Neighborhood Gazette – April 2019 – Wheat Ridge by Neighborhood Gazette

WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL Join Us For Ancient Fun At Traditional May Festival Page 4

LOCALWORKS UPDATE Dumpster Days Make Spring Cleaning A Breeze Page 11

VITTLES & BEER King Of Wings Parks Truck To Roost On West 44th Page 13

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WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE | BERKELEY April 15 – May 14, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE

What Local Law Enforcement Learned From Columbine n By

Mike McKibbin

pril 20, 1999: Twelve students and a teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton were killed and 24 more people injured by two gunmen — students at the school — before the two teens committed suicide. In the two decades since, more tragic school shootings have occurred nationwide. But Columbine and the lessons learned from it have improved how law enforcement agencies respond to such incidents, according to area department leaders.

Quick response, better communications

All agreed the most important change was a shift from first-arriving officers establishing a perimeter around a shooting scene and waiting for help from a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team to enter a building. Wheat Ridge Police Chief Dan Brennan, then with the Lakewood Police Department, was a commander of the Continued on page 8

ONE LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDEN OPTION IS HAPPINESS GARDENS in Wheat Ridge, 4226 Ammons St., oﬀered in partnership with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. See story on page 7. PHOTO COURTESY WHEAT RIDGE PARKS AND RECREATION

Family-Owned Music Store In Tune At Wheat Ridge Location n By

Ken Lutes

rom its location on Tennyson Street in Denver’s Berkeley neighborhood, the family-owned Flesher-Hinton Music Company provided the needs of the musical community for more than six decades – until the lack of customer parking finally forced them to move. “Parking became a problem for our customers,” said rental accounts manager Dave Simpkins. “We couldn’t get to our back door because of so many restaurant deliveries and construction.” In February 2016, Flesher-Hinton moved to a new home in Wheat Ridge at 5890 W. 44th Ave., with ample parking for customers and deliveries. Flesher-Hinton was founded in 1951 by Mel Flesher, his wife Geraldine and her uncle, J. Carl Hinton, as an instrument repair shop located in their home near 38th Avenue and Irving Street. “My dad and mother were professional musicians,” said Kristi Flesher, who, with her brother Herv, still runs the store. “When (my father) got out of the Army, he came to Denver and tried to get into (University of Denver’s) Lamont School of Music. His timing to enroll was wrong so he took the instrument repair apprenticeship through Kolacny Music.” The Fleshers and Hinton started out just doing repair work, but a couple of Wheat Ridge band directors found them and were “instrumental” in promoting their work to Jefferson County schools, according to Flesher. “They suggested to my parents that it would be convenient if they also sold accessories, so they started selling small items like reeds and things.” By 1959, they had outgrown that space

and moved to 3929 Tennyson St. (presently the Denver Cat Company), where they broadened horizons by providing space for lessons. They weren’t yet renting instruments, but they had a limited selection of accessories, sheet music and instructional method materials. The business grew. North Denver Furniture Company, across the street from their shop, closed in 1965, opening the opportunity for the

Fleshers to buy the building they would occupy for the next five decades. With more than 8,000 square feet of space, the store was able to expand their services and products. They rented band and orchestra instruments. Electric guitars, basses, amps and drums became part of their line. The business continued to grow, and at one point they maintained two other stores, one in Aurora and the other in Pueblo. Five

or six sales reps were on the road constantly. It was quite a successful operation until the 1990s, when things started to change in the whole music business. Schools began eliminating music programs, and the Internet and big-box music stores played a decisive role in the downsizing of the family operation. Continued on page 2

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Many Firsts For Wheat Ridge: Gretchen Cerveny n By

Sally Griffin

f you explore the history of Wheat Ridge at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us, you see a lot of pictures of male leaders and their accomplishments. Then in 1997, at a time when women were not common in local government, there is a picture of the female mayor, Gretchen Cerveny. When she ran for mayor, although she was endorsed by several state legislators, she was ignored by the media and by her opponent. But, with her husband Carl’s support, she visited and talked to people in all parts of Wheat Ridge. To everyone’s surprise, she won the support of all four districts. She went on to serve two terms as mayor serving until 2005. When asked to sum up her tenure as mayor, she says, ”I was able to stand all the arrows and not send those arrows back.” She was instrumental in organizing Wheat Ridge so that it was prepared to compete in the new century. She says she identified what she was good at and that was, “allowing other people to see how they have to change to be better, to be current.” Continued on page 2

GRETCHEN CERVENY WAS ELECTED WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR IN 1997, a time when women were not common in local government. PHOTO COURTESY GRETCHEN CERVENY

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

Find Me!

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303-995-2806 e-mail: editor@ngazette.com Publication is the 15th of each month. Publisher: Tim Berland Managing Editor: J. Patrick O’Leary

PROUD MEMBER

This buzzin’ buddy is on his way to the Honey Festival and is hiding somewhere in this issue. Find him and send an email to puzzle@ ngazette.com and tell us where he is at. We will draw a winner out of the correct responses and send them a cool prize. Good luck!

THE NEW HOME OF FLESHER-HINTON MUSIC, at 5890 W. 44th Ave. in Wheat Ridge, has plenty of parking. PHOTO BY KEN LUTES

Flesher-Hinton Continued from page 1

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“The mom and pop stores kind of worked together,” Flesher said. “We didn’t think we had to have all the business in all of Colorado; we each had our share and made some good money. But the big-box stores came in and decided they’d put the mom and pop stores out of business, and they’d have everything.” The ‘90s were a struggle, but family integrity and employee loyalty held the business together. “We’re hands-on and personal, not like Amazon,” said Simpkins. “It’s hard to compete with the prices of mass-produced instruments, but we educate parents about why it’s important to have a real instrument and not a toy. A kid who plays on a bad instrument thinks he can’t play. But when he picks up a real instrument, he realizes the problem was the instrument. An instrument shouldn’t be an impediment to learning how to play. We make a good instrument as affordable as possible because they don’t pay for it all at once.” Most of what was lost by moving from a building with more than 8,000 square feet to one of about 6,000 was storage space for instruments, according to Simpkins. The retail sales floor and repair shop are about the same size as ever; the number of lesson studios has been scaled back. What has not been scaled back is the store’s

Gretchen Cerveny Continued from page 1

Because of her 18 years in management at Lutheran Hospital, she was able to help citizens, council members and city management understand the changes that needed to be made in order to be compliant with Federal Labor Law. She supported council developing a strategic plan and vision, where staff coordinated the budget with action items agreed upon by the council. As a result, the budget was much easier to follow and track expenditures. “Remember the city doesn’t manufacture anything,” she said. “The money that we use to provide services is taxpayer money. The council and staff need to make sure that the taxpayers’ money is used for the long-range benefit of all citizens.” She helped to increase the reputation of Wheat Ridge City Council, so that it worked to, “no longer provided comic relief or be likened to a TV show.” Her meetings followed an agenda in order to become more to the point. But most of all, there were no meetings with yelling and posturing. She worked to become familiar with businesses in Wheat Ridge and learn how the city could attract and better serve those businesses. She supported the development of a boot-camp for council candidates. When there was no office space for the new position of Director of Administrative Services, she gave up the mayor’s office with its wonderful view. She thought a cubby-

commitment to quality customer service. “My parents were scrupulously honest and their integrity aboveboard,” said Flesher. “They stood behind their product and their people, and they would do anything they could to help somebody. I remember that a band director here in town was playing a gig one night, and when he stopped to pick up his friend, somebody stole his trumpets. He called my dad after the store had closed, but my dad met him at the store. Affordable financial arrangements were made on the spot.” Along with instrument rentals, FlesherHinton has remained strong in the repair side of things, which is the strongest aspect of the business, according to Flesher. “We have four people in repair and 11 in the entire store. The shortest length of time any employee has worked for Flesher is 15 years, and that would be Dave Simpkins.” Sales associate Jeff Newton added, “It’s a great place to be. It’s like family. I can’t remember the last time we hired someone. I’ve been here for 20 years, and the majority of people who are here were here when I arrived.” Ken Anderson, who heads up the Mile Hi Jazz Festival, has been a part of the store since the early 70s. The Festival is a yearly event, sponsored by Flesher-Hinton for more than 55 years. “All of our employees have such a strong belief in the school and music programs,” said Flesher. “They love what they do, and I think that is the actual secret to the longevity of our business.” hole was enough for the mayor, who should be out and about in the community, anyway. Gretchen became interested in politics as a shared interest with her husband Carl. She served four years as President of the Colorado Chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association and was involved in its Legislative Committee for over 25 years. Carl served on the Wheat Ridge Election Commission and 16 years on the Planning Committee. Carl is a charter member of the Wheat Ridge Optimists and served twice as its president. She became interested in running for office when she and Carl spent time circulating a petition to change the Council to its present four-year staggered terms Gretchen has served on number of other organizations. While she was mayor, she was on the Board of Urban Drainage and Flood Control District for seven years. She served on the Board of the Denver Regional Council of Governments as well as the Advisory Committee of the Area Agency on Aging. Her service to the Jefferson County Advisory Council on Aging earned her award as the Elected Official of the Year. After her tenure as mayor, the Governor appointed her to the Colorado Commission on Aging from 2007 to 2013. This appointment started her expertise on and service to the aging population in the Denver area. She and Carl have been married for almost 65 years. Both graduated from East High School. They moved to Wheat Ridge when Carl opened the second Scotchman Motor Restaurant. For those old enough to remember, the Scotchman was known for Continued on page 12

