Neighborhood Gazette December 2012 by Neighborhood Gazette

Local Business Column Debuts see page 2

‘Tis the Season To De-Stress see page 3

Neighborhood

Winter Fitness Challenge Begins Jan. 12 see page 7

Gazette

WHEAT RIDGE

EDGEWATER

Edgewater Rings In New Year And Fire Department By J. Patrick O’Leary

dgewater will say hello to a new year and goodbye to its historic, 97-year-old fire department on New Year’s Eve at 5:30 p.m., at the Edgewater Fire Station, 2508 Gray St. The party will feature refreshments as well as a final blast of the station’s fire siren, before the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District takes the keys to the building at 6:00 p.m., said Mayor Bonnie McNulty. “I decided we’d have a ‘last blast’ of the fire siren, which hasn’t been heard in years because of the use of radios,” she said. “We’re inviting all former and current firefighters, as well as the public.” She also went on to say, “It’s a bittersweet thing. The fire department has been here almost a hundred years, 97 that is almost a century of community service. We will be losing a little bit of the community.” It’s a bittersweet moment as well for the departing fire Chief Mark Finocchio. “I have been privileged to be associated with a group of individuals who routinely sacrifice their personal life to provide for the safety, health and welfare of the community,” he said. He went on to say, “I wish we could have found a way to save this organization, but the conspiracy of lack of available funding, dwindling personnel and extreme demand for our services required us to move in the direction we have.”

Edgewater voters made the decision to include their city in the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District by a nearly two-toone margin in the 2012 general election on November 6. The move was endorsed by the city and the fire department. “I was hired as the first paid fire chief for the department in November of 2009 with the expressed intent to find whether or not we could develop a sustainable and viable model even if I ended up working myself out of a job,” Finocchio stated. Finocchio has accepted a fire chief with an out-of-state department, and will be moving in January. “The legacy that has been left by all previous members can never be tarnished or forgotten and I believe the community will not let that happen,” he said. “I wish all the best for Edgewater in this new endeavor with the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District and I know the city is in good and capable hands,” said Finocchio. Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District will begin using the Gray Street station that evening, as well as the second floor of the adjacent building at 5845 W. 25th Ave., to provide fire protection service. According to an agreement between the City of Edgewater and Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District signed earlier this year, the District will lease the building from Edgewater for $1.00 a year until 2018, and receive Edgewater’s fire

Wheat Ridge Smoking Ban: Snuffed Out Or Still Smoldering? By J. Patrick O’Leary

heat Ridge parks, playgrounds and open space may soon be off-limits to smoking if the City Council adopts a resolution allowing the Parks and Recreation Department to make a rule prohibiting smoking. However, because it will be a department rule, and not a city ordinance, no tickets, fines or punishment will be meted out for violations. The resolution is set for presentation and

wheat ridge parks, like the recently opened Discovery Skate Park, may soon become off-limits to smoking, if City Council adopts a resolution set for a vote Jan. 14.

a vote at Council’s Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, meeting, according to Parks and Recreation Department Director Joyce Manwaring. Breathe Easy Wheat Ridge, a grassroots coalition of Wheat Ridge residents, organizations, and businesses working to reduce public exposure to secondhand smoke and decrease youth tobacco use, began working with City Council in the last year to pass a law that would make all workplaces smoke-free, including tobacco businesses, hookah bars and businesses with three or fewer employees, extend the smoke-free entrances perimeter around businesses from 15 feet to 25 feet, make outdoor seating and service areas of restaurants and bars smokefree and also make parks, playgrounds, and transit waiting areas and hospital sidewalks smoke-free. Breathe Easy claims that nearly 75 percent of Wheat Ridge residents would support new laws that restrict smoking in public places, yet elected representatives were split. “The other [previous] extreme outdoor smoking bans proposed by Breathe Easy Wheat Ridge will not have my support,” said Mayor Jerry DiTullio. He said, “Especially their recommendation of ‘banning’ smoking establishments such as legal restaurant patios and hookah bars.” Breathe Easy drafted a new resolution, Continued on page 2

fighting equipment (except engines) and $304,000 (due January 10) to fund operations in the coming year. The city will be paying to upgrade the current fire station so District firefighters can sleep there; the agreement requires a minimum of three firefighters be stationed there at all times. The token $1.00 annual rent jumps to $50,000 in 2018, motivating the District to construct and operate a new station in the city within five years. Also, the city will be allowed to park its fire engines at the current station until they can be sold. Edgewater’s current 5.03 mill levy expires on January 1, per a city council ordinance, contingent on voters approving the inclusion, approved by city council and the mayor in August. The fire district’s 7.5 mill assessment will be imposed at the same time, but won’t be collected until 2014.

THE NEW YEAR will see the end of almost a century of community service from the City of Edgewater’s Fire Department. Voters elected to merge with the Wheat Ridge Fire District in the 2012 election.

2012: Was it Naughty or Nice? By Cyndy Beal

he last several years have been tough in Colorado, with drought conditions in weather, jobs and finances; sometimes one wonders if Colorado was on the naughty list. However, it is fair to say there is movement to the nice list. In October, the unemployment rate for Colorado was 7.9 percent according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.bls.gov/lau/. This is down a full percentage point from the annual average in 2010 of 8.9 percent. Despite several years of the Great Recession, slow growth and high unemployment rates nationally and in Colorado, as well as the looming fiscal cliff for the federal government, the cities of Wheat Ridge and Edgewater are fairly economically stable. They are showing signs of economic recovery and the return of optimism, albeit a cautious kind. Both Wheat Ridge and Edgewater have had and continue to have balanced budgets with no debt. Such is the same with 2013 budgets. Both cities are also benefiting from higher-income Denver residents relocating and spurring a rise in home sales in the two small communities, with their combined number of residents still totaling less than 50,000.

