Neighborhood Gazette October 2013

Falling For Fall, Flavors & Festivals see page 6

Rotary Benefit Dinner and Auction, Oct. 25 see page 9

2013 Business Appreciation Awards see page 10

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | OCTOBER 18 - NOVEMBER 12, 2013

Corner Cleanup/ Development at 38th and Wadsworth

BY CYNDY BEAL

E

nvironmental cleanup and future redevelopment equal a new lease on life for the vacant car lot at the southwest corner of 38th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard.

On Oct. 3, Renewal Wheat Ridge, the city’s urban renewal authority, closed on one of the three parcels of land that make up the southwest corner property. Most recently, the property was a Ford dealership.

Renewal Wheat Ridge purchased a parcel at 38th Avenue and Yukon Court for $350,000. The city of Wheat Ridge used funds from city reserves and loaned the money to Renewal Wheat Ridge. The other two parcels have been purchased by a developer.

The next step in the process for the land is for the city to send out bids for environmental cleanup/remediation. The bulk of the environmental remediation is suspected to be from a former dry cleaner shop on the now city-owned site. Part of the purchase price, $40,000, will go toward remediation costs.

The property was declared blighted and has sat vacant since the Ford dealership closed its doors in January 2010.

Environmental remediation most likely will begin before the end of the year, dependent on approval of the environmental remediation plan submitted to the Colorado Department of Health and Environment.

The site has been re-zoned as mixedused commercial and, “…will be different than what’s on the northwest corner,” of Wadsworth Boulevard and 38th Avenue, said Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff.

The entire site is approximately 15 acres, per the Wadsworth Boulevard Redevelopment plan in 1999, which included the open field to the south on Wadsworth Boulevard. A developer has submitted a conceptual plan for the corner.

The vision for the property has been outlined in multiple city plans for more than a decade.

The plan is for Renewal Wheat Ridge to sell the cleaned-up site to the developer who owns the other two parcels of land. The developer has submitted a letter of intent to buy the property, after environmental remediation is complete, although the site will be monitored for chemical contaminant levels for around two years.

As part of the Colorado Urban Renewal Act (URA) CRS 31-25-101 of 1975, a city may create an urban renewal authority that is allowed to purchase blighted property and work in collaboration with a private entity, such as a developer.

Most states have forms of URA that allow the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). “TIF is a mechanism for funding redevelopment projects in Colorado exclusively targeted for blighted areas,” according to http://www.colorado.gov.

TIF is an incentive for the developer and is based on the increased value of property.

The developer may use future funds from the county, either through increased property taxes or from the city through sales taxes on the site.

For comments or questions regarding this article or to submit future story ideas, email editor@ngazette.com

October Inaugural Charitable Giving Month

T

he Neighborhood Gazette is committed to supporting community initiatives and is highlighting the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation as the focus of its Inaugural Charitable Giving Month. A $5 donation from every household that receives the Neighborhood Gazette would raise over $75,000 to support programs that are beneficial to Wheat Ridge residents of all ages.

The Foundation supports more than 14 community initiatives from Police Programs promoting crime prevention to Open Space education programs, to scholarships and Performances in the Park. To see a complete list of programs go to WheatRidgeFoundation.org/donate.

Click the name of the program in the orange sidebar to learn the purpose of each initiative. At the end of each description is a “Donate” button. Donations also can be mailed to Wheat Ridge Foundation, c/o Wheat Ridge Rec Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

The Inaugural Charitable Giving Month is dedicated to memory of community leader Curtis J. Gilmore. The Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund will carry on the vision Curt had to help students

in pursuit of their lifelong educational aspirations. Scholarships from the fund will be awarded to Wheat Ridge area students who demonstrate character, work ethic and financial need. The goal of the Foundation is to create and fund 10-15 scholarships over the next three years. To create or fund an individual scholarship contact any board member by visiting WheatRidgeFoundation. org/about/members.

Feed the Future is another worthy program supported by the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation. This program provides children who are on the School Free and Reduced Lunch program extra meals to see them through the weekend when they otherwise might go hungry.

Recognizing that art enhances quality of life, the Foundation also supports the public art program. Established in 2002, this program has enabled the City to acquire and display artwork in various locations accessible to the public.

The Neighborhood Gazette and the programs supported by the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation thank the citizens of Wheat Ridge for their tax deductible contributions during the month of October.

CANDY AND CARAMEL APPLES are a fall tradition and common treat around Halloween.

Wheat Ridge’s celebration of All Hallows’ Eve marks the return of Trunk or Treat, held in the Wheat Ridge 5-8 school parking lot, 7101 W. 38th Ave., Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event features decorated car trunks, filled with candy, where children can safely complete the traditional October Trick or Treat ritual. PHOTO BY HEATHER LEE

‘Trunk or Treat’ Returns to Wheat Ridge 5-8, Oct. 26

BY J. PATRICK O’LEARY

W

heat Ridge and its children can again celebrate Halloween at Trunk or Treat, held in the Wheat Ridge 5-8 school parking lot, 7101 W. 38th Ave., Saturday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The event features a “Trick-or-Treat Street” made up of volunteer car trunks decorated in Halloween style, where children can safely complete the traditional October march for candy.

The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. with a costume parade lead by Thriller Zombie Dancers. Other attractions include a hot dog stand run by the Wheat Ridge Cheer Team, a craft and game table, haunted house, free hay rides and pumpkin dessert contest hosted by Live Local Harvest.

In the days leading up to this event, businesses on Ridge at 38 can participate in the “Pumpkin Parade” by displaying wooden pumpkin cut outs outside of their establishments. Participants will receive a wooden pumpkin cut out to creatively decorate and compete for the Golden Pumpkin Award. Winners will be announced the night of the event.

Up to 100 volunteers are needed to decorate their car trunks and pass out candy to kids. Some candy will be provided, but additional donations are welcome. Sign up at www.SignUpGenius. com/go/10C0C45AEAF2CABF94-trunk/ 11824268.

Trunk or Treat started two years ago with just a handful of cars and dedicated community members, and has grown to the almost 40 cars and 400 kids in attendance last year. Community partners and businesses include Compass Construction, Lakota Skye, The Family Tree (Treasure Trunk Thrift Store) and Destination Dance.

Wheat Ridge Police Department provides officers for at the event and trick-or-treat candy collection bags for the kids.

Ridge at 38 is Wheat Ridge’s central commercial district, located on West 38th Avenue between Sheridan and Wadsworth boulevards. Wheat Ridge 2020 is a community-based, nonprofit development corporation advancing Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable community.

For more information contact Mara Owen, Wheat Ridge 2020, at 720-259-1030 or mowen@wheatridge2020.org.

