Neighborhood Gazette – February 2019 – Wheat Ridge by Neighborhood Gazette

SCHOOL CROSSING The Outdoor Lab Experience

ASK THE EXPERT Questions On What’s Changed With Tax Reform Page 9

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WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE | BERKELEY February 18 – March 17, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE

Fears Of Annexation, Loss Of Identity, Fueled Wheat Ridge’s Creation ■ By Mike McKibbin

alf a century ago, residents of the rural area known as Wheat Ridge did not want to lose local control or be absorbed by either Denver or Lakewood. That was the impetus behind a 1969 incorporation effort that formed the “City of Wheat Ridge,”which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Howard Jaidinger, now 76, is one of two surviving members of the incorporation group. Kent Higgins, now 74 and living in Highlands Ranch, is the other. A proposal to form a municipality called Jefferson City (now known as Lakewood) would have included the Wheat Ridge area, Jaidinger said. A member of the Wheat Ridge Fire Department, Jaidinger said he and around 8 to 10 other firefighters were concerned. “We agreed we had to find a way to defeat the vote to form Jefferson City,” he stated. “We didn’t want to lose our voice if we would have been forced to join someone else.” Higgins agreed. “Lakewood was more commercial with Colfax Avenue,” he Continued on page 12

THE WHEAT RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT had a fulfilling day participating in the Spread The Love program along with Localworks and Compass Montessori – Wheat Ridge Charter School. They teamed up to assist Wheat Ridge seniors and disabled residents with small household clean-up projects. A huge thank you to all of the students, teachers, parents and Community Service Officers who helped spread the love on Valentine's Day. PHOTO COURTESY WHEAT RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Living Carbon-Free: How Hard Can That Be? ■ By

Mike McKibbin

here’s living off the grid, then there’s living carbon-free. Wheat Ridge resident Eric Wilson worked on his nearly 70-year-old home for five years to make it energy efficient and carbon-free. “I pay a lot of attention to my carbon footprint and things like how much I drive and how much meat I eat,” Wilson said in an interview. “Since I work in the field of home energy efficiency, we thought it made sense to do this with our house.” Wilson joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden in 2010, has performed energy audits and design assistance for a state energy program and conducted blower door tests on tribal housing. But Wilson said such a background is not necessary to undertake this type of project. Wilson said he and his wife bought their first home in 2012 — a less than 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, singlefamily home built in 1950 in the eastern part of Wheat Ridge, near 38th Avenue and Harlan Street. Wilson said he knew of a special mortgage program that granted a 50 percent state incentive if home energy efficiency steps were taken within the first 90 days of home ownership. Xcel Energy offered other energy rebates, along with the bank the Wilsons used for a home loan. “All told, we got about $4,000 of work done for around $1,000,” Wilson said. Among the steps taken were air sealing the house, including attic leaks, then adding about one foot of cellulose insulation of shredded newspapers, Wilson stated. Wall insulation was blown in through holes

drilled every 16 inches around the outside of the home. Most of the insulation work was done before the family moved in, Wilson said. “That made the rooms a lot more comfortable,” he added. Attic insulation also helps keep humidity levels low and prevents rooftop ice freezes, Wilson said. The home’s crawl space was also air sealed.

A 15- to 20-year-old gas boiler that heated the house needed to be replaced about three years after the family moved in, Wilson said. An electric heat pump was installed since the home did not have heating ducts used by natural gas furnaces, he added. The system doubles as a summer air conditioner of sorts to help keep the house cool when temperatures rise, Wilson said.

“There is a perception that heat pumps don’t work well in the kind of climate we have in Colorado,” he noted. “But modern heat pumps have come a long way. They’re much more efficient and can heat a home even when it gets to 15 below zero like it’s been here lately. We’re completely happy and it’s kept our house nice and warm.” Continued on page 2

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Berkeley Author Micah Springer Keeps The Story ■ By Ken Lutes

eepers of the Story” is Micah Springer’s account of her yearlong 1993 adventure in Africa with her best friend, Kas. The self-published memoir tells of a life-changing journey overflowing with love, danger, language challenges and moonlight dances, all of which fostered Springer’s “pathway to inner wisdom and the divine.” In 1993, the two friends broke away from their studies at CU Boulder and decided to backpack through Africa. They started in Senegal then backpacked through Gambia, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon; they toured Uganda, Tanzania and the Congo and flew to Kenya, where most of “Keepers” takes place. “Keepers” is presented in three sections: Mind, Body and Spirit. ‘Mind’ opens with the two friends landing on a foreign continent and being immediately thrust into cultural misunderstandings. “Kas and I were smart, critical thinkers and had no idea of how long it was to take us to assimilate into the culture – it took three or four months,” Springer said. In ‘Body,’ Springer falls madly in love with a nomadic pastoral man. She shares how the journey was to become her path to an understanding “

Continued on page 8

AUTHOR MICAH SPRINGER WITH HER MEMOIR, “Keepers of the Story.” PHOTO BY KEN LUTES

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – ngazette.com

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Take A Minute To Take The Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Survey To the Editor: The City of Wheat Ridge is updating its Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy, a project that will shape the future of our community and we need your help! Are you a resident, a business owner, a frequent visitor, or any person who has a stake in the future of Wheat Ridge? Now is the time to ensure your voice contributes to shaping the vitality of our city. The original 2005 Wheat Ridge Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) set the table for many positive developments in our city over the last decade. A volunteer NRS steering committee has been working since last August to identify

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Small backup electric heaters are present but not used too often, Wilson said. Wilson estimated the heat pump’s $5,000 cost was recovered almost immediately through lower heating bills. A new gas boiler could have cost around $12,000, he added, while geothermal heating and cooling was another consideration but cost more than $20,000. The Wilsons also replaced a gas water heater with an electric heater, while the home’s stove and clothes drier were already electric and it had double-pane windows, Wilson added. The family spent less on all the improvements than the cost of a new gas boiler or furnace, he stated. While the Wilsons get all their electricity from Xcel’s Windsource program, which charges a slightly higher rate than natural gas-produced electricity, the family’s utility bills are slightly lower than last year. That’s despite the perception electrical heating is more expensive than natural gas. “So we were able to turn off our gas connection, which saves us a $14-a-month connection charge,” Wilson said. Other improvements were venting kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans to the roof instead of the attic, which helps reduce rooftop ice freezes. The couple thought about replacing a solid wood door, but decided “it was really part of the house and we enjoy the older aesthetics of a home like this.” Wilson advised someone considering a similar project to carefully screen a

