Neighborhood Gazette – July 2019 – Wheat Ridge

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Rezoning The Upham Parcel Is A Bad Idea Page 2

WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL Check Out The Heritage Day Celebration On Aug. 10 Page 4

2019 CARNATION FESTIVAL Celebrating 50 Years – 1969 – 2019 Pages 7-14

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WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE | BERKELEY July 16 – August 13, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE

TIF Will Fund Public Improvements To Vacant Walmart Site ■ By

Mike McKibbin

T

he vacant Walmart space in the Applewood Village Shopping Center in Wheat Ridge will get city help to pay for public improvements to the nearly half-century-old building and allow new commercial tenants to locate in the center. Meanwhile, the Clear Creek Crossing project across the street is proceeding with construction work toward a 2020 completion.

TIF Money Key To Center Redevelopment

Steve Art, the authority’s executive director, wrote in an April 15 city council study session memo that the city’s urban renewal authority, Renewal Wheat Ridge, approved a tax increment financing agreement in March with Regency Centers, the owners of the shopping center. The agreement will help the company redevelop the vacant Walmart building at the southeast corner of 38th Avenue and Youngfield Street.

The agreement calls for property and sales tax revenue generated by the project to finance public improvements at the site.

City council will be asked to consider approving a cooperation agreement between the city and the authority to Continued on page 6

THIS YEAR’S ANNUAL WHEAT RIDGE CARNATION FESTIVAL will once again honor the city’s history with a parade and festival, Aug. 9 through 11, at Anderson Park, 4355 W. 44th Ave. See supplement, pages 7-14. PHOTO

BY BECKY OLSTAD

Budget-Friendly Fun To Carry You Through Summer ■ By

N

Meghan Godby

early a month into summer, there’s no shortage of activities to keep you and your family busy. But if summer camps and vacations are draining your budget, don’t despair – there are plenty of options for budget-friendly fun.

On Friday, July 19 head over to the Ridge at 38 for a free, family-friendly screening of “Monsters, Inc.” In addition to the movie, there will be live music, food trucks and kids activities. Arrive early to secure a great spot on the Green. The event, hosted

by LocalWorks, runs from 7 to 11 p.m.

(Superhero costumes encouraged!) Visit wearelocalworks.org for more information.

Craving a movie without the kiddos?

Consider visiting the Belmar Library (555 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood) on Saturday, Aug. 10, for a free screening of “A Star is Born.” The movie, appropriate for ages 18 and up, begins at 5:30 p.m. and should wrap up by 7:30 p.m.

And while we all love a good festival during the summer months, many smaller celebrations fly under our radar. Don’t miss the West Colfax Neighborhood Festival on Saturday, Aug. 3. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cheltenham Elementary (1580 Julian St., Denver) will be transformed with free music, games, food, giveaways and more. For more information, visit confluenceminitries.org.

The same weekend, Friday, Aug. 2 and Saturday, Aug. 3, Lamar Station Plaza (6501 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood) is home to the West Colfax Art and Music Festival, a free event full of art galleries, kids activities, food, a car show and, of course, music. Visit colfaxartfest.org for all the details.

Have a bit of spending money burning a hole in your pocket? Consider checking out

the lineup for the Arvada Center’s Summer Concert Series. Upcoming events include Symphonic Tribute to Comic-Con, July 21 at the outdoor amphitheater. Prices range from $20 (lawn) to $35-$50 (covered).

For more information and a listing of other upcoming events, visit arvadacenter.org.

You can also catch the final two

installments of the outdoor Sounds Exciting! concert series at the Lakewood Heritage Center on Wednesday, July 24 and Wednesday, July 31. Tickets are affordable – only $6 in advance or $8 at the door. Visit lakewood.org/summerconcerts.

If your summer schedule is already full, it’s a great time to start planning your

calendar for the fall and winter. The City of Lakewood has just released its lineup for the 2019-2020 season. Tickets for performances start at $22. There is an impressive variety of entertainment in store, including dance performances, comedy routines, and even a marionette show. For more information, visit lakewood.org.

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Joyce Manwaring, Serving Wheat Ridge For Four Decades ■ By

Meghan Godby

J

une is a time of transition – the kids are out of school, the days are warmer, and we find ourselves eager to begin our summer traditions.

But for Joyce Manwaring, former Director of the City of Wheat Ridge’s Parks and Recreation Department, this June was particularly special. After an impressive 40-year career with the city, Manwaring retired on June 28.

Joyce is a third-generation Colorado native with local roots; she was born at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver and attended elementary, middle and high school in Arvada.

After high school, she traveled to Pocatello, Idaho to attend Idaho State University. It was there she earned her Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Administration – a degree that would lay the foundation for an impressive career in the field.

Upon earning her degree, she jumped right in, working for the City of Pullman, Washington, as a Recreation Supervisor. The position allowed her to wear many hats – not only did she manage the city’s general programs, but she also oversaw aquatics, senior programs, and the activity guide.

However, it wasn’t long before Joyce returned to her roots, accepting a position with the City of Wheat Ridge’s Parks and Recreation department. Much to her surprise, she would work for the city for four decades. And she did it all while earning her Master’s Degree in Public Administration at the University of Colorado Denver.

It’s rare to find someone so dedicated to serving a particular organization, especially in an age where employees tend to hop from one position to the next. This level of engagement Continued on page 2

AFTER AN IMPRESSIVE 40-YEAR CAREER WITH THE CITY of Wheat Ridge, former Parks and Recreation Department Director Joyce Manwaring retired on June 28. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE.

2

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – ngazette.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Rezoning The Upham Parcel Is A Bad Idea Dear Editor: The petition drive under way to roll back the rezoning on Upham north of the fire station is a bad if unintended consequence waiting to happen.

If the petition leads to an election and the election succeeds, we will be left with the previous R-3 zone.

What does that mean?

Single-family redevelopment is not in the cards for these lots, so eventually and probably it means we will get multi-unit slot development of the kind that nobody seems to like.

Leaving the rezoning in place will let the proposed project, Ridgetop Village,

Joyce Manwaring Continued from page 1

surprised Joyce, as well.

“I feel very fortunate that this career was such a good fit for me, as I don’t think we always know that when choosing a college major,” she shared. “I don’t know that I ever thought I would work for one agency for what is essentially my entire career.”

So, what kept her busy for all those years? For over 20 years, she served as the City’s Recreation Supervisor (the title eventually changed to Manager during that time), ultimately accepting the position of Director in 2001, where she would hang her hat for the remainder of her career.

Her efforts and dedication did not go unnoticed; 15 years into her tenure with the City of Wheat Ridge, she received the Fellow Award from the Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA), which, according to the organization’s website, is the “highest honor bestowed upon a CPRA Member,” encompassing leadership, strategic thinking and planning, partner building, innovation and service. It’s an impressive achievement and one that affirmed her commitment to the community.

For Joyce, returning to her roots just made sense; the positions she held with the city were a good fit for her temperament and personal interests.

“I enjoy organizational development [and] maximizing people’s potential and strengths to benefit both the individual and the organization,” she said.

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The projects she worked on were varied. In 2016, thanks to the hard work of Manwaring and her colleagues, the City of Wheat Ridge’s Parks and Recreation Department became accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA).

It’s a mouthful, but it means the standards, programs and facilities set forth by the city are top-notch. In fact, only eight agencies in the entire state have met the requirements for this accreditation.

Such large-scale projects are impressive, but Joyce also found satisfaction in work that directly impacted the local community, like the reconstruction of the Clear Creek Trail.

“It was a gratifying project to work on as it is such an important part of the park system and so well-loved by Wheat Ridge residents,” she said. “I also loved building parks and being a part of the team for the construction of the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center.”

Joyce also had the opportunity to see many projects come full circle, including Anderson Park. She helped open the Outdoor Pool in 1980 and was pleased to see its renovation to completion before her retirement.

But her favorite part about working for the city?

“The building of relationships and the opportunity to offer the best services possible to residents,” she shared. In particular, “the Recreation Center is so successful and is really a focal point to bring people together and offer great choices for healthy lifestyles. Residents [also] love the parks in Wheat Ridge, and there are now accessible parks in all neighborhoods.”

Retirement can be a bittersweet time for anyone, a time to both reflect on professional achievements and shift focus to personal interests. Joyce is looking forward to pursuing some of her favorite hobbies, including golf, traveling and mah-jongg, but she hasn’t lost sight of her career and the connections she built working for the city.

“I enjoyed my years serving the citizens of Wheat Ridge and feel very fortunate to have had the opportunities and career that [the city] offered me,” she said.

So, how does she feel about retirement so far?

“It’s nice to have the free time and a slower pace,” Joyce explained. “[But] when they told me it would take some time to stop thinking about what you will or would like to do at work, they were right!”

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build attractive housing that is affordable to middle-income families eager to own a place of their own.

Reverting to R-3 re-opens the door to slot buildings that yield middle-income units but without the quality of architecture, landscape design and livability currently on offer.

As I see it, the rezoning and the Ridgetop Village project are a win-win. With the rezoning we get quality town houses in a well-planned development; at the same time, we avoid the slot development that’s probable under the previous R-3 zone.

Bottom line, to roll back this rezoning is to risk our community getting a worse development when quite a good one is almost a certainly in hand. I can't imagine that's what the petitioners really intend for Wheat Ridge.

–Lloyd Levy, Wheat Ridge

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – ngazette.com

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR 50th Annual Festival Celebrates History Of Carnation City There is also a pie-baking contest, a Chili Cook-off and the firefighters Spaghetti Dinner as well as craft and domestic beer s part of our year-long celebration gardens. Details about these activities as of the 50th Anniversary of the city’s well as lots more information is available at incorporation, this year’s Annual Wheat TheCarnationFestival.com.

Ridge Carnation Festival will honor our The festival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit history during the parade and the festival on organization with an all-volunteer board led Aug. 9-11, at Anderson Park, 4355 W. 44th

by Chair Joe DeMott and Vice Chair Walt Ave. Pettit. Members Dave Pettit, In the early years, Wheat Chris Miller, Ruth Baranowski, Ridge was recognized as the Cyndy Beal, Ron Benson, Tim Carnation Capital of the World.

Berland, Dominick Breton, At one time the city was host to Ron Benson, Leah Dozeman, 32 greenhouses that featured Theresa Joyce, Joe Seehusen, carnations. Since Carnations Emily Smith, Gale Shrag, grow well in abundant sunshine, and Renee Schreiner are also the climate in Wheat Ridge was lending their time and talent to perfect for this lovely flower. make the event a success.

