Station, and approved the RTD’s request to resume testing of gate-crossing technology on the G Line. The PUC was still not on board, however, until the judge’s ruling. “This phase of the testing process will focus on communication and signaling systems, as well as the communication of traffic and rail signals at railroad crossings,” the RTD stated in a release. “While more testing is possible after that point, the bulk of the work is to be completed during this time frame.” Railroad safety is by and large regulated by the federal government, reinforced with the 2008 Railroad Safety Improvement Act. However the the state’s PUC “retains primary jurisdiction over all public highwayrail crossings, including opening, closing, upgrading, overpasses or underpasses, and the allocation of costs,” according to the PUCs website, and because of this complex and cumbersome division of authorities, must therefore give the final approval

Civic Resolution Continued from page 1

to the city council,” said Hing. “Ultimately it is council who makes the final decision. Your personal experience with your neighborhood and neighbors provide insight to the pros/cons of pending changes to Edgewater. Your experience brings much needed insight the process.” And the opportunities to serve on a board of commission are not always available. The Town Mountain View – a city of about 500 tucked between Wheat Ridge on the south and west, and Lakeside on the north – has limited opportunities for service, due to its size. The town’s charter calls for two boards or commissions: the Board of Adjustments and Appeals (BOAA) and a Planning and Zoning Commission (P & Z). “Due to the intimate size of our Town, the BOAA is an active board, while the P & Z Commission's work is done by the Mountain View Town Council,” said Town of Mountain View Mayor Glenn Levy. “While we, as elected officials, would welcome the development of new boards and commissions, due to our diminutive size, it can be challenging to staff such citizen bodies,” said Levy. “As a result, citizens who serve on our six-member Town Council work on zoning, public works, public safety, administrative, and development issues.” Even if not appointed to an open seat, just showing up and participating in

of the systems which are integral to the federally mandated Positive Train Control technologies integral to the Railroad Safety Improvement Act. While other passenger and freight railroads in the country have either fully or partially complied with installing PTC, the new commuter lines in Denver’s regional transit system are one of the first in the country to be built with full compliance. Three days of PUC hearings exploring the next phase of the approval process, which are open to the public, are slated for March, but depending on varying factors, may be moved up to mid-February. Wheat Ridge mayor Bud Starker also expressed hopeful optimism for the latest direction in the testing of the line, which many residents, business owners and public officials expected to be open last year. “I’m thrilled the testing has begun; I hope they get an A-plus,” said the mayor. “I think it’s great that they seem to have opened up a strategy with a PUC that’s got us on the calendar.” Although the G Line ends in Wheat Ridge, its presence in the city may not be as apparent as it is in Arvada, where the line traverses through the heart of Old Town Arvada. Consequently, Starker doesn’t field much feedback from residents on the project. “It’s sort of outside the mental framework for many,” he observed. “I think it has yet to sink into the local lexicon of the city, and I don’t think that will happen until people in the area are able to get on the train and go somewhere – until there’s a train in the station and on the tracks. We’ll get the buzz, once it’s there.” commission and board meetings can have an impact. “The (city government) process isn’t as easy to navigate as most think,” said Hing, “but with regular attendance to various public meetings the process starts to make sense. Once a resident understands which body of city officials are responsible for what, it is much easier to effectively get your concerns in front of the proper people. Actually, city council and the mayor are usually not where your voice will make the strongest impact.” Hing explained most land use issues are debated for months in front of Planning and Zoning before a recommendation is made to council. “P&Z’s forum is much less formal that council’s public comment. Your input at P&Z will become a part of the recommendation made to council.” “If you go to the meeting, you have an impact,” said DiTullio. For example, Wheat Ridge’s planning commission meetings are not only opportunities to provide comment, but to learn more and have questions answered. “People see postings on property, but don’t know what’s going on,” DiTullio explained. At the meetings, fears and suspicions of residents can be addressed. “They back off…or (sometimes) find out something they don’t like.” DiTullio said this public input and discussion is what influences the final recommendation to council. “In some ways boards and commission members have more input than city council,” he said. “In some ways they (council) are second-class citizens, because they’re the last to hear.”

