Neighborhood Gazette – October 2018 by Neighborhood Gazette

LOCAL NEWS What 5A And 5B Will Pay For, What They Will Cost Page 5

SCHOOL VISITOR PASS Maple Grove Elementary Principal Chris Neville Page 6

WEST METRO FIRE Measure 7C: Maintaining West Metro’s Resources Page 9

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WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE | BERKELEY October 16 – November 14, 2018 • ngazette.com • FREE

Time Again To Trunk Or Treat On The Green, Oct. 27 n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

runk or Treat will mark its eighth year on Saturday, Oct. 27, 4 to 6 p.m., on The Green, 7101 W. 38th Ave. Billed by Localworks as a fun, safe trick or treat for kids and their families with participation from firefighters, the police, businesses and community members, the free event boasts games, a car-trunk-decorating contest and, of course, candy. What started as two parents’ attempt to continue an annual children’s Halloween party after Martensen Elementary School’s closure has grown into a communitywide celebration attracting crowds of more than 3,000 people. This year, Localworks has added a photo station where guests can capture a great picture of their costume-bedecked family, with a choice of two backdrops. “We are also trying out a new line set up to help make the line for trick-or-treating run more smoothly,” said Localworks’ Ashley Holland. Destination Dance will kick off the event by teaching revelers to dance, then performing, a zombie-themed “Thriller” dance. The Wheat Ridge Kiwanis Club will once Continued on page 2

GAMES AND GHOULS APLENTY AWAIT REVELERS at this year’s Trunk or Treat celebration, Saturday, Oct. 27, 4 to 6 p.m., on The Green, 7101 W. 38th Ave. PHOTO BY BECKY OLSTAD

Who’s Running For State Legislature – And Why? n By

Mike McKibbin

hree Colorado House seats and two state Senate seats will be decided in part by Neighborhood Gazette voters in this month’s general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters between Oct. 15 and 19, drop boxes to return those ballots will be open between Oct. 15 and Election Day, while voter service polling centers will be open from Oct. 22 through Election Day.

of science degree from Colorado State University and is married with one son. Gonzales-Gutierrez has worked with victim’s advocates supporting domestic violence victims, as a youth counselor, social caseworker and now director for the Denver Collaborative Partnership. If elected, Gonzales-Gutierrez would work to make education accessible and affordable from early childhood through college and address affordable housing with legislation and funding that includes housing trusts and expanded tax credits.

House District 4 House District 4 (all or some of the West Colfax corridor between Sheridan and Federal, Denver North and West neighborhoods of the Highlands, Villa Park, Sloan’s Lake, Barnum, Berkeley, Sunnyside and Sun Valley), has Democrat Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez running against Republican Robert “Dave” John. GonzalesGutierrez won a three-way primary while John was unopposed. In a short YouTube video, John called Colorado a “wonderful state” when he arrived but blamed “misguided and incompetent” Democratic leadership for creating gridlock and corruption, “with no common sense in our spending priorities.” If elected, John said he would focus on quality of life issues, like roads, education, crime, homelessness, taxes and basic human rights such as the freedom of religion and the Second Amendment. He also listed support for individual liberty, limited government, the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, government transparency, legal immigration and school choice. John retired after 35 years as a City of Denver employee. He earned a bachelor

She would sponsor legislation that combats climate change, protects public lands, water resources and clean air. The seat is currently held by state Rep. Dan Pabon, (D), who cannot run for reelection. State representatives can serve no more than four consecutive two-year terms.

House District 23 House District 23 (all or some of Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Applewood, East Pleasant

View, the West Colfax corridor/40 West Arts District) features incumbent Democrat Chris Kennedy and Republican challenger Joan Poston. Kennedy is seeking his second term and wrote on his campaign website that his top priority has been to increase transparency in health care spending. Kennedy sponsored a bill the last two years to require hospitals to submit more data to the state to help analyze price and utilization trends and identify changes to reduce costs. Continued on page 4

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

Pharmacists In Expanding Role As Caregivers n By

Ken Lutes

ou may have seen postings in grocery and drug stores announcing the availability of shots for flu or shingles. But did you know pharmacists immunize adults and children for many other diseases, such as polio, measles, tetanus and whooping cough? In the late 1990s, the state of Colorado began to allow pharmacists to administer immunizations. Since that time, programs like the one at Regis University’s School of Pharmacy have required its students not only to learn about the science of medications but also to apply those skills in a clinical setting. Doctors Christine Feltman and Robert Haight are assistant professors at Regis who share a passion for teaching students and for sharing information about the expanding role pharmacists play in today’s world of medical science. Feltman says that people might be surprised to know just how deep Continued on page 12

FLU VACCINATIONS AVAILABLE AT PHARMACIES, such as the one in this Safeway grocery store at 38th and Wadsworth Blvd., are free under most insurance plans and may be covered as a $0 co-pay. Pharmacists can provide details about other immunizations and age restrictions. PHOTO BY KEN LUTES

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE: 2018 Election The Neighborhood Gazette will not be endorsing candidates or ballot initiatives, but does wish all candidates good luck with their campaigns and thanks them for their devotion to public service. Individual staff members may be involved in political campaigns, but they do not speak officially for the newspaper. That being said, we encourage all readers who are eligible to vote to register and cast ballots, after researching the background and positions of the candidates, as well as ballot issues. County and municipal governments have issued “Blue Book” summaries of ballot issues, and we encourage readers to study those and seek additional information, if necessary.

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s Wheat Ridge revises its Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy this year and next, I’d like to reflect on one very important piece of planning imagination from the not too distant past. It’s the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan of 2011, a vision of the future that is already coming true and shouldn’t be abandoned. I for one have never given up on this vision for 38th Avenue, and I hope I’m not alone. As a reminder, here’s the vision statement from the 2011 corridor plan: “West 38th Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth is a safe, vibrant and diverse corridor in Wheat Ridge with a strong identity and robust commercial and residential markets. The corridor has identifiable sub-districts with its Main Street being a source of community pride and a primary destination for city residents and visitors. In the year 2030, people of all ages and abilities live, work, learn, shop, and play along 38th Avenue.” I would urge the city to keep this vision front and center even if it takes longer than first planned for it to take shape as real development and activity on the ground. Over time, realizing the vision should adapt to changing conditions, of course. However, I don’t see anything that has occurred along the corridor so far since 2011 that has negated the vision. In fact, what has occurred and continues to occur seems like substantial progress toward the realization of that vision. Plain and simple, what we are seeing is movement ever closer to the tipping point of success. Just consider these elements. First there’s the accumulation of new investment in existing and new business. The far-seeing commitment and longstanding investment by Wheat Ridge Cyclery is a cornerstone. Other committed business visionaries who have put money on a bright future through investments in their properties are too numerous to mention. But, we risk taking them for granted if they aren’t identified and rewarded for their bravery. To this end, I suggest the

Trunk or Treat Continued from page 1

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again set up and run games during the event. Kim Harr and her husband Chad are credited with creating the event. She served on the local PTA when Martensen closed down, which put an end to the school’s annual Halloween party. The couple wanted to continue the celebration, which featured candy distributed from the trunks of automobiles decorated for the holiday. The revitalization of 38th Avenue had just begun, so the parking lot of the Wheat Ridge middle school was an ideal location. The Harrs paid for printing and posters out of their own pocket. Then-chief Kelly Brooks of the Wheat Ridge Fire Department stepped in to help, as did then-boardmember Tom Abbot of Wheat Ridge 2020 and then-city-councilor Joyce Jay. The inaugural party attracted 200 kids and eight cars, according to Harr. Last year there were about 4,000 people,

city comprehensively inventory these risktakers and show how their commitments are building the vision through their capital, ingenuity, and sweat. (Note that these investments may be very large or very small. All should be included and may be grouped by type and categorized by level of investment. However, it’s the shared and cumulative commitment to and confidence in the future of the vision that counts.) Second, new residential investment has contributed and will continue to contribute incrementally to creating the identifiable sub-district markets envisioned in 2011. The forerunner was the townhouse development at 38th and Depew. In the works is the apartment complex at 38th and Upham. Soon to come is the residential component of Wheat Ridge Corners. To repeat, what we are seeing an accumulation of marketdriven facts on the ground that are totally consistent with the 2011 vision. Third, the Wadsworth widening project will facilitate traffic movement on Wadsworth and on 38th and 44th on both sides of Wadsworth. The improvement to traffic flows at the 38th corner, in particular, can’t but promote prospects for the realization of the “Main Street” component of the 38th Avenue vision. Fourth, and finally, the 38th Avenue corridor plan should be consolidated and reconciled with all of the other planning initiatives clustering around the 38th Avenue and Wadsworth corner. I can think of the following: Wadsworth widening (as already noted), 38th Avenue multi-modal transportation improvements west of Wadsworth, and the overall Wheat Ridge town center planning concept that stretches roughly from 35th to 48th along Wadsworth and goes (or should go) roughly from Sheridan to Dudley on 38th and 44th. To conclude, I think the marketmotivated actions of investors (from the very small to the industrial strength) in the areas I’m interested in do now and will increasingly reinforce the validity of the vision for 38th Avenue and for the larger area encompassed within the Wheat Ridge town center concept. Yes, the vision can be updated. Yes, new data should be collected and forecasts refined. And most of all, yes, the vision is valid and Wheat Ridge will stay on the right track by keeping the vision alive. 15 volunteers and 35 cars, according to Localworks. This year crowds are expected to be the same. Costumed revelers need only show up to participate in the free event. People wanting to decorate their vehicle and hand out treats can sign up on the Ridge at 38 web site, at ridgeat38.com/trunk-or-treat/. Trunk or Treat requires a lot of candy, so donations are needed. Drop-off locations include the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St.; Brewery Rickoli, 4335 Wadsworth Blvd.; Personal Achievement Martial Arts, 3964 Youngfield St.; Wheat Ridge City Hall, 7500 W. 29th Ave.; Clear Creek Office Park, 4251 Kipling St., 2nd Floor lobby. Businesses wanting to collect candy for the event are asked to contact Carolyn Doran at CDoran@WeAreLocalworks.org. As always, the event wraps up by 6 p.m. – to allow people to safely enter and exit the parking lots, while it’s still light. It also saves the cost of setting up lights. For more information, visit ridgeat38. com/trunk-or-treat/; contact Localworks at 720-259-1030; or email Carol Doran at CDoran@WeAreLocalworks.org.

