Neighborhood Gazette – January 2015 by Neighborhood Gazette

A Few Words on New Beginnings see page 10

Troubled By Tire Pressure Warning Lights? see page 8

The Jefferson Plan: Helping All Kids Succeed see page 12

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | JANUARY 16–FEBRUARY 16, 2015

Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund Now Accepting Applications By J. Patrick O’Leary

he Wheat Ridge Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund, which continues its namesake’s vision of helping students pursue lifelong learning goals through annual scholarships, the first of which will be awarded this spring. Gilmore spearheaded an effort in 2012 to provide laptop computers to 37 collegebound students at Jefferson High School who did not have the means to acquire them on their own. As chair of the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation, Gilmore was instrumental in helping guide the Foundation through its formation and, in his final days, gave it a vision for the future. He died in August 2013 after a brief battle with cancer. To honor him, the Foundation set a three-year goal of raising funds for 1015 scholarships for local students. The focus of the new scholarship fund is to provide financial support to students who are engaged in primarily nontraditional educational pursuits. Students in the Wheat Ridge area who demonstrate character, work ethic, and are interested in pursuing a two-year associate degree or a trade certification are encouraged to apply. Annual scholarship awards of $1,000 will be awarded to two qualified applicants this year. Primary consideration will be given to Wheat Ridge and Jefferson High

School students pursuing two-year associate degrees and trade certifications. Consideration will be given to students who have demonstrated service and leadership in school and community activities; have definite career goals; and are prepared to take full advantage of their higher education experience. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 2.2 on a 4.0 scale. The award recipients must have applied, been accepted or be enrolled at an accredited institution of high learning as full-time students within nine months of the date of their award. Each award will be disbursed directly to the financial aid department of the institution to the account of the student to be used only for tuition and fees of the institution. Application deadline is Friday, March 13. Applications will be reviewed by the Foundation’s board of directors, who reserve the right to award no scholarships if no suitable applications are received. Award decisions will be made by April 30. To apply online, visit www. wheatridgefoundation.org and follow the link to Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund. Applications can also be submitted to school counselors. Gilmore, a Colorado native, was survived by his wife of 50 years, Jane Anne, three daughters and nine grandchildren. A graduate of Lakewood High School, he Continued on page 12

Steps And Cycles – Human Transport in Wheat Ridge By Cyndy Beal

human’s first steps are one of most important milestones in childhood. Those first steps begin a cycle of millions of steps and movement through a lifetime. In Wheat Ridge, there are a lot of lifetime walkers and bicyclists moving around nearly every day – and the Wheat Ridge Active Transportation Advisory Team (ATAT) is building on the high numbers of existing walking and bicycling enthusiasts in the city, through supporting ways to foster a future of additional and safe humanpowered transportation. In November and December 2014, ATAT conducted an online survey regarding 38th Avenue and physical activity. Out of the 244 survey respondents in Wheat Ridge and the surrounding community, 75 percent walk for exercise daily or weekly and 45 percent ride a bicycle at least a few times a month. ATAT discussed the results of the community survey and their next steps for 2015 at its first State of the City presentation and quarterly meeting, on Tuesday, Jan. 6, attended by 40 people. ATAT is a grass roots, citizen-led

and volunteer-based organization that supports and advocates for human-powered transportation. Formed in May 2014, they describe themselves as an organization that partners with city staff, elected leaders and other organizations, and engages the community “in education, awareness and encouragement around active transportation, including, but not limited to: walking, cycling and transit connections.” Their logo, created last year, is modiﬁed ATAT from the Star Wars movies, with two feet and two wheels. The Star Wars theme of name and logo was chosen for the universal appeal and easy recognition of the movies. “It’s about helping the city and the community work together,” said Rachel Hultin, one of ATAT’s founders and leaders Some of their 2015 goals include the formation of six action teams that will concentrate on ﬁve emphasis areas, which include: S.A.F.E (Safe Avenues For Everyone), LAB (League of American Bicyclists) Bicycle-Friendly Community, Events, Social Media/Outreach and 38th Avenue Next Steps. The City of Wheat Ridge has contributed Continued on page 10

THE CALM DURING THE STORM. Cold temperatures and gray skies kept all but a few walkers at home during recent snowfall, resulting in this lonely scene captured near 26th Avenue and Youngfield. PHOTO BY BLU HARTKOPP.

A Calling to Build Leadership and Community: Rachel Hultin By Laura Poole

eing greeted by her “gentle giants” – dogs Jelly Belly and Bunk, who could easily knock a journalist down if they wanted to – Rachel Hultin’s family home is full of light and is quite inviting. Her 8-year-old stands by as she prepares a box of Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese for lunch, joking about kids’ picky tastes that all mothers can relate to. With a background in real estate and a family legacy that always possessed a passion for community outreach and efforts, this Wheat Ridge local took her life in a whole new direction once she moved to our small but growing town three years ago. “I think [community is] important,” said Hultin about her choice to move to Wheat Ridge. “Knowing that I didn’t want to end up in the exert or the next tier out suburbs I needed to live somewhere that had some little bit of historic quality to it and was a little funky, it’s important to me.” After an 18-year career in real estate where she worked with her father, a developer, in northwest Denver, Hultin moved to Wheat Ridge and starting working with Live Well as a coordinator, and once she shifted into the Active Transportation Advisory Team (or ATAT) she quickly stepped into a leadership role that gave her the ability to work with many members of the community and help them in new ways. “Through Live Well I was able to work with city leadership, both elected leaders and staff, and business and community leaders, and that gave me all those relationships so I could understand the story and the function of our city,” said Hultin. “When I wasn’t funded through Live Well it enabled me to blossom more into a community leader, from not having to do it through the lens of my job, but I’m in this for the long haul [so] how do I help make it a good place to live now.”

Most of her work can be summed up in the one word that Wheat Ridge stands for: community. Not only does she care about how patterns and changes in society trickle down to families and individuals, but she takes it to a whole new level. Coming from Live Well as a coordinator she has put together Wheaties Academy, “a grassroots leadership academy to develop leadership in 16 community members.” “This is the result of the election cycle that was just brutal for everyone in our community on any side of any issue,” said Hultin. “And out of that I recognized … people just don’t have a framework for feeling like they can take more ownership over changing their community. This is my brainchild of how do we give skills to a certain number of people in our community that we actually inspire, and develop their eadership skills to actually implement a project, and to do that through civic and community engagement.” What Hultin has done is bring together members from other successful grassroots organizations throughout the Denver metro area to host a set of mobile sessions. These are aimed to teach 16 selected Wheat Ridge residents how to implement leadership skills in our very own community to help bring their ideas for the town to life. “The people who live in the community are like, ‘here’s my big idea on how to make where I live better.’ We want to take that idea and give it some jet fuel,” said Hultin. But the idea is more than just a set of training sessions. Hultin is very passionate about her community after seeing ﬁrst hand in her real estate career how important it is for whole communities to both hold on to their historical roots while remaining ﬂexible to inevitable change. “We really want the storytelling to be Continued on page 2

