Neighborhood Gazette – March 2017

LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL NEWS

NEIGHBORHOOD FEATURE

Senior Resource Center Begins CEO Search

‘An Evening at the Garage’ for STEM/STEAM’s Sake, April 15

What’s a Grange?

What Does it Do? Why Join?

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NEIGHBORHOOD

WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE March 14 – April 17, 2017 • ngazette.com • FREE

Signs of Spring for Fruitdale School Development n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

I

t’s going to take more than paint and carpet before the historic Fruitdale School, 10803 W. 44th Ave., is ready for tenants. That was clear as Jim Hartman and Susan Ely of Hartman Ely Investments gave a tour of the property to City of Wheat Ridge officials and the press on March 9.

Hartman Ely Investments purchased the property from the city to create Fruitdale Lofts, an adaptive-reuse development featuring 16 mixed-income apartments, some of which will include huge windows, chalkboards, original tile and even two units with basketball hoops.

The $5.5 million project is a public-private partnership between Hartman Ely Investments, the City of Wheat Ridge, and the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority, using a combination of tax credits, public and private loans, solar energy credits and the developer’s equity.

Hartman used the opportunity to show both the original features that would be restored and those that would not, and explain why. Completion is expected in October, but Continued on page 2

SUNSHINE AND VOLUNTEERS WANTED for this year’s Kite Flite Festival, Saturday, April 29, in Wheat Ridge’s Anderson Park – last year’s celebration was grounded by snow. PHOTO: KITE FLITE FESTIVAL

Blue Skies, Volunteers Needed For April Kite Flite Festival n By

A

Laura Poole

s many devoted attendees will remember, last year the weather kept the third annual Kite Flite Festival from soaring, but this year the committee is hoping for proper spring weather to celebrate the burgeoning festival.

In years prior the festival drew in huge crowds to Anderson Park to fly kites, enter contests, create crafts and play with neighbors, friends and family. This year’s festivities will keep the classic favorites and continue to build upon the popularity gained in the early years.

“Kids and adults alike are really looking forward to the 2017 kite festival, especially after last year’s spring snow led to a painful cancelation!” said Mayor Joyce Jay. “It is such a perfect opportunity for every age to go out and be a kid again in our own Wheat Ridge Anderson Park, under an inviting Wheat Ridge sun, with hopefully just the right amount of wind.”

The fourth official annual Kite Flite Festival will be held on Saturday, April 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with events scattered around Anderson Park, and throughout the day. Bring your own kite or choose from an affordable selection of kites for sale on site. Visit the kite hospital for free assembly of purchased kites or repair of broken ones. With most of the parking lots being utilized for kite flying and car-seat safety inspections, residents are encouraged to park in nearby neighborhoods and enjoy a short walk or bike ride to the park.

The Wheat Ridge Police Department will once again partner with the festival to bring their Kids Safety Fair to locals, and will have their bike rodeo (bikes provided to those who need them) and a drawing for two free bikes that will be given away at the end of the day (winners need not be present to win). WRPD will also have car seat

inspections, Chees-O the mascot, a balloon artist and a face painter, and new this year is a caricature artist. And of course, the Flight For Life helicopter will be making its special appearance in the baseball diamond.

“Our partnership with the Wheat Ridge Police Department brought so many added attractions to both our Festivals,” said Kite Flite Festival Chairperson Margie Seyfer.

“We love working with them. Two Festivals within one proved to be awesome!”

As part of the WRPD’s Child Safety

festival and Dia de Los Ninos, they will be inspecting and installing car seats for families and will be featuring several vendors who will be giving information on child safety. Their internet safety mascot Chees-O handed out 300 grab bags at the 2015 festival, and the department is optimistic the popularity will continue to grow. Car seats will be inspected for safety standards and those owning car seats that fail to qualify will be provided new ones. The WRPD encourages the Latino

community in particular to come out and take advantage of the public service.

Other attractions and activities include cop motorcycles, kids’ crafts, chalk art, hamster balls, parachute races, demonstrations, a mini train, contests, prizes, Coconut the Clown and Lewis the Magician, and new in 2017 will be a few sessions of Tai Chi in the park, and more.

Another fun attraction is the kids crafting Continued on page 2

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

City of Wheat Ridge Gears Up for Annual Egg Hunt n By

Meghan Godby

A

lthough it feels like we’ve only just waved goodbye to Santa Claus, the spells of warmer weather are a clear sign that spring is right around the corner. Days are getting longer, bird songs greet us each morning and we all sit in careful anticipation of the inevitable spring snowstorm that creeps up on us every year.

While our weather can be unpredictable, that doesn’t stop us from having a bit of fun as we usher in a new season. In fact, there’s a familiar springtime event that has graced Wheat Ridge’s calendar for over 40 years: the annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Hosted by the City of Wheat Ridge and eagerly anticipated by children of all ages, it’s a celebration not only of a treasured Easter tradition, but also of the Wheat Ridge community. It’s an event where neighbors can come together and enjoy the spring sunshine and one of the few times in life when it’s perfectly OK to put all your eggs in one CHILDREN SCURRY TO DISCOVER 6,000 COLOR- basket.

FUL PLASTIC EGGS filled with candy and toys at last Held on Saturday, April 8, in Panorama Park, the free event is

year’s City of Wheat Ridge-sponsored Egg Hunt in Panorama Park. This year’s free event takes place Saturday, April 8. PHOTO: CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE

Continued on page 6

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – ngazette.com

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Fruitdale School Continued from page 1

passerby will not notice much progress in the next few months, as most work will be on the interior.

With the asbestos, old flooring, suspended ceilings and a few interior walls removed, Hartman pointed out original hardwood flooring, brickwork and floor joist work, and explained how the space would be divided into separate dwellings.

It’s the fourth – and final – design proposal since 2008 for the Temple Buelldesigned structure, built in 1927 and added to in the 1950s, which has sat vacant since decommissioned by Jeffco schools in 2007.

The Wheat Ridge Housing Authority saved the school from demolition by purchasing it in April 2011.

Hartman’s plan, approved in July 2016, includes 16 rental apartments ranging from 550 to just over 1,000 square feet and including one-, two-, and three-bedroom floorplans in the main school building as well as the caretaker’s cottage. Five of the apartments will be income-restricted units. All apartments will benefit from the renovated property’s sustainable features, including reduced electricity costs due to a large solar power system, energy/water efficiency features and a free electric vehicle charging system.

The existing, original windows will be restored, but the later aluminum-clad versions replaced. Hartman said storm windows will be used to increase energy efficiency of the classic windows, and roller shades will be installed for window treatments, rather than let tenants choose – or neglect to do so.

The main hallway in the original building will be scrubbed of graffiti and serve as a gallery, he said. The original skylights over the stairwells at either end of the hall will be restored to provide natural light; new skylights will be added elsewhere.

The impracticality of installing an elevator in the building means that only three units in the old gym will be handicapped accessible – the four secondfloor apartments will be only accessible by stairs. Taking advantage of voluminous attic space, two of the upstairs apartments will feature loft bedrooms accessed by spiral staircases.

Removing the four-foot-deep suspended ceiling on the first floor made those spaces airy, but created a potential noise problem – the original second-story wood floor would transmit the sound of upstairs tenants’ footsteps. Hartman said a combination of

Kite Flite Festival Continued from page 1

pavilion where over 200 kids enjoyed and took advantage of the kids crafting in 2015 creating all sorts of joyous little projects.

Committee members are enthusiastic about this year’s turnout and new activities and crafts.

The committee encourages community members to volunteer for two-hour shifts on the festival website. Crafty people are needed in the Kid’s Craft Pavilion, to help man the welcome booth and for various

DEVELOPER JIM HARTMAN (RIGHT) EXPLAINS WORK in progress at the landmark Fruitdale School to Wheat Ridge Council Member Monica Duran (left ) and Mayor Joyce Jay (center). PHOTO: J. PATRICK O’LEARY

carpet and vinyl tile, a new drywall ceiling, and insulation between will deaden the noise.

Interior brick walls will not be exposed, but plastered over, in keeping with the historic use.

Tenants on both floors and both sides of the old building will have a view of the tobe-planted orchards. Even without storm windows, the noise of rush-hour traffic on West 44th Avenue was not intrusive.

The interior of the 1950s-vintage gym, kitchen and cafeteria will see changes.

The serving windows between kitchen and dining area will be filled in to help create three apartments. Walls in some bathrooms and closets will be knocked through, with bricks being salvaged for use in the older part of the building. Hartman said he’s considering how to keep stenciled artwork found on tile in the cafeteria.