Each week a bouquet of the We’re excited to unique blooms was sent to the celebrate 50 years of hosting White House and displayed Bud Starker this wonderful family-friendly in the foyer with a card that event in Wheat Ridge. Looking read “From Wheat Ridge, the back on 50 years as a city, this event honors Carnation City.” our history as a center of agriculture while The year following the city’s also recognizing how we’ve grown and incorporation in 1969, the first Carnation become a vibrant, thriving community. The Festival and parade were held, making Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival continues it one of the longest running festivals in to serve as an important tradition for our Colorado. Carnival rides, a circus, live community. musical entertainment, a beer garden and The legacy of this very special annual a fireworks show are all featured during the event has continued for the past 50 years festival that runs from Friday to Sunday. due to the vision of the directors of that first The parade is always a great event for festival. They included Zebulon M. Pike, Jr., the young and the not so young, and will William R. Cornelison, Frank “Hank” Stites, be held on Saturday starting at 9:30 a.m., Marie Engelman and John Harper. It’s thanks with local marching bands, dance troupes, to their foresight in creating this wonderful floats, businesses, and civic and community event for Wheat Ridge that each year since organizations. The route has remained pretty that first festival we get to enjoy a very special much the same since that first Carnation celebration of our history and heritage.

Festival, traveling from Ames down West I hope to see you at the festival!

38th Avenue to Upham. Prior to the parade, Contact Wheat Ridge mayor Bud the Wheat Ridge Grange, at 3850 High Starker at bstarker@ci.wheatridge.co.us Court, hosts a Pancake Breakfast beginning or 303-235-2800. at 7 a.m. A donation of $6 is appreciated.

■ By

Bud Starker

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tarted in 2009, with the completion of the restoration of the Baugh house, the Wheat Ridge Historical Society hosts our Heritage Day Celebration on the second Saturday of August at 11361 W. 44th Ave., at Robb Street. Mark your calendar for Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and join us.

We will have some “Top of the Hour” historic talks with our local historians sharing their Wheat Ridge Memories at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. We will have our Ice Cream Social with music by local musicians so bring your instrument or voice and join in!

This low-key event is a great escape from the noise and crowds of the Carnation Festival. Pick up our flyer at the festival for upcoming events.

“Top of the Hour” is the name of the videos of the Wheat Ridge area, which were filmed by Jesse Johnson and are available on YouTube for review. There are two videos on the Wheat Ridge Historical Park, one from July 2011 and another from December 2018. Check them out and next time you see someone filming at a Wheat Ridge event say hello to Jesse!

We had a recent donation of Wheat Ridge High School yearbooks, but our collection is incomplete. We are missing the late 1950s, most of 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and most of the 1990s, and also from 2004 to 2017. If you went to WRHS and have your

yearbooks, please consider donating them or put it in your estate plan to leave to your local Historical Society.

The Historical Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Our August meeting will be on the 13th at 7 p.m., at the Historical Park. We talk about upcoming events after sharing an interesting program of Wheat Ridge history. Snacks provided!

Do you enjoy crafts? Then join the Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle on the fourth Wednesday of the month (Aug. 28) between 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you are busy during the day 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.

All crafters are welcome come share your knowledge!

The Wheat Ridge Historical Park (4610 Robb St.) grounds are open dawn to dusk for picnics and walks. The museum is open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Visiting is free and tours are just $2 per person (cash or check only please). We offer group tours with advanced notice. Call 303-421-9111 for more information.

Upcoming Second Saturday events include: Back to School Book Exchange (September), Apple Cider Day (October), and Veterans recognition and Flag Pole dedication (November).

For more information email wrhistorical@gmail.com or check our website, www.wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

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ngazette.com – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

SCHOOL CROSSING The Only Constant Is Change this new event will be a huge success.

Two of our schools have had change in their leadership teams: Jeff Gomez, ’ve always been obsessed with time travel. principal at Everitt Middle School, and Bill Mostly for wanting to go back for a second Blandon, assistant principal over at Wheat chance at an event, a conversation or simply Ridge High. Both have moved on to new to relive something amazing that was now adventures. Bill has accepted a position merely a memory. as an elementary school principal in the But change is a constant in everyone’s Sheridan school district. It’s great news for life, from lightning-fast technology to much Bill as he had originally been the principal at slower government regulations. Change Kullerstrand. Truly happy for Bill. is great when it’s done in the name of Jeff Gomez, of course, was an amazing improvement. Of course, not all change is leader at Everitt: the only principal you’d good. I’ve never been a fan of change for the see at community events sake of change. promoting Everitt, wherever Prospect Valley Elementary he was. That included early has decided to do away with their morning Starbucks meetings to annual 5K fundraiser, an event update me on new programs. where past, present and future He always took the time to make students come out and reconnect sure students were the priority with a place and time that stood in any decisions he made. Jeff for pride, great education and plans to return to education and give forward to a new generation helping underserved students. of young learners. Middle- and Time will tell how Everitt copes high-school principals would without Principal Gomez. join in and gave a chance to

Our city has lost two fifth graders and their families Guy Nahmiach great leaders this month to to ask questions that would help retirement. Parks and Recreation Director them make a choice as to where to enroll the Joyce Manwaring and Police Chief Dan following year.

Brennan have both called time on their Many families were shocked. Can you careers as civil servants. Imagine working imagine Wheat Ridge High canceling the for a city for 30-plus years under so many Farmer 5000? different councils and politicians, all with While I am a huge believer that a different views on how a city should be run. community must support its local school, Joyce was a staunch protector of our parks. the school must also support its local She secured federal, state and county grants community. I’ve been getting calls and to help finance park projects and maintain parents have approached me about this. our facilities. Joyce was instrumental in “Why?” is their main question. From what developing after-school programs at the rec I’ve been told, this year’s PTA wanted to center that would offer students a place to simplify their fundraising and opted for exercise and compete in sports instead of an in-school activity instead of the hours it going home to an empty house after school. takes to organize the 5K event. The school is asking that we respect their decision and I Continued on page 6 guess it’s the only thing we can do. Hopefully n By

Guy Nahmiach

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LOCALWORKS UPDATE Colorado Bluegrass Returns To RidgeFest their energetic and fun style.

Wood Belly will be our next act and will begin their set at 5:30 p.m. After winning anjos, mandolins, upright bass and last year’s Telluride Bluegrass Competition, smooth harmonies – those are some of Wood Belly has solidified themselves the key elements of bluegrass music. From in the Colorado bluegrass scene. This traditional to modern, every band has their musical collective consists of Chris Weist own unique spin on this musical genre, and (mandolin), Craig Patterson (guitar), Chris this year’s RidgeFest will showcase a wide Zink (dobro), Aaron McCloskey (banjo) and array of bluegrass stylings. So whether you Taylor Shuck (bass). Every member of the are a bluegrass enthusiast or just want to band contributes their vocals hear some great bands, you to the band’s mix of haunting don’t want to miss this year’s tunes and upbeat jams.

RidgeFest on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Finally, our headliner, This year’s event will kick the Railsplitters, will take the off with the Cody Sisters at 3 stage at 7:15 p.m. Hailing from p.m. This impressive family trio Boulder, the Railsplitters are consists of daughters Megan a bluegrass powerhouse in the and Maddie Cody and their Colorado music scene. Come father, Steve Cody. Megan, 16, watch artists Lauren Stovall and Maddie, 14, provide the (vocals), Dusty Rider (banjo), vocals and play guitar, mandolin Peter Sharpe (mandolin), Joe and banjo. Their father plays D’Esposito (fiddle) and Jeanthe bass and co-writes their Ashley Holland Luc Davis (double bass) close original songs with Maddie. They out the show with their “lush harmonies, describe their music as “fall[ing] from the instrumental virtuosity and non-conformist clouds like a soft warm rain and in an instant songwriting.” You don’t want to miss them thunder[ing] down like a Colorado storm.” closing out this year’s show!

The band uses a combination of well RidgeFest will take place on Saturday, known covers and Cody Sisters originals to Sept. 7, from 3 to 9 p.m. on the Green on showcase their range and creativity.

Ridge at 38 (7101 W. 38th Ave.). Along with Next, Ragged Union will take the stage our great bluegrass lineup, this event has at 4:15 p.m. Ragged Union has made a name a classic car show, a chalk art festival, pub for themselves across the region for playing games, kids’ activities, an artisan market, “updated-traditional” bluegrass with a dash food trucks, beer, wine and so much more. of rock and roll. Players Geoff Union (guitar Learn more about RidgeFest and how and vocal), Chris Elliott (banjo), Jordan you can get involved at Ridgeat38.com/ Ramsey (mandolin and vocal), Justin RidgeFest. Ashley Holland is the MarketHoffenberg (fiddle) and Benny Galloway ing and Events Coordinator at Localworks. (upright bass) are sure to entertain with

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Development Continued from page 1

share one cent of the city’s 3-cent sales tax revenue generated from this project over five years.

Walmart ceased operations in July 2017 and Regency reached letters of intent with Hobby Lobby, Sierra Trading Post, HomeGoods and Ulta in 2018 to help fill some of the vacant Walmart space. Other additions and redevelopment efforts at the center have included a King Sooper’s store renovation, Starbucks opened last year and a Hacienda Colorado restaurant is scheduled to open this summer.

Art stated significant improvements were necessary to attract those tenants, such as dividing the 126,000-square-foot building into five separate spaces and a yet-to-be-determined 17,000-square-foot space, a complete reface of the building facade, reconstruction of the parking lot for more efficient use, a new retail pad at the corner of 38th and Youngfield, and streetscape improvements along Youngfield and 38th.

The city will also use a portion of its 1 percent Xcel Energy funding to underground all utilities from 32nd Avenue and Youngfield to the old Walmart building on 38th Avenue.

Regency Center vice-president and market officer Will Damrath told the council the company purchased the center in 2005 and “inherited a 50-year-old center with obsolete infrastructure in a blighted and failing area. So it’s been a huge investment.

But we can’t attract the best retailers to help us meet our goals with failing infrastructure.”

Damrath said the company would like to receive at least $5.1 million in sales tax TIF money to help recover the costs of public infrastructure improvements.

Art noted in his memo that after the project is complete, redevelopment of the Walmart site is estimated to generate just under $1 million per year in city sales tax, increasing to roughly $2 million per year in 2040, or just over $31 million over the next 21 years.

In total, Regency will invest approximately $20 million in the project.

Art wrote that more than $5.4 million of that investment was determined to be eligible public improvements: Youngfield streetscape and signalized intersection improvements, facade upgrades, wet utilities, 38th Avenue right-of-way improvements, demolition of blighted buildings and environmental remediation of asbestos. Regency asked the authority to help pay for those eligible public improvements with a $3.25 million property tax TIF agreement through 2040 and the $2 million sales tax TIF agreement.

The authority hired Economic and Planning Systems (EPS) to study the project and the need to use TIF money. Tim Morzell with EPS noted the area is part of the Interstate 70/Kipling Street urban renewal authority area and eligible for TIF help.

Art stated the renewal authority board approved the property tax TIF agreement

in March. He also wrote that for a project of this type, a typical developer’s return on cost is somewhere between 6-8 percent. If this project received no TIF help, Art noted it might generate a return of 5.13 percent, which would leave a financial gap of $4.8 million in present (real) value. For the project to achieve a 6.75 percent return, a subsidy of $4.8 million in present value dollars, is required, he added.