How & Where to Vote?

All active registered voters should have received a ballot for the Nov. 5 election by mail, sent to their address of record.

Ballots can be cast by: Mail (put a first-class stamp on it); Voting in person from Oct. 21-Nov. 5 at a Voter Service and Polling Center (Lakewood Motor Vehicle Office, 20th & Wadsworth is closest); or Dropping it off a Voter Service and Polling Center or drop-off location (Wheat Ridge or Edgewater city hall).

For more information and to verify registration, visit http://www.sos.state.co.us/ pubs/elections/vote/VoterHome.html.

See local election coverage on pages 4,5 & 11.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – ngazette.com

Gazette

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

NEIGHBORHOOD

Find Me!

Tim Berland 303-995-2806 e-mail: editor@ngazette.com www.ngazette.com 4385 Wadsworth Blvd., #140, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Publication date is the 15th of each month.

Advertising: Vicki Ottoson 303-777-6144 or Tim Berland 303-995-2806 Copy Editing/Proofreading: J. Patrick O’Leary, Cyndy Beal & Sarah DiTullio

Return or Flee from Wheat Ridge Roots?

This batty buddy is located somewhere else in this issue, find him and

send an email to puzzle@ngazette.com

Kids Will Return to Roots From our own personal experience, there is hope for your daughter and other young people who may see themselves living somewhere other than Wheat Ridge (“Who Owns The Future?” August 2013 Neighborhood Gazette). Our two sons, who attended Wheat Ridge schools from kindergarten on, started out by purchasing homes in other cities, one in Arvada and the other in Aurora. Our oldest son, Donny, owns a home in Wheat Ridge and works in a Wheat Ridge business. Our younger son, Troy, just bought a Wheat Ridge business and plans to buy a home in Wheat Ridge. Currently, they are renting in Arvada because Wheat Ridge is low on rental inventory.

Let them explore other cities in Colorado and beyond. Kids are known for returning to their roots. After all this is where their childhood memories were created.

Margie Seyfer, Wheat Ridge

and tell us where it is.

We will draw a winner out of the correct responses and send them a cool prize.

Good luck!

© OCTOBER 2013 All rights reserved.

The publishers assume no responsibility for representations, claims or opinions by any advertising or article in this publication.

Loretta DiTirro

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Hey, That’s Me You’re Talking About I am the young man you referenced in your article in the Neighborhood Gazette - the one “that spoke up about my friends and peers moving out of Wheat Ridge.” (“Who Owns The Future?”, August 2013 Neighborhood Gazette.) While I am very interested to read how your follow-up story is coming, I want to give you a point of reference as to why so many young people do not look at Wheat Ridge as place to live; instead deciding to live in the Highlands, Wash Park, Jefferson Park, Golden, Olde Town Arvada, etc.

When my generation reads articles in the Denver Post, Neighborhood Gazette, etc., that highlight the City of Wheat Ridge fighting over spending $600K on improvements to 38th, we shake our heads in disgust. When we read articles about our mayor doing surveys on his own to push his own agenda, we question if he really has the best interests of Wheat Ridge in mind, or his and his buddies’ interests in mind.

When the city is unwilling to invest by increasing our sales tax by .01 percent, or spend $600K on projects that greatly improve the appeal of Wheat Ridge, my generation sees a city that is unwilling to invest in itself and is happy to be left behind by the communities surrounding it. To be completely honest, we view 38th as a suburban ghetto. The rundown shops/ strip malls, poorly taken-care-of business, and bad apartments that look as if they were built for the Soviet Union, turn my generation away from our community.

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I would like to make a couple comments on Mr. Zachary Urban’s last column (“Can We Trust You?”, August 2013 Neighborhood Gazette).

I agree with him 100 percent that you should not simply give your trust.

Whether to other people, businesses or your government, I believe trust needs to be earned.

I also think as a member of City Council, we need to always be watching our budget, finding areas to cut so that we can afford other expenditures.

In the article, Mr. Urban also lists out the current sales taxes in our neighboring cities.

This information was correct. However, there is more to this story.

In addition to the sales tax, several major retail areas include property-improvement fees, fancy words for additional taxes that cause what you actually pay for goods to jump. For example, that Lakewood sales tax of 7.5 percent jumps to 8.9 in Colorado Mills, 8 percent in Belmar and 9 percent at Creekside, which includes the Walmart at Wadsworth & Colfax. Keep an eye on those receipts and be aware of what you are spending, so you can decide whether that property-improvement fee is worth it to you.

Trust is earned. And in government, one of the ways trust is earned is through transparency. Instead of hiding increased fees for goods sold in Wheat Ridge, Council has been advocating for a ballot question to voters that requests a sales tax increase.

To have some great retail in Wheat Ridge and to keep our dollars in our community, this is an initiative that I publicly support. I continue to support this initiative but due to the timing of the veto and controversy of the ballot question in an election year, council chose not to vote to overturn the veto for this year’s ballot.

Most importantly remember to shop in Wheat Ridge to support our community.

Please feel free to contact me at 303757-8488.

Kristi Davis, Wheat Ridge City Council

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neighborhood gazette – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – ngazette.com

Shake-up ahead at Wheat Ridge City hall?

Wheat Ridge city government will soon have a new mayor and possibly four new city councilmembers. Three candidates are vying to fill the mayor’s seat, soon to be vacated by Jerry DiTullio, who’s served the maximum term in that position. DiTullio and two others are challenging incumbent District I Representative Davis Reinhart. There’s one challenger to incumbent Joseph DeMott in District IV, and there are two candidates competing for each vacant seat in Districts II and III. According to the City of Wheat Ridge, the following are running for public office in Wheat Ridge’s November election: Joyce Jay, Mike Stites and Park Worthington (write-in candidate) for Mayor Davis Reinhart, Jerry DiTullio, Monica Duran and Karen Thaler for District I Representative Zach Urban and Chad Harr for District II Representative Dick Matthew and Tim Fitzgerald for District III Representative Joseph DeMott and Genevieve Wooden for District IV Representative The Neighborhood Gazette asked each candidate to submit a brief statement of who they are and why they are running for office. Here are their responses (listed in alphabetical order):

Candidates for Mayor of Wheat Ridge

Candidates for Wheat Ridge City Council – District i

JoyCe Jay

JeRRy Ditullio

Wheat Ridge is showing signs of a reawakening and a new vitality. Let’s not stop the progress! We still need new businesses, more pedestrian- and bike-friendly areas, and more solid investing in development by the city. At the same time, we must encourage new families/visitors to experience our exceptional amenities such as the green belt, parks, restaurants, events and recreation center.