Hartman said the original plan was to have a two-story living space in the gym, but the National Park Service – which oversees the property’s landmark status – objected.

The existing basketball backboards will remain, overlooking the dining areas in two of the apartments.

The old boiler room on the north side will be turned into a garden-level apartment with its own entrance. The detached caretaker’s residence on the street will be turned into a 1,000-square-foot, threebedroom, two-bath dwelling.

For updates and more information, visit www.hartmanelyinvestments.com/ fruitdale-school-lofts.htm.

other activities on event day. Volunteers will be treated to a mini breakfast buffet the morning of as a thank you for your help and support. Please visit the festival’s new website at www.kiteflitefest.com for more information.

Additional Festival sponsors include the City of Wheat Ridge, First Bank, Compass Construction, PG Construction, Seyfer Automotive, Mile Hi Automotive, Vinylworks Signs and Graphics, Modern Woodmen, Carpet Zone of Wheat Ridge, Lisa Schrag, Cress Kitchen and Bath and Lf Insurance Agency.

We hope to see you there. Come fly a kite with us!

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Minimum Wage Increase Has Little Impact on Local Business n By

Alexander Rea

I

t has been just over two months since the minimum wage increase hit the streets in Colorado. It may be time to gage the repercussions, if any, of the increase from some local businesses.

Since the installment of the increase in January, which pushed the minimum wage up to $9.30 an hour for normal workers and $6.28 an hour for servers, the food service side of Wheat Ridge has seen the bulk of the difference.

Local restaurant favorite Colorado Plus Brew Pub, has seen some skewed changes when looking at their work force.

“Our kitchen staff wasn’t really affected by the increase,” said owner Eugene Kahng, “seeing they were already getting paid above minimum wage, but our servers saw the hourly increase.”

Servers are considered tipped employees, with this the majority of their money comes from tips, which compensates the low hourly wage. So an increase for them isn’t really as crucial as it is for someone who doesn’t have that tip cushion.

“I love paying my kitchen staff above minimum wage, if I could, I would continue to set the bar higher. But I don’t necessarily understand the server wage increase since they have the possibility of making a good amount of money from tips.”

Two of the four owners of Clancy’s Irish Pub, Jeff Hurluburt and Steve Zielinski stepped into the conversation of the minimum wage increase.

“Not only does an employer pay their wages, but they pay taxes on those wages. So anytime workers are receiving more money mandated by the government, the employer pays more taxes,” said Zielinski.

Clancy’s faces the same issue as Colorado Plus does: they already pay their

kitchen staff above minimum wage due to the competitive market, but still question the serving increase.

“One thing to also consider is that small businesses don’t get these big tax cuts like corporations do. So it is much easier for a big corporation to absorb the extra costs than a ‘mom-and-pop shop’ could,” said Hurluburt.

Now, if you look at other types of small businesses, like Wheat Ridge Cyclery, you find a market really untouched by the increase. If prices were increased on any facet, the minimum wage increase has no responsibility; the fault truly lies with natural business cycle of prices increasing every year around this time of year.

“We have not seen an increase due to minimum wage, however, overall costs continue to increase, we see this every year,” said owner Ron Kiefel.

Larson’s Ski and Sport had similar results since the majority of product and retail sold is from outside of Colorado, just like Wheat Ridge Cyclery. Since both businesses rely on expert salesmen, the minimum wage didn’t really have a presence on the long-time workers.

“Unfortunately for our younger workers, we had to eliminate them,” said Larson’s owner John Marriott. “Mostly because we didn’t think their work was worth that much money.”

This is a clear effect on seasonal workers, people who work temporarily during busy times when extra help is needed. In this instance, the increase demotivated the need for extra help.

Clearly Wheat Ridge is not going to fall apart because of the minimum wage increase. All in all the repercussions stand at minimal, but this is just the first wave of four increases until 2020. So only time will tell if any problems arise.

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n Jan. 31, the Seniors’ Resource Center (SRC) announced its president and CEO John Zabawa will retire at the end of this coming July. In the press release issued

by SRC, Zabawa, who has spent the past 35 years serving and advocating for seniors in Colorado, expressed what his work with SRC has meant to him.

“It was a difficult decision to make,” said Zabawa. “When you do what you love, and derive such fulfillment in helping others, it does not seem like work.”

Headquartered in Wheat Ridge, SRC has provided services to seniors in the metro Denver area since 1978. Over the past 20 to 25 years, more companies have joined SRC in the senior care industry.

While some like Right at Home and Comfort Keepers provide similar services to allow seniors to remain at home, many of these organizations are for-profit and offer franchise opportunities. SRC, on the other hand, is a nonprofit that works with

the public sector and other nonprofits in its mission to serve the needs of seniors and caregivers.

The SRC board of directors has established a CEO Search Committee, comprised of board members and community leaders. In the meantime, Zabawa will remain in his position over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition.

SRC does not anticipate any major impact from the change of leadership.

In fact, Rod Manual, who is the director of development and marketing for SRC, sees Zabawa’s retirement as a sort of endorsement of those who will continue to run the organization.

“John’s decision to retire is a strong reflection of his confidence in SRC’s ability to continue fulfilling its mission. There is a growing need for help among seniors and SRC will continue working to meet that need,” said Manual.

To learn more about Seniors Resource Center, visit www.srcaging.org.

Have a news tip or story idea? Send it to editor@ngazette.com

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

ngazette.com – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

5

Spend ‘An Evening at the Garage’ for STEM/STEAM’s Sake, April 15 n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

W

heat Ridge High School’s STEM/ STEAM program will present the second annual “Off to the Races” gala to raise funds on Saturday, April 15 at the Lamar Street Center in Arvada, 6 to 9 p.m.

It’s the main fundraiser for the school’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and STEAM (which also includes art) programs, which has fielded high-tech hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in national competitions for the past two years.

This year patrons will again be able see the students’ creations, but also have a chance to check out classic cars, motorcycles and Americana at the new venue.

“This is a really cool event center and it has a lot of motorized memorabilia,” said Charles Sprague, Wheat Ridge High School’s STEM/Engineering-Shell Instructor. “It [the center] is not open to the public and the only way to view the objects is through an event such as this.”

Lamar’s website describes it as “13,000 square feet of sprawling space with motorcycles on the walls, a race car hanging from the ceiling, vintage gas pumps, and retro art in the form of classic cars.”

The inaugural gala was held last April at Stonebrook Manor in Thornton. The $25,000 raised – paired with corporate sponsorships – allowed the school to build five vehicles to be entered in four competitions this spring and summer, as well as a unique work of student art that will be unveiled at this year’s event.

“Our program will cost close to $50,000 this year. And that doesn’t include travel expenses,” Sprague said. Fundraising and sponsorships provide about 95 percent of that.

“We’re very excited that we can design, manufacture and assemble large-scale projects, all at the high school,” said Sprague. “And we like how the STEM and STEAM programs will be combined next

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MOTORIZED MEMORABILIA-THEMED LAMAR STREET CENTER is the venue for the second annual “Off to the Races” gala to raise funds for Wheat Ridge High School’s STEM and STEAM programs, April 15. PHOTO: LAMAR STREET CENTER year, making it the crossroads of creativity and ingenuity.”

He said this school year 70 students are enrolled in STEM, and 10 to 12 in the arts (STEAM) program.

In 2015, the 16 students of the STEM class created “Combine,” a hydrogen fuelcell car and entered it into that year’s Shell Eco-Marathon, an annual fuel efficiency competition in Detroit, winning the Champion title. Last year the number of students grew to 44, and they created two cars for the competition; one, “Lightning,” placed second in the Prototype Division in Detroit.

With 70 students and funds raised from last year, projects have been added.

The class has partnered with University of Colorado-Denver to build two hydrogen fuel cell cars – a prototype and larger “Urban Concept” vehicle. The prototype will compete in Detroit, April 27 through 29, and can be viewed at the gala.

“The Urban Concept Vehicle is the big brother to the Prototype, and we’re looking to get it built starting next month for next year’s Shell Eco Marathon,” said Sprague.

“But we’ll have some concept art and plans at the gala. It’s designed to look like a sport rally car out of the ‘70s or ‘80s.”

The Shell Eco-Marathon provides a real-world environment for students to test vehicles they design and build themselves with the goal of going the farthest possible distance using the least amount of energy, according to Shell’s website.

