Downtown Denver in 26 Minutes? see page 2
Tidbits From Behind the Dias see page 7
Sustainability Comes To Wheat Ridge see page 10
Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD
Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | MARCH 17–APRIL 16, 2015
WRHS Students Create Their Own Competition Eco-car By Cyndy Beal
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hat’s it like to build a car from scratch? Pretty cool actually. A class of Wheat Ridge High School students are in the final stages of building a carbon-fiber based and hydrogen-cell powered eco-car to participate in the annual Shell Eco-marathon Americas, held April 9-12 in Detroit. The Shell Eco-marathon Americas challenges student teams to design, build and ultimately test their energy-efficient vehicles. There are several different categories on how a car is judged. This April more than 1,000 students are expected to participate on the streets of Detroit. There are additional Shell Eco-marathons in Europe and Asia. This is the first time WRHS has participated. The WRHS class team of 16 students is competing in the hydrogen fuel cell prototype series, which is based primarily on fuel efficiency. The vehicles that go the greatest distance, using the least amount of energy, are the winners. In past years, some vehicles have exceeded 3,500 miles per gallon of fuel, per the Shell Eco-marathon website. WRHS plans to begin testing their vehicle for safety and general roadworthiness through March. Test drives will take place in
the school parking lot, in the loop near the main entrance. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) class is open to all WRHS students, from freshman to seniors, who are interested in engineering. The class has no prerequisite, so the students come from a variety of backgrounds. For some of the students, this is their first engineering experience. The students in this yearlong class, starting in August 2014, have designed and built the eco-car on their own, representing some impressive collective brain power, with only guidance from the four advisors and three consultants. The educational degrees and professional experience of the advisors and consultants represent some of the best engineering talent available locally and nationally, with graduates of University of Colorado-Denver (UCD) and the School of Mines in the mix. “These are high-end engineers,” said Charles Sprague WRHS STEM/Engineering teacher and Girls Tennis Team Coach. From the car’s initial inception to the partnership with UCD, the concept has been to give the students a hands-on experience. “Yeah you can design it, but then you have to build it,” said Sprague. The WRHS STEM/Engineering program entered into a three-year partnership with
A TALENTED TEAM OF WRHS STUDENTS AND ADVISORS pose behind a portion of the car body from the hydrogen powered eco-car they are building for the annual Shell Eco-marathon in Detroit from April 9th to 12th. This is the first time WRHS has participated. PHOTO BY TIM BERLAND UCD to facilitate these types of projects for the students. This type is generally reserved for college seniors. UCD competed in the marathon last year, and its car was used as an example for the students, and its hydrogen fuel cell is being used in the WRHS car. The vehicle and its driver will travel a circuit on the streets of Detroit. The Detroit Drivers – Nicole Ortega and Andrew Miller – are both juniors who have their drivers’
licenses. Measurements were taken of both drivers for a custom fit in the car. “It was cool to see all the drafting, and go from the computer to real life,” said Ortega, the primary driver. Ortega is the leader for the mechanical team. The four teams in the class are divided by engineering specialty: electrical, mechanical, manufacturing and design. Continued on page 12
Wheat Ridge High School Fires Up Shades of Blue Flight Program By Cyndy Beal
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retty much everyone dreams of flying, but some of us make it a reality. Through a new program Wheat Ridge High School (WRHS) students are getting their chance to explore their own dreams of flight. Every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to noon for nine weeks, 18 WRHS students are attending an aviation ground school through Shades of Blue. Shades of Blue, started 15 years ago, is
a non-profit educational organization that mentors, tutors, counsels, and arranges internship and employment referrals for young people who want to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, per their website. The aviation ground school, which runs through April, provides students with a foundation and support system for STEM-related pursuits. The course is an introduction and general overview of aviation. Some of the highlights include the educational and skill sets required, as
SHADES OF BLUE FOUNDER CAPTAIN WILLIE DANIELS interviews WRHS high school STEM students while Wheat Ridge Community Foundation board member Arthur Bushell looks on. The non-profit organization recently launched a 9-week aviation ground school for WRHS students. PHOTO BY ARMAND GUERRERO
well as hands-on experiences. In addition, discussion about personality and character traits needed for careers in aviation, aerospace and engineering are explored. As part of the general overview, the class visited the Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum in Denver (at the former Lowry Air Force Base). Shades of Blue has an ongoing relationship with the museum. The aviation ground school in Wheat Ridge, is the result of combined relationship through Shades of Blue, WRHS and the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation (WRCF). It’s the first time this class has been offered in a Jefferson County school. WRCF offers several scholarships and fosters many relationships, with the mission of enhancing the community through a range of efforts, including education. The connection between the two groups is the brainchild of Arthur Bushell, a board member for both Shades of Blue and WRCF. He is a WRHS graduate and a former pilot. “Although nine weeks isn’t long enough for a full ground school,” said Bushell, it’s about “getting them to think” and to create a “flight plan for life.” Traditional ground school is a fundamental part of any pilot training program. Although not tracked by the number of hours spent, it’s crucial before a student begins the process of logging hundreds of hours of flight time needed to obtain a license and become an experienced pilot. A person can obtain a student license as early as 16. The classes are led by professionals and
qualified instructors, giving the students direct contact with industry leaders. Shades of Blue has sponsorships from industry giants like Jeppesen, Lockheed Martin and United Airlines. Their second class was taught by instructors from Redstone College and focused on aircraft mechanics. Students were introduced to navigation and the Garmin 1000 GPS system. At the last class, the graduates will have some air time with a free introductory flight through the Young Eagles Program. It’s a time for them to “utilize the skills they’ve learned,” said Willie Daniels, president and founder of Shades of Blue. Daniels is a commercial pilot and has flown for United Airlines for 28 years. He started Shades of Blue in 1999 to help “create the future workforce.” He made the connection in his mind, after watching two separate newscasts regarding the nation’s demand for qualified persons in both aviation and aerospace, and the present and projected shortages in the years to come. He said he wants to “make our kids part of the solution.” “Employment in occupations related to STEM … is projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 2022. That’s an increase of about one million jobs over 2012 employment levels,” according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (April 2014). The numbers for pilots and airplane mechanics is expected to rise in the next Continued on page 12
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – ngazette.com
Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD
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heat Ridge Housing Authority gave the go-ahead for Hartman Ely Investments to provide a refined proposal for reuse of the historic Fruitdale school building at its Feb. 24 meeting, after the Fruitdale Building Corporation canceled its contract to buy the structure. Hartman Ely, a developer specializing in historic preservation and reuse, was given 60 days to present its proposal. Last year WRHA accepted an offer by FBC to buy the 10801 W. 44th Ave. structure. FBC was to hold the property until the Mountain Phoenix Community School, a local pre K-8 charter school, made a decision to use the structure as an extension of its Miller Street campus, according to FBC’s Karen Bailey. Last month the school’s Governing Council decided not to purchase the school due to continuing projects in its middle school, she explained. Hartman Ely has renovated and redeveloped many historic buildings in Denver, including Steam Plant Lofts and Hangar 2 at Lowry. “Their quest is to find an end-user,” said Wheat Ridge Community Development Director Ken Johnstone. “They’re more of a facilitator. So it’s in their court, and they’re looking for a variety of end-users” including schools, arts groups and affordable housing developers. WRHA also gave Johnstone authority to grant two, 30-day extensions to
the developer, if needed. Hartman Ely was one of three entities submitting proposals last summer for reuse of Fruitdale. However, they were not considered at the time because they didn’t participate in a site visit required for all proposals. “They didn’t become aware of it in time,” explained Johnstone. “But otherwise their application was strong.” Wheat Ridge will not be giving away the historic school. The school district had spent roughly $117,000 on environmental abatement before selling it to Wheat Ridge, and WRHA spent $250,000-$300,000 since. The authority’s outlay included a new roof and a historical structure assessment, which identified needed repairs to address critical deficiencies in the building, as well as restore it to its historical character. “All that work has been done, we have construction drawings,” said Johnstone. “The housing authority spent a fair amount of money, in addition to grant money it received.” The cost to restore – the responsibility of the eventual buyer – is approximately $2 million, he said. “We certainly would like to recoup this cost, while preserving the building,” said Johnstone. But that requires finding a buyer who can pay the purchase price and restoration costs, and then pay the operating costs once moving in. “Stay tuned,” he said.