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JANUARY 16–FEBRUARY 16, 2015 – ngazette.com

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and Public Health Care & Human Services. Through our committee work and through t was such a great honor to be sworn in to the work that the entire General Assembly the 70th General Assembly representing will undertake, I believe the House and District 24 in the Colorado Senate have a great opportunity State House. I look forward in front of them to work with to serving the good people of Governor Hickenlooper to Wheat Ridge and Edgewater, as pass commonsense, bipartisan well as those living throughout legislation that helps Coloradans the rest of our district, which working hard to get ahead. I also includes Golden, Lakeside, will be focused on improving Applewood, Mountain View the quality of life of my and parts of Arvada and constituents, and I am looking Lakewood. forward to working with all of Colorado’s economy is in my Democratic and Republican the midst of a strong recovery colleagues to make that happen. Jesse Danielson from the Great Recession, but I am excited by this Coloradans need a recovery that opportunity to stand up for the includes everyone, so that we are rebuilding middle class by representing House District a strong middle class that helps families save 24 in the General Assembly. I hope that folks for the future and afford a good education will take the opportunity to connect with me for their kids. That means helping grow local and let me know what I can do to serve and small businesses, supporting local public support the people in our community. One schools, capping college tuition increases way to do that is to attend my upcoming and investing in job training opportunities. Wheat Ridge Town Hall on Saturday, Jan. Though the session just began, we are hard 31, 10 a.m., at Wheat Ridge City Hall, 7500 at work to achieve these goals. W. 29th Ave. It is the first of many events I While it is early in the session and will hold throughout the community to get some bills are still in drafting stages, some citizen input on policies we are considering of the issues I will be working on include at the Capitol. expanding protections from elder abuse Anyone can find out about upcoming for senior citizens, creating jobs, lowering community events, issues that matter to the teen pregnancy and dropout rate, our district, legislation and much more, increasing school funding and creating by visiting my website at jessiedanielson. greater economic security for women in the com, calling my office at 303-866-5522 or workforce. following me on twitter @jessiedanielson. The committees I was assigned to will also Let’s work together to build a better Colorado! serve our community well. My committee Contact District 24 Representative assignments are Agriculture, Livestock & Jessie Danielson at 303-866-5522 or JesNatural Resources, Local Government, sie@jessiedanielson.com.

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Leadership Continued from page 1

strong here and the participation is going to be across demographics. We’d probably have a really fun, interesting academy if it was a bunch of late-20, early-30something year olds with all their passion and deinstitutionalized thinking, but it’s not going to help Wheat Ridge,” said Hultin. She wants to bring together established residents, newer residents and families, because “they each have a different lens to our community and to get them at the table together and figure out how to tell a story together is healing our social fabric and it’s helping us figure out ways we can move forward. ” For citizens who are interested in getting the support and tools needed to get their initiatives off the ground visit www. WheatiesAcademy.com. Applications are due by Jan. 27 and classes start Feb. 19. As Hultin’s dogs snooze on the floor she points out how they have calmed down considerably since the front door opened an hour ago. Having the dogs to take care of and walk is certainly part of her family’s active lifestyle, as she defines herself as a “walker”. She and other families have put together a “walking school bus” that walks children to school, and her son participates every week. She also talks about the importance of having a “third place” – somewhere other than home or work that everyone has to go to for their mental health. For some it may a coffee shop, a park, the recreation center or anywhere else that they find to be their own place to get away to and shed stress, meet with friends, and unwind. This, she says, is not only important for the mental wellness of individuals, but also for communities as a whole. It is a “critical social and community

engine” that helps local businesses thrive as well as the people. “It’s in those spaces that our community is created because that’s where we run into our neighbors, where we get to know our local business owners, that fosters that community connection. Those third places to me are instrumental,” said Hultin. Investing in community health is high on her list of important issues in Wheat Ridge. Coming from a family of third generation Colorado natives, both her parents were hard workers that had great visions for the city they lived in. Her father, a developer, helped transform downtown Denver and LoDo into the popular hot spots they are today, and her mother helped develop mentorship programs for kids in the Denver school district. The high risk/impact could be hard at times, she said, but the reward was just as high in the end. Hultin’s biggest inﬂuences and mentors include Paul Tamburello, a fellow real estate agent who was there for her in the beginning of her career; her mother, who ampliﬁed her natural drive to improve her community; members in the community that have been easily accessible to her; Molly Hanson and others from Live Well, and our very own mayor Joyce Jay and Guy Nahmiach to name a few. After realizing her potential and her drive to help improve and help Wheat Ridge move into its future as a leader helping others she says invigorated her career, which came to a halt after quitting the real estate game. Now she has new motivation in life that pushes her to reach out to others and show them what could be in store for our healthy, active town; from our various citizens to our parks and trails, and a lot more in between. “Some people get a mid-life crisis,” she concludes. “I got a calling.”

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NOSTALGIC FULL

neighborhood gazette – JANUARY 16–FEBRUARY 16, 2015 – ngazette.com

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Ask the Superintendent

‘No’ Stands For Nothing

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With this year being the last of the strategic compensation program, is the district planning on continuing this program and, if not, how will you provide teachers an evaluation with integrity? By that I mean two or more evaluators spending multiple days and hours providing a shared and documented understanding of where and how a teacher is performing as well as the support to increase their effectiveness. We do not have the dollars to continue the Strategic Compensation program, as it was funded from a large grant (estimated at $37.8 million). We have been monitoring the best practices associated with the work of the last four years and feel that there is value in multiple people providing many points of feedback during the evaluation process. To that end, we have a tentative budget recommendation for one instructional coach per building and one peer evaluator per Achievement Director. These people will work in tandem with their principals to support and develop teachers as we continue to strive for high quality evaluations and a common understanding of what it means to be an “effective” teacher. Thank you, Dan McMinimee, Superintendent Jefferson County Public Schools These are responses to questions submitted by members of our community. If you have a question for Superintendent McMinimee, please submit it to guy@NostalgicHomes.com or call it in to 303-999-5789.