This year the students have built and will field a human-powered rover to compete in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge in Huntsville, Ala., March 30 to April 1. Sprague said he hopes it will be at the gala. According to NASA’s website, rovers will be powered by and and carry two students, one female and one male, over a half-mile obstacle course of simulated extraterrestrial terrain of craters, boulders, ridges, inclines, crevasses and depressions.

Each student team of six members is responsible for building their own rover, and the two course drivers must be chosen from the team.

They’ve also built a human-powered vehicle to compete in the first annual

University of Colorado-Denver HPV competition, to be held April 22.

Finally, students are racing to complete a roadworthy sun-powered vehicle by school year’s end to compete in the 2017 Solar Car Challenge, a closed-track event at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, July 19 through 21. Sprague said it is unlikely guests will see it at the gala, as its large wingspan of solar panels make it difficult to transport.

Attendees will see Denver sports cartoonist Drew Litton again, who will be signing and selling his creations.

Westerra is again the main sponsor of the fundraiser, and additional sponsors are being sought.

Tickets are $50 and include dinner and dessert, silent auction, basket drawing and games. A special $75 “gold” ticket includes access to the main event as well as a tour of the event center prior to the gala at 5:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets – limited to 300 – online at wheatridgefoundation.org.

For more information, contact Charles Sprague at clspragu@jeffco.k12.co.us.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – ngazette.com

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR Creating Spaces Enriches Lives in Wheat Ridge maintaining what makes the city unique.

In Wheat Ridge, our city is seeing many recently attended an inspiring economic development projects come to presentation on placemaking, which fruition. This is a revival of sorts, with described placemaking as a set of fresh, recognition of our natural assets. “Place” is common-sense ideas about place that can at the heart of the pride we all feel for our help us discover new connections to each city. other. I have been thinking about all that One recent example of placemaking Wheat Ridge has in our history and on will be realized at the Corners at Wheat the horizon that contributes to this idea of Ridge. The asbestos abatement followed making a place for a community to connect by demolition of the buildings at 38th and gather. My favorite concept and Wadsworth is the start of placemaking is that it is all of an exciting part of that about places and people. I think process. After having received that’s what we are all about, too. community input, city officials Placemaking is a multiare working closely with the faceted approach to the planning, developer to create an attractive design and management of design for the new Corners at public spaces. It capitalizes Wheat Ridge that will include on a local community’s assets, abundant landscape buffering, inspiration and potential, green walkways, a pocket park, to create public spaces that and perhaps even a water promote the health, happiness feature to soften traffic noise and well-being of those living when you are enjoying a cup Joyce Jay and working there. In other of coffee or playing a game of words, placemaking focuses on creating bocce. spaces for people, not just for shopping or Another area of the city undergoing a cars. more organic creation of place is The Ridge By embracing the concept of at 38. This area of town is continuing to placemaking we can work with the changes evolve. It has become more walkable, more presented to us and collaborate to improving accessible, and more beautiful with trees our community, to inspire each other to lining the streets. Exciting plans for 38th reimagine and reinvent public spaces that and Upham include 125 apartments with become the heart of our city. Placemaking new retail stores. This is our event space allows us to pay attention to what defines and downtown area, and by keeping the Wheat Ridge, our history, our culture, even holiday lights lit outside area businesses, the physical outdoor spaces that define our we can even more easily identify this special city and support our continuing evolution. “place” along 38th Avenue.

Placemaking is about the community We are “placemaking” our parks as working in harmony with economic well, by switching out ball fields in Prospect development and is only effective when we Park that have seen a decrease in demand participate together to determine the best and offering pickle ball courts for those opportunities. Placemaking is realizing who have taken up that popular pastime. that our city needs to address the financial At Wheat Ridge • Ward Station, we will be demands required to stay vital while also creating more than just a rail station near paying attention to the emotional wellContinued on page 15 being of community members. All this while n By

Joyce Jay

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expected to draw in over 600 families from the local area. There will be five age groups (ages 0-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-10), so all of the little ones can join in the festivities. The fun begins at 10 a.m. (Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay is scheduled to blow the whistle), followed by a scurry to discover 6,000 colorful plastic eggs filled with candy and toys.

After all of the excitement is over, children will have an opportunity to take a free photo with the Easter Bunny (bring your own camera, please), which makes a great addition to any family scrapbook.

As they patiently wait their turn in line, an Easter basket drawing will be done for each age group.

Wheat Ridge’s Parks and Recreation department spearheads the event. Stephen Clyde, the new Supervisor of Programs and Marketing, is overseeing the efforts for the first time.

“I’m excited,” Stephen shared. “This is a great community event and Panorama Park is the perfect place to host it. It’s a central, walkable location for Wheat Ridge residents, making it a fun and family-friendly event.”

His favorite part?

“Seeing all the kids dressed up in their cute Easter outfits,” he explains. “I also love seeing all of the emotion children show when they get a chance to meet the Easter Bunny - huge smiles, laughter, shyness, or even tears.”

The event, supervised by Wheat Ridge Recreation Center staff, is hosted in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club, a local volunteer organization. The volunteers will be setting up boundary lines for the

different age groups, as well as strategically hiding eggs throughout the park – probably one of the most important jobs of all.

“They are a huge part of this event and we’re grateful for their involvement,” Stephen said.

While the egg hunt is a fun Saturday outing for many families, it’s so much more than that. Not only is it a way for the city to connect with its residents, but it’s a great way for attendees to make sure their voices are heard.

“This is a great opportunity to start a conversation with our community and share our other events and programs,” Stephen points out. “We love hearing what people think of the egg hunt and what types of events they would like to see more of in the future.”

In addition to candid discussion, the city also conducts surveys, which are a valuable source of feedback and statistical information. According to last year’s survey, for example, most participants regularly use services and programs put on by the city – and there are plenty of those; most recently, the Recreation Center put on Discover – a free day where community members can check out the facility and sample different classes and programs. Keep your eyes open for other fun city events, including Performances in the Park, later this year.

In the event of unfavorable weather (this is Colorado, after all), the egg hunt will be postponed until the following Saturday, April 15. The egg hunt will be held indoors at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center if the weather still isn’t cooperating.

So mark your calendars, dress your kiddos in a cute Easter outfit, and dust off those baskets - it’s sure to be an egg-cellent time!

For more information, visit www. ci.wheatridge.co.us.

ngazette.com – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

LOCALWORKS UPDATE

WHEAT RIDGE TREASURER

Capturing Images and Flavors of Wheat Ridge

Creation of Fund 31

Blu Hartkopp, Mayor Joyce Jay and Patricia Barry Levy. We will announce the winners and award the prizes at the event. All the oing through the Capture Wheat Ridge winners will receive a framing design photo contest entries has enabled me session with the creative and experienced to experience Wheat Ridge though your staff at Metro Frame Works. Plus their eyes. One trend I noticed and can personally winning photo will be framed using relate to is the appreciation of Wheat Ridge’s museum quality materials at a natural spaces. Walking my dog value up to $500. In addition, on the Clear Creek trail is one of one Overall Best in Contest my favorite pastimes and I loved winner will receive $500 and seeing all the unique photos of the Community, History and the spaces we all treasure.

Agriculture Category winners If you’re not familiar with will each receive $100. the Capture Wheat Ridge photo The Capture Wheat contest, it is a citywide contest Ridge Celebration will also sponsored by Localworks feature a variety of Wheat Ridge and Metro Frameworks. We Restaurants offering tastes of wanted to know, how do you their signature dishes. Some of experience Wheat Ridge? What Wheat Ridge’s best will be there about Wheat Ridge captures Carolyn Doran including T-Bird Roadhouse, you? We asked the community Infinitus Pie, Twisted Smoothie, West 29th to photograph those vibrant moments that Restaurant, Post Oak Hall, Keys Funnel express what Wheat Ridge means to them.

Cakes and more.

Everyone gets the opportunity to view these Guests will also be able to bid on silent unique photos during our Capture Wheat auction items, including a dog basket from Ridge Celebration.

Fidos Grub and Tub, a cheese-making class Join us and celebrate Wheat Ridge with and tour of Five Fridges Farm and one of our an evening full of photos, food and fun on biggest items – donated by PG Construction Saturday, April 1, at Sons of Italy, when Services – a week’s stay in Waikiki, Hawaii. we will unveil the winners of the photo All proceeds go to Localworks to contest and capture the flavors of Wheat help support our mission of advancing Ridge with food samplings from a variety Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable of local restaurants. There will also be a community. This great event was planned silent auction featuring local Wheat Ridge by a volunteer committee to benefit businesses.

Localworks.

