Neighborhood Gazette – September 2018

URBAN PERSPECTIVE The Benefits of Child Labor Page 5

SCHOOL CROSSING (Cafeteria) Food For Thought

WEST METRO FIRE LUCAS Helps West Metro Firefighters Save A Life Page 10

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NEIGHBORHOOD

WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE | BERKELEY September 17 – October 14, 2018 • ngazette.com • FREE

Excess Tax Revenue, High-Speed Internet Option On Ballot n By

Mike McKibbin

S

hould the City of Wheat Ridge spend more than $450,000 on four specific projects or send $14.72 checks to every city resident?

City voters will decide that question in the Nov. 6 general election, along with a question giving the city permission to pursue the installation of broadband services for residents and businesses at some point in the future.

City Council approved both ballot issues by 7-0 votes at its Aug. 13 meeting, after discussions in July and early August.

The refund question follows city voter approval of a November 2016 ballot question to increase debt by up to $33 million and increase the city’s sales and use tax rate by a half cent for 12 years, or when $38.5 million is raised, for the “Investing 4 the Future” infrastructure projects.

At that time, a required Taxpayers Bill of Rights, or TABOR, election notice to voters included an estimate the tax hike would raise $3.7 million in 2017. However, the city received nearly $4.2 million, $457,931 more than the allowed amount.

A memo to council explaining TABOR’s “underestimate Continued on page 16

BRANDY MARTIN AND THE FEED YOUR SOUL FITNESS TEAM sported the largest group at the 2018 Farmer’s 5000 road race, held Sept. 16 at Wheat Ridge High School. The distinction earned them the coveted “Fittest on the Farm” award. The event is a major source of funds for the school’s clubs, activities, sports and groups.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FEED YOUR SOUL FITNESS

Looking Ahead: A New Season Of Community Music n By

Elisabeth Monaghan

W

e are approaching the final quarter of 2018, which means local performance venues have begun posting their 2018-2019 season of concerts and shows. Here’s a list of these must-see shows.

Jefferson Symphony Orchestra

For its 2018-2019 season, the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra has a lineup of five great performances. Each of the following will take place at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge.

Oct. 14, 4.p.m.: Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Fidelio” Overture, Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, with guest artist Alexander Hersh on cello.

Dec. 2, 3 & 7 p.m. (two shows): Gioachino Rossini’s “Cinderella” Overture, selections from Edvard Grieg’s Peer Gynt Suites No. 1 and 2, and holiday classics featuring vocalists La Tanya Hall and Steven Taylor.

Feb. 10, 2019, 4 p.m.: Giuseppe Verdi’s “La Forza del Destino” Overture, Joachin Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjue” and Johannes Brahms’ Symphony No. 3, with guest artist Masakazu Ito on classical guitar.

March 31, 2019, 4 p.m.: Young Artists Concert, with selections from Sergei Prokofiev’s “Cinderella” Suites No.1, 2 and 3. The winner of the International Young Artists Competition will perform with the orchestra.

May 5, 2019, 4 p.m.: Cinco de Mayo Celebration! Featuring Aaron Copland’s “El Salon Mexico,” Silvestre Revueltas’ “Sensamaya” and Jose Pablo Moncayo’s “Huapango,” with guest vocalist Cristine Barbosa.

To order tickets, visit www.

jeffsymphony.org/season-tickets.

Golden Community Chorus

The Golden Community Chorus’s Fall 2018 concert will take place at the Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave., on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. The choir will perform selections from Handel’s “Messiah.”

For tickets, visit www.goldenconcert choir.org.

The Alpine Chorale

The Alpine Chorale will perform “Joy of our Desiring” Christmas concert Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth Blvd., in Wheat Ridge.

Both performances start at 7:30 p.m.

Come spring, the Chorale presents “Ring Out, Ye Bells! A Celebration of Bells and Voices,” with guest artists The Rocky Mountain Ringers and the Alameda High School Mixed Choir, April 5 and 6, 2019,

7:30 p.m., at Wheat Ridge United Methodist Church, 7530 W. 38th Ave. Additionally, the Chorale will perform “The Road Home” with special guest Dakota Blonde, May 31 and June 1, 2019, 7:30 p.m., at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth Blvd.

For more information visit www. alpinechorale.org.

Continued on page 2

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Chief Jim Lorentz Training First Responders To Deal With Dementia n By

Elisabeth Monaghan

F

or 37 years, Police Division Chief Jim Lorentz has served and protected the Wheat Ridge community, but his role as a police officer is only one of the qualities that make him a hero. In addition to his work in law enforcement, Lorentz trains first responders around Colorado on identifying people with dementia.

It started when his wife’s mother was diagnosed with dementia at age 58. To understand the disease as she took on her new role as long-distance caregiver, Jill Lorentz sought out resources. She began working with the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association – first as a volunteer, and then as a full-time employee. From there, she went on to establish Summit Resilience Training, which provides training and valuable information for anyone dealing with or wanting to know more about Alzheimer’s and dementia. In addition to her work with Summit Resilience Training, Jill also has a weekly podcast called Continued on page 6

IN ADDITION TO HIS WORK IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, Wheat Ridge Police Division Chief Jim Lorentz trains first responders around Colorado on identifying people with dementia. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE

2

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

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Why You Should Vote “Yes” On The Internet Measure

By Tim Fitzgerald

W

hen you get to the Wheat Ridge part of your ballot you are going to find two items for you to vote on. Each item is designed to help our city move forward. I’d like to tell you a little bit about why the highspeed Internet item is there and why you should vote “yes.”

In part, it will read, “Shall the city of Wheat Ridge without increasing taxes by this measure, and to restore local authority that was denied to local governments by the Colorado General Assembly … be authorized to provide high-speed internet… ?”

In 2005, over a decade ago, the Internet was just emerging as a vital tool for a modern society. The state legislature decided that the two large Internet providers needed to be shielded from competition in order to encourage their expansion. In order to do that, the legislature passed Senate Bill 05-122.

Senate Bill 05-122 prohibited Colorado cities and counties from providing Internet, cable TV, and telecommunications by any means for citizens. That meant that no cooperation with other cities or counties, no contracting with private providers and no doing it yourself. The state had effectively taken power away from Wheat Ridge. But,

there was an out: All that cities or counties had to do to take the power back was to vote to do so.

At least 92 cities or counties have overwhelmingly voted to take the authority back and give themselves the ability to deal with Internet in their own way. Many are using their competitive authority to encourage the big providers to improve services. A few others are working on contracting with alternate providers, joining with other jurisdictions or doing it themselves. Their goal is Internet with higher speed at a lower price. But for the most part, cities and counties have no intention to use the authority they now have in the near future.

That is our case. Wheat Ridge has no plans now to do anything with the authority that we hope citizens will take back. But we will be ready if an opportunity does arise.

We could partner with other nearby cities or we could contract with a provider other than the big two as examples. However, first we have to give ourselves the authority to do so.

Most of our neighboring cities have already voted to take the authority back. This is a necessary step to the future.

Vote “yes.” It costs nothing; it requires no action; but it removes a roadblock if a future opportunity arises.

Contact Wheat Ridge District 3 City Councilman Tim Fitzgerald at TFitzgerald@ci.wheatridge.co.us or 720-360-0870.

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Fall Concerts Continued from page 1

Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra

The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra will perform at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd.: • The CJRO Goes Latin, Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m.

• Christmas with CJRO (Lakewood Cultural Center, 480 S. Allison Parkway), Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m.

• Down with the Count, a Basie Bash, Jan. 19, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

• Overjoyed, the Music of Stevie Wonder, March 16, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

• A Tribute to Maynard Ferguson, May 11, 2019, 7:30 p.m.

The last time the CJRO played a Maynard Ferguson tribute, amateur trumpet players in the audience were encouraged to bring their instruments and join in on the final choruses of “Hey Jude” to close the show.

It was a hoot! So, trumpeters, bring your horns.

For more information, visit www. coloradojazz.org.

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The Arvada Center is also home to Keyboard Conversations with Jeffery Siegel, concerts infused with exposition.

Before performing each composition in its totality, Siegel informally and briefly expounds on the piece, inviting the audience to experience the music in new ways. All concerts take place in the Arvada Center’s Main Stage Theatre, Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.

• “Music from Time of War - 1914-1918,” stirring works of Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Ravel and Prokofiev, Oct. 3.

• “The Intimate Beethoven,” the “Theresa” Sonata (who was she?), and the “Farewell Sonata.” Who was leaving and why was Beethoven so deeply affected? Find out Jan. 9, 2019.

• “Chopin in Paris,” magnificent masterpieces written during Chopin’s “Paris years”: The Grand Polonaise, Barcarolle, Nocturnes, and Mazurkas, March 6, 2019.

• “Fascinatin’ Rhythms!” Ragtime music of Scott Joplin, jazzy works of Gershwin,

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Stravinsky’s humorous Polka (for Young Elephants!), and Chopin Waltzes, May 8, 2019.

Additionally, Siegel performs his Coffee Concerts, which are casual onehour musicals featuring musical selections different from the evening series of Keyboard Conversations. Siegel will briefly discuss and then perform in their entirety engaging compositions captivating his audience with his pianistic virtuosity, Wednesdays, 11 a.m., also in the Main Stage Theatre.

• “The Miracle of Mozart,” the beloved Sonatas K. 545 in C Major, K. 332 in F Major, and K. 457 in C Minor, Oct. 3.

• “The Immortal Melodies of Franz Schubert,” The Trout, The Serenade, Ave Maria, and Impromptus, Jan. 9, 2019.

