Minimum Wage Increase Paves Way For Change
Who’s Who of Wheat Ridge Service Groups
Help Capture Wheat Ridge In Photos and Win
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Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD
WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE December 13, 2016 – January 16, 2017 • ngazette.com • FREE
Ballot Initiative 2E: What Happens Now? n
By Nancy Hahn
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n Election Day, Wheat Ridge voters approved Ballot Initiative 2E. Ballot Initiative 2E provided an increase in our sales tax of one-half percent to fund four infrastructure improvement projects for Wheat Ridge. There will be improvements to Anderson Park, including work on the pool locker rooms, replacement of the two front parking lots, and replacement of the pavilion. Anderson Park is the site of so many important activities for our town; so this will make a big difference for all of us. Also, Wadsworth Boulevard between I-70 and West 35th Avenue will be widened to three lanes each direction with a two-way bike lane, a wide median, and wide sidewalks. Many residents say improving Wadsworth will make a big improvement in their daily lives. Although the opening of the G-Line has been delayed; the area around the Ward Road station will be the future site of improvements including a pedestrian bridge over the tracks, a new traffic signal, and improvements to several area streets. The open area west of I-70 between 38th and Youngfield will see a lot of construction and reconstruction to improve the connections to the highway. What can Wheat Ridge residents expect now that they have approved the sales tax increase for these improvements? First, the office of Patrick Goff, Wheat Ridge City Manager, created committees composed of city employees to study design options and scheduling involved in each of the projects. These six committees will develop the timing n
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SEASONAL LIGHTS ADD TO THE FESTIVITIES at the Holiday Celebration on Ridge at 38th in Wheat Ridge Saturday, Dec. 3. More than 2,500 people turned out for the annual event that featured photos with Santa, live reindeer, carnival games, s'mores and more. PHOTO: BECKY OLSTAD
Holidays of Hope: Helping Families in Need n
By Meghan Godby
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or many of us, the holiday season means home-cooked meals, carefully wrapped presents, and quality time spent with family and friends. Sadly, less fortunate members of our community may not have the same experience. Many families struggle not only to provide gifts for their children but also to serve a healthy, wholesome meal at the dinner table. Luckily, there are numerous nonprofits in our community that can make this time of year a little easier. Family Tree, Inc., based in Wheat Ridge, aims to make a huge difference through their Holidays of Hope program. Made possible through generous donations by community members and local corporations, the program served over 250 families in 2015. This year? The reach is expected to double. Over 100 donors and many local corporations helped make the holidays happier for families across the entire Denver metro area. Family Tree wants to end the stigma surrounding child abuse/neglect, domestic violence and homelessness. Working from the belief that everyone deserves safe housing and loving relationships, they recognize the interconnectedness between these complex issues. Although their tireless support is available year-round to families in need, the holiday season is a great time of year to make a difference for those less fortunate. As part of the Adopt-A-Family program, each participating family provides a wish list: everything from household items to toys for young children. A popular option
for individual donors, it’s a great way for the community to give back and spread the holiday spirit in the process. While local corporations often host donation drives, they can also participate in Adopt-AProgram, which helps support the valuable programs and services that Family Tree provides to our community. “Holidays of Hope” is not limited to December, however. Last month, Thanksgiving meals were delivered to 70 needy families, and meal supplies were
provided to dozens of others who might struggle to pay their grocery bill. Rhonda Shea, director of marketing and communications, finds the process incredibly rewarding. She loves knowing that they are “providing families and individuals with hope: not the presents themselves – although they are so needed – but the hope of knowing that so many people care and want them to succeed. Hope in knowing they are not forgotten or disposable, and [that] our communities
care about them. That is what the holidays are about: caring, sharing, and hope.” Although names cannot be disclosed for privacy reasons, the impact of this program is clear. Rhonda shared a note from a recent client, which reads, “This is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for my family.” For a complete list of Family Tree’s programs and services and information on how you can help, visit their website at www.thefamilytree.org.
N E I G H B O R H O O D F E AT U R E
New Faces Wanted for the Feed the Future Backpack Program n
By Elisabeth Monaghan
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hen Wheat Ridge Police Chief Daniel Brennan was first approached by the Arvada Community Food Bank about helping to raise money for a Wheat Ridgebased backpack program, he had no idea how important his work would be. Brennan called the Wheat Ridge Community Business Association, a number of faith-based groups, the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation, Wheat Ridge’s fire and Continued on page 2