Wheat Ridge The total proposed budget for 2013 is $45,735,304, up from the adopted 2012 budget of $41,206,340. Most of the increase would come from grants, which are higher than last year. “We’re optimistic that things are going to get better,” said Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff. According to the City of Wheat Ridge website, the majority, 68 percent, of the city’s revenue comes from its 3.0 percent sales/use tax. The three highest expenditures are Police at 33 percent, followed by and

Parks and Recreation at 16 percent, and Public Works at 15 percent, representing 64 percent of expenditures in the total budget. Most of the focus in Wheat Ridge has been on development, according to Goff. This is in reference to development projects such as the 18 to 24-month pilot program on 38th Ave. that includes the addition of bike lanes and lane reconfiguration and the 38th Ave. Corridor plan implemented this year is one of the city’s largest projects, and not without its differences in opinions. Starting in January, improvements for the 32nd Ave. and Youngfield St. interchange will begin. It is a partly grant-funded project, and one of a dozen grant-funded projects slated for 2013. The number of business license applications for local business in Wheat Ridge went up in 2012, with 205 licenses, minus 14 that are no longer in business. The total includes a small number of new ownership of existing businesses and some temporary licenses, primarily from the Carnation Festival. The 205 number is significant in that it is more than doubled from 99 in 2011.

Edgewater In November, Edgewater voters made the decision to include their city in the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District. The Edgewater fire station will still function, but under the WRFPD banner instead of Edgewater’s, ending a nearly century-old tradition. (Please see Mayor Bonnie McNulty’s column and Edgewater Rings in New Year). In the 2012 city budget, the total expenditure for the city’s fire department was $238,226. Although Edgewater’s fire department was largely a volunteer organization, the bulk of this cost was salaries and pensions. In 2012, Edgewater had to cancel its annual July 3rd Fireworks show, on account of a state-wide ban on fireworks because of extremely high fire danger. In past years, Continued on page 4

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Local Business Briefs By Meredith Avery Thaler

ello Edgewater and Wheat Ridge, and welcome to the Neighborhood Gazette’s new business column. This column aims to highlight businesses throughout Edgewater and Wheat Ridge. Its purpose is to keep readers up to date with the happenings of businesses and possibly shed some light on lesser-known establishments.

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Helen Turner, dog groomer extraordinaire, is celebrating her fifth year as owner of Shampooch – a you-choose, self-service or professional dog grooming business in Wheat Ridge. A community activist, Turner is excited to see the forward-thinking changes in the city of Wheat Ridge. She looks forward to seeing Wheat Ridge continue to grow and self promote. Turner has a God-given understanding of dogs and the innate ability to gently care for the dogs she grooms. This sets her apart from many other groomers, the like of which can be found in less-personal cooperate chains. With some of the lowest prices seen in the professional dog grooming world, Turner has no intention of raising her prices in the immediate future. One evening in 2007, Turner came across a groom shop for sale on Craigslist, but by the time she made it into her store-to-be, it had already been sold. At the time she was in a less-than-ideal working situation at a major grooming chain where her manager was notoriously abusive to the dogs they serviced. She explains that they, “are really all about the money and I think to make some money is good, but I think to get financial gain you need to earn respect,” as well as build a relationship with one’s clients. No more than six months later, Turner came across another add on Craigslist with a store for sale that turned out to be Shampooch. She made the call and was approved for a business loan 10 days later, making her the official, proud owner of Shampooch. Located at 7250 W. 38th Avenue on “The Ridge at 38,” Shampooch is open Wednesday through Friday from 10am5pm, Saturday from 9am-5pm and Sunday from 11am-4pm. There will be no changes in

Smoking Ban Continued from page 1

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and Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Guy Nahmiach presented it at the Aug. 15 Commission meeting. The commission discussed the impact of secondhand smoke, discarded cigarette butts, rules versus ordinances, compliance and enforcement challenges, pros and cons of establishing designated smoking areas or parks, current no-smoking laws and business proximity, and other cities with no-smoking bans in parks. The commission agreed to send a resolution to council asking for a rule to not allow smoking in parks, playgrounds and open space, that would not result in any tickets or fines for violators. Nahmiach and Manwaring presented the resolution at City Council’s November 19 study session. “We agreed on a need for consensus and that we would pay for the signs,” said Council Member Joseph DeMott.The only financial impact of the rule would be $1,000 for signage, Manwaring told Council. “In essence, it accomplishes what I recommended, which is ‘No Smoking’ signs in the parks,” says DiTullio. “While I think

hours for the holiday season. For more information, feel free to visit www.shampoochllc.com.