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I can also quote many frustrated teachers about the lack of consequences for students y parents tell me that “no” was a not completing assignments or showing popular word in my vocabulary as up for school, because threats were empty. a child. “No” to going to bed, school and Many parents would support holding back everything else I didn’t like. I never offered students if it made them truly ready for the an alternate solution, but then I was just next level. I only know of one three years old. principal in our district that Have you noticed how has had enough: Jeff Gomez at many adults still use that word Everitt Middle, who wants to hold to argue a point to simply shoot parents and students accountable down your idea? for their lack of effort, work ethic “No, that would never and results. Keeping students work.” for an extra hour at the end of “No, we could never afford the day, for weeks and months that program.” if necessary, until their grades “No – what do we need climb back up. Not only did the more taxes for?” PTA provide snacks to fuel their “No, a 7-12 school could brains, teachers have stepped never be safe.” Guy Nahmiach up to stay past their regular Well, don’t tell me “no.” Tell me “why” or “how,” but bring something to schedule and work with the students that need personal attention to reverse their the table! While the Jefferson Framework gets low grades. The result? Students who have developed and morphs into its final shape, increased their performance choose to community meetings have been taking remain in the program and complete their place. There’s been great feedback from homework every day rather than go home after their last regular class. teachers, parents and city officials. These are the success stories that make The Wheat Ridge Educational Alliance presented an alternate plan that includes us stand up, pay attention and support our adding a GT program (advanced learning) amazing teachers. Not the constant negative at Everitt Middle and actually moving the messages we see on social media or on the school over to where Wheat Ridge 5-8 is union’s website. Instead, tell us about the amazing Ms. currently. It’s a much newer building with Eudaly and her fellow educators inside our lab space and better resources. Since the articulation (boundary) lines Title One schools that pour their emotions will ensure that all Wheat Ridge students into every day, struggling with the basics that attend schools right here, this plan should include hungry and even homeless students. help reverse the dropping enrollment Tell us about the inspiring Ms. Kiefer who numbers we have seen at our high school keeps challenging our advanced learners and middle school. The GT program will outside of the regular curriculum. How also help in retaining our advanced learners about the talented Ms. Jermain who inspired that have been forced to Creighton and my own kids and their love for music? Highlight these heroes inside our schools other GT center schools outside the city limits. Numbers show us that once they and you’ll have the entire community leave, they usually continue on to Lakewood defending their right to salary hikes, bonuses and pay for master degrees. All of which by High. With the new student based budgets the way, were frozen or taken by the last (SBB), it is even more imperative then ever board. It’s not about right or wrong. It’s about to hold on to as many of our students as possible for maximum dollars, thus allowing collaboration, compromise, and coming to principals to hire more teachers and secure the table with ideas. If the District believes that changing our schools system can help more resources for our classrooms. our students, don’t just say “No Guy, that’ll TellerLast Streetweek’s Gallery A N Dcommunity meeting at Jefferson High was the most positive one never work.” Tell me what you think actually Denver Cat Company PRESENT yet. Principal Michael James started the might. It is crucial that we attend as many meeting by sharing some facts about how the Framework originated and how the area community meetings as possible. Contribute & principals set out to change the realities of with your ideas and concepts. Voicing our graduating classes. Jefferson High had opinion in public is taken for granted, and Feline-Inspired Painting Classes $ 00 5 a 66 Save percent graduating rate. Of the 133 not done as often as it should be. Je suis Charlie. I am Charlie. This past seniors, only three were proficient in math. For whatever reason it is happening, it is week the world witnessed the extreme in defending one’s freedom of expression and unacceptable and change is a must. Many parents were angry, and called what happens when terrorists disagree. My for a change back to the past. Did the past heart goes out to the families and friends of mean removing “choice,” where every the victims. Of course in the civilized world student went back to their neighborhood we debate, elect and vote. I can sit here and school? Did it mean a time when we had share opinions about education without the more resources and a lower achievement fear of violent retribution. 2015 has started. Get involved and expectation of our graduates? Some parents talked about holding back contribute. As always, thanks for reading. students that simply did not qualify for the Contact Guy Nahmiach at 303-999next level. I’ve heard many people quote studies that this had a reverse effect. But 5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.com.

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Wheat Ridge City COUNCiL DiTullio Responds to Fitzgerald, Pond – City Is Not Broke 38th Avenue Survey in 2013 and comments from constituents across the city, I believe city council has lost the trust of the public have been asked to respond to the by spending over $615,000 on a two-lane Neighborhood Gazette articles by Wheat “pilot” project for 38th Avenue, which has Ridge City Council members Tim Fitzgerald divided residents and business owners. The and George Pond. Tim asked why citizens previous council created a win-lose situation. voted against 2A and 2B and George This situation could have been avoided with a chastised the voters for not “answering the little listening, compromise and forethought bell” by voting for a sales tax increase (2A). by the previous and current city The City of Wheat Ridge councils. is not broke. As I have stated Maintaining a 17-27 before, the city has an unrealistic percent budget reserve creates reserve policy that needs to be an artificial shortfall of funds. changed. A portion of the reserve funds 2A would have resulted in should be used on public works the City of Wheat Ridge having and/or redevelopment projects. one of the highest sales tax rates Other cities in Jefferson in the Denver metro area at 8.5 County (as well as previous percent (currently 7.5 percent). city councils) maintain an 2A would have resulted in a 8-15 percent reserve. It’s time 33 percent increase in the cost Jerry DiTullio to spend taxpayer money on to retail consumers. 2A would the taxpayers and not hoard have resulted in a 33 percent tax dollars for some future disaster. This increase in the cost of development and/or reserve policy is not fiscally conservative; it redevelopment in the form of increased use is too extreme and not sound public policy. tax. 2B, and its proposed cost of $9.3 million Currently, the median income for a for eight blocks with a large amount of that family of four in Wheat Ridge is $44,000. cost going underground to “dig up” 38th Studies have shown that quality retail Avenue and move perfectly good drain/ follows residential. Housing in Wheat sewer/water pipes inward, killed 2A. Ridge is made up of 47 percent rental I contend the will of the people has been properties; many of which are occupied by usurped by the will of the council via winfamilies with low disposable incomes (as lose projects and programs over the past stated earlier). 2A did not address future three years. The trust of the people has been funding for improving the housing stock lost by the previous and current city council, and promoting home ownership in Wheat no matter what the “professional and Ridge as described in the Neighborhood scientific” surveys say. In my opinion, voters Revitalization Strategy (NRS) via public/ are not going to approve any tax increases private partnerships. Wheat Ridge 2020 until the 38th Avenue revitalization plan is dropped the ball on this NRS goal a few worked out with a win-win solution. years back as well. Jerry DiTullio represents Wheat Ridge Council has not performed the needed due City Council, District 1. Contact him at 303diligence on the city budget to demonstrate 231-1392 or jeditullio@ci.wheatridge.co.us. fiscal responsibility to the voters. Based on my