Damrath noted the company strives to complete projects through a “solid retail strategy to have our shopping centers sustain the test of time, despite Amazon,” referring to the online retail giant.

City council agreed to consider the cooperation agreement at a regular meeting in the near future.

Clear Creek Crossing Moves Forward

Development plans are well underway at Clear Creek Crossing, a 110-acre, mixeduse project southwest of I-70 and State Highway 58 in Wheat Ridge, owned by Evergreen Devco, a leading national retail and multifamily development company.

A recent news release from the company noted Kum & Go and Evergreen Multifamily had submitted specific development plan applications with the city. Evergreen Retail at The Crossings and Foothills Credit Union planned to submit specific site plans in July.

SCL Health, the owner of Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, purchased the 26acre anchor site in July 2018 for a reported $11.59 million. A decision on what to use the site for is still pending.

The release added the I-70 westbound “hook ramps” at Clear Creek Drive were planned to open to traffic this fall. The existing I-70 westbound ramp at 32nd Avenue will eventually connect to the new on-ramp at Clear Creek Drive by a fly-over bridge planned to open in 2020, connecting and merging on-ramp traffic with westbound I-70. The city is using funds from the 2016 voter-approved one-half cent sales tax increase 2E ballot measure to pay for the hook ramps.

Evergreen Multifamily plans to build 310 market-rent apartment units in a 4-story, tuck-under garage design, with construction to start in October and first units available for rent in May 2020. Kum & Go plans to begin construction just north of the existing La Quinta Hotel before yearend, with a mid-2020 opening. Foothills Credit Union plans to start construction on a 3-story, 15,000-square-foot bank and office building just to the north of the planned I-70 off-ramp at Clear Creek Drive in early 2020.

“The Crossings,” a retail shops and restaurant development at the southeast corner of 40th Avenue and Clear Creek Drive, is scheduled for a late 2020 grand opening.

School Crossing Continued from page 5

Chief Brennan, of course, was an inspiring leader not only to his staff, but also to an entire city that went through a tremendous growth spurt that included removal of road lanes, legalization of marijuana, increased homelessness and yet remained an avid contributor to so many causes. Those included the Arvada Food Bank and the backpack program, making sure students had meals over the weekend.

While he always reminded me that he knew where I lived, he was kind with his time and advice. I can’t imagine city manager Patrick Goff’s task of replacing Joyce and Dan. But in keeping with our theme of change, it’s never easy.

And while change continues in my own professional life (see page 2) I am much more excited about changes at home, with Dylan not only getting a job at Sprouts but also his driver’s license. Freedom and adventures await his young man, and of course the dreaded taxes.

Changes are all around us. Gandhi dared us to be the change in our world. Will you be the change in yours? As always, thanks for reading.

Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – ngazette.com

Celebrating 50 Years of Wheat Ridge Business

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Our Mission Our Mission is to cultivate a prosperous and growing community by promoting, supporting, connecting and advocating for Wheat Ridge business.

The Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource and help center for organizations doing business in Wheat Ridge. The Chamber has a unified voice of diverse business organizations and supports the business community through advocating for positive business legislation, seminars, leadership programs and expanding marketing outreach. We host business networking events through our BNG lunches and spotlight member businesses, creating an educational environment for all active participants. The Wheat Ridge Chamber is also focused on providing opportunities for young professionals and newly created organizations doing business in Wheat Ridge.

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Local Artists will Shine at the Art League Fine Art Show The Wheat Ridge Art League Fine Art Show will be on display during the Carnation Festival in the newly remodeled Anderson Building at Anderson Park, 4355 Field St. Friday, Aug. 9, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 10, noon9 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 11, noon-4 p.m.

Thirty-three members of the Wheat Ridge Art League will be exhibiting their best pieces. It’s all there this year--watercolors, oils, pastels, charcoal and pencil-and many, though not all, works of art will be for sale at affordable prices that make it easy for a beginning collector to acquire their first piece, and hard for a seasoned connoisseur to resist another purchase.

“The show this year will be bigger than ever--a great way to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Festival!,” said Theresa Joyce, Chairwoman of the Art Show.

The art show is not a juried event but rather a members-only show. The Art League, organized in 1974 and now in its 45th year, has more than 40 members, most hailing from Jefferson County. Artists pay a nominal $30 annual membership fee and together contribute to fulfilling the purpose of the league, “To pursue the study of the arts, to encourage originality, and to provide members with the opportunity to obtain public recognition.”

The league offers its members a visiting artist demonstration during monthly meetings, in addition to other workshops and, of course, the Carnation exhibition.

The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival serves as the league’s exclusive art show. Throughout the year, member artists may be on exhibit at any one of the seven regular exhibit spaces around Wheat Ridge, Arvada, and the Highlands, including the Arvada Motor Vehicle Department at 6510 Wadsworth and the Wheat Ridge Municipal Building, 7500 W. 29th Ave. The league has commissioned local artist Doug Dawson to judge and present awards to members for their show submissions, from Best in Show to Honorable Mentions, fulfilling the league’s mission to offer its artists, from amateur to professional, the opportunity to earn recognition for their creativity. The public is invited to vote for the “People’s Choice Award” by filling out a ballot after viewing the exhibition.

The Carnation Festival Art League Fine Art Show offers the public the opportunity to experience art and interact with local artists on an intimate level, underscoring the value to the public in obtaining their own original artwork. The League meets at the Wheat Ridge Grange, 3850 High Court on the second Tuesday of each month, lower level, 6:45pm. Potential new members are encouraged to attend.

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Enjoy thrills under the Zoppé Family Circus Big-Top Ladies and gentlemen and kids of all ages, the circus is coming to town! Those words are rarely heard since Ringling Brothers and other touring circuses folded their tents. Fortunately for Colorado circus-lovers, in August the Zoppé Family Circus will perform during the annual Carnation Festival under their Big Top Veneto. (Veneto is what this sixth generation of the Zoppé Circus Family christened their big-top tent, in honor of the Italian town from which the family hails.)

The Carnation Festival will be presented in Anderson Park, 44th & Field, with Zoppé Circus performances Friday, Aug. 10, at 4 and 7 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 11, at 1, 4 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 12, at 1 and 4 p.m. On Saturday the circus will be preceded by a parade along 38th Ave. from Ames Street to Upham Street beginning at 9:30 a.m.

A favorite among Carnation Festival-goers, Zoppé Circus is celebrating the 177th year its family-run extravaganza. There are 10 blood relatives of the Zoppé family among the 54 individuals who make up the company coming to Wheat Ridge.

“We are the classic circus in America today,” said Giovanni Zoppé, who runs the thrilling show. “We’re a complete circus, but we are what a circus was in the 1800s. That includes the costumes, music, and style of show. Everything we do takes you back to the 1800s.”

Zoppé likens the circus to Christmas. Just as Christmas comes every year, with different presents under the tree, the Zoppé Circus also comes every year and brings different acts. Zoppé says this will be the freshest show they’ve performed in the past 10 years.

Among the new acts is a bareback-riding performance by Zoppé’s sister Tosca, who has been an amazing bareback rider since she was young. She will recreate their father’s classic bareback riding act. Another new act features four-to-five horses abreast, with a human pyramid of six-to-eight people atop them.

The circus will also introduce an act this year that features a bicyclist riding around a large bowl-shaped apparatus. The equipment is 15 feet at the top and 10 feet at the bottom. As the bicyclist rides, the bowl goes up about 35 feet and continues to move. The “bowl” has a large hole in the middle of the bottom. Zoppé explains that this riveting act, which is 120 years old, has not been performed in at least 65 years. He felt it was time to introduce the act to modern-day circus-goers.

Admission to the general Carnation Festival is free, as is entry to a variety of concerts. Tickets for each circus performance are $18 for general admission (bleacher seating), $30 for VIP (chair seating) and free for children two and under. The shows sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to purchase your tickets before August 8.

Visit thecarnationfestival.com/events-entertainment/ zoppe-circus for more information and tickets.

Car Show Comes Roaring Back, August 11, 9am-3pm Classic car owners and enthusiasts are tuning up for the 2019 Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival because this year the Wheat Ridge High School Farmers Football program and the WR Quarterback Club are partnering with the Carnation Festival for the second time to present the “Big Wheels on the Farm” car show fundraiser.

The beautiful vehicles will roll in (loudly) on Sunday, August 11th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Anderson Park (44th and Field St.). The display will showcase decades worth of American muscle, hotrods, exotics, classics and vintage vehicles--all parked in the grassy area in the heart of festivities, surrounded by food trucks, vendors, the main stage and more. It’s a perfect combination for a day of family fun, while helping raise money for the high school football team. (Registration fees support the program.)

There will be plenty to gawk over during contests among the different car classifications. To maintain the festival’s community spirit, the judging will be done by Wheat Ridge Community Service members. Custommade trophies will be awarded in multiple categories including one for each car class, and a Best of Show award.

Whatever the classic/vintage car type, this show is sure to have a category for it. This year’s categories are*: 1. Low-Rider 2. Pre-war (1940 and older) hot rod 3. Post-war (1941 – 1972) hot rod 4. Contemporary (72 and newer) 5. Stock Original (all years) 6. Best of Show 7. Motorcycle Do you have a specialty car that you would like to show off at the expanded car show this year? Entries are still open. Please complete the form on the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival website (thecarnationfestival.com) to submit. After registering and paying, the Big Wheels on the Farm committee will contact you with more details.

The $30 registration fee is non-refundable. The first 50 cars pre-registered will receive a dash placard and guaranteed grass area parking.

Wheat Ridge High School Football prides itself in giving back to the community and looks forward to the community enjoying extraordinary cars at the Big Wheels on the Farm car show.

For information, visit https://thecarnationfestival. com. * Subject to change

Student Garden Bench auction will benefit Wheat Ridge Art Programs The Student Garden Art Bench auction will again be part of the The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival, August 9-11 in the newly renovated Anderson Park, 4355 Field St. The benches were built and designed by the Career Explore Construction Pathways class at Wheat Ridge High School under the instruction of Jane Johnson. The benches are special in their own right, but Wheat Ridge schools notch them up to the next level. After being coated with a layer of protective paint, the benches are painted by art department students in the Wheat Ridge area.

Volunteers will transport the benches to the festival grounds on Thursday afternoon, arrange them for display and set up bidding sheets. The benches will be displayed in the large tent to the west of the circus tent.

The silent auction bidding will be open on Friday, August 9, 5-8 p.m, and continue Saturday, August 10, noon-11pm. Winners will be notified on Sunday morning and can pick up their benches any time that day. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the art programs in Wheat Ridge schools.

Chili, Spaghetti, Wine, Beer & Pie Oh My! Food choices will abound at the 50th Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival. In addition to the vendors on the festival grounds, there will be food events and tents for the whole family to enjoy.