As mayor, I will pursue that renewal, but hold dearly to a community core that feels like a home town, OUR hometown – retaining our “pride of place” making Wheat Ridge the hometown everyone wants to call their own.

My experience includes a successful commercial photography Joyce Jay business, four years on city council and many Wheat Ridge boards/ commissions, including the Denver Regional Council of Governments. I am a 29-year resident whose daughter graduated from Wheat Ridge High.

My website: JoyceForMayor.com

Mike Stites

As Wheat Ridge’s only write-in candidate due to a clerical error on my petition, I realize that I need to know more about your views, and you. From visiting with hundreds of citizens, commerce within the city is an important concern for the majority.

Unknown to most that I spoke with is the fact that Wheat Ridge has a higher felony crime rate than the national average. Just as people review schools before locating to a city, businesses evaluate the crime statistics prior to investing in a community. My objective, as mayor, will be to restructure the priorities of the city, and take a proactive approach to crime.

With lower crime comes new commerce and owner-occupied Park Worthington homes, overall making for a more desirable community. Voice your thoughts with me by visiting my website: http://worthingtonformayor.com.

Succulents

I’m a licensed engineer with a master’s in construction management. My 30-year career includes large municipal projects like Denver International and the Lowry Redevelopment. I love sharing my technical and real world experience with Wheat Ridge. I’m passionate about public service. That’s why I joined the Peace Corps after college and why I’m on the Wheat Ridge City Council, looking forward to a second term with your vote. I plan to keep meeting with constituents in neighborhood venues like the Olde Firehouse, so District I concerns are always on the agenda. I will focus on Wheat Ridge’s future, especially economic development and fiscal strategy. My priority goal is to work with fellow councilors to find a way to maintain and improve our infrastructure that meets the approval of you, the voter. I am eager to serve my friends in District I and our city in my second and final term.

Davis Reinhart

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My name is Karen Thaler and I am a District I native. I attended Steven’s Elementary, W.R.J.H., 1987 W.R.H.S. My occupation is landscape management. 2007-2008 Carnation Festival, 2010 Wheat Ridge Civic Academy, 2011 Wheat Ridge Citizen’s Police Academy. 2007-2011 represented Wheat Ridge as a state finalist for Mrs. Colorado earning Titleholder of the Year and Crowning Achievement awards for my community involvement. 2007-2011 read proclamations before city council meetings. 2011 wrote column titled “Hometown Pride” in the Gazette. My values are representing not only District I but the entire city, standing up for what I believe Karen Thaler is fair, having great respect for the dollar and manner in which it is spent. I welcome citizen input because I firmly believe it’s the citizens who ultimately define a city’s success or failure. Any questions or comments I can be reached at dkthaler@msn. com or 303-587-4871. I kindly ask for your vote Nov. 5.

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MoniCa DuRan Wheat Ridge needs strong leadership. That candidate is Monica Duran. I currently serve on the boards of the Wheat Ridge Planning Commission, Jefferson Center for Mental Health and Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival. I have been endorsed by The Denver Area Labor Federation and The Latino Initiative.

I chose to run for office because I felt ignored as a voter. Wheat Ridge is a fantastic community. But, we are at a crossroads – how do we address budget concerns, create jobs, and increase tax revenue?

Let’s work on this together.

My focus is on listening to our citizens. I will continue to support businesses, protecting our seniors and families, and listening to the will of the people in alleviating of the lane reduction on 38th Avenue.

I support making Wheat Ridge a destination – not a stopover.

I am Monica Duran and I ask for your vote in November.

Mike StiteS My name is Mike Stites. I am 61 years old and my wife and I have lived in Wheat Ridge all our life. I have been on city council the past 10 years. We have a family business that has been on 38th Avenue for over 60 years now. I have great respect for Wheat Ridge, the businesses and the citizens. We must encourage smart growth and a common-sense approach in looking towards the future. Above all we must have citizen input so that our future is not dominated by special interest groups. Wheat Ridge has great neighborhoods, parks and open space and we must continue to upgrade them to insure a clean and beautiful city. For these reasons, I am running for mayor of Wheat Ridge. Wheat Ridge is alive and well so let’s work together to keep Wheat Ridge a great place to be.

City council needs vision, leadership, experience and fresh ideas the next four years. The City of Wheat Ridge is a diverse community of residents and businesses. I have made it a point to listen to both sides of an issue and find common ground. City council needs members who can make educated and informed decisions. I have never been one to make decisions based on spoon-fed information from a select few. My voting record and public policies speak for themselves. I enjoy working with citizens and businesses on win-win public policy with compromise as its key. Our city is too small to allow win-lose decisions by city council. Let’s change that together and get some work done. I respectfully ask for your vote this November. Questions or comments? Please visit www.jerryditullio.com or call 720-2536785. Thank you!

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ngazette.com – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Candidates for Wheat Ridge City Council – District II CHAD HARR My wife and I have three children who attend elementary, middle and high school in Wheat Ridge. I have started and currently run my own small business and I understand balancing budgets and what it takes to have vision, bring it forward, and motivate people to make it happen. I love the small town feel of the city, the location, and friendly people. Through my volunteer work in Wheat Ridge I have come to realize there is a potential for an even greater city. I have started Trunk or Treat, Wheat Ridge Garden Tour, Chicks in the Ridge tour, and I am on the Cultural Commission and the board of WR2020. I am not a politician, just a regular guy. My vision for the city includes enhancing the quality of life for everyone and making Wheat Ridge the best place in the metro area to raise a family, feel safe and be active.

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ZACH URBAN My wife Melinda and I along with our two children live at 4740 Reed St. I own a consulting firm at 48th and Wadsworth. I consult nonprofit organizations on various projects. I volunteer as the ViceChairman of the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority. I am responsible for hosting the Saints’ Peter and Paul community festival each year.

I volunteer as a columnist for this paper. I pride myself in being the most accessible candidate in Wheat Ridge. I am very interested in listening to your ideas, opinions, and concerns. To this end, I have taken the time to create a community survey seeking your feedback.

Please visit ZachUrban.org to take this survey. I sincerely want to know what you have to say about Wheat Ridge. Your vote entrusted to me will allow me to continue to work to make sure your voice is heard when decisions are made.

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Candidates for Wheat Ridge City Council – District III TIM FITZGERALD I spent my childhood in Wheat Ridge and went all through school here. Wheat Ridge has wonderful neighborhoods and many other assets. Let’s face facts though: our main streets are looking a little tired, our shopping strips are half empty. Doing nothing doesn’t work.In the meantime, all of the cities around us are changing, and renewing themselves. Arvada has Olde Town. Lakewood built Bel Mar. Golden renewed their downtown while keeping the historic part intact. Denver has undertaken many projects including Tennyson Street. All of these projects are extremely successful and every single one of them has used a road diet.

