Neighborhood Gazette– March 2014 by Neighborhood Gazette

Pinwheels Popping Up to Help Kids see page 9

44th & Kendall: Name That Park! see page 2

Dog Licensing Saves Lives see page 10

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | MARCH 21 – APRIL 17, 2014

Breaking Ground: New Homes In Wheat Ridge By Cyndy Beal

his spring in Wheat Ridge it is not just plants rising upwards from the ground, but new homes. By the end of 2014, Wheat Ridge will have 100 newly constructed homes. This marks the largest residential construction period for Wheat Ridge in decades. The first two residential developments to break ground were Fireside at Applewood and Perrin’s Row. The third, Incarnation, is expected to break ground in April. “It’s an ideal location,” said Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay regarding Perrin’s Row. The development is for young professionals, seniors, or anyone who does not want a yard and wants to be on a main street. Jay was at the Perrin’s Row groundbreaking ceremony in March. “We’ve been looking for this,” said Jay of the city’s economic development team and city officials. Most of Wheat Ridge’s 15,568 residential property units (single-family homes, apartments, etc.) were built from 1950 to 1979, according to the Jefferson County Business Resource Center. About half of the residential property units are renter occupied. A significant number of the properties were built before the city’s incorporation in August 1969.

Perrin’s Row Perrin’s Row, West 38th Avenue and Depew Street, is in one of the city’s urban renewal areas. The 26 three-story row homes will range in size from 1,166 to 1,649 square feet. Prices start in the high $200,000s, with three floor plans. The developer, New Town Builders, has opened a sales office on the property. Perrin’s Row was included in a modification to the city’s 38th Avenue Corridor Plan in March 2013. This is the fourth modification to the redevelopment plan, adopted in 2011. Wheat Ridge City Council named West 38th Avenue its main street in 2001.

Fireside Fireside at Applewood, West 38th Avenue and Simms Street, will consist of 48 single-family homes. They will range in size from 2,500 to 3,500 square feet, with six different home designs (both one and two stories). Home prices start in the low $500,000s Developer Standard Paciﬁc Homes closed on the land in July 2013. Presales for homes begin in April, with the construction of a model home expected in May.

Incarnation Incarnation, at West 39th Place and Fenton Street, will consist of 26 residences, including single-family patio homes, paired patio homes (duplexes) and row homes. They will range in size from 1,783 to 3,536 square feet. Home prices start in the mid $300,000s per the developer Urban Green’s website. The site once housed a carnation greenhouse. “This shows what we are doing is working,” said Wheat Ridge Economic Development Manager Steve Art, referring to the three larger-scale residential developments and new businesses moving into the city. The need for housing in Wheat Ridge and Colorado as a whole is expected to rise. The population in Colorado, per the 2010 census, was 5.1 million. According to the Colorado demographic ofﬁce the population in Colorado will reach 6 million by 2020. In Wheat Ridge between July 2011 and July 2012, 323 residential homes were sold at an average price of $242,000, after an average of 96 days on the market, according to MLS (multiple listing service) data. The following time period (July 2012-July 2013), 384 residential properties were sold at an average price of $276,000, after an average of 46 days on the market. If the trends continue, home values in Wheat Ridge will continue to rise. For questions or comments on this article or suggestions for future stories, email editor@ngazette.com

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR JOYCE JAY JOINED COMMUNITY LUMINARIES FOR THE GROUNDBREAKING OF PERRIN’S ROW, a new row home development at West 38th Avenue and Depew Street, on March 5. It’s one of the first new housing developments in Wheat Ridge in more than a decade. PHOTO BY LU STASKO.

KITE MASTER DONALD NASH SETS UP A PARAFOIL KITE DURING THE FALL PREVIEW for April’s inaugural Kite Flite Fest, coming to Anderson Park. See story below for times and locations of kite-crafting classes offered prior to the event or visit www.kiteflitefestival.com. PHOTO BY LAURA POOLE.

Kite Flite Festival April 26 in Anderson Park By Laura Poole

hen was the last time you ﬂew a kite? Was it back in 1959 or just a week

ago? For my daughter and me it was a few weeks ago when our winter was interrupted by a warm light breeze. We took her new, 20-inch rainbow-diamond kite and held it for the wind to grab, and then watched as it danced beneath the clouds. For the young and old and everyone in between, join us for Wheat Ridge’s first annual Kite Flite Festival at Anderson Park, 4355 Field St., on Saturday, April 26 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a snow date of Saturday, May 3. Non-wind activities include kite parachute relay races, kids’ crafts at the pavilion, music, an MC and vendor booths. April is National Kite Month, notoriously the windiest month of the year, and last year the Kite Flite committee decided to bring the fun to Wheat Ridge. “We really want community outreach,” said Tracy Langworthy, committee treasurer and District 4 council member, who first had the vision of a kite festival in Wheat Ridge. She approached Margie Seyfer, whose past experience with the Carnation Festival made her a natural fit for this event. “It has been a joy to work with 10 highly motivated people in creating a festival where people connect with nature and each other in ways attendees will soon discover,” said Seyfer, festival chair. “People tend to help each other while flying a kite. Tracy’s vision of outreach with an emphasis on art is also a big part of our mission.”

It appears the Kite Committee has done just that. In February the Kite Flite Festival team helped 130 art students at Wheat Ridge 5-8 (Middle School) create and decorate kites while learning about their science, history and culture. Students from five different classes selected the top three best kites and a total of 15 will be displayed at the festival; the winners will be presented with Delta kites, provided by their school. PG Construction will sponsor “Frustrationless” kites for up to 30 developmentally disabled adults at Developmentally Disabled Resource Center (DDRC), where they will enjoy flying kites. PG Construction and the kite team will be there to assist. “I think the event is a great opportunity to strengthen our sense of community, it is a novel event for Wheat Ridge, it is an opportunity to make new friends and it will be fun working with the kids,” said PG Construction President Pamela Goff. “I’m looking forward to it!” International Students from Red Rocks Community College will man a “Giant Kite in the Sky” and allow kids to take turns flying it. The festival will have activities for the whole family, from tots to the elderly, as well as competitions, prizes and vendors. Kite-crafting classes held earlier in April will have specific flying and award times. Parents are encouraged to sign up their kids now – visit the festival website – to ensure a place, and come prepared to design and create a one-of-a-kind artistic kite to bring Continued on page 6

Loretta DiTirro

neighborhood gazette – March 21 – aPrIL 17, 2014 – ngazette.com

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West 44th Ave. & Kendall St. – Name That Park! By Guy Nahmiach

he creation of a new neighborhood park at West 44th Avenue and Kendall Street is well under way, with final design and contractor selected, and expected park completion this fall. Now it only needs a name. Multiple designs were explored and there were three public meetings last spring to review the initial plans. Neighborhood input was crucial in providing feedback on the final shape and feel of the park. “The 44th & Kendall Neighborhood Park is inspired by an artistic take on the ecology of Colorado’s Front Range,” according to City of Wheat Ridge in its Guidelines for Submissions for the project. “Our native landscape inspired many features throughout the park, such as large boulder seating, flagstone paving patterns and creative berming as well as the use of a drought tolerant plant palette. Surrounding the two open play fields and a multi-use sports court are a variety of nature based artistic elements. Details include threedimensional steel grasshoppers, large steel leaves integrated within shade shelter roofing, a contemporary themed playground with leaf-shaped shade canopies, ‘ladybug’ boulders and steel art panels located along the walks throughout the park.” The city is asking Wheat Ridge residents to help name the park. The Parks and Recreation Commission will be accepting submissions through