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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2018 Election Continued from page 1

“Partisan politics and special interest opposition groups killed both bills, but I will continue to bring this legislation forward as we will be unable to address the rising costs of health care without the necessary insight into hospitals’ spending,” Kennedy wrote. Kennedy received a bachelor of architectural engineering degree from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2002. Poston’s campaign website explained a 2013 visit to a museum dedicated to President John F. Kennedy at Dealey Plaza in Dallas inspired her to seek political office. “I believe in citizen government and will serve you, the people of Jefferson County, in the most transparent and honest means possible,” she wrote. Poston was one of three candidates for an at-large seat on the Denver school board in 2013 and ran for Denver city clerk in 2015. She earned a bachelor of science in microbiology and medical technology degree from Colorado State University, then worked as a medical technologist with Denver Health and the Denver Zoo until retirement. Poston was also a reading assistant in Denver Public Schools for five years and served on the district accountability committee. Poston and her husband have one child.

House District 24 House District 24 (all or some of Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, Arvada, Lakewood, Golden, Lakeside, Mountain View, Applewood, Fairmount and West Pleasant View) has Democrat Monica Duran facing Republican Arthur Erwin. Duran, a current Wheat Ridge City Council member, defeated former Edgewater

mayor Kris Teegardin in the Democratic primary. Erwin had no primary opponent, lives in Golden and his website noted he is the human resource director at a major local auto dealership where he has worked for nearly 30 years. “I am a firm believer in the Constitution and all it stands for,” Erwin wrote. “I am against abortion. I am also against recriminalizing it. I am not a professional politician, I haven’t been serving in political jobs and committees. As a result, I still view issues as a member of this community. I will remember who elected me, serving them, the citizens. I am the only candidate who has agreed to voluntary spending limits.” In 2015, Duran helped lead the campaign for Wheat Ridge Issue 300, a city charter amendment requiring voter approval on tax increment financing. Duran’s website noted she would stand up to the Trump and Betsy DeVos agenda of privatizing the education system, for better teacher pay and expanded vocational and technical training programs for high school students. Duran wants to let any Coloradan purchase health insurance through the state’s Medicaid program if it’s a cheaper public option for them. Duran also supports women’s rights and pro-choice legislation, along with gun control measures that keep weapons out of the hands of violent and unstable people, guns out of classrooms and military-style assault weapons off the streets. This seat is currently held by state Rep. Jessie Danielson, (D), who is running for the state Senate.

Senate District 20 Senate District 20 (all or some of Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Golden, Morrison, Ken Caryl, Dakota Ridge, Applewood, Fairmount, West Pleasant

View, East Pleasant View, Mountain View and Lakeside) features three candidates: Danielson, Republican Christine Jensen and Libertarian Charles Messick. The seat is now held by independent Cheri Jahn, who is not seeking reelection. Jensen’s website noted she lives in Arvada, is a small business owner and wants to bring “business sense” to state government. “I worry that with the state budget growing so rapidly, that we, as residents, have become little more than revenue sources for an expanding government, instead of having a state government that is of service to us,” the site read. “I will continue to stand up to those who seek to increase taxes and fees on our hard-working families. I will protect Colorado’s businesses from excessive regulation and government overreach.” Jensen wants to see Obamacare repealed and replaced with a choice-driven free market approach to health care, would work to develop a strategy to improve roads and bridges with existing state funds, favors school choice, supports the Second Amendment, views “sanctuary cities” as a threat to public safety and “an end-around of our laws (that) must be stopped.” She also would “always defend innocent life.” Danielson, a Wheat Ridge resident, has focused on equal pay for equal work, fighting elder abuse, getting rid of red tape for veterans looking for a job or college degree and cracking down on wage theft. According to her website, “As a state representative since 2015, I have worked to protect our local public schools, level the playing field for Coloradans working to get ahead, and create better protections for vulnerable seniors.” Danielson also sponsored a bill that legalized the use of rain barrels by Colorado homeowners.

Find Out More of What I Stand For

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She currently serves on the House Appropriations, Agriculture & Natural Resources and Public Health committees. In 2015 Gov. John Hickenlooper appointed her to the Colorado Commission on Aging. Prior to elected office, she was the Colorado State Director for America Votes, and was instrumental in the passage of the Voter Access and Modernized Elections Act of 2013, which has expanded access to the ballot in Colorado. Messick’s website noted, “The two main political parties have moved so far to the right and left, that the people who suffer are those who remain in the middle. The only way to fix the communication gap is to elect someone in the middle. I’m in the middle, I’m a Libertarian.” The site also listed Libertarian priorities of economic and personal liberties and a military sufficient to defend the U.S. against aggression. Before joining the Libertarian Party in 2016, Messick was an independent. “I tend to like portions of the beliefs of the two major parties, but not all of either,” he wrote. “My problem with the Democrats and Republicans is that they both spend too much money, wasting our tax dollars. This is because our system is set up to do what is best for politicians’ careers. This must change. I’ve found that the Libertarian belief in limited government suits me well. With that, there can be some fiscal responsibility.”

Senate District 34 Senate District 34 (all or some of Denver, Sloan’s Lake, Berkeley and the West Colfax corridor between Sheridan and Federal boulevards) has Democrat Julie Gonzales, policy director for the Meyer Law Office in Denver, facing Republican Gordon Alley, an associate pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church. Gonzales defeated her two primary opponents while Alley was unopposed. Among the accomplishments listed on Gonzales’ website is helping draft a bill that allowed Colorado undocumented students to attend college and pay in-state tuition and the creation of immigrant drivers licenses. Gonzales also helped pass legislation to ensure no Denver resources would be spent on immigration enforcement. Gordon and his wife, Rachel, have 12 children — “nine living and three in heaven through miscarriage” — according to his campaign website. Gordon, his parents, Pastor and Mrs. Rodger Alley, and his sister, Kristina Joy Alley, “have been showing people in Senate District 34 by their example in their life and through Biblical counseling how to have a strong marriage, rear obedient children and prosper financially and in business,” the website reads. On his campaign Facebook page, Gordon wrote, “I will stand up against evil in the Colorado State Senate by supporting bills that will make our community a safer place for you and your family, not invite criminals to move in!” The current officeholder is state Sen. Lucia Guzman (D), the assistant minority leader. State senators are limited to two consecutive four-year terms and Guzman cannot seek reelection.

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

What 5A And 5B Will Pay For, What They Will Cost n By

Mike McKibbin

or the seventh time in the last 20 years, voters in Jefferson County School District R-1 (also know as Jefferson County Public Schools or Jeffco Public Schools) will be asked to increase their property taxes to improve the condition of all buildings and help increase salaries and benefits for teachers and staff, among many other uses. Two questions will be on the Nov. 6 general election ballot in the district, which serves more than 86,000 students in 155 schools, including nine option schools and 18 charter schools. It is the second-largest school district in Colorado and operates 205 facilities within 777 square miles while employing 14,000 people. Ballot question 5A asks voters to increase their property taxes by $33 million, known as a mill levy override. The money would be used to expand programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and career/ technical education; attract and retain high quality teachers and staff; increase mental health and counseling professionals to improve student mental health services; update aged and outdated instructional resources such as books, supplies and technology; and increase early education programs. Question 5B seeks to increase the debt of the district by $567 million through a bond issue, with a repayment cost of up to $997.64 million, and to increase property taxes up to $67.4 million annually to repay that debt. This money would add and expand career/technical education facilities; upgrade safety and security in school buildings; repair, renovate, equip

VOTER INFORMATION OCT. 15-19 • BALLOTS MAILED Ballots are mailed to all eligible voters to the address on your voter registration ﬁle. Verify or update your address at GoVoteColorado.com.

or re-construct school buildings to ensure they are more safe, efficient, and accessible; and construct, furnish, equip and support buildings and classrooms at all types of schools, including charter schools. If 5A is approved, residential taxes will go up $2.10 a month per $100,000 in value and non-residential (commercial) taxes will increase $8.47 per month for every $100,000 in value. If 5B is approved, a taxpayer would experience a $1.81 per month increase for every $100,000 in residential value. Non-residential (commercial) taxes would increase $7.28 per month for every $100,000 of property value. We Are Jeffco is an issue committee registered with the Colorado Secretary of State to support the two questions. No opposition group is registered. The committee’s latest financial report to the secretary of state’s office on Oct. 1 listed expenditures of $32,207.59, contributions of $71,915 and a remaining balance of $39,707.41. The majority of donations were small, but among the largest contributors were Westerra Credit Union, $2,500; Centura Health, $10,000; Peter Powers of St. Anthony Hospital-Centura Health, $2,500; the Jefferson Foundation (Jeffco Schools Foundation), $10,000; Colorado Education Association, $5,000; and FirstBank Holding Company, $10,000.