key issues relevant to the city's future including hosting conversations around the community and open houses to gather input from our neighbors, local business owners, and their employees. As co-chairs of the steering committee charged by the Wheat Ridge City Council to oversee the update, we encourage you to take a brief NRS survey that seeks broader community input, including yours, on the key issues and possible action items that the new revitalization strategy will consider. We ask that you take 15 minutes to fill out the NRS survey, now available at the Wheat Ridge city website: www.ci.wheatridge. co.us/NRS Please also watch the city's website for updates and news about future public events. We look forward to hearing from you and continued engagement as we guide our city's vitality. –Kathleen Martell, Rachel Hultin and Korey Stites, Wheat Ridge Neighborhood Revitalization Steering Committee contractor to ensure they are qualified and experienced in the type of work involved. “Make sure they are committed to energy savings and don’t cut corners,” he said. Home energy auditors can also help guide a homeowner, Wilson added, but cautioned against those that are too invested in selling any one system to a customer. Wilson also explained his family’s project at a February 12 Sustainable Edgewater Seminar — hosted by the city’s sustainability committee — entitled “Vintage Home Carbon Free.” Committee chair Lilly Allison Steirer said the City Council formed the 7-member group in early February. A temporary committee worked last year to set the groundwork for a sustainability plan to be added to Edgewater’s comprehensive plan now under revision. The committee plans to present its draft plan to the council in August. “The city has had a recycling program for about the last 10 years, and we want to look at that and things like greenhouse gas emissions,” Allison Steirer said. Feedback will be gathered through a citywide survey and a planned March 19 open house with the city’s recycling provider, Republic Waste Management. Energy use, land and water use are other areas the committee will research, Allison Steirer added. Future seminar topics could include rainwater harvesting and composting, she said, and once the council adopts a sustainability plan, the group will likely continue as a permanent board to oversee efforts and make regular reports.

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As parents we can tell the difference between that child that lugged that giant ow many of you still remember your duffel bag up the stairs of the school bus, experience at Outdoor Lab? It was eyes wide open from not knowing what probably the first time you were away from the days ahead would bring and, perhaps, home for a week’s time. You met perfect maybe even a hint of fear, many thinking strangers on a Monday and found yourself that they would starve without their regular hugging them with tears, saying “goodbye” home cooked “special” meals. But we also at the flagpole on Friday, hoping that remember these same students walking off somehow you’ll stay in touch with them the bus with a more mature look on their when you each go back to your schools. You faces, fatigued but proud of what they’ve learned some real life lessons while hiking experienced during these last few days. through miles of trails in the forest - how I did not go to Outdoor Lab. In fact, to read a map, how to spot I didn’t fully understand its planets in the sky - but mostly, impact until I saw the effect you learned a lot about yourself: it had on our sixth graders at How much you could endure Prospect Valley. until Heather physically and mentally. Rutledge (sixth grade teacher) The Outdoor Labs are sat me down to watch a video located at Windy Peak and she had put together promoting Mount Evans. They are not the program. I was then hooked camps, but actual schools with and committed to supporting teachers, a principal and classes. its existence when the Jeffco Every sixth grader at Jeffco is District considered eliminating invited to attend. And while it due to extreme budget deficits. most families pay for their Guy Nahmiach Hence, the Outdoor Lab students out of their pocket, our Foundation worked hard to raise free and reduced families are supported by over a million dollars from private and the Outdoor Lab Foundation, making sure corporate donors and fundraising events that all students attend and experience this year for the program, making sure that Outdoor Lab week. not only resources are available to both With sixth grade having moved over schools but that every student participates, to middle school, it was Everitt Middle no matter what their economic situation is that represented Wheat Ridge this year: at home. I now proudly sit on the board of 189 students from Wheat Ridge attended the Outdoor Lab Foundation. Outdoor Lab this past fall, 93 of them were Are you an Outdoor Lab alumni? Did you free and reduced meal students. endure the cold showers and early morning The cost of $18,000 to cover their wake-up calls? Of course, we joke about participation was, of course, covered by the that but mostly I hear about the amazing Outdoor Lab Foundation, but in turn, the memories. Whether it’s from Connie at Apple City of Wheat Ridge generously donated that Ridge Cafe who smiles from ear to ear when same amount ($18,000) to the foundation. recounting her Outdoor Lab days to Mary at No other city in Jeffco gives as much to the King Soopers cash register that still hangs cover their students’ experience at Outdoor out with friends she made that week. After Lab as Wheat Ridge does. This is not about a 61 years, it’s become a Jeffco tradition and is controversial economic project or a political still going strong. The Foundation is actually stance. It’s about a mind and body shaping looking to fill its Alumni Committee to help experience that our sixth grade students, gather stories and pictures and share them who are on the edge of becoming young with our schools and community. Please call men and women, experience first hand. It’s or email me if you are interested. As always, about science-based education in a natural thanks for reading. environment where words in textbook pages Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@Noscome to life before their very eyes and within talgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789. their grasp. ■ By

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abin fever is striking so get out and celebrate International Women’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day with the Wheat Ridge Historical Society. Wear your favorite purple and/or green outfit and prepare to have your picture taken for our Facebook page. We will be making purple and green herb gardens – just in time for spring planting season. Everyone is welcome to our Second Saturday Event on March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will make herb gardens, have snacks and give tours of the Baugh house at 44th and Robb Street. Sing or play along with local musicians, enjoy craft demonstrations and learn more about our local history when you visit. Historical books, craft items and oldtime toys are available for purchase. At the Wheat Ridge Historical Park, 4610 Robb St., on Tuesday and Wednesday visit with Jane Harvey our hostess. On Thursday and Friday visit with our hostess Janet “White” between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Dave Curtis is also an awesome tour guide here at the park. We each have our own style as tour guides so you can learn from more than one perspective. Tours are only $2 per person (cash or check only please). We offer group tours with advanced notice. Call 303-421-9111 for more information. The Historical Society meets on the

second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Red Brick Museum. The historical talks at the beginning of these fun informative meetings are very interesting. We have snacks and you can learn more about the Society and our upcoming events. Do you like crafts? Want to enjoy the fellowship of other crafty people then join us on fourth Wednesday of the month between 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for the Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle. Prefer to do your crafts at night? Then join our Knit/Crochet Group from 7 to 9 p.m. Cost is $2. Bring a project and lunch/snack if you want. All crafters welcome. So much has been accomplished at our Fourth Saturday Project Days with the help of volunteers and people in the neighborhood walking their dogs here at the Historical Park We meet at the Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s not all work with no play, we enjoy snacks, visiting and historical tidbits while we work. Stop by all help is greatly appreciated! Check our Facebook page for updates on this community service which is open to all, March 23, April 27 and May 25. Upcoming Second Saturday Events include Earth Day – Yard Sale (April), May Pole Dance & Festival (May) and Brides Revisited – wedding vow renewal (June). For more information email wrhistorical@gmail.com or check our website www. wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