ngazette.com – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR

What’s Happening in the WRBA

Celebrating Our Roots As A Tree City USA Community comprise an estimated 15 to 20 percent of all trees; the Denver metro area alone has he City of Wheat Ridge will be recognized an estimated 1.45 million ash trees. this spring for our 40-year history as a The City’s Forestry Department has Tree City USA Community. Wheat Ridge created a web page with more information is only the third city in Colorado to achieve about the EAB in Colorado. http://bit.ly/ this benchmark and we’re very proud of our WRTreeInfo Not sure you have ash trees? Here are distinction as a Tree City. The Tree City USA program recognition some characteristics: • Branches and buds helps creates an awareness of grow in pairs, directly opposite what trees do for the community from each other and helps support efforts for • Leaflets are smooth or better tree care in Wheat Ridge. finely toothed along the edges To qualify as a Tree City USA • Leaves are compound, community, the City of Wheat which means multiple leaflets Ridge had to meet four standards occur on a common stalk, established by the Arbor Day and typically have five to nine Foundation and the National leaflets Association of State Foresters. • Mature bark displays The established standards ensure diamond-shaped ridges that qualifying communities Bud Starker • Seeds on female trees have a viable and sustainable tree are paddle-shaped management program to promote Before calling that arborist to trim a healthy tree canopy for the future. branches or to determine whether trees are The standards include the following: • The city needs to have a Tree Board or sick or diseased, make sure the contractor is Department, which ensures that someone is licensed with the City of Wheat Ridge. If you legally responsible for the care of all trees on have concerns about ash or any other trees on your property, consult with one of the tree city-owned property. • The City of Wheat Ridge must have a service contractors licensed in Wheat Ridge. Trees provide many benefits including Tree Care Ordinance. • The Community Forestry Program clean air, clean water, shade and beauty, but must be funded with an annual budget of at they also require an investment so the trees remain healthy and sustainable. least $2 per capita. • The city must have an Arbor Day All this month, as we celebrate Arbor Day and the role of trees in our lives, the Observance and Proclamation annually. As we enter spring in earnest, it’s time to City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation look around and enjoy the beauty trees add Department’s Forestry Section will be to our community, but to also take stock in planting 40 trees in various locations through the community to commemorate 40 what they might need to keep them healthy. One of the most recent concerns about years as a Tree City. Join us as we recognize Colorado trees is focused on the Emerald the beauty brought to our community by all Ash Borer (EAB). In September of 2013, this the trees we get to enjoy in our parks, the non-native insect was detected in Colorado greenbelt and right in our own backyards. for the first time in Boulder. The EAB has Happy Tree City anniversary Wheat no native predators to keep populations in Ridge! check, and threatens all true ash species. As Contact Wheat Ridge mayor Bud a result, the beetle poses a serious threat to Starker at bstarker@ci.wheatridge.co.us Colorado's urban forests, where ash trees or 303-235-2800. n By

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WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL Join Us For Ancient Fun At Traditional May Festival n By

Janet “White” Bradford

ay Day is not an overly prominent holiday in America. The origin of May Day as a day for celebration dates back thousands of years. And like many ancient festivals it too has a pagan connection. Originally maypoles represented phallic symbols; they were used in spring rights to ensure fertility in crops and livestock. The bringing in of the maypole from the woods was a great occasion, which was accompanied by much rejoicing and merrymaking. People celebrated the day by moving back and forth around the “fertility pole” with ribbons or streamers. They chose a May queen and then they would hang May baskets on the doorknobs of folks homes. The Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s Annual May Festival will be on the second Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Historical Park on 4610 Robb St. The traditional Maypole dance will be held at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for adults and kids! So bring your camera for this picturesque event. A couple of different local musical groups will be on hand for the day, so bring your instrument or voice and join in! We will have lunch on the cook stove in the Soddy for just $6 adults and $4 kids. Take a tour of the Historical Park. There will be crafts, historical books and memorabilia for sale. Tuesday through Friday you can visit the Wheat Ridge Historical Park at 4610 Robb St.

between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Our tour guides can show you around the park for just $2 per person (cash or check only please). We offer group tours with advanced notice. Call 303421-9111 for more information. The Historical Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Red Brick Museum at the Historical Park. You can learn more about the Society and our upcoming events while enjoying snacks. Calling all crafters on the fourth Wednesday of the month you can join the Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle between 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you prefer to do crafts at night, then join our Knit/Crochet Group from 7 to 9 p.m. bring a project and lunch/ snack if you want. Cost is $2 for either meeting. Our Fourth Saturday Project Days are when we tackle some much-needed projects. We meet at the Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All help is greatly appreciated! Check our Facebook page for updates on this community service, which is open to all, on May 25, June 22 and July 27. Upcoming Second Saturday events include Brides Revisited – Wedding Vow Renewal (June); Craft Exchange – buy, sell, trade, free (July); and Heritage Day – Ice Cream Social (August). For more information email wrhistorical@gmail.com or check our website www. wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org

ngazette.com – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

SCHOOL CROSSING The Other High School

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following the Farmer tradition. The change in leadership at Wheat lmost 500 students that live in Wheat Ridge High has been noticeable. While Ridge choose to attend high schools this school has been singular in how it outside of Wheat Ridge. Almost 150 of them portrayed itself, highlighting its sports have chosen Lakewood High. Not a Farmer glories, is now being lead by someone who but a Tiger. Many have also chosen Golden is not afraid to shine the spotlight on less High School and a few others including glitzy achievements: The ability to stop and reverse a drop-out rate. A dramatic increase some outside of Jeffco. I know that some Wheat Ridge citizens in graduating numbers. The ability to embrace emotional diversity in our student get all bent out of shape about families choosing schools other than WRHS, population and support students that need a even though they themselves opted for little extra help. Promoting the celebrations that don’t necessarily happen elementary schools outside our on a sports field, but rather city limits, like Stober. inside classrooms, in front of The important thing is that counselors and inside homes Jeffco offers so many choices with families that are struggling that match up with individual just to keep up. needs. Schools are not This principal has been franchises and tend to specialize brave enough to promote those in categories such as STEM, GT, that have stayed in the shadows. IB, sports, vocational and the To celebrate failure in the name list goes on. of trying something new. The path that leads families The “other school” outside of Wheat Ridge begins is not a physical place. The early on. Most elementary Guy Nahmiach “other school” is not the one students at Prospect Valley and Maple Grove tend to flow into Manning chosen instead of Wheat Ridge High. It and Creighton Middle while Stevens, Peak is in fact the very place where generations (Pennington) and Vivian flow into Everitt of Farmers have walked, driven and biked Middle. Yes there are exceptions, but these to. It is the very place where many of our are the trends we’ve seen for the last 20 seniors citizens met and formed life long years. We’ve always had the new and shiny friendships. But now it simply represents school that pulls a certain percentage for a new level of expectations. It is a home different reasons. Bell Middle was the first for everyone from everywhere. Lead by a to attract students for their STEM program, thoughtful principal who allows his teachers while Creighton pulled many for their and students to simply be who they are and strive for more. famous Purple team GT program. I have no doubt that 500 students Choosing your high school then became almost automatic. Everitt students walked choosing “elsewhere” is a matter of time. A to Wheat Ridge, Creighton flowed into generation perhaps. Traditional pathways Lakewood and their IB program while are being rethought and replotted. Manning Manning was really split between Lakewood added arts, Stevens added sciences, Peak and Golden. Wheat Ridge did become a added expeditionary and so on. Parents are huge force in the STEM world as the GT no longer seeking schools and buildings to program shed its political baggage and define their children. Contrary, buildings proved to simply be a great academic/social are now defined by those very young minds emotional option, attracting students from walking in every day. I like the “other school” and while multiple cities around us. The question remained, while Lakewood I appreciate the physical bricks it was and Golden were at full capacity: Why was/ built with, I am even more excited with is WRHS still not at capacity? Why do 500 the amazing experiences going now and students that live in Wheat Ridge still opt certainly coming up in the next few years. As always, thanks for reading. to enroll in other schools? Some will tell Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@Nosyou that, “We don’t want to be at capacity.” Some will fault these other families for not talgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789. n By

CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGNERS

HEALTHY WHEAT RIDGE Free, Low-Cost Events By HEALthy Wheat Ridge n By HEALthy Wheat Ridge Committee

ith seven miles of multi-use trails, 26 parks and multiple recreation centers, there are no shortage of ways to get active in Wheat Ridge. To give you even more ways to get moving, HEALthy Wheat Ridge is promoting free or low-cost events around Wheat Ridge from April through June. This month we hope you’ll join us at Everitt Middle School for Lawn Games on Saturday, April 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. We’ll have giant Jenga, giant checkers, can jam, gaga ball, and more. On Sunday, April 28, come to Prospect Park for National Parks Rx Day. This free community event for all ages takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and will include a

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group walk, a fitness class and refreshments. In May, join HEALthy Wheat Ridge in the celebration of National Bike Month. Enjoy a bike ride to school on Wednesday, May 8, or join us at a Bicycle Friendly Driver’s Course on May 21. June will be our busiest month. We’ll kick things off with Lutheran Medical Center’s annual Heroes of Hope 10K/5K or 1 Mile Run/Walk. On Saturdays from June 8 through 29, Localworks will be offering Fitness in the Park in collaboration with Feed Your Soul Fitness, hOMe Collective and Bodymind Systems. We hope that you’ll join us or find other ways to get active. For a full list of events, visit our website at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/HEAL.