There were over 80 amazing photo For tickets and information, visit www. contest entries. The esteemed judges for the WeAreLocalworks.org. contest were professional photographers n By

Carolyn Doran

G

Joseph P. O’Leary Attorney At LAw

7

and expenditures will be accounted for in Fund 31. I will be reporting on the status of Fund 31 on a monthly basis in my City am very excited about the progress being Treasurer Report that can be found on my made on 2E funding. As you know I City Treasurer page under the “Reports” tab championed support for the passage of 2E. on the city website.

I am very pleased the community came Issuance of Bonds – we are also together to support this temporary sales and working on the issuance of bonds that will use tax increase for these four important take place later this spring. As part of 2E projects: approval, voters authorized the

• Anderson Park city to issue debt in the amount improvements, $4 million not to exceed $33 million with • Wadsworth Boulevard a maximum repayment cost of reconstruction, 35th Avenue to not to exceed $38.5 million. The Interstate 70, $7 million bonds can only be used for the • Wheat Ridge-Ward public investments approved by commuter rail station area, $12 the voters. million

The Bond Committee • Clear Creek Crossing presented three scenarios mixed-use development site to council on Feb. 13 and I hook ramps, $10 million recommended council move I encourage you to subscribe forward with Scenario #3. to the Investing 4 The Future Jerry DiTullio Without getting too technical, I quarterly newsletter with supported this scenario because I believe it periodic updates about the four projects. provides the city the greatest protection and You can subscribe online by clicking on the flexibility in supporting future economic “Our Community” tab of the city website development agreements. You can read (http://ci.wheatridge.co.us/) and then click more about the three options presented to on the “Investing 4 The Future – Projects council by reading the Feb. 13 council study Funded by 2E” link. session packet.

Since voter approval, I have been very Next steps moving forward include busy as your city treasurer working with council approval of the ordinance required staff on the following: to move to the bond issuance step.

Thank you again for your support for 2E. Creation of Fund 31 – the .5 percent I am excited to see these projects become a sales and use tax fund was approved by reality.

City Council on Feb. 13. In accordance with Contact City of Wheat Ridge TreaGovernmental Accounting Standards Board surer Jerry DiTullio via email at jeditullio@ (GASB) 54, 2E funds are “restricted” and ci.wheatridge.co.us or cellphone at 720cannot be co-mingled with other sources 253-6785. of city revenue. Therefore, both revenues

n By

Jerry DiTullio

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Holy Week

Vespers at 7pm - Tuesday, April 11th Confession at 5:30pm - Wednesday, April 12th

Holy Thursday April 13th Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00pm Altar of Repose until Midnight

Good Friday April 14th

Solemn Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 3:00pm Stations of the Cross and Veneration of the Cross at 7:00pm

Holy Saturday April 15th

Easter Vigil Mass at 8:15pm

Easter Sunday April 16th Masses at 7am, 9am and 11am

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – ngazette.com

UNDER THE DOME Service to Credit: Supporting Veterans in School That is why I am bringing a new bill (HB17-1004) with Rep. Dafna Michaelson Jenet. This measure will honor the training he unemployment rate for veterans, and skills of veterans, and help them especially for younger veterans who achieve their education goals by giving served in Iraq and Afghanistan, is typically Colorado colleges and universities the tools higher than the national unemployment to convert military training rate. To fix this, and ensure into college credit. Access to a our heroes are able to live the good education means greater American dream they fought for, opportunity in the job market we need to take concrete steps and more economic security to give them access to the goodfor veterans and their families. paying jobs that are available to Let’s give veterans a leg up them. in getting a college degree, Part of the solution is access and save them some money to a quality education. One at the same time, so that we obstacle that veterans face when are rewarding their service transitioning back into civilian and commitment to building life is that they are unable to convert their military training Jessie Danielson a better future for themselves and our country. into college credit. Even after State Representative Jessie Danielson some of the most intensive training in serves House District 24, which includes the math and sciences fields imaginable, Golden, Wheat Ridge and other Jefferson veterans can be forced to take courses in County communities. She is Speaker Pro subjects they have already mastered in Tem of the State House. To find out more order to earn a post-secondary degree. That about Rep. Danielson’s community events means time and money wasted overcoming or to talk to her directly, call her cell at 720a barrier between a veteran and their 276-3468 or visit www.jessiedanielson.com. economic security. n By

Jessie Danielson

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MOUNTAIN VIEWS Municipal Court’s In Session n By

Patricia Lilliston

O

nce a month at 4176 Benton St., the Town Hall conference tables are moved aside; the staff work stations are cleared; chairs are arranged in multiple single rows.

On this day, all Town Hall routine business ceases. Court is in session.

On the third Wednesday of each month, Mountain View Municipal Court convenes with the Honorable Mark Pautler presiding.

The town’s court clerk, Beverly Seidel, town attorney, officers from the Mountain View Police Department, a translator and the payment clerk are posed and prepared for the 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. court docket.

Although established predominantly to handle traffic violations, a variety of infractions are addressed in the court. During court hours, payments are received for ticket fines and payment plan installments.

Transactions include bond and warrant issues.

In some instances, defendants plead their case to Judge Pautler. If an individual enters a “not guilty” plea, the town attorney meets with the individual. Depending on the circumstance, the town attorney might offer a plea bargain. The defendant can also request a trial to court or although rare, a trial to jury.

Requested trials to the court are held on site the same day as the defendant's’ court appearance. Promptly at 3:30 p.m., the town attorney begins pre-trial reviews. At 4 p.m., individual trials start by Judge Pautler reviewing items presented as evidence. Once the testimony of the defendant and the citing police officer is heard, the judge makes his determination in the case.

The court sessions are open to the public.

“Anyone is welcome to attend, observe and learn more about the judicial system,” affirms Town Court Clerk Seidel.

For additional information, court forms or schedules regarding the Mountain View Municipal Court system, visit the Mountain View Town website, http://mtvgov.org.

Spring Community Events Mountain View residents are invited to join Mayor Jeff Kiddie on Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. until noon for his Meet and Greet gathering hosted at the Town Hall. This bimonthly event provides the community with timely updates on current Town

Council decisions, Public Works projects or commercial and residential developments.

The occasion offers a casual opportunity for residents to pose questions or to suggest ideas for the community.

The spring Town Clean Up is scheduled during April and May. Multiple trash receptacles will be available at the Town Hall beginning Saturday, April 22. The residential street sweep is planned for Thursday, May 4 with the alternate date set for Thursday, May 11.

Little Free Library Coming to Town Hall’s Lawn After several months of anticipation, a Little Free Library will be installed this spring at the Town Hall on the north side lawn. Over a hundred adult and children’s books are now ready for an exchange with a neighbor or friend in Mountain View.

The Little Free Library project initially began in Wisconsin in 2009. The premise of the project is to encourage literacy and connect a community by sharing books.

Books are stored in a designated location for ease of access to the community residents and friends. The idea is simply take a book and return a book.

Books are always welcome at the Little Free Library. A book that has been enjoyed, recommended or considered a favorite is a good choice for a trade. Books that teach or prompt conversation are also desired books for the Little Free Library.

Prior to the opening of our Little Free Library, book donations will be accepted at the Town Hall on Saturday, April 1, during the Mayoral Meet and Greet; or contact P. Lilliston @http://mtvgov.org.

Town Trivia Revised In the “Town Trivia” article last month, the reference to the origin of Fenton Street was unknown. However, informed Neighborhood Gazette readers responded with information to clarify the historical source of the street name.

Fenton Street was named for Reuben E. Fenton, who held several terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He became the 22nd Governor of New York and later served in the U.S. Senate.

Contact Mountain View Town Council Member/Mayor Pro Tem Patricia Lilliston at the Mountain View Town website http://mtvgov.org.

ngazette.com – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

SCHOOL CROSSING

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

More Changes Coming to Wheat Ridge Schools

Volunteering in the Schools: Here’s What I Found

short, schools are having to sub out much of the needed help. As a previous PTA president to three local schools, I know the importance change of guard is on the horizon for of raising dollars to pay for budget items such some of our local schools. as substitute teachers, security cameras and The Manning January PTA held a certification classes for staff. More than half of “joint meeting with Partnership (Manning’s the students in American public schools come Accountability Committee). Brenda Carlson, from low-income families. Teachers deal with Jeffco Achievement Director, came in to different realities: students that are absent, share information regarding the process of hungry, abused, neglected and sometime selecting a new principal.” Highly attended suicidal. This is the reality in many of our by many Wheat Ridge families, Lakewood schools.