MOUNTAIN VIEWS Meet The Town’s New Staff Members ■ By

Patricia Lilliston

n November 2018, staffing changes occurred at the Town Hall and Police Department. One town employee transitioned to another department, and two vacated town hall positions were filled. In a recent interview, the three staff members spoke of the transition, shared their professional background, clarified their responsibilities and offered advice for community stakeholders. Kim Brown began her employment at the Mountain View Town Hall in February 2018, as the town’s Administrative Assistant. Then in November 2018, Brown transitioned to the position of Assistant Court Clerk and Police Department Records Clerk. “I am excited to learn more about the court system and police department,” states Brown. “I never imagined this opening would exist for me. I am thankful for the opportunity.” Although Brown voices that she misses visiting with residents at the front window, she finds her work interesting and feels her honed interpersonal skills allows her to effectively communicate with individuals who are summons to the monthly Municipal Court. “With the experience gained while the town’s Administrative Assistant, I believe, I can assist Mountain View’s Police Department and court.” When Brown moved to her position, Kaytlyn Perez accepted the newly vacated post. “I chose this job so I can contribute and make a difference in the community where I live,” affirms Perez, a Mountain View resident who enjoys walking to work. In her position, Perez assists with municipal record retention, manages the town’s financials involving the distribution and receipt of vendor invoices, handles residential and commercial utility payments, processes permit applications, and interacts daily with the general public. “My job looks different every day,” reflects Perez. “Permits are most challenging because permitting involves multiple steps

in order to process one request.” Perez is confident that with her ability to multitask, capacity to follow through, knowledge of technology and continual effort “to move things along,” she will effectively attend to the transactions defined by her position. With regard to advice for community members, Perez advocates, “If someone has a concern, suggestion or opinion regarding Mountain View, they should make their voice heard by coming to the monthly town council meeting.” Perez adds that the best way to communicate with her is via email, kperez@ tomv.org. With the departure of former Public Works Director John Pughes in the fall, Gene Bird was hired to fill the position in November 2018. Bird, a Mountain View resident and former member of the town’s Variance and Appeals Board, brings 11 years of experience working directly with building contractors and management. “Living in the town since 1994, I have a unique perspective of the community. I see the facelift taking place in the town,” expresses Bird. Code enforcement is a priority for Bird, “We want Mountain View to be a place where people want to live and are proud to live.” Bird emphasizes that the upkeep of the sidewalk and driveway areas, snow removal and the clearing of alley debris is the responsibility of each occupant. He adds that to be compliant with the town code, residents must trim branches or shrubs that extend and restrict the line-of-sight for both motorist and pedestrians. Keeping with his commitment to instill pride in the community, Bird is initiating a volunteer task force. “I am looking for volunteers for seasonal assistance to shovel sidewalks or rake leaves for individuals in the community unable to deal with those tasks.” Bird notes that the most expedient means to reach him is at the Mountain View Town Hall, 303-421-7282.

Help Steer Wheat Ridge Into The Future ■ By Guy Nahmiach

s we celebrate Wheat Ridge’s 50th birthday in 2019, there is no question for Wheat Ridge residents that our city is a special place with a high quality of life. Wheat Ridge has long been known for its small town feel, its agricultural heritage, and maybe the best location in the Denver metro area. We are conveniently tucked right along I-70 with only a few minutes drive into the big city for arts and culture or the mountains for outdoor play and recreation. What’s not to love? What might be less well known around the Denver metro area are the more recent developments in Wheat Ridge that are making our community an even better place to live or open a business. Our housing market, still offering relatively affordable housing options for renters or new buyers, has nonetheless been strengthening. During the last decade Wheat Ridge’s average single-family home price has increased by 60 percent, beating nearly all of our west metro suburban neighbors. Wheat Ridge is experiencing an influx of new business and real estate development, providing a facelift to areas in need of investment as well as new shopping and dining options. The Corners development, anchored by Lucky’s market, is jump-starting our “new-look” Wadsworth corridor while additions like Colorado Plus, The Bardo Coffee House, and Right Coast Pizza on 38th Avenue offer a diverse set of complements to

long-time community favorites like Clancy’s. Despite the well-worn jokes about our “naturally occurring retirement community,” our median age has stopped growing. And, in fact, the number of college educated people aged 25-44 has increased faster in Wheat Ridge during this century than in nearby suburban communities. While our median household income still lags behind the competition, since 2000 Wheat Ridge has been adding households earning at least $100,000 faster than Westminster, Golden, and Lakewood. It was not always so. In 2005, the City of Wheat Ridge was missing out on the investment that is the lifeblood of any community and we were feeling the effects. We were at a crossroads. In a search for answers, the city commissioned a report called the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy. The strategy described Wheat Ridge’s history of failing to properly invest in itself. Maintenance of public infrastructure and public spaces had been too lackluster for too long. Homeowners and business owners had accepted a “good enough is good enough” attitude about the condition of their properties. As a result of this self-deprivation and proliferation of low standards, the outside world had received a message that Wheat Ridge was not a good investment. New potential homebuyers and business owners had heeded the warning and Continued on page 8

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City Of Wheat Ridge Celebrates 50 Years George Smith Store built on West 38th Avenue between Reed and Teller streets. Orders were taken at the store, and delivered appy birthday to Wheat Ridge … We’re the following day by a driver with two horses now in full swing celebrating our 50th and a wagon. When the snow was too high in Anniversary as a Home Rule City. While the winter for the wagon, the groceries were we’ve been an incorporated city for 50 years, delivered by horse-drawn sleigh. there is so much more history about our area With its unique location that reaches back earlier than between mining camps and 1969. Denver as a center for business, Colorado joined the United our community flourished as a States first as part of the Louisiana transportation corridor. It was Purchase in 1803. At one point also known for its mid- to largein time, the area we now know scale agricultural production. as Wheat Ridge was part of the Vegetables and fruit from Territory of Colorado, organized orchards, as well as wheat and in the wake of the Colorado Gold other grains, were produced to Rush, from 1861 until statehood in support the needs of a growing 1876. region. Cows, chickens, goats The first registered homestead and other livestock were also in Colorado was the CoulehanBud Starker raised on local farms for their Johnson Cabin, a log cabin meat, eggs and milk. structure originally built in 1895 near 48th Early buildings in the city included the and Upham on the Stephen’s farm. The cabin first school built by Martin N. Everett at is now located in the Wheat Ridge Historic 32nd and Wadsworth in 1867. The property Park at 48th and Robb along with a sod house for Fruitdale Elementary was deeded to the built in 1886 and the first post office building, Jefferson County School District in 1883 and which was built in 1913. Nearby is the James the first school was built on the site in 1884. H. Baugh log cabin built on 160 acres of land The original building was destroyed by fire in in 1859. It was restored with the help of funds the 1920s, after which noted Denver architect from the Colorado State Historical Fund, and developer Temple Buell designed the Jefferson County Open Space, the Wheat existing red brick school building in 1927. Ridge Historical Society, and the City of Additions on both sides of the building Wheat Ridge. were constructed in the 1950s and today The largest employer in Wheat Ridge, it remains a city treasure with the original Lutheran Medical Center, began in 1905 building repurposed as loft apartments. as the Evangelical Lutheran Sanitarium, With the official incorporation of the a tent colony for tuberculosis patients. As city In August 1969, came the need for medical advances diminished the demand for police officers. Initially the city contracted tuberculosis treatment, community leaders with Jefferson County for law enforcement decided the center should meet a new need. services. Nine members of the Jefferson Community-based Lutheran Hospital, a notCounty Sheriff’s Office agreed to become the for-profit, general medical facility located on first Wheat Ridge police officers, although a 100-acre campus, opened its doors in 1961. they were still paid by the county. Jack The local business community in Wheat Ridge is thriving today; however, in those early days there was just one store, the Continued on page 8 ■ By Bud Starker