Old buildings need work, bond market positive According

information

the

district website, the district has proposed six bond issue and/or mill levy hikes and seen three bond issues approved and two defeated since 1998. The mill levy overrides were split, with three approved and three defeated. The district has $1.3 billion in capital needs and the proposed work was scaled back $80 million from original proposals in June. With the average age of district buildings at nearly 50 years, the school board directed the money from the bond issue benefit all schools, with major renovations to high schools built before 1980, expansion of career and technical education sites and to accommodate growth with additions and new schools, among other items. At an Oct. 8 public meeting at the Manning School, 13200 W. 32nd Ave., Superintendent Jason Glass said the latest proposals do not include any school closings or consolidations, something that was considered after the defeat of the 2016 measures. “We want to improve all our schools,” he told a small crowd. “If the bond market is favorable, we may do even more. I believe we can exceed our planned improvements under current market conditions.” If 5A is approved by voters, the $567 million would be split among several uses: $354 million for projects at 99 elementary schools, 17 middle schools, 18 high schools, three pre-K sites and 20 option schools; school safety and security, interior and exterior renovations, technology, furnishings, playgrounds, mechanical upgrades, and bringing schools into

Christine Jensen Stands For:

OCT 15 - NOV 6 • DROP BOXES OPEN Drop off your ballot at any ballot dropoff location; 24-hour and drive-up ballot drop boxes also available. Find locations & hours at VoteJeffco.com.

educational specification compliance; a new career and technical education site in south Jefferson County and to reduce the Jeffco Facility Condition Index by 50 percent. Another $110 million would be used to replace three schools, seven elementary school additions and seven middle school additions, while $56 million would go towards two new schools in high-growth areas of central Lakewood and northwest Arvada, and $56 million would help charter schools. Approximately $23 million in current capital transfer money will be used along with the bond money to help pay for a sixyear, $705 million capital improvement program. The district also noted the budgets for central services have been cut several times in the last decade. Central services include support for all schools in areas such as special education, gifted and talented, curriculum, human resources, student services (counseling and diversity), English language learners, food service, security, transportation, legal services, building maintenance, IT and more. The district said it spends about 4 percent ($61 per student or $2 million) of the $714 million general fund on executivelevel administration (chiefs and executive directors) in central administration. Further cuts to central services would not result in enough money to make meaningful compensation and staffing additions in schools and every cut reduces support to schools, the district website noted. Seventy percent of the general fund supports instruction in Jeffco schools.

Opportunity & Prosperity for ALL Great Schools & Well-Paid Teachers Safe Communities Protecting Our Seniors

OCT. 22 - NOV. 6 • VOTER SERVICE & POLLING CENTERS OPEN Full voting services available including: vote in-person, get a replacement ballot, register to vote, and accessible voting. Find locations & hours at VoteJeﬀco.com.

""I believe that Colorado is the land of opportunity. The opportunity for individual achievement and the ability to provide a safe, prosperous future for our children."

OCT. 29 • DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR BALLOT IN THE MAIL Last day to register to vote or make changes to your voter registration online, by mail, or at a registration agency in order to receive a ballot in the mail. Register online, GoVoteColorado.com.

--Christine Jensen

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

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they clearly are! We must preserve pathways into colleges and professions which require college and advanced degrees. Our nation needs physicians, lawyers, teachers and engineers – all professions which require college degrees. It is critical that we continue to provide pathways to prepare students for these kinds of futures. oth of these future pathways are Instead, it is to say that we must build important for our students. Also, up and add to career/technical education the lines between careers which require options, inclusive of adding experiential college preparation versus education opportunities that get career/technical preparation students out into communities, are blurring, leading to jobs experiencing learning first that have some combination of hand. both academic and hands-on Here in Jeffco, our experiential education. schools have traditionally done a What we are experiencing good job preparing students for now is a move of the pendulum college. We also have one of the toward career/technical best career/technical education education. In my professional programs in the world with opinion, this is a move in the Warren Tech – something we right direction and that is hope to expand if the district’s Jason E. Glass, Ed.D. overdue. ballot questions (5A and 5B) are For too long, we have narrowed school successful. Ultimately, we look to the voters success to be based on academic ability to have the final say in if we expand these demonstrated in a very narrow way – namely programs or not. through standardized test scores. However, Thank you. Jason E. Glass, Ed.D., is the Superinwe all know there are literally millions and tendent and Chief Learner of Jeffco Public millions of students across our nation who Schools; www.jeffcopublicschools.org. struggle in school and on tests, but who turn If you have a question for our superinout to be remarkably successful adults. tendent please submit it to Guy@Nostalgi To be clear, this is not to say that cHomes.com or call it in to 303-999-5789. academic pathways are not important –

SCHOOL VISITOR PASS Meet Maple Grove Elementary Principal Chris Neville n By

Guy Nahmiach

hris Neville is the new principal at Maple Grove Elementary. I sat with him recently and asked him about his perspective on his new position. What is your background? Where was your last job and why did you leave there to come here? I am originally from Philadelphia. My grandma was an Eagles fan and so am I. I spent most of my life in upstate New York near Vermont. In 2007, I moved to Colorado with my beautiful wife because I love the outdoors. I worked as a Special Education teacher in Jeffco eight years ago. I then went to Douglas County and worked as an Assistant Principal and Principal before being hired at Maple Grove. I left my previous school because I live in Lakewood and wanted to serve my local community. I also am a huge believer in the work Jeffco is doing for kids. Giving students ways to demonstrate their knowledge with real world projects engages them and deepens their learning. Is it less pressure, or even more, to become the leader of a hugely successful school? I love my job. Being hired at Maple Grove is a tremendous opportunity and I consider it a gift that I get to serve the students, staff and families of Maple Grove each day. The

previous success of Maple Grove has laid the groundwork for me to help Maple Grove continue to thrive. At this point, I am feeling excitement and not pressure. Both Maple Grove and Prospect Valley schools are always accused of having it easy in terms of success, with having the “rich white kids.” How do you convey to the community that Maple Grove faces with the same challenges as everyone else in Jeffco? I would say that children are unique, complex and interesting. Each group of students presents their own set of unique challenges and opportunities for success. As educators, it is our responsibility to meet the needs of the students within our school community. While the challenges we face are not the exact same, all schools face complex issues without easy answers. What are your top two goals this year? 1) Every child has the opportunity to engage in a real-world learning experience that gives them the opportunity to use the knowledge we have taught them. 2) We demonstrate a higher level of academic achievement in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics on CMAS (statewide academic testing). Contact Principal Chris Neville at 970633-2115. Questions for this guest writer or suggestions for future guest writers should be sent in to Guy@NostalgicHomes.com

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ngazette.com – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

SCHOOL CROSSING Why Is Our Teen Suicide Rate Twice The National Average? don’t think we need great teachers that actually care about your kids in each class, got an email from our high school today, you have been away for far too long. This is about a student who committed suicide. not about politics. This is about spending Last week one came from Heritage High. dollars to bring in top educators and mental This has become a weekly announcement health professionals that can get students for our community. excited about reading and writing and math Teen suicides in Colorado are twice the and even history. Teachers that are making national average. According to the Jefferson sure our kids are thriving and are happy Center for Mental Health, among youth and and feel safe in expressing themselves and young adults, suicide is the second leading their emotions. It’s also about being able to cause of death. afford to ask those that are not passionate We keep hearing about the thousands about our kids to move on and find another moving here, but we don’t talk profession. about their kids. Instead it’s This is not to lay blame self-help meetings and school on schools alone. We as committees and articles in the parents, grandparents, uncles media that get swallowed up by and aunts need to place our sports and politics. students higher on our list of Our kids are dying and all we priorities. Meaning spending more valuable time with them. talk about are elections this and Reading to them, checking elections that. Groups that want their homework and just having more money and people longing genuine conversations. More for the old days. Backroom deals importantly, we are all voters between politicians. Stories Guy Nahmiach and need to make mental health about marijuana healing people a priority when we vote. Schools and how we need more lanes on can only do so much in providing enough our roads. resources. Not all parents will or can do as For once I’d like someone to just talk much for their kids. But as a community, about the increased pressure felt by students. we need to step in and make sure these Their IQ levels tested in kindergarten. The students can stand up on their own and pressure to pick a career that hasn’t been graduate with a plan for their lives. invented yet. Coping with food restrictions More young people are committing put on by schools, parents, friends and suicide here at home then most places in this the media. The political environment country. Let that sink in for a while and then inside the schools. Mobile updates every call me (303-999-5789) and tell me how you second wanting to share what they had for are going to help stop this. I don’t want your breakfast. The speed of life has intensified postcards about financial transparency and and is seemingly out of control. experiences with local businesses. I couldn’t Our schools are experimenting with care less about your fracking and your new methods of teaching. Acronyms that sanctuary state, your retirement benefits will make your head spin: PBL, STEM, and baseball field. I simply want to stop this STEAM, ALP, GT, IEP, 2E, SENG, F&R. The wave of kids losing hope and committing distance schools have created between the suicide every week. classroom and parents simply wanting to Ask your kids to store this number on their understand how to engage their students in phone and have them share it with their friends: a conversation. Wanting to diminish screen Colorado Crisis Services Hotline, 1-844-493time while schools boast a one-to-one ratio 8255. If you are in crisis or need help dealing – one screen per student. Talk about mixed with one, call or text “TALK” to 38255 to speak messages. to a trained professional. What if we saved one This is not a political piece about kid this week… and it was yours? promoting anything but simply the well As always, thanks for reading. being of our kids. If you don’t think we Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@Nosneed more psychologists in our schools, talgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789. you have been away for far too long. If you

n By

Guy Nahmiach

Jeffco BRC is a non-proﬁt organization dedicated to providing quality service and support for all small businesses in Jefferson County. We offer FREE Business Advising to both Jeffco business owners and those who are considering starting a business. Popular Topics include Concept, Research and Feasibility Financial Check-Up Business Plan Writing Growth & Expansion Registration & Business Structure Marketing & Strategic Planning Funding & Funding Sources Hiring & Firing If you have questions – we have answers! Call to set up your FREE Business Advising Appointment Today!