High School announced the

While Jeffco's free and “selection of Mr. Dan Bock as the reduced lunch rate hovers in the new principal beginning with the low 30 percentile … a handful of 2017-18 school year. Following Wheat Ridge schools struggle an extremely rigorous interview with a 90 percent and higher process involving staff and rates. These are schools where community members, Mr. Dan parents and teachers go beyond Bock was chosen to continue the political yard signs and sharpened high-quality work at Lakewood pencils on blue shirts. These are High School.” places where breakfast is served Reading Wilmore-Davis’ to entire families and the days website, Principal Martinez Guy Nahmiach are filled with much more than a included a final address to the standard curriculum. families: “I will miss our school, students and But what about the student that needs the their families. It has been such a pleasure to regular or enriched education? If our schools work with such a fine staff, supporting parents are for everyone, shouldn't everyone's needs and community and outstanding students. be met? Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Sincerely, John Martinez, Principal.” says they do, from number of teachers to As Stevens Elementary Principal Stewart librarians. The Student Based Budgeting announced her departure, I spoke with Karen allocates a certain amount of dollars into Quanbeck, Jeffco Achievement director, and a school, based on how many students learned that an in-depth process of finding enroll. But the situation is such that not a new principal is in the works. A group of every students gets what they need. And so stakeholders that included parents, teachers parents "choice" into another school where and even students were being asked for their their child can get the needed component opinions regarding the ideal candidate. Our in their education, be it advanced reading, young students will spend time with each math and maybe even science. This is a form candidate and offer an unclouded opinion. of the voucher program people have been These are the confirmed changes as we protesting, even though Colorado has had it go to print. Stay tuned for updates in our next since 1994 (Open Enrollment). Can the needs issue. of a few be sacrificed from for the needs of the I am excited about conducting another many? I guess it depends on which side your session for our Jefferson County Business child stands.

Education Alliance next week. Seventy-two Finally, thank you to all that wrote in last students from Lakewood High School will month with feedback about school closures. I learn how to market themselves in today's loved meeting you in person. A much healthier world, improving their job interview skills and exchange of views, and as always, thanks for writing resumes relevant to a new generation reading. of hiring managers. This class will address the Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or 303-999importance of networking among your family 5789. and friends, school and professional circles. As the JCBEA chairperson, I am especially proud of the hundreds of students that went through our classes last year. We have already received many requests from principals and teachers for us to conduct classes in their schools.

With needs on the rise and resources being

n By

Guy Nahmiach

A

Play recreational youth softball for Wheat Ridge We interleague with other areas in Jefferson County Season is mid-April thru mid-July FOR INFORMATION:

303-424-0134 etrengove@comcast.net wrgirlssoftball.com

n By

S

Jim Cherney

everal months ago, I wrote about opportunities to volunteer in the Wheat Ridge schools, concluding with my decision to give it a try. Well I did — and here are the early results.

In my earlier piece, I mentioned that Prospect Valley Elementary School is near my home, and that seemed like a logical place for me to try this new experience. After some discussion with Cara Jakab, School and Family Liaison at Prospect Valley, we agreed that I would spend several hours one day a week in two different classrooms: a sixthgrade class and a second-grade room.

In the sixth grade, I have worked with individual students on research and writing assignments, essentially giving them individual attention on the applicable project.

In the second grade class, I have become essentially a teacher’s aide or assistant in the classroom while I am there. We have worked on writing assignments, reading, note-taking and learning games (at least that is what I would call them).

First observation: These are two terrific teachers who care about their work, relate to the students and have a real knack for teaching. But, not surprisingly, they are constrained in the amount of individualized attention they can give to each of their students. They are only one person and there are many students! So my sense is that the students benefit from an additional adult in the room during certain tasks where individual attention is extremely helpful. That is likely why Principal Mike Collins is so open to welcoming adult volunteers in his school.

As for me, I quickly found I love the time I spend at Prospect Valley. Learning how to relate to these youngsters, seeing the difference it makes in their assignments and work output, and observing the learning process have been enriching for me. I can’t imagine a better way to spend two hours a week as a volunteer.

I spoke to Dr. Robert Brayden, a retired physician who has volunteered at Prospect Valley as a math tutor for three years, who expressed similar sentiments. Brayden said he particularly enjoys working with

11

youngsters who are having difficulty with the subject and seeing the improvement that the tutoring brings.

“Virtually all these kids are capable of doing college level math if they keep working at it and getting the help they need,” said Brayden.

Lee Porter started volunteering at Prospect Valley this current school year.

Porter is a retired employee of Jeffco schools (but not previously a teacher). He has grandchildren who are elementary-school age, but not living in this immediate area. He told me that he has always been an advocate of the public school system, so why not put some of his retirement effort into assisting the schools? He has been serving as a classroom assistant once a week in both a second- and a fourth-grade room.

“I look forward to my weekly time there and feel very positive about the experience,” said Porter. “The teachers and administration are very welcoming and flexible about my availability.”

The conclusion I reach, based on my own experience and speaking to others, is that there is virtually an unlimited opportunity and need for individuals who are willing to make a contribution to our public schools.

It is rewarding work, in a welcoming environment, and it really makes a difference.

What more could you ask for?

If you are interested in looking at volunteer opportunities in the Wheat Ridge schools, visit http://jeffcopublicschools.org/ community/index.html. It includes a link to specific schools and contacts.

And here are some Wheat Ridge Schools and contacts where you might consider volunteering: Prospect Valley Elementary School, Cara Jakab, 303-982-7535; Stevens Elementary School, Heather Stewart (principal), 303-303-982-2198; Kullerstrand Elementary School, Cheryl Clay (principal), 303-982-1780; Wilmore Davis Elementary School, John Martinez (principal), 303-9822890; Everitt Middle School, Jeffrey Gomez (principal), 303-982-1580; and Wheat Ridge High School, David Wirth (principal), 303982-7695.

Contact Jim Cherney at jalancherney@ outlook.com.

12

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – ngazette.com

NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS BEAT American Eagle Tax and Accounting, the Back Story n By

Vicki Ottoson

J

ennifer Verhey, owner of American Eagle Tax and Accounting, has been filing income tax returns since 1999. What began as a part-time job for a stay-at-home mom slowly morphed into an ideal selfemployment opportunity.

Having grown up eight blocks south of her current business location, Jennifer is another Wheat Ridge business owner with long-term local roots. She attended Jefferson High School and worked for five years at Valente’s (now Colorado Plus) while earning a marketing degree from University of Colorado-Denver, followed by a temp job after graduation.

One day a co-worker recommended she take a clerical test being offered “down the hall.” She passed and, in 1996, was offered a job at the downtown Denver IRS helping pilot an automated phone payment system where taxpayers would call in, give their social security number, balance due and the amount they could afford to pay monthly to see if they qualified for a payment plan.

First backstory: Why a phone system? While the World Wide Web went live to the world on Aug. 6, 1991, Bill Gates did not spend his first night surfing the web until 1995, the same year Microsoft included their Internet Explorer web browser as part of Windows 95. Mainstream adoption of the Internet – 33 percent of households – wasn’t achieved until 1999.

Jennifer’s job was to evaluate their information and call back with a yes or no for their enrollment. After three short months, the plug was pulled on the program and Jennifer transferred to the Veterans Administration, where, coincidentally, her first day on the job was a day-off to celebrate Veteran’s Day. For the next three years she was assigned to the CHAMPVA program processing payments to private physicians.

Second backstory: VA users often obtain additional care outside the VA system through Medicare, Medicaid or other forms of insurance. According to the Washington Post, in 2013, the VA spent $4.8 billion on care at non-VA hospitals and clinics.

In 1999, knowing she enjoyed working in the financial field, Jennifer left the VA to start a family, work seasonally at H&R Block preparing tax returns and preparations to become an Enrolled Agent, a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury

April 2017 Membership Breakfast DATE: Tuesday, April 11, 2017 TIME: 7:00-9:00am LOCATION: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center – 4005 Kipling St. COST: $15 for WRBA Members, $18 for Non-members Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, April 6

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SPEAKERS: Speaker: Patrick Goff, Wheat Ridge City Manager TOPIC: State of the City

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to represent taxpayers before the IRS for tax issues including audits, collections and appeals. Jennifer became an Enrolled Agent in 2001.

Third backstory: Following the Civil War, the Treasury Department was overwhelmed by dubious claims for lost horses. In fact, there were more claims for lost horses than there were horses that fought in the war.