March 9 – Purple & Green Party

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hen you’re making 4.4 million lunches a year and serving 30,000 students every day in a three-hour time span – all managed, prepared and served by 400 people in 141 facilities – you know it’s a big deal! Jeffco Public Schools created the Jeffco Food and Nutrition Task Force to examine its current practices and make recommendation on improvements, the main focus being to provide healthy and nutritious meals for students. There are regulatory guidelines and financial frameworks to consider in this work: How much money comes from the federal government? What are the “must haves” and “must do’s” in order to qualify for such funds? “The Task Force will evaluate current practices in school nutrition and sustainability, as well as evaluate best and leading-edge practices and prepare both short- and long-term suggestions that can improve our school nutrition programs. The Task Force shall also consider the regulatory and financial considerations associated with any changes recommended and address those in a final report.” Topics range from the snack carts to possible options of having a centrally located food operations team to individual kitchens per school as well as the costs attributed with each option and the effects this can have on student participation,

free and reduced services and the ability to maybe even generate funding from outside opportunities. Challenges include aging equipment such as dishwashers and ovens that are 45 years old. Lack of walk-in freezers and the list goes on. Every meeting revolves around different topics such as environment, resources, sustainability, staffing and, obviously, nutrition values. Luckily our 26-person task force includes not only parents that care but certified nutritionists, licensed chefs, pediatric doctors and the list goes on. “During the 2018-19 school year, the Task Force will engage in a learning tour to increase understanding of current practices in Food and Nutrition Services. Grounded in what the Task Force learns, members will create a set of suggestions to enhance food and dining environment quality with an end goal of increased student participation with Food and Nutrition Services.” Finally, our goal is to prepare a “written report for the Superintendent, articulating recommendations for Jeffco Public Schools. A single report with consensus from the entire Task Force is likely to have the strongest influence on Jeffco Public School’s actions aligned with Task Force.” If you have any questions or recommendations for this task force, you may forward them to me at Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or call me at 303 999-5789. I will share them with the committee and contact you directly with answers. It’s an exciting time to be in Jeﬀco.

ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

LOCALWORKS UPDATE

MEDICALLY SPEAKING

Celebrating Wheat Ridge’s 50th Anniversary

What You Need To Know About Your Colorectal Cancer Risk

collectible wooden Conversation Coins as part of the 50th Anniversary. One side of the wooden Conversation Coins depicts ere at Localworks, we love Wheat Ridge the 2019 Anniversary Badge being worn by and its great local businesses, amazing some officers to commemorate the city’s residents, beautiful parks and hardworking 50th Anniversary. The other side includes civil servants. We love its rich history and a design representing a team or division its bright future. This year is a big year in within the WRPD. Wheat Ridge because it marks the 50th Community members can anniversary of its incorporation. receive a coin from uniformed Although the roots of this city officers, detectives, staff, go much deeper than 1969, that volunteers and members of is the year we officially became the Community Services Team a city, and that’s something to by being “caught in the act” celebrate! of performing a good deed There are many ways that or exhibiting good safety you can join in the fun as we practices. Some of the activities celebrate Wheat Ridge’s 50th that qualify include: walking anniversary. One way is to a dog on leash, shoveling purchase the Passport to Wheat snow for a neighbor, bringing Ridge. This passport includes yard waste or trash to a TLC discount offers and coupons Ashley Holland Neighborhoods Clean Up Day, from businesses across the city, having a child properly restrained in a along with information about signature car seat or wearing a bike helmet. Coins special events that build relationships can also be redeemed by interacting with within our community. The proceeds sworn officers at events hosted by WRPD. from the 2019 Passport to Wheat Ridge Finally, Localworks will also be will fund the restoration of the Wheat incorporating the 50th anniversary into Ridge Police Department (WRPD)’s our events and programs this year. For first patrol car, Unit 1, and will support instance, Unit 1 will make an appearance other programs hosted by WRPD such as at many of our events, and we’ll also have Operation Blue Santa, National Night Out special photo stations dedicated to the and the Child Safety Fair. Unit 1 will be 50th. If you purchase a Passport to Wheat making appearances at events throughout Ridge, you can also get an event stamp at 2019 once the restoration is complete. many of our events throughout the year. You can also participate by collecting Please join us as we celebrate Wheat the Wheat Ridge Police Department Ridge, all it has accomplished in the last Conversation Coins. This new program 50 years and all the possibilities for the is designed to encourage residents and future. other community members to build Ashley Holland is the Marketing and relationships with officers, detectives, staff Events Coordinator at Localworks. and volunteers by having a “conversation.” WRPD has specially designed five different ■ By

Ashley Holland

■ By

cancer risk is higher in African Americans, Alaska Natives and American Indians, as well as in low-income groups. • Age: Colorectal cancer is uncommon before age 40, but risk doubles every decade or until age 80. • Family History: This is an important risk factor for colorectal cancer. Individuals with one or more close relatives (parents, siblings and children) with the disease are at increased risk and should discuss screening with their providers well before age 40.

Dr. Dennis J. Ahnen

he good news is that colorectal cancer rates are declining, and more people are getting screened every year and working on improving their overall health. The bad news is that it is still the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States. Know and understand your risk factors! Average risk individuals are those with no personal or family history of colorectal cancer or Risk Factors for Colorectal precancerous colonic polyp Cancer you can change: and no inflammatory bowel • Getting screened! Regular disease. Don’t wait until you are colorectal cancer screening at the recommended screening Dennis J. Ahnen can decrease risk by up to 70 age to talk to your physician percent. about your risk factors. • Smoking and/or alcohol use - Cigarette Get Screened! The best screening test is smoking is a cause of colorectal cancer, as the one that actually gets done. Check with well as many other cancers. Excess alcohol your physician on which screening is right (an average of more than one drink per day for you. for women, more than two per day for men) • Average risk screening – Current increases risk. guidelines recommend starting Colorectal • Obesity - Being overweight increases Cancer (CRC) screening by age 45 or 50 and the risk of colorectal cancer risk in both continuing until age 75-85. men and women. • High risk screening - Individuals with • Lack of physical activity - Regular a first-degree relative with colorectal cancer exercise (30 to 60 minutes of vigorous or large precancerous polyps should discuss activity three to four times per week) can their family history with their provider and help protect from colorectal cancer. start colonoscopy by age 40 or earlier if • Diet - Diets high in red or processed needed. meat, low in fruits and vegetables and low in high-fiber foods are associated with Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer you increased risk. cannot change: Dennis J. Ahnen, MD, AGAF, FACG, is • Country of origin - Developed countries a gastroenterologist at SCL Health hospilike the U.S. have a higher risk. tals. • Race/Ethnicity/Income: Colorectal

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Wheat Ridge Neighborhood Revitalization Survey