April 15. The form is available on the city’s website (www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/ DocumentCenter/View/20424) or at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St. Suggestions for park names have traditionally been past Wheat Ridge residents. Some have even offered money in exchange for naming rights—is this an opportunity for a new revenue stream for the city? Of course, I’m kidding, but imagine taking your kids to Applejacks Park or, dare I say it? Wal-Mart Park? The last park to be named was Discovery, a name that will possibly be just as relevant 50 years from now, Kipling Street and West 38th Avenue. That name was brought forward by the second-grade class at Prospect Valley Elementary school. Full disclosure: my favorite son, Dylan, was in that class and loves that one day he can take his kids to this park and have an amazing story to share with them. Funding for the park was provided by the Conservation Trust Fund (lottery proceeds) and the city’s share of Jefferson County Open Space taxes, according to the city. Additional funding was provided by a $211,000 Open Space grant. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department, 303-231-1308, for more information. Guy Nahmiach is the chairman of and District III Representative on the Wheat Ridge Parks & Recreation Commission.

Public Picks New Name for 29th Avenue Merchants By Cyndy Beal

GUY N 1/12 H

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he votes have been tallied…and the winner is West 29th Marketplace. In February, merchants on West 29th Avenue, between Sheridan Boulevard and Fenton Street, asked for the public’s help with selecting one of six names – or suggesting their own – for the stretch of retail establishments. More than 200 people cast their votes, and five received gift certificates in a drawing. The next step for West 29th Marketplace is to hire a graphic designer to create a logo and subsequent signage. The West 29th Avenue merchants include new businesses West 29th Restaurant and Bar, People’s Market, Twisted Smoothie, and Wheat Ridge Poultry and Meats, as well as Styles Hair and Nails, DSH Gas and Food, STAT Automotive and TJ Wine and Liquor. As the days get longer and warmer, West 29th Marketplace events will follow for “people to enjoy the outdoors,” said

Bud Starker, owner of West 29th Avenue Restaurant and Bar, and District 1 Wheat Ridge City Council member. Past summers have included a farmers market at 29th Avenue and Depew Street, harkening back to the neighborhood’s past, as the location of Ridge Valley Farm. Last summer Starker’s establishment was a host stop for the Wheat Ridge Cruiser Crawl, a bicycle event in which riders follow a route and make stops at local businesses. “That’s the future of neighborhoods,” said Starker of creating community through local events that encourage neighbors to bicycle or walk and get to know one another. A possible future gathering place is nearby Ashland Reservoir, at the northwest corner of W. 29th Avenue and Fenton Street. That site is undergoing renovations that include underground tank replacements and green space. Project completion is expected in February 2017, per The Denver Water website at www.denverwater.org/ ashland.

Letter to the editor Pissed Off by Put-Off Park Promises (and 38th Avenue) I’m really disappointed in our Wheat Ridge officials and the money that has been spent on W. 38th Avenue. Attached are some pictures of a “Future Park” sign that has been up for around 15 years on W. 44th Avenue between Jay and Lamar streets. I have mentioned this to some council members and our past mayor to no avail. I guess the “Open Space” sign was put up to enable them to ignore the promised park. I’m wondering how many of our council members live off W. 38th Avenue. The new park on W. 38th Avenue and Kipling went up fast and has been revamped already. In the 35 years we have lived here it has become apparent that this part of Wheat Ridge, north of and including W. 44th Avenue, is not important to our officials. For some reason they still think they can

build an “old town” on 38th Avenue. Wheat Ridge never had an “old town” like Arvada and North Denver and the money being poured into revitalizing 38th is a disgrace. I wish they would put as much effort into the rest of Wheat Ridge as they have on 38th Avenue. They might be pleasantly surprised. Sincerely, Renee Lang Ms. Lang: See “44th & Kendall: Name That Park!” above. Although the city’s Parks and Recreation Department did start the public input and design process last spring, we’d have to agree that 15 years is a long time to have that sign up without an update. Fortunately, you and other residents can submit, before April 15, a possible name for the long-in-coming recreational site. “Procrastination Park” is snappy, and “Park of Broken Promises” certainly has that sad-chapter-in-our-history ring to it, does it not? –The Editors.

ngazette.com – March 21 – april 17, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

NOSTALGIC FULL

neighborhood gazette – March 21 – aPrIL 17, 2014 – ngazette.com

school crossing A School Board Worth Clapping For? There are bright spots all around. Jeffco is finally getting an additional n the spirit of next month’s Day Without Gifted and Talented Center school, and a Hate, I am focusing on positive issues growing budget for additional resources that and keeping a bright outlook on the next will help families and teachers in providing four years with our new board of education. a higher-level education for all our advanced learners. We had 200 students that were left For example, did you know in wait lists last year. they were pushing to raise the An amazing transformation starting salary for teachers is happening right here at Everitt from $27,000 to $40,000 Middle School: a great Honors per year? This will once again program and a state-of-the-art make this profession a viable computer lab that has made it career option for our younger the first choice for our son and generation. This board also many of his friends. wants to pull some cash out of Heather Rutledge at reserves for a one-time bonus. Prospect Valley is another bright This would be a welcome boost spot. She is working hard to for our educators after six years make the Outdoor Lab School without a raise. Guy Nahmiach a lifetime experience for every They will also be asking our schools to make the curriculum challenging kid, every year. Kullerstrand Elementary for our high-achieving students, just as Principal Esther Valdez is making her school a real choice for families moving into important as helping our “at risk” students. I do support No Child Left Behind. In the new development in our neighborhood, the long run, an educated generation means while helping a small community in Belize, healthy families that can function in this halfway around the world. And Angela world with minimal government assistance. Dryer and Rebecca Gorrell at Creighton That being said, our schools have been Middle School are providing an education so focused on special education and well above the minimum required level, interventions that our advanced learners year after year. These bright spots remind us of the are cruising through school without truly being challenged. Did you know that 9 wonderful things that happen each day in percent of our budget is spent on special our schools. Focusing on the big picture is education, and less than 1 percent on our difficult, but appreciating the good around us is helpful in moving forward. advanced learners? Driving home late one night after a It’s no secret that this new board has ruffled feathers. Change is difficult. After school board meeting, I thought that while a few packed marathon meetings, we were only 18 percent of registered voters got off told that we had to wave our hands instead their couches to cast a ballot in the school of clapping or risk being kicked out. We had election, this board was firmly elected by to accept unilateral decisions without public a large majority, one that was not being disclosure. In fact, we are now forced to heard. Maybe it is my turn to listen. Perhaps instead of complaining that accept many things we don’t stand for. The board meetings have become so our lives were being run by 3-2 decisions, popular these days that additional space we need to really focus on the positives and is set up with television monitors for the work harder to be in tune with our children’s overflow crowds. Of course, bigger crowds education. Pick the right schools that will mean a bigger police presence. I assure challenge them. Sign them up at the Rec you it’s mostly calm, but we do get odd Center for an intense and proper physical disturbances, varying from accusations of education program. Feed them healthy food censured and blocked e-mails to pictures and plenty of books. Someone reminded me last week that taken of all license plates in the parking lots. You’ll hear many personal stories children are constantly striving to learn. shared with perfect strangers. It’s almost as Our role is to expose them to learning opportunities and make sure they are emotional as the airport. I have one simple wish for this new happy. It sure doesn’t feel that simple, but board: Communicate and be open about maybe it’s not that hard. Four years is a very long time to stay your intentions. Our principals and teachers have no answers or information to share upset. Use your energy to make an impact with us parents. This seems to be the No. 1 around your home and community. It is concern for every educator I have spoken to. so much more rewarding. Between the I also have a wish for our teachers: Accountability Committee, PTA and so Keep the classroom a positive learning many other programs I am involved in, environment. Please don’t vent to our kids maybe instead of just voting, I should during class time about the amount of actually run for a school board position. I testing and evaluations. We understand promise everyone will be allowed to clap. As always, thanks for reading. your frustrations and support your needs. The best way to make things better is to Contact Guy Nahmiach at 303-999campaign and rally in the next election. It’s not all doom and gloom, though. 5789 or guy@ngazette.com.