Congress recognized that citizens weren’t making the false claims; it was the “agents” who represented them. The Enabling Act of 1884, also known as the Horse Act of 1884, created the standards to be recognized as an Enrolled Agent. Even so, the Enrolled Agent title might sound more familiar if it hadn’t taken the Treasury Department until 1994 to recognize the post-nominal letters “EA” to designate the accreditation. Additionally, a college degree was not required (and is still not required) to become an Enrolled Agent because even the practice of medicine was structured around an apprenticeship program until the mid-19th century.

By 2013, Jennifer had completed 30 hours of coursework and passed the last of four tests required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Two years later, she sat for the U.S. Tax Court exam that enabled her to become a designated Tax Practitioner.

Fourth backstory: There are two paths to admission to the Tax Court. First, you can be admitted if you are a member in good standing of the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United Sates or of the highest (or other appropriate) court of a State, of D.C., of a commonwealth, territory or possession of the United States. The second path, available to non-attorneys, requires submission of an application, a fee and the taking of a test that is held every two years. Individuals taking the test must be sponsored by at least two persons already admitted to the Tax Court.

The sponsor sends the letter shortly after the person passes the exam and provides the Court with “the sponsor’s opinion of the moral character and repute of the applicant and the sponsor’s opinion of the qualifications of the applicant to practice before” the Court. The Tax Court exam has a 10 percent pass rate.

Jennifer opened American Eagle Tax and Accounting in 2011, five months after noticing a vacant office building on 38th Avenue while attending the Carnation Festival Parade with her family. American Eagle offers payroll, tax-paying and tax resolution services for small business, selfemployed and individual taxpayers.

Viewing taxes like a puzzle that needs to be solved, Jennifer enjoys explaining the why and how behind tax theories and practices, especially for self-filers who need or want to understand the deductions listed in programs such as TurboTax, TaxAct and H&R Block.

The motto of her firm that appears on a plaque on the wall states, “It is against the law to EVADE paying income taxes but a longstanding landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision states that it is legally okay to AVOID paying income taxes.”

Jennifer is committed to helping clients pay their lowest legal tax liability to the federal government. She’s sympathetic with the sometimes onerous feelings associated with filing and paying income taxes: Another office plaque states, “When the first 1% income tax rate was being debated in 1913, a U.S. Senator opposed to it stated, ‘If they get away with 1% today, some day it may be raised to as high as 5%!’”

In defense of the tax code, Jennifer explains that tax laws are reactionary to what’s happening in the marketplace.

New trends associated with the sharing/ bartering economy such as the Bitcoin payment system, Uber, Airbnb and online garage sales apps such as LetGo and OfferUp create new tax collection challenges. Due to the innovative nature of our American economy, there are always loopholes to be closed…and the IRS is ready to react.

American Eagle’s tax preparation charges are forms-based, taking into consideration the time and knowledge required to complete each form. On the

bottom rung, a 1040EZ runs $40. Don’t delay! File your taxes today! April 15 is about a month away! Happy Tax Day, everyone!

American Eagle Tax and Accounting, 5790 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge; 303-4221996.

Rail Museum Director Speaks at Applewood Luncheon, April 13 Donald Tallman, Executive Director of the Colorado Railroad Museum, will be the guest speaker at Applewood Business Association’s next monthly luncheon, Thursday, April 13, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Rolling Hills Country Club, 15707 W. 26th Ave., Golden.

Tallman has served as director for 11 years, and has the distinction of being the first non-railfan to lead the museum.

Museum attendance has nearly doubled during his tenure, and its budget has grown by over 40 percent.

Guests are welcome, with the first lunch free. Newcomers may visit the meetings twice before they must join.

Cost is $20 for members, $25 for nonmembers. The deadline to RSVP is 5 p.m. on Friday before the meeting date. The Association cannot guarantee a meal after that time, and members showing up without an RSVP will be charged $25 instead of member pricing.

For more information or to register, visit www.applewoodbusiness.com or call 720-460-1539.

Business Classes, Events From Jeffco Business Resource Center The Jefferson County Business Resource Center, located in Denver West, is offering a handful of helpful presentations this month.

“Speed Networking Event” – a fast paced and fun way to make a ton of initial contacts – is set for Tuesday, March 21, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Community First Foundation, 5855 Wadsworth Bypass, Unit A, in Arvada.

It’s free with advanced registration.

“Buying Or Selling a Business” will be offered Thursday, March 23, 8 a.m. to noon, at the Jeffco Business Resource Center, 1667 Cole Blvd., Bldg. 19, Ste. 400, in Lakewood. Speaker Henry Tiberi shares what to consider before starting the process, valuation and the sale. Cost is $40 and early registration is recommended.

“Start-Up 101: What You Need to Know BEFORE You Consider Starting a Business!” is also held at the JBRC, Tuesday, March 28, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Free, but registration requested.

“Customers, Debtors or Defendants? The Collection Process for Small Businesses,” is set for Thursday, March 30, 8 to 9:30 a.m., at the Arvada Chamber of Commerce, 7305 Grandview Ave., in Arvada. Free with advanced registration.

For more information or to register, contact Amira Watters, Executive Director, at 303-996-8976, or visit www.jeffcobrc. org.

WRBA Serves Up Mixer at Clancy’s, State of the City

‘ Clancy’s Irish Pub is the site of Wheat Ridge Business Association’s next biz mixer, Wednesday, March 22, from 5 to 7 p.m.

Bring your business cards and friends to this the casual networking event at the 7000 W. 38th Ave. venue.

At its next monthly breakfast meeting, April 11, Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff presents the “State of the City,” a 30-minute talk with question-andanswer session on pending city projects. It takes place 7 to 9 a.m. at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St. $15 for members, $18 nonmembers.

Visit www.wheatridgebiz.com for information or to register. Call 720-588-2317 with questions.

ngazette.com – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

n By

SENIOR FOCUS

ASK THE EXPERT

Researching Care Options is Time Well Spent

There Just Aren’t Enough Homes to go Around

Susie Fogerson

N

ow that we are nearly into spring, leaving the holidays, family togetherness and the Super Bowl behind us, we settle in for the rest of the year. Some of us will have lingering thoughts about our parents and how they have aged. Even more of us are alarmed about witnessing their inability to get chores done, the condition of the home and perhaps their inability to complete just one task while we were there.

With parents well into retirement years, the awkward conversation today is about whether, when and how you, your siblings and/or a home care agency, assisted living community, memory care unit should take of some or all of the care of your older parents.

If you have noted your parents’ difficulties with the routines of daily life, rest assured that the conversation will go better if it happens before a crisis forces everyone to make decisions with little time for choices.

I counsel families on this very topic more often that you know. I usually recommend to families to start the process of looking for a home care agency, assisted living or memory care community long before they need one. The process is not always easy, but it is time well spent as you can narrow down the prospects and get a feel for the communities in your area, the home care agencies and the memory care units and what each one can offer you.

I tell families to set up tours in the assisted living communities, memory care units and home care agencies and ask a lot of questions. Pay attention to the energy in each community, the programs each one offers and how would you like to live there.

When dealing with a home care agency find out what their minimum number of hours per visit are and if they have a minimum number of hours per week. Ask if their rates are set or if they offer a la carte services. Find out if they offer 24/7 service and if their caregivers are their employees and not contracted labor.

You don’t have to make a decision immediately, and let each one know that you are doing your homework. Doing your homework now when you aren’t in a crisis is far better and time well spent than having no time to research each one and make a snap decision that could prove costly in the long run. Thinking about your parents needs now and setting a plan into action will

save you a lot of heartache later.

Now that you have some idea of what is out there, be a resource to your family. It’s usually best to have more than one conversation with your parents and with a “break the ice” type dialogue. Make the conversation around your parents’ quality of life and let them know you are there to protect their independence. If you get the feel from your parents that they will “never” leave their home, then a home care agency coming in to assist them might be the best option.

If you hear your parents say they are tired of the upkeep on their home, shoveling snow, repairing windows and are looking for a more carefree lifestyle with socialization of other individuals like themselves, then an assisted living community, or one that offers cottage-style living, might be a better option.

To improve communication and better understand your parents’ point of view, keep in mind that one of the most threatening things to a senior is the possibility that they may have to leave their home. That’s when you can recommend a home care agency you have information about. What they typically don’t know or understand is there are nonmedical home care services to assist them with activities of housekeeping, cooking, transportation, bathing/grooming, etc., that will enable them to remain living in their home safely and independently.