• “Childhood Enchantment,” music for people of all ages – with young ears!

Children’s Corner Suite of Debussy, Scenes from Childhood of Schumann, March 6, 2019.

• “Bach to the Future,” Romantic music of Bach, Shostakovich and Liszt, May 8, 2019.

Subscribe now by calling the box office at 720-898-7200 or in person at the Arvada Center.

Front Range Youth Symphony Orchestras

The Arvada Center also hosts the Front Range Youth Symphony Orchestras, bringing together talented young musicians from across the Front Range for unique study and training in orchestral repertoire. This season’s performances include: “Autumn Serenade,” Oct. 22; “Winter Interlude,” Feb. 4, 2019; and Spring Teacher Appreciation Concert, May 6, 2019. For times and additional details, visit www.arvadacenter. org/education/youth-symphony..

Musicals

For its musicals, the Arvada Center brings in some of the nation’s up-andcoming professional actors. Two shows you won’t want to miss are “Mama Mia!” playing through Sept. 30, and “Elf – The Musical,” which runs from Nov. 20 through Dec. 23.

For more information, visit www. arvadacenter.org/on-stage.

REACH UP TO 25,000 READERS MONTHLY! Call Tim Berland 303-995-2806 tim@ngazette.com

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Work has been performed on Lena Gulch and Clear Creek to provide flood mitigation services. The city has worked diligently with s the mayor of Wheat Ridge, it was the district in floodplain mapping and has an honor to have been appointed by been successful in removing a number of the governor to sit on the Board of Directors properties from the floodplain, saving local for the Urban Drainage and Flood Control property owners premium dollars on flood District (UDFCD). The District was created by insurance. the Colorado legislature in 1969 to reduce the As new developments impacts of flooding to people and are designed and constructed property. UDFCD focuses on more in Wheat Ridge, such as Clear than 1,600 miles of major streams Creek Crossing, the district will covering a 1,600-square-mile continue to work with developers area that includes 60 percent of and city technical staff to create Colorado’s population, located in communities that respect the seven counties and 35 cities along quality and safety of the waters the Front Range. that flow through our city.

The UDFCD performs several In lieu of a regular board important tasks in conjunction meeting this summer, directors with local governments. They took a bus tour of local facilities work with communities to develop designed and constructed by watershed master plans. These Bud Starker the UDFCD. One was located studies are an important tool to at a light rail station adjacent to an area help identify remedial stormwater quality prone to flooding. When completed, the and flood risk management projects for 100-year floodplain had been lowered by construction and to guide land development five feet, developing 172 acre-feet of flood projects consistent with regional drainage and storage detention; had restored and created flood control needs. aquatic habitat; and created a community The District monitors best management park. Directors also toured the new riverside practices in stormwater quality management. construction next to REI at the confluence of They also work with local government to the South Platte River and Cherry Creek, a review local projects in or near the floodplain project that increased public safety and had to see if they qualify for maintenance with the many benefits for a variety of users.

UDFCD. The district is funded by a mill levy set The UDFCD also works with FEMA by the legislature at 1.0 mill, which has been to update Flood Insurance Rate Maps and eroded by the ratchet-down effects of TABOR works with local government to provide to a current 0.56 mills, a 44 percent reduction. early notifications of heavy rain and flood The board has elected to ask the voters this threats so citizens can be notified of pending November to restore the mill levy, which dangers. The UDFCD provides funding, will allow the district to retain the funding project management and technical expertise from the original 1.0 mill as was the original on a cost-sharing basis with local governments legislative intent. to construct drainage improvements and Additional information on the district can provides stream management services on be found www.udfcd.org. approved projects.

Contact Mayor Bud Starker at bstarker@ Wheat Ridge has benefited in several ways ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-235-2800. from the services provided by the UDFCD.

Bud Starker

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Guy Nahmiach

he Neighborhood Revitalization Steering Committee (NRS) has been meeting for a few weeks and is ready to go out into the community to ask for your opinion.

Wait – what did he say?

Some months ago, the City of Wheat Ridge created an opportunity for citizens to volunteer for the NRS, for a process which will determine and provide a roadmap for what and how the city needs to look in 10 to 20 years. There were 23 volunteers for the six spots; the city took advantage of all this good will and decided to take on all 23.

The group was then divided into smaller subgroups that set off to answer a handful of important questions about the city’s landscape, economic situation and living conditions. What issues are in our future and which do the city need to “get right?”

The issues include neighborhood development and its financial implications.

Some of the hurdles that were common to all teams were establishing 38th Avenue as a main street for the city; creating and developing main corridors in and around

the city; zoning issues; building codes; improving walkability; personal safety; sustainability; the motels on Kipling and I-70; the number of rentals; the absentee landlords; local shopping; height of homes; width of lanes; depth of city involvement on personal properties; distance and daycare; and other issues that are key to city growth.

If you’re thinking, “Well nobody asked for my opinion,” then know that the teams are about to go out into the community and organize many meetings across the city, trying to include everyone and anyone who calls Wheat Ridge their home: all ages, races, economic situations, renters, owners, businesses, students and teachers, seniors who like the treadmills at the rec center and youngsters that like the skateparks.

Look for these invitations to join in and provide your valuable input. I know we’ve had these before and I know you’ve come out to speak your opinion and share your vision. I was one of you and swore that I would never step forward again. But guess what? I volunteered and so should you. Our future depends on it.

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

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

LOCALWORKS UPDATE

URBAN PERSPECTIVE

Get Civically Engaged With Pints & Policy

The Benefits of Child Labor

candid dialogue about how they navigate murky civic waters.

Wheat Ridge Public Information Officer re you a civic-curious person interested Sara Spaulding shared what it takes to be in pulling back the curtain to see how the voice and the ears of the City at “Civics our city works while enjoying a local brew? & Civility.” Our conversation revealed that a Localworks invites you to Pints & Policy! passion for our city can bring out the worst Since 2016, this quarterly gathering has in us, even when we care about featured luminary guest speakers our neighbors. We all agreed to addressing important questions work on that. in watering holes across the

The topics can be serious, city. Pints & Policy strives to but we’re even more serious daylight the inner workings of about having fun. So, games and Wheat Ridge government, the creative activities are always responsibilities of various city part of the experience. Whether roles, what guides their actions, it’s filling out “Comprehensive and how to get more involved.

Plan Mad Libs,” or performing At “Why can’t we have nice “NextDoor Theatre,” or playing things?” City Manager Patrick “Cards Against Wheat Ridge,” Goff pulled out the City Budget you are guaranteed to laugh, Rachel Hultin Master Course pie charts, learn something new, meet and Tyler Downs from Wazee someone interesting, and go home with a Partners demystified Urban Renewal. Wheat deeper appreciation for our city.

Ridge already has nice things, but together The next Pints & Policy is Thursday, we learned that increased tax revenue and Sept. 20, at Clancy’s Irish Pub, 7 p.m. The leveraging private investment will result in community picked “Enter the Twilight more nice things. And that complaining on Zoning” as the topic and our featured guest Facebook doesn’t result in anything nice. is Lauren Mikulak with Community Planning Pints & Policy is also an opportunity to and Development. Lauren is the most examine our civic health. During the 2017 Zoning-Knowing person around and will help election season, we explored the relationship us understand what folks can (and can’t) do between our expectations of elected officials with their property and what anyone can do and their responsibilities at “What have you about it. Hope to see you there! done for me lately?” City Councilor Janeece Rachel Hultin is a member of the LocalHoppe joined former Jefferson County Clerk works Board of Directors and an engaged Pam Anderson and Wheat Ridge Neighbors Wheat Ridge resident.

Facebook moderator Korey Stites for a n By

Rachel Hultin

A

Have a news tip or story idea?

Send it to editor@ngazette.com

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treatment of patients.

This tent colony was not without controversy. Many residents of the hild labor is generally frowned upon. surrounding area would avoid the tent Laws dating back to the early 1900s colony quite literally like the plague. One have banned such practices in Colorado. such example of this diversion to sanitariums These laws generally focus on the negative came to a head during the Colorado General aspects of child labor, but if you take a Assembly’s 1913 legislative session. State closer look, one could argue the labor of a Senator Benjamin Franklin Carver of 4-year-old child named Melvin Sylvanous Edgewater drafted legislation Carver benefited our community to require new and existing more than any other. While a sanitariums to receive approval gold rush was responsible for to operate by a vote of residents the initial wave of settlers in the within a mile of the institution.

Wheat Ridge area, the second A nay vote by a majority of the wave of settlers can be attributed surrounding residents would to proclamations by doctors cause the Lutheran Sanitarium that Colorado’s rarified air to close. was responsible for the cure of

Melvin Carver, the son many individuals suffering from of State Senator Benjamin tuberculosis. By the early 1900s, Franklin Carver, is credited with nearly 30 percent of Colorado’s saving Lutheran Sanitarium population was comprised of Zachary Urban from almost certain closure. individuals seeking treatment for On the day this bill was to be introduced, tuberculosis. Sanitariums were established Senator Carver brought his son with him to provide for the treatment of tuberculosis to the General Assembly. Like most 4 year patients. olds, Melvin was bored by the proceedings.