A traditional Spaghetti Dinner will be served both nights, August 9th and 10th. The dinner is the longestlived event of the festival and is so big that it has its own tent. It will be served 4–8 pm in the food court area, which is near the Beer Garden, so the two most popular food treats will be next to each other. (If you have any German heritage, you know that beer is considered a food for adults and is almost as necessary as bread.) The dinner benefits the Colorado Professional Firefighters Foundation, and two dozen volunteers from West Metro Fire Rescue will work in shifts to feed the crowds.

The Beer Garden, despite the name, will not be limited to beer and will offer a wide variety of beverages for the entire family. There are two locations: one near the Main Stage and one in the center of the Food Court. Beer (aka liquid bread) and wine will be available. The Wheat Ridge Rotary Club has teamed up with Budweiser and Breckenridge Brewery to offer a great selection. Craft beers and wine will be available for $6 each, with Bud and Bud Lite for $5. Water and soft drinks will be available for $1 each. This is the only major fundraising event for the Rotary Club each year.

Funds raised at the festival will remain in the community by way of scholarships and funds for local non-profit organizations.

On August 10th the 10th annual Chili Cook-off will be held in the spaghetti dinner tent from 12-3pm. If you have never been to a chili cook-off, you are in for a tasty and heated treat. There will be trophies and prizes for the top three cooks in both the red and the green categories, with one overall People’s Choice prize. Public tasting is five dollars ($5). Children younger than six are free. This charity event is sponsored by Wheat Ridge Poultry and tasting fees will benefit the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation.

Another great Wheat Ridge tradition is the Pancake Breakfast held on Saturday morning before the Carnation Festival parade. The breakfast, 7-9 am,

includes ham, eggs, pancakes, coffee and juice. There is no cost but a $6 donation per person is always welcome and greatly appreciated. The breakfast is a chance to meet and greet neighbors at the Wheat Ridge Grange Hall. It is also the perfect time to view a fine historical building while filling up on carbs that will sustain you throughout the parade. Funds raised from the breakfast will help the Wheat Ridge Grange continue the exceptional work that it does with youth in the community.

To polish off the day, check out the 2nd annual Pie Contest. Last year, competitors ranged from 16 to 90 years of age and all the pies were sweet/fruit pies. This year, there will be two categories: sweet and savory, and extra judges have been invited to participate. To compete for the blue ribbon go to www.thecarnationfestival.com/events-entertainment/ specialtyfood for application and instructions. Bring pies to the food court main tent on Friday, August 9th from 3-4 pm. The public is invited to bid on the pies after the judging is complete.

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Grand Parade Celebrates The 50th Anniversary of the Wheat Ridge and the Carnation Festival “Everybody loves a parade” and there have been many beloved and famous parades to celebrate in U.S. history. The top four include the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1762, the first Mardi Gras Parade in 1856, the first Tournament of Roses Parade in 1890 and the inaugural Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 1924.

First held in 1969 to commemorate the year of our city’s founding, the theme for this year is both the 50th anniversary of the City of Wheat Ridge and the 50th Carnation Festival.

Chaired by District IV City Councilmember Leah Dozeman, the parade functions as one of the most visible ways the city honors service groups; local schools and businesses; the fire and police departments; state and national politicians and political candidates; church groups, and hobby clubs, including those focused on autos, horseback riding, biking, walking, martial arts, cheerleading and dance.

New this year, Wheat Ridge’s first police cruiser, recently restored by Seyfer Automotive, and “Goats on a Float,” courtesy of Five Fridges Farm – sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The parade also honors distinguished residents by selecting a Grand Marshal, Count and Countess, who serve as royalty and ride in the parade. (See Royalty article to read about this year’s court.) Guy Nahmiach and Optimist Ron Benson will be the parade announcers.

Engaging residents in all aspects of the parade is a main goal every year. Community groups and individuals who want to secure one of the 80 maximum spots, need to register at thecarnationfestival.com by Friday, July 26th. Parade application fees are: $50 for businesses and $150 for politicians and political candidates. A late fee will be charged for applications received after Monday, July 22nd. On the day of the parade two resident judges will randomly select three attendees from the crowd to help judge the winning entries in the categories of Best Marching Band, Marching Unit, Musical Group, Business, Vehicle and Float, as well as Most Creative and a Community Award.

Commemorative plates, featuring a local artist’s design, will be given to the parade category winners.

Parade winners, royalty, the city and the Carnation Festival board will be honored at the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, August 10th.

The parade runs Saturday morning, 9:30-11:30 am and will include fan favorites the Westernaires and the El Jebel Shriners. With staging from Ames to Depew Streets, the parade route continues to Upham Street along West 38th Avenue. Dominick Breton and the Grange board will serve a $7-donation Pancake Breakfast at The Grange, 7-9 am. Parking is available in front of Wheat Ridge Cyclery, at Stevens Elementary and along the side streets of the parade route. The Festival Board welcomes everyone in the community and surrounding neighborhoods to join in the celebration of Wheat Ridge.

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

ROTARY CLUB OF WHEAT RIDGE invites you to join us at the

Carnation Festival Beer Garden

Don’t miss the live music, food, and cold beverages at the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival in August.

Our Rotary Club helps support the Wheat Ridge community with profits from sales at the Festival.

We look forward to meeting you!

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50th Carnation Festival blossoms in wide diversity of music Anniversary brings rock, country, blues and tributes to recent decades

By Peter Jones The Carnation Festival will mark its golden anniversary by celebrating much of popular music since the city of Wheat Ridge and the festival were birthed in the summer of 1969.

“We tried to hit every decade of the last 50 years.

We’ve got music from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond,” said festival manager Joe DeMott, who sits on the festival’s board of directors.

Much of the decade-driven nostalgia will come in the form of live shows by tributes to such era-defining bands as the Doors, Led Zeppelin, the B-52s and Alice in Chains.

“I’m surprised how many tribute bands are so popular these days, but they seem to be what people have the most fun listening to. DeMott said. “The festival may seem overloaded with tribute bands, but we’ve got such a great mix of them.”

The eclectic tribute roster includes the awaited return of Kiss--a note-for-note, spitfire-by-spitfire recreation of a classic 1970s Kiss show--an audience highlight at last year’s festival.

“The Rotary Club guys were a little nervous about having them last year,” DeMott said. “But the second it was over, they said we’ve got to have these guys back next year. It was awesome.”

Live music has increasingly taken on a life of its own at the multi-faceted Carnation Festival as fans from across the metro region find their way to Wheat Ridge to hear their favorite Colorado bands.

Such recurring acts as Buckstein, Wild Mountain and the Trampolines will bring their own self-contained audiences to the now-recently-refurbished Anderson Park.

The consistent audience growth has directly contributed to the festival’s ability to keep live music front and center. This year, the festival will present 18 bands, seven more than it had in 2018.

“The long and short of it is we sell more beer now, so we can afford more music,” DeMott said. “That’s all there is to it. The music has attracted more people, so it works out really well.”

Bands will be presented on two stages this year, on the usual Main Stage next to the Anderson building, and at the new picnic-friendly Pavilion on the north side of the park.

“The music will be constant,” DeMott said. “The stages will toggle back and forth, so there won’t be a moment of silence in the festival. Everything in the festival is going to be about 20 percent larger.”

In addition to the multi-band rosters on Friday and Saturday, the Delta Sonics will rev it up for a few hours of solid blues and classic R&B during Sunday’s popular car show.

That Eighties Band

Wild Mountain

If the music of an entire decade can be summed up succinctly, this band (or that, as the case may be) is the one to do it.

Although the Reagan era was as plentiful in stylistic statements as any decade, That Eighties Band manages to fuse such disparate elements as dance, new wave, hair metal and punk into a coherent and danceable retrospective. Led by the distinctive Travis LeRoy, one time bassist for 80s progressive-metal’s Salem Spade, That Eighties Band is also a fashion medley of the MTV era with costumed nods to the Cure, Guns N Roses and Madonna, among others.

Guitarist and mandolinist Mike Nile has played in so many bands over the years, from classic rock’s Spirit to the shamrockin’ Indulgers, that it comes as little surprise that he has found his newest home on the auld sod of Wild Mountain.

Joined by violinist Renee Fine and singer Sarah Jones, among other skilled players, the six-piece band takes a transcontinental voyage, mixing Celtic tradition with its Appalachian cousin, the “wild” mountain music fostered by Irish and Scottish-born hillbillies. Wild Mountain’s appearance at the Carnation Festival will mark its first show after a year’s hiatus.

7:35 to 8:50 p.m. (followed by fireworks)

Buckstein 9:40 to 11 p.m.

At 6 foot 4, baritone Matt Buckstein is definitely a presence whenever he enters a room or hits the stage. It is no wonder that he once captivated 200 million televisions worldwide as a contestant on American Idol. His band’s latest five-song EP, Country Side, has been released in advance of a full CD expected later this year. “What people seem to respond most to in my live performances is my passion, so I worked hard to bring that passion to the record”, the singer said. “Perhaps you will one day wax nostalgic: I saw Buckstein at Wheat Ridge’s Carnation Festival.”

CARNATION PAVILION

Eef and the Blues Express 5 to 6 p.m.

MAIN STAGE

Blues comes in more configurations than barbecue and this soulful five-piece band uses a Memphis-styled, horninfused recipe. Since 2009, the Blues Express has been a semi-finalist at the 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and was twice nominated Westword’s Best Blues Band. In 2013, the singularly named Eef, a lead singer who doubles as a Dutchborn import deli owner, was named Songwriter of the Year at the CBS Members Choice Awards. After Blues Express opened for Coco Montoya, the famed blues guitarist remarked, “You guys mean business!”

Dreamboat Annie

Canyon Creek Band

FRIDAY, AUG. 9

5:45 to 7 p.m.

This Colorado tribute to the band that proved women can rock has likewise proven that the next-best thing to Heart is a Heartfilled homage. Starring Sonya Surrett [also lead singer for Led Zeppelin tribute Zeppephilia, playing the festival on Saturday] and Ryan Smiley as sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, respectively, Dreamboat Annie is a ship of musical dreams and a faithful hoisting of such classics as “Magic Man”, “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You”. Not so heartless, after all.

6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Call it alternative country.

Call it country rock. Call it Americana. Just don’t call the Canyon Creek Band late for one of its high-energy performances. Check out the group’s version of “Tulsa Time”. Founder and chief songwriter Ryan Tracy counts Waylon Jennings, the Eagles and even James Taylor among his chief influences.

Having earned his tuneful education in such musical hot spots as Chicago, Seattle and Kansas City, Tracy says his vocal style is all over the proverbial map. A new CD with song titles like “Drinkin Alone” and “I Can’t Go Back to Alabama” is on its way down the creek.

Free musical entertainment on two stages over three big nights!