Wheat Ridge Cyclery With their 40th Anniversary fast approaching in 2013, Wheat Ridge Cyclery has much to look forward to in the coming year. In celebration of their anniversary, the bike shop will be having sales throughout the year, beginning in the spring. They are currently finishing an internal remodel and rebuilding their website. In February, they plan to launch a completely new Point of Sale system, which co-owner and bronze medalist, Ron Kiefel says, “is like open heart surgery for a business.” Enhancing people’s lives through cycling, Wheat Ridge Cyclery is zealous about delivering the passion of the cycling experience with extraordinary care, comprehensive knowledge and all the right cool stuff in the manner their customer wishes. Owned and operated by the Kiefel family since 1973, the 40 year old bike shop has grown into one of the largest single store bicycle retailers in the state of Colorado and the country. A German immigrant, Eugene Kiefel opened Wheat Ridge Cyclery in 1973, and now shares ownership with his three children, Ron Kiefel, Erlinda Stafford and Leona McCormick. With a huge inventory of bicycles and product, they have become a destination store for people across the state. Not to be missed at Wheat Ridge Cyclery is their stellar service department and the custom bicycle fits that they have proudly offered for 15 years. Located at 7085 W. 38th Avenue in downtown Wheat Ridge, or “The Ridge at 38”, Wheat Ridge Cyclery is open every day of the week. They will keep their usual business hours through the holiday season; however, they do intend to close at three in the afternoon on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. They will be closed for the day on both Christmas Day and New Years Day. For more information, please visit ridewrc.com. If anyone would like to contact me in regards to the happenings at any business in the realm of Edgewater and Wheat Ridge, feel free to email me at Meredith.thaler@gmail. com. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a great start to the New Year! banning smoking outdoors is a slippery slope for more draconian laws on businesses and other public places, I am willing to support this new park rule. I will encourage Council to ratify it and I would vote for it on a 4-4 tie of Council.” Although hookah bars, outdoor patios and bus stops will remain wreathed in blue smoke, Breathe Easy is supportive of the measure.“ This is a positive step forward for our city,” said Breathe Easy Wheat Ridge Chair Sarah Davis. “Smoke-free parks are widely supported by Wheat Ridge residents as well as by neighbors in surrounding communities who say they would be more likely to come to Wheat Ridge if our parks were smoke-free.” DiTullio credits Nahmiach for reaching a compromise, and Davis applauded Park and Recreation’s leadership in bringing the resolution to council. But Breathe Easy isn’t calling it quits. “The Breathe Easy Wheat Ridge Coalition will continue to provide education and outreach to the community regarding other areas where our workers, residents, and visitors remain exposed to secondhand smoke,” said Davis. “…and to raise awareness around issues such as the hookah lounge in our community that is allowing 16 year olds inside,” she stated.

Page 3

Medically Speaking ‘tis the season…to de-stress By PHiL BeNder-stONe, LcsW Exempla West Pines Behavioral Health Outpatient Coordinator

eat, drink and be moderate Poor eating contributes to stress during the holiday rush. Eat several small, wellbalanced meals during the day, and avoid s the holidays get closer, anxiety and unhealthy foods at parties. Abuse of alcohol expectations are often on the rise. Here or drugs, including prescription medications, are 12 helpful hints to manage your can become problematic. If you are feeling holidays and help you survive the season. tired, lonely, and anxious or stressed, take a break: a walk or a nap, deep breathing, listen take care of yourself to music or watch a funny video. Eat healthy meals, get a full night’s sleep and exercise. If you Practice kindness get sick, slow down, rest up and Give back or volunteer recover. Take care of yourself first, to help find meaning in the or you will not have the energy to holidays. Small acts of kindness make it through, let alone enjoy, go a long way this time of year. the holidays. Surprise others and enjoy the gift of giving. If you want to volunteer, Have realistic expectations check early with soup kitchens, Talk with your family and toy drives or other charities, as decide what is really important they plan ahead for the holidays. over the holidays. Set a reasonable Phil Bender-Stone gift budget; send an electronic Christmas tips for special circumstances card, maybe order out for Christmas dinner. If you are alone over the holidays, be sure You can break from tradition or create a new to take care of yourself and think ahead. Join one. Change your vision to include having a with others who are solo and plan a fun event. happy, not perfect, Christmas. Whatever you do, do not isolate or withdraw. Start your own tradition. If you have lost a Plan ahead and prioritize loved one or will be away from loved ones for Develop a schedule to meet your holiday the holidays, allow yourself to grieve, but do goals, and plan ahead. Pick a day to put away not opt out of life. decorations to help process the end of the If you find yourself severely depressed, season, too. call for help. Call a friend, join a grief support group or call us at West Pines. In a crisis, call say No 911. If you have gone through a divorce or Take back control of the holidays have blended family issues, plan ahead and by saying “no” to expensive gifts, to remember that the good of the children is countless holiday parties and to sugary, paramount over the needs of other family. Put starchy foods. Setting limits and boundaries differences aside. will help you keep your holiday sanity. give the gift of forgiveness deck the halls, but keep it simple Holding on to bitterness and resentment Some people take great joy in extensive adds to stress. Part of forgiveness can include decorations. But if you want a simpler accountability. When the time is right, you approach, try a few outdoor lights and a few can tell your loved one, friend or co-worker tasteful decorations inside. Use children’s that they hurt your feelings or crossed a line. crafts to decorate, or add a wreath on the But the goal is to ultimately let it go. If you front door to create a holiday atmosphere. have experienced abuse or trauma in your past, avoid coming in contact with the person deﬁne your holiday meaning who hurt you over the holidays. Whether it is spiritual significance, or time spent with family or friends, decide stop and have a holiday moment what is important and focus on that. Some Tell your loved ones how important they may have not-so-fond memories of the are; enjoy the wonder the children experience. holidays, which offer an opportunity to break Drive around the neighborhood and look out of old patterns and start new traditions. at the lights. Put on a funny holiday movie. Listen to a piece of holiday music. Attend a Manage your time candlelight service. As hectic as the holidays Use an app for your smartphone, or can be, remember to stop, breathe and take in post a calendar for you and your family. the moment. Communicate often about the schedule and Phil Bender-Stone, LCSW, is the outpatient cooverestimate the time projects will take, such ordinator at Exempla West Pines Behavioral as wrapping and shipping gifts. Health.