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YES, VIRGINIA, THERE WILL BE A WARD ROAD STATION: Work continues on the Wheat Ridge • Ward Station Park-n-Ride at Ward Road and 52nd Avenue, the endstop of the 11.2-mile Gold Line, scheduled to open in 2016. PHOTO: DENVER TRANSIT PARTNERS.
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hen the 11.2-mile Gold Line opens in 2016, Wheat Ridge residents can travel from the Wheat Ridge • Ward Station (Ward Road and 52nd Avenue) to Union Station in downtown Denver in 26 minutes, according to RTD. Commuter rail trains rolling to Union Station will also stop at the new Gold Line stations in Arvada (Arvada Ridge, Olde Town Arvada, 60th & Sheridan • Arvada Gold Strike), Adams County (Clear Creek • Federal, Pecos Junction) and Denver (41st & Fox). Along the route, updated at-grade rail crossings will feature new crossing arms, lights, and visual and auditory signals. With these improvements, currently under construction by Denver Transit Partners, train operators will no longer be required to sound horns at each crossing, instead sounding them for safety purposes only. Once the Gold Line opens for service, these
quiet zones will go into effect for both commuter rail and freight trains. Additional Gold Line construction activities planned for 2015 include continued work on the Wheat Ridge • Ward Station Park-n-Ride, bus bays and station access roads. The station will begin to take on its final shape late this year once canopy construction on the train platforms begins. Power poles and overhead electrical wire are currently being installed along the route. Once the wires are up, they will be electrified with 25,000 volts. The electrical wiring installation and activation is the final step in preparation for commuter rail vehicle testing to begin. The Gold Line is part of the $2.2-billion RTD FasTracks Eagle P3 Project, a publicprivate partnership that includes the East Rail Line to Denver International Airport, the Northwest Rail Line to Westminster and a new commuter rail maintenance facility.
Reach Over 15,000 Readers Monthly For advertising information contact Tim Berland 303-995-2806 • tberland@ngazette.com
ngazette.com – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – ngazette.com
SCHOOL CROSSING The Truth Behind Plan B
feedback, as did the Jefferson and Alameda plans. Copies were distributed to the board hen the Jefferson County School members and a vote was scheduled for District decided this month to March 5. By the time the March 5 vote came around, close down Wheat Ridge 5-8 and convert Jefferson High into a 7-12 school, they the district had recommended against Plan B considered (but did not decide on) the without the promised community meetings, and proposed to move Stevens moving of Stevens Elementary into the vacated Wheat Ridge into the soon-to-be-empty 5-8, with Sobesky moving into building, thus vacating another the Stevens building. A retrofit school in our town. Only four cost of almost a million dollars for years ago, it was Martensen both. Once again, people outside Elementary that was shut the city made a decision affecting down. While schools are being our community. While some city built and renovated in cities councilors and members of the around us, Wheat Ridge won’t Education Alliance had backed get a new school in my lifetime. down in their support of Plan The Wheat Ridge B, others had stepped forward Educational Alliance (a.k.a. in speaking out against shutting WR Education Excellence), Guy Nahmiach down yet another Wheat Ridge a committee made up of our mayor, city manager, a city council member, school. The motion read by John Newkirk was a few local principals and two citizens (including myself), submitted the district a not new. Speaking at the meeting did not formal request to consider “Plan B” – the instigate the motion or a new call to action. It was already scheduled, back in the Feb. 12 Wheat Ridge Plan. The plan would not only help local families meeting, to be read and voted on March 5. Without the community meetings many remain in Wheat Ridge neighborhood schools, but help reverse the declining Applewood families were shocked to find enrollment at Wheat Ridge High School. out that a decision about their schools was The details were discussed in mid-December being made without their consent, upset that through early January with school board people from outside their neighborhood were members, city council, and the principals and about to make changes to their community. After losing two elementary schools and staff of the affected schools. Plan B would have Everitt, our only now a middle school, many Wheat Ridge remaining middle school, move into Wheat residents were also looking for answers. Ridge 5-8, an almost-new building that As the PTA president of Everitt, I was torn could accommodate the new Gifted and between standing up for my city and looking Talented Center classes as well as other out for my school's best interest. With so programs. Did you know that the last time many organizations standing up for various Everitt received any serious renovation causes, where is the one standing up for work was 20 years ago? Did you know that Wheat Ridge? As much effort that was put into Griff Wirth, our amazing SuperFarmer principal over at Wheat Ridge High, spent communicating and evaluating feedback this past summer painting the inside of the from the Jefferson Framework and Alameda school, on his own time? Did you know that community meetings, Plan B was simply most of the Jeffco facility dollars are being asking for the same to be done right here in Wheat Ridge. Perhaps another remodeling pledged to new buildings in Arvada? Under Plan B, Stevens Elementary project at Everitt would be enough to bring would stay put and, should more space be the building into the 21st century. Update on the facts: The original Plan needed, Martensen Elementary could be V1 V1 reopened. The community is certainly in B request was officially submitted by The Educational Alliance. Chad Harr and I did support of that. With the Everitt building vacant under not request a vote or further conversation Plan B, it could accommodate Sobesky or at the March 5 board meeting...the vote was even the Manning school, providing space already scheduled. Most on the Alliance had for 100 additional students. And since we’ve individually backed away from a Plan B. been told that Maple Grove – part of the After realizing that we were the only ones Damianfor Arguello 303.463.5335 Peter Damian Ar being blamed this plan, we decided to Wheat Ridge articulation area – is bursting Peter offi cially retract our support for it. Colorado at the seams, it's 4-6 grades could move7220 West 38th Avenue · Wheat Ridge, 7220 West 38th80033 Avenue When you are standing up for a city, it's in to the Manning building a block away. peter@peterdamian crucial for that city to be standing next to These were suggestions to consider, part ofpeter@peterdamianjewelry.com www.peterdamianjewelry.com you. www.peterdamianje a conversation with the community. I now challenge the district to better Terry Elliot and his team of principals presented the Jefferson Plan (including manage our schools, update some of our The Wheat Ridge Plan B) to the board of older buildings and include the community education, first on Jan. 15 and then again in future changes to our articulation area. As always, thanks for reading. on Feb. 19. It was detailed on the overhead Contact at 303-999screen. I know, because V2 I was there. Plan V2 Guy Nahmiach V3 B also called for community meetings and 5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.com.