Reach Up To 25,000 Readers Monthly!

Call Tim Berland 303-995-2806 tim@ngazette.com

ngazette.com – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

PROGRESSIVE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY

Meet Police Chief Steve Davis ■ By

Patricia Lilliston

his spring Mountain View’s town council appointed Steve Davis as the town’s Chief of Police. In a recent interview, Chief Davis shared his professional background, elaborated on his responsibilities and conveyed his mission for the Mountain View Police Department. Growing up in Boulder, Davis knew by age 7 that he wanted to be a policeman. “It’s all I’ve ever known. I am fortunate that I am able to still do what I love,” declares Davis. During his adolescence, Davis was an active participant in Boulder county’s Police Explorer program. After graduation from Boulder High School, Davis joined the army for training in the Military Police. As an MP, he served in South Korea, and upon his return to the states, was assigned to Fitzsimons, in Aurora. When his military obligation ended, Davis continued in police service, being employed with the Glendale and Denver police departments. He then returned to Boulder with the County Sheriff’s K-9 unit. “I will always remember my canine partner,” reflects Davis. “He did very little whining, and he always had my back.” In the early ‘90s, Davis was hired in Nederland to help structure the town’s police department. “This was during Nederland’s frozen dead guy days and the image of the small mountain town was changing with more tourists flocking to the community,” according to Davis. “As a result, the police department needed to define policy and procedure for a more constant police presence.” Following his contribution in Nederland, Davis was recruited by town leaders in the emerging Colorado town of Lochbuie. He was specifically charged with the organization of essential police department policy and procedure, a task now familiar to him. Eventually, Davis arrived in Jefferson County as the Public Information Officer

for the Edgewater Police Department. In 2017, Davis was hired by Mountain View’s former Police Chief Mark Toth to serve as the town’s police department Chaplain. “During my initial days as the town’s chaplain, I learned that the Mountain View police department was made up of caring and professional officers.” Davis quickly identified with the small town atmosphere and opportunity to support residents. “Now as the town’s police chief,” Davis acknowledges, “I’ve learned to expect the unexpected.” A work day planned for paperwork or meetings can be interrupted by a shooting, a serious car accident or a request for help from another metro area police department. “I consider myself a working police chief,” asserts Davis. Therefore, Davis maintains a work shift that includes regular patrol, ticket issue and ongoing collaboration with residents and business owners. A key objective for Davis involves qualifying the police department as an accredited agency. “Small towns usually don’t attain this certification, but our department is progressive with regard to reporting procedures, recording policy and maintaining evidence. With the teamwork evident among our officers, I believe it will be a very short time before we achieve this distinction,” states Davis. In addition, Davis has plans for several future projects designed to strengthen the association of police officers and community members. “I want residents, families and businesses to know that the Mountain View Police Department is entrusted to serve all human beings. I do not want anyone to be fearful to approach us. We are here to help all individuals with any problem or issue,” stresses Davis.

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No Yard? Consider A Community Garden ■ By

Meghan Godby

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hen the weather starts to warm, certain magic kicks in. Spring is here, and it's time to start planting. But for many residents, little to no yard space makes this impossible. The solution? Community gardens. The City of Wheat Ridge deﬁnes a community garden as a place “where plots of land are leased for a minimal cost and crops are usually consumed or donated.” The sense of community is integral to the philosophy behind these spots, which give participants a chance to meet their neighbors and learn from them. Wilma Jones, a local resident passionate about sustainability, has gardened at the Eiber Elementary Community Garden (1385 Independence St.) and found the experience valuable. “I live in a condo, so the only way to have a decent plot is through a community garden,” she explained. “It also helps that people in the garden will help each other out. [They will assist with] watering when you need to be out of town for some time.” Jones, who grew everything from beets to strawberries, loved connecting with her neighbors. Her favorite thing about the whole experience? The annual harvest gathering celebration. Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) manages most community gardens in the area, including Edgewater Community Garden (2444 Depew St.) and the community garden of West Colfax (Vrain Street and West Wells Place). The organization also

LOCAL COMMUNITY GARDENS are an option for residents who have little or no yard space in which to exercise their green thumbs. Plots are leased for a minimal cost and produce is either consumed by the gardener or donated. PHOTO COUR-

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oversees numerous school gardens, such as Saints Community Garden at Jefferson High School, which offer a unique collaboration between neighbors and their local school systems. Want to learn more? Head over to dug. org, where you’ll be able to view a colorcoded map indicating which sites are full and which ones have availability. Once you’ve identified your preferred location, call 303-292-9900 or e-mail dirt@ dug.org and a staff member will put you in touch with the appropriate person. The average price for a plot is $35 per season. DUG also hosts several educational garden workshops throughout the year; Continued on page 10

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

Columbine Continued from page 1

regional SWAT team 20 years ago. Now, Brennan said the approach to active shooter incidents is to “get to the location and confront the shooter as soon as possible to try to eliminate the threat.” “Back then, you had cops responding and waiting for others before entering,” Brennan said. “It was a slow, methodical approach to clear each room and a lot of times, by the time SWAT got there, the gunfire had ceased. Studies have shown that if a shooter is confronted right away, it can delay or even stop the violence.” The many law enforcement agencies that responded to Columbine also had problems communicating because their emergency radios had a limited number of common frequencies and some would not work inside buildings, Brennan added. Those signals can now be amplified and segmented so they work inside. Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader was in an administrative role with the department when Columbine happened. He recalled around 800 emergency responders converged on Columbine and soon had communication issues. “That’s entirely different now and our whole system has been updated,” Shrader said. He added “cell phone towers on wheels” were brought in at Columbine to help reach officers unable to communicate with their emergency radios.

Improved relationships, training center

Working relationships between law enforcement agencies and school districts are much closer than they were before Columbine, Lakewood Police Chief Dan McCasky said. “Not that we didn’t work closely then, but we just have a much stronger relationship with Jeffco schools, their security people

and administration and we share more information,” he stated. Perhaps the strongest indication of that change is the establishment of the Frank DeAngelis Center for Community Safety, named for the principal of Columbine at the time of the shooting. It is housed in the former Martensen Elementary School in Wheat Ridge. The Jefferson County School District closed the school in 2011, after 57 years of instruction. In 2013, the building welcomed officers for simulated, computerized, active shooter tactical training. Local, state and federal agencies from across the nation have trained in the center, including bomb techs, SWAT teams, school resource officers (SROs), the FBI and Navy SEALs. The center is not the only safety improvement made by the district. As outlined in question 5A on last November’s election ballot, $6 million of the estimated $33 million provided annually by the passage of the mill levy override is for safety and security. That will allow more social, emotional and mental health counseling and school safety supports, according to Kevin Carroll, chief student success officer for the district. In a written statement, Carroll stated the money will fund social and emotional learning specialists at all elementary schools, a behavioral training team, enhanced suicide prevention efforts, an additional employee assistance counselor and increased substance use interventions. “These funds will expand our patrol team, allow for the addition of middle school campus supervisors, enhance our dispatch team and add an emergency management specialist,” Carroll wrote. “In addition, the funds will allow for additional crisis intervention training for all safety and security personnel, as well as expanded threat assessment/threat management professional learning for all principals.” Brennan noted school teachers and staff are also better trained and take part in active shooter drills with students.