Upcoming Workshops October 26th JEFFCO MAKE-OVER “HEAD SHOT SPECIAL” You never get a chance to make a 1st impression! Special pricing available for all Jeffco business owners. Visit the website to learn more! November 1st – 8:00 am SPEED NETWORKING Building your business is a contact sport! Join us on November 1st and meet more people before lunch, than you would normally in the entire week! November 6th – 8:00 am BUYING OR SELLING A BUSINESS Are you considering buying or selling a business? What do you need to consider? Where do you start? We have the answers you’re seeking! November 15th – 12:00 noon DIY – SEO: TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR ONLINE MARKETING! Join us for lunch and learn how to maximize your online presence and drive more trafﬁc to your website.

Visit our website to learn more: jeffcobrc.org • 303-996-8976

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n By

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

COFFEE WITH THE CITY

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR

Meet Lauren Mikulak, Planning Manager

Providing Some Insight And Opinion On Ballot Questions

Guy Nahmiach

ity planning is crucial in the growth process for every city. I sat down recently at Bardo with Lauren Mikulak, Planning Manager for the City of Wheat Ridge. Who is Lauren Mikulak? I am a mom of two kids, wife to a middle school principal and a public servant for the City of Wheat Ridge. We love the outdoors and brew our own beer. Originally from Michigan but moved through eight cities before landing in beautiful Colorado. How did you become a planner? It’s definitely a career path. I studied architecture in college and went to work for Habitat for Humanity. With my time spent helping during Katrina in New Orleans, I got a taste for how many small projects contribute toward an overall environment. I decided to pursue my masters in Urban Planning and applied for a junior position in Wheat Ridge... that was eight years ago. I am now the Planning Department Manager. What exactly do planners do? We approve business licenses. Matching locations, zoning and what the license is intended for. In short, we answer three basic questions: What can I do? How can I do? And where can I do? What are some hard decisions you’ve made lately? Giving bad news is always tough. I am the bad cop sometimes and have to deliver or enforce existing laws. That’s never fun. How do communities beneﬁt from your work? We help communities by coordinating growth. We are involved in every project and assist in converting a vision into a regulation

framework. Meaning that an idea is brought from concept into an environment where everyone can benefit from. We also protect neighbors from one another. One person building structures too tall or close to their neighbors. Protecting one’s property rights without infringing on their neighbors’ rights. What’s the fun side of your job? Seeing a project break ground. This means that a homeowner/developer/ investor has brought forward a concept and we worked with them using existing guidelines right through all the steps and helped them achieve their goals. What frustrates you as a City of Wheat Ridge planner? Social media. Misinformation. Stories based on hearsay and not facts. I just wish we had more questions from the public so that we could inform people of the correct way of approaching projects. If you could advise homeowners about projects overall, what would that be? Do your homework. Advice is free. We have a Planner of the Day (POD) program where we answer questions (phone or in person) about the process, the details and best practices. If more people utilized this service ahead of building, the overall experience would be smoother. The planning department can be reached at 303-234-5931. What’s next for Lauren Mikulak? I love my job and while I thought about joining private enterprises, I know that I will remain in the public sector. It’s an exciting time to be in Wheat Ridge. Thanks for your time. Lauren Mikulak can be reached at the City of Wheat Ridge at 303-235-2845.

T HIS S EASON & A NY S EASON

n By

Bud Starker

he Colorado tradition of direct citizen involvement in the election process is very much in evidence in this fall’s general election. In addition to various candidate races for governor, the state legislature and judicial retention, the voters will be asked to weigh in on a wide range of ballot questions, both constitutional and statutory, the results of which will impact our communities for years to come. Below is my take on a few of the questions.

(20 percent each) and multi-modal (15 percent). As a state we have not kept up with maintenance and capital construction of our transportation system and need to act now. My picks: No on 109. Yes on 110.

Amendment 74

This proposed constitutional amendment is perhaps the most critical issue on the ballot. Deceptively simple in its drafting, this measure, locked into the state constitution, is vague, broad and full of unintended consequences. The amendment calls Transportation for “the government to award Two ballot questions seek to just compensation to owners address the state’s estimated $9 Bud Starker of private property when a billion backlog of transportation government law or regulation infrastructure: Proposition 109 reduces the fair market value of the (“Fix Our Damn Roads”) and Proposition property.” 110 (“Let’s Go Colorado.”) It’s not hard to envision that on almost Proposition 109 asks the state legislature any action taken by our city council on a to issue debt obligations of $3.5 billion for land use application, one party or another a prioritized list of state transportation would feel that the action diminished the projects. This proposition does not have value of their property and file suit against a new dedicated revenue source so the the city. legislature will be tasked with re-allocating I believe the focus of this measure revenues from other areas of the state budget should be to create very carefully crafted such as education and health care to fund legislation that is not embedded in the this transportation mandate. This initiative constitution, and should not subject our also only addresses projects on state roads local government to potentially crippling (those managed by CDOT), meaning the 88 litigation. percent of roads managed by counties and My take: No on Amendment 74. cities would not be included in this funding. Proposition 110 would fund De-Brucing transportation by a .62 percent state sales West Metro Fire Protection District tax which would sunset after 20 years. (Issue 7C) asks the voters to maintain (not This measure would raise about $767 increase) their current mill levy scheduled million per year and enable about $6 billion to ratchet down under the effects of TABOR. of bonding capacity for transportation projects. Revenues would be split between Continued on page 10 CDOT (45 percent), counties and cities

LOCALWORKS UPDATE Ghouls And Goblins And Ghosts, Oh My!

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“We were looking for more visibility, so we decided to try it out and see how it [went],” said George. ou may have noticed lately that the air is George and his team came armed with getting crisp, the days are getting shorter flyers about Body Mind Systems and eight and just about everything is pumpkin-spice huge bags of candy from Costco. flavored. That can only mean one thing. It’s “We still ran out and grabbed extra from almost Halloween! Localworks,” laughed George. “Thousands Here at Localworks, we are excited of kids came through the line.” about the change in the season, George was thrilled that and we are hard at work on our he was able to get his flyers into next community event – Trunk the hands of that many local or Treat. For those of you who families. aren’t familiar with this event, “I’m coming back this Trunk or Treat is a free and safe year because we met so many trick-or-treating experience. Wheat Ridge families last year Local businesses and residents and that is our target market,” decorate the trunk of their vehicle said George. “Plus, it’s just fun and pass out candy to attending handing out candy.” families. When I asked George In addition, the Wheat Ridge about his favorite part of the Kiwanis club is partnering with Ashley Holland event, he told me that he loved other nearby Kiwanis groups to decorating the car. One of his teenage offer fun games for attendees. This year, students helped make their car great. we are adding a photo station where you “We’re going to up our game this year can capture a great picture of your family though,” said George. He was blown away dressed up in your costumes. by some of the crazy car designs at last Trunk or Treat is a wonderful year’s event. community-building event, but don’t take it Localworks is thrilled to have great from me. I sat down with George Alajjouri, business owners like George help make the owner of Wheat Ridge martial arts Trunk or Treat successful every year. Join us training studio, Body Mind Systems, to for this year’s Trunk or Treat on Saturday, discuss his involvement with the event. Oct. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m., at 7101 W. 38th Last year, George and his team decorated Ave. his vehicle and participated in Trunk or Treat If you are interested in decorating for the first time. George told me that he was your trunk, please register to participate at interested in the event because his business RidgeAt38.com/trunk-or-treat. partner had participated in a similar event as Ashley Holland is the Marketing and a representative of their Littleton location, Events Coordinator at Localworks. and it was very successful. n By

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ngazette.com – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL

WEST METRO FIRE

Join Us For November Second Saturday ‘Bountiful Blessings’

Ballot Measure 7C: Maintaining West Metro’s Resources

n By

Janet “White” Bradford

oin us for “Bountiful Blessings” on Saturday, Nov. 10, a family fun event in which we share with our neighbors the fruits of the season’s harvest. It’s Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s November Second Saturday event, held at the Historic Baugh House at 44th and Robb Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stroll back in time when the ladies gathered before the holidays to trade or swap the produce they canned, pickled or preserved. Louise might bring her prized plum jam while Emma brought her bread & butter pickles. This allowed for a variety of tastes for the holiday season. This month our recorder group will be giving lessons so bring your kids with the recorders they got at school for the Sing and Play Along. Lessons available! Dressing in clothing from the 1890s to 1930s is encouraged! Think pioneer – here in Wheat Ridge, we are Home of the Farmers! Participants may find their picture on, plus you can share a picture of your special produce that you plan to bring on our Facebook page – “The Wheat Ridge Historical Society” Bring your questions about the Wheat Ridge area to our historians or purchase some local history books or old-time toys when you visit. Stop by the Historical Park at 4610 Robb St. to chat with members of the Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle as they work on quilts and other crafts on the fourth Wednesday of the month between 10:30

a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Cost is $2. Also for just $2, you can get a tour of The Historical Park when it is open Tuesday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. With five buildings to tour and many historic items to explore this is a great bargain! With the addition of our Fourth Saturday Project Day we have started to tackle some projects around the Historical Park and Baugh House. Even on the cold weather days there are indoor projects to be tackled too! So come by for 30 minutes or an hour or two, all help is greatly appreciated. We had 18 people attend our 1st project day! This is a monthly event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at either or both locations – check our website for updates on this community service: www.wheatridgehistoricalsociety. org Snacks provided and history is discussed at these Project Day events, Nov. 24, Dec. 22, Jan. 26 and Feb. 23/. Our November Society meeting will be on the second Tuesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m., at the Red Brick Museum building. We have snacks with a brief historic talk at the start of the meeting. New members are encouraged to join us at these friendly, fun and informative monthly evening meetings. Our upcoming monthly second Saturday events include Holiday Celebrations with White Elephant gift exchange (December), Happy 50th Birthday Wheat Ridge (January 2019), and Sweethearts & Craft Arts (February 2019). Our website is WheatRidgeHistoricalSociety.org. You can email us at WRHistorical@gmail.com. Or visit us on Facebook: The Wheat Ridge Historical Society.