It’s time for us to breathe some vitality into our hometown. We Tim Fitzgerald have a good start. The trial on 38th Avenue has brought us 34 new businesses that have invested in the future of the street.

There is no “back to the future” only the real future. Vote for Tim Fitzgerald.

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DICK MATTHEWS My experience of more than 30 years of business and tax consulting has provided a broad knowledge base. That knowledge is combined with the willingness to listen. Listening to people that disagree with us give us an idea of the unintended consequences of our well-intended actions.

The road diet on 38th Avenue is a perfect example. The new energy and atmosphere are exactly what the city intended. However, the unintended consequence has been the diversion of traffic into the surrounding neighborhoods and 32nd Avenue. Convenience stores and other automotive-related businesses along 38th that rely on high traffic volume have suffered. The study that was the basis for the road diet forecast NO perceptible diversion of traffic. On the Dick Matthews Planning Commission I voted against the road diet because I thought the traffic forecast lacked credibility.

The city needs to modify the road diet to minimize the traffic diversion while retaining that energy. We have similar opportunities with the westward migration from the Highlands and the development around the light rail on Ward Road. I welcome the opportunities, but we also need to mitigate the unintended consequences to protect our neighborhoods.

Candidates for Wheat Ridge City Council – District IV JOSEPH DEMOTT My wife and I are both Wheat Ridge natives raising two young children. I am a business owner celebrating 50 years in our location at Pietra’s Pizzeria, member of Council since 2009, Chairperson of the Wheat Ridge Business District, Chairperson Wheat Ridge Housing Authority and Carnation Festival executive board member.

I’m running for re-election because I believe in; • Maintaining a strong and well-trained police department • Defending personal property rights • Guiding Economic Development and Revitalization • Protecting the balance of history and progress If re-elected, my goals will remain very much the same, to Joseph DeMott take advantage of my experience with working with many different generations of Wheat Ridge’s demographics. More importantly is to honor our community roots while guiding our community through local and regional challenges.

GENEVIEVE WOODEN I have lived in Wheat Ridge in District IV for 19 years as both a homeowner and small business owner. My work experience includes retail management, law firm administration, stay-at-home mom, property management and I am currently a licensed real estate agent.

I am married and have two children at Wheat Ridge High School.

I am running for city council because I would like to be a part of the growth and development of this city and create a positive and prosperous Wheat Ridge. We are poised to build a fantastic city of: parks, bike and walking paths, economic stability, urban agriculture, vibrant businesses, a successful 38th Avenue, and a close sense of community. However, we need to plan and take action to make this Geneveive Wooden work. I would like to be elected to help plan the future for Wheat Ridge.

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neighborhood gazette – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – ngazette.com

MEdicaLLy spEakinG

HOME, GardEn & LifEstyLE

recognizing Addiction

Falling For Fall, Flavors & Festivals

BY BrAd SJOSTrOm, LCSW

F

all weather brings a focus on addiction and mental health, especially as we head into the holiday season. Last month was National Recovery Month, which is a time to celebrate those who are recovering from either a substance use disorder or a mental health condition. Addiction treatment and mental health services can enable people to live happy and rewarding lives. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.”

Substance problems are highly prevalent in the U.S. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, in 2011 an estimated 22.5 million Americans aged 12 or older, or 8.7 percent of the population, had used an illicit drug or abused a psychotherapeutic medication (such as a pain reliever, stimulant or tranquilizer) in the past month. This is up from 8.3 percent in 2002. The increase mostly reflects a recent rise in the use of marijuana, the most commonly used illicit drug. Not all people who use such substances will do so habitually.

In terms of alcohol, roughly 51.5 percent of Americans are regular drinkers, which means they have at least 12 or more drinks a year. Moderate drinking is considered no more than four drinks a day and no more than 14 drinks a week for men, and no more than three drinks a day and seven drinks a week for women. Drinking beyond these thresholds is considered harmful.

The key is to identify when recreational drug use and moderate drinking becomes

a problem. A simple and straightforward gauge to measure if you or a loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol is the CAGE screening: • Has one tried to Cut back on drinking or drug use and has been unable?

• Have others grown Angry at the person’s drinking or drug use?

• Does one feel Guilty about his or her alcohol or drug use?

• Has one drank alcohol or used drugs in the morning as an Eye-opener to soothe a hang-over or prevent withdrawal symptoms?

If one responds yes to two of the four questions, there is a good chance the person is abusing substances. As an addiction escalates, all areas of a person’s life are affected: a person runs into legal issues, relational problems and job loss.

The reasons people succumb to addiction are variable. What we do know is there is a family correlation: if one has a parent who struggles with addiction, he or she is up to four times more likely to have an addiction.

Help for addiction can take many forms: from mutual help groups, such as Narcotic Anonymous, to more structured outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment for those who have more severe addiction issues. Like many issues, in order to change, the person seeking help needs to admit that he or she has a problem.

The good news, as evident by the history of Recovery Month, is that people can and do get better!

Brad Sjostrom, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master Addiction Counselor, is the manager of the Recovery Center and the Assessment and Referral Team at Exempla West Pines Behavioral Health.

PHOTO BY Blu IrOn PHOTOgraPHY

BY JEANNE NICHOLS

T

he month of October has always been one of my favorites, there is just something about the smell in the air, the crisp and cool mornings and evenings that let us know summer is gone.

I love the rustle of leaves in the trees and then again on the ground as they blow and we try to rake them in piles to bag.

How many of you, your children or your grandchildren have jumped into those piles and rolled around only to be scolded by the one raking for spreading the leaves again?

What would October be without pumpkins? We carve them, we bake with them, we throw them and we decorate with them. If you love pumpkins you sure don’t want to miss Glow at the Wheat Ridge Senior/Community Center on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Or you could try painting your own pumpkins at the Fall Pumpkin painting and vino night at the Teller Gallery and Studio on Thursday, Oct. 24.

Some of my favorite vegetables come into season in the fall such as broccoli, artichokes, asparagus and spinach. One vegetable that has taken on new life for me is the beet. My mom loved and always served pickled beets, of which I wasn’t fond of, but more recently we are finding beets served in a whole new way such as the Beet Tartare at

the West 29th Restaurant and Bar. If you are a football fan or not, you have to admit that October is alive with high school, college and professional teams. The Wheat Ridge Farmers could use your support – what a great evening of hot chocolate or apple cider and our very own high school team!

Would you rather participate than watch? Wheat Ridge has a wonderful place for you to participate in the crisp fall air of October, the Clear Creek Trail. This 6.5-mile trail runs just south of I-70 and Harlan to Youngfield Street. What better way to get the family out and moving, right in our own backyard.