8 to 9:10 p.m. (followed by fireworks)

SATURDAY, AUG. 10 MAIN STAGE

Hey Lady

1:30 to 2:45 p.m.

Not every artist is willing to take downplayed billing on its own website, but when Hey Lady rates itself as “the world’s second-greatest party band,” the group is giving rightful credit to the B-52s, the band that proved the new-wave era could be as fun and quirky as any.

With its colorful costumes, dance grooves, special effects and, of course, those towering beehives, Hey Lady is a tribute as faithful to “trash culture” as it is to its favorite three chords. The act is a two-time winner at Leftapalooza, Colorado’s tribute-band competition. Love shack, baby!

Paradise Theatre 3:15 to 4:30 p.m.

With all the historical infighting surrounding the real Styx, Paradise Theatre might be your best ticket-especially if you prefer your arena rock in a park or small amphitheater. Named for Styx’s best selling record (a favorite “concept album” among progressive-rock fans), Colorado’s awardwinning Paradise Theater combines all the elements of the Styx prog-rock powerhouse--from hard-rock guitar and wistful synth-phonics to the grandeur of musical theater, paradise and otherwise. “[The band] nails every attribute,” said a judge at Leftapalooza.

Austin Young Band 5:45 to 7 p.m.

At 23, guitarist Austin Young is already a veteran of the blues. While still in his teens, the Colorado Springs native was showing exceptional talent and was named Guitar Player of the Year four times at the Colorado Blues Society Listeners Choice Awards.

As exemplified on his band’s appropriately titled Not So Simple CD, Young mixes blues, rock, jazz and even gospel into his guitar-driven, but rhythm-centered, sound. Producer Fabrizio Grossi, who has worked with the likes of Alice Cooper and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, said Young “is one of those players that after three notes you know he’s got it going on.”

The Trampolines 7:35 to 8:50 p.m. (followed by fireworks)

The Trampolines, centered on the vocalist-guitaristsongwriter team of Chris Stake and Mark Sundermeier, are among the highest-selling rock acts in Colorado history. The band’s 2004 debut peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Colorado charts and prompted a sold-out CD release party at Red Rocks.

The Trampolines then bounced back with two followups that topped Colorado’s charts and led to the band’s songs being placed in films and on television.

Along the way, the Trampolines have opened for the likes of James Taylor and Colorado’s own Big Head Todd and the Monsters, among others.

Project Foreigner 4 to 5 p.m.

It easy to forget how many hits Foreigner had in the 70s and 80s until one hears this Colorado band perform its tribute to the American-British powerhouse. Even though the show is chock full of such radio favorites as “Cold as Ice”, “Hot Blooded” and “I Want to Know What Love Is”, the Project to pay homage to Foreigner is no alien to deeper cuts. This sort of supergroup of tribute players includes musicians who also perform in bands that honor Cheap Trick, Rush and Kiss, among other jukebox heroes.

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Strange Parade

Hello, neighbor!

5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Kissm

9:40 to 11 p.m.

Just remember this: Kissm is not just a Kiss cover band. As the reallife Kiss bids a fond and pyrotechnic-filled farewell, Colorado’s Kissm is there to “make up” for the void.

Dressed in authentic reproductions of original Kiss costumes and face paint--the Demon, Starchild, Spaceman and Catman--this tribute is a facsimile of classic Kissmania, replete with blood spitting, fire breathing and smoking guitars. If you plan to rock all night anyway, you might as well do it with Kissm--and party every day at the Carnation Festival, if you still have the energy.

CARNATION PAVILION

Just a Girl 1 to 2 p.m.

There is No Doubt about one thing. Just a Girl is Colorado’s only ongoing tribute to Gwen Stefani’s original band. Just a Girl-or, more specifically, lead singer Carla Weikel-performs all those pop-skareggae hits from the 1990s and 2000s, along with a smattering of Stefani’s more recent solo songs. Weikel even manages to emulate some of Stefani’s eclectic fashion hits.

No wigs, no script. But this is not the end. Expect to hear the music and poetry of the Doors performed authentically and respectfully, featuring Matthew Barham, who recreates Jim Morrison’s lead vocals, and Ben Thompson, who plays the distinctive keyboard parts of Ray Manzarek. In addition to the hits and deep cuts, Strange Parade’s website promises “improvisation, theater … and the unknown.”

Zeppephilia

7 to 8:15 p.m. (followed by fireworks) Faithfully recreating the music of Led Zeppelin is no easy task. But after teaching his students “Stairway to Heaven” hundreds of times, Israeli-born guitar teacher Eyal Rivlin decided to wander down that road.

Rivlin, who now plays all the heavy riffs of the legendary Jimmy Page, is joined by diverse bassist and multiinstrumentalist Michael Mitchell, power drummer Chad Coonrod and spirited singer Sonya Surrett, who proves women—the Zep-influenced Heart, for one example—are often the best re-interpreters of Robert Plant’s expressive vocal style.

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SUNDAY, AUG. 11 MAIN STAGE

Delta Sonics

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (with breaks)

Rooster

2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

If this Rooster won’t wake you up, nothing will. The band is a live—full-power and acoustic—tribute to Seattle-born Alice in Chains. Playing raw and genuine replications of one of the most influential and bestselling leaders of 1990s-era grunge and heavy metal are Jon Kibble on vocals, David Burke on bass, Cambo Risch on drums, and Zach Saligoe on guitar.

The Delta Sonics, the live soundtrack during the annual car show, may be the hardest-working blues band in Colorado.

Bridging the gaps between Chicago, West Coast swing, New Orleans R&B and early rock and roll, the Sonics, led by harmonica virtuoso Al Chesis, have been consistently named Westword's Best Blues Band and were a semifinalist at the International Blues Challenge in blues capital Memphis. The Sonics shared the blues on stage with such legends as B.B. King, Bo Diddley and Koko Taylor.

Thank you to the 2019 Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival stage sponsors Wills • Trusts • Estates Business Formation Real Estate • Civil Litigation

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14

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – ngazette.com

Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival 50th Annual Royal Court

By Cyndy Beal Every summer the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival chooses a royal court of three to honor those in the community who have made a positive contribution through their participation or service in the city.

Courtly duties include riding in the parade on Saturday morning, festival award presentations Saturday evening, and wearing a sash with personal pizzazz, among others.

The 2019 Royal Court (drum roll): Countess – Diane Robb Count – Jeff Gomez Grand Marshal – Joe DeMott

COUNTESS Diane Robb Diane Robb is the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission chairwoman. The cultural commission promotes arts in many areas through education, events and programs in Wheat Ridge. She has led and been the face of the cultural commission for nine years.

Robb is an active member in the community and in her church. She is the chair of the annual gala for the Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic STEM School.

She grew up in Colorado after her family moved to Boulder from Minnesota when she was a small child.

She graduated from Boulder High School, where she met her husband, Kevin. They have been married 44 years and have one daughter.

She is the co-managing partner for Kevin Robb Studios. Kevin’s contemporary metal sculpture is nationally and internationally recognized.

Countess – Diane Robb

Count – Jeff Gomez

Grand Marshal – Joseph DeMott

She has a bachelor’s degree in Business from Regis University and a Masters of Healthcare Systems from the University of Denver.

“I am extremely honored,” she said.

elementary education, his first teaching job in 1988 was at Stevens Elementary, teaching fifth and six grades.

He has a Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado and has been the principal at Peak (formerly Pennington) and Wilmore-Davis Elementary Schools.

He has three daughters and two grandsons.

“I want to thank everyone in Wheat Ridge for the opportunities I’ve been given, and the experiences in Wheat Ridge schools,” he said.

for pizza at Pietra’s or as a City Council member and hard-working volunteer, he has dished and delivered, serving the small Denver suburb.

DeMott is a Wheat Ridge High School graduate. While in high school, his work career started at 15, working in the family business, Pietra’s Pizza. His community involvement also began as a teenager. He was a City Council member from 2009 to 2013.

He has chaired the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Board for six years.

Under his leadership the festival has kept its traditions alive and expanded.

He is president of the Wheat Ridge Business District and chair of the Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife Bernadette and their son and daughter call Wheat Ridge home.

“I’m just very grateful to be the Grand Marshal for the 50th anniversary.

It is quite the honor,” he said.

COUNT Jeff Gomez Jeff Gomez, former principal of Everitt Middle School, retired this year after eight years of service. He worked in the Jefferson County School District for 31 years as a teacher, a principal in Wheat Ridge, and in the district’s human resources department. He is a North Denver native and graduated from North High School.

He entered college as a working student, with a family to support. After graduating from Metropolitan State College with a Bachelor’s degree in

GRAND MARSHAL Joseph DeMott Joe DeMott is a Wheat Ridge native.

He has spent nearly all of his life dedicated to serving the community.

Be it either through the city’s needs

Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Schedule of Events Friday, Aug. 9

6:30-7:30 p.m.

Canyon Creek Band Carnation Pavilion 3-9 p.m.

7-8:45 p.m.

Zoppè Circus Box Office Open Zoppè Family Circus 3:30 p.m.

Performance FREE SHUTTLES begin to and Zoppe Circus Tent from nearby parking lots 8-9:10 p.m.

4-6:15 p.m.

Wild Mountain (OPENING SHOW!) Carnation Pavilion Zoppè Family Circus 9:40-11:00 p.m.

Performance Live Music – Buckstein Zoppe Circus Tent Main Stage 4-10 p.m.

9:15 p.m.

Wheat Ridge Art League Fine FIREWORKS! Art Show 11:30 p.m.

Anderson Building Gymnasium LAST SHUTTLE to parking lot Outdoor Art Demonstrations 4-11 p.m.

Beer Garden, Food Court, Carnival Rides & Vendors 3-4 p.m.

7-9 a.m.

Pie Contest Grange Pancake Breakfast Food Court Main Tent 3850 High Court 4:30-8 p.m.

(Behind Wheat Ridge Cyclery) Famous Spaghetti Dinner 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Food Court Main Tent 50th Carnation Festival Student Garden Art Bench Parade Silent Auction 38th Ave. between Depew Next to circus tent and Upham Streets 5-6 p.m.

11:30 a.m.

Eef and the Blues Express FREE SHUTTLES begin to and Carnation Pavilion from nearby parking lots 5:45-7 p.m.

Noon-3 p.m.

Live Music – Dreamboat Annie 10th Annual Chili Cook-Off Main Stage Food Court Main Tent

Saturday, Aug. 10

Noon-9 p.m.

Zoppè Circus Box Office Open Noon-11 p.m.

Beer Garden, Food Court, Carnival Rides & Vendors Noon-10 p.m.

Wheat Ridge Art League Fine Art Show Anderson Building Outdoor Demonstrations 1:00-2:00 Live Music – Just A Girl Carnation Pavilion 1:30-2:45 p.m.

Live Music – Hey, Lady Main Stage 1-2:45 p.m.

Zoppè Family Circus Performance Zoppe Circus Tent 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Live Music -- Rooster Carnation Pavilion 3:15-4:30 p.m.