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recent real estate statistics Compiled by Jessica Klingsporn, Your Castle Real Estate, as reported by Metrolist

yOUNgFieLd tO kiPLiNg Address

Style

Beds

Bath

SqFt

Sold Price

% Ask

DOM

4452 Lee St

Ranch/1 Story

817

$158,995

99%

10691 W 38th Ave

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,387

$187,900

99%

10367 W 41st Ave

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

950

$203,000

99%

3155 Xenon St

Ranch/1 Story

1,560

$255,000

98%

3350 Moore St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,783

$352,000

98%

$231,379

99%

averages

kiPLiNg tO WadsWOrtH Address

Style

Beds

Bath

Sqft

Sold Price

% Ask

DOM

4695 Wadsworth Blvd

Story and 1/2

2,486

$125,000

100%

431

8600 W 46th Ave

Ranch/1 Story

986

$164,000

98%

4676 Flower St

Two Story

1,219

$165,000

97%

4215 Balsam St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,002

$246,000

103%

3561 Allison St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,662

$260,000

98%

4315 Balsam St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

2,250

$264,000

96%

141

3675 Hoyt Ct

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,555

$290,000

97%

$216,286

98%

106

averages

By Jerry ditULLiO

in 2012. On behalf of the City of Wheat Ridge, I would like to take a moment to remember the ultimate sacrifice made by Agent Davies in serving his community, and express our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of Agent Davies, the Lakewood Police Department and City of Lakewood. As a community let us never forget the sacrifice that our first responders make every day in providing services to those in need. As your mayor and as a father of a first responder, I ask that each of you keep our first responders in your thoughts and prayers, and as a community let us acknowledge their service and sacrifice in keeping our communities safe. Thank you.

Be safe this Holiday season I am reminding everyone to be safe and responsible this holiday season. The holiday season is one of the busiest driving times of the year, resulting in increased traffic accidents. We can make this time of the year safer by taking steps that ensure safe driving behaviors: Being aware of and observing speed limits in your neighborhood and city streets, obeying traffic control devices, not driving while distracted by your cell phone or others in the vehicle, and making sure that you and everyone you celebrate with avoids driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Being a Wheat ridge Ballot safe driver helps support having Question 2a Passes safer neighborhoods and a safer Jerry DiTullio Lastly, I would like to thank community. the voters who approved Wheat Ridge ballot question 2A by a whopping 85 percent. Honoring Police agent Jim davies Taxpayer money will be saved by not having On Nov. 9, Lakewood Police Agent Jim expensive and time-consuming future runoff Davies was accidentally shot and killed in a elections in Wheat Ridge. case of mistaken identity while securing the Peace, safety, Merry Christmas and perimeter of a scene where shots had been Happy Holidays to all! fired. Mayor Jerry DiTullio maybe reached by calling Colorado now has had six police officers City Hall at 303-235-2800. whose lives have been lost in the line of duty

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Wheat Ridge City News

the show has been put on by the city fire department. The total budget for 2013 is $4,434,093, down from the 2012 number of $4,452,714. The decrease is the absence of grant money. In 2012, grant monies were used for infrastructure projects, like repaving alleys and repairing water meters. “We’re doing pretty well,” said Edgewater City Manager HJ Stalf. The majority of the city’s revenue stream comes from its 3.5 percent sales/use tax. Most of that tax money comes from visitors to Edgewater rather than its residents. In effect, Edgewater makes most of its money from tourism. “People need to realize that around 95 percent (of people spending money in Edgewater) are not residents,” said Stalf referring to the source of sales tax revenue. He added that residents of neighboring jurisdictions have helped Edgewater remain

financially more stable during the recession and subsequent slow economy. “We are getting new businesses and have very few vacancies,” said Stalf. In 2013, Edgewater is eliminating the city’s portion of property tax and will be the only city in Jefferson County without it. In 2012, property taxes accounted for $190,000 in revenue. However, property taxes to fund the school district, the largest portion of property taxes, will remain in place. In addition, the refinancing of several bonds will save the city $400,000 according to Stalf. Just like Wheat Ridge, the largest expenditure in Edgewater is for the Police Department. In 2012, roughly 33 percent of the budget was for police services.

elections 2013 Both Wheat Ridge and Edgewater will have mayoral elections. In Wheat Ridge, Mayor Jerry DiTullio is term-limited out of re-election. In Edgewater, Bonnie McNulty is eligible to run again.

MONtHLy sUdOkU by Margie Burke

WadsWOrtH tO sHeridaN Address

Style

Beds

Bath

Sqft

Sold Price

% Ask

DOM

2843 Benton St

Ranch/1 Story

540

$81,000

85%

6330 W 45th Pl

Ranch/1 Story

1,081

$132,250

88%

4601 Quay St

Ranch/1 Story

1,175

$152,000

98%

4090 Jay St

Ranch/1 Story

1,390

$172,000

97%

3630 Ames St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

720

$180,000

98%

6110 W 30th Ave

Ranch/1 Story

1,632

$207,000

104%

4301 Gray St

Ranch/1 Story

1,015

$215,000

100%

3120 Eaton St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

891

$223,000

104%

5390 W 41st Ave

Ranch/1 Story

1,532

$224,350

99%

3715 Benton St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

948

$235,500

98%

3095 Gray St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,120

$239,500

100%

3275 Newland St

Ranch/1 Story

1,806

$246,250

90%

4135 N Ingalls St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,268

$255,000

100%

3880 Chase St

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

1,050

$276,000

104%

5801 W 38th Ave

Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt

2,015

$400,000

81%

$215,923

96%

averages

Jessica Klingsporn Wheat Ridge Specialist, REALTOR® Phone: 303.845.2876 Fax: 303.785.8331 Email: Jessica@LiveIn5280.com Website: www.LiveIn5280.com, www.WheatRidgeExpert.com