Of course you can’t have the month of October without a little Oktoberfest – although the official time may have already come and gone, you can still celebrate at a few of Wheat Ridge’s new breweries: Brewery Rickoli and Colorado Plus Brew Pub. Last but not least is Halloween. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Halloween, but I must tell you that it is my least favorite of all holidays...now don’t get crazy on me, it’s just that I’m a super fraidy-cat, and witches, goblins, ghosts, spiders and bats are just not my thing, nor do I enjoy things jumping out at me. In any case keep in mind that on Saturday, Oct. 26, The Ridge at 38th will be presenting Trunk or Treat, if you like spooky you won’t want to miss it.

Well, I guess my time is up reminiscing about October but there is one more reason I love October...it’s my birthday month!

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 303728-9497.

Mike Stites MAYOR

Jerry DiTullio DISTRICT 1

Zach Urban DISTRICT 2

fitzgerald 1/2 H

Dick Matthews DISTRICT 3

Joe DeMott DISTRICT 4

From Different Paths…Moving Forward Together FOR 100% OF WHEAT RIDGE

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

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Westridge Veterinary 9900 W. 44th Ave. 303-424-5789 www.westridgevet.com

A and K Appliance Inc. 9335 W. 44th Ave. 303-985-1952 www.akappliance.com

DTI Trucks 8955 W. 44th Ave. 303-524-3820 www.dtitrucks.com

5280 Gymnastics 10601 W. 44th Ave. 303-431-4456 www.5280gymnastics.com

Brown Dog School 9900 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-4468

Wheat Ridge Auto Service 9544 W. 44th Ave. 303-424-6800

Dardano’s Interior Design 8035 W. 44th Ave. #101 303-432-8509

Big Mamas Burritos 9730 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-9733 www.bigmamasburrito.com

Young’s Market & Garden Center 9400 W. 44th Ave. 303-422-8408 youngsmarketandgardencenter.com

Mia Bella Hair Salon 8020 W. 44th Ave. 303-423-1990

Best Way Sweeping 10710 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-7900

Dairy Queen 9720 W. 44th Ave. 303-421-8576 www.dairyqueen.com

Entenmann’s Bakery Outlet 9192 W. 44th Ave. 303-424-1432 www.entenmanns.com

Raffaele’s Hair Studio 10401 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-1155 www.raffaeleshairstudio.com

Blindery 9751 W. 44th Ave. #102 303-423-0402 www.theblindery.com

GIA Insurance 9195 W. 44th Ave. 303-423-0162

Rambling Rose 10080 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-3273

Table Mountain Creative Concrete 13050 W. 43rd Dr. #200 303-903-4485 tablemountaincreativeconcrete.com

F & H Auto Upholstery 10710 W. 44th Ave. 303-424-2971 fhautoupholstery.com

Premier Auto 9998 W. 44th Ave. #A 303-940-6009 Tubs Coin-Op Laundry 9990 W. 44th Ave. 303-423-5754

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Vincenza’s Italian Bakery & Deli 8000 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-8400 www.vincenzabakery.com AAA Colorado 7770 W. 44th Ave. 303-300-7701 Bearly Used 7750 W. 44th Ave. 303-945-4704 modmood 7700 W. 44th Ave. 303-728-9497 www.modmood.com 44th Avenue Grill 7605 W. 44th Ave. #F 303-421-4544 Vern’s Liquors 7605 W. 44th Ave. #A 303-422-8293

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Altitude Salon 6749 W. 44th Ave. 303-422-3123 www.altitudesalon.com

My Crib Consignment 7341 W. 44th Ave. 303-432-8223 www.mycrib-consignment.com

Vital Chiropractic 6290 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-6023 www.vitalchiropractic.net

Diana’s of Denver Hair 7337 W. 44th Ave. 303-420-4441

Front Range K-9 Academy 6719 W. 44th Ave. 720-839-1102 k9counselor.com

Fashioned Trophies & Award 7393 W. 44th Ave. 303-422-2613 www.trophystore.com Wheat Ridge Used Furniture 7250 W. 44th Ave. 303-424-7454 www.wheatridgeusedfurniture.com ABC Tax Services 6890 W. 44th Ave. 303-422-1040 www.abctaxserv.com

Harriet’s Treadle Arts 6390 W. 44th Ave. 303-424-2742 Beauty Inc. 6200 W. 44th Ave. 303-424-4612 L & L Coin & Stamp 5500 W. 44th Ave. 303-422-8500

8

neighborhood gazette – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – ngazette.com

school crossing

Ask the Super Answers to Questions Posed to Schools Superintendent Cindy Stevenson

When is the Deadline to submit Unified Learning Plans?

Education, Politics & Star Wars? school meals level was 17 percent. Today we are fighting a 34 percent poverty level. That translates to more than a third of our students ave you had your fill with all this talk not receiving proper nutrition, basic healthcare of a “road diet” yet? Can we just focus and help with homework. While poverty is a little on the “education diet” we have been not an excuse, it is an obstacle to overcome on for over 10 years? Colorado ranks near as a community. Ensure that all students the bottom in terms of dollars have access to technology, art, spent per student in this country. music, physical exercise and We are talking about having proper nutrition no matter every student graduating from the socioeconomic situation at high school, helping them home. The frequency and level of become college ready, and exposure is debatable, but the goal making sure they are equipped throughout every level is to get with the tools needed for our children ready for the rigors tomorrow’s job market. You of solving challenges in their lives know, the important stuff. I and careers. know it is fun to root for our Still, I only hear about our city Broncos, but I would love to see politicians promising to “work more cheering for our students.

Guy Nahmiach together” if they get elected. What Attending Coffee With about these last two years? It looks like our the Super last week, I heard all about our elections will be decided on the issues of backschools’ athletic championships. How in parking and number of traffic lanes on 38th about the number of Fortune 500 CEOs or Avenue. successful politicians that graduated from If our politicians are so short on topics, our local schools? Tim Gill, founder of Quark here are just a few they can think about: Corporation, is from Wheat Ridge, as was 1. Adding sidewalks to streets where Representative Daniel Schaefer. children are forced to walk on the road during Ten years ago our free and reduced rush hours on their way to and from school.

2. Get involved in our schools and be visible role models for our students.

On a lighter note, Halloween is around the FOr YOUr speCiaL eVeNt corner and while it seems Star Wars is still the dominant force in the universe I always look forward to the original homemade costumes I open my door to every year. What are you makeup getting dressed as? www.facebook.com/MakeupbyLyndia 1/24 H By the way, I am still looking for young residents that will share their views on what Wedding our town needs to look like 10 years from now, for them to consider it as a future home. proM As always, thanks for reading.