Columbine 20th Anniversary Events Several community events in remembrance of the Columbine High School tragedy are scheduled related to the 20th anniversary of the mass shooting: Thursday, April 18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: A faith-based, non-denominational remembrance service at Waterstone Community Church, 5890 S. Alkire St., Littleton. waterstonechurch.org. Friday, April 19, 7:30 p.m.: Community vigil at the Columbine Memorial to honor and remember those impacted. Clement Park, 7306 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton. columbinememorial.org. Saturday, April 20, 8 a.m. to noon: Columbine High School worldwide day of service. Current students and staff will spend the morning serving in the community. Columbine articulation area schools will also participate. Participation limited to current students and staff. Saturday, April 20, 3 to 5 p.m.: Remembrance ceremony at Clement Park. Presented by Columbine families, current students and alumni and current and former staff. Vehicle parking at Clement Park will be limited due to construction and planned athletic activities. Those attending park events are urged to take public transportation or carpool. Security checkpoints will be present. On April 20, Columbine High School will not be open to the public. Several private events are planned for 1999-2002 Columbine families, staff and alumni. Admittance will be restricted to those with invitations and security clearance. –Mike McKibbin

Last year, the district held a safety summit with parents and teachers and focused on issues like transparency so everyone had the same information during violent incidents, Brennan added. McCasky noted the Safe2Tell service was not around 20 years ago. It allows students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement to share information and make anonymous reports of suspicious behavior that might lead to violence. “That’s been a really good tool to help us learn what threats exist,” McCasky said. Agencies also monitor social media outlets much more closely, he added. Shrader noted the number of SROs in county schools has markedly increased. “There was one SRO at Columbine that day and now there are at least two at every large high school and in middle schools, too,” he said. SROs are usually paid by the municipalities where schools are located. Those in unincorporated areas are paid by the county.

McCasky added he has misgivings about the controversial issue of arming teachers and school staff to help counter school violence. “I think if you’re looking at something like that, I’d rather they pay for more trained security officers and school resource officers,” McCasky said. “We don’t know every way to prevent gun violence, but I think if we’re attuned to what our schools, parents, teachers and students know about potential situations before they occur, that’s a better approach.”

Training together helps large and small departments

Edgewater Police Chief John Mackey said school staffs are trained to decide whether to have students shelter in place during a lockdown or evacuate. “In Colorado, the focus has been on making schools quiet so arriving officers can find the noise of gunfire,” Mackey added. Continued on page 9

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Single Moms – The Silent Heroes n By

Guy Nahmiach

hey are faces we see every day – at drop off and pick up, and among the parents, grandparents and nannies. They are the single moms that get it done, including getting involved in their kids’ education. While the level of parental involvement has dropped off in our schools, single moms have been rocking our communities with very little drama. They understand their new environment as a single parents and have to accomplish, supplement and juggle all while smiling. All without having their kids miss out on playdates, homework and still pay their mortgage. I recently spoke with two single moms, Brenda and Leah, and asked them very specific questions regarding their involvement and the effect it had on their families. While both lead different lives, it is important to recognize the similarities in answers.

As a single mom, what did you give up in order to attend school meetings (PTA, Accountability, etc.)?

Brenda: Well, the main sacrifice has to do with the time I get with my kids. In order to attend meetings or help with events, I usually have to take time off of work. The struggle is that I don’t get paid time off yet in my new job, so I am taking time off to do things for my kids but not necessarily with them.When you are a single parent your time with your kids is very limited. It is even more limited when you are in a 50/50 split on your time. So the little amount of time with your kids is so precious. So, prioritizing your little amount of free time is incredibly difficult Leah: More than anything, sleep. And at times…my sanity. Becoming involved in community organizations, particularly a leadership role in PTA requires time – time which is taken away from other activities, whether that be working out, family (or adult) outings and activities. Some days are spent running around with very little down time and a good portion of weekends are spent planning. Family comes first, however, so it’s a matter of finding balance. Do the best that you can with what you can.

How do your kids feel about your involvement in their schools?

Brenda: My kids really like that I am involved. That makes the choice to be involved a little easier. Leah: Most days my sons appreciate it. They enjoy seeing me around school on a regular basis and giving me input on the activities and events I’m helping with. Sometimes my children are annoyed at me running the events or activities as opposed to participating in the fun with them. My older son sometimes asks why I do what I do but then after a successful event he thanks me for my involvement, gives his honest feedback and often brags about how

Columbine Continued from page 8

Medical first responders also train with law enforcement agencies, Brennan said. “They’ve helped us learn how to establish ‘warm zones’ for injured people that are closer to gunfire than we used to have,” he added. “And we train with firefighters, too.” Mental health providers are now used to help agencies assess threats and decide how to approach them, Brennan noted. Mackey said smaller departments like his take the same approach to school shootings as larger departments. “We train at the DeAngelis center with the other agencies, and it’s getting federal recognition as a state-of-the-art facility that’s better than the FBI (National Academy),” he said. “So Edgewater officers are getting excellent training.” That training also includes the use of the former Edgewater city hall building for single-officer, active-shooter simulations, he added. “I think the Edgewaters of the world really have the best training and you

I contributed…I’m not sure that there is anything more gratifying than seeing my son’s face light up when I am at the school as he tells his peers, “That’s my mom, she’s PTA President.”

Tell me about the importance of getting involved.

Brenda: One of the main reasons I feel it’s important to be involved is because I know that kids with involved parents are much more successful in school. I also cannot express how important the relationships I have made through my involvement in the school have been. I guarantee that I could not do this single parent thing without the support I still get from the friendships I have developed with fellow parents over the years. Leah: A school is a sum of its parts. Students, staff and parents play an equally important role in the success of a school. I remember my parents being a part of PTA and school activities – I appreciated their hard work and more importantly, their presence. Being involved allows me to know what is going on with my son’s education, have a voice in decisions that are made, and strengthens relationships with teachers and administrators. Having parent involvement is crucial in creating a community that people want to be a part of and helps build the school up.

Are some things easier as a single parent? Like consistent messaging and expectation set?

Brenda: There are definitely aspects of parenting that are easier on my own. The main one being that I don’t have to be surprised by the other parents style or inconsistencies. The kids know exactly the expectation when they are at my house. When we go on vacations, we get to do whatever we want to do. There’s one less person to run ideas by when we decide on any activities. Leah: Parenting is the most challenging and yet most rewarding role I have ever experienced. I learn as much from my children as they learn from me. I would say that being a single parent is more difficult than having a partner to share the responsibilities with. Co-parenting is also challenging due to different routines, priorities, and values. The saying, “it takes a village,” is completely accurate and I am very fortunate to have a wide network of support because most of my family lives nearby and definitely does their fair share of involvement by proxy.

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Do you think single dads are in the same boat?

Brenda: As far as single dads go, I can only speak from what I see. And it seems like single dads tend to get less involved Continued on page 10

see when a shooting happens in smaller communities, it’s over by the time SWAT gets there,” he said. “Smaller departments become very adept at handling things because we need to.” Mackey said that doesn’t mean larger departments are not called for help with major events. “Now, we practice large-response, active-shooter, multi-agency incidents pretty frequently,” Brennan added. “I think all our relationships are better now than they were 20 years ago,” Mackey said. He credits the security Colorado agencies provided for the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver with helping that happen. “The better training, communications and tactics means we are better prepared and able to deal with these events when they come up,” Shrader said. “I think we have a better understanding of why these things occur and what’s happening,” Brennan said. “Columbine really galvanized everyone around this problem and how to respond and try to prevent them in the future.”

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everal area venues are announcing their lineups for their 2019/2010 seasons. We have so many options to enjoy live music, dance theatre and art, but in spite of all of the different offerings, tickets can sell out quickly, which means it’s a good to purchase those tickets now. To improve our readers’ chances of attending these performances, we wanted to point out a few of the most notable to check out.

Arvada Center

The Arvada Center offers a range of theater, live music, or dance performances. The venue also features art exhibits. To see a full list of their events calendar, visit www.arvadacenter.org/ 2019 Season opens in July and runs through early August. Performances include “Madama Butterfly,” “Billy Budd,” “The Blessed Damozel” and “Litanies to the Black Virgin.” Details and tickets at www. centralcityopera.org

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The 2019-2020 season runs from October 4 through April of 2020. Ballets on the schedule include Don Quixote, The Nutcracker and Peter Pan. Details can be found at www.coloradoballet.org.