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Edgewater City News

Fireplace Chat

the end Of an era

Please Be careful

The dedication of these men and women, and their families is something easily taken for granted. Extensive training and spirited n December 31at 6:00 p.m. the competition with other fire departments has Edgewater Fire Department’s fire siren made them some of the finest firefighters will sound for the last time. This will available. And behind every firefighter is a be the last call for the Edgewater volunteers family who has given up so much to support to race to the fire station, rushing from their them. For every interrupted dinner, missed yards, from their football game, from their anniversary, and early morning beds, or from wherever they wake-up call, I want to let all of might be, and whatever they our firefighters, past and present, may be doing, to take care of know that you are so greatly a neighbor that has a fire or a appreciated by all of us. medical emergency. The Edgewater Fire The Edgewater Fire and Hose Department volunteers had their Company held its first meeting “last” annual Christmas party on Dec. 20, 1915, with 20 men in December 8. There was a lifting attendance. On Feb. 21, 1917, the of glasses to salute the past, the department joined the Colorado present, and the future of the State Firemen’s Association Bonnie McNulty safety of the citizens of Edgewater. and was installed as the 13th fire department in Colorado; establishing the No. Retired Chief Al Coven, age 95, with almost 25 years of active volunteer service, had the 13 E.F.D. honor of cutting the cake. Al recognizes, and In 1926 the Edgewater Fire Department approves of, the inclusion of Edgewater into bought its first motorized vehicle, a 1926 the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District but Graham Brothers Dodge. To fund the said “the cut was like cutting his heart.” purchase of this vehicle the Department We welcome the men and women of held dances and card parties. The City of the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District, Edgewater still owns “The Dodge”, as it is long may we live!Please join your firefighters called. and your neighbors at the fire house, at 2508 In 1933 the fire bell was replaced with Gray St., at 5:30 p.m. on New Years Eve, to a siren, which was eventually replaced with celebrate the old and to welcome the new. radios. Back in the day, the fire bell was often Reminder: It is not too late to invite Santa, rung by the fire chief ’s wives because the and his helpers, to your house on Christmas wives were usually the first to know of a fire Eve. To add your kid(s), age 0 - 99, to Santa’s and its location. list please call City Hall at 303-235-8300 The Edgewater Fire Department has or the Fire Department at 720-763-3029 always been more to the community than just for details.Please join me for Coffee and providing emergency medical response and Conversation at the Edgewater Coffee fire safety. In 1928 they established the Junior Fire Department for young men aged 18-21. Shop, 5224 W. 25th Avenue, on Wednesday mornings from 9:00a.m. to 11:00a.m.If this In 1934 Tony Noll started the tradition of time does not fit your schedule I will be happy having Santa visit Edgewater’s children on to set up another time to meet with you. Christmas Eve. By 1952 Santa arrived in style I have enjoyed all your input and on a fire engine, with light flashing, sirens blowing, a sack of candy, and gifts. To this day, appreciate your comments and suggestions. Happy holidays! Edgewater volunteer firefighters have always Edgewater Mayor Bonnie McNulty can be been proud to serve as Santa’s helpers. reached at 303-233-6216 or bjmcnulty2@comIn the last 97 years there have been hundreds of volunteer firefighters in the city. cast.net.

Please, please and please hire someone who is licensed and insured to do your e careful, be careful and be careful I can’t installation and make sure they pull a permit. it enough! Now that the cold season is I know I have written about this many times starting I’m getting a lot of customers about the importance about these matters but protect yourself. I know people want to save calling or coming in the store to purchase venting, parts and blowers for old units. a little money by installing their own fireplace and venting or having a family friend or Before you spend money buying a fireplace relative that kind of knows about off Craig’s List, from a yard sale fireplaces or hire someone who or a friend, make sure it is legal is cheaper but doesn’t mention and you can still get parts for it. about pulling a permit but at the So, what makes a wood end you leave yourself wide open burning stove, insert or fireplace for future problems. legal? It must be EPA approved, Do what I do when I want on the Federal List and be something and I don’t have approved in your county or city. enough money for the entire An EPA approved stove will burn thing I buy part of it at a time. cleaner and it doesn’t put a lot of For instance, by the stove first, smoke into the environment. Rose Florez then the venting and then when You may think that there is no problem getting venting for your old stove, you’re ready the installation it may take a little that all venting is the same for whatever stove longer but at least you will be safe and legal. you get. Not true! There are some old stoves Please be careful that have a rectangle vent that is obsolete. I Rose Florez can be reached at Fireplace Outlet Supply 4745 West 38th Avenue 303-477-5447 just had a guy by last week looking for venting for an insert he bought off Craig’s List .We had to give him the bad news that it can’t be done. Now he’s stuck with a $500.00 illegal stove that he can’t use. I have to admit that sometimes I get really frustrated and scared from what I hear This frosty fellow is located somewhere else in this issue, ﬁnd him and send an email from some people are planning to do. A lot of to puzzle@ngazette.com the times I will stay on the phone with them and tell us where it is. a little extra time just to make sure they really We will draw a winner out of the correct understand the implications of I am trying to responses and send them a cool prize. Good luck! tell them.