By Guy Nahmiach

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neighborhood gazette – March 21 – aPrIL 17, 2014 – ngazette.com

Kite Festival Continued from page 1

to the festival. Classes will be held at Kataluma Chai, 7300 W. 38th Ave., on Tuesday, April 8; Teller Street Gallery, 7190 W. 38th Ave., on Tuesday, April 15; and the Active Adult Center, 6363 W. 35th Ave., all day on Saturday, April 19. Children will design their own “Frustrationless” kites to bring to the festival, where prizes, provided by Teller Street Gallery, will be awarded for highest kite, best overall design, best use of color and budding artist. Judges will be Mayor Joyce Jay, City Manager Patrick Goff and Councilperson Bud Starker. The city will also give away 15 kites in drawings held every 30 minutes throughout the day. Be sure to pick up your drawing ticket at the Welcome/Registration booth when you arrive at the park. There will be kites for sale from $2-6 during the festival, and Jake’s Toy Box will have a booth where you can find more elaborate kites,

reasonably priced. Visit our kite hospital for free assembly of purchased kites. The festival has a few openings for volunteers in easy, two-hour shifts, to help with traffic, kite flying, greeting or helping with kids’ crafts. A free community booth is available for bona fide non-profits that wish to distribute information about kid-related services. If you have never flown a kite, the festival is the perfect place to learn how. With kite-crafting classes the festival aims to bring the community together to enjoy this old-fashioned activity that brings out the kid in all of us, and to draw everyone out into the fresh spring air. Festival sponsors include the City of Wheat Ridge, Compass Construction, First Bank, PG Construction, Seyfer Automotive, Vinylworks Signs and Graphics, Teller Street Gallery, Cress Kitchen & Bath, Lisa Schrag, Bob Leid Insurance Agency, Kataluma Chai and Red Rocks Community College. For more information, contact Margie Seyfer, chairperson, at 303-233-0836 or visit www.kiteflitefestival.com.

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under the dOMe Cleaning Up Brownfield Sites: A Win for the Economy, Environment My bill creates a tax credit for environmental remediation and redevelopment activities, helping Colorado n 2001, the Villa Italia Mall in Lakewood, leverage private funds to pay for cleanup which had been open for business for efforts. Without the tax credit, the more than 40 years, finally shut its doors. uncertainty associated with rehabilitating The massive, 104-acre property sat nearly these sites can scare away potential vacant, hurting property values and developers and investors. By putting the dragging down the local economy. Ten years right tax incentives in place, we can protect later, the renamed Belmar shopping center taxpayer dollars while leveraging the stands in that spot and is thriving, having strength of the private market. created over 800 office jobs As of last month, the and 1,400 restaurant and retail unemployment rate in Colorado jobs, according to the Colorado has fallen to a six-year low of Department of Public Health 6.2 percent. But that doesn’t and Environment. mean everyone’s feeling the How did Belmar go from idle improvement. That’s why to bustling in just a decade? It my colleagues and I must do took millions of dollars in private everything we can to strengthen financing – an investment that our state’s economic recovery. would have been unlikely to Providing incentives to clean materialize without the right up brownfield sites helps public incentives. give private job creators the Cheri Jahn Let’s take a step back. For resources they need to invest in more than 30 years – far longer decontaminating and building upon these than I’ve served in public office – I’ve owned previously discarded sites, creating jobs and operated a small business. I know how and strengthening our communities in the hard it is to get a company off the ground. process. Like many of my constituents, I don’t think Just like business owners across the government should be in the business of Belmar, I know first-hand how important picking winners or losers. But I do believe targeted tax credits are to creating a there are steps that legislators can take to stronger business climate. By incentivizing make the economic climate friendlier to the cleanup of brownfield sites, not only do business, while also helping to clean up our we create opportunities for entrepreneurs, environment, protect public health, and but we raise property values, strengthen our make our communities safer. environment, and protect public health. A bill I’ve introduced this session would I was pleased to see Senate Bill 14-073 do just that. Senate Bill 14-073, which pass the Business, Labor and Technology recently passed out of committee with Committee with bipartisan support. I hope bipartisan support, creates a tax credit to my colleagues in the full Senate and House encourage Colorado developers to invest in will also see how critical it is that we invest the cleanup of “brownfield” sites. These are in the cleanup of these sites. environmentally contaminated areas that Cheri Jahn is a single mother and have been left underused or abandoned. They small business owner from Wheat Ridge. can often be salvaged for redevelopment, She represents Senate District 20. Conbut doing so requires a sizeable investment tact her at cheri.jahn.senate@state.co.us for environmental cleanup that many or 303-866-4856. communities can’t afford on their own.

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Cultivating Community and ‘The Silent Generation’ By Zachary Urban

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n the Wheat Ridge Neighbors’ Facebook.com group page, a member posted the following question: “New to Wheat Ridge, interested in setting up curbside recycling, is there a company in Wheat Ridge that does this?” When I read this question I had an answer in my head as unique as Wheat Ridge: Kimie. Kimie is not the name of a waste service company. Kimie is our neighbor up the street. Kimie is loved and watched over by countless neighbors in our neighborhood. On North Reed Street here in Wheat Ridge and in most of the surrounding neighborhood the recycling program is generally supported by one very strong, very sweet and very friendly Kimie. Kimie is the hub of the neighborhood. She knows more neighbors and more about those neighbors than pretty much anyone. Kimie is famous for her recycling efforts, specifically aluminum cans. Each week on trash day our recycling efforts have been coached and conditioned over the years by her relentless efforts. It doesn’t matter whether it is sunny, snowy, raining or somewhere in between, Kimie is unfailing in her efforts. One particularly cold morning I asked Kimie, “Why do you recycle everyone’s cans?” She said her reason for recycling is to save up money to go on a long-awaited trip to Japan to visit family. Kimie’s efforts

to recycle and her goal of traveling on the proceeds of her effort are admirable and achievable given her stamina and her tenacity. As long as my neighbors and I remember to set out the trash on time, with aluminum cans on the side in a bag marked for Kimie, she gets the cans. On those days I forget to take out the trash I am usually more concerned that Kimie didn’t get her cans rather than being concerned about the actual trash being taken. I am drawn to Kimie’s story in part because my grandfather was a similarly prodigious recycler. There was a lesson learned the hard way by their generation: Waste not, want not. The hard lessons learned by the Silent Generation shaped the resolve of Kimie and my grandfather to focus on salvaging and recycling what others may perceive as waste. Kimie has mastered this lesson while cultivating community at the same time. Without Kimie weaving her cart throughout our neighborhood we would all be a little more threadbare. With her in our lives, we are taught to not waste words, when our actions speaking plenty. Kimie and my grandfather may be members of the Silent Generation in the unique sense of silence offered by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous quote: “What you are, thunders so loud that I cannot hear what you say.” Zachary Urban can be reached at 720252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com.