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SILVER ANTIQUES
WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL You’ve Come a Long Way, City of Wheat Ridge large concerns from our citizens. Genevieve Wooden has taken a leadership role by forming the Education Alliance, which find it hard to believe that my time on strives to help our schools. Mayor Joyce Jay City Council is coming to a close. After is out in the Wheat Ridge community and nearly eight years I am faced with finding the Denver Metro community promoting something to do with my Monday nights Wheat Ridge as a “Great Place to Work and and a lot of memories of Wheat Ridge. I Play.” Bud Starker continues his role as a would like to reflect on the changes I have strong leader and developer of ideas that seen since I was elected. will strengthen our community through In 2007, Wheat Ridge City Council redevelopment and reducing was more known for throwing crime. Kristi Davis has continued punches than working together. where her dad left off and In 2015, we still don’t always continues to fight for the rights agree with each other but we of the citizens. She has helped are more likely to find common ensure that we work at spending ground. In 2007, the issues that our money wisely. faced Wheat Ridge were those We as a council strive to of stagnation. We were seeing make the city a great place to an increase in crime and a live for all citizens. Not everyone decrease in property values and always agrees with us, but I hope median income. Today Wheat that they at least realize that Ridge has a booming housing market. There are people that Tracy Langworthy we are doing our best. We live in Wheat Ridge just like all the are crossing Sheridan to come other citizens. We see the same problems here due to the large lots and lower prices. and successes. We live here, shop here The median income, while still not where and play here. Your city is our city and it one was, has been inching up. Our police our commitment as council members is to department has made strong inroads into honor the people that elected us and those reducing crime especially in the east Wheat that didn’t. Ridge neighborhoods. It has been an honor to work for the fine In the last few months our council has citizens of Wheat Ridge and I look forward moved forward with some legislation that to a city that continues to grow and thrive. helped Wheat Ridge become a leader in our Contact Wheat Ridge District IV Councommunity. George Pond from District III cilmember Tracy Langworthy at 720-364crafted legislation to allow for moderation 0358 or tlangworthy@ci.wheatridge.co.us. in the retail marijuana industry due to
By Tracy Langworthy
4990 Kipling Street #1 (303) 422-3300 www.lukesasteakplace.com
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been invited to have dinner at our neighbor’s home – this alone is strong testimony to the strength of the bond between neighbors in he sound of the police officer’s boot our community. After having dinner, Fred kicking down the door is a sound I won’t said goodnight and walked back across soon forget. With every thump, the lump in the street to his home, locked his door and my throat grew larger. I knew why they were presumably went to sleep. In the intervening here today, and I had a sinking suspicion time between when he arrived home and what they would find after the door jamb when the welfare check occurred the next finally splintered. The Wheat Ridge police day, Fred had passed away. The impetus of officer and his partner entered Fred’s home, the welfare check had started calling out for him as they off innocently enough: our searched from room to room. neighbor noticed Fred’s window Then they stopped calling out shade hadn’t been drawn up that and I didn’t hear them anymore, morning. Some might call that as they silently re-emerged from being a nosey neighbor, but in his home, our worst fears came our case, in our neighborhood, true. Even in the professional this was just another excellent voice of a well-trained officer, example of each of us watching the words didn’t hit any softer, out for each other. “Fred is deceased.” I would like to ask you to Upon learning of his death, consider taking a moment to we all leaned on each other, Zach Urban look around your neighborhood: grieving the loss of the best do you have a neighbor who is advancing in neighbor we could have ever asked for. Fred age and who also lives alone? Have you taken Carter was a good and honest man with a few minutes recently to check in on how an amazing work ethic. His lawn was the they are doing? How do you balance being emerald jewel of the neighborhood. He had a good neighbor against being considered lived in our neighborhood for 17 years. Fred a nosy neighbor? Whose responsibility was a Marine and had valiantly served our is it to notice when your neighbor’s country in the Korean War. We had each window shade hasn’t been drawn up? taken turns watching out for Fred over the We have a great support network in the form years, and more so recently as his advanced of the Seniors’ Resource Center, but they age of 82 was catching up with him. can only do so much with the little resources He was an independent man, a Marine they have for the 19,000 individuals they to the core and a friendly face to each of us serve every year. These are questions neighbors. He walked his grocery cart to and without easy answers, except to say I believe from the grocery store several times a week. we have a duty to each other to take care The Seniors’ Resource Center was a huge of our seniors in our community, to be our help to Fred over the years. They would seniors’ keepers. check in on him throughout the week and Zachary Urban can be reached at 720help him as much as he would allow. 252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com. The night before Fred passed away he had
By Zachary Urban
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LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS
Wheat Ridge Business Association
Come See What We Are About! Mandy & Joe Fulton • 303-424-9273 tellerstreetgallery.com
Loretta DiTirro • 303-594-1520 lorettashomes.com
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Grammy’s Goodies Opening Restaurant March 21
who adds that the affliction is “highly treatable by an expert.” Wheat Ridge office hours are Wednesdays 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon.