On Oct. 3, 1903, The Evangelical Melvin took a red pencil from his father’s Lutheran Sanitarium Association was desk and set about to scribble on the paper founded with the mission of establishing in front of him. The paper on top of Senator a sanitarium. Karl Koch, a member of this Carver’s desk happened to be the sanitarium association, would drive his horse and bill. Melvin's laborious scribbles were buggy on Sunday afternoons searching the written all over Section Three of the bill countryside surrounding Denver in hopes which related to existing sanitariums. When of finding the perfect plot of land on which the clerk read the bill into the record, the to build their sanitarium. In early 1904 he scribbles appeared to indicate Section Three purchased 20 acres of land at what is now was to be stricken from the bill. The bill was 38th and Balsam Street, one and a half passed without Section Three and therefore miles west of the West 38th Avenue Electric did not apply to existing sanitariums, saving Streetcar Line (38th and Sheridan). The what is now known as Lutheran Medical Lutheran Sanitarium was opened in May Center from possible closure. of 1905. The facility was affectionately Zachary Urban can be reached at 720known as the “Tent Colony” given the larger 252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com. number of tents set up to provide for the n By

Zachary Urban

C

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

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Jim Lorentz Continued from page 1

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as some accountability provisions and restrictions on uses.

On the mill levy override (funds for Dr. Glass, can you please explain in detail teachers and ongoing expenses), the ballot the top three areas where bond/mill-levy question specifies that the tax increase for dollars would immediately have a positive 2018-19 is $33 million (and increasing with effect in our classrooms? inflation thereafter). The mill levy ballot While (as a public servant), I am not question also directs that funds be used for able to campaign for or against things the following purposes: that appear on the ballot, I do have a • Expanding programs in science, responsibility to inform our community technology, engineering and about school funding issues that math (STEM) and in career/ may impact our schools. technical education; On Sept. 6, the Jeffco Public • Attract and retain high Schools Board of Education quality teachers by ensuring the approved the language that will district is able to be competitive appear on this fall’s ballot for a in compensation and benefits mill levy override (for ongoing for teachers and staff; expenses such as paying teachers • Improving student and staff and student academic safety by increasing mental and career/technical programs) health and counseling as well as a bond question (for professionals to improve school and facility construction student mental health services, and renovation projects).

Jason E. Glass, Ed.D. including suicide prevention The Mill Levy Override will and substance abuse counseling; appear as question 5A. The Bond will be • Updating aged and outdated question 5B. instructional resources such as books, Colorado ballot questions are supplies, and technology; and notoriously long legal statements that • Increasing early education programs. include the tax increase amount and other The mill levy language goes on to language required under the Taxpayer Bill state some restrictions and accountability of Rights (TABOR) Amendment. provisions. These are: In Jeffco’s case, our mill levy override • No revenue … will be used for senior and bond ballot questions will include additional language that add some specifics Continued on page 7 on how the funds would be used, as well ■ By

PRECISION CAD DESIGNS

Dementia Resilience.

After his mother-in-law was diagnosed, Jim Lorentz made it his mission to learn as much as he could about the disease. In 2009, he took advantage of training offered by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as part of its Alzheimer’s Initiative. Lorentz has drawn upon this “train the trainers” program, along with 10 years of volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Association, to design the training he provides first responders throughout the state of Colorado under the umbrella of Critical Intervention Training (CIT).

Why does Lorentz believe this training is crucial? According to the Alzheimer’s Association website, an estimated 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia. Of these, 5.5 million are age 65 and older, and about 200,000 are under age 65 with younger-onset Alzheimer’s. Currently, one in 10 people over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s; one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. On its website, the Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention estimates that one in six women and one in 10 men, who live past the age of 55, will develop dementia in their lifetime.

As the population ages, the number of people living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s, will increase. This means police officers, EMTs, firefighters, etc., are likely to encounter individuals with dementia when responding to situations like car accidents, reports of shoplifting, domestic violence or disoriented and lost individuals. Of the different types of dementia, Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTP) is a form first responders are likely to encounter. When an individual has FTP, she or he frequently demonstrates lack of judgment, inappropriate social behavior and the inability to control themselves.

“That’s what we want to talk to first responders about,” explains Lorentz. “In the training, we discuss what questions we can ask. We’re just trying to handle things in the moment, so if the individual shows symptoms that look like FTP, we want to

determine the best direction for us to take under these circumstances.”

When answering a call, first responders who have participated in Lorentz’s program are prepared to de-escalate a heated situation. One technique he teaches is redirection. For example, when confronting a hostile individual who shows signs of FTP or other forms of dementia, a police officer may redirect the discussion by commenting on the person’s shoes.

“We know how frustrating it is when people don’t understand us,” says Lorentz.

It can be even more difficult when the misunderstood person has dementia.

“By redirecting the conversation and getting them to calm down so we can talk a little bit, we have a better chance of figuring out what they want or are trying to accomplish. If we can figure that out and help them, we have a better chance of success.”

Lorentz also emphasizes that the best outcomes happen when first responders take their time to address the situation.

Since launching his program, Lorentz has trained about 3,500 first responders from around the state including Vail, Eagle County, Englewood, Jefferson County, Denver, Arapaho County, Adams County and Douglas County. Lorentz plans to continue training first responders, but currently has no desire to package the training or write a book about it.

“I think the stuff that I do is not particularly unique,” says Lorentz, “but I like to think I’ve made a difference in metro Denver.”

Considering that Lorentz was recognized as a hero this past May by the Colorado Alzheimer’s Association, it is evident he has indeed made a difference and by continuing to pass along his knowledge of identifying and working with dementia patients, he will continue to do so.

Although the Denver Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place on Sept. 15, there are other opportunities to donate time or money to the Colorado Chapter of the Alzheimer’s association. To learn more, visit https:// www.alz.org/co For more information about Jill Lorentz’s work with Alzheimer’s patients, their loved ones and their caregivers, visit https://summitresiliencetraining.com. To inquire about the training from Jim Lorentz, email him at jlorentz@ci.wheatridge.co.us.

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

7

SCHOOL CROSSING (Cafeteria) Food For Thought of the equation, but I have to believe that surely we can spend the same as we are now, ho loves school cafeteria food? No but get better reviews. one! Well, almost no one. For years In the coming weeks, you will see an we’ve been joking, complaining and finding announcement from Superintendent Glass ways to improve, justify and debate the about this initiative including the creation quality, cost and availability of good and of this task force and an invitation for your healthy food options for our students inside input. It is critical that we hear from you.

This will be your opportunity to bring forth their schools.

In fact, I have been on the forefront those suggestions you’ve been sharing within of complaining and challenging the very your circles of influence such as parents at existence of the dreaded SNACK CART: pick up and drop off, or on social media. I’m foods filled with sugar, secret chemicals already hearing from districts where students look forward to lunch every day and magic formulas that cause because of the amazing food. students to throw away their Why can’t we have street tacos, homemade lunches and fill their salad bars, ramen stations and bellies with sweet nothings, only international day, where once a to find themselves an hour later week a menu will include meals feeling like they are sliding down from another country? I have a mountain, losing vital energy watched districts prepare their in the midst of a test that will foods in a central kitchen and determine their education path deliver to all of their schools for the rest of the year. every day, and other districts OK, a little exaggeration, but where each school kitchen has not that far off.

Guy Nahmiach been retrofitted and staffed to So what does any good leader prepare meals in-house, using like Superintendent Jason Glass do? He locally grown produce. Both approaches points at me and asks me to head up a task are successful, but maybe a combination of force that will evaluate, observe and make these is what we need. All great questions, recommendations on how to improve our suggestions and options for us to consider. food and nutrition network here at Jeffco. The snack cart, by the way, isn’t exclusive Taking a year to assemble experts in nutrition, to Jeffco. Dr. Glass shared that Eagle school finance, chefs, parents, teachers and, County also has one that he tried improving of course, the most important part of the food on by eliminating the junk food with healthy chain – the “end user” – students. choices – apples, celery and carrot sticks – This group will observe districts with only to find out that students didn’t eat any successful cafeteria systems, sample meals of it. In fact, this created a black market from schools throughout Jeffco, hear out for Cheetos where a student was caught testimonials from students on why and where storing large numbers of bags in his locker food tastes good and finding ways to replicate and selling them to other students. I did ask their experience right here at home with the Dr. Glass (jokingly) if this represented his goal of understanding the implications of definition of his “entrepreneurial spirit.” It federal funding for free and reduced dollars did not. and how they play a role in selecting menus That being said, we have made and food sources. Understanding why high advancements in many areas and I certainly school students would prefer eating at a fast- appreciate the new menus, well-trained food place rather than sit in their cafeteria is staffing, and the elimination of styrofoam another goal as well as figuring out. how to trays in more schools. But that’s the process make eating at school cool. part of the equation. I’m looking to improve There are so many floating ideas on how the actual purpose: feeding our students to improve the overall “food” experience for food that will fuel their bodies and minds, our students. Organic, gluten free, vegetarian, and taste good at the same time. As always less dairy, more fruits, less sugar, the list is thanks for reading. endless – but it comes down to two things: Contact Guy Nahmiach at guy@Noshealthy and tasty. There is the affordable part talgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789. n By

Guy Nahmiach

W

Ask The Super Continued from page 6

district administration; • The spending … will be reviewed by the citizen’s financial oversight advisory committee; and • The funds are subjected to an annual independent audit.

On the bond side (funds for construction), the ballot question asks if the district’s debt can be increased by $567 million, with total repayment costs of $997 million (or a lesser amount) for the purpose of providing Jeffco students, teachers, and staff with a safe learning environment that prepares students for college and the workforce. The ballot language specifies that the bond funds be for these purposes: • Adding and expanding career/ technical education facilities; • Upgrading safety and security in school buildings; • Repairing, renovating, equipping, or reconstructing school buildings to ensure all schools are more safe, efficient, and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities; and • Constructing, furnishing, equipping, and supporting needed school buildings and classrooms at all types of schools, including schools chartered by the district.