BY GUY NAHMIACH

When is the deadline for schools to submit Unified Learning Plans to the district, and can these be published right away to be shared with the community?

While the plans have to be submitted to the district by December for review and approval, they can certainly be prepared and shared with the accountability committee made up of parents, teachers at the start of the school year after scores are received.

What makes Jeffco schools a success today, and what improvements would you like implemented for them to remain successful 10 years from now?

I would want any child I loved to go to Jeffco schools because: • Jeffco has great teachers and students tell us they feel respected by them.

• Principals love their schools, neighborhoods and the kids who attend those schools.

• As well as parents who want their children to be successful. Something that is not common to all cities. Additionally, students and teachers enjoy air-conditioned classrooms.

As for the future, I want Jeffco to get even better for kids I love by: • Having a longer school year!

• More teachers and smaller class sizes.

• Challenging our students even more.

Having more pathways for our students to finish high school successfully.

Thank you, Cindy Stevenson If you have a question for Dr. Stevenson, please submit it to guy@NostalgicHomes.com or call it in to 303-999-5789.

Bring in this coupon for 10% Off ANY SIZE PRECISE DOG & CAT FOOD EXPIRES 11/16/2013

anthony ms 1/12 H

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Guy Nahmiach can be reached at 303999-5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.com.

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

9

WHAT’S HAPPENING Teller Street Gallery Hosts Rotary Benefit Dinner and Auction, Oct. 25 Teller Street Gallery will host a Buffet Dinner and Silent Auction of art, books, curios and memorabilia to benefit the Wheat Ridge Rotary Foundation, Friday, Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m., at the 7190 W. 38th Ave. gallery.

The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, will use proceeds to fund: Uplift International, which provides reparative surgical care to poor, rural Filipino children born with facial deformities; Friends of Guéoul, which underwrites and supports education of poor girls in the village of Guéoul, Sénégal; Zimbabwe Mission Partnership, funding daily meals, clean water, clothing, medical care and education assistance to nearly 1,000 orphans in rural Zimbabwe; Wheat Ridge Feed the Future, providing food items, every weekend during the school year, to students in eight Title I (free/reduced lunch eligible) Wheat Ridge elementary schools; and Wheat Ridge Rotary Foundation Scholarship Program, providing two- and four-year scholarships to seniors graduating from Wheat Ridge, Jefferson and Warren Tech High Schools.

The dinner will be catered by Wheat Ridge’s Lukes, A Steak Place. Following the buffet meal, donated items and services will be auctioned from a starting minimum bid price, and bidding will conclude at 8:30 p.m.

Donations of items or services are welcome; contact Gregory Garner at 303478-5662 or g.garner@comcast.net for more information.

Tickets are $20. Additional parking available is available at Wheat Ridge Middle School.

For event information or to RSVP, visit www.tellerstreetgallery.com.

Free Wellness Clinic, Flu Shots in Edgewater, Oct. 25 Colorado Senior Connections will host a free Walk-In Wellness Clinic with free flu shots and benefits screenings on Friday, Oct. 25, 2:30-4 p.m., at 2250 Eaton St. Blood pressure, blood sugar and weight checks will be provided, and general health questions answered, by Dr. Hal Spitzer and the Red Rocks Community College PA program. St. Anthony’s Hospital’s community nurse will administer flu shots, and Hunger Free Colorado will offer benefit screenings.

Program partners include Brothers Redevelopment Inc., Jewish Family Service, and the City of Edgewater.

For more information, call Alison at 720-248-4591.

League of Women Voters Panel Discusses Human Trafficking Oct. 23 Human trafficking – an illegal, highly lucrative practice which can involve sexual slavery, forced labor and even organ extraction – will be explained and discussed at a panel discussion hosted by the Jefferson County League of Women Voters, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7-9 p.m., at St. Anthony’s Hospital, 11600 W. 2nd Place, Lakewood.

Panelists include Assistant Jefferson County District Attorney Katie Kurtz, FBI

hip violet DIR H

Special Agent Stephanie Benitez, Praxus Education and Advocacy Director Emily Lafferrandre, and JOY International founder and President Jeff Brodsky.

The meeting is open to the public. No reservations are required.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization. The LWV neither supports nor opposes candidates from any party. The League’s mission is to promote informed and active participation in government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy after consideration by its members.

For more information about the Jeffco League of Women Voters, call Ann at 303988-6019 or visit www.lwvjeffco.org.

Shred Sensitive Stuff Safely at Shred-A-Thon, Oct. 26 City of Edgewater is staging a free, drivethrough Shred-A-Thon to safely and securely destroy documents containing personal information. Held Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 2401 Sheridan Boulevard, specialized trucks will be on site to shred credit card statements/ solicitations, bank statements, tax forms, medical statements, junk mail and other items containing personal information.

Forty three percent of security breaches are caused by physical means like dumpster diving. If information is shredded on site, there’s nothing in the trash for data thieves and it reduces the risk of a security breach.

Call 720-763-3012 or email dmaples@ edgewaterco.com for more information.

Bike Pedestrian Advisory Team Meets Nov. 4 Want up-to-date information on efforts and upcoming opportunities to create a vibrant, pedestrian- and bike-friendly Wheat Ridge? Attend the Wheat Ridge Bike Pedestrian Advisory Team Meeting, Monday, Nov. 4, 6:30-8 p.m., at Wheat Ridge City Hall, 7500 W. 29th Ave. New Wheat Ridge Public Works Director Scott Brinks will be on hand to answer questions.

“This is such an exciting time for folks to come together and help shape their community,” said Rachel Hultin, LiveWell Wheat Ridge Coordinator and Wheat Ridge resident. “We need engaged citizens working towards a vision that supports healthy, active living for all community members ages 8 to 80. We can help our elected officials and city staff understand that a more walk-able and bike-able environment supports local economies and improves community health.”

committed to providing hope through grassroots community development.

Fees are $25 for adults and $10 children (under 18), with t-shirts available for $10.

Advance registration closes Friday, Nov. 8.

For more information, visit edgewatercollective.org/5k/.

Diabetic? Pre-Diabetic?

New Support Group Meets Oct. 30

After reAding About smAll librAries in newspApers And mAgAzines, Wheat Ridge resident Carl Morrow decided to install one in his yard on Upham Court. “As a retired high school English teacher I hope to encourage reading even on this small level,” says Morrow. “I specialize in classics and mysteries due to the limited space. I also have a few children’s books for some neighbor kids. All are welcome to borrow, return, and donate.” Morrow says it is the only registered small library library in the city. Visit littlefreelibrary.com for more information.