Grammy's Goodies will hold its grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Saturday, March 21, at 4601 Harlan St. in Wheat Ridge. They’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. “Grammy’s is well known at local festivals with their giant Krispy treats,” said publicist Cheryl Brungardt. “In addition to the Krispy treats, Grammy's will feature giant Sicilian pizza, Bada-Bing burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches, meatball sandwiches and sausage canolis.” Grammy’s Goodies will be open Tuesday through Saturday, with hours to be announced.
He offers a no-charge mobility assessment and consultation. Call for more information: 303-990-0159 or scott@novosofttissue.com.
For more information call 303-4220380 or visit www.grammysitaliangoodies.com.
Local Chiropractor Now Serving Wheat Ridge Dr. Scott King of Novo Soft Tissue & Spine is now offering chiropractic services in Wheat Ridge, three days a week at Elixir Pilates & Wellness at 7047 W. 38th Ave. Dr. King specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of adhesion – the most common and most under-diagnosed problem in the body, according to King. “If you are experiencing pain, numbness, burning, tingling, or chronic tightness it is likely that you have adhesion,” says King,
Luke and Prudence Schultz-Burrey 303.463.3302 fidosgrubntub.com
Bud Starker • 303-233-3377 west29th.com
Melissa A. Chaffin LMT • 303-332-9567 chaffin.melissa@gmail.com Ron Benson Linda McDonald 720-484-8647
Peter Damian Arguello • 303-463-5335 7220 West 38th Avenue
comcdonaldgroup.com
Tim Berland • 303-995-2806 ngazette.com
Tiffany & Eli Lucero • 720-789-1880 resurrectioncarpet.com
Sue Ball (303) 421-7311 sueball.com
Blu Hartkopp 303-588-6761 bluiron.com
Meet your business neighbors and learn about new developments in Jefferson County & Wheat Ridge We invite you to join our next monthly breakfast meeting
Tues., April 14 • 7-9am • Wheat Ridge Rec Center
Ron Slinger
Executive Director, Red Rocks Community College Foundation
Topic: “Red Rocks Community College Update” RSVP by April 10 www.wheatridgebiz.com
Lutheran Medical Center was one of two Denver metro area hospitals recognized among the top 100 hospitals in the country for quality by Healthgrades, a healthcare ratings organization. Both Lutheran and St. Joseph Hospital made the list, and were the only two in the Denver metro area to receive this distinction. This places Lutheran Medical Center among the top two percent of hospitals in the country. The hospitals achieved this recognition in part through innovative programs to reduce readmission rates, improve patient safety, and take other measures that contribute to patients' overall outcomes. Recipients of the award, from 2011 through 2013, as a group had a 26.4 percent lower risk adjusted mortality rate across 19 procedures and conditions, when inhospital mortality was the clinical outcome.. To learn more about how Healthgrades evaluates hospitals and makes the awards, visit www.healthgrades.com/quality.
Strong Families, Organizations Should Discuss Finances By Joseph Giordano
7756 W 38th Ave. • 303-424-9449 Come visit Crysta & Laura too!
Lutheran Named One of America's 100 Best Hospitals
WHEAT RIDGE 2020 UPDATE
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s a medical social worker, my wife is a hero. Her calming supportive voice guides hundreds of grieving families through their darkest times. Her hardest work occurs after the patient has passed away and the adult children go through their parent’s finances. Feelings regarding those finances, if they are not properly managed, may lead to decades of animosity. Families with clear communication, solid financial controls and transparency may successfully avoid uncomfortable future holidays. The same holds true for nonprofits. Nonprofits are managed by people, and while people at nonprofits are without exception altruistic, they are still human. Just like a family, organizations that can demonstrate solid financials and transparency can be responsible stewards for funds gifted to them. Some nonprofits do not prioritize financial best practices like they should. They aren’t legally required to be audited or to show decision processes, so they don’t. This can be disastrous. Knowing what other organizations do, I am even more proud of the nonprofit organization I volunteer for, Wheat Ridge 2020. I am well aware of how exemplary Wheat Ridge 2020 is because in my spare time and for fun, I volunteer as the treasurer and have for several years. Wheat Ridge 2020 is a community nonprofit working to make
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Wheat Ridge a better place. We have $1.3 million in assets and $483,000 in revenue, managed by three employees. My role is to make sure that money is spent appropriately. By appropriately I mean legally, transparently and within our mission, which is advancing Wheat Ridge as a vibrant and sustainable community. Luckily, I have help from a tremendous group of professionals who volunteer on the finance committee. Accountants, attorneys, bankers, financial advisors and concerned citizens who each month pour over the financials line by line, questioning and ensuring best practices are met. Then a 13-member board of directors volunteers their time going through it again before approving all financials. Our financial information is public, and anyone can go through it by visiting WheatRidge2020.org. We insist on this transparency as an organization. Each year we also have our statements audited by a local firm who ensures our books are solid. We use these audited financials to report to the Internal Revenue Service. My wife and I believe in contributing to our community and invite you to join Wheat Ridge 2020. We are always looking for more outstanding volunteers. Joseph Giordano is an accounting professor at Metro State University, lives in Wheat Ridge, and volunteers as the Wheat Ridge 2020 Board Treasurer.