The bond language goes on to place these conditions on use of bond funds: • The district will have a preference for hiring local construction contractors; • The funds cannot be used for senior district administration; • The spending of these funds is overseen by the citizens’ Capital Asset Advisory Committee; and • The funds are subject to an annual external audit.

In September, you can expect to receive voter Ballot Information Booklets, which will have the full legal text of the ballot questions, as well as arguments for and against these measures. In mid-October, you can expect your mail-in ballots to arrive.

This year, it is expected that there will be a lengthy ballot with lots of offices and questions, so please take the time to review your ballot closely.

On behalf of all of us with Jeffco Public Schools, we appreciate the opportunity to serve your families and this wonderful community. Ultimately, we look to the citizens of Jeffco to have the final say on school funding. Thank you.

Jason E. Glass, Ed.D., is Superintendent & Chief Learner of Jeffco Public Schools, www.jeffcopublicschools.org.

If you have a question for Superintendent Glass please submit it to Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or call it in to 303 9995789.

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

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

The Stalker At The Kitchen Window n By

I

Sally Griffith

t seems we have acquired a friend or perhaps a stalker. The window outside our kitchen has several large trees in close proximity. My husband often eats his quick breakfast over the sink in front of the kitchen window. There is one branch that dips right in front of the window and our new friend has taking to eating his meals from that branch while my husband is eating his. We have taken to calling him “Hammy” after the character in the movie, “Over the Hedge.”

That is the friend part.

The stalker part comes in when, after greeting Hammy and getting a cup of chai, I returned to my office. Suddenly the skylight over my desk had a shadow come over it. I looked up and didn’t see anything.

Suddenly, I heard the scampering of little feet and the shadow returned, I looked up and was being waved at by Hammy. Since then, he has taken to having breakfast with my husband and various breaks with me.

In case you can’t guess, my friend/ stalker is the rusty red fox squirrel, the most common tree squirrel in our area.

Fox squirrels are not native to Colorado, but there are two native tree squirrels: the Abert and Pine squirrels. These two squirrels live in the mountainous part of the state, leaving the fox squirrel to inhabit the Denver metro area. These squirrels are active yearround, gathering up food, robbing bird feeders, and making nests that are difficult to distinguish from bird nests.

Evidently the area outside our kitchen is a safe area with proximity to the neighbors’ bird feeders. A sprinkler system supplies necessary water. A quick jump can take him to our roof and skylight and, also, provide quick access to the back of our house and more trees. It is an easy jump for Hammy because stalkers of his kind can jump up to six feet vertically, eight feet between branches and more than 20 feet in free-fall with soft landings on a limb or trunk.

Fox squirrels have excellent vision and well-developed senses of hearing and smell.

(I hope Hammy found my office by hearing, not smell!) They have several sets of hair or whiskers that they use to touch and sense their environment. These are located above and below their eyes, on their chin and nose and on each forearm. They are most active during the day, are non-territorial and spend more time on the ground than other tree squirrels. They are, however, agile climbers and jumpers. They have a large vocabulary and they warn the listening world of approaching threats with distress screams.

They can be quite loud when they get together in the spring and fall and combine their efforts to make a small ruckus.

They construct two types of homes, called dreys, depending on the season.

Summer dreys are often little more than platforms of sticks high in trees. Winter dens are usually hollowed-out tree trunks.

Multiple generations over as many as 30 years may use these winter dreys.

These tree cavities work well as nurseries if there are winter litters. They normally produce two litters a year, usually in March and July. At birth, the young are blind, without fur and helpless. Eyes open in four to five weeks and ears open in six. Juveniles usually disperse in the fall, but may den together or with their mother during their first winter. Their life expectancy is almost 13 years for females and almost 9 years for males.

Relatively few natural predators can capture adult squirrels on a regular basis.

But raptors, foxes, cats and dogs will take advantage of an easy opportunity to capture fox squirrels, if one presents itself. We saw a falcon in Minnesota take out a squirrel occupied with fighting other squirrels while raiding a bird feeder. The falcon had difficulty lifting its prey off the ground and his buddies were so petrified that they were stuck running in place until the falcon finally lifted his catch and took it elsewhere.

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Raccoons and snakes will go after nestlings if they can.

Fox squirrels’ favorite foods are acorns and nuts, food high in fat and not inclined to spoil easily. They can consume up to 1-1/2 pounds of seeds and nuts each week. But their food habits may vary depending on where they are located. In addition to nuts, they will eat tree buds, insects, tubers, bulbs, roots, bird eggs, fungi, and pine and fruit tree seeds. They often bury their food for later consumption and will favor foods that don’t spoil easily.

Of course, if given the opportunity, they will avail themselves of garden crops, bird feeders and anything else presented for them by humans. They must have water at least twice a day. Hammy brings many interesting things to eat while at our kitchen window and many come directly from human sources. However, some may not be food, but hard materials that he gnaws on to wear down his incisors that grow almost six inches per year. I don’t know what he brings for breaks on the skylight above my office, since, after checking that I am working, he usually eats on one side or the other of the rounded skylight.

Grant Helps County Continue Fight Against Food Insecurity n By

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After hearing Hammy on our roof, I know that he can be quite loud for someone that weighs less than two pounds.

I have heard from those unlucky to have a squirrel invade their attic that this is a most unpleasant experience. They can be livetrapped using peanut butter as a lure. But they often become wary of these traps and have been known to find ways to retrieve the peanut butter without setting off the trap. To coexist with squirrels, you may want to do the following: • Prevent them from climbing trees by placing 18-inch metal cylinders on tree trunks.

• Trim branches hanging over the roof to prevent them from accessing attics.

• Seal small holes under eaves and along roof lines.

• Screen attic vents on the inside with hardware cloth to keep squirrels out.

• Eliminate easy food sources like bird feeders.

So far, our attic has stayed sealed from Hammy and his friends. So, I guess for now we will keep eating our meals in conjunction with our friend/stalker or, maybe, outside pet.

Mike McKibbin

Jefferson County group formed in 2015 to address food insecurity and related issues is continuing its efforts, after a threeyear grant was recently renewed.

Food insecurity can occur in areas that lack quality, variety or desirability of diet, and may have signs of disrupted eating patterns and reduced food intake, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Jefferson County Food Policy Council was funded by a $200,000, threeyear grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Cancer, Cardiovascular and Chronic Pulmonary Disease grant program. The grant ended on June 30 but was recently renewed for another three years.

The council also wanted to address the limited use of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps), the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program and rising child obesity numbers in the county, a well as food insecurity, according to Marion Kalb, food systems coordinator for Jefferson County Public Health.

Kalb noted a county-wide health assessment required by public health regulations found food insecurity to be the second of four main concerns.

Kalb said the council tries to target many of its efforts on areas of high need, or those living below the poverty level. She said the community health assessment estimated that includes 11 percent of the county’s 565,524 residents. Poverty levels were found to be increasing among households with children.

Kalb identified areas in Golden, Wheat Ridge, Arvada and Lakewood as among those with a high need.

“Then later, we want to also focus on the mountain region such as Evergreen,” she

added. “The people who work in the service industries in those types of areas often have trouble affording basic necessities like healthy food, so we need to reach them, too.”

The council’s mission is to influence policy to increase equitable access to healthy, local and affordable food and support a sustainable community food system.

Council membership includes farmers, nonprofit organizations, health care staff, community residents, researchers and local municipalities. Those include CSU Extension, the cities of Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Westminster, Golden and Edgewater, LiveWell Colorado, Kaiser Permanente, Centura Health, Senior Resource Center, Arvada Community Food Bank, Jeffco PTA, Jeffco Conservation District, Food Bank of the Rockies and Jeffco Schools.

Kalb said the council works with other agencies such as the Tri-County (Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties) Health Department and the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment “to make sure we have policies that go beyond county lines.”

For example, Kalb said a mobile van that brings fresh fruit and vegetables to high-need communities in Denver has seen only limited success.

“We believe that a policy of serving nearby areas would expand its reach,” she noted.

Other areas the Food Policy Council focused on included establishing a 12- to 15-plot community garden that is planned to be expanded to 30 to 35 plots next year.

The council also works with close to 10 area farmers markets to encourage the use of SNAP benefits and double the amount of eligible food purchased to $20, which is Continued on page 15

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

9

Check Out Unique Programs For Local Libraries’ Patrons This Fall n By

S

Nancy Hahn

tudents are back in school and many of the great activities offered all through the summer for school-aged children have ended for the school year, but there are many other ongoing activities and programs to take their place.

Edgewater Library (5843 W. 25th Ave.), Wheat Ridge Library (5475 W. 32nd Ave.) and Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library (1498 N. Irving St.) are very different libraries and each support their patrons, provide services, and do much more than simply provide books to be checked out.

If you are a student back in school and struggling with homework, help may be waiting for you if you have a Jefferson County Public Library card. You can reach a tutor online at the Jeffco libraries website between 2 and 11 p.m. for English, writing, math, science, social studies, language studies and adult education topics. You can, also, schedule a one-on-one session with a JCPL librarian at Book a Librarian for research or computer help.

Certainly, libraries are places to find the perfect book, music CD or movie. Book Clubs, also, meet to discuss books.

The Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales holds a R.A.D.A (Read. Awareness. Dialogue.