ngazette.com – March 21 – april 17, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

Medically Speaking Common Myths About Joint Replacement By Dr. Tom Eickmann

s an orthopedic surgeon specializing in total joint replacement surgery, I find that many of the patients I see have misconceptions about the treatment of knee and hip arthritis. Many people live with pain, have to give up activities they once enjoyed, and are functionally limited. Let’s clear up some of these common misconceptions and encourage people to understand that they don’t have to just live with their arthritis. My knee or hip hurts so I must need a total joint replacement. As people approach middle age and beyond, the most common cause of joint pain is arthritis due to wear and tear of the joint over time. However, joint replacement surgery is not the first line of treatment in most cases. Lifestyle changes, such as low impact aerobic exercise, weight loss and activity modification, are generally the first recommendation. If these options fail to provide adequate relief then it may be time to see your doctor to discuss medical treatments including anti-inflammatory medication, injections and, in certain cases, braces. Joint replacement becomes a consideration only when none of these options provide relief. Joint replacement is a very painful procedure. Joint replacement surgery does involve some discomfort, but there have been significant advances in pain control. With the evolution from patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps to regional blocks to local injections there is less need for prolonged hospitalization. Most patients are out of bed the day of surgery so continuous passive motion (CPM) machines are no

longer necessary and in most cases oral pain medication controls the pain well enough so that the patient’s pain scores are equal to or lower than before surgery. I don’t want to have a joint replacement because I don’t want to be in the hospital. Better pain control means a dramatic reduction in the length of time in the hospital. In fact, patients in overall good health with no significant pre-existing conditions may not need a hospital stay at all. I perform many joint replacements in an outpatient surgery center, and patients go home the same day. They can recover in the comfort of their own home and get back to their lives faster. Joint replacements don’t last, so I want to wait so I will only need one surgery. Timing is a consideration in joint replacement. In general, however, the longevity of joint replacements continues to increase and we expect it to increase even more with the current generation of implants. There are more options available and the surgeon can do more to individualize the implant to the patient’s anatomy than in the past. Rehabilitation will take a long time. Patients undergoing joint replacement surgery are up the day of surgery. In fact, the sooner patients are up and moving, the faster their rehabilitation will be. Within a few weeks most people are able to move about without the use of assistive devices. Within about six weeks most individuals are back to most of their activities of daily living. Dr. Eickmann is an orthopedic surgeon at Lutheran Medical Center and Cornerstone Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.

very year you make the same resolution: lose weight, change your diet, exercise more and get healthy all around. So why haven’t the attempts worked so far? Have you tried crash diets and the latest exercise fad to no avail? Here are some tips and common misconceptions about healthy living and weight loss that will help you see health as a lifestyle, and not a task, so you can finally have the body you’re after. No Pain, No Gain. True, this mindset might work for soldiers in the army, but for the everyday body trying to get back into shape or just get healthy, it’s probably too extreme. The key to all exercise is to listen to your body and do what you can. Never push yourself to the point of pain – a burn in the muscle is acceptable and means it’s getting stronger, but anything more is only going to do damage and you’ll set yourself back. We all know weight loss doesn’t happen overnight, but takes longterm commitment, and that can be an intimidating prospect for some people. Anyone who’s lost a lot of weight can tell you they weren’t jumping up and down with excitement on day one; the journey to a more efficient, and leaner body started with baby steps. All it takes is one day walking around the block, then two, and a week, month, etc. Pretty soon as you get more comfortable in the easy exercise of your choice, you will crave a challenge. Some people chose weights, others cardio, or aerobics. Find something that pushes you and you feel great once you complete (one hour of Super Sculpt at the rec center, or laps in the pool). Many people chose group classes for the fun atmosphere and the social support of others with the same goals, which makes it easier and makes you want to keep going back each week. Two steps forward and one step

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neighborhood gazette – March 21 – aPrIL 17, 2014 – ngazette.com

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Is the Market Going to Crash? inventory, the market will remain strong. Interest rates: Interest rates rocketed upwards in the spring of 2013 and every real am often asked, “Is the market going to estate expert imaginable declared the era of crash?”, “How long can the market sustain low interest rates over. Well, they all got it these types of increases?” or “Are we just wrong. Interest rates are still historically repeating history and asking for another low, hovering about 4.5 percent, continuing downturn?” to make homes affordable. According to the With 2013 over and the first quarter National Association of Realtors, homes of 2014 quickly coming to an end, we can are at their fifth most affordable level in review the 2013 real estate market and the past 30 years. Many buyers make predictions for 2014. see the advantage of buying now In my opinion, we have not before home prices go any higher reached the top and I expect and interest rates increase. the strong seller’s market to last We still have room for for a good, long while, probably the market to grow: With several more years. Here’s why: the development of Perrin’s Months of Inventory: Row, Urban Green and Fireside In 2013, Wheat Ridge had at Applewood, the market will significantly lower months of become more balanced, but inventory than in 2012 and was only within their respected price drastically down from 2011. ranges. These homes will appeal Months of inventory (MOI) Jessica Klingsporn to many, but not all buyers. shows how long it will take With the inventory remaining far below for all current listings to sell, assuming no what it should be in a balanced market, my other properties become available and the prediction is that we are not heading for market stays the same. Five to six months a downturn any time soon. In 2013, the is considered a healthy market. Higher than average sold price in Wheat Ridge increased six months is a buyer’s market and lower 13.46 percent. While I do not anticipate is a seller’s. Wheat Ridge is experiencing a home prices to continue increasing at this strong seller’s market at 2.6 MOI. Currently, rate, I am confident home prices will not there are only about 40 homes for sale in decrease for another three to five years. Wheat Ridge, which is slightly higher than While I sometimes feel like a broken this same time last year, but only half of the record, now is a good time to buy or sell. inventory levels of 2012. As a result of the Data source for this column is Metrolow inventory, the average days on market list, Jan. 30, 2014. in 2013 was 40, down from 83 in 2012. In Contact Jessica Klingsporn at Your my opinion, the inventory of homes for sale Castle Real Esate, 303-845-2876, www. is the single best indicator of how strong WheatRidgeExpert.com. the market is. With this massive lack of