n By

Ronda Scholting

mergencies don’t happen when it is convenient. Instead, they happen 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In 2017, West Metro firefighters answered more than 34,000 emergency calls. That’s one call for help, just about every 15 minutes – an increase of more than 51 percent over the last decade. This November, voters in West Metro Fire Rescue’s district have an opportunity to decide on an important ballot issue that could affect emergency fire and medical response for families and communities. The ballot issue is 7C, which deals with residential property tax valuations. Nearly 70 percent of West Metro’s budget comes from property taxes. Property taxes are derived from the assessed value of a residential or commercial property, which is a percentage of the actual value of the property, set by the state. The assessed value is then multiplied by West Metro’s mill levy to compute the property tax that is collected for the district. Over the years, the residential assessment rate has been cut again and again. In 2019, it is expected the rate will be cut even more. That would affect public schools, counties, cities, towns and special districts, like West Metro. The predicted cut would mean a significant shortfall in West Metro’s budget, even while the demand for emergency and life-saving services continues to grow. As with most ballot issues, there are

supporters and opponents. For 7C, those who support it say it would assure financial stability for the district, by maintaining the current residential property tax rate, allowing the district to financially plan for its future, including the health and safety of its residents and businesses. Supporters also believe the measure would help West Metro maintain quick response times, along with critical emergency medical services and fire protection because the district would not be forced to consider closing fire stations and reducing services. A yes vote on 7C is not a tax increase. On the other side, those opposed to 7C say while it’s not an immediate tax increase, if the residential property tax assessment rate continues to drop, it could be considered a future tax increase. That’s because homeowners would be paying taxes at today’s rate – not at the potentially lower rate in the future. Those opposed to 7C also say that voters should oppose all tax issues, even those meant for life saving services – like fighting fires and emergency medical services. And, that since fire district revenues have increased slightly since 2006, funding has not remained static. Ballots should start arriving in the mail in mid-October for registered voters in West Metro’s district. Issue 7C is at the bottom of the ballot. Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 6. Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

What’s Happening in the WRBA

Eclectic Architectural Design Defines Community n By

Congrats to Post Oak Hall Helliemae’s Wheat Ridge for theirrecent ribbon cutting Thanks to Wheat Ridge Business District for the facade grant, looks great.

What a great October Breakfast Meeting this morning with our amazing Speaker Jayne Sanders with Purpose Wisdom, “Learning your Purpose that is etched into your Hands”

November Membership Breakfast

Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, November 8

wheatridgebiz.com/ upcoming_events/

DATE: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 TIME: 11:00am-1:00pm LOCATION: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO COST: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members SPEAKER: Brad Herman, Jr, Crime Prevention Deputy, Jeffco Sheriff’s Ofﬁce TOPIC: “How to protect yourself from SCAMS” MEETING SPONSOR: Stefan Magyar, Ink It Over MEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Lori Bush-Engel – Modern Woodman of America

Welcome New Members Jeff Hurlburt - Clancy’s Irish Pub • Paul Enockson - Enockson Law Michael Denison - Aspen Grove Financial Strategies Joe Turok - Welcomemat Services Jeffco/Boulder David Ennis - Ease Your Panes • Amanda Wolf - Sin Jac Electric Inc Please join us for our next meeting. Call (720) 588-2317

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Ron Benson • 720-879-3927 ronbenson777@gmail.com

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Patricia Lilliston

community is distinguished by population, area, spatial design and allocation of natural and human-made features. Architectural design also defines a community. From Ames Street to Fenton Street, homes in Mountain View are differentiated by age of construction, building material and design making the architectural blueprint of the community diverse in appearance. Homes representing cottage, Tudor, bungalow, ranch and contemporary architecture are scattered throughout the neighborhood. Historically, the first house of record in Mountain View was built in 1874 on Ames Street. During this era, houses were basic in form and considered simple cottages. Exterior building materials included wood, stone or stucco. Houses were designed with steep-pitched side gable roofs and narrow casement windows. Spindle work or decorative trim was often added to porches or windows. Inside, rooms were small, functional spaces with hardwood flooring. Tudor or English style architecture became influential in the 1900s. Wood, stone or brick with an application of contrasting, intense paint covered exterior surfaces. Porches extended the length of the home. Kitchens also became larger work spaces. Floor plans included a separate dining room, sleeping porch and a bathroom with a cast-iron tub. Tile, natural stone, hardwood, linoleum or cork was used for floor covering. Built in the 1920s and continuing in popularity for several decades, bungalows are modest single-story homes. Made of wood, brick or stone, bungalows have a distinctive broad, low gabled roof with one or two large front dormer windows, and wide eaves with exposed rafters under the eaves. Massive posts border the veranda. Unique interior design elements include an entry hall, butler’s pantry, attic and throughout the home, finely crafted hardwood built incabinets, door casings and floors. Popular from the 1930s through the 1960s, the ranch style home is a single story design featuring low-pitched roofs and a facade constructed with brick and wood. Since automobile ownership had increased, the ranch style offered an attached garage and paved driveway. Interior woodworking details included coved ceilings and built-in cabinets. Linoleum, hardwood or wall-towall carpeting covered the floors. Contemporary, urban house plans feature glass, steel and concrete. From the street, these homes are dramatic in height and angled design. This design utilizes a small footprint allowing homes to be built on an infill site or previously developed lot. The open floor plan, multi-level concept and the expansive square footage architectural design of the contemporary home allows for maximum livability.

WR Mayor Mark Plummer • 303-422-2018 mplummer@lﬁns.com

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REACH OVER 25,000 READERS MONTHLY Affordable rates starting at $50/issue Contact Tim 303-995-2806 tim@ngazette.com

Tim Berland • 303-995-2806 ngazette.com

Continued from page 8

The Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (Issue 7G) asks the voters to approve a levy not to exceed 1.0 mills as originally provided by the enabling state legislation. Both Districts provide vial emergency services and deserve our support. My thoughts: Yes on both 7C and 7G.

Wheat Ridge

The City of Wheat Ridge brings two issues before the voters. Question 2A asks the voters to “restore local authority”, that was taken away by the state legislature, in order to allow the city to provide high-speed Internet service. This only provides authorization for the city to be able to provide these services in the future

The age of homes and blend of architectural styles within the town creates an eclectic blueprint. Hopefully, the unique, diverse architecture will continue to define the Mountain View community for another 100 years.

Community Events

The Town Council Community Development and Outreach Committee directed a questionnaire to ascertain residential priorities for the 2019 Proposed Town Budget. The questionnaire can be accessed at https://bit.ly/TOMV-Survey. A paper version is available at the Town Hall, 4176 Benton St. Submit completed survey by Thursday, Nov. 1, for your voice to be heard. The second reading for the 2019 Proposed Town Budget is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 14, during the regular monthly town council meeting, 6:30 p.m., at the Town Hall, 4176 Benton St. A public meeting for the Mountain View Wastewater and Stormwater Improvement Project is anticipated in November 2018. A public meeting notice will be posted 30 days prior to the scheduled date. Watch for a community flyer and website notification regarding the day, time and location for the public meeting. Residents are urged to clear overgrown weeds and trees, and move trash from sidewalk and alleyways. Overgrown plant growth and excessive trash create unwarranted safety and health nuisances. Violators are subject to citation and fine. Watch for a community flyer and website notification regarding the date of the annual November town clean up.

Good Views

Daylight hours are shorter. Temperatures are cooler. Leaves are turning. Fall, the transition from summer to winter, has arrived. The seasonal shift to fall also prompts another prominent feature. Merchants everywhere have stocked their shelves with the ever-popular confectionery, candy corn. Distinguished by a broad yellow base, tapered orange center, and pointed white tip, candy corn was invented by George Renninger in the 1880s, and first manufactured by the Wunderle Candy Company. Originally candy corn was made by hand with combined sugar, corn syrup, carnauba wax and water. Other ingredients were added to create texture and offer a soft bite. The mixture was heated to form a slurry and then poured into molds. The recipe remains nearly the same today. For candy corn connoisseurs everywhere, fill your bowl on Tuesday, Oct. 30 to honor National Candy Corn Day. Enjoy the treat all day long before going out the next day for “Trick or Treat.”

(no action is contemplated at this time). Question 2B is another TABORrelated question arising from the 2016 2E “Investing 4 the Future” voter-approved ballot question. Largely because of the large hailstorm last year, the first year’s tax revenue from the 2E sales tax increase exceeded the estimate contained in the enabling ballot language. This question asks the voters to allow the city to retain these excess revenues and spend them on the four 2E projects. I am in support of both measures. Whatever your leanings on these issues or any issues or candidates on the ballot, I hope you will exercise your right and responsibility to vote in this year’s election. It is the foundation of our representative democracy. See you around town. Contact Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker at bstarker@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2800.