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ngazette.com – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
EDGEWATER CITY NEWS
EDGEWATER CITY COUNCIL
Tidbits From Behind the Dias
We’re Making Edgewater Safer For Cyclists, Pedestrians
the region invited to attend. The inaugural “Ski for Heisman Community” is an event designed to build greater cooperation and ave you noticed the temporary signs understanding between law enforcement on Sheridan? The signs in front of and neighborhood teenagers. Bringing all the businesses that blow in the wind? both parties out of the neighborhoods and How about all the banners on the sides into the mountains will provide a fun and of buildings? No? Well, courtesy of our awe-inspiring environment to build new code enforcer, they are gone. City council relationships. passed an ordinance last fall to help clean Heads up – 26th Avenue will be torn up Edgewater by putting restrictions on up for the next few months. Contracts have temporary signs. been signed for the replacement Edgewater purchased 12 of underground water pipes new bike racks with plans to get and lead water lines. After we more. The first batch is being get-the-lead-out, the street will installed now, starting at 25th be repaved. The project will and Sheridan. As we acquire start by the end of March, so more we’ll move west through plan accordingly … and think the city, putting them near how great it will be when it is restaurants and parks. If you finished! get a chance, take a look at the Thank you to all who shadow the bike racks cast on responded to the survey. I really the sidewalk each morning in appreciate all of the comments front of Joy Ride. and suggestions. I will try to Thank you to the many Bonnie McNulty respond to some of the comments volunteers who are shoveling in future issues. One interesting finding is snow off senior citizens’ sidewalks. that respondents listed the Neighborhood Neighbors, firefighters, Community Service Gazette as the second highest source of youth, and staff have stepped up to clear information about the City of Edgewater. walks at more than 35 homes. Remember, I am available on Wednesday mornings we are all required to keep our walks free from 9 to 11 at Targets' Starbucks. I will of ice and snow. If you can help a neighbor buy your coffee or tea. I will also be happy in need you will also be making Edgewater to meet with you at other times. Just call a safer place for everyone who walks about or email and I will arrange a time that is our city. convenient for you. From April 1 to 5, the Spin Foundation Contact Edgewater Mayor Bonnie will host a Diversity Leadership Summit McNulty at 303-233-6216 or bjmcnulty2@ in Aspen. Ed McCallin, Edgewater’s comcast.net. School Resource Officer, is one of six in
By Bonnie McNulty
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Jefferson To Be a 7-12 School By Joel Newton
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he Jeffco School Board voted 5-0 on March 5 to approve two motions to reorganize schools within the Jefferson Articulation Area as part of the Jefferson Plan. The Jefferson Articulation Area currently includes Molholm Elementary, Edgewater Elementary, Lumberg Elementary, Stevens Elementary, Wheat Ridge 5-8 and Jefferson High School. The first motion passed will move seventh- and eighth-grade students from Wheat Ridge 5-8 to Jefferson this fall. The second motion will move fifth- and sixth-grade students at Wheat Ridge 5-8 to Stevens Elementary. School board member John Newkirk put forward a motion to move Everitt Middle School to the Wheat Ridge 5-8 building, as well as other school moves within the Wheat Ridge Articulation Area, but it was tabled due to not enough community input. District staff will seek input from the Wheat Ridge community and school staff on the possible moves and the future of the Wheat Ridge 5-8 building. Part of the Jefferson Plan was to move Stevens Elementary into the Wheat Ridge 5-8 building, but no decision was made on that. “What excites me about the this plan is the possible collaboration between teachers and staff from both schools and building upon the great work we’ve completed thus far,” said Jefferson High School teacher Rhiannon Wenning. “I am excited that we will have the opportunity to work with some outstanding folks, and get the opportunity to expand our academic foci, athletics, activities, and other programs that make the Jefferson community so unique and a great place to live, work and go to school. I also am looking forward to building more community in which to grow and foster not only our programs, but our students and their success in our neighborhood schools.” Although there is broad support among teachers for the Jefferson Plan, some have reservations. . “I also am concerned about innovation
status as it has failed miserably in schools in other districts that are similar to Jefferson,” said Wenning, echoing concerns of other educators. “We do not need to seek such measures as we can take variances from our Collective Bargaining Agreement as well as Memorandums of Understanding to address our calendar, salaries and other possible concerns that are contractual in nature. I am, however, more excited than worried, and I, as well as my colleagues from both schools, will continue to stand up for all of our students and do the very best for them and their futures!” The Staff Advisory Committee will meet this spring to work out the details of the move. Jefferson Principal Michael James will be the principal of the new 7-12 next fall. Wheat Ridge 5-8 Principal Warren Blair will assist the Jefferson Articulation Area and the Achievement Directors.
numerous bike racks to expand twowheeled parking options. We’ve adjusted prohibitive laws to enable the Car2Go ith record-setting February snow car-sharing program to expand into the behind us, and spring growth and city. The Edgewater Planning and Zoning longer days ahead, the call of pedals and commission is beginning the process of two wheels is here. Pump up your tires, oil implementing the city’s Comprehensive the chain, check the brakes and strap on Plan, which, built through public feedback, your helmet. There has never been such reinforces the desire for safe, an activity so aligned with the walkable and bike-friendly freedom of the American way streets. of life than riding a bicycle. As The next school year will a child it embodies newfound see Safe Routes to School grants independence as the world impact both Edgewater and around you becomes accessible. Lumberg Elementary Schools. As an adult it reconnects you to This CDOT program provides the neighborhood, the sounds, age specific safety education and the smells that driving has to children encouraging and disconnected you from. facilitating walking and biking Often safety is the biggest to school. obstacle keeping more of us Unfortunately, not everyone from riding our streets. For David Fleck gets access to such a great decades, we’ve seen our public program as a child. It’s never too late to right of ways designed with only the car learn. Some great tips for safe bicycling in mind. Thankfully, we’re seeing change. and applicable laws can be found at “Complete Streets” are becoming the new bicyclecolorado.org. You can also find some standard. Public right of ways are now being great ideas on how to help your kids safely designed for people in cars, trucks, buses, learn to explore the world on two wheels. people on bikes, and people on foot. Safer roads and educational resources What is changing in Edgewater to are readily available, but don’t forget to embrace the shift to neighborhood friendly catch up on maintaining your bicycle. Like multimodal transportation? In the last year your car, small problems can become large we’ve repaired and replaced long neglected when ignored. If you haven’t met Levi at sidewalks throughout the city, making it safe Yawp Cyclery at Sheridan at 25th Avenue, for residents of all ages to walk without risk go introduce yourself. of fall. We’re on track to repave our streets Keep your helmet strap snug. I want to and replace much of the older infrastructure see you riding around town for many years beneath. The men and women of the to come. Edgewater Police Department have been Contact Edgewater Councilman David doing an excellent job with increased DUI Fleck at 303-886-3508 or dfleck@edgewaidentification and enforcement. terco.com. Along 25th Avenue we’ve added
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – ngazette.com
SENIOR FOCUS
UNDER THE DOME
The Gift of Hospice Care
New State Legislation Affects You
Julia Spigarelli is the Resident Services Coordinator at Highland West and South Independent Senior Living Community, 6340 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge. Contact her at 303-424-9401.