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Council Corner We’ve Been through this Before kidding. He was not. They are still sitting at the restaurant. As I ponder Uncle Jimmy, I am reminded s 2012 is relegated to the history books, of another story. I was at a meeting last spring it seems we have been struck with déjà and a dignified lady stood up to speak to the vu. No, it is not Groundhog Day, but crowd. She stated she was ninety years old, I am beginning to wonder if we have been lived through the depression, World War II, through this before. The “fiscal cliff ” looms large and a deal may or may not happen. and also the good times that resulted from that epic struggle. She said she Both sides have stated their case, had a problem with the two wars but nobody wants to share the we were currently waging in the sandbox. Middle East. She did not like the As we reflect upon our idea of an undeclared war, and common issues, I am reminded she was furious of the stories of of a story, or two. Everybody soldiers writing home for their loves Uncle Jimmy. He drives the families to buy them body armor coolest cars and tells the funniest the government failed to provide. jokes. One evening, Uncle Jimmy And then she paused, in deep took everybody out to eat, and reflection, and asked, “Where is everybody decided to pay their Kris Teegardin the shared sacrifice? Where is the fair share. It was a grand evening, shared sacrifice?” coupled with clinking glasses and robust As we look forward to a new year, I would laughter. As expected, Uncle Jimmy was the like to think my fellow Americans have the life of the party. When the bill arrived, it was grit to solve our issues by sharing the burden noted that Uncle Jimmy drank twice as much of our woes and the joys of our success. Let us as everybody else. Uncle Jimmy reminded tackle today and tomorrow with a pragmatic everybody his lust for lavish liqueurs is incidental and the bill would be split equally. approach for practical solutions. Here’s to a As the rest of the party sat slightly confused, New Year folks! Edgewater City Councilman Kris Teegardin can Uncle Jimmy again stated he will pay the be reached at kristian.teegardin@gmail.com. same as everybody else. Uncle Jimmy must be By kris teegardiN

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A.C.T.I.O.N! Mission Rollout Program Honored Wheat Ridge was presented a Strategic Leadership and Governance Award from the International City/County Management Association for its A.C.T.I.O.N.! Mission Rollout Meetings at its Nov. 26 City Council meeting, by Minturn, Colo., Town Manager and Colorado City-County Management Association President Jim White. The award recognizes innovative and successful local government programs or processes that have significantly affected a local government organization’s culture or strategic direction. The A.C.T.I.O.N! Mission Rollout program was a three-year culture development journey whereby the Executive Management Team established core values A.C.T.I.O.N! (Accountability, Change, Teamwork, Integrity, Opportunity, Now!) that guides the performance of staff in our organization,” said Wheat Ridge Administrative Services Director/Public Information Officer Heather Geyer. “We developed a core value brand and logo and launched the program to employees as described in the attached piece.” “There are a number of reasons why culture is an important topic in municipal government today,” said City Manager Patrick Goff. He then stated, “Cities are being asked to do more with less given our economic state. We are continually competing against other organizations for a talented work force. And, most importantly, we are competing against other communities for residents and businesses to call Wheat Ridge

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The Jefferson County League of Women Voters will present public meetings on the environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing, commonly known as “fracking,” in Lakewood: Wednesday, Jan. 9 at 6:00 p.m., at 1425 Brentwood, Suite 7; and Thursday, Jan. 10, 9:15 a.m., at the Cason-Howell House, located on 1575 Kipling St. “With so much over-the-top citizen concern about this procedure, the League’s study will be dispassionate and nonalarmist, but thorough and factual,” says Jeffco League Publicity Chair Lynne Ellison. A third meeting will be held in Golden, Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 9:15 a.m., at Highlands Rescue Team Ambulance Service, 317 S. Lookout Mountain Rd. The free, public meetings are the second in a two-part series in which JLWV members,

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home.” Goff also went on to say, “Providing government services and programs today requires efficient, businesslike performance and organizational culture makes a huge difference. I am very proud of City staff for the work they put into the A.C.T.I.O.N! Mission Rollout program which has been a huge benefit to our organization and a reflection of the excellent services we provide!” The City was among 13 local governments and four individuals honored for their outstanding contributions to their communities at the ICMA’s annual conference, held in Phoenix, Ariz., in October.