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Starting in early June and running through mid-August, this year’s Shakespeare Festival lineup includes Romeo & Juliet, King John, As You Like It and Twelfth

Gardens Continued from page 7

visit their website for more information. Other local options exist, including Happiness Gardens in Wheat Ridge (4226 Ammons St.), offered in partnership with the City's Parks and Recreation Department. Plots cost between $25 and $60, depending on residency status and the of the plot. While the registration deadline has passed, you can contact 303-205-7556 for more information and availability. Through a partnership with Sprout City Farms, the City of Lakewood maintains

Single Moms Continued from page 9

than they did when they were married. There is no one [to] urge them to sign them up for coaching, watch DOGS, to help set up stages, etc. In my experience, single dads check out. Leah: I think the plight of a single parent varies tremendously depending on the individual situation and circumstances, however, a recent article in Forbes notes that although “women are more educated and more employed than ever, they are still taking on most of the household and

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Denver Brass

The Denver Brass is wrapping up its current season with “Let Freedom Ring!” a performance at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts (on the University of Denver campus). The event takes place on May 19. For information on this concert and the Denver Brass’ upcoming season, visit www. denverbrass.org

Opera Colorado

2019-2020 Season Begins in November and includes “The Barber of Seville,” “Tosca” and “Pagliacci.” Check out www.operacolorado.org/ tickets-events/seasons/ There are numerous venues or performance organizations in the Denver area not covered here, but a search on Google should result in an extensive list of other options. Additionally, there are venues that have yet to post their upcoming seasons, do not have all of their listings in one location, or have a calendar with events too numerous to share. These include the Lakewood Cultural Center (www.lakewood.showare.com) and the Colorado Symphony and Orchestra (www.coloradosymphony.org). In addition to its summer concert series, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, which is arguably the best outdoor venue for live music in Colorado, also has a lineup of classic films as part of its Film on the Rocks series (www. redrocksonline.com). Montair Park Community Farm (13th and Depew Street), which not only builds a sense of community but also serves neighbors in need. The farm produces over 10,000 pounds of food each year and distributes it to residents. Montair Park offers many educational opportunities throughout the year through school events, volunteer days and vocational training. For more information, visit sproutcityfarms.org. Gardening is a popular pastime, so many plots may be full for the 2019 growing season. However, you can always put your name on a waiting list or scope out your ideal spot for next year. Happy planting! familial duties.” It only takes one glance around a PTA to notice that a majority of participants tend to be women. Many schools have implemented programs that target father involvement and participation, which I think is great because having dad there is just as important as having mom there. Thank you to all you single moms that have kept education high up on your list of priorities. As a community we recognize the efforts and are thankful for your contributions. Thank you also to Leah Dozeman and Brenda Ritz for taking the time to share their experiences and answer my questions. Both genuine heroes in our community.

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LOCALWORKS UPDATE The process is simple. Select the weekend you’d like to clean up your neighborhood. Talk to your neighbors to get them onboard. ith spring in full swing, many of us Then, fill out the application, which can be are tackling spring cleaning. Spring found on the Localworks website. After you’ve cleaning can help us clear out dust that can been approved, a dumpster will be delivered contribute to seasonal allergies, make us feel on your selected Friday and picked up on the like we’re getting a fresh start as we move into following Monday. Finally, have fun cleaning summer and help us get rid of things, big and up with your community! small, that we no longer need. At the end of Last year, five the process, sometimes we have neighborhoods came together to some extra garbage to haul away. host Dumpster Days. Localworks has several “The Localworks options to lend a hand with your Dumpster Days program is a spring cleaning. First, our Traffic unique and cost-free way to Safety, Life Quality and Crime allow neighbors to come together Reduction (TLC) collaboration to clean up their community,” with the City of Wheat Ridge will said Sunny Garcia, one such again host four Clean Up Days neighborhood leader. “It was a this summer. This year’s Clean great success on our street with Up Days will be on June 1, July 6, the roll off dumpster filling up Aug. 17 and Sept. 21. by the second day. Our street During these events Wheat Robin Baker looked amazing, and everyone Ridge Police Department and was thankful for the opportunity.” Localworks provide dumpsters, free of Cleaning up your neighborhood also charge, to encourage residents to clear reduces crime and strengthens community. away any waste that has accumulated over “Our continued goal remains to assist the winter months. If your spring cleaning with crime prevention by addressing quality involves yard maintenance or you have some of life issues, while encouraging revitalization recyclable material to throw away, don’t within Wheat Ridge neighborhoods for a worry. These events not only have trash healthier overall community,” said Phil receptacles, they also have recycling and yard Schroeder of the Wheat Ridge Police waste dumpsters, too. Department’s Community Services Team. Can’t wait until a Clean Up Day comes Want to learn more about Clean Up Days to your neighborhood? No problem! Thanks or Dumpster Day grants? Visit our website at to the Localworks Dumpster Day Grant wearelocalworks.org, call us at 720-259-1030, program, you and your neighbors can host or email Localworks’ Program Coordinator, your own clean up day. Sometimes our Robin Baker at rbaker@wearelocalworks.org. neighborhoods start to accumulate junk. Robin Baker is the Program CoordinaHosting a Dumpster Day is your chance to get tor at Localworks. your neighbors together to tidy things up. n By

Robin Baker

FITNESS CORNER Victories Beyond The Scale healthy, clean food your internal organs respond and turn the food into energy instead of storing fat. pring is a fantastic time to wake up, 10. Improved sleep. Research shows revitalize the body and focus on a health weight training is associated with a better journey. Frustration can arise if the scale isn’t night’s sleep. Your body uses this rest time reflecting your extra activity and healthier to replenish muscles and cells. eating. If you are just starting on a wellness 11. Cha-ching! Money savings! path or have been on this trail for a while, Think of all the money saved not stopping at here are 17 ways to judge success beyond the the drive-thru on the way home. numbers on the scale. 12. Improved brain 1. Extended exercise function. Resistance training time. The ability to keep up on benefits cognitive function. a hike, bike or group exercise 13. Food tastes better. class without extra breaks is a Reducing additives and transhuge success. fat from the diet really changes 2. Clothing fitting better. the pallet. When you’re hungry, Pulling up jeans and being able cherish how juicy the apple is. to button them without having 14. Relief from body to suck it in is such a sweet ailments. Reducing weight victory. takes pressure off joints and 3. More energy to keep up helps improve arthritis. with kids, grandkids, four legged Adrien Terrell 15. Reduced friends! depression. Good-for-you activity 4. Move with ease through your releases good-for-you endorphins. day. When you feel better in your body it 16. Improved heart health. With reflects in your movement. Walking and regular exercise not only does your body enjoying nature without thinking about the get stronger, the ol’ ticker adapts and chafing on your thighs and achiness of your strengthens. knees is huge. 17. Improved metabolism. 5. Less soreness after exercise. Increased muscles equal increased Remember when the day after squats was metabolism. If you add muscle mass to the so brutal the stairs or sitting on the toilet body, it burns more calories even without made you want to cry? Notice the difference moving! as your body strengthens and the day after a The next time you’re feeling discouraged workout isn’t so miserable. about the scale not budging, pick up a 6. Improved muscle tone – take a journal and record some of these other look at those guns! Flex the biceps and calf great successes your body is benefiting from muscles and congratulate yourself for lifting exercise and eating healthier. those dumbbells! If you’re looking for a space to accelerate 7. Happy doctor visits. Lower blood your wellness journey, check out www. pressure, decreased risk of diabetes and feedyoursoul.com. It’s caring community heart disease is a massive win. will celebrate your “non-scale victories” 8. Clearer mind. Cutting or limiting with you! sugar and alcohol from the diet leads to Adrien Terrell is a fitness instructor at better focus Feed Your Soul Fitness. 9. Better digestion. When eating

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ooking up from Highway 6, to the steep ridges and rock faces in Clear Creek Canyon, it’s often difficult to pick out the many trails that cross through the area. That’s why when a hiker was injured on April 5, West Metro Fire Rescue, assisting Golden Fire with the rescue, launched a drone to help rescue crews find the quickest and safest way to get the hiker out. On that warm and sunny Friday, two women were hiking in the canyon near Tunnel 2, when one hiker went off trail, and fell some 30 feet into a steep and inaccessible area. She was injured and unable to get out on her own. Her friend called 911, and Golden Fire Rescue, familiar with the rough terrain, asked West Metro Fire Rescue for assistance. When West Metro’s technical rescue team arrived on scene, they faced a difficult and challenging rescue operation. Even with several agencies working together to stabilize and evacuate the patient – Golden, West Metro, Jefferson County Open Space Rangers and American Medical Response – it took nearly six hours to get her to an ambulance and to the hospital. Crews hiked for two and a half hours just to get to where she fell. “The challenge with this type of rescue is a patient who’s been injured and is stuck in an area that’s not easy to access,” said West

Gretchen Cerveny Continued from page 2

its Horrible Burgers, Hot Kookies, Choking Cokes and Sloppy Malts. Using Carl’s rather unique sense of humor, the street sign read, “Open 11 A.M until EXHAUSTED.” The menu explained that, “Our food is horrible, so is the service,” and “This is the only place in town where the customer is always wrong.” The Scotchman was beloved by so many that, in June 2006, there was a Scotchman reunion held at Bandimere Speedway. While Carl used his CU business degree to keep busy running a place that served horrible hamburgers and sloppy malts, Gretchen took a different path. She was one of the first graduates from a new program at CU for Physical Therapy. After moving to Wheat Ridge, she and Carl helped in the campaign to convert Lutheran TB Sanatorium into Lutheran Hospital. She then worked as a physical therapist there for 28 years until her retirement in 1994. The last 18 years, she gained managerial experience as the head of the Physical Therapy Department. She gained lobbying experience through her service in the