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – ngazette.com

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Springer Continued from page 1

of earth-centered wisdom. “My love affair was both impossible and perfect. He opened me to the sacredness of life, of death and of the divine. “He and his tribe are such present-minded beings – for instance, in their language they don’t have future and past tenses. They don’t have the verb ‘to think.’ They stay in the present moment and because of that they are telepathic. They belong to one another, and they belong to the earth.” Her return to Denver left her grappling with the feeling that she had left her spirit in Africa. “Yoga helped me knit the disparate parts of myself back together from the culture shock of returning and not having a sense of belonging. The practice of mind-body awareness had to be in the story, because what I found is that nomadic, indigenous peoples are inherent yogis. They don’t have to study it.” By the time Springer returned to Africa, Kenya had issued travel warnings not to travel north – all the places she needed to go to try to find her “family.” “Nomads are not easy to find. That was before Facebook,” she said. She did find her family, and they not only remembered her, but she discovered they had always considered her and kept the story of her alive. “That was part of the reason for the book title.” One theme in the book is the “insidious nature of cultural conditioning that inhibits who we are meant to be,” Springer said. “I feel there’s a real discussion about wanting to belong, but what happens when you belong is you suddenly start to placate, or censor, [in order] to blend in. One of the prices of belonging is the sacrifice of freedom; it’s one of the costs. I played with that theme, because in my heart of hearts, I want to belong and still be exactly who I am.” Springer believes this story about the wild enthusiasm of a 20 year old traveling in Africa, throwing caution to the wind, is compelling for a lot of people. “There is a bit of a wake-up call in the book, to live your brighter life.” She says she occasionally cautions people, who are on the brink of big change in their life, that “the book has the capacity to topple them over sooner than if they had not read it.” Who are the keepers of the story? “I think we all are,” says Springer, “but you have to figure out which stories to keep, and which ones you want to tell.” Her book plays

with creation myth and cultural conditioning. “That’s a story that we keep. And when we suffer a tragedy, what part of the tragedy do we hang on to, and how do we transmute it?” Since the book’s publication, Springer’s self-promoted book tour has taken her to speak at bookstores across the nation; she has presented at about 20 book clubs in Denver. Co-owner of Vital Yoga with her sister, Desi, since 1999, Springer recently sold her interest in the Tennyson Street building to her sister, having made the decision to become a fulltime writer. “I’ve been bitten by the poetry bug. The beauty of poetry is its brevity; it’s almost like taking a photograph and exploring all the nuances in that moment. I find it an incredibly imaginal realm that I love to inhabit – or it’s inhabiting me, I should say. There’s the muse, which is the artist’s inspiration that exists outside of us, but then there’s something called tenir duende, and duende is the rising of that spirit inside that infuses our art.” Springer says she easily has enough poems for three volumes and that they don’t have much to do with her experiences in Africa. Each poem begins with one line. One of them is titled “Go hungry, as you are.” “I was in my kitchen thinking I’d like to go on a hike today. Then I realized I was hungry, and I thought, you’ll always make an excuse if you don’t go hungry, as you are. The poem became this dual relationship between ‘Yes, my stomach’s hungry, but my spirit’s hungry.’ We have to stop trying to be prepared for our adventures. The reason we sought that adventure is that it will sate us to some degree, if we’ll just step in to it. I just like to go and see what happens. I think that cultivates great curiosity and youthfulness.” Springer enjoys the life-style of a writer. She likes speaking to groups and says her years of teaching have prepared her to find authenticity in a crowd and be able to feel one with everybody. “It’s amazing how you can set out with the intention of teaching yoga, and what you glean is a mastery of presentation.” “Keepers” is printed on 100-percent postrecycled paper. At the time it was published, Green Press Initiative stated that an average book of 250 pages, selling one million copies requires 12,000 trees; deforestation accounts for 25 percent of human-caused CO2 emissions. Springer said those two statistics helped influence her choice to self-publish and to produce a book made from recycled paper. Her poetry books will also be printed on recycled paper. “Keepers of the Story” is available at BookBar, Tattered Cover Book Store and Boulder Book Store; also on Audible.com and in digital versions.

Revitalization

Mayor

Continued from page 5

Continued from page 6

avoided our city. The 2005 Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy was a wake up call, and we listened. By taking its recommendations to heart, by working hard, and by leveraging some good luck, our beloved city is on the rise. This is the new and improved context within which the City of Wheat Ridge is now updating the Revitalization Strategy. The City Council has impaneled a diverse steering committee of 26 Wheat Ridge residents to guide an update to the strategy. Our job is different from the one required nearly 15 years ago. Today we know we are a competitive city, but our task in 2019 is to figure out how to leverage the good things that Wheat Ridge has developed and nurtured. As a committee, we have held small group discussions all over the city to gather input and hosted a public open house in December to further test our emerging ideas. We will continue to engage with the community over the winter and into the spring. You can help our steering committee craft this 10-year strategy for an even stronger Wheat Ridge by taking our online survey, available now through March 1 at the city’s website (www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/ nrs), and by attending future public events. Please watch the website for updates and new developments as they happen. You can also directly contact me via email at guy@ nostalgichomes.com to learn more.

Bramble was elected as Acting Police Chief from November 1969 to June 1970. He assisted in the incorporation and served on the first city council from 1969 to 1973. Bramble had trained the Colorado State Patrol and Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies in motorcycle techniques. With that as the basis of his law enforcement experience, Bramble was asked to be the first Acting Chief of Police while the city searched for a full-time chief. On the city’s first birthday in 1970, the very first Carnation Festival was held and it remains one of the longest running festivals in Colorado. In the 1960s, the city had 32 different carnation growers and carnations were sent every Monday morning to the White House in Washington, D.C. The card that accompanied each bouquet displayed in the front foyer read “With compliments to our nation’s capital, Wheat Ridge Colorado, Carnation City”. These are just a few of the highlights from Wheat Ridge history that we will celebrate this year. Much more is listed on the city website at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us. I invite you to join us for all the fun activities we have planned to celebrate our past and hope that you will also consider becoming a part of creating an exciting future for our city. Contact Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker at bstarker@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303235-2800.

ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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until 2019. For 2018 tax returns, the penalty is still in place unless you qualify for an exception.

his is the first filing season after the biggest tax reform in more than three What about refunds? decades. With the numerous tax law According to the Tax Foundation, 80 changes, this is the year to seek professional percent of taxpayers will have a decrease tax advice and planning. A professional in their tax liability, 15 percent can assist you with maximizing of taxpayers will see no change deductions, tax planning, and and 5 percent will see a tax minimizing your tax liability. increase. A tax refund is not a Below are some of the good measure to determine if common areas of concern we your taxes went up or down. It have been hearing: is only a measure of how much Yes, you still can deduct you under- or overpaid Uncle your mortgage interest, real Sam. Ask your tax professional estate taxes, state income taxes, to assist you in comparing last and charitable donations. year’s tax bill to this year to see The increase in the standard if you are one of the 80 percent deduction means many may no Jennifer Verhey who saved on taxes. longer benefit from itemizing The treasury department these deductions. A good tax changed the withholding tables. These professional can assist you in planning to tables inform employers how much make the most of these changes. should be withheld from each paycheck to I found this an interesting fact about cover income taxes. The change in tables, the most talked about change, the $10,000 resulted in less money being taken out limit on deducting state and local taxes of each paycheck and handed over to the (SALT). According to the IRS, half of all government. While it was great to have more SALT deductions came from just six states: take-home pay each paycheck, it did lower California, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, the overall amount of taxes withheld. If you Pennsylvania and Texas. A third of the total are a person who wants to have a certain value of the deductions went to residents of refund to cover property taxes, vacations, California and New York. We are lucky to etc., a good tax advisor can assist you in W4 live in a fiscally responsible state. planning to ensure you receive the refund Another area of concern is the shared you want to have. responsibility payment. This is the penalty Contact Vantage Certiﬁed Public Acimposed on taxpayers who went without countant LLC (formerly American Eagle health insurance during the year. Tax Tax and Accounting LLC) at 303-422-1996. reform reduced the penalty to zero, but not