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the drugs which BioSimilar knockoffs are farthest along in development. BioSimilars are used for very chronic diseases. That bill first want to say thank you for giving me passed 98 to 2. the opportunity to once again serve as the I also carried the legislation that requires State Senator in Senate District 20. I also foster care homes and facilities to report want to thank the hundreds of people who immediately or within 24 hours when a kid have participated in the legislative process goes missing. There is currently a statute that by calling me or emailing me with issues they was written for missing persons, are passionate about. This is my but it does not include those in 13th session and it continues to foster care. This was completely be a privilege to serve as well as unacceptable to me, and a team quite educational on such an of bipartisan legislators in the array of issues. House and Senate brought forth We have 56 days left in this legislation to add this vulnerable session to hammer out some big population of kids to the statute, issues that are still to come. For especially with the horrific cases instance, construction defects, we are seeing across the country the amount of testing done in on human trafficking. This our K-12 schools, urban renewal, measure passed the House and TABOR and the surplus, and the Senate unanimously. Cheri Jahn workforce development. These I am currently working on a topics all promise lively debates piece of legislation that would align Colorado and I would very much like to hear from with surrounding states’ standards for citizens in my district. granting prescriptive authority to Advance During this session I carried a bill that Practice Nurses. With the shortage of health will allow “BioSimilars” to enter the market care providers in rural areas, this will be an here in Colorado. Biologic medications invaluable tool to bring patients access to are used to treat high-risk and critically care. I hope that everyone will take the time ill patients that haven't responded to to study up on the measures being debated traditional treatments and will be at a cost at the capitol and then contact me with significantly lower. BioSimilar products your opinions on the issues. I am proud to must be interchangeable to a biologic and say that I continue to vote on policy, not FDA approved products. The Food & Drug soundbites. The devil is always in the details Administration just approved the first and learning how law affects real people BioSimilar drug for Sandoz, bringing in in the conduct of their lives is far more a drug called Zaxio, a generic version of important than voting for something just the Amgen drug Neupogen, which wards because it sounds good. off infections in chemotherapy patients. Contact State District 20 Senator Cheri According to the Wall Street Journal, Jahn at cheri.jahn.senate@state.co.us or blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis drugs 303-866-4856. Humira, Enbrel and Remicade are among
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he word hospice is derived from the Latin hospes (from the same linguistic root as hospitality). The first hospices are believed to have originated in the 11th century around 1065 when, for the first time, the incurably ill were permitted into places dedicated to treatment by crusaders. Hospices flourished during the Middle Ages and were revived in the 17th century in France by the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul. The Irish Sisters of Charity began to open hospices in Dublin, Melbourne, New South Wales and eventually St. Joseph’s in London. It was at St. Joseph’s in the 1950s that Dame Cicely Saunders, a prominent British Anglican nurse, developed many of the foundational principals of modern hospice care. These principles included supporting the goals and wishes of the patient while offering a means by which symptoms are managed and suffering is alleviated. She emphasized focusing on the patient rather than the disease, addressing a broad range of concerns including the psychological, emotional, spiritual and physical aspects. “You matter to the last moment of your life and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but to help you live until you die,” said Sanders. Today, a multi-disciplinary Hospice Team provides support and care for the patient and their families, and includes: • Patient, family and friends: (while hospice is on call 24/7, visits are intermittent). • Hospice Physician (Medical Director): leads the team in patient care.
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• Primary Care Physician or Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner: supports the lead of the medical director. • Nurse: Manages and coordinates the patient’s plan of care including medications, supplies and coaching for patient and family. • CNA: Assists patient with daily personal care. • Social Worker: Provides patient and family with emotional support and counseling for end-of-life transition. • Chaplain: Provides nondenominational spiritual and emotional support as well as bereavement follow-up services. • Registered Dietician: Provides education and intervention to patient and family regarding nutritional needs on an as needed basis. • Therapists (OT, PT, Speech): provides consultation as needed for comfort care. • Volunteers: Visits with patient and family in a variety of ways to provide emotional support and companionship. Hospice Care is a constant process and an ever-evolving journey. At its center lies the belief that each of us has the right to die pain-free and with dignity, and that our families will receive the necessary support to allow us to do so. Too many Americans still die alone or in pain and patients are being referred to hospice care either too late or not at all. Consider allowing hospice to help you begin the conversation and welcome them as a partner with you on this journey.
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ngazette.com – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
CAR TALK WITH TOM Tips for Driving in the Wheat Ridge Snow By Tom Schmuke
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or both new and experienced drivers, driving during the winter brings about many challenges. A little preparation for your car will go a long way, but altering your driving habits will help to keep you safe while driving. Don’t use your cruise control. While it may be second nature to flip on the cruise control when driving, it’s best to skip it when driving during the winter. If you have the cruise control on and you hit a patch of ice or hydroplane it can cause the vehicle to accelerate while trying to maintain a constant speed and you could potentially lose control of your car. Defog your windows. Sometimes it’s hard to keep your car windows defogged during the winter. If nothing else is working, try turning on the air conditioning – that will clear the windows right up. A less desirable fix would be to crack the window, making the temperature in the car the same as the temperature outside, which will also get rid of the fog. Take your time. While it may seem obvious that you need to take your time when driving during the winter, it isn’t always what you do. Give yourself extra time during the winter, especially during inclement weather.
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ur recent roundup of local lawlessness is chock-full of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (DUI) charges and traffic violations. Recent shoplifting incidents at the Target at 20th and Sheridan have shown that those suspected of lifting merchandise are typically in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia. In the pre-dawn hours of Feb. 20, a 41-year-old Englewood resident was issued a summons for DUI and failure to show insurance after an officer noticed him violating traffic laws and pulled him over. On Feb. 10, a motorist drove his car into a residence and fled the scene. The 28-year-old Arizona man was not injured, but was arrested and booked on careless driving, DUI and hit-and-run charges. Later that night, another driver was arrested for speeding, failure to present insurance, and DUI. A few days later a driver of a vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and the officer who pulled him over charged him with the same violations as the previous two, and driving with a denied license. The officer also discovered the driver had an outstanding arrest warrant from the Westminster Police Department for failing to appear in traffic court. On Feb. 13, officers discovered two stolen vehicles at an apartment complex on Gray Street. One was stolen from Thornton, but the other was taken from Mexico. Officers then discovered other stolen vehicles at the location, so the investigation was turned over to the Metro Auto Theft Task Force.
If you have any information about these or other criminal activities, please contact Edgewater Police Chief John Hough at 720-763-3000.