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Ravens: Mischievous, Intelligent And Unlikely To Forget n By

Sally Griﬃn

n the book, “Lords of the Air,” Jake Page and Eugene Morton talk about how in some Native American cultures, ”The raven is something of a cultural hero where the bird’s evident intelligence and mischievousness are well noted.” Rick Sinnott, a wildlife Biologist in Alaska, knows how intelligent ravens are. He is studying the habits of ravens at Fort Richardson, near Anchorage. To do this he has to capture them, tag them and strap tiny radio transmitters to their backs. His devices to capture these ravens included using what ravens find irresistible: Cheetos. But soon the ravens found out that his Cheetos were something to avoid. “They know that Cheetos are bad news,” said Sinnott. “They all leave the area as soon as I throw Cheetos on the ground. The thing is every time you mess with one of these guys, that’s just that many more ravens who know what you’re up to.” There is no doubt that ravens are some of the most intelligent of bird species. The ability to plan is a supposed unique quality among humans. But a study last year by Martin Osvath showed that ravens think about the consequence of delayed gratification, something demonstrated so far only in people. When the birds knew that waiting a delayed period would mean a greater reward, they would anticipate that reward and show self-control in the face of more immediate temptations, i.e., food. These are all key components in planning. They also have good memories. They can recall friends and perceived enemies for years after meeting them. Ravens show the ability to perform complex actions that nature does not demand of them, and they do it without testing or trial and error. They can observe the situation and behave as if they know what they’re doing. For some scientists this demonstrates the use of logic – something that is lacking in most animals. When we lived in Conifer, we had to leave our can on garbage pick-up day a lengthy distance from the house, down a long driveway. We kept finding the can empty and the garbage picked through and strewn about. We finally staked out a position on our deck where we could still see the can, looking for a stray dog or bear causing the damage. Nope. It was a very large mountain raven. And this raven managed to find ways into our garbage despite our numerous and varied attempts to stop his marauding. It

was almost as if he enjoyed the challenge. He would caw at us from a tall tree as he watched our efforts and, as soon as we left, he would swoop down to unravel the newest puzzle. A large rock on top of the lid was laughingly simple to push off. A bigger rock meant he had to call in buddies and share the loot. Bungee cords took longer to figure out, but he eventually learning to pull on the end with the hook. Once he invited a bear in to overwhelm the can and disperse the goodies. He, evidently, was willing to share with those outside his species if it meant he could get what he wanted. Most people don’t know but ravens are great imitators. They can learn human speech better than some parrots. Besides mimicking humans, ravens also can duplicate other noises, like car engines, toilets flushing, animal and bird calls. They have been known to imitate foxes and wolves to get them to open carcasses that the raven alone can’t manage. They are willing to wait their time until the other animal is done and then dine on the leftovers. They seem to understand cause and effect. A study in Wyoming found that during hunting season, the sound of a gunshot draws ravens to look for a presumed carcass. Yet, these same birds ignore equally loud sounds like a car back-firing or an airhorn. They are also very playful. In the frozen north, they have been known to use snowcovered roofs or snowy hills as slides. They often play keep-away with other animals, like dogs or wolves. They like performing aerial acrobatics. One raven was seen flying upside down for more than half a mile. They even make toys by using sticks, pinecones, golf balls or rocks to play with each other or by themselves. Sometimes, I think they laugh at other animals by taunting or mocking them. I know for a fact that our mountain raven was doing that. However, there are other places with even bigger problems with ravens. They have caused power outages by messing with insulators on power lines; they have pecked holes in airplanes; they have surprised campers by opening their tents; and they have raided cars with windows left open in parking lots. In terms of evolution, ravens seem to have the upper hand. They can live in a variety of places, including snowy hills, deserts, mountains, forests and towns. Their large size and thick plumage help protect them from extreme weather. They are scavengers with a varied diet, including fish, meat, seeds, fruits, ants, carrion and, in

Conifer, garbage. They don’t mind tricking other animals. They work together. While one raven distracts the other animal, another raven will steal the food. They have few predators and live a long time and have long memories. Although a flock of ravens is called an unkindness, they appear to be anything but unkind to each other. They show empathy for each other and will be seen consoling or helping each other. They remember ravens they like and will respond to them in a friendly way. They are suspicious around strange ravens and overtly hostile to ones

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they don’t like. Ravens are part of the corvid family and are close cousins to crows. Crows are smaller: 6 inches shorter and with 12 inches smaller wingspans. Crows have short, rounded or square tails compared to the ravens’ longer, wedge-shaped tails. Crows can be identified by their caw-caw call, while ravens have a deeper, hoarser “kraah.” Crows live in groups, while ravens usually limit companionship to two to four other associates. Remember to be kind to your local ravens. They can recognize human faces and they have very long memories.

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

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the pharmacist’s clinical knowledge is. “The stereotype is that pharmacists are tucked away in the back, just counting out pills by fives and labeling pill bottles, but that’s not the case. The pharmacist can also fill in gaps in education the patient might have regarding the full extent of a medicine’s attributes.” Haight brings to Regis his specialty of leadership and assessment, to assure that students are learning what they should be learning. “I teach pharmacy students about leadership and management. Not only business leadership, but also how they can lead by counseling patients and be a leader among peers. Working in the pharmacy, you’re also working with techs and other pharmacists.” Because many immunizations impact children, Haight and Feltman also work with an immunologist, who examines cost savings to society – both indirect costs and direct costs, such as emergency-room visits.

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Both Haight and Feltman stress the importance of vaccinations, but they also recognize that some people don’t want their children immunized for personal or religious reasons. “In those instances,” Feltman said, “it’s important to be respectful of that position, to ask what are their fears and concerns that are holding them back and see if we can provide them with the information needed to help them better understand why these vaccine-preventable diseases need to be controlled.” Haight added that student coursework includes teaching students how to talk to patients who are vaccine-hesitant. “We have to build a relationship based on respect for that person’s position,” Feltman said. “If it’s for a medical or religious reason that’s not going to be changed, we can’t judge a person for that.” “We are seeing an increase in mumps,” Haight said. “Where we had seen six to seven cases, now there about 70 per year. Immunization rates in Colorado could be higher.” “Pertussis (whooping cough) is another vaccine-preventative disease that has spiked,” Feltman said. According to a report by the Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition, medical costs for preventable diseases cost the state of Colorado $35 million in 2015; and nearly 25 percent of Colorado kids have not had recommended vaccines. Sometimes misinformation can persuade people not to have their children vaccinated. Haight said there was a study released a while back that said vaccinations were the cause of autism. “That study has since been retracted,

but the media latched onto that at the time, and people still think it’s true.” Feltman knew in high school that she wanted a career in pharmacy. “My father is also a pharmacist. I was passionate about patient care from the beginning, and I thought, ‘How will I impact patients and take care of people?’” She received her Pharm.D. from the University of Colorado School of Pharmacy in 2005 and began her career with Target (Target pharmacies were recently bought out by CVS). Although she had been trained to provide immunizations, Target pharmacists were not then administering them; rather, they had nurses coming in to provide shots to patients.

The role of pharmacists as clinicians

A couple years into her role at Target, Feltman and four colleagues set up the pharmacist-led program for providing immunizations for the entire Target company. “We piloted it in Colorado in our pharmacies, then went into Minnesota and expanded it across the nation,” she said. Feltman said that Colorado began allowing pharmacists to issue immunizations in the late 1990s; at that time they could only administer to adults. “We have evolved to a point under Colorado state law that says pharmacists can provide immunizations for any age, including babies. But corporations – Walgreens, CVS and others – can set their own minimum age limits. “CVS is currently three years old and up. Safeway is four and up.” “Our pharmacy curriculum is designed to teach our students to become clinicians. We don’t diagnose – that’s what physicians are for – so how do we help to complement a given medical situation? Our students are required to not only understand what happens to the body but also to understand the classifications of medicines and how those medicines work in the body to correct the issue.” Recently, Colorado passed a law that permits pharmacists to prescribe smokingcessation products and oral contraceptives, Haight said. At this point, pharmacists can otherwise only manage self-care medications by providing information about what over-the-counter remedies might be best to treat a given problem. Feltman and Haight are passionate about educating the public about pharmacists and how they can be utilized as part of the health care team and provide what patients sometimes need to more successfully manage their chronic diseases. The next time you pass the pharmacy inside your local grocery store, they advise, stop a moment to consider what medical information you might need. While it may be true, as Feltman says, that we don’t walk around in the grocery store and think, “Gosh, I wonder how I’m doing on my immunizations,” she and Haight would like to alter that mind-set and encourage folks to ask about the other immunizations that are available to them.

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ngazette.com – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Friends In High Places – Fall Bird-Watching n By

Meghan Godby

hen you think of birds in the Wheat Ridge area, what comes to mind? Magpies? Canadian Geese? Perhaps you can picture a springtime robin, or that pesky woodpecker outside your window every morning. It might surprise you to learn that Wheat Ridge is actually home to a wide variety of bird species, with over 200 observed on the Greenbelt alone. Considering there are only 650 species of breeding birds in North America, that number is pretty impressive. In fact, the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt (easily accessed from the new trailhead near 44th and Kipling) is one of the best migratory “traps” in the Denver metro area (a migrant trap is, essentially, an area of highly concentrated migratory birds). Dotted with marsh, swamp, old forests and ponds, it provides an ideal, variable habitat for all sorts of feathered friends. Generally speaking, fall bird migration runs August through October, but many shorter-distance land birds (think blackbirds, for example), could stretch their migration into December. There are, of course, plenty of permanent resident birds to keep you busy all year long. If you’re looking for a tried and true spot, consider heading to the eastern edge of the Greenbelt. Look closely to find warblers, sparrows, screech owls and waterfowl, among other species. Crown Hill Park (near 26th and Kipling) is also a great place to look. In all honesty, however, you don’t have to head to the Greenbelt or any other special

location to appreciate birds in our area. It’s obvious, but a birdfeeder outside your window is a low-cost way to explore the hobby from the comfort of your own home, with minimal effort. Not sure what to look for? Check out the website ebird.org. Founded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, not only is it a great wealth of knowledge, but it also has an array of impressive tools like live migration maps, species maps, and bird ID help. It can help you pinpoint bird-watching “hot spots” in your neighborhood and give you an idea of what species you can expect to see. There aren’t any dedicated birding organizations in the immediate area, but you don’t have to travel far to find a local expert. Your best bet is the Audubon Society of Greater Denver, which covers Wheat Ridge and many other surrounding communities. They have all sorts of programs ranging from family field trips, guided trips, and expert presentations. For more information, head to denveraudubon.org. It’s also a good idea to regularly check programming at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center and Jefferson County Library. While there aren’t any upcoming events scheduled, both facilities have hosted bird-watching related events in the past. Colorado provides ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, but there’s nothing quite like bird-watching to put you up close and personal with mother nature. And the best part? No training or special equipment is needed – just get out there and take a closer look! You might be surprised at what you find.