By Jessica Klingsporn

Jessica@WheatRidgeExpert.com www.WheatRidgeExpert.com

CounCil Corner City Charter May Determine Fate of Two-Lane Road Diet

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growing in a 5 foot tree lawn east of Harlan St. A few simple design adjustments could have been made to allow for neighborhood ection 5.20 of the City Charter: Street bike lanes and street trees in the amenity Width Designation was proposed and zones. Unfortunately, the current proposed approved by the voters in 1995 after a long plan eliminates neighborhood bike lanes battle concerning 38th Ave. west of Cody St. for more sidewalks, tables and chairs next to Kipling St. The amendment applies to the to 38th Ave. even though the neighborhood widening or narrowing (flowline) of a street bike lanes have been used as a selling point in Wheat Ridge. The amendment outlines a (multi-modal) for the road diet. public and open process for a legal protest It is the opinion of many residents and and/or a petition/vote of the people when business owners in Wheat Ridge a controversial or expensive that spending $5.5-$7 million flowline change is proposed for on 38th Ave. from Newland St. a street in the City of Wheat to Upham St. (7 blocks) does Ridge. not make fiscal sense since the The real elephant in the buried drainage and utility lines room is a majority of City will need to be moved again. Council and staff spending more A permanent and expensive and more taxpayer money on a narrowing of 38th Ave. via curb, final two-lane road diet design gutter and sidewalk (flowline) that may never be implemented does not demonstrate vision if adjacent property owners or sound planning on 38th along 38th Ave. legally protest Ave. For example, bikes lanes, Jerry DiTullio the narrowing of 38th Ave. and/ multi-modal and other future or petition the flowline changes amenities will not be feasible once 38th Ave. of 38th Ave. to a vote of the people. It is my is narrowed. opinion that staff and Wheat Ridge 2020 I strongly recommend that spending have been remiss in educating the City another $41,000 on the two-lane road Council and the public about the charter diet design be postponed until the charter amendment and its potential consequences amendment for street width can be fully to the 38th Ave. project. vetted by City Council. The proposed Councilmember Urban and I have design for 38th Ave. is too limiting for the proposed simple compromises such as future. Residents, business owners and City maintaining neighborhood bike lanes on Council should look at multiple designs 38th Ave. and removing the back-in parking for 38th Ave. together with the broader now (not later) to help build a consensus Wheat Ridge community. We need to find in the community for broader support of a solution where everyone gives and takes. the changes to 38th Ave. At a recent study The City needs to put the best plan forward session, an alternative design including bike for a win-win. lanes with 5 foot amenity zones was presented Contact Wheat Ridge District I City to City Council. This unimaginative plan Councilman Jerry DiTullio at jeditullio@ was stark and barren with no street trees ci.wheatridge.co.us or 303-231-1392. even though street trees are vigorously

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ngazette.com – March 21 – april 17, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

Community FoCus

Kite Crafting Classes for Kids

Pinwheels Popping Up to Help Abused Kids By Laura Poole

hat welcomes spring better than little blue pinwheels in storefronts and clustered in big gardens around town? Ralston House, a nonprofit organization and advocacy center for abused minors, is bringing their Pinwheel Garden project to Wheat Ridge this year, and is looking to raise money and awareness for their cause. April is not only one of the first months of spring, but also Child Abuse Prevention Month. For four years Ralston House has handed out pinwheel kits to small businesses and individuals, who sell them to the public to raise funds for the group. The kids include the pinwheels, pamphlets, signage and a collection envelope. “The first year we wanted to plant a number of pinwheels to represent the number of kids and teens that we served; that was 800 in 2011,” said President Ann DeMers. This year they hope to raise $40,000 by providing pinwheels to Wheat Ridge as well as Lakewood, Arvada and Northglenn. “It is amazing how it has gained momentum,” said Ashley Irlando, the development officer at Ralston House. “It was my first year doing it last year, but to go from $5,000 to almost $35,000 … that’s really taking off. Especially now with expanding our service area I think we can do $40,000.” The pinwheels are a symbol to honor victims of child abuse and the sign of prevention. The $5 pinwheel donations go towards Ralston House’s operating budget. The organization works with local police, district attorneys and child services to help children overcome the trauma of abuse before they go on to the courts. This way they can relive the experience without becoming

emotionally unhinged, and are able to heal and move on with their lives. “Our mission is to help kids and teens that have been victimized by abuse: sexual abuse primarily, or physical or domestic violence. Our main focus is to help them begin the healing process by telling their story,” said DeMers. The Pinwheel Garden is one of three fundraisers Ralston House has throughout the year, and the most popular. Small town communities and businesses seem to really be drawn to the idea and support Ralston House’s efforts, which is why the project is being brought to Wheat Ridge. “It really does make a big difference when people in your community see that small businesses care,” said Irlando. She went on to say, “As much as we want small businesses to take part I think it has been beneficial for them because more and more people want to shop at places or eat at places that are socially responsible, so I think it is kind of a win-win situation.” Teller Street Gallery has partnered with Ralston House not only to display and sell pinwheels, but to hold a pinwheel art class where kids can design and paint their own pinwheels to take home. The class will be held during their weekly Family Night events, and $5 of the $20 attendance fee will be donated to the project. Check out www. tellerstreetgallery.com if you’re interested in attending. Ralston House believes that taking away the fear of abuse is the first step to empowerment, and that knowledge and information and resources can bring forth change. For more information on the Pinwheel Project, or if you would like to donate directly, visit www.ralstonhouse. net/pinwheels.html.

Kids will create a large design with colored markers on a “Frustrationless” kite. They will learn how to assemble it and then fly their kite at the first annual Kite Flite Festival at Anderson Park on Saturday, April 26th with a rain date of Saturday, May 3rd. The Kids Kite Competition will be held between 10:30 and 11 AM before the event officially starts at 11 AM. Prizes will be awarded, in two age groups, promptly at 11 AM. Our judges are Mayor Joyce Jay, City Manager Patrick Goff and Councilperson Bud Starker. They will determine winners of the highest kite, best overall design, best use of color and budding artist. Kids should think about what they want to draw on their kite before attending the class. Kites and supplies are included for all classes listed below. ALL CLASSES ARE FOR KIDS AGES 7-12.

kite festival 1/4 V at 1-913-219-3667 Questions? Contact Martha

marthaeroberts191@gmail.com

Registration deadlines for these classes may vary or until sold out.

Tuesday, April 8

Tuesday, April 15 Saturday, April 19

6-7:30 PM

6-8 PM

Kataluma Chai 7300 W. 38th Ave.

Teller Street Gallery 7190 W. 38th Ave.

Kids will paint their kite design with acrylic paint. Reservations must be made by either calling Teller Street at 303-424-9273 or on-line at tellerstreetgallery.com Class limit 30 COST: $15.00

Class 1: 9-10:30am Class 2: 10:30-12:00pm Class 3: 1-2:30pm

Active Adult Center 6363 W. 35th Avenue Register and payat www.kiteﬂitefestival.com Class limit 20 COST: $7.00 when paid by April 11 $10.00 late fee. If you prefer paying by check, please call or email. Checks will be accepted

HomE, GardEn & LiFEstyLE Bringing Spring Inside By Jeanne Nichols ne day it’s 60 degrees, the next day it’s snowing. That can only indicate one thing in Colorado: spring is on the way, which means spring cleaning is just around the corner. Rather than talking about the scrubbing and dusting marathon that spring cleaning can bring, let’s take a look at what spring cleaning means in the world of interior design: a time to refresh your home. One of the trends is the use of whites, particularly in bed and bath linens. I grew up in a day when my mother had linens of every color to match every decor. Recently, while liquidating her estate, I found boxes upon boxes of different sets of linens and towels all tied together in different color groupings. I am sure her intention was to use them at another time, but they remained in the boxes. Today the use of nice fresh whites is prevalent. A few of my design clients have been concerned that white will get dirty, but what I like about whites is you can throw them in the washer with a bit of bleach and the next thing your know your space is feeling airy and clean once again. Another way to refresh is with a coat of paint. So many times we will wait until everything is desperate for paint, but imagine painting a wall a new color in the spring or completely painting a bedroom once a year. You would enjoy it, at least one room would feel fresh, and your entire home would feel a bit lighter. I really like pale yellows, blues and greens from the “new” neutral palette trends of 2014 from Benjamin Moore. One of your biggest decorating investments is usually the sofa. You don’t have to buy a new one to change the look and feel of your living room or den. A favorite

Wheat Ridge Community Foundation Working for the Community’s Future

Yes! I want to help the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation.