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On Feb. 15, officers pulled over a car with three aboard. A 25-year-old female from Aurora provided a false name and identification, and was arrested on felony warrants for possession of a controlled substance and motor vehicle theft. Another woman was given a summons for possession of an open container of alcohol and narcotics paraphernalia, but released. The third, male occupant was arrested for the same offenses, as well as violation of a protection order. Also on Feb. 15, four vehicles had their rear windows broken and property stolen from within, in the 2500 block of Fenton Street, 1900 block of Gray, 1800 block of Depew and Lakeshore Drive. Credit cards were stolen from one vehicle and later used in Broomfield, which helped track down the suspect. One suspect, seen breaking through a car window at 4 a.m., was described as a male wearing dark pants and light-colored jacket with a backpack. And finally, as a 17-year-old washed his mother’s car at West 38th Avenue and Chase Street on Feb. 19 after 6 p.m., a 32-year-old Hispanic man came up, revealed the handle of a handgun, and drove off with the teen in the passenger seat. The young man was able to notify his friends via text message that he needed help and fled from the vehicle unharmed when they came to the intersection at West 8th Avenue and Federal Boulevard. The suspect was later arrested and the vehicle recovered.
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POLICE BLOTTER By Laura Poole
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Drive with caution. Avoid accelerating and decelerating quickly during the winter. Even if you have a four-wheel drive vehicle take your time speeding up and slowing down to help with traction and reduce the chances of losing control. You’ll also want to leave more space between yourself and the other cars on the road. Keep your gas tank full. When driving during the winter it’s best to keep your gas above half a tank. If you break down and need to keep the engine running to stay warm, you’ll be glad you weren’t on empty. Turn into the spin. If you lose control of your car and start spinning, turn into the spin to regain control. While it’s very counter-intuitive, you need to turn your steering wheel towards where your back tires are going. Your instincts will tell you to hit the brakes, but don’t. Instead, try gently accelerating. Doing that will redistribute weight and help to bring you out of the spin. Don’t forget your emergency kit. Every vehicle should have an emergency kit for driving during the winter. It should include blankets, flashlights, duct tape, bottled water and some general purpose tools.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – ngazette.com
HOME, GARDEN & LIFESTYLE
Sustainability Comes To Wheat Ridge…Again
Clutter Be Gone! By Jeanne Nichols
M
arch 20 marks the official beginning of spring, meaning spring cleaning is just around the corner. As part of the spring cleaning ritual, I’m suggest that we become more organized and do some decluttering that will benefit our productivity and energy level as well as our pocketbook. Most of our lifestyles do not mimic a living standard that looks like a model home or one of those pristine photographs in a magazine, and each person’s acceptable level of clutter can vary. But with a few organization tips and taking a bit of action, we can eliminate some of the negative impact clutter has on us all. There are many positive benefits achieved by decreasing clutter. It can increase your free time by decreasing the amount of time spent cleaning, and provide more useable space by eliminating unnecessary objects. Reducing clutter can make you more productive, increase your level of concentration, give you peace of mind, elevate your mood and even help you relax. It has been known to lessen discord in the home as one scrambles to find things, and it could even increase your inclination to entertain. Freeing up space and decluttering can actually help you breathe better. If those benefits aren’t enough, reducing clutter can also be very profitable as you decide what to do with unnecessary items. Revenue can be generated by doing a yard
By Guy Nahmiach
or garage sale or, for the more electronically savvy, placing items for sale on the Internet through eBay or Craig’s List. For those of you who don’t want to actually do the work yourself there are many consignment shops that will share the profit, or you can donate the items to nonprofits. A quick and easy way to organize is to have ongoing boxes (or in my case, piles): things to keep that don’t have a place; things to store; those items not used but which you want to keep; things to consign or donate; and things to throw away. Keep in mind that if you don’t need it or love it, consider getting rid of it. If you place those things together as you go through the week and then take a few minutes each week or even monthly to take care of them, the task may not seem so daunting. First find a permanent place for items that need to be kept, such as a dish for the keys near the door, or baskets for the kids’ toys. Wrap and box things to be stored, take to the consignment shop or donations center things to be rid of and toss the others on trash day. You should have your home decluttered in no time. Happy decluttering! 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.
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n recent years sustainability has gone from a fad or hobby to a mainstream issue that is practiced by most whether they realize it or not. You don't have to be an extreme environmentalist to care about making the most of what you have. It’s as simple as growing your own vegetables, reducing trips to the store, carpooling or sharing a great book with your neighbor. Sustainability is about prolonging our existence with minimal effects on our environment. The idea is not for everyone to completely change their lifestyles. Simply doing your own part, however small, can contribute to an overall reduction of waste and usage of resources. Wheat Ridge took a step toward this when it set up a Sustainability Committee, which held its first meeting Feb. 24. Two days after launching on social media, it had more than 100 members. The meeting included discussions of rainwater storage, re-purposing of tires, chickens, beehives and the remodeling of homes using green materials. Joyce Manwaring, Director of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation, shared that the city has a sustainability plan, but lacks staff to accomplish its goals. While the city is trying to increase the number of online forms and services, a large part of its population was in need of printed format. Police Chief Brennan shared that the Wheat Ridge Police Department was
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planning more cleanup days around the city and could work with the committee in organizing more dumpster days and helping seniors clean up their yards for improved neighborhoods. Wheat Ridge had a sustainability group four years ago, but suffered from too many goals and not enough muscle – it's important to remember that volunteers also have real jobs, families and a life to live. That group did produce a successful event that allowed people to dispose of, for free, electronic/electric appliances, computers, old televisions and other items required special disposal. The new committee agreed that not everyone was equally passionate about all facets of sustainability. Mini groups will be formed to tackle common goals more efficiently, sharing what people were already doing and bringing in experts to conduct training sessions for those that wanted more in depth information about a specific topic. The committee also decided to highlight a Sustainability Hero each month, selected on degree of commitment, innovative method and dedication to a sustainable lifestyle. Their work would be showcased in the Neighborhood Gazette and will hopefully inspire others to do their part. The Sustainability Committee’s next meeting will be Thursday, April 2, 7 p.m., at the Active Adult Center, 6363 W. 35th Ave., Wheat Ridge.