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URbaN peRspeCtive A “Blight Shot” for Martensen Elementary? My main concern is the ill effect this blighted property will have on our recently came down with the flu. When my neighborhood. I also have deep concerns six-year-old daughter found out I was sick, about the safety of the two playgrounds on the property, which have also she promptly asked whether or fallen into disrepair. not I had gotten a flu shot. I told I have made these her I couldn’t recall whether I concerns known to the school had or not. district. I have filed complaints “If you’d gotten the flu shot with the City of Wheat Ridge’s you wouldn’t have gotten sick, I code enforcement team, which am pretty sure you didn’t get a recently issued the school district flu shot,” she said. She quickly a notice of violation regarding and correctly surmised that the current condition of the because I hadn’t, I was now property. sick. She was now relishing I would ask you to join in her own bravery and Zachary Urban me in calling on the school preparedness in getting her district to clean up this property. shot several months ago. As I was on the mend she made me If we allow these conditions to persist, we pinky swear to get a flu shot next year. The may see blighted conditions propagate to fact remains I got the flu this year because surrounding properties. While I am hopeful for a swift response I came in contact with someone else who had the flu. That’s how viruses work. You from the school district, this does not get sick when you come in contact with address what will become of the Martensen campus. The school district currently uses someone else who is sick. In a similar manner, abandoned and it as a police training facility to train law derelict properties can transmit further enforcement personnel on tactics and blight and degradation to the surrounding strategies in an active school shooting neighborhood. I can think of one particular situation. While this current use is wholly property in our community that has fallen admirable and very critical to ensuring into disrepair: Martensen Elementary our children are safe, we have to consider School. By my count, this former school whether this use is the highest and best now has more than six broken or boarded use of this property. It might be, but I for up windows. It used to be a hub of activity one would love to see it reopened as an for the local community, until several years elementary school. What do you want to see happen to this ago when the school district decided to close building? I would love to hear from you. it. Promises were made to our community Zachary Urban can be reached at 720that this facility would be maintained and 252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com. would not fall into disrepair.

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LocaL Business news Hear ‘Wheat Ridge’s Top 10 Successes of 2014’ Feb. 10

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Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff presents Wheat Ridge’s Top 10 Successes of 2014’ at the Wheat Ridge Business Association’s February breakfast meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7-9 a.m., at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St. Prior to being appointed City Manager in June 2010, Goff served as Deputy City Manager and Administrative Services Director for the city since 2002. He has also served as Interim City Administrator and Assistant to the City Administrator/ Human Resources Coordinator for the City of Sheridan, and Management Intern for the City of Westminster. Cost is $18 for non-members. Visit www.wheatridgebiz.com to register and pay. For more information, call 303-5941520.

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Bud Starker • 303-233-3377 west29th.com

Luke and Prudence Schultz-Burrey 303.463.3302 fidosgrubntub.com

Peter Damian Arguello • 303-463-5335 7220 West 38th Avenue

Tim Berland • 303-995-2806 ngazette.com

Pat Dolan 303-753-8800 3850 Wadsworth Blvd. • AAA.com

Ron Benson Linda McDonald 720-484-8647 comcdonaldgroup.com

Tiﬀany & Eli Lucero • 720-789-1880 resurrectioncarpet.com

Sue Ball (303) 421-7311 sueball.com

Blu Hartkopp 303-588-6761 bluiron.com

David Bush opened his new civil law firm, DavidLaw, on Jan. 12, at 4243 Harlan St., in Wheat Ridge. With 25 years of experience practicing law in Colorado, Wisconsin and Minnesota, he offers clients help in the areas of business planning and business law, commercial disputes and litigation, construction defect claims, employment law, federal contract claims, and industrial hemp regulation and compliance. Before launching his own law practice, Bush was a partner at the Denver law firm of Markusson, Green & Jarvis, where for 15 years, he practiced in the areas of construction defect law, personal injury claims and insurance bad faith. Prior to moving to Denver in 1997, he clerked for the Minnesota Court of Appeals in St. Paul, Minnesota. He later found employment as an associate with Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi in Minneapolis, working in the commercial litigation group, handling disputes involving commercial contracts, franchises, employment and intellectual property cases. Bush holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Colgate University, an Masters of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Arizona, and a Juris Doctorate in law from the University of Wisconsin. For more information on DavidLaw, call 303-422-0064, email bush@davidlawcolorado.com or visit www.davidlawcolorado.com.

New Look for Long-Time Local Jeweler After 29 years, custom jeweler Anthony M’s Visions in Gold is ready to celebrate a new year with a new look and a grand opening. The business has grown from family jeweler to big league, according to original owners Gayle Maschari-Mohr and Tony Mohr. To showcase their updated, spacious, more-edge and fresher look, Anthony M’s will stage a “Re-Grand Opening” on Friday, Jan. 23, 5-9 p.m., at 6789 W. 44th Ave.,

Meet your business neighbors and learn about new developments in Jeﬀerson County & Wheat Ridge We invite you to join our next monthly breakfast meeting

Tues., Feb. 10• 7-8:45am • Wheat Ridge Rec Center Guest Speaker: Patrick Goﬀ

City Manager, City of Wheat Ridge ‘Wheat Ridge’s Top 10 Successes of 2014’ RSVP by Feb. 6

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Wheat Ridge, with music by Deb Musgrave and food to entertain all. “It has been a fun ride with this business,” says Gayle. “Every day is new and refreshing. We are now on the third generation of customers and lots of new families… We do what we love and love what we do. What more can I say?” “We are attaching groups of all ages, and with that comes change. Our customers say they love it. “Growth is positive, just look at how Wheat Ridge has grown.” For more information, call 720-3812207, email gems@visionsingold.com or visit http://visionsingold.com.

Independent Salon Suites Opening This Spring Here’s an opportunity for hair stylists and other health and beauty professionals looking to open their own salon without the overhead headaches of traditional salons and retail locations. Phenix Salon Suites will open in Wheat Ridge this spring, as owner/operator Shannon Fedrizzi and her landlord work to open the new establishment in the longvacant building at 10160 W. 50th Ave., Unit 3. Founded in Colorado Springs, Phenix Salon Suites is a franchise that provides salon, health or beauty industry professionals with fully enclosed private suites with amenities including equipment, cabinetry, all utilities, Wi-Fi, laundry, insurance and more for a weekly fee. The site boasts 19-20 suites, with two rented out as of press. She’s expecting interest to pick up now that the busy holiday season has passed. Fedrizzi expects most of the professionals will be bringing their established clientele with them, but walkins will be welcome. A main reception desk will be staffed part-time, with doors open during typical retail hours and 24/7 access for the salon professionals. Fedrizzi, who has run an excavating business with her husband since 1998 in Eagle, was looking for a less-labor-intensive business venture to bring in more income. She was looking for a centrally located venue to serve west metro Denver, and found Wheat Ridge to be very convenient, with easy access to I-70, and near luxury apartments, light rail and other amenities. Interested salon professionals are welcome to call Fedrizzi at 970-390-5209 or email sfedrizzi@phenixsalonsuites.com. For updates on the suites’ progress toward opening day, visit wheatridgephenixsalonsuites on Facebook.