Live Music – Paradise Theater Main Stage 4-5 p.m.

Live Music - Project Foreigner Carnation Pavilion 4:30 p.m.

Announcements Main Stage 4-5:45 p.m.

Zoppè Family Circus Performance Zoppe Circus Tent

4:30-8 p.m.

Famous Spaghetti Dinner Food Court Main Tent Student Garden Art Bench Silent Auction Next to circus tent 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Live Music - Strange Parade Carnation Pavilion 5:45-7 p.m.

Live Music – Austin Young Band Main Stage 6:30-7 p.m.

Parade Awards – Main Stage 7-8:15 p.m.

Live Music - Zeppephilia Carnation Pavilion 7-8:45 p.m.

Zoppè Family Circus Performance Zoppe Circus Tent 7:30-8:50 p.m.

Live Music – Trampoline Main Stage 9:15 p.m.

FIREWORKS! 9:40-11 p.m.

Live Music – KISSm Main Stage 11:30 p.m.

LAST SHUTTLE to parking lots

(subject to change)

Sunday, Aug. 11 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Big Wheels on the Farm Car Show 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Beer Garden, Food Court, Carnival Rides & Vendors 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Live Music – Delta Sonics (with breaks) Main Stage Noon-4 p.m.

Wheat Ridge Art League Fine Art Show Anderson Building Outdoor Demonstrations 1-2:45 p.m.

Zoppè Family Circus Performance Zoppe Circus Tent 4-5:45 p.m.

(LAST SHOW!) Zoppè Family Circus Performance Zoppe Circus Tent PETS MUST BE ON A LEASH ON THE FESTIVAL GROUNDS. NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES PERMITTED OUTSIDE OF FESTIVAL GROUNDS.

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFO: thecarnationfestival.com facebook.com/WheatRidgeCarnation Festival

ngazette.com – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

MOUNTAIN VIEWS

15

What’s Happening in the WRBA

Viewpoint Of A Legacy Resident n By

Patricia Lilliston

M

ountain View is a blend of community members ranging from young families to legacy residents living in the town 50 or more years. Betty Van Harte, a resident of 62 years, recently shared experiences raising her family, stake in public service, and hope for the town’s future.

“In 1957, my husband and I needed to move with our children ages 1, 3 and 5. We went a block outside the city limits of Denver into a home on Ames Street and discovered a different type of community.”

Van Harte recalls that older residents lived in her new neighborhood.

“My neighbors were extremely kind to my children. Their grandchildren, nieces and nephews became my children’s friends.”

Mountain View Elementary, built in 1949 at 4165 Eaton St., provided preschool through sixth grade. “In the morning, I could get the children ready, send them off to school and know their five-block walk was safe. I enjoyed that they came home for lunch. Parents were involved and the school hosted many family activities.”

The Van Harte family frequented Jim’s Burger and shopped at Ace Sporting Goods along 44th Avenue. A small family-owned grocery store occupied the corner at 43rd and Sheridan Boulevard.

Interest in public service began when her husband served on the town council.

“Harry would come home and talk about the meeting. Eventually, I decided to run for council. To my surprise, I was elected.”

After a year of council experience, retiring mayor Bob Johnson encouraged Van Harte to seek his post. She was elected mayor in 1989, and then served several consecutive terms.

“I enjoyed helping people. As I went door to door seeking petition signatures, I listened to the frustrations of residents and brought those concerns to the council.”

Mayor Van Harte notes the consolidation of town-wide trash pick-up, installation of accessible sidewalks and street crossings and the partnership with the Jefferson County Housing Authority as highlights during her tenure as mayor.

For those considering a town council seat in the November election, mayor Van Harte extends advice.

“Realize the time commitment and responsibility. Talk to citizens. Attend town meetings to learn what the council is addressing. Ego should not interfere with public service.”

With hope for the future of Mountain View, Van Harte states, “I want good people to move here with a desire to contribute and do good things for the town.”

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Will A Rainy Season Wash Out Fishing? n By

Meghan Godby

Great July Breakfast Meeting with Tetra Public Affairs Samantha Walsh learning about the Hemp Boom.

Thanks to our Sponsor Christine Jensen Fairway Independent Morgage

Ribbon cutting with Ziggi’s Coffee June 24. Congratulations to the new Ziggi’s Coffee drive through at 2900 Youngfield. Thanks to Mayor Bud Starker and other WRBA members for the support.

SEPTEMBER PIZZA & NETWORKING IN THE PARK

Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, Sept. 5

wheatridgebiz.com/ upcoming_events/

DATE: Tuesday, September 10, 2019 TIME: 7:00am-9:00am LOCATION: New Anderson Park Pavilion, 44th and Field St. South End, Wheat Ridge, CO COST: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members TOPIC: “Networking for Success!”

SPEAKER: Amira Watters, Director, Jefferson County Business Resource Center MEETING SPONSOR: Brandy Zamudio, Farmers Insurance MEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Ben Crowden, Avenida Lakewood and Jadon Wiens, First Bank

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Mike Papantonakis - Rotary Club of Wheat Ridge Kailey Brennan L.Ac. - Alpenglow Acupuncture Stefanie Broom - Nostalgic Homes Liz Geisleman - Rocky Mountain Reagents We would love to have you join us for our next meeting. Call (720) 588-2317 or Email Membership Chair today for more information.

Y

ou don’t have to watch the weather forecast to know it’s been a rainy 2019 so far. Many summer afternoons have been interrupted with strong to moderate storms, but all this rain does more than crash a backyard barbeque – it also impacts a favorite Colorado pastime: fishing.

There are nearly 30 species of fish found within the greater Jefferson County area, including bass and trout, two species that are sensitive to fluctuations in weather conditions.

How exactly are they affected? On its website, Colorado Trout Unlimited explains that excess rain doesn’t just mean higher water levels – it also means more pollution.

In addition to sediments, runoff collects all sorts of nasty stuff, including bacteria and pesticides. When these pollutants make their way into the water, it can not only impact the health of fish, but it can also affect the amount of oxygen available to them.

If the water flow increases suddenly, rivers run faster and muddier. This murky water can be a problem for fish like trout, which thrive in water that’s cold and clean.

However, when rain is falling steadily, it’s not all bad news. Precipitation also brings in more oxygen and insects. It can also help regulate temperatures and bring in more organic matter, which helps bring fish to the surface of the water.

But according to Winter Park Flyfisher, a flyfishing outfitter based out of Fraser, when water levels change, it also affects other sensitive species, like bass. Much like trout, these fish prefer calmer environments and thus look for deep, shaded pockets of water. If conditions are not optimal, it can make it harder for anglers to catch them.

During times of heavy rain, fish also tend to gather in shallower spaces along the water’s edge – a change that may catch an amateur off guard.

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And these changes can happen rapidly.

As stated in a Field & Stream article from earlier this year, fish can react to such changes very quickly, sometimes in just a few hours. A change in temperature of only 4 to 5 degrees may be nearly undetectable to humans, but that’s all it takes to make a difference in fish behavior.

It’s always a good idea to research local conditions before you plan a fishing trip. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) publishes regular fishing reports on statewide conditions and, according to the most recent release, “the small tributaries in the lower elevations and reaches of the large river drainages should be wrapping up peak runoff and returning to flows that are manageable.”

Unfortunately, “along the Front Range, the fishing is still pretty difficult as Bear Creek, Clear Creek, Big Thompson, and St. Vrain are all running very high and swift.”

In the meantime, CPW recommends the South Platte River (which runs through Denver), as the flows are manageable at this time.

For more information on fishing in Colorado, including fishing reports, license information, and an interactive fishing atlas, visit https://cpw.state.co.us.

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16

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – ngazette.com

FITNESS CORNER Tone It, Lift It, Build It: 5 Benefits Of Strength Training ■ By

Abigail Ladd

L

ots of things happen as we age: our muscle mass and bone density decrease, as does our ability to balance, and our heart pumps blood less efficiently (blood pressure elevation). Aging doesn’t just magically begin at 40 or 65, and it isn’t for wimps. We are always aging, which is good news because we can always make changes to help us age with grace. Incorporating strength training into your routine is some serious bang for your buck.

Here are the benefits of strength training:

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3. Helps Manage Chronic Health Conditions

If the benefits of exercise could be put in a pill, it would cost millions! There are ample studies documenting the benefits of exercise on all kinds of chronic conditions like chronic back pain, arthritis, heart disease, depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and almost everything else. The good news is even walking counts as exercise.

4. Enhances Cognitive Function and Mood

There is some evidence that exercise can boost your thinking and learning skills.

1. Promotes Bone Growth Due to increased blood flow, and Health chemical changes in the brain If you want to live a long during workout sharpen focus. and healthy life, you should be If you’re feeling the post-lunch Abigail Ladd thinking about your foundation – blues, get up and do five to 10 your bones! Just like the rest of our bodies, squats and see if your mood changes. bones aren’t stagnant; they are constantly 5. Improves Body Awareness breaking down, repairing and building back.

Remember when you used to be able They are also the warehouses for a lot of your to balance, jump off swings and climb stuff stem cells. Studies show that 30 minutes of easily? Most kids have an amazing capacity resistance training (i.e., resisting against for proprioception (knowing where the weight – your bodyweight counts) twice a body is in space). As we age, become more week improves bone structure, density and sedentary and move our bodies in less strength and is essential for bone and joint playful ways, we can lose that capacity. health.

Working out regularly helps keep this 2. Increases Metabolism connection with your body strong.

Muscle is a bit of a diva. It requires a lot What do you do for exercise? What of nutrition and exercise to keep around. would you like to do more of? How do you Since muscle requires a lot of calories to need help improving your exercise routine maintain, it is the first thing your body will or maybe just starting one? Connect with look to get rid of or break down to feed other me on social media and let me know! parts of your body if you’re not taking in Instagram: abigailladdcoach or check out enough nutrition or using it. However, this my website: abigailladdcoach.com.

Abigail Ladd is a Mind Body Health also means that when you do feed muscle Coach and Group Fitness Instructor at and work it properly it helps you burn more Feed Your Soul Fitness (feedyoursoulfitcalories while you’re sitting in your car, ness.com). shopping or sleeping! Sign me up!

Association For Gifted Children Gearing Up For July 30 Summit ■ By

Guy Nahmiach

T

he Jefferson County Association for Gifted Children is gearing up for its annual summit, a day of planning, evaluating and goal setting for this coming school year.

2018/19 was a great year for the program. Building stronger relationships with Superintendent Glass and Roger Dowd - Director of GT Programs, as well as focusing on increasing the number of ambassadors at the school level. These ambassadors not only provide information on available resources to teachers and parents of GT students, but also organize GT nights at their schools.