PHOTO BY CARL MORROW

latest about bus and light rail service, RTD’s FasTracks transit expansion program and other projects. Residents simply stay on the line after answering their phones and will be connected to the meeting automatically.

During the session, participants can ask their elected board member questions and use their keypad to answer live polls.

Anyone who doesn’t receive a call, but wishes to participate, can dial 1-877-2298493, and enter PIN No. 112070.

FasTracks is RTD’s voter-approved transit expansion program to build 122 miles of commuter rail and light rail, 18 miles of bus rapid transit service, add 21,000 new parking spaces, redevelop Denver Union Station and redirect bus service to connect the eight-county district better.

Living With Diabetes, a new support group for diabetic and pre-diabetic people, will hold its inaugural meeting Wednesday, Oct. 30, 1:30-2:30 p.m., in the Edgewater Recreation Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave. The group aims to provide the tools and support needed to live a healthy life with diabetes. Run by St. Anthony’s Hospital’s Gloria Raigosa, RN, it features guest speakers and a nurse educator, as well as an opportunity to share with other people with diabetic and pre-diabetic conditions.

To register or for more information, call Alison at 720-248-4591 or email ajoucovsky@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Submit items to the “What’s Happening” section at editor@ngazette.com

For more information, visit www.rtddenver.com.

teller st.

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Run, Walk or Watch the Edgewater Collective 5K, Nov. 9 Run or walk along Edgewater’s streets while supporting community development efforts at the Edgewater Collective 5K fundraising footrace, Saturday, Nov. 9, starting and ending at Edgewater’s Citizen’s Park, 22nd and Benton. Day-of registration begins at 9 a.m., followed by the race at 10.

Organizer and beneficiary Edgewater Collective is a nonprofit organization

For more information, contact Wheat Ridge Transition Coordinator Rachel Hultin by phone, 303-667-0609, or email, LiveWellWheatRidge@gmail.com. Or visit www.LiveWellColorado.org.

RTD Staging Telephone Town Hall Meeting Nov. 13 Regional Transportation District board member Natalie Menten will host a live telephone town hall meeting with constituents on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m. Menten represents District M, which includes Lakewood, Golden and Wheat Ridge in central Jefferson County. Her tele-meeting is one of 15 staged by RTD board members throughout RTD’s territory between Oct. 24 and Nov. 13.

Residents will be called at random through an automated system and invited to take part in the public telephone forum.

Those who choose to join in can learn the

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highlands DIR 62 H and up Apartment living for seniors 6340 W. 38th Ave 303-424-8132

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JOYCE JAY 1/8 H

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10

neighborhood gazette – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – ngazette.com

Happy B & F Tire Co. Halloween!

In business & family owned for 58 years

ALiGNMeNTS TireSCAROUSELS 1/16 V oiL CHANGeS BrAKeS

BY JERRY DITULLIO

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(most cars)

6915 W. 38TH Ave. 303-421-2063 Steven M. Parks

Master Goldsmith and Designer

Repairs Custom Design Diamonds Colored Stones Appraisals sw gardens Watch Batteries 1/16 V Gold Buyer Estate Buyer

6650 West 38th Ave. 303-421-6111 Open Mon.-Fri, 8:30a.m.-6p.m., Sat, 8:30a.m.-1p.m.

Business Appreciation Awards Mayor, City of Wheat Ridge

Rotate/Balance $35 Radiator Flush $69

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Wheat Ridge City NeWs

5870 West 38th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80212

303.233.2112

Tues & Wed. 11-5, Fri. 10-3 Or call for an appointment

www.stevenparksgoldsmith.com

he City of Wheat Ridge recognized outstanding businesses in the community at the 10th Annual Business Appreciation Awards Breakfast on Sept.

25th. Local leaders and members of the business community joined to celebrate the achievements of Wheat Ridge businesses in six categories.

Citizen’s and local businesses nominated their choice for the Business of the Year and the Reinvestment Award. Nominations were reviewed and winners selected by a team of Jefferson County business professionals.

The individual or organization sponsoring the other awards selected their winners.

Business of the Year: Swiss Flower and Gift Shop, owner Heide Haas-Sheard. This award recognizes a business that exemplifies the Best in Business and represents the values of the community.

Other nominees included: Big O Tires, The Brown Dog School, Christopher House, Food for Thought Catering, Golden Wealth Solutions, Right Coast Pizza, Teller Street Gallery and Studios, Thank ‘em Promotions, Vinyl Works, Walker’s Quality Cage & Feed, and Wheat Ridge Liquors.

Reinvestment Award Winners: Colorado Plus and West 29th Restaurant and Bar This award recognizes a business that has demonstrated one or more of the following: made a significant investment in its property, improved the overall appearance of the site, maintained property at the highest standards, or updated their building in a manner to make it more marketable.

Other nominees included: Bob Perry and Associates, Colorado Plus, King Soopers, RDC Properties, and T-Bird Roadhouse

MIKE STITES 1/2 H

Cultural Commission Award Winner: Teller Street Gallery and Studios This award recognizes a business that has made an impact on the community through one or more of the following: promoting/encouraging culture and the arts, promoting awareness of our cultural activities, diversity, or heritage, supporting opportunities in art education for all ages or incorporating art into the architecture and design of their building.

Other nominees included: The Art Lounge, Mod Mood and Retro Consignment, and Water Whispers Mayor’s Business & Community Partnership Award Winner: Wheat Ridge Police Department and Wheat Ridge Business Association for the Feed the Future Program The Mayor recognizes a company or program for their overall contributions.

The award incorporates criteria from all categories as well as contributions in volunteerism, leadership, and community investment, but must also include involvement with the mentoring, training, and partnering with youth in the community.

WRBA Member of the Year Award: Teller Street Gallery and Studios This award is given to the WRBA member of the year for their contribution to the organization and the community.

Special Recognition Award Winner: Able Planet A special recognition award was given to Able Planet for being named a 2013 Colorado Company to Watch by the state office of economic development and international trade and the Edward Lowe Foundation.

Contact Mayor Jerry DiTullio at City Hall, 303-235-2800, with comments and questions.

ngazette.com – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

EdgEwatEr City nEws This & That

BY BONNIE MCNULTY Mayor, City of Edgewater

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I hope to feature a business (both old and new) in each month’s column. This month I would like to introduce you to The Creative Station located at 5217 West 25th Avenue.

Taylor Martin offers private sewing and music lessons. Her feature for the month of October is ‘Costume Month.’

Taylor’s very colorful business card invites you to “Come Design and Create your very own unique Halloween costume.” Call for an appointment (914) 494-9363.

What a fun concept!

ave you missed the yard signs yet?