Action.) Book Club for teens and adults. The club is designed as a safe place to discuss current issues.

Book club bags containing 10 copies of the book, great information and discussion questions are available at Edgewater, Wheat Ridge and other Jefferson County libraries.

There is even a BYO(Book) Group that meets at West Fax Brewing Company in Lamar Station Plaza once a month. Each meeting readers bring a specific type of book to discuss. On Oct. 10, members will bring a book translated from another language.

November is for nonfiction graphic novels.

There are available computers and

other technology for patrons to use at all the libraries. With students back in school, community members use computers for many different purposes. On any given day, patrons at Edgewater and Wheat Ridge libraries may receive help writing a resume, performing online job searches or getting started with online genealogy. Classes can be taken on the computers, too. Faxing is also available for free at Wheat Ridge and Edgewater libraries. The Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library has drop-in technology help for adults and teens. The patrons learn about using email, social networks and the Internet.

The Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Library offers a great variety of services for its patrons. The library has many immigrant and refugee patrons. Every few days the library opens a large community space for immigrants from anywhere in the world to gather, meet new friends and learn about resources. Help is provided in English, applying for citizenship, with job searches, and there is even some fun making crafts.

Little ones may have mom or dad to themselves now that older siblings are in school. Wheat Ridge, Edgewater and other Jefferson County libraries offer Stories-to-Go to provide some fun to take home. A Stories-to-Go book bag contains books, activities and make-it fun for little ones, all about a common theme. Pirates, construction and bears are just a few of the themes. Check online to see all the possibilities!

If your family is looking for something to do together, all three libraries offer Culture Passes. Many museums, other area activities, and even all Colorado State Parks accept Culture Passes. The State Parks Pass even comes with a backpack holding maps, brochures and binoculars! You do need to contact the library ahead of time, reserve, and then pick up your pass.

If you have a family member suffering

EDGEWATER LIBRARY WILL MOVE INTO THE NEW EDGEWATER CIVIC CENTER in Walker Branch Park this fall, continuing to support its patrons, provide services, and do much more than simply provide books. PHOTO BY NANCY HAHN with Alzheimer’s disease, many family activities can become much more difficult.

Wheat Ridge Library has a program for both caretakers and for Alzheimer’s sufferers.

Memory Café is a monthly event held from 1 to 2:30 in the afternoon for people living with memory loss and their families. The meetings are held in Wheat Ridge Library’s Ye Old Firehouse Meeting Hall. This ongoing series, presented by the Alzheimer’s Association, provides a quick, fun activity or presentation. There is also a time to drink a cup of coffee, relax, socialize and talk to someone else who understands. There will be a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 19, then Oct. 17.

Edgewater Library is as small as a library can be, but a very active part of its

community. Edgewater's Teen Advisory Board meets every month in the library to plan teen library events and services. The seventh- to 12th-grade members of the board discuss plans and what they want in a library. Sustainable Edgewater meets on the third Tuesday of every month. The group discusses energy solutions with the thought that sustainability is possible. Discussions address many environmentally based topics, led by Xerxes Steirer, Research Assistant Professor at the Colorado School of Mines.

This fall, Edgewater Library will move into the new Edgewater Civic Center in Walker Branch Park. The new library will be 10,000 square feet, and is sure to continue to be very valuable part of the community, as all these libraries are.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

What’s Happening in the WRBA

MOUNTAIN VIEWS Berkeley Methodist Church – An Architectural Cornerstone n By

Red Wing Shoes owners, Bob & Linda Casey and their family. A ribbon cutting was held at the Sept. 16 opening of their Youngfield Shopping Center store.

With Bud Starker, Emily Green, Ashley Holland and Pam Goff networking at the August Biz Mix, held Aug. 22 at West 29th Restaurant & Bar, 5560 W 29th Ave.

October Membership Breakfast

Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, October 4

wheatridgebiz.com/ upcoming_events/

DATE: Tuesday, October 9, 2018 TIME: 11:00am-1:00pm LOCATION: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO COST: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members SPEAKER: Jayne Sanders, Scientific Hand Analysis Specialist TOPIC: “Your Hands Will Tell You! How Scientific Hand Analysis Impacts Your Life and Work” MEETING SPONSOR: TBA MEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Tom Ripp – Boatright, Ripp & Lusk, LLC, Tim Berland, Neighborhood Gazette

Welcome New Members Patty Blake - Denver Deep • Gary Wamboldt - Maximum Automotive LLC Jeff Hurlburt - Clancy’s Irish Pub • Paul Enockson - Enockson Law Michael Denison - Aspen Grove Financial Strategies Joe Turok - Welcomemat Services Jeffco/Boulder Please join us for our next meeting. Call (720) 588-2317

Patricia Lilliston

W

hether traveling on foot, stroller or bicycle, a trek around the perimeter of Mountain View measures a mile and a half and clocks 30 minutes on a Fitbit. Along the path, one passes the existing location of the first community building constructed in the area, the Berkeley Methodist Church, located at the corner of 43rd Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard.

Initially the site of a gospel tent, four lots were purchased for $500 on what was formerly identified as Oak Street with the intent to construct a building for a growing congregation.

When the deed of the property was recorded on March 2,1891, and the roof was raised, services were held with only floor planks and carpeted nail kegs functioning as the church pews.

In 1892, at a cost of $4,000, the Berkeley Methodist Church construction was complete. Renovations continued when a parsonage was erected at a cost of $1,600 in 1893. In time, sidewalks surrounding the entire property were laid.

Lightning struck the towering steeple in 1916. Before the fire department arrived, the rooftop and church steeple were destroyed.

The original steeple was never replaced as the insurance settlement was used for other church expenditures.

The 1930s prompted minimal updates.

The annex was extended, windows repaired, and a medallion was set in front of the church.

Then during the 1940s, the furnace was replaced; hardwood floors were refurbished; walls were re-papered and painted; linoleum was laid in the church auditorium.

Unfortunately, during this decade, a hailstorm caused extensive damage to the building. Although funds were acquired to recondition the property, the scarcity of the workforce during World War II made the likelihood of repairs unrealistic.

The next several decades presented the opportunity to add space for an educational unit and purchase a new parsonage. Asphalt was poured on the north curbside. Minor remodeling continued with the addition of tile, carpeting, and wiring for an interior chime sound system and exterior floodlights.

For many years, the main church entrance faced Sheridan Boulevard, but when the street was widened and the traffic noise increased, the pulpit and pews were rearranged, and the church entrance was repositioned to 43rd Avenue.

During the formative years of the Mountain View community, many town meetings were held at the church, as it was the largest building in the neighborhood.

Continued on page 16

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Ronda Scholting

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n a Saturday in May, the sun barely peeked out from behind the thick clouds that hung over Bear Creek Lake Park. But the weather had little impact on the parents and kids who were enjoying the weekend’s scout camping trip as they fired up the grill for lunch.

Ted Amidon grabbed a plate and headed for the picnic table to sit down. But, in the few steps from grill to table, Ted suddenly dropped to the ground, unconscious. Other parents rushed to his side and found he was not breathing. Someone called 911 and Ted’s wife Kirsten started CPR. On the 911 recording, you can hear the panic in the caller’s voice and the reassurance from the Jeffcom dispatcher that help was on the way. The dispatcher counted out the compressions for Kirsten as she performed CPR on Ted, who had completely lost all color.

“He just dropped, we thought he had tripped,” said Kirsten Amidon. “The parent next to me said he thought Ted had a pulse and I remember thinking, what do you mean you think he has a pulse? He looked like he had passed.”

The West Metro firefighters that responded knew the incident was a possible cardiac arrest and when they arrived, Kirsten was still performing CPR. “We had an incredible and effective bystander CPR presence,” said Brian Holcomb, West Metro firefighter/ paramedic. “Kirsten gave Ted a huge chance, and then the LUCAS device helped assure that we were giving consistent highquality CPR. That was certainly one of many important pieces that helped Ted survive.”

West Metro added several LUCAS devices to district ambulances in March of this year. The device takes over CPR compressions from first responders, allowing paramedics and emergency medical technicians to administer other lifesaving treatments at the same time.

The device automatically calibrates the

WEST METRO ADDED SEVERAL LUCAS DEVICES to district ambulances in March. The device takes over CPR compressions from first responders, allowing paramedics and emergency medical technicians to administer other lifesaving treatments at the same time.

PHOTO: WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE

depth of compressions for each individual patient and delivers those compressions continuously, even while the patient is being moved onto a gurney, into an ambulance and to the hospital.

In Ted’s case, the West Metro crew and the LUCAS device got his heart beating again. On the ride to the emergency room, Ted was able to talk with his rescuers. After treatment in the heart catheterization lab, he walked out of the hospital after a short stay.

“What do you say, but thank you,” said Ted Amidon. “I was glad to get another chance and glad that we have these resources.”

Since Ted’s incident in May, two other West Metro patients have survived cardiac arrest, thanks in part to the LUCAS device.

The fire district currently has seven of the devices and is looking at funding to put the LUCAS on all West Metro ambulances.

Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

11

Contrast, Harmony Fuel Wheat Ridge Couple’s Artistic Passion n By

Ken Lutes

J

ust go throw some paint on a canvas.”

Those words, spoken by Jeanette Oxelson to husband Mark Eirhart, helped get him started painting more than a decade ago.

“I’m an abstract painter – a nonobjective painter, meaning that I don’t work from a model or a reference,” said Eirhart.