Start Up 101 Business Class Offered Jan. 27 Jefferson County Business Resource Center is offering a free evening class, Start Up 101, on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 5:45-7:45 p.m., in the JCBRC Conference Room, 1667 Cole Boulevard, Bldg. 19, Ste. 400 in Lakewood. Part of the Jefferson County’s Business Education Series Training (BEST) program, the seminar provides an overview on starting a business and the simple steps owners need to take for success. It covers how to do a trade name search, choose the right legal structure, register with the state, local licensing requirements, the business planning process and options for financing. BEST is a partnership of the Jefferson County municipal and non-profit business specialists which provides high quality education seminars and training sessions to the region’s business community that are relevant, diverse and affordable for the purpose of encouraging successful growth in a challenging business climate. To register or for information on other classes call 303-996-8976. Submit local business milestones, celebrations, new hires, services/products, etc. to editor@ngazette.com.

ngazette.com – JANUARY 16 – febRUARY 16, 2015 – neighborhood gazette

EdgEwatEr City NEws What Are We Doing, Edgewater? By Bonnie McNulty

s we kick off the new year, two questions come to mind. What are we, the City of Edgewater, doing? And what are you, the Citizens of Edgewater, doing?

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EdgEwatEr City COUNCiL Why Did We Move to Edgewater? more to us than an external representation. I was speaking with a fellow citizen the other day, and we both asked why we moved ello friends and citizens, I wish you a to Edgewater. He moved to Edgewater for happy new year! I would like to thank the neighborliness and community feel. I every individual and entity who puts time and wholeheartedly agreed. He added that he effort into making our community a better enjoyed the hard-working, yet easy-going place to live. Whether helping a neighbor lifestyle Edgewater emanated. Once again, shovel their sidewalk or volunteering on a I agreed. Lastly, it was his determination board, commission or non-profit, any time to be actively engaged in the and effort put forth is a vital community and help foster investment. People power is the the very environment that most important resource at our helped make his choice to disposal, and there are so many call Edgewater home. I loved of you out there that really make listening to his reasons, and I a difference! offered a simplistic but symbolic As we prepare for 2015, we reason I chose Edgewater. When reflect upon where we’ve been Stacey and I walk down the and where we are going. We street, we are greeted by fellow shore up our resources and citizens walking by or waving to size up our challenges, ready to folks lounging on their porches. accept the work that must be We can change our done to overcome. There will Kris Teegardin external surroundings any way we always be different opinions on see fit, and we can posit much appreciation any given subject, but we all want what is toward aesthetic endeavors. But the energy best for our community. But what is best for and hope that resides in each of us define our our community? character and community. Without people We are experiencing many changes like you taking time out of your day to actively in our neighborhoods, from increased invest in your community, all the pretty things residential property values to substantial are just, well, pretty. I thank all of you for all economic growth. This growth is needed you do, and cheers to a positive 2015! to foster sustainability, and an important Contact Edgewater City Council memcomponent to our vitality. And as much ber Kris Teegardin at kteegardin@edgewaas I love the growth swarming our terco.com neighborhoods, I still think there is much

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This is a reminder that this November you will be electing five city council members and a new mayor. (Wow! These Two years ago Edgewater conducted a seven years have flown by fast!) I am citywide survey to better understand your termed-out and can’t run for expectations. In the next month mayor again this year. Due to or two City Council will be council member resignations conducting a follow up survey over the last two years we have to track changes of citizen’s an unusually high number of opinions. This year’s survey has council seats open. I would like been streamlined to help people to remind folks to start coming spend less time answering the to city meetings. Observing questions while still allowing what council, commissions and the opportunity for thoughtful boards are responsible for, and answers. The decisions council how your current city leaders makes affect all of us. The more work will help you make better information we have from choices during the elections. citizens, the easier (or harder) it Bonnie McNulty And hopefully encourage you to will be to make those decisions. run for office. It’s the hard decisions that affect us the With the cold weather I hope everyone most, so please make sure you respond to is aware of neighbors who might need a the survey. little help keeping their sidewalks free of The Planning and Zoning Commission snow or just getting their groceries from the has begun assessing the gaps between car to the front door. If you really want to Edgewater’s Comprehensive Plan and city step up, the city has a volunteer program policies. The goal is to assure the Municipal called Snow Buddies, which matches snowCode Book supports Edgewater’s long-term shovelers with seniors. We can always use objectives. Fortunately P&Z has access to a more volunteers. If you’re interested call great team of staff and consultants to help Dan Maples at 720-763-3012 or email at with the critical details of this task. As with dmaples@edgewaterco.com. all of Edgewater’s legislative actions, city Don’t forget I’m buying coffee. council will have the final vote on what Wednesdays, 9-11 a.m., at the Target becomes law. The process of implementing Starbucks. I’ll pay for your drink and we can the Comprehensive Plan will get plenty of talk. If you would like to meet at another scrutiny, including yours. As the project time please contact me. moves forward P&Z will be asking for your input. Contact Edgewater Mayor Bonnie McEdgewater still has a contract with Nulty at 303-233-6216 or bjmcnulty2@ Trinity Development for the redevelopment comcast.net. of 20th and Depew. Trinity is focused on

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neighborhood gazette – JANUARY 16–FEBRUARY 16, 2015 – ngazette.com

Ask A LocAL MechAnic Troubled By Tire Pressure Warning Lights?

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By Tom Schmuke

4332 Harlan St. • muddypawsbathhouse.com

e get a lot of questions this time of year about the little tire light that comes on and says you don’t have enough air in your tires. I thought it would be good to share some education about why this happens and what do to about it.

What exactly does it mean when my TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring Sensor) warning light comes on? If the warning light comes ON and flashes ON for one second and OFF for three seconds, this indicates a malfunction with the vehicle’s TPMS system. If the warning light comes ON and stays ON, take caution. This means that one or more of your tires may have a low-pressure condition. You should carefully slow the vehicle and park in a safe and secure place. You should then inspect all of your tires and check the air pressure. The correct air pressure for your vehicle can be found on the placard, usually located on the inside door panel.

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Why does tire pressure change? Many factors affect tire pressure including ambient temperature changes and tire damage such as punctures. Tire pressure drops about 1 pound per square inch (psi) for every 10° F drop in ambient temperature. Additionally, tires can lose as much as 1.5 psi per month as air escapes the tire and rim naturally.

What should my tires be inflated to and where can I find that? Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation as found

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What’s a “placard”? The tire placard is a term used for the tire information label. It contains information including the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, the recommended tire size and the maximum load you should have in your vehicle. The placard is normally located inside the driver’s side doorframe or doorpost, or it may be adhered to the edge of the driver’s door or the inside of the glove box door or trunk lid. The same information is also located in your owner’s manual. Visit tpmsmadesimple.com/images/ placard_tpms.jpg for an example.

What do I do when my TPMS light comes on during cold weather? Does this really mean my tires are low? Any time that the TPMS warning light comes ON, there is a possible low tire pressure condition. Tire pressure can drop due to cold conditions, and this drop in pressure may cause the TPMS light to come ON. As the tire warms up under normal driving conditions, the light may turn OFF. If the cold weather conditions cause the TPMS light to stay ON, check the tire pressure (when tires are cold) and inflate the tire to the proper pressure indicated on the door placard.

Got a car care question? Email Tom Schmuke at tom@qualityautocare.com or editor@ngazette.com

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on the vehicle tire information door placard. The vehicle placard is normally located on the inside door panel or door itself. In many cases the specified tire pressure can also be found in the vehicle owner’s manual. The pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tire should not be your guide, as that is the maximum inflation pressure for the tire itself, not for the tire when used on your specific vehicle.