Wheat Ridge is fortunate to have three GT Center schools: Stevens, Everitt and Wheat Ridge High School. All have certified teachers who will not only create an ALP (Advanced Learning Program) tailored for your Advanced Learner, but will follow up with goals, passion projects and provide elevated curriculums for the subject matter the students tested high in. This GT pathway is useful where a student’s list of

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achievements, categories where they excel and areas that they still are working on, is carried from school to school.

This is not only an advantage for the student but essentially for the new teacher in getting up to speed on what motivates each student.

Full disclosure: I was just elected as the new President of JAGC and am hugely proud to lead this incredible group of parents, professionals and educators. This year we plan on not only reaching out to more families and schools than ever before but bring in mental health awareness into the mix and create avenues in our GT community where help is provided at all levels.

All of us parents on the JAGC board come with our own stories of advocating for our children in places we were once told there “was no budget” or being told that our kids “will be just fine.” Together after years of “persistence” at all levels, we have support from the school district that has been securing a budget and grinning additional staff to help grow this program.

Another goal this year is to bring our monthly board meetings to the various schools and invite the local communities to join us. If you are interested in having us in your school, you can contact me directly at 303-999-5789 or guy@NostalgicHomes. com.

Our summit meeting is this coming July 30. We very much welcome your questions, and suggestions for topics and ideas you’d like to share with us. We will reply after our summit with feedback and answers. I look forward to hearing from you.

Contact Guy Nahmiach at 303-9995789 or guy@NostalgicHomes.com.

ngazette.com – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

17

Tennyson Street Block Party

BlissFest 333 Celebrates 20 Years Of Film & Arts

B

lissfest333 turns 20 this month. The multimedia, cultural arts, international film festival kicks off with a block party opening reception on Aug. 2, continues with a film festival on Aug. 24 and 25, and ends with a family-friendly media extravaganza on Sept. 7.

This year’s summer events – Odyssey 2019 – celebrate creativity and individuality with partners Historic Elitch Theatre, Peak Film Forum, Tenn Street Coffee and Books, Sassy Knot Photography, Adventures in Dance, Lolly Art, Airship Iron Opal, and Rocky Mountain Paranormal Research Society.

The festival’s mission is “to create unity within the community through love, peace, harmony and bliss,” according to a recent press release.

The Blissfest333 Tennyson Street Block Party Opening Reception will take place Friday, Aug. 2, at Tenn Street Coffee & Books, 4418 Tennyson St., starting at 6 p.m.

The evening of free, family fun will include alley artists, performers, face painters, kids activities, live music, and the Blissfest333 International Film Festival Filmmaker’s Meet and Greet.

Inside Tenn Street Coffee & Books, visit the Double Feature Gallery: The Ralph Giordano Photography Gallery and Historic Elitch Theatre “Colorful Colorado” Gallery.

Other participating Block Party galleries include oneLINE Gallery – Jonathon Applegate’s “Future Drawn” – and Westward Gallery – works by Michelle Courier.

Three weeks later, the BlissFest333 International Film Festival opens with the

Denver Premiere of “Jurassic Thunder” on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2 p.m., at the Sloan’s Lake Alamo Drafthouse, 4255 W. Colfax Ave., Denver. Next day, festival-goers can watch the Denver premieres of “Rage of the Mummy” and “HUSH Little Baby,” along with lots of local and international films, Sunday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be a Q&A session at the end of each day and an after party at the Barfly. An awards ceremony will follow the screenings on Sunday, with local filmmakers and special guest judge Ed Kramer, “CG Wizard of Hollywood.”

Tickets are available at https:// filmfreeway.com/Blissfest333/tickets.

Finally, the 1101 Experience Minicon – a family friendly multimedia extravaganza – will take place Saturday, Sept. 7, 1 p.m., at 1101 Event Center, 1101 W. Mineral Ave., Littleton. Highlights will include the Costume Ball Fashion Crawl (dress up as Cosplay, Steampunk, Zombie, Anime, etc.), a car show, art, film screenings, vendors, panels, workshops, magic, karaoke, kids zone, and dance party.

It is a free event, but organizers are asking for donations to help with the restoration of the Historic Elitch Theatre and to honor the legacy of Mary Elitch.

These donations will be used for community events and to offer free and reduced-cost classes to the community. Additional donations will go towards the restoration of the theatre.

To purchase tickets, or for more information, visit www.blissfest333.com.

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MARY ELITCH LONG AND SOME COMMUNITY FRIENDS enjoy the festivities at last year’s Tennyson Street Block party. This year’s is scheduled for Aug. 2, and will launch BlissFest 333. PHOTO BY MICHAEL BLISS

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING Chief Brennan Of Wheat Ridge Police Department To Retire After a 42-year career in law enforcement, the Chief of the Wheat Ridge Police Department (WRPD), Dan Brennan, has announced his retirement, according to a release from the City of Wheat Ridge.

Brennan began his 42 years in law enforcement with the Lakewood Police Department rising through the ranks from Police Agent to Sergeant to Lieutenant, and finally Commander, according to the statement. During his career at Lakewood Police Department, he worked a variety of operational and administrative assignments including patrol, investigations, internal affairs, training, recruitment, budgeting, national accreditation, and grants. He also served on the tactical team for 17 years and as a trainer in a variety of subjects.

After being appointed Chief of the Wheat Ridge Police Department in 2005, Brennan achieved many accomplishments including deploying the body worn camera program across the department; accreditation recognition through the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police

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and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies; and working with City staff to implement a competitive compensation and performance evaluation plan for the city. He also led the regionalization efforts of a countywide police, fire and EMS communications center, Jeffcom911; the creation of a regional SWAT Team; and the implementation of a regional law enforcement records management system. He has advocated a community policing approach to responding to crime, traffic, and quality of life issues in the community; has put in place a program to ensure all officers and supervisors receive CIT mental health training; and has instituted efforts to engage community and stakeholder groups to share information and listen to community concerns. He has served on various local, state and national committees, and as the President of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police.

“Over the course of the past 42 years, Chief Dan Brennan has tirelessly provided a vital public service to the community in partnership with organizations and agencies throughout Jefferson County,” stated Patrick Goff city manager of Wheat Ridge. “He has led the Wheat Ridge Police Department for more than 14 years and exemplifies the values of integrity, respect, courage, perseverance and initiative that lay the foundation for officers and staff who protect and serve our City.”

“Chief Brennan’s last day with the department will be July 19 and at that time we will appoint an interim Chief. This summer we will conduct a national search to find the candidate who can continue to move the department forward with the same level of commitment and dedication exhibited by Chief Brennan during his career in Wheat Ridge. We wish him all the best as he looks forward to spending more time with his family and his many interests,” continued Goff.

The Wheat Ridge Police Department

includes 82 sworn officers and 22 civilian personnel. It receives an average of 41,000 calls for service each year, and operates three shifts to cover operations 24 hours a day.

Join Wheat Ridge Historical Society For Heritage Day On Aug. 10

Wheat Ridge Pilot Helps Young People Discover Flight Through Young Eagles Program

The Wheat Ridge Historical Society will host its annual Heritage Day Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Baugh House, 11361 W. 44th Ave. (at Robb Street). Join the Wheat Ridge Historical Society for our Ice Cream Social, with local musicians and historical talks.

This event is a great low-key alternative to the Carnation Festival.

It’s this month’s regular Second Saturday event, hosted by the Wheat Ridge Historical Society.

Wheat Ridge pilot Paul Hahn has now given more than 100 young people a free demonstration airplane ride as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association’s “Young Eagles” program, which is introducing a new generation to the world of flight.

Hahn is among the more than 50,000 volunteers around the world who have donated their time and aircraft to the effort.

All pilots in the Young Eagles program explain the safe operation of airplanes and principles of flight before the short trips.

Participating young people become official Young Eagles with the flight. The names of the pilots and the participants are also included in the “World’s Largest Logbook,” which is on permanent display in the EAA Aviation Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., and online through the Young Eagles web site.

The Young Eagles Program was unveiled by the EAA in July 1992 and has now flown more than 2 million young people, primarily between the ages of 8 and 17. EAA is a worldwide organization with over 200,000 members who enjoy all facets of recreational flight. The Young Eagles program goal is to allow young people to experience positive activities and discover the possibilities available to them within the world of aviation.

For more information, visit www. youngeagles.org.

Families Invited To Celebrate At Lutheran’s Garden Party, July 20 Lutheran Medical Center is hosting a community Garden Party to honor its roots in the community, Saturday, July 20, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Held at the 8300 W. 38th Ave. center, the event celebrates the 20th anniversary of Bridges Health and Wellness and Lutheran’s 100-plus years of growing families, per a press release from the organization.

This event is free and open to the community.

The event will feature a tour of The Baby Place at Lutheran, petting zoo, chair massages, crafts and garden activities for kids, education about Lutheran’s holistic services, yoga and tai chi demos, and snacks.

Lutheran Medical Center is a community-based, 338-bed acute-care hospital located in Wheat Ridge. Its services include a five-star birthing center, Heart and Neurovascular Center, robotic surgery, Primary Stroke Center, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orthopedics, a Level III Trauma Center and emergency services including the first Senior Emergency Room in Colorado. Senior-focused services also include Senior Behavioral Health and a Senior Surgery Center. Lutheran operations include West Pines, Lutheran Hospice and Bridges Health and Wellness.

For more information, visit www.lutheranmedicalcenter.org.

Celebrate Saint James Day With Saint James Episcopal Church, July 28 Saint James Episcopal Church, 8235 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, will celebrate Saint James Day, their patronal feast day, on Sunday, July 28. The celebration includes Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. in the church, followed by a picnic outside on the lawn.

All those who once attended St. James or are interested in the church are invited to share in the joy and fellowship.

For more information call 303-424-1118.

For more information, visit Wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

Learn About Tesla With The Wheat Ridge Library Book Group, Aug. 15 Did you know that Nikola Tesla invented the radio, robots and remote control? His electric induction motors run our appliances and factories, yet he has been largely overlooked by history. Learn more about him and his work when the Wheat Ridge Book Group discusses Richard Munson’s 2018 nonfiction book, “Tesla: Inventor of the Modern,” Thursday, Aug. 15, 9 to 10:30 a.m., at the Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., in Wheat Ridge.

The group meets before the library opens, so first-time participants should call 303-2355275 for instructions on how to enter.

For more information, visit Jeffcolibrary. org or call 303-235-5275.

Relax, Paint And Socialize With Other Caregivers At Memory Café, Aug. 21 The Wheat Ridge Memory Café at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 Depew St., is a welcoming place for people living with memory loss and their caregivers, held Wednesday, Aug. 21, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

This ongoing monthly series presented by the Alzheimer’s Association invites you to gather to relax, paint and socialize with others while enjoying a cup of coffee, a fun activity, or a brief presentation. It’s suitable for adults, 60+.

What’s New At The Wheat Ridge Library?

The Wheat Ridge Library, 5475 W. 32nd Ave., offers a plethora of popular programs for people of all persuasions. To wit: Use a bullet journal to organize life, create lists, and track experiences in Bullet Journaling Organization, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Suitable for adults, teens and tweens.