He plays with paint, strictly making marks with his brush until an image starts to form through the textures and colors he applies.

“Sometimes I play for a long time.”

“Unlike Mark, I need a reference,” Oxelson said. “I can’t just paint what’s in my head. When I paint a portrait, I work from a photograph – I don’t want people to pose for me.”

Oxelson prefers to work with oil paints; Eirhart uses acrylics and pastels.

He sometimes incorporates collage into his paintings: pieces from newspapers, magazines or photographs that get glued to his canvas by brushing on a translucent acrylic gel medium. ”I’ll chop them up so you can’t really tell what it is.”

Having worked for nine years in customer service for Dish Network, Eirhart believes that working on the phone may have had an effect on the dark moods of his paintings.

“I’d get loaded with negative stuff from people on the phone, and that had a profound effect on me – hey, I’m sensitive!

That may be part of the reason why my paintings are mostly strange and dark.”

“Right now, I’m kind of in flux,“ said Oxelson. She’s in the process of remodeling a room in their home that will be a new studio space for herself.

“I haven’t done any [art] for a while, but I’m getting back into it. When I was painting, what I liked best were portraits.”

Her portraits are truly realistic. One portrait of her young daughter in a highchair was made referencing a black and white photo. She added a tiny bit of color to it to make it look like a tinted photo of the 1930s.

Oxelson has always been keen on detail.

When she was nine, she took apart her father’s watch, lining up all the parts in the order she’d dissembled them. He came home from work and told her, “That’s a new watch; you’d better put it back together and it better work.” She did and it did.

Her penchant for detail was further enhanced by her training at an engineering drafting school, in which she enrolled after a divorce from her first husband. There, she put to work her attention for fine detail and received an associate’s degree. Her interest in painting was sparked while in a graphic design class.

“When it comes to painting, I had no formal training, but drafting gave me a good eye for space.”

She wants to do some landscapes, and some of Eirhart’s approach could be rubbing off on her.

“I can be too detailed and exacting; I feel I need to loosen up to do some landscapes,” she said.

As a Libra, Eirhart says he keeps weighing whether a piece is done.

“Sometimes I have to ask Jeanette what she thinks of a painting, because otherwise I’ll just keep going. I need to learn when to stop and not over-analyze.

In the fall of 2007, Eirhart took “Best of Show” with the Mountainside Art Guild at the Foothills Art Gallery in Golden – his very first show.

“Now, I’m being encouraged by everybody to go big, because it’s important for an abstract artist to paint large.”

He feels challenged by the belief that he can succeed because he’s most comfortable painting on a 16-by-20-inch canvas; he’s now considering a minimum size of 30 by 40 inches and says he’ll focus on his strengths of composition and contrast.

Being in a comfortable environment and having the physical space to work in is number one with both artists. Their previous house in northwest Denver was costly to maintain and the neighborhood environment was distracting, Oxelson said. Moving to their home in Wheat Ridge is a better emotional and psychological environment for both artists, according to Eirhart.

“It has an almost country feel. We have great neighbors, and we’re not struggling against where we live.”

Oxelson added, “I want to make my new

IN THEIR HOME ART STUDIO, artists Jeanette Oxelson and Mark Eirhart pose in front of Eirhart’s “non-objective” paintings. PHOTO BY KEN LUTES studio a place where if I want to knit, I can work on that; if I want to paint, it’s all there and I don’t have to put it away. I work on furniture, too. I like to take old furniture and make something really cool out of it.

When an idea hits you, you just want to go do it, so having the physical space is really important.”

Music is another aspect of their creative talent. In high school, Oxelson wanted to go into musical theater. That didn’t work out, but later on she sang for about 10 years in

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a Sweet Adelines barbershop quartet and chorus; when she left that organization, her quartet was ranked second internationally.

For a few years during the early 2000s, Oxelson and Eirhart performed as a singing duo that incorporated Eirhart’s original songs and Oxelson’s harmonies. That effort culminated in a professionally produced CD of their music. They’re both proud of that achievement. Oxelson looks forward to the day when they will perform again, but the focus for now is on their art.

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Given the record heat we’ve been having lately, it’s hard to imagine that fall is right around the corner. But once temperatures start to drop and flowers begin to wilt, it doesn’t mean that you have to stop gardening. In fact, there are many varieties you can plant now, while the weather is still mild and the first frost has yet to creep in on us.

Because there is no harsh, sweltering heat, many plants root better in the cooler fall soil. Let’s start with vegetables. This time of year, hardier crops like lettuce, spinach, peas and radishes are your best bet. They thrive in cooler temperatures and can bring food to your table in just a few short weeks.

Since the weather is warmer, you can direct sow (no need to fuss with seedlings indoors) and the soil is already primed for planting after months of summer sunshine.

No time to sow seeds, but still eager for some fall color? Consider favorites like Garden Mums. These colorful plants are easy to come by and will bring pops of red, white, yellow and orange to your yard or garden. If you have patience, it’s also a great time to plant bulbs (think daffodils, tulips) that will grace you with color come springtime.

Trees and shrubs also take well to cooler soil and can often be purchased at a discount this time of year. This includes fruiting plants like raspberries, blueberries and grapes. Although you won’t be able to harvest come wintertime, you’ll be grateful for your hard work once springtime rolls around.

GARDEN MUMS ARE EASY TO COME BY and will bring pops of red, white, yellow and orange to your yard or garden this fall, without sowing seeds. PHOTO BY MEGHAN GODBY

Inspired? You can always stop by a home improvement store or even a grocery store for some quick buys. But why not support a few local mom and pop shops?

Young’s Market and Garden Center (9400 W. 44th Ave.), Abner’s Garden Center (12280 W. 44th Ave.), Al’s Pine Garden (6815 W. 4th Ave.) and Southwest Gardens (4114 N. Harlan St.) have been around for decades and are staffed with knowledgeable neighbors that can help you make the best selection.

So don’t pack up your gardening supplies just yet! Whether you’re new at the hobby or a seasoned pro, you still have plenty of time to get your hands dirty. If you’re interested in learning more about what grows best here, head over to almanac.com and search for Zone 5b – that’s the hardiness zone for most of the Denver metro area.

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Apple Cider Day Coming To Historical Park, Oct. 13 n By

S

Janet “White” Bradford

o many apples this year around town makes this a great year to come down to the Apple Cider Day at the Wheat Ridge Historical Park, 4610 Robb St., the second Saturday of October (13th) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Bring your washed apples and containers to use our antique press to make cider for a nominal cash donation. We will have lunch heated on the cook stove in the Soddy, also for a nominal cash donation. We always have craft demonstrations and sales with music – bring your voice or instrument and join in. You can bring your questions about the Wheat Ridge area to our historians or purchase some local history books and oldtime toys.

Take a tour of the Historical Park’s many buildings including the implement shed, a recent focus of our project days’ efforts.

(Thank you volunteers!)

We will have lunch at noon and music throughout the day. Dressing in clothing from the 1890s to 1930s is encouraged!

Think pioneer – here in Wheat Ridge, we are home of the Farmers! Participants may find their picture on our Facebook page or website On the Fourth Wednesday of the month, between 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., stop by the Historical Park to chat with the members of the Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle as they work on quilts and other crafts. Open

to all crafters, the cost is $2. The park is open Tuesday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; you can get a tour for just $2.

Mark your calendar for the upcoming monthly Second Saturday events: Bountiful Blessings – Recorder Music Lessons (November); Holiday Celebrations with White Elephant gift exchange (December); Happy 50th Birthday Wheat Ridge (January 2019).

We have added Fourth Saturday Project Days to our schedule to encourage members of the public and our society members to help tackle some projects around the Historical Park and Baugh House. Even in the winter there are indoor projects to be tackled. This will be a monthly event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at either or both locations – check our website for updates on this community service. Snacks will be provided and history will be discussed at these Project Day events, scheduled for Dec. 22, Jan. 26 and Feb. 23.

Our October Society meeting will be on the second Tuesday, Oct. 9, at 7 p.m., at the Red Brick Museum building. We will have snacks and a brief historic talk at the start of the meeting. New members are encouraged to join us at these fun and informative monthly evening meetings.

Our website is WheatRidgeHistoricalSociety.org. You can email us at WRHistorical@gmail.com. Or visit us on Facebook: The Wheat Ridge Historical Society.

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

MEDICALLY SPEAKING Why Breast Density Matters In Cancer Screening n By

Whitney Morgan, MD

B

reast density has become a hot topic in breast cancer screening due to the growing breast density awareness movement and the enactment of breast density notification laws in many states.

Colorado recently became the 31st state to pass legislation, effective Oct. 1, 2017, requiring that a woman be notified if her mammogram shows dense breast tissue.

Why all the fuss about breast density? Not only has dense breast tissue been shown to be a significant independent risk factor for developing breast cancer, it can also make it more difficult to see cancer on a mammogram.

Here are the answers to some common questions:

Even with dense breast tissue, many cancers can be detected on mammograms.

Tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography, can help find additional cancers in women of all breast densities but can be especially helpful in women with dense tissue.

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Should I get any other tests in addition to mammography if I have dense breasts?

Dense breast tissue makes it more likely for a cancer to be hidden on a mammogram. While studies have shown that ultrasound and MRI can find additional cancers not seen with mammography, “false positive” findings (i.e., findings that require further evaluation or biopsy but turn out to be non-cancerous) are common with both MRI and ultrasound. Also, some What is breast density and insurance companies may not Whitney Morgan, MD cover these tests. how is it determined?