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reating a sanctuary, retreat or quiet space, a space that enables you to take a deep breath, pause and refocus, can help you feel more connected to what is truly meaningful in your life. As you begin to think about your space, consider what is “sacred” to you. Is God in the details? Whatever it looks like, know that it is individual to you and can change and evolve over time. How will your space inspire you and ignite your senses? Will it have the smells and sounds of nature, objects or pictures that make you smile, keep you calm or give you energy? Will your animals be welcome? What will you do in your sacred space: meditate or pray, reflect on your day, celebrate the change of seasons or the new moon, rejoice in beginnings and endings, or simply give thanks for the gifts you received that day? Once your space is created, you will be able to call up the same peaceful feeling by visualizing it, even if you are not currently in the space. Here are a few ideas to get you started: • Select a space that is special to you and easily accessible, indoors, outdoors or both. • Clean the space and remove all items that do not create the calm that you want to achieve from the space. • Visualize a place free of conflict and distraction. A space where you can experience the present flow of the universe and delight in the basic miracle of life. • If you live with others, tell them about

your plan and let them know how you feel about the space. Is it for you alone, or will you share it or let others use it when you are not? Be clear about your intentions for the space and let them know that it is an area to be respected. • Consider whether the space needs to be renovated – new paint or privacy screens for example. If it is outdoors, you may want to do some special landscaping with rocks, wood or statues. When choosing paint colors, pick colors that give you a sense of calm; colors such as bright red or orange may over stimulate your senses. • For furniture, select something comfortable that you can either sit in or lie down on. Lighting should be soft, maybe candlelight (or outdoor lights). Include a small table that will hold a book, some music or a drink. • Add incense, if desired, or perhaps a plant or fresh flowers. Be inspired by pictures in a magazine or book. Use stones, shells or any other objects that speak to you. • Bring in meaningful items such as statues, prayer cards, artwork, lava lamps or any other items that help you to focus and become centered. Most important, remember that this space belongs to you. Keep it sacred, honor it and use it as often as possible. Julia Spigarelli is the Resident Services Coordinator at Highland West and South Independent Senior Living Community, 6340 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge. Contact her at 303-424-9401.

ngazette.com – JANUARY 16 – febRUARY 16, 2015 – neighborhood gazette

WheAt ridge 2020 UpdAte

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Resolve to Improve Your Property With Low-Interest Loans properties within the City of Wheat Ridge are eligible to apply. Eugene Kahng was running a successful he promise of a new year leads many of liquor store specializing in craft beers on us to create resolutions. Some of us want 44th Avenue when he decided to dive in and to eat better, read more, or get in shape. open a brewpub, Colorado Plus. Have you dreamt about making your home “Wheat Ridge is an up and coming place better? Does your business need a facelift? with stable roots,” said Kahng. “It is the hub Perhaps 2015 is the year you resolve to of west metro Denver. It is a good place for a make improvements to your property. long-term investment.” Wheat Ridge 2020, a community The Building Up Business Loan non-profit organization, has low-interest Program assisted Kahng and his wife in business and home loans to help make your the rehabilitation of the former resolutions a reality. Valente’s restaurant, which had Residents owning homes been vacant since closing in between Sheridan and 2008. Wadsworth in the City of Wheat “The loan from Wheat Ridge are eligible for the Home Ridge 2020 was extremely Investment Loan Program. important,” said Kahng. “It These low-interest property helped pay for our roll-up garage improvement loans are for up doors, for improving the façade to $20,000 with the maximum and adding curb appeal.” loan amount increasing up to Through these residential $30,000 for those adding a and business loan programs, bedroom and bathroom to their Wheat Ridge 2020 has made 27 home. Britta Fisher loans leveraging more than $2 The Home Investment Loan million in improvements to properties in Program allowed Mark and Ellen Gauthier Wheat Ridge. The revolving loan fund is to take an older home and make needed an investment made by the City of Wheat repairs. Ridge to help revitalize real estate in our “We were able to do more than the community. The loans can work alone or cosmetic things,” said Gauthier. “We together with loans from other lenders to addressed structural elements like our help bring about projects that otherwise foundation and our roof.” may not have been possible. As a result, the Gauthiers were able to With an infusion of new funding from stay in Wheat Ridge and meet the needs of the City of Wheat Ridge at the beginning of their growing family. 2015, this is a great time to apply and make “We are close to downtown and it is your resolutions a reality. more affordable than the Highlands,” To learn more about these loan said Gauthier. “We like the Wheat Ridge programs, visit www.WheatRidge2020.org community and where it is headed.” or call the Wheat Ridge 2020 office at 720For commercial property owners, 259-1030. the Building Up Business Loan Program Britta Fisher is Executive Director of provides improvement loans with a Wheat Ridge 2020. maximum of $50,000. This year, all

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receive enough advance credit or received too much, this will be reconciled and paid or refunded on your federal tax return. his filing season brings the first How much will your penalty be for Affordable Care Act changes to our not purchasing health insurance in 2014? individual income tax returns. One of the first It depends. If you qualify for one of 28 changes you may see is an information form exceptions, you will pay nothing or a mailed to you early in the year: new form reduced penalty – what the IRS calls “the 1095A, for those who purchased insurance shared responsibility payment.” Such through the marketplace, and 1095C for exceptions include being a nonthose who have insurance resident alien, short lapse in through their employer. This coverage, or having received a form will report to you and “shut-off” notice from a utility the IRS who in your family company during the year. If you was insured for each month of do not qualify for an exception, the year and premiums paid. the penalty is the greater of 1 Employers are not mandated percent of household income or to issue 1095C until 2015 so $95 per adult and $47.50 per you may not receive one for child subject to limitations. The 2014. It is essential to provide $95 goes up to $325 in 2015 and these forms to your Enrolled $695.00 in 2016. Agent or CPA to verify coverage There were changes for and properly calculate your Jennifer Verhey S-Corporations who reimbursed premium tax credit or shared their owners or employees premiums for responsibility payment. individually purchased health insurance. The new Premium tax credit, designed Please be sure to consult your Enrolled Agent to offset the cost of health insurance, is or CPA to ensure you are in compliance to available to families with incomes up to 400 maintain your deductions. percent of the poverty level, who purchased insurance through the marketplace. A Jennifer Verhey, CPA, is with American family of four with an annual income up to Eagle Tax and Accounting, 5790 W. 38th $94,200 in 2014 could qualify for the credit. Ave., Wheat Ridge. She can be contacted by This credit could have been taken in advance calling 303-422-1996 or emailing Jennifer through lower premiums or taken as a lump @ameagletax.net. sum on your 2014 tax return. If you did not

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JANUARY 16–FEBRUARY 16, 2015 – ngazette.com