Parents may not understand all the amenities an assisted living community can offer. They may not understand the meals are usually included, transportation is available to doctor appointments and fun excursions as well. No more maintenance on their home, no shoveling snow, repairing the roof, etc. An assisted memory community can offer lots of activities and fun events, which residents can choose to participate in or not. This might be an open conversation where you can be a resource to them and let them know what you have found out about assisted living communities in your area.

Your parents may be in complete denial and will refuse to admit they need help, which will create extra challenges.

Unfortunately, life does happen, illness strikes, people fall and break hips, memory may start to fade and we are witness to watching our parents start to decline and age. What you do now, time well spent in research, can be a blessing to you, your parents and your siblings.

n By

Jenny Apel

L

ack of inventory seems like a common theme here in Wheat Ridge, and with good reason. Front Range views, ample parks and open space, as well as easy access to the mountains, local amenities like Ridge 38, and downtown Denver are just some of the reasons that Wheat Ridge continues to attract new buyers.

Another sought-after feature is the space between you and your neighbors, the simple ability to breathe, and a measure of peace and quiet not found in neighborhoods closer to downtown Denver. Wheat Ridge offers all of that – more house, more land, and more breathing room at a more affordable price than its urban neighbor.

But affordability is rapidly disintegrating. According to REColorado. com, the average sold price in Wheat Ridge over the last 12 months was $381,362, a 19.5 percent increase over the previous 12 month’s number of $319,075.

A 19.5 percent increase may seem like an incredibly unsustainable number, and it is. A closer look reveals the whole story: a pervasive trend of new construction is becoming more commonplace in Wheat Ridge. Thirty-nine new homes, 7.3 percent of Wheat Ridge’s overall 531 sales in the past 12 months, were sold ranging from a $389,000, 1,350-square-foot townhome, to a luxury ranch in the Quail Hollow subdivision of Applewood, which topped out at over $1.4 million. New home sales had a marked impact on the spike in average sold prices.

A realistic estimation of gain would come from a measure of the change in value of the area’s most commonly sold home - a mid-century ranch with about 1,350 square feet above grade. Over the last 12 months, the average price paid for that home was $373,004, up 10.1 percent from the previous

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12 month’s number of $338,644. This is a more accurate measure of where prices have gone, and perhaps where they are going for 2017.

Twenty-six of the 62 homes that closed in Wheat Ridge since the beginning of 2017 were in the $300,000 to $400,000 price range. There, sellers received an average of 97 percent of their ask price in an average of 27 days before contracting. Ten of the 26 contracted at or over ask price by as much as $17,000, and spent no more than 13 days in market before contracting. We can reasonable assume that there were competing offers on most, if not all of those 10 properties.

Speaking of multiple offers, here are some words of wisdom: Don’t let greed get the best of you! Overpricing still happens, and not every house sells. Once a property has been in market for a few weeks, it can easily be forgotten. Your chances of reaching actual market value are then greatly diminished.

Don’t underprice! Thirty offers might make your broker look good, but did you actually achieve full market value? You’ll never know. There comes a psychological stopping point that a buyer won’t cross with their offer, even if their broker can show comparable sales at that higher value.

Pricing your home for what it’s actually worth and preparing it to show at its very best is the only way to insure you receive full value, seek a neighborhood expert.

If you are a seller believing that this year is your best time to make a move, you’re right – Make your move now! There are plenty of buyers in the market for your home at this very moment!

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Dennis J. Ahnen, MD

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olorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death in the U.S. It is also one of the most preventable of all cancers and CRC screening is the single most effective prevention strategy.

of more than one drink per day for women, more than two per day for men – increases CRC risk.

• Obesity: Being overweight is associated with an increased CRC risk.

• Lack of physical activity: Regular exercise is strongly associated with helping to protect from CRC.

• Diet: Diets high in red or processed meat, low in fruits and vegetables and low in highfiber foods are associated with an increased CRC risk.

• Failure to get screened.

This is the most important single, modifiable risk factor.

Regular CRC screening can decrease risk by up to 70 percent.

CRC Risk Factors The major risks for CRC include demographic factors such as: • Country of origin: Developed countries like the U.S. have a higher risk than developing countries like most of Africa.

Dennis J. Ahnen, MD • Age: CRC is uncommon CRC Prevention before age 40, and then the risk doubles • Know your family history and discuss every decade or until age 80. it with your primary care professional • Race/Ethnicity: The risk appears to before age 40. be higher in African-Americans than in • Modify risk factors such as smoking Caucasians or Hispanics. This may be due and drinking. Maintain ideal body weight to lower access to care. and get regular exercise several days per • Socioeconomic status: Death rates week. Eat a diet high in plant foods, low in from CRC are higher in lower socioeconomic meat, and avoid processed meat. groups. This may also be due to access to

• Get screened.

Current care issues. recommendations in average risk • Family History: Individuals with one individuals are to begin CRC screening by or more close relatives – parents, siblings, age 50 through one of the following: and children – with colorectal cancer are • Colonoscopy every 10 years at increased risk for the disease and should • Testing the stool for blood annually discuss screening with their providers well • Flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years before age 40.

• Other tests your provider can discuss Although you cannot change your with you. family history or other demographic risk Remember that the best CRC screening factors, knowing your risk can help you plan test is the one suited to your risk and the one preventative measures. that actually gets done.

There are lifestyle and dietary risk Dr. Dennis Ahnen, MD, AGAF, FACG, is factors that can be modified: a gastroenterologist with Lutheran Medi • Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a cause cal Center and Gastroenterology of the of CRC and many other cancers.

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West Metro Investigates Suspicious Green Mountain Fires

By Ronda Scholting

O

ver the past four months, there have been seven suspicious grass fires on Green Mountain. Five of the fires occurred in November 2016, just around sundown and seemed to follow a similar pattern. Two fires occurred in the early morning hours of Feb. 20, one at 1:30 a.m. and the other around 6 a.m. The largest fire, on Nov. 28, which threatened several homes and caused evacuations in nearby neighborhoods, was estimated to have burned 96 acres. Most of the fires have burned an acre or less.

West Metro Fire Rescue investigators have ruled out natural causes, as there were no weather events – like thunderstorms or lightning – in the area at the time of the fires.

Investigators believe the fires are humancaused, but they have not determined whether the fires were sparked by accident or were intentionally set. Investigators also have not determined whether the fires in February are tied to the fires in November.

“We are facing a couple of challenges in our investigation – volatile wind patterns and heavy foot traffic,” said Bruce Kral, Fire Marshal, West Metro Fire Rescue. “The winds up on the mountain tend to push fire in several different directions. And the popularity of the open space means there

are often dozens of people on the mountain at any one time, which can make it more difficult to follow evidence like footprints.”

West Metro is working with Lakewood Police, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on the investigation. The agencies have spent considerable hours mapping the separate burn areas, looking for evidence, talking to witnesses and following up on leads.

“There is quite a bit we know about the fires through the evidence that we’ve collected, but we can’t make it public, as that would hamper our investigation,” said Kral.

“The evidence so far has not pointed to any particular suspect or suspects. However, with the assistance of law enforcement agencies, we continue to monitor the area and remain ready to respond to any future incidents.”

Investigators have set up a tip line and are asking Green Mountain area residents, or anyone who uses the open space, to call if they see anyone who seems suspicious, or suspicious activity. The number is 303-9877111. Callers can remain anonymous.

Ronda Scholting is the Communications/Media Relations Specialist for West Metro Fire Rescue; contact her at rscholting@westmetrofire.org or 303-941-8317.

REACH UP TO 25,000 HOMES MONTHLY! Tim Berland 303-995-2806 • tim@ngazette.com Roy Schuster 720-277-8049 • roy@ngazette.com

ngazette.com – MARCH 14 – APRIL 17, 2017 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

15

WHAT’S HAPPENING Sign Up Begins April 10 For Large Item Pickup

Light Rail, Commuter Rail – What’s The Difference?

The 2017 Large Item Pickup Program for residences located within Wheat Ridge city limits (excluding businesses or apartment complexes) is scheduled for Saturday, May 20 and Saturday, May 27.

The first 275 Wheat Ridge residents who register for the program will be eligible to have one large household item picked up that residential trash service will not collect without additional payment.

Residents must register for of the Saturdays, starting April 10, through May 5, between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday by calling 303-205-7611.

Acceptable items include: one piece of furniture, one bed (including mattress, box spring and frame); regular oven or stove; dishwasher; washing machine; dryer; sink, toilet or bathtub; water heater; bicycle; door or window; gas grill (without propane bottle); or swing set (disassembled).