Breast density is determined

If you have dense breasts, on a mammogram by the relative amounts please talk with your doctor or breast of dense fibrous and glandular tissue to imaging specialist about the pros and cons surrounding fatty tissue. of supplemental screening with ultrasound or MRI to find out what is best for you.

Why does breast density matter?

During Breast Cancer Awareness There are two reasons: Dense breast month (October), ask yourself: “Have I tissue can make it more difficult to see had my mammogram this year?” Screening cancers on your mammogram and, having mammography is the only imaging test dense breast tissue increases your risk for proven to save lives and reduce breast developing breast cancer. cancer mortality, regardless of breast density. At Lutheran Medical Center, we Is a mammogram still effective if I offer annual screening mammography for have dense breast tissue? all women starting at age 40.

Yes. Although no test is perfect, Dr. Whitney Morgan is the medical dimammography is still the only screening test rector of the Breast Care Center at Lutherproven to reduce breast cancer mortality. an Medical Center.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING Colorado Honey Festival Sweetens Four Seasons Market, Sept. 22 & 23 The Colorado Honey Festival comes to Wheat Ridge the weekend of Sept. 22-23, celebrating bees, beekeeping, pollinators of all kinds and, of course, honey.

The Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 22, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Four Seasons Farmers and Artisans Market, 7043 W. 38th Ave. Admission is free. Festival attendees can sample local honey from different Colorado beekeepers, listen to live music, visit educational booths, and attend presentations on the health benefits of honey, Beekeeping Basics, Bee-Safe Neighborhoods and more. Hot food will be available for purchase at the event.

Four Seasons is pet-friendly and has restrooms on site. Look for easy parking for the festival just east of the market, off of Reed Street.

Festival vendors and presenters include The Colorado Beekeepers Association, Denver Bee, AintMisBEEhaiving, The Honey People, iIndulge, Jack’s Stands & Marketplace, Little Brazil, Melissa Lemmons Jams and White Cat Silver, in addition to all the regular Four Seasons Market vendors.

Saturday presentations include: • The Health Benefits of Honey by Ray Story, Colorado Beekeepers Association, 10 a.m.

• Bee Safe Neighborhoods, by Sustainable Eiber (Lakewood Sustainable Neighborhoods), 11:30 a.m.

• Beekeeping 101 by Jeff Curry, The Honey People, 12:45 p.m.

• Who’s Who in Your Garden? Native Bees, Wasps, Bumblebees and More! by Colorado Beekeepers Association, 1:30 p.m.

Sunday presentations include: • A topic-to-be-announced workshop, 10:30 a.m.

• Beekeeping Basics: How do I get Started as a Beekeeper? How do I Keep my Bees Alive Once I Have Them? by the Colorado Beekeepers Association, 1:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www. fourseasonsfam.com or facebook.com/ fourseasonsfam

Outdoor Lab Legacy Continues Thanks To Check From Outdoor Lab Foundation Seven years ago, Jefferson County Public Schools’ Outdoor Lab was nearly lost due to budget cuts in education. The Outdoor Lab Foundation was intent on saving the program. For the past several years, the Foundation has forged meaningful and impactful relationships within our community to effectively sustain, support and grow the program.

On Sept. 6 the Foundation presented a check to Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass and Jeffco Public Schools for $916,910.58, representing Outdoor Lab support the Foundation provided during the 2017-2018 school year.

The Foundation’s efforts and continued community support ensure that each year, every sixth-grade student in Jefferson County, regardless of economic status or physical ability, are gifted their opportunity to attend Outdoor Lab.

Fruitdale School Lofts Wins Prestigious NAHRO Award Fruitdale School Lofts has received a Community Development award from

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RED WING SHOES OWNERS BOB AND LINDA CASEY CUT THE RIBBON at the Sept. 16 opening of their Youngfield Shopping Center store with daughter Rachel and mother Rosalie, City Manager Patrick Goff and Economic Development Manager Steve Art, and Red Wing Regional Operations Manager Ryan Garmers. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHEAT RIDGE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION:

the Mountain Plains Regional Council of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).

The NAHRO awards are given annually to recognize outstanding places, people and programs affiliated with NAHRO agency members. The awards recognize best practices among housing, redevelopment and community agencies.

The transformation of the Fruitdale School to solar-powered affordable housing culminates a decade of community effort to save a treasured historic landmark.

Fruitdale’s redevelopment is the first adaptive reuse project of its kind for the City of Wheat Ridge. The project is seen as a catalyst for the revitalization of Wheat Ridge’s 44th Avenue corridor, which is one reason why the city made a significant investment to help ensure Fruitdale’s success. An adjacent property has already been redeveloped as a direct result and improvements to other properties are underway along the corridor.

Fruitdale’s community includes former students (one that played basketball on the backboard that remains as a feature in his loft), a former city council member, a resident that is starting her own on-site community garden (to add to Fruitdale’s existing fruit trees and berry bushes), and many families with young children.

“We are honored to receive this prestigious NAHRO award on behalf of the entire Fruitdale School Partners team,” said Jim Hartman, principal of Hartman Ely Investments. “The rebirth of Fruitdale resulted from a monumental effort by countless team members and is a great testament to community will.”

“The restoration of the Fruitdale School into rental lofts offers a unique residential opportunity for Wheat Ridge,” said Patrick Goff, Wheat Ridge city manager. “With the use of solar power, free electric vehicle charging stations and edible, low-water-use landscaping, Fruitdale School Lofts provide our city with an example of how to create sustainable and affordable housing in a repurposed historic landmark that is very important to our community.”

To view the video record of the Fruitdale School Lofts project, visit https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcsAn8Gcba

M&feature=youtu.be.

JCPL Provides Resources To Support Upcoming Elections This election season, Jefferson County residents can stay informed at Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) as they gear up to exercise their right to vote.

Each library will feature a campaign literature table where residents can browse and gather resources to help them prepare for the Tuesday, Nov. 6, general election.

Candidates and issue committees may provide information of interest to display at the library.

“Being our residents’ go-to source of information guides all of our work at JCPL,” said Donna Walker, JCPL executive director.

“A strong, vibrant Jeffco community starts with informed citizens. We’re proud to do our part to promote civic engagement and continuous education for our patrons.”

Residents can also take part in campaign season by casting their vote at participating JCPL locations this fall. Starting Monday, Oct. 22, Columbine, Belmar and Standley Lake Libraries will host early and general election voting. Lakewood Library will offer general election voting only on Nov. 6.

Residents may also drop off their completed ballots in the 24-hour ballot drop boxes located outside of Standley Lake, Evergreen or Columbine Libraries. The county will mail general election ballots on Oct. 15.

Additional information, including a full list of polling places, is available at jeffco. us/elections.

Local Breweries Help Out Jeffco Library’s Stouts And Stories/Ales And Tales Kick Off Sept. 27 The Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF) will host the second Stouts and Stories/Ales and Tales Beer Tasting Kick-off event Sept. 27 at the Lamar Continued on page 15

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

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 14

Street Center, 5889 Lamar St., Arvada, from 5 to 9 p.m. The kick-off event features tastings from 12 local Jefferson County brewpubs, brew talks by local experts, live music, food trucks, games and prizes.

“This event was hosted by Jefferson County Public Library in 2017, and it received a tremendous response from the community,” said Jo Schantz, executive director of JCLF. “The Foundation decided to turn this into a fundraiser and partner with local businesses to help raise money for library programs.” Funds generated by the kick-off event will help support the library’s STEM/STEAM initiatives, early childhood literacy and the hugely popular summer reading program.

General admission tickets for the kickoff event are $15 each, and VIP tickets (at $25 each) enable guests to also view the Cool Car Collection of rare and exotic vehicles in the Steel Affairs showroom. Games include giant beer pong, corn hole and super Jenga, and game-playing participants can earn tickets for a series of prize drawings held that evening. Local brewers will be featured speakers during the kick-off event, and live music will be provided by the band Half Pint and the Growlers.

The event also launches the six-week, self-guided craft beer tour throughout the county available from Sept. 28 through Nov. 11. Free beer tour “passports” can be picked up at no charge at the kick-off party, at any Jefferson County Public Library or at any of four Jefferson County-based Westerra Credit Union locations. Patrons visit the breweries listed in the passport and receive a stamp for enjoying the breweries’ special offers. Stamped passports can then be redeemed for prizes at the four Westerra Credit Union branch locations.

Participating breweries include Brewery Rickoli, Colorado Plus Brew Pub, El Rancho Brewing, Evergreen Tap House, Golden City Brewery, Grand Lake Brewing Tavern, Ironworks Brewery & Pub, Joyride Brewing, Landlocked Ales, New Image Brewing Company, Someplace Else Brewery and Westfax Brewing Company.

Tickets can be purchased at jeffcolibraryfoundation.org through Sept. 26, or by calling 303-403-5079.

A Night For CASA Benefits Abused, Neglected Children Sept. 29 CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is hosting A Night for CASA, its largest fundraiser, Sept. 29 at the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, starting at 6 p.m.

The event will include a sit-down dinner and the live and silent auctions. Auction items will include date nights, weekend getaways, family outings, dining experiences and sporting events.

All funds raised will help abused and neglected children in the Jefferson and Gilpin county court systems.

More than 50,000 reports of child abuse and neglect are filed in Colorado every year.

CASA works to give these children hope for a better future through their community programs. The more than 200 CASA advocates help serve as a voice for these children.

“CASA has positively influenced

Food Continued from page 8

then matched by the SNAP program.