Metro Lt. Aaron Giesick. “In rugged terrain, you don’t often have line of sight. So, it’s difficult, especially when you first arrive, to determine the best way to quickly get to the patient and how to safely get them out.” From the air, West Metro’s drone scouted first for a landing place for a Flight for Life helicopter. But, when no feasible spot was found, the drone looked for a way off the extremely steep ridge and out of the canyon for rescue crews and their patient. “This type of incident is exactly why West Metro created a drone program,” said West Metro Division Chief Clint Fey. “The drone gives us that extra set of eyes, and can see what the crews on the ground can’t see. That can save valuable time, especially when we have an injured patient.” After Fey, a drone pilot, assessed the area, crews decided the best way out was to lower the patient, using a rope system, from the ridge to the creek. Then, carry her about 200 yards to an area just below the highway, and using another rope system, lift her up to the road and a waiting ambulance. “This was one of the more challenging technical rescues that I can remember,” said Giesick. “And an example of several different agencies working together to ensure a good outcome.” Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

Legislative Committee and her tenure as president of the Colorado Chapter of American Physical Therapy Association. Early on, she saw the importance and worked to become the association’s expert on Medicare. They raised three children in Wheat Ridge, all of whom graduated from Wheat Ridge High School. These offspring followed their parents and all of them graduated from the University of Colorado. Moving to the next generation, three of their six grandchildren have also earned degrees from CU and the youngest is just finishing his junior year at the CU Leeds School of Business. All the family, parents, children and grandchildren live in the Denver metro area. Gretchen showed me a quote that has been hanging in her office since her time managing the physical therapy department. I think this quote well represents Gretchen’s approach to management and to politics. It is from the poem “Outwitted” by American poet Edwin Markham: He drew a circle that shut me outHeretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him in!

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

ngazette.com – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

ASK THE EXPERT What’s Happening In Our Real Estate Market? $425,000 in 2019 from $413,755 in 2018, an increase of 2.7 percent. hat’s happening in the real estate For detached homes: market? Let’s take a look at year • 85 homes have sold in Q1 2019 over year sales data for Wheat Ridge and compared to 93 last year, a decrease of 8.6 Edgewater. percent. In the midst of easing • The average price in the inventory woes for both our Q1 2019 has been $492,087, Denver metro market and major up 11.7 percent from last year’s markets nationwide, both the price of $440,543. Wheat Ridge and Edgewater • The median price for markets are bucking the trend! 2019 has been $450,000 versus Here’s an overview of what $421,000 in 2018, a gain of 6.9 inventory looks like year over percent. year: For attached homes: Inventory: • 26 residences have sold For all housing types: in the Q1 2019 as compared to • 127 new listings in Q1 2019 23 last year. Only three more Jenny Apel versus 154 new listings in 2018, a sales, but a 13 percent increase. decrease of 17.5 percent. • The average price for Q1 2019 was For detached homes: $329,294, a 5.3 percent increase over • 98 new listings in Q1 2019 versus 127 $312,735 in 2018. new listings in 2018, a decrease of 32.8 • The median price has increased to percent. $327,000, up 12.8 percent over 2018’s price For attached homes: of $290,000. • 29 new listings in Q1 2019 versus 27 Bottom line, inventory is still low and new listings in 2018, an increase of 7.4 prices are rising in both Wheat Ridge and percent. Edgewater. Why? The median price in Q1 As a result of continued diminishing 2019 is at $450,000 and nearly 50 percent inventory and continued demand, the of the metro-wide market sales are under number of sales has generally decreased $500k, making both Wheat Ridge and while both median and average prices have Edgewater seller’s markets. risen: Spring has officially sprung and with Sales warmer weather the inventory will likely For all housing types: look very much like last year in both • 111 sales in Q1 2019 versus 116 in 2018, markets. Both markets will continue to be a decrease of volume of sales of 4.3 percent. seller’s markets for 2019. • The average price for 2019 has If you are interested in a free market increased to $441,622 from $415,202 in analysis of your home, please contact 2018, a gain of 6.4 percent. Nostalgic Homes and 303-455-5535; • The median price has also risen to www.nostalgichomes.com n By

Jenny Apel

KING OF WINGS’ EVAN PIERCE (LEFT) AND EDDIE RENSHAW are getting out of the brewpub-circuit food truck biz, but will oﬀer their unique wings and more in their new tap room on West 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge, likely in late June. PHOTO BY J. PATRICK O’LEARY

VITTLES AND BEER King Of Wings Parks Truck To Roost On West 44th n By

J. Patrick O’Leary

fter four years of doing the brewpub circuit in King of Wings food truck, Eddie Renshaw and Evan Pierce will set up shop in a new taproom on West 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge, likely in late June. Renshaw and Pierce – friends since 7 who grew up together in St. Louis – were the faces in the window of the big red ex-mail truck until recently, serving up wings, parmesan fries, hand-breaded chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks and more. Their favorite (and financially fulfilling) haunts have been Sundays at Edgewater’s Joyride Brewing and Broomfield’s Four Noses Brewing Co., with some Monday Night Football sightings at Wheat Ridge’s Brewery Rickoli. “We’re not chefs,” the pair explained: Evan remodeled homes, Eddie was in sales. A few years back Evan discovered a relative’s unique wing technique at a backyard family gathering: slow cooked then charred on a grill till crisp. “It was a genius concept, so we tried to replicate it,” said Evan. “Then our business mind took off,” said Eddie, “There’s no good wings out here … so we started a food truck!” They bought a used truck, found a commissary kitchen (all prep work needs to be done in a commercial kitchen – no raw food in the truck), and, well, sort of winged it. “The big surprise was how hard it was, getting the right spots,” said Eddie. A typical 3:30-to-10-p.m. day could yield $60 in a poor spot, but $2,000 to $3,000 elsewhere on a good day. “That took two years to get to,” said Eddie. “We found our niche at these spots.” And then there’s the work. Eddie said the day started at 8 or 9 a.m., four days a week, shopping for propane and food: six 40-pound cases of chicken on a good day – that’s 240 pounds. While the wings slow cooked in commercial ovens, they made five gallons of sauce

from scratch: Bourbon buffalo, spicy Thai, buffalo, barbecue fusion, tangy gold. The sauces were the result of experimentation, so there were a few duds, like apricot bourbon barbecue. “It tasted like applesauce, and we had a ton of it,” Eddie recalls. “We salvaged it, but still threw a lot away.” Then they’d pack up the truck and drive to the day’s site, where they finished the wings on the truck’s grill. “There’s a lot of smoke created in there … when you’re doing hundreds of wings at a time,” said Eddie. “It was 90 degrees out, 150 in the truck, that’s the grind.” They served up wings until 8 or 9 p.m., or when they sold out, then drove back to the kitchen for another two hours of cleanup. “It’s so hard to make a living with a food truck,” said Eddie. They could never pack enough wings in the truck, so the future 7741 W. 44th Ave. location will allow them to meet demand. And offer more: sandwiches, salads, veggie wraps, veggie wings (“buffalo cauliflower!” Eddie explained), buffalo chicken sandwiches and fried chicken. The best part of running a food truck? “When people come back [from places as far away as Grand Junction and Fort Collins] and tell you how good the wings are,” said Evan, that and the regulars at the breweries who became friends. “That’s the best part, making people happy,” said Eddie. I tried the wings paired with an ale at Joyride back in September 2017. I was happy. Your last chance to enjoy Eddie and Evan’s wings served from the truck (before the late June taphouse opening) is Saturday, May 25, at Four Noses Brewing Co., 8855 W. 116th Circle, in Broomfield. Until then, remember what Duke Ellington (not quite) said: “If it tastes good, it IS good!” Contact Neighborhood Gazette Managing Editor J. Patrick O’Leary at editor@ ngazette.com.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Gee Whiz: G Line To Finally Open Final Weekend Of April RTD will celebrate the opening day of its G Line on Friday, April 26, with free rides throughout RTD’s entire rail system and station parties on Saturday, April 27. Full service will begin Sunday, April 28. RTD received all its final regulatory approvals in early April, according to a statement from RTD CEO and General Manager David Genova posted on RTD’s website April 12. “I know this has been a challenging road for all parties involved: RTD, our regulators, partners, stakeholders and the eager citizens waiting for this line to open,” said Genova. Two years behind schedule, the 11.2 mile G Line connects Denver Union Station, Denver, Adams County, Arvada and Wheat Ridge in just 25 minutes for a local fare of $3. “First of all I would like to say a heartfelt thank you,” said Genova. “Thank you for your patience, thank you for your understanding and thank you to our partners: the BNSF and UP railroads, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Colorado Public Utilities Commission, the Federal Transit Administration, Jefferson County, Adams County, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, the city and county of Denver, and most of all the citizens of these jurisdictions.” Conspicuously absent from Genova’s statement of gratitude is Denver Transit Partners – the consortium designing, building and operating the line. Last September Denver Transit Partners sued RTD for more money under its contract, claiming changes in law or interpreting the law by Federal and state agencies resulted in delay in receiving final approval for grade crossings and quiet zones. RTD’s response, in a Sept. 20, 2018, press release, was that Denver Transit

Partners was not accepting its role and responsibility for the project, “…they are looking to blame others.” Nonetheless, starting April 28, commuter trains will operate from 4 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., with 15-minute frequency between 6 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and 30-minute frequency at all other times. The G Line includes six stations, 2,230 parking spaces, and is expected to draw an estimated 9,000 riders per day. For more information, visit www3.rtddenver.com.