A complete listing of programs is available at wheatridgefoundation.org – including programs for crime prevention, open space, holiday lighting, performances in the park, memorial trees, food assistance and six scholarship funds, including the Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund. My gift of $___________________enclosed. trick is changing pillows from winter to summer. New throw pillows can give your room a fresh look. In the spring and summer linen pillows and bright cotton prints can really liven a room. Also, replacing that tried-and-true throw you have been using for years with a nice new fabric throw with current colors can turn that easy chair into a great little reading nook. The addition of a few colorful vases around the house can be very cheerful. I will often buy a bouquet at a local florist and will divide the bouquet up into many small vases spread throughout my home, rather than plopping the whole thing in one vase. Nothing says you care like a small vase of flowers beside your loved one’s favorite spot...and that loved one may just be yourself. Keep in mind that just a few improvements while you clean and declutter for spring in your home decor and interiors can often have a huge impact. Open those windows and enjoy the great weather. 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.

Please direct my gift to: _________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ NOTE: Please include the program name on your check – thank you! WRCF Please make checks payable to Wheat Ridge Community Foundation

1/4 V

Name: Address: City, State, Zip: Email:

The Wheat Ridge Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. Please return this form, along with your contribution, designating the programs you wish to support to:

Wheat Ridge Community Foundation 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 or donate online today at

www.wheatridgefoundation.org

neighborhood gazette – March 21 – aPrIL 17, 2014 – ngazette.com

Public Invited to Comment on WR Police Department, April 7 By J. Patrick O’Leary

Dog Licensing Saves Lives By Jennifer Strickland

hould your beloved dog go missing, wouldn’t you want to have already done everything possible to ensure he or she comes back to you? Licensing will give Fido or Rover the best chance possible to return home to you and your family. At the same time, you will be helping thousands of orphaned pets find new forever homes. Jefferson County transferred the county licensing program to Foothills Animal Shelter in July 2013. Your fee now goes toward the care and sheltering of 9,000 orphaned animals that the shelter takes in each and every year. It’s easy. The law requires dogs four months and older to have a rabies vaccination prior to getting a license. The licensing cost is only $15 for altered animals and $30 for intact pets. Register your dog at Foothills Animal Shelter, one of their offsite community clinics or at one of the many designated veterinary offices across Jefferson County. If you decide to license at Foothills Animal Shelter (580 McIntyre St. in

Golden near 6th Avenue and Indiana on the Jefferson County Fairgrounds), you can do so any day of the week. Hours between Monday and Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. No appointment is needed. Simply bring your pet’s current rabies vaccination records and proof of a spay or neuter. For your convenience, the Shelter also offers many offsite vaccination and licensing clinics throughout the community during evening and weekend hours. No appointment is necessary. For more details, a listing of upcoming community clinics and the veterinary offices that offer licensing, visit www. FoothillsAnimalShelter.org/clinic. Pet licensing reunites lost animals with their owners and encourages responsible pet ownership. It also helps thousands of the community’s homeless dogs, cats and critters find new homes. Do you love your pet? Prove it. Foothills Animal Shelter Director of Community Relations & Development Jennifer Strickland can be reached at 720407-5224 or Strickland@fas4pets.org.

Harley (#70352) 8-year-old male Beagle mix

Piko (#125288) 7-year-old black and white medium-haired female cat

Chance (#131573) 1-year-old male Labrador Retriever/Cattle Dog mix

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o you think your police department is excellent … or not so? The community is invited to offer comments on Wheat Ridge Police Department’s policy and procedures, management, operations, and support services at a public information session held Monday, April 7, 5 p.m., at the Wheat Ridge Municipal Building, 7500 W. 29th Ave. The session is part of an on-site assessment by a team from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) that will arrive in early April to examine all aspects of the Department, according to Chief of Police Dan Brennan. Getting a bad report doesn’t mean Wheat Ridge’s finest are going to the woodshed, however. Verification by the team that the Wheat Ridge Police Department meets the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to gain accreditation – a highly prized recognition of public safety professional excellence, Brennan said. People unable to attend the session can provide comments by telephone, Sunday, April 6, between 2 and 4 p.m., by calling 303-235-2970. Telephone comments as well as appearances at the public information session are limited to 10 minutes and must address the agencies ability to comply with CALEA Standards. A copy of the standards is available at the WRPD; call Cheryl Keller at 303-235-2913 for more information. Written comments about the WRPD’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation/recognition should be mailed to Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainsville,

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VA, 20155. The Wheat Ridge Police Department has to comply with 482 standards in order to gain accredited status, according to Brennan. “The Wheat Ridge Police Department is proud of our accomplishments and participation with the accreditation process,” said Brennan. “On behalf of our entire staff, I appreciate the support of the community as we continue to strive to meet our vision statement of ‘exceptional people providing exceptional service,’ by maintaining the highest level of professionalism and accountability to our community.” The assessment team is composed of public safety practitioners from similar, but out-of-state agencies, according to Maya Mitchell, the CALEA Program Manager WRPD. The assessors will review written materials, interview individuals, and visit offices and other locations where compliance can be witnessed. The assessors are Captain Jason Cassalia of the Manlius (New York) Police Department and First Sergeant Drew Hunter of the Prince William County (Virginia) Police Department. Once the CALEA assessors complete their review of the agency, they report back to the full Commission, which will decide if the agency is to be granted accredited/ recognition status, Mitchell said. The Wheat Ridge Police Department received its first accreditation status in 2011. Accreditation/Recognition is for three years, during which the agency must submit annual reports attesting continued compliance with those standards under which it was initially accredited.

dachshund died of wounds inflicted by unidentified animals lurking in Founder’s Park in the early morning hours of March 7, according to the Wheat Ridge Police Department. A press release issued the day of the incident stated that at approximately 5:45 a.m. on March 7, an elderly woman was walking her dachshund through the park, located at 3705 Jay St. “She was heading back to her residence at the nearby senior housing units when the small dog pulled away from her and escaped from his collar, running toward some bushes,” according to police. “The dog’s owner saw some movement by the bushes and then heard a loud yelp. By the time she got to the area, her Dachshund was injured and unable to get up. “ The owner, who has limited mobility, took the dog back to her apartment building. With a neighbor’s help, they placed the dog into the owner’s vehicle and drove it to a Lakewood veterinarian clinic. The veterinarian who examined the dog said it was most likely attacked by a coyote or fox. The dog’s injuries were fatal causing it to be euthanized. “Wheat Ridge Police Department Community Services Officers would like to remind citizens that foxes and coyotes live

among us in our parks and neighborhoods,” according to the police press release. “Precautions should be taken to minimize contact with these wild animals.” Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s website states that coyotes are attracted to neighborhoods by the availability of garbage, pet food and pets. It recommends that all pet food, trash, fallen fruit, birdseed, etc., should be removed to discourage coyotes from visiting residences. All aggressive encounters with coyotes should be reported to local authorities. “Pets are a food source to coyotes; even large pets can be at risk of being injured or killed by coyotes,” further states the press release. “Dog owners should always supervise your pet outside, especially at dawn and dusk; keep your dog on a short leash; do not allow your dog to play with a coyote; if possible carry your dog when coyotes are visible and avoid known or potential den sites. Children should also be taught to stay away from all wild animals and strange dogs but if a coyote does approach, the child should wave their arms, stomp their feet and yell loudly to ‘Go away!’. “ For more information about avoiding human-coyote conflicts, visit the Colorado Parks and Wildlife web site at www.wildlife. state.co.us.