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ver the past year, 10 patients who suffered from cardiac arrest in West Metro’s district were able to walk out of the hospital just days after firefighters used the LUCAS CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) device to treat them. All of the patients were in full cardiac arrest – unconscious, no pulse and were not breathing when West Metro crews arrived on scene. A combination of firefighter’s actions, the LUCAS device and emergency care at the hospital resulted in patient survival. “Everyone who assisted in the treatment of the patients is responsible for the great outcome,” said Fire Chief Don Lombardi, West Metro Fire Rescue. “And the LUCAS was a key part of that treatment. In each case, the device helped our crews get the patient’s heart beating before the ambulance arrived at the emergency room where more definitive care can be delivered.” The LUCAS performs consistent, continuous CPR compressions for firefighters so they can tackle other aspects of critical patient care, such as administering medication and maintaining an airway. Patients that need immediate transport to the nearest hospital have to be moved – onto a gurney, into an ambulance and then into the hospital’s emergency room. If a crew is using only manual CPR, that means pausing chest compressions. The best CPR, according to medical research, is CPR that is continuous. The LUCAS performs compressions for firefighters, no matter where the patient is, or what position they’re in. West Metro introduced the LUCAS to the fire district in March 2018. Then, the device was carried on about half of the district’s ambulances. With the program’s

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success, West Metro now has the LUCAS on every one of its 11 ambulances, with one device carried by an on-duty safety and medical officer. “The LUCAS has proved to be an extremely valuable tool,” said Lombardi. “There is no better feeling for our crews than to be able to save a life.” Ted Amidon, of Highlands Ranch, was the first patient saved through use of the LUCAS device. Ted was with his son’s Boy Scout troop at Bear Creek Lake Park when he collapsed. His wife Kirsten started CPR. West Metro firefighters took over, putting the LUCAS in place before moving Ted to the ambulance. On the ride to the emergency room, Ted was able to talk with his rescuers. And, after treatment in the heart catheterization lab, he walked out of the hospital after a short stay. “What do you say, but thank you,” said Amidon. “I was glad to get another chance and glad that we have these resources.” Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – ngazette.com

What’s Happening in the WRBA

WHAT’S HAPPENING Wheat Ridge Appoints Chris Miller As New Treasurer

Our Feb. Breakfast Meeting was full of great info. and great members! Thank you to our Sherry Ray “Conﬂict is never as bad as you think...Stay Curious!” And to our Sponsor Paramount Wellness as well as to The Vista at Applewood Golf Course for hosting us.

MARCH MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST DATE: Tuesday, March 12, 2019 TIME: 7:00am-9:00am LOCATION: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO COST: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members SPEAKER: Pamela Starr, Google Get Your Business Online Trainer TOPIC: “Reach Customers Online with Google” Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, March 7

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The City of Wheat Ridge recently announced the appointment of Chris Miller as the City Treasurer, according to the city. Miller has worked in various fiscal capacities within the City and County of Denver for the past 13 years. In addition to work in Denver’s Finance Department, he worked for six years in Denver’s Department of Public Works Capital Project Management Office and currently serves as the Controller for Denver’s Arts and Venues agency. He has a great deal of experience in developing annual capital improvement programs and operating budgets for a large department in a municipal government setting. “The role of Treasurer is an important one ensuring that city assets are properly safeguarded and efficiently managed so the municipality can continue to effectively serve its residents and fulfill its purpose,” said Miller. Miller currently serves as Treasurer for the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Board, as a volunteer for the Good Shepherd Church and School Annual Fish Fry, and as a member of the Denver Employees Volunteer Opportunities Annual Paint-aThon for seniors. He received a Master of Science degree in Finance and another in Accounting from the University of Colorado Denver, and a Bachelor of Science, Business Administration degree with a double major in Accounting and Finance.

March 9 Is The Historical Society’s Purple & Green Party Celebrate spring by wearing your favorite purple and/or green outfit to the Purple & Green Party, the Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s Second Saturday Event, March 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the historic Baugh House, West 44th Avenue and Robb Street. The event celebrates spring, International Women’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, and the public is invited to make herb gardens, have snacks and enjoy tours of the Baugh House. For more information, visit WheatRidgeHistoricalSociety.org or e-mail WRHistorical@gmail.com.

Risas Dental And Braces Offers Free Exams, X-Rays And Oral Health Education Throughout February Risas Dental and Braces is offering free exams, x-rays, and dental care education for students during February, National Children’s Dental Health Month. Parents can make an appointment for the free exam and x-rays at any of Risas’ bilingual offices – including 3815 Wadsworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge – by calling 720-536-0401 or booking online at www. risasdental.com. These services will be offered for all children ages 17 and under through Feb. 28. Risas has partnered with various schools to bring dental health education into the classroom, including WilmoreDavis Elementary, 7975 W. 41st Ave., Wheat Ridge. Instructors will hold 45-minute lessons that include educational games, flossing demonstrations, discussions about healthy foods for clean teeth and answers to student questions. Teachers will be left with goodie bags for each student that will include, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, and an hourglass brushing timer. Founded in Phoenix in 2011, Risas Dental and Braces embraces a lifelong mission to change the way dentistry is offered in the United States, with 23 locations across Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and Texas. Since their inception, Risas

Dental and Braces has provided over $4 million in free dental care. Visit www.RisasDental.com or connect with Risas Dental on Facebook www.facebook.com/RisasDental.

Food For Thought Catering Wins West Metro Chamber Award Food for Thought Catering of Wheat Ridge received the West Metro Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award during the group’s Chairman’s Gala on Feb. 1. “Who would imagine that peeling potatoes and cracking eggs for all these years would result in an award,” said Suzanne Smith, owner of Food for Thought Catering. “About forty years ago another parent and I thought the students at Saints Peter and Paul school deserved more that a cold sack lunch everyday, so for six years, once a month during the school year, we came to the school and cooked a hot lunch for the students. Several years later, a woman asked me if I could do a rehearsal dinner for a wedding. I said ‘yes’ and Food for Thought Catering was born.” The Chamber’s Small Business of the Year Award is given to a business that has shown the true meaning of being involved and engaged in improving the business community in Jefferson County.

Register Now For ‘Training For Serious Dog Lovers,’ April 6 Does your dog bark, refuse to come, pull on the leash, have separation anxiety, housebreaking issues, aggression or act destructively? Then sign up for “Canine 101: Training For Serious Dog Lovers,” April 6, 13 and 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (location to be announced). Through an in-depth look at real canine behavior cases presented by certified dog behaviorist Beverly Morgan, participants will gain new skills for day-to-day life with dogs. They will learn to interpret canine behavior correctly and what solutions to apply to problem behavior, and also the canine “blueprint” including four ways the canine communicates with each other and how human actions are interpreted by canines. Designed for pet owners, canine professionals, and even kids who walk dogs and want a career working with dogs, it is presented in conjunction with Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation. Dogs, however, must be left at home. Pre-register at https://www.rootedinfun.com.