“We’ve seen some pretty tremendous growth in that area,” Kalb added, to around $20,000 this year.

A council goal of seeing the federal Farm Bill include small farms, urban farming and conservation was recently endorsed by the county, Kalb noted.

For instance, the Senate version of the bill includes a provision to encourage and

more than 3,000 children through the community’s gracious donations,” said Leah Varnell, executive director for CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties.

For more information, or visit www. casajeffcogilpin.com.

Free Presentation On The Aging Brain And Sustaining Quality Of Life Oct. 4 At Community First Foundation Learn about the aging brain from a scientific point of view and discover resources that sustain the quality of life of older adults in Jefferson County at Healthy Aging: Opportunities and Rewards, Thursday, Oct. 4, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Community First Foundation, 5855 Wadsworth Bypass, Unit A, Arvada.

Presented and sponsored by the Board Alumni Council of the Community First Foundation, the free community event features Seniors’ Resource Center President and CEO Monica Roers and Dr. Granholm Bentley of the Knoebel Institute. Beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.

Seniors’ Resource Center provides person-focused, coordinated services to enhance independence, dignity and quality of life. The Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging creates and implements solutions for aging issues through multidisciplinary research, education and outreach.

The Community First Foundation helps donors and nonprofits improve quality of life and create positive change in Jefferson County and the Denver metropolitan area.

For more information or to RSVP, email or call Emily Nightingale at enightingale@ CommunityFirstFoundation.org or 720898-5930.

Local Breweries Join Library For New Twist On Book Groups This fall, Jefferson County Public Library is hosting an alternative take on the traditional book group. BYOB(ook) Group is a monthly, themed book group meeting at Westfax Brewing Company, 6733 W. Colfax Ave., in Lakewood, on the second Wednesday of the month (Oct. 10), from 6:30 to 8 p.m., and a second group at Wheat Ridge’s Colorado Plus Brew Pub, 6995 W. 38th Ave., on Oct. 8.

“We want to reach people who might not normally come into the library but still want that sense of community with other book lovers,” said Jennifer Kim, JCPL adult services librarian. “The themes ensure that participants don’t feel limited to read a specific book each month, rather they allow participants to explore new genres with the flexibility to choose their own titles.”

People come prepared to talk about books that fall into the given theme in a casual setting and enjoy happy-hour prices, then leave with book recommendations for the rest of their summer and fall reading.

Upcoming dates and themes at WestFax include: Oct. 10, a book that is translated from a different language; Nov. 14, a nonfiction graphic novel; and Dec. 12, a book with a cover you hate.

The Wheat Ridge group’s dates and themes will include: a book of short stories, expand the use of steel “hoop” houses as year-round greenhouses to protect crops from hail and extend growing seasons and incomes of small farmers, she stated.

Crop insurance for urban and small farmers is another policy area of focus with the Farm Bill, Kalb said.

The council meets the third Thursday of every month and is open to anyone with an interest in increasing food security and providing access to healthy foods for all county residents.

For more information, contact Kalb at mlkalb@jeffco.us or 303-239-7159.

Oct. 8; a book with characters from a culture other than your own, Nov. 12; and a book of 21st-century poetry, Dec. 10.

15

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Visit jeffcolibrary.org for event information.

Apple Cider Day At Wheat Ridge Historical Park, Oct. 13 Wheat Ridge Historical Society will host its Apple Cider Day on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Wheat Ridge Historical Park, 4610 Robb St. Folks are invited to bring washed apples and containers to use the Society’s antique press to make cider for a nominal cash donation at the second Saturday event.

“We will have lunch heated on the cook stove in the Soddy (also for a nominal cash donation),” said the Society’s Janet Bradford.

There will be tours, craft demonstrations and sales with music. “Bring your voice or instrument and join in!”

For more information, visit WheatRidgeHistoricalSociety.org or e-mail WRHistorical@gmail.com.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 17 – OCTOBER 14, 2018 – ngazette.com

Ballot Issues Continued from page 1

clause” stated if a new tax brings in more revenue in its first year than projected in an election notice, the taxing entity must refund the excess money and change the tax rate to match the actual revenue amount. Instead, a government may seek voter approval to keep the excess revenue and maintain the tax rate.

City voters will see this language on the Nov. 6 ballot: “Shall the City of Wheat Ridge be entitled to retain all revenues from the 2016 voter-approved ballot question 2E, 'Investing 4 the Future' 1/2 cent per dollar sales and use tax rate increase, and to continue to collect the tax at the 1/2 cent per dollar rate and expend said revenues including any interest and investment income therefrom, until revenues from such tax increase reach $38.5 million or Dec. 31, 2028, whichever occurs first, in the following ways directed by the voters in 2016: • Anderson Park improvements; • Wadsworth Boulevard reconstruction – 35th Avenue to Interstate 70; • Wheat Ridge – Ward commuter rail station area; • Clear Creek Crossing – mixed-use development site on the west side of I-70 at 38th and Youngfield; without refunding any amount for exceeding the revenue estimates in the election notice mailed to voters in 2016?”

City Manager Patrick Goff told the council he created a percentage breakdown of how much excess revenue could be directed to each project identified in the 2016 question.

“But a TABOR expert we talked to advised against that because they’ve found it’s very difficult to enforce and comply with,” Goff added.

Councilman Larry Matthews said he would rather the city be able to cover overbudget expenses on each project instead of

potentially “adding more work just to spend the money” in the 2016 ballot question.

City Attorney Gerald Dahl explained if city voters decline the ballot question, things like free days at the city recreation center or a “tax forgiveness day” could be used as refund measures.

“Almost any effort, if it’s an earnest and honest effort, has been accepted by the courts,” he said.

Councilwoman Monica Duran noted the average refund to each Wheat Ridge taxpayer is an estimated $14.72.

“It’s not like anyone is getting two grand back,” she said.

Councilman Zachary Urban supported designating 25 percent of the excess revenue to each of the four projects to help voters understand where the money would be spent.

City Clerk Janelle Shaver, a former city councilwoman, noted Wheat Ridge voters had historically “easily passed” similar TABOR measures, “if the city was specific about the uses for the money.”

Dahl told council an El Paso County District Court ruling in March found ballot language to allow the county to keep and spend excess revenue overrides the TABOR amendment. That legal challenge was filed by the author of the amendment, Douglas Bruce, Dahl added, and Bruce has appealed the ruling.

Dahl said the city could wait until that issue is finally resolved through the appeals process. However, putting the excess revenue in escrow until that time would violate the TABOR refund requirement, he added.

Councilman George Pond favored waiting until the challenge was settled, while Councilman Tim Fitzgerald worried the city could also be sued if it waited, leading to late fines or attorney fees, which he said could add up to significant costs.

“I think it’s silly for us to spend $1 or $2 to mail $14 checks to everyone in the city,” he added. “We need the money.”

Broadband question needed due to state law

The broadband issue stems from a bill passed by state lawmakers in 2005 that prohibits local governments from providing cable television, telecommunication or high-speed Internet services, directly or indirectly, unless local voters approve.

City voters will see this language on the Nov. 6 ballot: “Shall the City of Wheat Ridge, without increasing taxes by this measure, and to restore local authority that was denied to local governments by the Colorado General Assembly and foster a more competitive marketplace, be authorized to provide highspeed internet, including improved high bandwidth services, telecommunications services, and/or cable television services to residents, businesses, schools, libraries, non-profit entities and other users of such services either directly or indirectly with public or private sector partners, as expressly permitted by article 27, title 29 of the Colorado Revised Statutes?”

Goff noted the broadband question does not compel the city to do anything, it just gives the city the option to provide highspeed Internet access.

“We don’t really know the role of local government in this today,” he told the council. “We could provide the service directly or indirectly through a public/ private partnership. But right now, it’s just way too soon to give a detailed plan about how these services will be provided.”

Fitzgerald noted all the cities surrounding Wheat Ridge – except Denver – already passed similar resolutions to ask voters for the exemption. Across Colorado, more than 90 municipalities have done the same, he added.

“This is simply a technicality that returns our rights to us,” Fitzgerald said.

Wheat Ridge will participate in a coordinated election with Jefferson County and the approximate cost to include each question on the ballot is between $10,000 and $20,000, according to a city memo.

Mountain Views Continued from page 10

With a history of over 125 years, the Berkeley Methodist Church remains a Mountain View architectural cornerstone.

Community Events The quarterly Coffee & Conversation with the Mayor is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Town Hall, 4176 Benton St. The forum provides the opportunity to meet neighbors, learn about local happenings and share your ideas for the community with Mayor Levy.

Mountain View is partnering with Inner City Health Center to provide 20 adult flu shots on Saturday, Oct. 6, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., at the Town Hall, 4176 Benton St. Flu shots are free of charge.

A budget hearing for the 2019 Proposed Town Budget will be presented on Monday, Oct. 8, during the regular monthly town council meeting, 6:30 p.m., at the Town Hall, 4176 Benton St. Good Views September, the ninth month of the year, the third of four months to hold 30 days, and the seasonal equivalent of March in the Southern Hemisphere, is also distinguished with two literary calendar markers.

September is deemed Library Card Signup Month. Libraries nationwide remind us that signing up for a library card is essential for academic achievement and lifelong learning.

Additionally, Banned Book Week is posted during the week of Sept. 23 through 29. The week is intended to celebrate the freedom to read and for readers to speak out against censorship.

Argentine author and editor Alberto Manguel maintains, “Readers, censors know, are defined by the books they read.”

This September, how will you define your literary self?