FITNESS CORNER 4 Tips For Thriving Through The Holidays floor. When we do things like this, rather than shaming yourself and putting all your energy tatistics show that for a large population into how you just acted like a toddler with of the United States, Oct. 1 is the least making a mess of your health, let’s focus on the average American will weigh for the learning and taking responsibility. remainder of the year. In doing so, there are Let that sink in for a moment. four steps you can take to thrive For me, autumn is one of the through the holidays and they most exciting times of year. It are: brings cooler weather, the beauty Step 1: Raise your of the changing aspen and PSLs! standards by changing your What are those you ask? “shoulds” into “musts”. Why, pumpkin-spiced lattes, of • “I should go to the gym.” course! • “I should lose some Yet, beyond the wonderful weight.” things we so love about the • “I shouldn’t be eating changing of seasons, October this.” can also mark the beginning of Johnny King Unfortunately, most the onslaught of holiday candy, people spend a lifetime “shouldholiday parties and holiday weight gain. ing” all over themselves and yet, nothing According to what I read on the Internet, ever changes. (which has to be true cause it’s on the Step 2: You have to eliminate your Internet, right?) over the course of the limiting beliefs by surrounding yourself with last three months of the year, the average people who have higher self-belief than you. American consistently puts on weight until Without a community of support, chances are after the New Year. you’ll default to your limiting beliefs. Being Why do we do this to ourselves? around others who are pursuing something I believe it has something to do with the greater, you too will begin to believe in what diet mentality that we have in our culture. is possible. Belief is contagious! A diet is something you’re either on or Step 3: To get maximum results, model you’re off. Whereas, a lifestyle is something what works! Don’t recreate the wheel. that you’re either making progress improving Consolidate years of trial and error into or you’re not. months of success by finding someone or All too often when someone who is a program that will bring the results you dieting desires to be healthier and they eat want. something that’s unhealthy, they think to Step 4: Focus on making progress themselves, “Well, I just blew it for the day, versus believing you have to be perfect. Ask might as well eat whatever I want and I’ll get yourself, “What can I learn from this?” Learn back on the diet starting tomorrow.” from every perceived setback and take action Unfortunately, this makes as much sense with an improved mindset for success! as someone accidentally overflowing their Johnny King is a Lifestyle Coach & Permug of morning coffee and upon realizing sonal Trainer at Feed Your Soul Fitness. For what they’ve done, rather than stopping they a holistic approach to health & fitness, visit continue to pour the rest of the pot into their us at FeedYourSoulFitness.com. cup, spilling coffee all over the counter and

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING HUB Community Resource Center Reopens At Stevens Elementary

Optimists Stage ‘It Takes A Village’ To Give Kids Hope Benefit, Oct. 25

Stevens Elementary in Wheat Ridge held their grand reopening of the HUB on Friday, Sept 14. The community resource center was relocated from the original office into a larger, renovated space that allows families to access more resources than they could previously. Families can access the clothing closet (set up like a department store), backpacks and school supplies, food items from the pantry, books from the literacy library, hygiene products, case management and other community resources. Families in need in the Wheat Ridge area and have school-aged children (ages 3-21) are eligible for these free services. All that is required is an ID and student ID for the child. The HUB has no operating budget and relies volunteer staffing and donations from Broomfield-based partner, A Precious Child. Donations to the HUB are accepted at Stevens Elementary or any A Precious Child boutique. Located at 7101 W. 38th Ave., the HUB is open Monday through Thursday (hours vary) and on Friday by appointment only.

The Wheat Ridge Optimist Club will host its 60th annual pancake supper, silent auction and yard sale Thursday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., at Wheat Ridge High School, 9505 W. 32nd Ave. The Community Connection Builder features an all-you-can-eat dinner with bacon, sausage, ham, peaches and beverages; a silent auction including restaurant certificates and excursions; and a yard sale of gently used items like stuffed animals, sport memorabilia, clothing and household goods. A magician will perform magic and create personalized balloon sculptures.

Contact the HUB at 303-982-2120.

Tickets cost $8 for adults and $4 kids under 12, and are available at the door and at www.wheatridgeoptimist.org.

National Drug Take Back Day Is Oct. 27 Wheat Ridge Police and Lutheran Medical Center will again partner for Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, Oct. 27. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the public can help prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused,

IN MEMORIAM

Local Sculptor Dennis West, 1952-2018 n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

ennis West, founder and owner of 23rd Avenue Sculpture Studio and Gallery, died Oct. 3 at age of 65. A lifelong resident of north Denver, West grew up at 42nd and Clay, in Sunnyside; he attended St. Catherine’s and graduated from Holy Family High School. In 1976, he received a fine arts degree from Loretto Heights College. West’s studio is at the corner of West 23rd Avenue and King Street, in a 1950s, four-bay, former Texaco filling station, and includes an outdoor garden that surrounds a year-round koi pond stocked also with goldfish and turtles. “I’m a big believer in God, in being a Christian and helping people out,” West told Neighborhood Gazette writer Ken Lutes in a March interview. “I have people walk into my studio everyday who need something fixed – their favorite dandelion digger, or a wheelbarrow, or the chair they broke when they were yelling at the Broncos.” He made the repairs at no charge, “because these people are my neighbors. I only ask them to pay that favor forward to someone else who needs one.” His grandfather was a painter and an illustrator for the Bureau of Reclamation, and his mother a “closet” painter, with many unfinished paintings discovered after her death. He is survived by daughters Amoreena Rose Corbin, Abigail Arah-Lynn Corbin, and Charleigh Alden Corbin; step daughters Juniper Sea Dickerson and Rhiannon Sage Dickerson; brothers Cary West, Mark West and Greg West; and others. According the the Cremation Society of Colorado, a celebration of life will be held on Oct. 20, noon to 6 p.m., at 4101 N. Harlan St., Wheat Ridge. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Amoreena Corbin to help offset the remaining medical expenses. For more information, visit www.cremationsocietyofco.com/ obit/dennis-alden-west/

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and unwanted prescription drugs. Pills and patches can be dropped off for disposal at Lutheran Medical Center’s main entrance at 8300 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge. However, the DEA cannot accept needles and sharps, Mercury (thermometers), oxygen containers, illicit drugs including marijuana, or chemotherapy/radioactive substances. The service is free and anonymous. No questions will be asked. Last April, WRPD collected 173 lbs. of prescription drugs adding to the national total of 474.5 tons that were collected from nearly 5,842 sites operated by the DEA and more than 4,683 of its state and local law enforcement partners. For more information about the disposal of prescription drugs or about the fall Drug Take Back Day event, go to the DEA Diversion website.

Fall Whale Of A Used Book Sale Packs Jeffco Fairgrounds, Oct. 19-21 Looking for good books at bargain prices? Then you’ll want to visit the Jefferson County Library Foundation’s (JCLF) Fall Whale of a Used Book Sale at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, from Friday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 21. Admission is free. The semi-annual event, which has more than a 20-year history in the community, offers the public 80,000 books, CDs, DVDs, vinyl records and many more items with prices starting at 50 cents. “All of our Whale of a Used Book Sales help us raise tens of thousands of dollars, which in turn helps to benefit Jefferson County Public Library,” said Jo Schantz, executive director of the Jefferson County Library Foundation. Early Bird shoppers can get in ahead of the crowd on Oct. 19 from 8 to 9 a.m. for a fee of $10 per adult. At 9 a.m., the sale opens to the public, and there is no admission charge for the rest of the three-day sale. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19 and 20. On Sunday, Oct. 21, the sale is open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local sponsors include Westerra Credit Union, Bandimere Speedway, Stevinson Toyota West, Pinkard Construction, Bean Fosters and Etkin Johnson Real Estate Partners. The Friends of Jefferson County Public Library is a county-wide organization dedicated to enhancing the programs and resources of our libraries. For more information about the Foundation and the Fall Whale of a Used Book Sale, to volunteer or become a Friend of the Library, visit jeffcolibraryfoundation. org or call 303-403-5075.

Bountiful Blessings At Wheat Ridge Historical Park, Nov. 10 Wheat Ridge Historical Society will host its Bountiful Blessings event on Saturday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wheat Ridge Historical Park, 4610 Robb St. Folks are invited to share with their neighbors the fruits of the season’s harvest at this month’s second Saturday event. “Trade or swap the produce you canned, pickled or preserved,” said the Society’s Janet Bradford. “The Recorder group will give lessons so bring your kids with the recorders they got at school for the Sing and Play along. There will be craft show tell and sell, and snacks with historic talks.” For more information, visit WheatRidgeHistoricalSociety.org or e-mail WRHistorical@gmail.com.