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ngazette.com – March 21 – april 17, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

WHAT’S HAPPENING ‘Dirt!’ (The Movie) Served Up at Final Food & Film Potluck, March 26 Dirt! The Movie” will be screened at the final 2014 Food and Film community potluck, Wednesday, March 26 at the Wheat Ridge Active Adult Center, 6363 W. 35th Ave. Narrated by Jamie Lee Curtis and inspired by William Bryant Logan’s “Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth” book, the documentary explores the relationship between humans and soil. Participants chose the film by vote in late January. Presented by Live Local Harvest (a program of Wheat Ridge 2020), the series of community potlucks and movies aimed to teach people more about the food they eat, and how they can invest in food systems to improve their community. “If you’re into growing food, eating food and meeting people, this is a chance to meet people in your community and learn about where your food comes from,” said Mara Owen, Wheat Ridge 20/20’s Communications and Events Coordinator. The January potluck and film (“The Greenhorns”) attracted 50-55 people, and February’s about 65. “People had a really good time with ‘A Place at the Table’ [February’s film],” she said, adding that she’s hoping attendance will even greater for the final film. For more information, visit www.wheat ridge2020.org or call 720-259-1030.

Wheat Ridge Town Meeting March 31 at Rec Center It’s not quite a road show, but Wheat Ridge City Council is taking one of its regular sessions to the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., on Monday, March 31, 6:30-9 p.m. “It’ll just be kind of an open format, where council and possibly staff members will have things to present to the public,” explained City Clerk Janelle Shaver. “It’s not a formal setting, but council will be able to present things to the community and gather input from citizens on a variety of current topics.” Citizens can download council’s agenda prior to the meeting, from council’s page on the city website, www.ci.wheatridge.co.us. For more information, call 303-2352823.

Transportation to and from Ye Olde Firehouse and Highland Apartments, Wheat Ridge Town Center Apartments, and Morningside Apartments will be provided by Seniors’ Resource Center. Call 303-2356972 to reserve a seat.

Cost is $5 per family; register online (www. edgewaterseniors.org), by calling Felica (see below), or stopping by the City of Edgewater offices (2401 Sheridan Boulevard). College professor and noted music historian Betsy Schwarm shows how composers go about reflecting stage and screen action in their music, with music from Mendelssohn to Copland to John Williams, in “Classical Connections Music Class: Stage and Screen” on Tuesday, April 1, 10-11:30 a.m.; $5. Call or email for details of the April 15 class. A program of Jewish Family Services, Senior Connections is a program committed to changing the way people age, helping them to actively engaging in their community, and offering services that support independence.

For more information on any services or programs offered through Colorado Senior Connections Wheat Ridge, call Alison at 720-248-4591 or email ajoucovsky@ jewishfamilyservice.org.

League of Women Voters Reviews ‘Grading the Teachers’ April 9 The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County will focus on how Jeffco teachers are currently evaluated at its next Applewood area meeting, Wednesday, April 9, 9:15 a.m., at Westland Meridian, 10695 W. 17th Ave., Lakewood. The public is welcome. The League will present a summary of the 2010 law regarding teacher evaluation, its implementation, and current legislation and lawsuits surrounding it. Discussion will also cover Colorado’s model plan for teachers and principals and how it is being implemented in Jefferson County. A current bill in the Colorado Legislature seeks to delay the model plan rollout statewide and a Denver lawsuit regarding “mutual consent hiring.” A recent series of Denver Post articles served as a basis for this program. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that 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 meeting details, call Ann at 303988-6019. To learn more about the Jeffco LWV, visit www.lwvjeffco.org.

Peter Cottontail at Panorama Park April 12 The Easter Bunny will greet egg hunters ages 2-9 during the City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation’s and the Wheat Ridge/Arvada Kiwanis’ Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m., at Panorama Park, W. 35th Avenue and Fenton Street. Children should arrive by 9:45 a.m. The event is free. Children need to bring their own baskets.

Senior Connections Launches Wheat Ridge Program with Party, April 3

For more information, or in case of inclement weather the day of the hunt, call Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation at 303231-1300.

Seniors and neighbors alike are invited to Colorado Senior Connections Wheat Ridge’s program kick-off party Thursday, April 3, 1-3 p.m. at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 N. Depew St. Attendees will learn what the program is about, meet program partners, and learn how they can make a difference in how aging will look in their community. The free event boasts refreshments, a resource fair, raffle drawing for a $100 King Soopers gift card, and keynote address by Jayla Sanchez Warren, director of the Area Agency on Aging at Denver Regional Council of Governments. The new, grant-funded program aims to engage seniors in fun activities while connecting them to community, health care services, counseling, transportation, home care, and other services they need to thrive. Sanchez Warren will speak about the rapidly growing senior population and the need to plan for aging, what older adults want, what Wheat Ridge and Jefferson County are doing, and why the new program makes sense for Wheat Ridge. Colorado Senior Connections Wheat Ridge will provide resources, volunteer opportunities, wellness services and social activities to help seniors age in place, safely and independently, but needs input from seniors on how to best meet their needs.

Exempla Lutheran Opens New, Larger Senior Emergency Room Exempla Lutheran Medical Center, 8300 W. 38th Ave., opened a new Senior Emergency Room in early March, boasting 14 specially designed, private patient rooms and a 40 percent increase in space. Exampla opened the state’s first Senior ER more than two years ago, with only eight beds. Since then, the demand for specialized services for local elderly patients needing emergency care quickly increased. “The need for this service has been growing along with the aging population in Jefferson County,” said Bev White, director of the Emergency Department and Critical Care at the hospital. “About 22 percent of our emergency patients are seen in the Senior ER now, and many patients know about it and request this service.” The larger, improved Senior ER provides all the specialized care, screenings and environment of the previous space in order to provide a less chaotic and stressful experience for older patients and to meet their specific needs, according to the hospital. The Emergency Department at

For more information, contact Volunteer/Activity Coordinator Felicia Goett at 720-763-3042 or fgoett@jewishfamilyservice.org. SPRING’S SPRUNG YET IT’S STILL WINTER. But Wheat Ridge parks will soon be brimming with birds snacking on bugs. PHOTO: BLU IRON PHOTOGRAPHY

Lutheran is among the busiest in the state, seeing more than 70,000 patients each year. The ED is currently undergoing a $16 million renovation to improve access and satisfaction for patients, staff and physicians. The number of emergency beds will remain the same – a total of 50 private treatment rooms. The result will be more space for behavioral health treatment, larger rooms, updated technology, a Fast Track area for those with less severe health issues, and a new patient walk-in entrance, registration and triage area. Construction should be completed in about a year. All current operations of the emergency services at Lutheran will be maintained throughout construction. For more information on Lutheran’s Senior Services, visit www. www.exempla lutheran.org/seniors.