Get personalized technology assistance and instruction from one of the library’s experts on your own device or a library computer in Drop In Tech Help, Thursday, Aug. 8, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. This technology class is suitable for adults.

Practice your Spanish with other friendly language learners at Intercambio Spanish Conversation Table, every Wednesday evening, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It’s not an instructional course, but rather a great opportunity to chat and improve your skills through facilitated conversation. Adults and teens of all ability levels are welcome.

For more information, visit Jeffcolibrary. org or call 303-235-5275.

Beer And Conversation Flow At This Month’s Book Clubs There are now three monthly book clubs hosted by local breweries and Jefferson County Public Library, where readers can discuss their favorite books.

Continued on page 19

ngazette.com – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

19

WHAT’S HAPPENING phone call affected her so positively.

Using phone conferencing software, host Caitlin Stell, a clinical psychologist with the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, offers several minutes of meditation overview and then guides listeners through a meditation.

Each week, she touches on using meditation for a variety of purposes - compassion, chronic pain relief, anxiety relief, sleep, creativity, self-compassion, coping with loss and forgiveness.

“In the world, especially in the world as it is now, I think we really need as much compassion as we can give, and as much compassion as we can receive,” said Steve, another participant who said last week’s focus on compassion made the topic more real for him than it ever has been.

“Meditation and mindfulness programs at the Library are well-received. Offering them as a Call-In program allows a convenient option for attendance as well as the comfort of anonymity,” said Cecilia LaFrance, coordinator of JCPL’s Library to You service. Callers have a chance to share, ask questions, and reflect after the meditation. However, all participants are muted during the practice to eliminate distractions.

Mid-Morning Meditation occurs each Wednesday at 10 a.m. and will be offered through the end of the year. People can join by calling 303-502-5189.

Continued from page 18

Drop in and argue about whether a book you’ve read was better than the movie (well?) at Joyride Brewery, 2501 Sheridan Boulevard brewery in Edgewater, on Wednesday, July 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Share book recommendations; happy hour prices available.

Surely you’ve read a book that became a movie? The BYOB(ook) Club invites you to show up to share, imbibe and receive great book recommendations on this topic when they meet at WestFax Brewing Company, 6733 W. Colfax Ave., on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m. The club takes the traditional book club out of the library to where the beer is liberated and the dogs are welcome. Happy hour prices are available for attendees.

Across the border in Wheat Ridge at Colorado Plus Brew Pub, 6995 W. 38th Ave., a rival BYOB(ook) Club meets Monday, Aug. 12, 6:30 to 8 p.m., to discuss a survival or adventure book – this month’s theme.

Monday is BOGO on some delectable beers, including an aptly named choice from Fiction Beer Company. Service animals are welcome, but please leave other four-legged friends at home.

For more information, visit jeffcolibrary. org.

Meditation’s Just A Phone Call Away Thanks To Library’s Free Program

Recordings of the meditations are hosted on the Jefferson County Public Library’s YouTube channel.

Practicing meditation is only a phone call away. Each Wednesday morning, Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) brings guided meditation to Jeffco through a call-in program that supports a growing demand for healthy lifestyle practices.

“Last week, this call changed my life,” said Carol, a participant in the 30-minute instruction, who was amazed that a simple

Shellie Salser Named New WRPD Patrol Operations Commander Shellie Salser has been appointed as the newest Commander for the Wheat Ridge Police Department’s Patrol Operations Division, according to a press release.

“We are pleased to have Commander Salser join the Management Team of the Wheat Ridge Police Department,” stated Chief Dan Brennan. “The City of Wheat Ridge was incorporated in 1969 and the police department was formed. Two years later, Pat Hopper joined our ranks as the department’s first female police officer. As our department has grown over the past 50 years, our personnel has diversified and many women have been hired by the department. With Salser’s selection as a Commander; however, we are especially proud to have her join the WRPD family as the department’s highest ranking female officer ever.”

Salser reports to the Chief of Police Dan Brennan and Division Chief Jim Lorentz and is one of two Commanders providing oversight for the Patrol Operations Division.

She also serves as the Emergency Manager for the city.

Salser’s career in law enforcement spans 30 years beginning with professional staff service as a records technician and dispatcher for Weld County and as an Animal Control Officer for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. She moved up the sworn ranks in the Sheriff’s Office serving first as a Deputy Sheriff from 2000-2005, a Sergeant from 2005-2012 and then as a Lieutenant from 2012-2019.

As a Lieutenant, Salser led numerous teams within the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office including patrol, corrections and administration. She also served as Incident Commander on numerous operational missions, both critical and routine. She was responsible for developing and overseeing progress toward the agency's Strategic Planning process while working closely with the Accreditation Unit in developing and implementing agency policy based on procedural assessments and evaluations.

Salser received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis

in Public Administration from Kaplan University. She attended and graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and attended the Senior Management Institute of Police where she received her certificate.

The Patrol Operations Division is comprised of the uniformed men and women that patrol Wheat Ridge neighborhoods, respond to emergencies, engage in community policing projects, and support various community involvement programs.

The Patrol Division includes sworn officers who are assigned to three shifts covering a 24 hour period, seven days a week. The total number of Calls for Service in 2018 was 36,953. This includes all calls with a WRPD unit responding whether Patrol Officers, School Resource Officers, or Community Service Officers, covering crash and traffic issues, reports of domestic violence and child abuse, robbery and attempted robbery as well as other crimes. Calls for Service may also include calls for assistance from the West Metro SWAT Team and other local agencies like Arvada Fire, West Metro Fire Rescue, and the Lakewood and Arvada Police Departments.

Tickets For Jeffco Fair & Festival Now On Sale Online advance tickets for the 4th annual Jeffco Fair & Festival are now on sale.

The three-day event takes place Aug. 9 through 11 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

It 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.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JULY 16 – AUGUST 13, 2019 – ngazette.com

A Tale Of Two Types Of Turkeys? n By

Sally Griffin

W

hat would you do if you were stalked by a turkey? No, I mean a real turkey.

That was a recent problem for a mail carrier in Colorado Springs. As she was delivering mail, she was followed closely by a wild turkey. No one knows why the normally skittish bred of wild bird would suddenly endanger itself by following and circling a mail vehicle each time it stopped.

This bird was nothing if not dedicated to its purpose, even if no one is sure what that purpose was.

When we lived in a less urban area, we had a wild tom (male turkey) with his harem of hens (female turkeys) that lived nearby.

From my office window, I could observe them undetected. They would occasionally wander by foraging for insects and seeds.

Mostly, they were very wary and would fly quickly into neighboring trees if a dog or person was spotted nearby. There they would remain motionless until they felt the danger was passed. If I hadn’t seen where they landed, they were almost impossible to see. For such big birds, they could quickly make themselves almost invisible.

However, during mating session one year, there was a loud banging at the lower level bedroom window. The tom was worried about potential rivals. The dark window served as a mirror and he thought he was seeing another tom, not a reflection of himself. He was attacking that “rival” for all he was worth until he felt he had done his job and suddenly left.

Wild turkeys have been spotted more and more frequently foraging along the Front Range. There was a time that turkeys almost disappeared from Colorado, indeed from almost all the continental U.S. Ninety years ago, there were less than 30,000 wild turkeys in the whole country. Thanks to conservation efforts, the United States now has over seven million wild turkeys.

Turkeys in Colorado alone now number

almost 35,000 and are found in 53 of the 64 Colorado counties.

“Right now, we have more wild turkeys in more places in Colorado than ever occurred here historically,” said Ed Gorman, small game manager for the Division of Wildlife.

“The success of turkeys in Colorado is primarily due to their adaptability and high reproductive capability.”

There are two kinds of turkeys in Colorado. The native species is the Merriam turkey, which is found in the foothills and mountain meadows west of I-25 or on the Grand Mesa in western Colorado. They like open meadows and ponderosa, oak brush and pinion juniper stands. This native Colorado turkey weighs in between 14 and 22 pounds once fully grown. What differentiates them from other turkeys found in the U.S. are their white tail feathers.

The other species is the Rio Grande, which was introduced by conservation efforts onto the Eastern Plains. They like cottonwood and areas along creeks and lakes that are adjacent to agricultural lands in the eastern portion of the state. They are very dependent on having water nearby.

They are slightly smaller in size than the Merriam turkeys and have tan tail feathers.

“Wild birds are cunning, wary birds,” Gorman said. “They have excellent eyesight and are capable of flying for short distances at speeds up to 50 mph and running at speeds up to 25 mph to escape predators.

These characteristics have been bred out of the game-farm raised birds and commercial turkeys served at Thanksgiving dinner.”

Turkeys travel in flocks and search on the ground for nuts, berries and insects.

They use their strong feet to scratch. In early spring, males gather in clearings to perform courtship displays. They puff up their body feathers, flare their tails into a vertical fan, and strut slowly while giving their characteristic gobbling call. When males are excited, a fleshy flap on the bill (the snood)

Merriam wild turkeys

Rio Grande wild turkey

expands and the wattles and the bare skin of the head and neck all become engorged with blood, almost concealing the eyes and bill. A wild turkey’s gobble can be heard up to one mile away and is a primary means for a tom to communicate with his harem. The calls also warn other toms away from his territory.

Even though they are heavy birds (ranging from 5 to 20 pounds) and seem ungainly on the ground, wild turkeys are agile, fast fliers. Wild turkeys have very good daytime eyesight. Their daytime vision is three times better than a human’s eyesight and covers 270 degrees. But they see very poorly at night. At twilight most turkeys will head for the trees and roost well off the ground. They find it better to sleep here in numbers because, combined, they have better chance of seeing night predators.

Because wild turkeys don’t migrate in winter, they will fly onto the branches of conifer trees and shelter from blizzards.

When fighting off predators, turkeys, particularly the larger toms, will kick with their legs, using the spurs on their back of the legs as a weapon, bite with their beak and ram with their relatively large bodies.

They have been known to discourage predators as large as coyotes and foxes. Hen turkeys have been known to chase off hawks

in flight when their poults (young turkeys) are threatened.

Occasionally, turkeys may behave aggressively towards humans, especially in areas where natural habitats, like the Front Range, are scarce. However, attacks can usually be deterred, and minor injuries can be avoided by giving turkeys a respectful amount of space and keeping outdoor spaces clean and undisturbed. Male toms occasionally will attack parked cars and reflective surfaces, like our bedroom window, thinking they see another turkey and must defend their territory. Usually a car engine and moving the car is enough to scare it off. However, it doesn’t seem to work for mail vehicles in Colorado Springs.

Because it is a native bird with a proud demeanor and protective instincts, the wild turkey was Benjamin Franklin’s preference for the national bird. Franklin considered the bald eagle less honorable because it can be a scavenger and will rob other birds and animals for prey. He said, “For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America… He is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farmyard with a red Coat on.”