Unacceptable items include: microwave, refrigerator, freezer or any item with Freon; wood stove; television, computer or monitor; full garbage bags or loose debris; trees, branches or lawn debris; household chemicals, paint, fuel tanks or cans, batteries, propane bottles or closed drums; gravel, asphalt, pipe (any type or size) rock, sod, earth, concrete, brick, block, pavers or roofing materials; tires, engine blocks, car parts or any small gas engine equipment; or materials or debris from a contractor’s work.

To pick up additional items, contact Republic Service directly no later than one week prior to the scheduled pickup date.

Additional costs may be required.

In the March edition of the Neighborhood Gazette (Happenings, “Gee, R But No G On The R T & D”), we erroneously described the RTD’s G Line between Wheat Ridge and Union Station as a light rail line. It will be a commuter rail line.

According to RTD’s website, “Passengers on the G Line will travel on commuter rail vehicles, just as they will on the University of Colorado A Line, the B Line and the N line. Commuter rail vehicles have level boarding at all doors of the train, travel up to 79 mph, have a total capacity of 170 people (including seating for 91 people) and have two wheelchair spaces per car. These trains also have larger seats, overhead storage, luggage towers and bicycle racks.”

Nonetheless, it has yet to open.

Faith Christian Students Stage ‘Mary Poppins’ March 16, 17 & 18 A Broadway-styled production of “Mary Poppins” will be performed by the students of Faith Christian Academy, at their school, 6210 Ward Road, Arvada. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, “Mary Poppins” has delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Performances are Thursday and Friday, March 16 and 17, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, March 18, at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $18 and may be purchased by visiting www.showtix4u.com.

For more information, call Karen Maes, 303-424-7310, ext. 95122.

For more information, visit www.rtddenver.com.

Check Out Wheat Ridge Historical Society Events The Wheat Ridge Historical Society offers Open House and Tours at the Baugh House - a log cabin encapsulated within a Victorian 1900s house – on second Saturdays (April 8) at 44th and Robb Street in Wheat Ridge, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Join in for rocking on the chairs, reminiscing about Wheat Ridge "back in the day,” and musicians are welcome to join the jam session led by Joanne Crippen of Golden Strings.

Mark you calendars for the May Festival, Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Historic Park, 4610 Robb St. It’s a time to celebrate the arrival of spring and to enjoy music and food for a nominal fee.

Farther ahead, Heritage Day is set for Aug, 12, and Apple Cider Day Oct. 14.

The Society’s monthly meetings are second Tuesdays (April 11) at the Red Brick House, 4610 Robb St.; social at 7 p.m., meeting at 7:30.

The Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle meets in the Red Brick House the fourth Wednesday of the month (March 22), 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Membership is $10 per year or $100 for lifetime. Donations are gladly accepted and encouraged; antique items, old Wheat Ridge area photographs, and other memorabilia can be dropped off at the Red Brick House, Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or at the Saturday events.

For more information, visit www. wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

Public Comment Invited on Wheat Ridge Police, April 11 A team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), will arrive in early April to examine all aspects of the Wheat Ridge Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services in order to determine the agency’s eligibility for reaccreditation.

As part of the onsite assessment, agency personnel and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session on Tuesday, April 11, 5 p.m., in City Council Chambers at the Wheat Ridge Municipal Building, located at 7500 W. 29th Ave. If unable to attend, comments may be provided to the assessment team by telephone the day before, Monday, April 10, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Telephone comments as well as those offered at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CALEA Standards. A copy of the standards is available at the Wheat Ridge Police Department or by calling 303-235-2930.

Written comments are also welcome, and can be mailed to Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, VA 20155.

The CALEA assessment team is composed of public safety practitioners from similar, but out-of-state agencies.

The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other locations where compliance can be witnessed.

For more information regarding CALEA, visit www.calea.org or call 703-3524225.

Continued from page 6

employment and housing. There are plans for unique places in which to gather, enjoy the greenbelt, and connect as a community.

For placemaking to be successful information must be shared as new opportunities and projects present themselves. Your role is to seek out ways to participate and share your ideas. Our responsibility to you, our community, is to ensure your input is thoughtfully considered as we create more places for all of us to enjoy throughout our beautiful city. I am so proud of our place and the way our place is continuing to evolve. Thank you to all you placemakers who contribute resources, ideas, and time into this beautiful place we all share.

Contact Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay at 303-420-8533 or jjay@ci.wheatridge. co.us.

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everal people have asked which service organization I am writing about this month. When I replied, “The Grange,” I got mostly blank looks, particularly from younger acquaintances. It was then I realized that most individuals I know grew up in suburban or urban centers and probably have never seen a grange hall, much less set foot in one. Growing up, I had several family members with farms, so I at least knew what a grange was, although I admit, before writing this article, I did not have a clue as to what a grange does.

So, for those of you who are agricultural neophytes, here is an explanation of what a grange is, what it does, and why you might be interested in joining.

The official name is Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry and the organization is a family and community group with both a national and a local focus. The Grange was born out of necessity. In the 1860s and 1870s, agricultural conditions were tenuous, at best. Railroads, run by “Robber Barons,” charged such high rates that farmers couldn’t move their products or afford to ship in new equipment. Banks were asking prohibitive rates to borrow money. In addition, a heavy burden of property taxes fell on the farmers. So, the farmers organized into a group that provided “Fellowship, Service to the Community and Legislative Advocacy….

The Grange.”

The family is the base of the grange, with full membership beginning at age 14.

Women have been equal members since the inception of the Grange, and there is a Junior Grange program for children age 5 to 14.

The membership has always set the direction and activities for their local grange in true grassroots fashion, and those directions “seep up” to the national level. Nonpartisan legislative advocacy, educational programs, service projects, and social interaction and networking are just a few ways that local granges serve their communities and members.

As a service organization, the Grange is unique because, in addition to service projects, it still is concerned about legislation that is important to Grangers.

It is also unique in deliberately organizing social activities for families. The National Grange has been instrumental in bringing about rural mail delivery, rural electric associations, road improvements and highway safety. They also supported social reform, including being early proponents of women’s right to vote. The Wheat Ridge Grange has been part of this for 110 years.

In fact, the very first grange in Colorado was founded in 1873 in Wheat Ridge: the Ceres Grange #1. The date and reason for the demise of this grange is lost in history, but the Wheat Ridge Grange #155 replaced it 30 years later.

In July 1947, the Wheat Ridge Grange was able to purchase a site for its own

Grange Hall, across the street from Wheat Ridge High School. The hall was finished in 1954 and still is in use today. Throughout its active history, Wheat Ridge Grange has played a strong role in community leadership and activity. Grangers have donated their hall for public meetings, for a polling place, for a temporary home to the Wheat Ridge Library, and for meetings of other local service groups. The hall is also open to the public during the Carnation Festival each year.

Being right across the street from Stevens Elementary School, it is no surprise that the service projects for the Grange have a heavy emphasis on providing help to students. The current projects include: • Feed the Future Backpack Project, which provides backpacks filled with food that low-income students can take home each weekend.

• The Grub Club, which provides hygiene and dental supplies, as well as nonperishable food items, for homeless high school students.

• School Bus Project, which raises funds to provide school supplies that teachers can access for their classes throughout the school year.

• Food Drive, which is co-sponsored with Wheat Ridge Methodist Church and provides canned and dried food, and handson assistance twice a month for needy families in the area.

Social activities at the Wheat Ridge Grange Hall include: • The Chili Cook-Off, which was held in January. Nine different chili pots where available for tasting. Attendees were able to vote on their favorite. The top two chili cooks received a cookbook and a gift card.

Donations went to the Feed the Future’s backpack program.

• The Pancake Breakfast at the Carnation Festival, providing mounds of pancakes and raising funds for Grange service projects.

• The Holiday Celebrations over the Christmas season.

• The Casino Bus Trips, with buses picking people up at 9 a.m. at the Safeway parking lot at 44th and Lowell on the third Wednesday of each month and heading up to the Casino at Black Hawk and Central City.

• The Game Day Noon Potlucks, during football season, followed by Bunco.

• Community Night – public invited – which will be held April 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., this year an Old Fashion Ice Cream Social.

Until 8 there will be ice cream and games in the lower level of the Hall, followed by entertainment upstairs in the theater area and recognition of an outstanding community member.

Membership meetings are the first and third Thursdays of each month and start at 6:30 p.m. in the Wheat Ridge Grange Hall, 3850 High Court.

For more information, contact Dominick Breton at dom.e.breton@gmail.com or 303-919-2680.