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that day to all of us. For 30 years Kevin Dout has been the PE teacher at Prospect Valley Elementary. n a world where the media outlets focus Well respected by his fellow teachers, students mostly on bad news, let’s use this time of and their parents. In fact some of the parents the year to shine a spotlight on the heroes remember having Mr. Dout as their own and angels among us, and the good will they teacher when they attended PV. bring to our community. Rain, shine or snow....Kevin is at the school We see them everyday but rarely celebrate before anyone, placing cones their acts of kindness. Wouldn’t outside to mark the running path. be nice to turn on the news Setting up equipment inside the channel and hear a few stories gymnasium, whatever is needed about human triumph. for his first class or early morning Not random lottery winnings activities. His commitment to his but where one citizen stops for job is second to none. Silent, kind just a minute to help a fellow and never asks for anything.... human being. No special effects. providing the ultimate experience No sensationalism. Just good for our students. Kevin has been honest stories about the heroes a hero for the last 30 years to so and angels and their amazing many in our community. contributions. Guy Nahmiach Am I still allowed to be upset The mother that devotes with the “genius” who removed the stop signs so much of her life to helping inside the in front of Pet Smart & King Super’ putting classroom and around the school. Her their customers at risk, as they cross over to husband that supports her passion and spends shop? Sure! his own time walking the school grounds and Is it ok for us to ask “when will enough be hallways making it a safer place for our kids. enough” from the school district that is once Together, raising the next Nadia Comăneci again asking for more money? After they just right under their roof. got $99 million from taxpayers? Absolutely! Our schools are filled with so many Sure, we can all be frustrated with various wonderful volunteers that help raise funding. issues in our lives.....but when it comes to the Organize events. Work with students that welfare of those we care about. The education need special attention. Donate valuable of our children. The safety of our families dollars for equipment. Read to children that and friends. There are plenty of silent heroes don’t have a chance to at home. around us that work their miracles everyday. We also have the many volunteers that It’s hard to imagine what the parents at help out in our numerous city commissions. Red Hook Elementary are going through.... Cultural, Parks & Recreation and so many to quote from President Bartlett in The West more. Spending precious time away from their Wing: “ Heaven Is Crowded With Angels families while working hard on ways to make Today”. Tragedies tend to bring us closer our community a better place to live in. together. For a brief moment, dropping our A police commissioner that tirelessly pretenses and being genuine. Accepting each raises funds for a backpack lunch program. other as we are. A sense of appreciation and Providing essential meals to children in title 1 support envelops our community. schools, that otherwise would miss out on full Lets honor these angels and heroes and meals during the weekends. keep that feeling in our hearts for more than Right before the Thanksgiving break, a just a moment. Acknowledge acts of kindness. family in our community had their gas and Help where you can. Teach your kids to thank electrical services cut off to their home. The others. It’s one of the greatest gifts you’ll ever connections were not up to code and were give them. considered a hazard to the family living inside. Happy holidays everyone. It’s been a Two teachers from Everitt Middle School wonderful year. While I am still working on decided to come to the rescue. Brendan Hager, my New Years resolutions...i’d love to hear 8th grade Tech Art/ Social Studies and Bill yours. Gold, also an 8th grade teacher at Everitt. As alway....Thanks for reading Both gave up their vacation time to help out with the family’s home. bringing Guy Nahmiach can be reached at 303-999everything up to code, as well as improving the 5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.com. landscaping. Brendan and Bill became heroes BY GUY NAHMIACH

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Page 7 by consensus, create a position on public participation and the role of governments in the hydraulic fracturing process. Nonmembers are welcome to participate in the educational portion of the meetings, but will not participate in the position discussion and decision process. For more information, call Lynne at 303-985-5128. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging informed and active participation in government, working to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influencing public policy through education and advocacy. For more information about the Jeffco League visit www.lwvjeffco.org.

Weekend Winter Fitness challenge kicks Off Jan. 12 Make good on new years fitness resolutions by stepping up to Live Local Active’s 2013 Winter Fitness Challenge, 12 weekend sessions of yoga, running and Pilates hosted by Santosha Yoga, Elixir Pilates and the Live Local Active Run Club, with support from Wheat Ridge 2020. Each weekend from Jan. 12 to March 30, participants will engage in a rotating schedule of mid-day physical activities, followed by optional coffee or a food at Wheat Ridge restaurants. The $85.00 registration fee includes: three yoga classes at Santosha Yoga located at 5810 W. 38th Ave., Suite 11, three mat Pilates classes located at Elixir Pilates, 7047 W. 38th Ave. and six 5-kilometer run/walk sessions with Live Local Active Run Club. This is also including a coaching session on proper form, footwear and training, at various locations. Additional benefits include a Live Local Active water bottle, a $5.00 discount on a Live Local Active Team T-Shirt and a discount card for 20 percent off at post-session restaurants. Also, prizes will be raﬄed off

throughout the challenge for the participants who attend the most often. Participants who miss a yoga or Pilates class you can use the punch card for other sessions after the Challenge is complete. To register or for more information, visit www.wheatridge2020.org.

When the snowin’ gets tough, the tough go Online For info Winter is on its way, and so are grousing and griping about snow and ice removal. To head off the latter, the City of Wheat Ridge Public Works department has posted its snow removal policies and priority map online to better inform the public and increase cooperation. According to Public Works, a proactive approach is used for snow and ice control. Pre-determined first and second priority roadways are pre-treated with deicing materials prior to snowstorms to prevent formation of snowpack and ice. Arterial and collector streets, as well as streets that provide access to hospitals, schools, police, and fire and rescue stations, are considered first priority or “red routes”. Second priority or “green routes” include minor collector streets and third priority or “blue routes” include hilly residential streets. During plowing operations, every reasonable effort is made to minimize splash back onto sidewalks. Residents are advised to wait until plowing operations are completed, especially with heavier snow accumulations, before clearing sidewalks. Residents can help during and after a snowstorm by: • Checking on elderly or disabled neighbors. • Making sure their sidewalks are clear of snow and ice. • Giving plows room to work and park off-street if possible. • Traveling at a safe distance from salt

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trucks and snowplows at all times to avoid damage to their car and also not passing these vehicles when spreaders are operating. • Exercising extreme caution when driving in adverse conditions. • Limiting and restricting travel unless absolutely necessary during severe weather. • Not shoveling snow or ice from private property into the street rights-ofway. The Snow and Ice Control Policy and Snow Removal Priority Map are available at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us, or by calling Public Works at 303-205-7600.