Red Rocks Offers Affordable Creative Writing Workshops Feb. 23 & March 16 Red Rocks Community College (RRCC) English Department invites community members to participate in one-day creative writing workshops on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 1p.m., and Saturday, March 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. The February workshop will focus on “generative writing” exercises to help writers jumpstart their practice in any genre. The March workshop will focus on poetry, from generating new material to revision. Both workshops will be held on the Lakewood campus. Finding time to write is a common challenge, so RRCC’s English faculty designed these workshops to help local writers launch a vibrant writing practice. These one-day workshops will serve busy community members who might not be able to commit to one of RRCC’s many semesterlong creative writing classes. Continued on page 11

ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHAT’S HAPPENING

UNDER THE DOME Looking Forward To Hearing Your Thoughts Since the start of the legislative session, I’ve been hard at work introducing bills that work for our future. The first bill I introduced e are over a month into the 2019 was Dental Services For Pregnant Women legislative session, and my first On Children's Basic Health Plan Plus. session serving as your state representative Currently, pregnant women are not eligible for House District 24 which encompasses for dental coverage under CHP+. This bill Wheat Ridge, Golden, Edgewater and will extend eligibility for dental coverage Mountain View. I am honored and to pregnant women insured grateful to serve not only as through CHP+ during and your representative, but as the after their pregnancy. The bill first Latina representative for passed committee unanimously this district. I look forward to and will be heard next in the hearing your thoughts over the Appropriations committee. coming months on how we can Moreover, I am excited to work together to protect and be part of a multi-year effort to enhance our unique quality of pass a paid family and medical life. leave bill with Rep. Matt Gray, I ran for the legislature on Sen. Faith Winter and Sen. the foundation of fighting for our Angela Williams because no most vulnerable, because I’ve one should have to risk financial been one of our most vulnerable. Monica Duran ruin – or getting fired – if they I want to see a Colorado where have to take care of a sick family member or everyone has access to affordable health the birth of a child. care that doesn’t cost them an arm and a leg In addition to these issues, I will be and expands opportunity for all. working on topics of labor workforce I ran for the legislature because we need protection, animal welfare, elder care and to give our students, teachers and schools protecting Colorado’s unique way of life. the tools they need to succeed. Many One of my biggest promises I made when I students have never had the experience of ran was to listen to your ideas and concerns. being in a fully funded school system. That’s Please reach out anytime. why we need to advocate for a modernized, My phone number is 303-866-5522 and equitable school finance formula that targets my email is monica.duran.house@state. the investments that will meet the needs of co.us. I am going to need your help to come all students. up with bold ideas and actions to ensure the And finally, I ran on the idea that all Colorado way of life is about every person women should have the ability to make having a chance to succeed. their own decisions about what is right for Contact House District 24 Representheir body and their lives. I look forward to tative Monica Duran at 303-866-5522 or working with my colleagues to ensure these monica.duran.house@state.co.us. rights are protected. ■ By

Monica Duran

SALON JOSIE & BARBERSHOP OPENED AT 1901 YOUNGFIELD ST., #105, in the former Applewood Barbershop location in the Applewood Grove Shopping Center. New owner Josie Pacheco, recently remodeled the space and joins long-time stylist Bernie Cruz to provide a one-stop shop for the entire family. The team specializes in men’s, women’s and children’s hairstyles and are celebrating their “grand opening” special through March with $15 haircuts. PHOTO BY TIM BERLAND

WHEAT RIDGE POLICE DEPARTMENT SGT. BOWMAN presented Refuse to Be A Victim, a crime prevention course hosted by Wheat Ridge Police at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, Feb. 9. The free interactive class offered attendees tips for keeping themselves safe whether online, at home, traveling or at the bank or store. Displays included locksets, personal safety devices like pepper spray and personal handheld alarms. PHOTO COURTESY CITY

Continued from page 10

America’s 50 Best Hospitals award had, on average, a 27.1 percent lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award, as measured across 19 rated conditions and procedures for which mortality is the outcome. That claim is based on Healthgrades analysis of MedPAR data for years 2015 through 2017 and represent 3-year estimates for Medicare patients only. Based on the same data during that period, if all hospitals performed similarly to those achieving the award, 182,721 lives could potentially have been saved. For example, patients treated for heart attack in hospitals achieving the Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award have, on average, a 25.2 percent lower risk of dying than if they were treated in hospitals that did not receive the award. Recipients of the Healthgrades America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award are recognized for overall clinical excellence across a broad spectrum of care. During the 2019 study period (2015 through 2017), these hospitals showed superior performance in clinical outcomes for patients in the Medicare population across at least 21 of 32 most common inpatient conditions and procedures – as measured by objective performance data (risk-adjusted mortality and in-hospital complications).

Elyse Marsh and Amy Braziller will lead the Generative Writing workshop on Feb. 23. Both instructors are published writers who have taught at RRCC for many years and have coordinated the college’s studentrun literary magazine, Obscura. “It’s easy to resolve to write more, especially at the first of the year,” says Braziller. “This workshop will equip you to follow through with that commitment, from finding your writing self to revitalizing your creative impulse.” Marsh adds, “You’ll leave with material you can build on – something you’ll be excited to get back to so you don’t lose that momentum.” Paul Gallagher and Sandra McRae Sajbel will lead the Poetry workshop on March 16, on the Lakewood campus in room 1153. “We’ll have ideas and exercises that any poet can run with,” says Gallagher, “whether you’re seasoned in your craft or just starting out. Sometimes it’s that outside influence that really shakes things loose and before you know it, you’ve got a piece you can be proud of.” “Yes, stirring the pot is always good,” adds McRae. “And with poetry, sometimes even a subtle shift really makes the difference between an adequate poem and one that opens up and really stays with the reader.” The workshop fee is $25. To register for either workshop or both, please call 303-914-6221. Questions? Contact Sandra Sajbel at sandra.sajbel@rrcc. edu.

Lutheran Medical Center Named to Healthgrades 2019 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Lutheran Medical Center has achieved the Healthgrades 2019 America’s 50 Best Hospitals Award, according to a release from Lutheran. The distinction places the hospital in the top 1 percent of more than 4,500 hospitals assessed nationwide for consistent, year-over-year superior clinical performance as measured by Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. Lutheran has received this distinction for the second consecutive year and has been ranked in America’s 100 Best Hospitals for the previous five years. Lutheran is one of two Colorado hospitals (the other is SCL Good Samaritan) in a five-state region – Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah – to be recognized in the top 1 percent nationwide. From 2015 through 2017, patients treated in hospitals achieving the Healthgrades

OF WHEAT RIDGE

For information about how Healthgrades determines award recipients, visit www.healthgrades.com/quality.