Fearing Snow, Easter Bunny Hops To New Egg Hunt Date Saturday, April 20, is the new date for the annual Wheat Ridge Easter Egg Hunt, held in Panorama Park, West 35th Avenue and Fenton Street. A forecast of chilly weather for the original April 13 date prompted Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation to reschedule, just two days before. More than 6,000 prize-filled eggs will scattered about for children to find and enjoy. From 10 to 11 a.m., toddlers to 10 year olds, along with their families are invited to join in the fun, according to Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation’s website. Several eggs have a special prize ticket inside for an Easter basket full of goodies; bring the ticket to the pavilion to receive the basket. The neighborhood Easter Bunny will be there to greet kids and pose for pictures. BYOB (bring your own basket) and don’t be late - the eggs go fast! Wheat Ridge Kiwanis has provided support and help with the event. For more information, contact Stephen Clyde at 303-231-1342 or sclyde@ ci.wheatridge.co.us; or visit the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Facebook event page.

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If you are new to gardening and want to get started, Vegetable Gardening 101 is the class for you, offered Saturday, April 20, from 10 till 11:30 a.m., at Echter’s Garden Center, 5150 Garrison St., Arvada. Echter’s Annuals and Foliage Manager

Chris Doolittle will cover all the details and get you off and growing. There is no registration or fee for this class. For updates and complete listings visit www.echters.com; or call 303-424-7979.

Learn About Aging Well In The West At Free Resource Fair The West Metro Chamber is hosting a free resource fair called Aging Well in the West, Thursday, April 25, 9 a.m. to noon at the Mile Hi Church Community Center, 9077 W. Alameda Ave., in Lakewood. The event offers helpful information to assist in the journey of aging in the community, including: health and wellness, senior living, county and state resources, financial planning, volunteering, mortgages, and career changes. All ages are welcome. Light refreshments will be available. For more information, visit www.westmetrochamber.org or call 303-233-5555.

Infinitus Pie Hosts Songwriters Showcase Songwriters Showcase will be staged Friday, April 26, 7 to 9 p.m., at Infinitus Pie, 5807 W. 38th Ave. The three songwriters are: • Melissa Monforti – folk evolved keen observations with a stellar voice • Franklin Taggart – songs about the West, God, beer and weather, and • host Paul Iwancio – warm songs for an often cold world. The monthly evening of performances by singer-songwriters takes place in a listening room environment, where the audience can partake of pizza, wings and drinks. No cover charge. For more information, contact Paul Iwancio at piwancio@gmail.com.

Colorado Plus To Host Fundraiser To Keep Goats Safe And Sound Wendell, Daryl and his other brother Darryl, Yoda and Creampuff, are still missing. Five Fridges Farms’ male goats

went missing on New Years Day. Since then, farm owner Amanda Weaver has rebuilt the grazing herd made up of male goats, according to City of Wheat Ridge’s Sara Spalding, and baby goats are expected in mid-May. To help protect the new herd from goatnappers, on Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m., Colorado Plus, 6995 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, will host a fundraiser for GPS collars, monitoring equipment and health testing for the newest members of the grazing herd. Spalding reports that a T-shirt featuring Wendell Berry – the beautiful buck who went missing – are on sale now benefiting the GoatFundMe (www.5fridgesfarm.com) Campaign. Colorado Plus will tap a keg of Wendell White IPA that day, the sales of which will also help support the farm’s grazing program. Weaver and her goats will be on the patio.

Bar-Crawl For A Cause In Totally Tennyson Fundraiser, April 27 The ninth Totally Tennyson Bar Crawl and FUNdraiser takes place April 27, 6 p.m. till midnight, in an attempt to raise $50,000 for northwest Denver’s Denver Public School students. Last year’s event raised $43,000 to aid 7,000 students. Presented by Nostalgic Homes, the “throwback” ‘80s-, ‘90s- and ‘00s-themed fundraising bar crawl features tasting destinations along Tennyson (between 38th and 46th avenues), a party bus, costume contest and Oriental Theater concert by the 6 Million Dollar Band – an ‘80s cover band. General advance-purchase tickets are $35 ($40 day of event), and include one complimentary drink, samples at each destination, access to entertainment hubs, costume contest and concert. VIP tickets are $75 and include all general ticket offerings plus access to the balcony at the concert and the Great Divide VIP lounge with food and drink at Local 46, plus swag. Proceeds of ticket sales go directly to local area public schools. Platinum sponsors include KOOL 105, Leprino Foods and the Oriental Theater. For more information, visit www.totallytennyson.com.

May 11 Is The Historical Society’s Annual May Festival

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

The Wheat Ridge Historical Society’s annual May Festival will be held during its next Second Saturday Event, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Historical Park, 4610 Robb St. Continued on page 15

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 14

The traditional May pole dance will be held twice, at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Local musical groups will be on hand for the day, so bring your instrument or voice and join in. The Society will serve up lunch on the cook stove in the Soddy for just $6 adults and $4 kids at noon. For more information, visit WheatRidgeHistoricalSociety.org or e-mail WRHistorical@gmail.com.

Spring Bee And Honey Festival At Four Seasons Market, May 11 & 12 The Spring Bee and Honey Festival is coming to Four Seasons Market, 7043 W. 38th Ave., Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12, celebrating bees, beekeeping, pollinators of all kinds, and of course, honey! Times are 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. till 3 p.m. Sunday. Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market is open year round, Market Days every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Open Shop Days Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays through Fridays, noon to 6 p.m. Find more information or RSVP at www.fourseasonsfam.com.

Horseshoe Market Leaves Berkeley, Makes Move To Mile High Stadium The Horseshoe Market, an artisan, vintage/antique and urban flea market previously based in northwest Denver, will reopen this season in Broncos Stadium at Mile High on May 11 and 12. The Horseshoe Market is an open-air market where artists, crafters and vintage collectors in Denver can set up their own shop and meet their customers. For nine years the Horseshoe been a seasonal mainstay in the Berkeley neighborhood, hosting markets in the parking lot of Olinger Moore Howard Chapel at 46th and Tennyson, according to a press release from owners Amy and Doug Yetman. They said that Olinger Moore had decided to shutter their Berkeley location and the site is likely slated to be redeveloped. “The Market will feature a good number of northwest Denver artisans and collectors and we are excited that a portion of the proceeds will go to support Denver Urban Gardens,” said Amy Yetman. The market will feature over 200 vendors, live music, food trucks, give-aways, and creative Horseshoe “experiences” focused on creative home inspiration. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, May 11 and 12. Parking is free. For more information about the Horseshoe Market, visit www.horseshoemarket. com or email info@horsehoemarket.com

Discuss ‘Wildfire’ At League of Women Voters Book Club The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County hosts a non-fiction book club with two meetings each month, in May discussing “Wildfire: On The Front Lines With Station 8,” a story of modern wildfire science interwoven with the history, landscape, and human behavior involved, based on the year journalist Heather Hansen spent with the City of Boulder Wildland Fire Division, Station 8. Clubs will meet Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m., at Brookdale Meridian Senior Living, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood; and Wednesday, May 15, 1 to 3 p.m., at the Lakewood Library 10200 W. 20th Ave., Lakewood (please call to verify location prior as they may meet at a different library from time to time). Open to the public. Call Lynne at 303-985-5128 for more information.

The League of Women Voters has been empowering voters and defending democracy since 1920. The League is a membership based non-profit political organization that promotes active government participation. Visit www.lwvjeﬀco.org for more information on membership and upcoming events.

Registration Open For Art+Me Summer Art Program Enrollment is now open for Art+Me, an art maker space at 11108 W. 33rd Ave., in Wheat Ridge, where young people can explore that beautiful intersection between fun and learning with the skilled guidance of artists and art educators. Kids aged 7 to 12 can learn about and register for Summer Camp Sessions at www.ARTplusME.com. A free open-studio meet-and-greet night is planned for April or May to experience the program and ask questions; RSVP on website. For more information, contact Nancy Johnson, Program Administrator, at 303242-9663, or visit www.ARTplusME.com.