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ngazette.com – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHAT’S HAPPENING Wheat Ridge Grange Community Chili-Cookoff, Jan. 20

What’s Up With The Wheat Ridge Sustainability Committee?

Jeffco LWV Book Club to Discuss ‘My Beloved World’

Wheat Ridge Grange invites Wheat Ridge cooks to enter their annual ChiliCookoff on Sat. Jan. 20, held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wheat Ridge Grange, 3850 High Court, Wheat Ridge. There are green and red chili categories. Entry fee per entry is $5 for Grange members and $10 for nonmembers.

The Wheat Ridge Environmental Sustainability Committee (WRESC) is looking forward to a more sustainable 2018, and is continuing to meet on a bi-weekly basis at the City of Wheat Ridge Municipal Building to formulate their action plan to be presented to city council later this year. WRESC will be making a brief presentation to council on Feb. 5 to provide updates on progress made to this point and to introduce themselves to newly elected council member Leah Dozeman and mayor Bud Starker. Currently, the committee is working on wrapping up topic areas of solid waste and recycling, and water. The next topics will be transportation and energy efficiency.

The Jeffco League of Women Voters’ book club has chosen Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s coming-of-age memoir, “My Beloved World,” for its February discussion group meetings. “Anyone wondering how a child raised in public housing, without speaking English, by an alcoholic father and a largely absent mother could become the first Latina on the Supreme Court will find the answer in these pages,” wrote The Washington Post. “It didn’t take a village: It took a country.” Two discussion groups will be held on the same book: Saturday, Feb. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Brookdale Westland Meridian, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood; and Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 1 p.m. at the Golden Public Library, 1019 10th St., Golden. All book club meetings are open to the public.

To enter or for more information, call Michele at 303-425-1270 or Dominick at 303-919-2680.

Local Student Makes Honor Roll at Oregon State Holly Straley of Wheat Ridge made the Scholastic Honor Roll Fall term, according to Oregon State University. Straley, pursuing a Post Baccalaureate in Pre-Computer Science, earned a grade average of 3.5 or better, according to the school. A total of 1,427 students earned straight-A (4.0), and another 4,483 earned a B-plus (3.5) or better to make the listing. To be on the Honor Roll, students must carry at least 12 graded hours of course work.

Free Christmas Tree Recycling through February Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation offers a free Christmas tree recycling program that runs through the end of February. This service is free to Wheat Ridge residents and is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Trees can be dropped off from sunrise to sunset on either the south side of Prospect Park, near the tennis courts, or on the east side of Panorama Park. Prospect Park is located at 113300 W. 44th Ave. and Panorama Park is on the corner of 33rd Avenue and Fenton Street. Signs are posted at both locations to help individuals find the exact drop off spots within each park. Ornaments, tinsel, lights, nails, screws, wire, tree stands, and bags must be removed before dropping off trees. The Christmas tree recycling program is not able to accept wreaths or garlands. Trees will be ground into mulch for use in planter beds and for trees in the city’s parks. Last year, more than 1,500 Christmas trees were chipped and recycled into mulch. Free mulch is available year round at Prospect Park for city residents. This service is for individual Wheat Ridge residents only and may not be used for disposal of trees sold by area vendors. For more information, contact Wheat Ridge Forestry at 303-205-7556.

For more information, visit the WRESC page on the city website: www. ci.wheatridge.co.us/1587/Wheat-RidgeEnvironmental-Sustainability.

Risas Dental And Braces Offers Free Exams, X-Rays For Kids Risas Dental and Braces is celebrating National Children’s Dental Health Month in February by offering free exams and x-rays for kids, as well as educating students on proper oral health care at a number of Denver-area schools. The firm will offer free exams and x-rays for all children ages 17 and under Feb. 1 through 28. Risa’s nearest office is located in Wheat Ridge at 3815 N. Wadsworth Blvd. Parents can make an appointment for the free exam and x-rays at any of Risas Dental’s offices, by calling 720-536-0401. Or they can book online at www.risasdental.com.