HOME, GARDEN & LIFESTYLE A Few Words on New Beginnings By Jeanne Nichols

nd just like that everything is new again! A new year is a great opportunity to make some changes. Normally I am not a person to make resolutions, generally because I’m not very good at keeping those resolutions due to a short attention span (easily bored) and being a strong creature of habit. Last year I decided to try to attempt to set some resolutions, but rather than creating the list of speciﬁcs in business, personal, emotion and spiritual as I’ve tried in the past, I just made one word my mantra for the year which was to DOWNSIZE. I was successful in doing this in several areas of my life. So, this year I’m creating a few single words that I hope to accomplish in 2015. Hugs, Water, Organize, Fruits and Veggies – keeping these words in front of mind I can just be aware when opportunities to do these things become an opportunity. HUGS. There is an abundance of research that hugs have many positive effects, so as this new year begins I am committed to be a hugger, 10 per day at least. One of our staff members brought this to my attention and after a bit of research I decided this is a valid action to add to my repertoire of activities. So, husband, staff, customers, clients, children and grandchildren beware! WATER. Again much research shows that adequate hydration can increase clearer thinking, concentration, increases transportation of nutrients in the body, food digestion, muscle fuel, clearer skin

and the list goes one. I’ve already found that drinking a glass of water can be very refreshing. If I strive for 10 glasses, maybe I’ll get in at least five to eight. ORGANIZE. I understand that success in goal setting (resolutions) is to be specific, but I’ve found that if I try to be to specific I become overwhelmed and get discouraged. So, I’m hopeful that this year I am striving to be more organized. Just by being aware of any opportunity to get organized I’m confident I will be in a better place at the end of 2015. FRUITS AND VEGGIES. Rather than limiting my eating and drinking habits I’ve decided in 2015 to just add some things to my diet with the hopes that my body will cooperate and recognize the benefits of these healthy foods and switch from craving the unhealthy to the things that bring positive benefits. The thought of eliminating certain things is just too much stress for me, so adding visible containers of raw carrots, sliced red peppers, celery, apples, grapes, etc., to my refrigerator within my sightline I can consume great food that I am happy to eat if they are convenient. That’s it. I’m not going to go crazy or make the list too long or complicated. I’m just going to use a few words to raise my awareness of opportunities to improve in 2015. What are your few words? Wheat Ridge resident Jeanne Nichols is the owner and Lead Designer/Home Stylist at modmood/RETRO Consignment at 44th and Wadsworth. She can be reached at jeanne@modmood.com or 303-728-9497.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Great Homes Wanted for the Mid-Century and Modern Home Tour Wheat Ridge 2020 is accepting nominations for homes for the 2015 Mid Century and Modern Home Tour, Saturday, Sept. 26. The tour features remarkable examples of Mid-Century and Modern residential architecture throughout our city. Wheat Ridge’s development was in full swing during the ‘50s and ‘60s and many ﬁne examples of homes of this era remain, and many homes are being built and remodeled to the exhibit Contemporary/ Modern style. The tour draws attention from the metro Denver area to some of Wheat Ridge’s ﬁnest examples and desirable homes, and in the past has sold out. Platinum sponsor modmood will serve as the starting point and host activities throughout the day for home tour attendees culminating in an after party. Potential sponsors should contact Britta Fisher or Mara Owen at Wheat Ridge 2020, 720-2591030. If a great Mid-Century or Modern home has caught your eye, or you own such a home, please forward the address, owner contact information and photo of the house to Selection Committee Chair Joy Opp at joyopp11@gmail.com, or the Wheat Ridge 2020 staff at 720-259-1030.

ATAT Continued from page 1

$1,000, which will be used for creation of a website and events. ATAT plans on hosting at least two of their own events this year, including a celebration honoring the new bike lanes on Pierce Street, between 26th and 48th Avenues. Additionally they will be supporting other community events, like the return of the Ridge at 38 Criterium Bike Race in June, community bike rides over the summer and the annual Carnation Festival in August. Several of their 2015 goals are a continuation of processes started in 2014. Last summer, LAB visited Wheat Ridge to evaluate the city’s present infrastructure and policies related to bicycle travel. LAB was founded in 1880 to advocate for paved roads for bicyclists, per its website. The city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, adopted in 2010, was a signiﬁcant part of LAB’s evaluation; and their

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Continued on page 11

recommendations for improvements the city can make for safer and easier bicycle travel in Wheat Ridge. ATAT is presently working with the city on the application for Wheat Ridge to become a Bicycle-Friendly city, part of the LAB Bicycle Friendly America program. “It’s for everyone in the community, from eight to 80,” said Hultin of last year’s actions and next year’s plans. Although younger people are moving into Wheat Ridge, seniors still represent a signiﬁcant percentage of the city’s population, and are active. “Colorado has the highest number of active seniors,” said Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay, who spoke about a healthy and active community at the meeting. ATAT meets quarterly upstairs at Colorado Plus Brew pub at 38th Avenue and Reed Street. Their next meeting is Tuesday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. For more information about ATAT email WRATAT@gmail.com. For more information about LAB go to http://bikeleague.org.

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Curt Foust will lead a group discussion on keeping safe and graphic recorder Lydia Hooper will help seniors visualize what safety looks like in “Picture Yourself Safe & Chili Warm Up,” Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1:30 p.m., at the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Conference Room located on 500 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden. Enjoy a warm bowl of chili during the discussion and activities; bring and share your ideas on car, home, shopping, Internet and phone safety. The free community meeting is sponsored by TRIAD, a cooperative venture of senior community members, the district attorney, law enforcement and senior service providers who are concerned about the safety and security of seniors living in Jefferson and Gilpin counties.

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Volunteer Coordinator Needed for Garden Tour Mark your calendars: the 5th annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour will be held on Saturday, July 11 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. And to make it happen, the Executive Committee is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator who contacts and assigns volunteers to be stationed at each garden, the Lunch Stop and the Starting Location. “We have an excellent pool of volunteers from previous years, so not much recruiting is required,” said Milly Nadler. The Executive Committee meeting schedule is flexible, and primarily consists of keeping informed by email and phone. Access to a computer is required. For more information, contact Milly Nadler, WheatRidgeGardenTour@gmail. com, 303-319-0690.

The City of Edgewater needs more volunteers who can help senior citizens shovel snow from their sidewalks. The city has a list of seniors needing assistance and who have been qualified through Senior Connections, and is seeking

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The City of Edgewater is seeking a parttime/seasonal softball manager for co-ed and men’s softball leagues and tournaments. Duties include working with coaches and team managers to administrate sports league rules, oversee games, keep score, update scores online, cancelling activities based on weather, field maintenance, and other duties. Hours are up to three nights each week between the hours of 3 and 10 p.m., and weekends as needed, for a total of 10-20 hours each week. The manager will answer to the Parks and Recreation Manager, and will be paid $10-15 per hour, depending on qualifications. Although applicants need to speak and write English, have a high school education or GED, and possess customer service, communication and computer software skills, they do not (as far as the job notice describes) need to understand or have ever

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to pair them with volunteers living nearby. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Dan Maples at 720-763-3012 or dmaples@edgewaterco.com.