Wheat Ridge Active Adult Center Seeks Trip Volunteers The Wheat Ridge Active Adult Center is seeking volunteer trip drivers/guides. The Active Adult Center provides trips to groups of active adults (age 50 or better) to a variety of locations around the Denver metro area and beyond. Trips include concerts, museums, festivals, the mountains, happy hours, restaurants, train rides, visits to the hot springs, shopping, tastings of Victorian tea, the theater, escape rooms, and more! Activities also include trips for outdoor recreation such as walking, hiking and skiing/snowshoeing. All volunteers are provided with training and support. Volunteers must love having fun, exploring new and familiar places, and meeting and assisting seniors. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record, as well as have current vehicle insurance. Volunteers must commit to attending required training and driving at least one trip a month and up to four trips that can last from 3 to 8 hours. Applications are available online www. rootedinfun.com/VolunteerApp or contact Christine Leahy, Trip Coordinator, Wheat Ridge Active Adult Center, 303-205-7510.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 18 – MARCH 17, 2019 – ngazette.com

Wheat Ridge Continued from page 1

said. “It just had a different flair and we didn’t want to lose our identity.”

A uniﬁed group effort

Two plaques at Founders’ Park, 3705 Jay St., list the city “incorporators” as Higgins, Jerry Rose, Jack Willis and Marty Weiland. The incorporation group included Albert “Ed” Anderson, Dana Bowling, William McBride, John McElderry, Walt Johnson, Bonnie Scoma, Louise Turner and Jack Prose. The incorporation sponsor was the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District. Neighborhood chairs and volunteers were Bill Echelmeyer, Bob Eckhardt, Jaidinger, Higgins, Harvey Kolesar, Warren Yousse, Pat Cunningham, Al Hamme, Ken and Mona Hoener, Jim Russell, Carolyn Rits, Paula Vessa, Ted Erickson, George Fentress and Jay Weiland. Turner, who passed away on Feb. 13, 2012, at 87, was the first city clerk. In a Feb. 9, 2007, local history video on the city of Lakewood’s web page, Turner said the first area incorporation attempt in 1959 lost by a 9-1 margin. It would have included the Lakewood and Wheat Ridge areas in a city called Ridgewood. Two years later, both areas put incorporation on separate ballots and both lost. In 1969, the City and County of Denver had been eyeing eastern Jefferson County for annexation. Turner said the effort to form Wheat Ridge was undertaken although “no one in Wheat Ridge wanted to be a city, no one wanted a lot of laws or to change their way of life. But we wanted protection against being annexed into another community. We didn’t want to be Lakewood’s north neighborhood.” Higgins also noted that while school desegregation was happening in Denver, opposition to that was not “outwardly open” among the Wheat Ridge proponents. ”I don’t recall any major conversations about the integration of Wheat Ridge

schools,” he stated. “Our schools were already mixed and we had no issues.” Backers also worried that even if all Wheat Ridge voters opposed being included in Jefferson City’s limits, they did not have the numbers to defeat the measure. “So we had to schedule the Wheat Ridge election first,” Turner said. When asked how the city name was chosen, Turner replied, “There were wheat fields on the ridge.”

Support shown, even in the rain

Public meetings were held to explain why the Wheat Ridge group — led by the fire department and local Grange — did not want the area to be part of Jefferson City. “I remember we would use the loudspeaker on the fire truck to get people’s attention,” Jaidinger recalled. Turner was responsible for one of the election petitions and recalled people stood in the rain to sign petitions. A copy of the Outlook weekly newspaper in the Jefferson County archivist office in Golden reported petitions with 309 signatures were turned in to District Court on May 8, 1969. Included were 18 pages of legal descriptions and 27 pages of maps. A total of 150 signatures of registered voters from the area were needed to place the measure on the ballot. On May 16, the Outlook reported a June 17 election date was set, while petitions calling for the incorporation of Jefferson City — including the Wheat Ridge area — were also filed. On May 30, the Outlook reported a June 24 election date was set for Jefferson City’s incorporation. A banner headline on the Outlook’s June 20 front page read, “Wheat Ridge to be Colorado’s 8th largest city.” Voters approved the incorporation by a 3,183-2,636 count. The 5,819 votes cast represented around 45 percent of the 13,000 eligible voters. The Denver Post, in a June 18 story, described Wheat Ridge’s eastern boundaries as Lakeside, Mountain View and Sheridan Boulevard; to the south, West 26th Avenue and Crown Hill Cemetery; the west,

THE FRONT PAGE OF THE JUNE 20, 1969, EDITION OF THE OUTLOOK weekly newspaper included a banner headline to signify the incorporation of Wheat Ridge as a city. Wheat Ridge is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a city this year. PHOTO MIKE MCKIBBIN. Youngfield Street and Ward Road; and the north, West 52nd Avenue, West 49th Avenue, the north right-of-way of Interstate 70 and Clear Creek. In a short front-page editorial comment, the Outlook wrote the results were not surprising and noted a month earlier, the paper had predicted the vote would carry by about 60 percent, “so we were not far off.” The paper added its “guess” was that the Jefferson City incorporation vote the following week would also pass, as would a vote to change its name to Lakewood soon after the incorporation election. After the Wheat Ridge measure passed, “all hell” broke loose among politicians from nearby areas, especially the backers of the formation of Jefferson City, Jaidinger said. “It blew up like an atom bomb,” he added. Higgins said the Wheat Ridge measure passed because the community had a unified voice. “The fire department had 40-50 volunteer firefighters and we all had our own jobs in the community,” he noted. “And the Grange spoke for the agrarian community.”

Setting up a government

Since special districts already provided fire, water and sanitation, and the Jefferson County School District was in place, the

only immediate need was law enforcement, Higgins added. Jack Bramble was appointed the city’s first police chief and several county sheriff's deputies were hired as officers to provide weekend coverage, Jaidinger said. Turner said the new city had 90 days after the election to come up with a “working system” of government. The Post story noted state statutes required an election to designate city council wards with two council representatives from each ward, a mayor, clerk and treasurer. Turner said a small group of city supporters met twice a week — usually until about 2:30 in the morning — to set up the city. “There was a lot of anxiety and nervous moments about lots of things,” she stated. “We were kind of ‘what do we do now?’” Jaidinger said he doesn’t recall tax rates and other financial issues were concerns. A one-cent sales tax was the first money-raising source for the new city. “I think most people then didn’t give a damn,” he stated. “The more common concern was losing our voice on government issues if Jefferson City was formed. We just didn’t want that to happen. We wanted to protect ourselves and the community of Wheat Ridge, we didn’t want to lose our identity.” On June 29, the Outlook wrote that voters approved the formation of Jefferson City, then the state’s third largest, by an 8,4763,371 tally. Higgins said Wheat Ridge was and still is “uniquely different than Denver or any of the other surrounding communities. I am proud we were able to do it on a shoestring but I don’t think we comprehended the complexity. We were just a bunch of men and women who took a leap of faith to keep Wheat Ridge going.” “We thought it was absolutely the right move to incorporate,” Jaidinger said. “We thought we were much different than Lakewood. I’m very happy and couldn’t be prouder — except for marrying my wife — than anything I’ve ever done. In a lot of ways, I can’t believe it’s been 50 years.”

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