Wellness clinic, tax Help Offered By senior connections Jewish Family Services’ ( JFS) Colorado Senior Connections is offering classes and programs this month at various venues throughout Edgewater. Walk-In Edgewater Wellness Clinic, Friday Jan. 11, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Edgewater Plaza 2250 Eaton St., offers screenings of blood sugar, blood oxygen, weight and blood pressure, and answers to general health questions. It is free. AARP Tax Preparation and Rent Rebates will be offered by appointment starting in January, Edgewater Recreation Room, 5845 West 25th Ave., and provide assistance with simple tax returns and rent rebate forms. AARP provides free tax services for people over 60. Call Alison at 720-248-4591 to make an appointment. Colorado Senior Connections Community Meeting takes place Wed. January 9, at 1:00 p.m., at Edgewater Coffee Shop, located on 5224 West 25th Ave. Participants can have a free cup of coffee and be part of the planning and development of the JFS Colorado Senior Connections Program.

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tim Berland 303-995-2806 Jonathan Lee 720-982-5672 e-mail: editor@ngazette.com www.ngazette.com Mailing address: 4385 Wadsworth Blvd., #140, Wheat ridge, cO 80033 Publication date is the 15th of each month. Deadlines for advertising/editorial are the 10th of each month. Copy Editing/Proofreading: J. Patrick O’Leary, Cyndy Beal & Sarah DiTullio © DECEMBER 2012 All rights reserved. The publishers assume no responsibility for representations, claims or opinions by any advertising or article in this publication.

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“See You At The Top!” career. About ten years ago I was between jobs, I knew I wanted to work with first time his past month a great author and homebuyers, but I didn’t know what role I motivational speaker Zig Ziglar passed wanted to serve. I was searching for jobs, I away at the age of 86. He was best known was researching the industry trying to find for his book titled “See You at the Top.” My the right fit. I wound up finding a company, father is a huge fan of his, he had all his books Brothers Redevelopment in Edgewater whose mission was to help homebuyers and various quote laying around and homeowners, this company our house. Growing up I was was a non-profit organization. buffeted by many of his quotes Dependent on fundraising, and and philosophies. One that I on grant dollars, they didn’t have remember reading was on the any openings. I came back the issue of Motivation. “People often next day and said I was willing say that motivation doesn’t last. to work part-time for free. After Well, neither does bathing-that’s six months of working for them why we recommend it daily.” It is on various projects, the president hard to stay motivated sometimes, of the organization Mary Ann everyday there are plenty of Zachary Urban Shing called me up to offer me the reasons to give up, to walk away. In the struggle to find daily motivation,we have position of Director of Housing Counseling. plenty of people who would rather armchair Simply because I was willing to serve others, quarterback life, offer up criticism or (un) I have been granted many more opportunities knowingly play the devil’s advocate. Zig Ziglar to move beyond that position, taking on roles was famous for saying “Don’t be distracted at the State of Colorado as the Director of by criticism. Remember - the only taste of Operations for the Colorado Division of success some people have is when they take a Real Estate and most recently overseeing the bite out of you.” He was also a champion of Homeownership Programs and Foreclosure service. He offered up many ways in which Prevention programs for Adams County. I people who seek success can achieve it. This can attribute many of these opportunities to pursuit of success or achievement was never my attitude about failure and about creating framed in the context of money or material my own opportunities. This attitude was possessions. Zig Ziglar was always able to instilled in me by my father, and I know he frame the pursuit of success in the context of learned many of these skills from Zig Ziglar, serving your fellow man. Mr. Ziglar framed and for that I am forever grateful to Mr. Zig success in this very poignant manner: “You Ziglar. May you rest in peace, See you at the will get all you want in life, if you help enough top! other people get what they want.” This in Zachary Urban can be reached at 720-252many ways has been my approach in my 5930 or www.zacharyurban.com. BY ZACHARY URBAN

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Christmas Is Coming, So Are Crooks, Coyotes By J. Patrick O’Leary

s homes, cars and coops begin to fill with pricey presents and poultry this holiday season, local police are warning residents to exercise caution in dealing with cable company employees and coyotes. Edgewater Police reported in late November that individuals posing as Comcast employees visited residents’ homes and asked to examine cable connections and take photos. An alert homeowner contacted Comcast and discovered that no employee had been sent to his home. Police advise residents that if a person claiming to be a telephone or cable company repairman shows up, and the resident did not schedule an appointment, to ask the person to wait while calling the company to verify the person’s identity and reason for visiting. There are other predators to watch out for as well. Wheat Ridge Police reported last month that a coyote “acted aggressively” 720-839-7482 toward a resident of the 9100 block W. 38th Ave., as she attempted to chase it from her backyard. The animal, which was missing a leg and appeared to be suffering from mange, neither asked to examine cable connections nor take photos, but did attempt to steal one of the resident’s chickens. Coyotes live in urban parks and neighborhoods, and

precautions should be taken to minimize contact with them. According to Colorado Parks and Wildlife, coyotes are attracted to neighborhoods by the availability of garbage, pet food and pets. All pet food, trash, fallen fruit and birdseed should be removed from yards to discourage coyotes. Pets, even large dogs, should be closely supervised, especially at dawn and dusk, and near known or potential den sites. Children should also avoid all wild animals and strange dogs. They should shout and make as much noise as possible if approached. If you notice suspicious vehicles, persons or animals that appear to be driving or ambling around without purpose or looking into houses, cars, dog runs or chicken coops, contact your local police: Edgewater, 303“Great Tenants 271-2100; or Wheat Ridge, 303-237-2220. Guaranteed.” All aggressive encounters with coyotes or other wildlife also should be reported to local authorities; although it is probably not a good idea to ask them to wait while calling to the Parks and Wildlife to confirm their identity. RentMeDenver.com Police also advise residents not to leave any valuables, packages or Christmas gifts inside their vehicles. Chickens are probably OK, although the health department may have some concerns. More information on avoiding humancoyote conflicts can be found at www.wildlife. state.co.us.

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