Spring Planting, Stage & Screen Music Class Offered at Senior Connections Edgewater Be it sharing a simple meal or learning something new, Senior Connections Edgewater has free or low-cost activities for everyone this month. All programs are held at the Edgewater Rec Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave., unless otherwise noted. A panel of experts will discuss the major digestive health issues and how to best treat and manage them, Tuesday, March 25, at 10 a.m. Panelists include a medical doctor, exercise physiologist and registered dietician, and topics include colon cancer, irritable bowel syndrome, reflux and diverticulosis. Free. Have your grandkids bring you to the Edgewater Rec room for “Grandparents Must Be Supervised: It’s Spring Break!” on Thursday, March 27, 10-11:30 a.m. Bring your favorite pot or planter, then pick and choose from a beautiful selection of annuals, perennials and seeds, and show the youngsters how to start the planting season.

Balance & Pain Relief Class Coming to Wheat Ridge Rec The Wheat Ridge Recreation Center will offer a Somatics Neuromuscular Reeducation class on six consecutive Mondays, April 14-28, starting at 5:30 p.m. The first class is one hour long, all others are 30 minutes. Focusing on the shoulders, mid-back and neck, this popular class features exercises that balance the body, relax tight muscles, and release pain in only six minutes. Cost is $48 for Wheat Ridge residents, and $53 for non-residents. To register or for more information, call 303-321-1300 or visit www.ci.wheatridge. co.us/registration

Gardens and Volunteers Wanted for Wheat Ridge Garden Tour, July 12 Is the focal point of your garden a stunning perennial, annual, vegetable or xeriscape garden? Does your yard feature a waterfall, gazebo, sculpture or other unique architectural feature? If you want to showcase your garden on this year’s Wheat Ridge Garden Tour, scheduled for Saturday, July 12, contact Milly Nadler at 303-3190690 or wheatridgegardentour@gmail. com. Recommend your neighbor’s garden and if it’s on the tour, you’ll receive a free ticket. Volunteers are needed to check tickets at the homes on the tour. Let Milly know if you’d like to volunteer. All help will be greatly appreciated

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neighborhood gazette – March 21 – aPrIL 17, 2014 – ngazette.com

EdgEwatEr City nEws Current Council Task: The Comprehensive Plan Each section of the code was cleaned and scrubbed by P&Z, then sent to City Council. Your elected council members reviewed ere is what has been happening with P&Z’s recommendations and discussed your City Council and the Planning and things like the number of pets a resident can Zoning Commission over the last couple of have; how tall your fences can be and what years. materials can be used to build a About three years ago, as fence; the type of signage allowed dictated by good practice, the on streets like 25th Avenue and City of Edgewater thoroughly Sheridan Boulevard; fees for reviewed its Comprehensive various development processes; Plan. If you recall, there were and even what kind of homemany public meetings in which occupation activities are allowed citizens were asked what they within the city. liked and did not like about And while all of this started a Edgewater. At some, “clickers” couple of years ago there is still a were used to record people’s lot of work to do. Remember, this preferences to such things as was just the clean and scrub. The style of housing and apartments, next part of the process will be to population density, what Main Bonnie McNulty meld together the Code Review Street should look like, mixed-use and the Comprehensive Plan’s vision for development, where we should encourage Edgewater’s future. It is during this process four-story buildings and where we should that we will actually change some the laws allow 10 stories. Basically, citizens were asked that govern how property owners can use how people in Edgewater should be allowed to and/or develop their land. These changes will use their land. After the Comprehensive Plan help Edgewater grow into the city envisioned was adopted by City Council, the Planning by citizens who came to the meetings and and Zoning Commission (P&Z) took over the help create our current Comprehensive Plan. arduous task of going through the city’s landThis is a long and ongoing, process. I use regulations. would like to thank the P&Z members, and Over time our Land Use Codes had City Council, for their dedication and the time become difficult for planners and lawyers to they have committed to making this work. use and to interpret. P&Z began a process I am still available for Coffee with the that came to be known as “clean and scrub.” Mayor on Wednesdays, 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at The goal was not to change the laws, but to the Edgewater Coffee Shop, 5224 W. 25th Ave. get the old codes up to date with current As usual, if you can’t make it on Wednesdays building codes, new construction processes call me. I will make arrangements for a time and new building materials. As volunteers that will work for you. on P&Z assured that Edgewater’s character Edgewater mayor Bonnie McNulty can would not be compromised while the city’s be reached at 303-233-6216 or bjmcnullegal staff and planners made sure everything ty2@comcast.net. was legal and functional.

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o just what is going on at the old King Soopers at 20th and Depew? We hear that every day, as we work to bring the very best development possible to Edgewater. The property has been under contract to our master developer for the site, Trinity Development Group, Inc., of Atlanta. Trinity has until late this year to attract and acquire commitments from an anchor tenant and others, to allow for redevelopment of this important site. Although it is not on a primary arterial, it is a site that has begun to garner more and more interest as our market area (a threemile radius) continues to be gentrified. Given the significant upturn in home prices in Edgewater in the past year (residential values have increased by as much as 50 percent), retailers are looking at our commercial district with greater interest than has occurred in recent years. During the downturn, few if any commercial developments occurred across the country. Even at this time, residential development is miles ahead. Just look at the redevelopment at the old St. Anthony Hospital. This is driven by residential (apartments) and will bring over 1,000 new and high-income residents to our market. A prominent leader in Denver told me just this morning that the key to commercial development is patience. I wholeheartedly agree and have confidence that our development team, which has contacted nearly every major retailer on our behalf, will assemble a dynamic project that will serve our community well for many decades

to come. We just need a bit more of that key ingredient—patience. In the meantime, our smaller developments are coming along very nicely. Having started the new year with the opening of Dunkin’ Donuts at 20th and Sheridan, we now have construction and tenant finish underway at 25th and Sheridan for Joyride Brewery (opening this summer), as well as a new bike shop, which plans to be open in a few weeks (next door to the brewery). The mix of businesses that are coming our way are a reflection of our market area. This varies by the type of business, but for the largest retailers it is three miles, or 6th Avenue to I-70 and I-25 to Wadsworth. For smaller retailers it is closer to a mile, but still covers all of Edgewater, northwest Lakewood, southeast Wheat Ridge, the neighborhoods around Sloan’s Lake and venturing into the Highlands. These trends are intriguing to potential investors and businesses, but they remain cautious, not wanting to get too far ahead of the demographic changes. They also do not want to be left out, so I would suggest the current spate of retail development is a precursor for the major investment we anticipate in conjunction with the redevelopment of St. Anthony Hospital. In other words having been “discovered” for our housing stock in 2013, the necessary awareness of the value of our last significant retail parcels cannot be far behind. We just need to be patient. Contact Edgewater City Manager HJ Stalf at 720-763-3008 or hstalf@edgewaterco.com.

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