Mayor Starker to Talk at ATAT’s ‘State of the City’ Feb. 13 The Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT) is hosting its annual State of the City event on Tuesday, Feb. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at Colorado Plus, 6995 W. 38th Ave. “We will celebrate 2017’s successes and discuss priorities for 2018 as we continue to advocate for improved and safe options to walk, bike and connect with transit in Wheat Ridge,” said ATAT’s Rachel Hultin. “Our special guest is Mayor Bud Starker who will talk about the city’s vision and plans for active transportation.” Tickets are $12, and include a beer, nibbles and a chance at door prizes.

Ask The Super Continued from page 5

experience authentic, meaningful, and engaging to prepare for the kinds of complex work they will need to perform as adults. Generations takes a different approach to school reform than many past efforts in that it goes directly to the student experience and asks us to create something profoundly different, because if our efforts to change education do not impact how our students experience learning, then we really have not changed anything at all. As the Generations document was discussed in our schools and community this fall, the ideas within it were (for the most part) well-received. Questions did arise around a few concepts, such as how to balance the importance of skills (such as creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation) with content knowledge (facts and key concepts). Questions also arose around the best ways to leverage and use technology in learning, how we would measure our success, and in what order the proposed changes would be sequenced. Other questions

LWV Jeffco is a nonpartisan organization that neither endorses nor opposes candidates. For more information call Lynne at 303-985-5128, visit www.lwvjeffco.org or www.facebook.com/LWVJeffco, or call 303-238-0032.

Heart Healthy Wheat Ridge Week Is Feb. 19-25 City of Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation is partnering with Lutheran Medical Center, Localworks and local organizations to host Heart Healthy Week, Feb. 19 through 15. Throughout the week, residents can attend free and low-cost activities and screenings to promote heart health. Participants who earn five or more Heart Points for attending events receive a t-shirt and a place on the Heart Healthy Wall of Fame. For more information and the schedule of events, visit: www.HeartHealthyWheatRidge.com.

emerged on how we support existing and successful programs, while embracing the “entrepreneurial spirit” and innovation called for in the document. Rather than derail our progress, these questions served to sharpen our future direction. Here in the Wheat Ridge area, many of the ideas that are at the heart of the Generations document are well underway. Elementary schools such as Stevens and Stober have wholeheartedly embraced the experience-is-learning approach; and Wheat Ridge High School is already legendary for the hands-on STEM, Gifted/ Talented, and apprenticeship models they have in place. Now, as we turn the page and look forward into this new year, I’m incredibly excited and optimistic about Jeffco Public Schools and where we are headed. We will put ambiguity behind us, and lean into the challenging, exciting, and delightful work of changing the learning experiences for our students. We surge forth into this new era, propelled by the hope for what is possible, and our love for our children. If you have a question for our new superintendent please submit it to Guy@ NostalgicHomes.com or call it in to 303999-5789.

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JANUARY 16 — FEBRUARY 12, 2018 – ngazette.com

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW — WHEAT RIDGE Retired Wheat Ridge Doctor Still Helping Post-Polio Victims n By

Elisabeth Monaghan

o those born after the mid-1960s, polio sounds like an “old-time disease,” but anyone over the age of 60 likely knows someone who had polio or at the very least, is familiar with fretful parents who feared their children might contract the disease by drinking from dirty water fountains or swimming in public pools. Thanks to Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Albert Sabin, who developed vaccinations for polio, the disease has been, for the most part, eradicated in the United States. Unfortunately, between 40 and 50 percent of all polio survivors have gone on to develop post-polio syndrome. Many of these survivors were unaware post-polio syndrome even existed until they began to experience its symptoms. South Dakota native and Wheat Ridge resident Dr. Marny Eulberg is one of the polio survivors who has post-polio syndrome. A Baby Boomer who developed polio when it had reached epidemic proportions in the U.S., Eulberg was not aware post-polio syndrome was a thing. “I thought, like most polio survivors, you had polio; you had a certain amount of weakness; you got a certain amount of recovery, and you went on that way for the rest of your life,” according to Eulberg. While there had been reports of postpolio syndrome going back to the 1800s, it wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the disease was identified. Before, there weren’t enough cases to cause much concern, but as the thousands of those who had polio as children during the epidemics of the 1940s and ‘50s grew older, they began to display similar symptoms. Growing up Eulberg harbored the idea of going into medicine. Her parents, on the