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Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Local Breweries Host BYOB(ook) Book Groups, Nov. 12 & 14 This fall, Jefferson County Public Library is hosting an alternative take on the traditional book group. BYOB(ook) Group is a monthly, themed book group meeting at Westfax Brewing Company, 6733 W. Colfax Ave., in Lakewood, on the second Wednesday of the month (Nov. 14), from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and a second group at Wheat Ridge’s Colorado Plus Brew Pub, 6995 W. 38th Ave., on Nov. 12. People come prepared to talk about books that fall into the given theme in a casual setting and enjoy happy-hour prices, then leave with book recommendations for the rest of their fall reading. Upcoming dates and themes at WestFax include: Nov. 14, a non-fiction graphic novel; and Dec. 12, a book with a cover you hate. The Wheat Ridge group’s dates and themes will include: a book with characters from a culture other than your own, Nov. 12; and a book of 21st-century poetry, Dec. 10. Visit jeffcolibrary.org for event information.

Wheat Ridge Looking For A Poet In Residence The Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission is seeking a Poet In Residence: a community member who enjoys writing poetry and wants to share their talent with the community over the next two years. The first year, 2019, the poet will write six poems, which he or she will read at various Wheat Ridge events celebrating its 50th anniversary of incorporation. The poems will also be posted on Wheat Ridge social media pages as well as in city publications. The second year, 2020, the poet will be expected to conduct outreach workshops at several Wheat Ridge schools. The poetry should inspire the community and be accessible to a diverse population as well as be an expression of our civic spirit. A $1,000 stipend accompanies this residency, to be distributed over the two years. Interested? Email a letter of interest and qualifications, not to exceed two pages, to Cultural@ci.wheatridge.co.us using the subject line “Poetry” by Nov. 5. The letter should include: your interest in the City of Wheat Ridge; what inspires you as a poet; a resume pertaining to poetry writing; and full name, home address, phone number and email address. Also include a portfolio of one eightto 12-line poem on the topic, “How Does Wheat Ridge Inspire You?” and two to three additional poems of your choosing. Preference will be given to Wheat Ridge residents or those with a Wheat Ridge connection.

Jeffco Residents Invited To Apply For Leadership Training Program By Nov. 2 Applications are now being accepted for the 2019 Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI), a 20-week program offered to Jefferson County adults and teens at no cost. FLTI participants meet Wednesday evenings January through June in north Lakewood and develop skills to become effective civic leaders for healthy families and communities. All Jeffco residents are encouraged to apply at JeffcoFLTI.com by Nov. 2. Continued on page 15

REACH 25,000 HOMES MONTHLY! Contact Tim Berland 303-995-2806 • tim@ngazette.com

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 14

FLTI graduates learn how to utilize information and resources, while working together with others of different viewpoints, to improve their communities. Adults and teens meet at the same time and location, but follow different curricula specifically designed for each age group. Dinner is served each week and childcare is provided at no cost. Spanish interpretation is offered during every class. At the beginning of the program, each FLTI participant selects a community project meaningful to them. The inaugural Jeffco class of adults and teens, which graduated in June 2018, chose impactful projects that included the development of a teen-parent resource guide, elementary school family engagement program, new community garden, parent-tot exercise program, anti-bullying programs and more. In addition to their community project, participants explore how to confidently engage with local, regional, state and federal elected officials, advocate for issues important to them, hone public speaking skills, work with the media, and develop their networks to create positive change for children and families. FLTI is an initiative coordinated by Colorado State University Extension and CSU’s Office of Engagement in partnership with 14 sites that span the four corners of the state. A core tenet of FLTI is that change happens on behalf of children and families when families learn how to cultivate and sustain community partnerships. Therefore, the nonpartisan program emphasizes partnerships among families, businesses, faith leaders, elected officials, community organizers, state and local government and philanthropists. The 2019 program will be the second Jeffco class following a successful inaugural program in 2018. For more information, contact site

coordinator Kimberly Massey at 303-2716635; or visit (and apply at) JeffcoFLTI. com.

Urban Renewal Authority, West Metro To Share TIF Revenue Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority, known as Renewal Wheat Ridge, and the West Metro Fire Protection District have signed an agreement to equally share revenue from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) projects. “Our Board recognizes that new development in Wheat Ridge creates an opportunity to increase financial support for one of the fire districts serving our community,” said Tim Rogers, chair of Renewal Wheat Ridge. “We realize that this agreement will affect our revenues, but we feel it is important to support the work of West Metro Fire Rescue by increasing available resources to ensure quality fire protection and emergency medical services to our community.” TIF is a unique mechanism that enables an Urban Renewal Authority to use the net new property tax revenues generated by redevelopment projects, within a designated urban renewal area, to help finance future public improvements. TIF is not an additional tax but an increase in property tax revenue that would not otherwise be available except in the case of these projects. “With any new development in urban renewal areas where TIF is used, 50 percent of the increased property tax revenue will now flow back to West Metro Fire Rescue helping to ensure our residents, businesses and visitors have emergency services,” said Patrick Goff, city manager of Wheat Ridge. When a redevelopment project is being planned, the Urban Renewal Authority

analyzes how much additional property and/or sales taxes may be generated once it is completed. That “tax increment” can then be used by the urban renewal entity either to finance the issuance of bonds or to reimburse developers for a portion of their project costs. In either case, the increased tax revenue that is created must be used for improvements that have a public benefit and that support the redevelopment effort, such as site clearance, streets, utilities, parks, the removal of hazardous materials or conditions, or site acquisition. Renewal Wheat Ridge (RWR) was created by the Wheat Ridge City Council and granted authority under the Urban Renewal Law. RWR consists of a volunteer board of directors that includes one member of the City Council. The board’s role is to fulfill the wishes of the City Council as defined by five Urban Renewal plans approved by Council. RWR uses TIF, which are property and sales tax revenues generated by each individual redevelopment project to construct public infrastructure improvements. West Metro Fire Rescue serves nearly 280,000 residents in the cities and towns of Lakewood, Morrison, Golden, Wheat Ridge and Edgewater.

Elitch Theatre Presents Children’s Day International Film Festival, Nov. 10 & 11 Historic Elitch Theatre, in conjunction with Blissfest333, Youth International Silent Film Festival, The Bug Theatre, and the New York International Children’s Film Festival, will present the final Children’s Day event of 2018 on Nov. 10 and 11, marking the First Annual Historic Elitch Theatre Children’s Day International Film Festival. Held at the end of Denver Arts Week, the festival will be a weekend event

featuring unique, intelligent films from across the world for young audiences and their families from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Each day will bring three blocks of films with brief intermissions. All screenings will take place inside The Bug Theatre, 3654 Navajo St., Denver. Children’s Day reflects Mary Elitch’s core mission: to introduce the cultural arts to our youth, open their minds, stimulate their curiosity, and deepen their compassion and understanding. The festival will give them exposure to high-quality films, compelling stories, and diverse perspectives from around the world and their own backyard. This year’s features will transport the audience into animated worlds to real worlds with beauty, thrilling thought-provoking adventures, friendships and fearless triumphs and tragedies. This international film festival will include screenings of “Coco,” Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” as well as internationally acclaimed films for children including “Stone Soup” (France/Belgium), “Riceballs” (Australia), “Water Path for a Fish” (Spain/Columbia/France). Feature films by Colorado filmmakers will also be shown including the world premiere of “Steampunk Cowboy,” Elitch Theatre’s first film production created by the students of Elitch Academy in honor of Thomas Edison, who screened the first silent films in 1896. Films shown on Saturday, Nov. 10, are ideal for ages 3 and up with the films featured on Sunday, Nov. 11, best for ages 8 and up. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets range from $10 to $50, and free for 18 and younger. Children must register online for their free tickets. A full schedule and tickets can be found at www.etfest.com/filmfestival. For free children’s tickets, visit https://filmfreeway.com/ChildrensFilmFestival/tickets.

Colfax Art Crawl & Diá de los Muertos celebration!

Friday, November 2, 2018 from 5-9 pm Fire artists, Aztec dancers and a district-wide Diá de los Muertos celebration. It’s all happening on First Friday in November. 40 West Arts District invites the public to a huge celebration based loosely around the theme of Diá de los Muertos on First Friday November 2nd from 5-9pm. All of our galleries, studios and creative businesses will be open to the public and visitors to the district will see multiple exhibits inspired by Diá de los Muertos including altars and pieces by local grade school students. Watch Aztec dancers in traditional costume and see ﬁre artists, who will be on hand spinning ﬁre to brighten the winter night in a display of light and shadow. This kid & family event will also showcase piñatas, Diá de los Muertos face painting, live music and local vendors. Sip beer and wine while you’re here, or enjoy a bite at a local food truck. This fun, immersive event is not to be missed.

Red Herring Art Supply

westcolfax.org

40westarts.org

EDGE Gallery

7001 W. Colfax • 303-477-7173 www.edgeart.org

Mint & Serif Coﬀee House 11500 W Colfax Ave 720-509-9908 mintandserif.com

d orh o o b h g i e Th e N rc e ! u Ar t S o

1492 Ammons St. 720-437-0638 cc360denver.com

720-427-5339 www.RedHerringArt.com

6731 W. Colfax Ave • 303-980-0625 lakewoodarts.org

Gallery of 303-980-1111 • cpavalue.com

Everything

Lakewood’s Affordable Art Store

6719 W. Colfax Ave. • 720-883-8132 (next door to Casa Bonita) • Open Thu-Sun 11-7

6719 W. Colfax Avenue next to Casa Bonita, in the Gallery of Everything

Lakewood Arts Council

NEXT Gallery

6851 W.Colfax Ave, Unit B • 303-433-4933 nextartgallerydenver.com

40+ Artists, Art Supplies, Collectibles and more Handpainted & antique furniture Gift certiﬁcates & Lay-a-way

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 16 – NOVEMBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com