First Rabies-Positive Skunk of 2019 Found in Jeﬀerson County Spring has sprung and so has rabies season. A skunk found in the foothills area of unincorporated Jefferson County, near I-70 and Paradise Road, has tested positive for rabies. This is the first animal to test positive for rabies in Jefferson County in 2019. Rabies is most often found in bats and skunks in the area, but can also be found in foxes, raccoons and other wild mammals. In 2018, 18 skunks and 8 bats tested positive for rabies in Jefferson County, and multiple domestic pets and humans were exposed to the virus. Though the skunk tested on March 20 had no known human or domestic animal exposures, Jefferson County residents and visitors should be cautious of wildlife and aware of the risks of exposure, including potential quarantine for animals, postexposure prophylaxis for humans and in some cases, euthanasia for infected pets. For more information about rabies, please contact JCPH’s Animal Borne Disease Program, part of the Environmental Health Services Division, at 303-2326301, or visit www.jeﬀco.us/2365.

Family Tree’s Annual Celebration Of Achievement Fundraiser Set For May 9 At DMNS Family Tree will hold its 26th annual Celebration of Achievement May 9, 6 p.m., at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The event raises funds for programs and services for people impacted by child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness in the Denver metro area. Dinner, drinks, silent and live auctions, and a signature activity are part of the evening, which celebrates the accomplishments of individuals and families who have created positive, lasting change in their lives as they support Family Tree’s work. Family Tree serves more than 8,000 individuals each year with child and youth services, domestic violence services, and housing and stabilization services. Family Tree’s partnership with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science will allow for double the guests to join in this year’s celebration. Family Tree hopes to raise $200,000 to continue impacting lives. Information on tickets, tables and

sponsorship opportunities are available at www.TheFamilyTree.org/Events, the Facebook event or by contacting Tami Mawhir at tmawhir@thefamilytree.org.

Good News Breakfast Celebration Set For April 30

Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Calls For Artists, Oﬀers Prizes

The Jefferson County Good News Coalition will hold the Annual Good News Breakfast on Tuesday, April 30, at 6:59 a.m., at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds, 15200 West 6th Avenue, in Golden. This year’s theme is “Unsung Heroes: Super Heroes Don’t Always Wear Capes.” The keynote speaker is Drew Robertson, president of Mattersville, and the driving force behind the Veterans Community Project: Tiny Houses for Homeless Veterans. Breakfast will be prepared by the Warren Tech Culinary Arts program and served buffet-style.

Artists with a connection to Wheat Ridge are invited to create an image celebrating the city’s 50th anniversary to be featured on the commemorative plate presented to this year’s annual Carnation Festival Parade winners, per a City of Wheat Ridge press release. The top three designs will be awarded cash prizes and recognition in City and Carnation Festival literature and local media. The Festival will take place Aug. 9-11 in Anderson Park. Submission deadline is June 1. Entries will be reviewed by members of the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission with recommendations to the Carnation Festival committee, which will make the final selection. Winners will be announced on June 15. The Carnation Festival was started to commemorate the founding of Wheat Ridge in August 1969, and the awarding of the commemorative plate to parade winners is part of the tradition. Top entries into the parade receive commemorative plates for the best use of carnations, best overall and use of theme, best craftsmanship and workmanship. Entries must meet the submission guidelines to be considered. A copy of the plate is also presented to the city for display in the Council Chambers in City Hall. For more information about the contest, the festival, and a full schedule of festival hours and activities, visit www.thecarnationfestival.com.

Tickets to the breakfast are $15 each or two for $20 and may be purchased online www.goodnewsjeﬀco.org or at the door.

Mark Your Calendar For Jeﬀco Fair & Festival, Aug. 9-11 Mark your calendars now to join the celebration this summer at the 4th annual Jeffco Fair & Festival, Aug. 9 through 11 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds. The three-day event is Jeffco’s biggest celebration of the summer. Event dates and times are Friday, Aug. 9, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Look for events, happenings and entertainment posted on CelebrateJeﬀco. com as they become available.

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

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – APRIL 15 – MAY 14, 2019 – ngazette.com

Bobcat: Spitfire Of The Animal Kingdom n By

Sally Griffin

s that very large cat in your backyard the new neighbors’ overweight cat or is it something else? Does it have a short tail? Does it have tufted ears? Does it look fuzzy around the face? It could be a wild bobcat or, even, a lynx. But which is it? Bobcats in Colorado are a hundred times more common than lynx. So, it is probably a bobcat that you are seeing out your window, but, some, including this writer, have found it easy to mistake the two cats. So how do you tell the difference? Start by looking at the feet. Lynx have very large feet in comparison to the rest of the body. These feet are also very furry making it easier for them to serve as snowshoes while the lynx hunts its favorite food: snowshoe hares. Their tracks are about two inches bigger in the snow than the tracks of the bobcat. Lynx are grayish brown in winter with a more rust-colored coat in warm seasons. Bobcats, on the other hand, have reddish fur, with stripes on their face and legs, all year long. Lynx tails look like they have dipped the tip in black ink; bobcat tails have a white underside and can be curled. If you have snowshoe hares, lots of snow and lots of pine trees in your backyard, it might be a lynx. Otherwise, the wild cat you are most likely to see is the bobcat. The two cats are close enough genetically and can have overlapping territories so that there have been confirmed hybrids, the result of a lonely bobcat meeting an equally lonely lynx. These hybrids tend to have the build of a bobcat and the pointier ears of the lynx. I couldn’t find out who gets the big feet. In keeping with what I can only think of as wildlife biologists’ humor, these hybrids are known as “blynx.” In the last several years, mange disease has managed to kill a number of urban coyotes and foxes. This has led to a rabbit population explosion. Something has had to fill the void in rabbit predators. That

something, in many areas, is the bobcat. Bobcats, while more often seen than lynx, are still not easy to see. They are nocturnal, solitary and secretive by nature. Females usually occupy territory of about five miles, while males range over twice that amount of territory. Bobcats, as opposed to lynx, are adaptable and can exist in fairly close proximity to people. Bobcats can be heard at night, if you think they are close by and if you listen carefully. They growl and snarl in deep tones, interspersed with the hissing or purring that you would expect from their domestic cousins. Bobcats, like other wild animals that live close to people, are opportunistic carnivores. They prefer rabbits and hares, but they have been known to eat rodents, birds, bats, reptiles and even young fawns. They do most of their hunting in low-light conditions. They are excellent hunters who use stealth, patience and the low-light, ending their hunt with a quick leap. To slay larger prey, they leap onto its back and bite through the throat. Their diet can also include lambs, chickens and small pets. They can climb trees and use that vantage to pounce on unwary deer. While they don’t usually like water, they can swim if there is need. They can’t always consume their prey in one sitting, so they cover up or bury the leftovers and return periodically to snack. They may have several dens. The more protected areas such as caves and rock shelters they may line with leafy bedding and use to give birth. But “resting” shelters throughout their territory may just be brush piles, ledges, hollow logs or stumps. Mother bobcats often move their kittens on a regular basis to confuse predators, such as owls, foxes, coyotes and cougars, that may want to kill the little ones. Bobcats occur widely throughout North America. In Colorado, they range statewide but are most abundant in foothills where there is a mix of brush and woodlands. This has led them to being spotted last month in

Littleton and, before that, in Arvada. The Denver area is one of the places known nationally for having a well-established bobcat population. Interestingly, a research study of urban bobcats has shown that these cats are even more fully nocturnal than their rural cousins. This helps them avoid humans and steer clear of vehicle traffic. They usually mate in winter with the kittens being born in early spring. But they are opportunistic breeders and can mate all year long. Their gestation period is 50 to 70 days. They can have litters of between one and six kittens. These kittens are eating solid food within two months and hunting their own food within five or six months. Several months after learning to hunt, mama bobcat sends them out on their own to find their own territory. Habitat destruction and everexpanding human development means that territory may include your backyard. Usually, they are human shy and will avoid people if they can help it. Their nocturnal nature usually keeps them well

hidden. However, their closeness can cause problems. This means it is important to keep a close watch on your small pets and other domestic animals, during the evening, night and early morning hours. Bobcats tend to be one of the more aggressive cats. Some zookeepers call them the “spitfires of the animal kingdom.” Experts recommend the following tips if you need to protect your yard from bobcats: • Trim back excess plants that may give them a place to hide. • Illuminate your yard at night. • Don’t feed birds or other wildlife that might be seen as bobcat dinner. • Don’t leave cat food or water outdoors. • Keep your pets indoors at night or in secure cages or pens. • Make sure that your pets are vaccinated. • If you really get desperate, you can generate electronic sounds that mimic bobcats’ enemies, primarily the hiss of a cougar.