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Citizens of House District 24 are invited to speak their minds a Town Hall Meeting hosted by recently elected state representative Jessie Danielsen, Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m., at Wheat Ridge City Hall, 7500 W. 29th Ave. “I am excited by this opportunity to stand up for the middle class by representing House District 24 in the General Assembly,” said Daniels. “I hope that folks will take the opportunity to connect with me and let me know what I can do to serve and support the people in our community.” It is the first of many events she plans to host to get citizen

Lutheran Medical Center, 8300 W. 38th Ave., will offer a series of free, educational seminars on a variety of health and medical topics, led by physicians, starting in January. Upcoming classes include: • Tips for Shoulder Pain: Rotator Cuff Therapies, with Dr. Brian Shannon, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. • The Aging Spine, with Dr. Andy Castro, Thursday, Feb. 12, noon-1 p.m. • Treatment of Vein Disease and Varicose Veins, with Dr. Martin Fejka, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6-7 p.m. • Thinking about Having a Baby? With Dr. Cheryl Cowles, Saturday, Feb. 28, 8:3010 a.m.

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Visit www.WheatiesAcademy.com or email wheatiesacademy@gmail.com for more information.

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start and how to get the right people at the table? Rachel Hultin has put together the Wheaties Academy, a grassroots leadership academy to develop leadership. The 2015 Wheaties Academy will provide 16 Wheat Ridge community members with the inspiration and the skills to turn ideas into action and to make a difference in their community. The academy runs from Feb. 19 through Oct. 1, and begins with four dynamic learning sessions co-hosted by innovative grassroots organizations, according to Wheaties’ website. Then, with support of mentors and community members, participants will learn how to creatively address challenges in Wheat Ridge, from the ground up. Applications can be found on the website, and are due Jan. 27.

input on policies being considered at the Capitol. District 24 includes Wheat Ridge and Edgewater, as well as Golden, Lakeside, Applewood, Mountain View and parts of Arvada and Lakewood.

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neighborhood gazette – JANUARY 16–FEBRUARY 16, 2015 – ngazette.com

Guest editorial The Jefferson Plan: Helping All Kids Succeed

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n December, the Jefferson Articulation Area principals unveiled the Jefferson Plan to reorganize Wheat Ridge 5-8 and Jefferson High. The main intent behind the Jefferson Plan is to bridge the achievement gap and help students struggling through poverty to succeed in school. The focus is on six schools: Molholm Elementary, Edgewater Elementary, Lumberg Elementary, Stevens Elementary, Wheat Ridge 5-8 and Jefferson High. Most of the families affected by this decision live in east Wheat Ridge, Edgewater and northeast Lakewood. Though the Jefferson Plan brings up a lot of questions, we need to begin the discussion by admitting what we are doing is not working. This doesn’t mean we blame teachers, administrators or parents, but agree to fix the problem together. As a parent of two daughters at Lumberg Elementary, I have seen first hand the dedicated teachers and staff in our local schools. Our teachers and staff deserve our gratitude and compensation. Fix the problem. Don’t fix the blame. So what are some of the facts? • Over 90 percent of the children and youth who attend these focus schools are growing up in poverty. • Almost 50 percent of the students who should attend Jefferson High School choice out to other local high schools. • Over 75 percent of this year’s freshmen are not proficient in math. • 98 percent of Jefferson High juniors are not proficient in math. Study after study shows that poverty is a major roadblock to a student succeeding through school and into a career. Our area schools have not succeeded in overcoming this achievement gap between students growing up in poverty and those who are not. To overcome this gap, teachers and administrators will need extra resources. Strategies and methods need to change. The Jefferson Plan is a step in the right direction. Jeffco leadership has outlined various implementation ideas for people, structures and programming in the Jefferson Plan, but the biggest change is closing Wheat Ridge 5-8 and moving 7th and 8th grade students to the Jefferson High School facility. The focus of the 7-12 school would be a precollege and career academy. Teachers and staff would have six years to invest in students and create a culture of success. Studies have also shown that the fewer

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attended Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University) and graduated from the University of Texas. He served two years in Germany with the Army and upon returning to Colorado entered graduate school at Colorado School of Mines. He was active in the community serving as a member of SPAC and citizen groups of Jefferson County Public Schools, board member of Jefferson Foundation and Wheat Ridge 2020, past president of Wheat Ridge Rotary, and at the time of his death was the chairman of the Wheat Ridge Community

school transitions a student has, the better chance a student has of completing high school. Also, schools with more grade levels have seen better attendance, self-esteem and attitudes towards school. Overall, research is showing that 7-12 schools have a positive impact on student achievement. One of the best models for 7-12 schools is within Cincinnati Public Schools. Concurrently, Edgewater Collective, a local nonprofit I lead, is bringing together nonprofits, county leaders and other community stakeholders in an initiative called the Jefferson Success Pathway. The vision of this effort is to see all children in these six schools succeed from cradle to career. We believe that by aligning all community stakeholders around a common vision and keeping them accountable to goals and indicators, all children can succeed from cradle to career. You can read more about the Jefferson Success Pathway at www.jeffersonsuccess.org. By starting early with children before they start kindergarten and staying late through college and career, this effort will add important resources and energy to the Jefferson Plan. As Jeffco Schools continues down this road, it is important to gather input from parents, teachers and community members. In December and January, five community meetings were held to seek input as well as numerous meetings in the schools. Jefferson County School Board heard more about the Jefferson Plan at its Jan. 15 meeting. In a district that has seen a number of different conflicts since the new school board started over a year ago, it is essential that we work together in the Jefferson area. Our students deserve the best education and for many of these children, a great education is the only path out of poverty. As a community we all share a role in the success or failure of our schools. Healthy schools are integral to health of our communities. Each of us can play a part in our schools even if we don’t have children or they have graduated. Here’s what you can do to help create better futures for our local children: 1. Stay informed. Keep up on education news through websites like Chalkbeat Colorado (www.co.chalkbeat.org). 2. Attend a school board meeting and add your voice to the dialogue. 3. Volunteer in our local schools. Visit www.jeffersonsuccess.org to see a list of volunteer opportunities in the Jefferson Area schools. Joel Newton is the founder and Executive Director of the Edgewater Collective. Contact him at joel@edgewatercollective. org.

Foundation. “It was said that Curtis Gilmore was a visionary. For any one that knew Curt that was an understatement,” said lifelong friend Art Bushell. “Curt also had a dream, and that was to try to improve our education system, and to do anything and everything to benefit a child’s lifelong learning.” “He had a dedication to education that was unrivaled,” said Foundation board president Tom Ripp. “As a private citizen, with no background in education, he was a tireless advocate for the students of Jefferson County.” For more information, visit www. wheatridgefoundation.org.

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