other hand, recognized their daughter’s desired profession would require being on her feet much of the time. Jobs with manual labor or long stints of standing or walking were not exactly ideal for polio survivors. Rather than stomping on Eulberg’s dreams, they introduced her to a lab technician at the local hospital so she could learn about additional careers in the medical field that did not require a great deal of standing or physical labor. With that, Eulberg pursued an undergraduate degree as a medical technician, but even then she realized she wanted to do more. “When I began working as a medical tech, the work was interesting, but as labs got more automated, it was like being on an assembly line,” Eulberg explains. The only way Eulberg could advance in her field was to become a supervisor. Although an admirable profession, she did not wish to be a supervisor in a medical lab, so she applied to and was accepted by the University of Arizona College of Medicine. After graduating from medical school, Eulberg did her residency at Mercy Medical Denver. For a brief period, Eulberg returned to South Dakota to practice medicine. Then in 1980, she moved back to Colorado and joined the Mercy Medical Center, where she also served on the faculty of the Family Medicine Residency program. Shortly after discovering she had postpolio syndrome, Eulberg became a student of the disease and an advocate for those affected by it. In 1985, Eulberg joined forces with a physical therapist named Ann Hueter to found the Colorado Post-Polio Clinic, which was based out of Mercy Medical Center. When Mercy closed in 1995, the Family Medicine Residency and the Family Medicine Residency Clinics moved to St.

Anthony Hospital and then to St. Anthony North Hospital. In the decades she has practiced medicine, Eulberg has received a number of awards including the 2005 Colorado Academy of the Family Physicians Family Physician of the Year and was honored for this by both houses of the Colorado Legislature. She also was honored by thenDenver Mayor John Hickenlooper and the Denver City Council for her lifetime contributions to the health and welfare of area citizens. Eulberg’s participation in the community does not stop with her medical practice. In addition to belonging the Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church, she serves on both the medical advisory committee and the board of directors for Post-Polio Health International. She also is an active member of the Rotary Club and has served in a number of capacities on the Wheat Ridge Rotary board. This month, Eulberg stepped in as chair of Rotary District 5450. As an active member of the Rotary Club, Eulberg provides unique insights for the Rotary Club and its commitment to eradicating polio. Rotary launched its international PolioPlus initiative in 1985. At that time there were 350,000 cases of polio worldwide. As of 2016, there were only 37 cases in the world, and these were in Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Many of those who retire find hobbies to keep them busy, but Eulberg is not among them. Although she retired from her practice in 2016, Eulberg remains involved with the post-polio community. Not only is she a resource to patients with post-polio syndrome, she also is a go-to for anyone looking for information about the disease. Additionally, Eulberg volunteers with the Colorado Post-Polio Traveling

DR. MARNY EULBERG is one of the polio survivors who has post-polio syndrome. Eulberg became a student of the disease and an advocate for those aﬀected by it. Clinic, visiting places like Colorado Springs, Grand Junction and Fort Collins. Post-polio patients, or those who suspect they may have the disease, receive a written evaluation, a muscle test and a list of recommendations to help them preserve their policy of life. Eulberg lets these patients know they are not alone or forgotten, giving them a sense of hope and understanding. Seeing how she conducts herself provides them with a model of someone who has experienced their frustrations but continues to live a meaningful life, in spite of an “old-time disease” that Eulberg and other champions like her are determined to get rid of, once and for all. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Eulberg’s work or about post-polio syndrome, visit www.post-polio.org.