School Board Candidates are the only signs in town this year. With only three council seats and one mayor seat up for election in Edgewater, and only three candidates for Council and one candidate for Mayor it’s been a quiet campaign. Even though there are not any yard signs you still have a chance to meet your candidates. There is HOUsE NUMBErs a flyer circulating to introduce At my last Wednesday Coffee you to the council candidates, I was asked if residents are and there will be the traditional required to have house numbers Mayor’s Coffee on October on their homes. Emergency Bonnie McNulty 22nd. Candidates and elected services like fire and police, as officials from the city, Jefferson County well as postal, delivery, and utility services Schools, and the State legislature have depend on address identification signs. been invited to meet you and your local While required by law in most cases, for the candidates. safety of your family please make sure your Congratulations on the success of house numbers are visible from the street. I Edgewater’s Day of Service. Seventy six also encourage you to put them on the alley volunteers stepped up to make minor side of your garage as well. It is important repairs, paint, and clean up yards for 14 that emergency services are able to find you seniors. Edgewater Ace Hardware donated as quickly as possible. the materials, Einstein’s Bagel provided Please come to the Mayor’s traditional breakfast, and volunteers brought their own Candidates Coffee on October 22nd from tools. For lunch Patrick Martinez from Parks 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Edgewater and Recreation cooked hamburgers for the Coffee Shop, 5224 West 25th Avenue. The volunteers. We do live in a great community!

Edgewater Council Candidates will be there, Edgewater’s first attempt at a City and I have invited many other regional Wide Garage Sale was spear headed by candidates and elected officials. This is a Councilwoman Myra Keeble. Eighty seven great opportunity to come out and chat with families formally participated, with a your candidates and neighbors about the few extras joining in at the last minute. future of Edgewater.

The event has been well received by the Do not forget on Wednesday mornings community and I would like to thank Myra from 9:00 to11:00, at the Edgewater Coffee for her dedicated focus on this project!

Shop, I will buy your coffee (or tea) just for stopping by and chatting.

NEw BUsINEssEs In the last several months several new businesses opened their doors in Edgewater.

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Edgewater Candidates Unopposed, But willing to Buy You Coffee

BY J. PATrICK O’LEArY

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dgewater will elect a mayor and three city council members in the upcoming Nov. 5 unified election.

All four candidates are running unopposed, but they are willing to buy voters a coffee and answer questions.

Incumbent Edgewater mayor Bonnie McNulty will join incumbent councilwomen Janka Flaska and Laura Keegan, as well as new candidate Janet Spangenberg, at a Mayor’s Coffee, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 5-7 p.m., at Edgewater Coffee Co., 5224 W. 25th Ave. McNulty has also invited state, county, and school district candidates and elected officials to attend.

The public is invited to meet the candidates and share their concerns.

For those who can’t make it, here’s what they had to say about public office: “I am excited to serve on council as part of a group of dedicated individuals who are working for Edgewater,” said current councilwoman Janka Flaska. “I will strive to honor constituent visions for our community in these next four years by

encouraging sound development policy, promoting small business, celebrating our schools and welcoming families. Please email me with comments or questions at jflaska@edgewaterco.com.”

“It will be a privilege and an honor to represent the citizens of Edgewater for another four years,” said current councilwoman Laura Keegan.

“I will continue to be a voice for the citizens of Edgewater and assure that our city is the best it can be. We must look forward and not be afraid of change while remaining true to our core value: Community is our strength.

Please vote in this important election.

You can contact me at: 303-232-0745 or laura4edgewater@gmail.com.”

“I shall represent our community toward enhancing our quality of life through economic growth, safety, preserving our small town atmosphere, maintaining the city’s infrastructure, and fostering cultural amenities,” said city council candidate Janet Spangenberg. Contact her at SpangenbergJanet@gmail.com.

McNulty made no campaign statement, other than issue the invitation.

~A Custom Jeweler You Can Trust~ Family Owned Business Since 1985

BEST OF JEFFCO CRITIC’S CHOICE

wALKEr 1/12 H

6789 W. 44th Ave. • 303-424-1881 • visionsingold.com

Edgewater mayor Bonnie McNulty can be reached at 303-233-6216 or bjmcnulty2@comcast.net.

EdgEwatEr City CounCil Edgewater Moving Forward (free and delivered to most homes and businesses in Wheat Ridge/Edgewater), has provided columns for our mayor and dgewater is a city in motion, moving city council, as well as space progressively forward for local coverage. Our citizens during the past decades. We and businesses should consider have evolved into a unique the benefits of supporting and community. Edgewater has actively participating in the gained the reputation of a Neighborhood Gazette. We destination city: sought-after should not miss out on this housing, thriving businesses, opportunity to share our city’s sports activities, events and numerous assets. classes offered by our ambitious The Neighborhood recreation department, block WE Gazette’s September issue BUY parties, city-wide garage sales, GOLD, SILVER had approximately 51 articles. and a Celtic Harvest Festival & COINS Laura Keegan Edgewater was featured in deemed by participants to be one five, about 22 percent, of the articles. Of of the best. approximately 50 business ads, only two, or We reach out to local families who need 4 percent, were for Edgewater businesses. our help, give aid and an ear to our elderly, With the paper’s healthy circulation of over many of whom founded our city and still 15,000 papers delivered in the Wheat Ridge/ provide us with their knowledge. They Edgewater area, those advertising in it are remind us of what Edgewater was, is and experiencing a positive impact and increased always should be. We have opened our arms business from their ads. This is a great and hearts to our wonderful sense of smallopportunity for our businesses to think about townsmanship. Edgewater has become a the advantages of utilizing the Neighborhood welcoming oasis, a budding community Gazette to reach out to the local communities. in a vast world of urban sprawl. Though We also encourage our citizens to share news we are only one square mile in size, we are or story ideas with the paper. determined to be a city where people come It would be great to open future editions to visit, live and enjoy a sense of ownership. of the Neighborhood Gazette and see Edgewater has made strides since hiring more local coverage, not to mention the a city manager in 2009. A revamping of our possibility of more customers visiting our city structure has given rise to a community businesses—a terrific benefit to keep our city that is well cared for with plans in place moving ahead. to lead its citizens and businesses into the Anyone not receiving a copy of the future. Our leaders and citizens have looked Neighborhood Gazette should contact Tim ahead to develop plans that will continue to Berland at tberland@ngazette.com. make us strong.

Edgewater Councilwoman Laura As Edgewater progresses, the need for Keegan can be reached at lkeegan@edgelocal news increases. The Neighborhood waterco.com.

Gazette, with a circulation of 15,000

BY LAUrA KEEGAN

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neighborhood gazette – OCTOBER 18 – NOVEMBER 12, 2013 – ngazette.com

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