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ngazette.com – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Highland West Community Renovation Complete by Year’s End Major renovation of the Highland West Community started Feb. 9 and will be completed by the end of the year, according the property’s management. Highland West Senior Citizens Apartments and Highland South Apartments have been providing affordable housing for seniors 62 and up in Wheat Ridge since 1964 and 1984 respectively. The two properties were recently refinanced and combined into a single property. In addition to a total update of the apartments and building exterior, the renovation of the property will add fire sprinklers to the apartments, improve access to the buildings, add parking spaces, and improve marketability and energy efficiency. Refinancing and renovation of the property is being done by the Denver Office of Housing and Urban Development, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Rockport Mortgage Corporation, Red Mortgage Capital, LLC, Midwest Housing Equity Group, Colorado Federal Savings Bank, Citi Community Capital, Daniel G. Morgan & Associates, Affordable Housing Consultants, Jefferson County Housing Authority, and United Presbyterian Association and Highland South, Inc. Design services are being provided by Lantz-Boggio Architects, and general contracting services are being provided by Pinkard Construction Co. The newly combined property will continue to meet the mission of the founding sponsoring churches, Wheat Ridge Presbyterian Church and Westminster Presbyterian Church, by providing affordable housing for seniors and adults with a disability. For more information, call 303-4249401, ext. 1.
Farmer’s Market began construction and Wheat Ridge was ranked as one of the best places in the nation to retire. Goff joined the City of Wheat Ridge in 2002 as Administrative Services Director then Deputy City Manager before being promoted to City Manager in 2010.
agricultural roots as well as attract new, younger residents interested in all that Wheat Ridge has to offer. Your participation and input at this meeting is encouraged.
TABOR – Refunds This Year or Not?
Kids from 2 to 9 are invited to hunt for Easter eggs with the Easter Bunny Saturday morning, March 28, at Panorama Park, West 35th Avenue and Fenton Street. Children should arrive by 9:45 a.m. for the 10 a.m. hunt. The City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation and the Wheat Ridge/Arvada Kiwanis hosts the free event. Children need to bring their own baskets.
Are we getting TABOR refunds this year? Join the League of Women Voters of Jefferson County for answers and explanations at its next public meeting, Tuesday, March 24, 1-2:30 p.m., at the Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Way, Lakewood. Carol Hedges, Executive Director of the nonprofit Colorado Fiscal Institute, will present the update on Colorado’s Taxpayers Bill of Rights amendment – better known as TABOR. Hedges, a recognized expert on the law’s effects, will also discuss the options of refunding tax money to taxpayers or using the money for education and other state obligations. Handouts and time for questions will be available at the free talk. For more information call 303-2380032 or visit www.lwvjeffco.org.
Free Spring Break Kite Workshop for Grandkids, March 26 Grandkids and their grandparents are invited to make their own kite in “Let’s Go Fly (and Make) a Kite,” Thursday, March 26, 1-3 p.m., at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 N. Depew St. Wheat Ridge Kite Flite Festival sponsors the free kite-building workshop, in which kids can create kites to fly at the upcoming Festival, set for April 25 in Panorama Park. The “Grandparents Must be Supervised” event is presented by Wheat Ridge Senior Connections.
Patrick Goff Wins Manager of the Year Award
For more information or to RSVP, call Alison Joucovsky at 720-248-4591.
Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff was awarded Manager of the Year by the Colorado City and County Management Association (CCCMA) at its Winter Conference last month. The Manager of the Year award honors a member of the statewide association of local government managers and assistants that has made an outstanding contribution to local government in the past year. Goff was nominated by the City’s Executive Management Team for his leadership in 2014. “Last year was a landmark one for the City and Patrick was a driving force in many key initiatives,” said Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay. “He not only helped promote economic growth and development, but fostered partnerships and leveraged funding to make Wheat Ridge a better community.” In 2014, developers broke ground on three new residential communities, a new retail center housing the City’s first Sprouts
Community Forum, March 25th to Discuss 38th and Wadsworth Keep Wheat Ridge Local is hosting a Community Forum Wednesday evening, March 25th at 6:30 PM at the Wheat Ridge Grange, 3850 High Court. The proposed plan for a Walmart Grocery at 38th and Wadsworth will be the topic of discussion as well as tax incremental financing (TIF) to support the project. Everyone is welcome to attend. The developer is requesting $7.8 million in TIF to fund this project. Currently the City generates $121,000 per year in tax revenue from the property. This is the base revenue. The TIF would come from any additional property and sales tax revenue generated over and above the base. Keep WR Local is a group of concerned citizens who aim to maintain our hometown
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Easter Egg Hunt at Panorama Park, March 28
For more information, call Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation at 303-231-1300. In case of inclement weather on the day of the hunt, call 303-231-1300 for reschedule information.
Gear Up for Kite Flite Festival, April 25 Mark your calendar for the second annual Kite Flite Festival, April 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Anderson Park, 4355 Field St., Wheat Ridge. This year the Festival will be joined by the Wheat Ridge Police Department and their fifth annual Child Safety Fair, incorporating several new events and activities while keeping popular favorites from last year. The Festival will feature a crafting
competition, lots of giveaway kites and planned crafts for over 200 kids. The WRPD will provide free information on child safety and installation of car seats to families of Wheat Ridge, specifically in the Hispanic community. For more information visit www.kiteflitefestival.com.
This Spring, Don’t Fall Down The Wheat Ridge Fire Department will be holding free falls education classes to share personal and home safety tips aimed at keeping you from becoming one of three adults over 65 who will fall this year. They will be held: • March 27, 1-2 p.m., at Highlands South Apartments, 6360 W. 38th Ave. • March 30, 1-2 p.m., at Town Center Apartments, 4340 Vance St. • March 31, 1-2 p.m., at Ye Olde Firehouse 3232 N. Depew St. • April 2, 1:30-2:30 p.m., at Edgewater Plaza 2250 Eaton St. Eighty percent of calls to the fire department are non-fire related, and of that 50 percent are related to falls, according to WRFD. Wheat Ridge and Edgewater residents can call 720-248-4591 to arrange for a free phone or in-home fall safety screening. Free necessary home safety modifications may also be available. For more information, visit WheatRidgeSeniors.org or call 720-248-4591.
Time To Plant Your Cool Weather Crops We Have Your Supplies!
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – MARCH 17 – APRIL 16, 2015 – ngazette.com
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quinoa and brown rice. These hearty grains are super sources of fiber, B vitamins, protein, zinc and complex carbohydrates. pring is a time of growth, renewal and Eat five or more servings per day – one rejuvenation. What better time to reap slice of bread, one cup dry cereal or a half the benefits of a healthier way of eating and cup cooked cereal, a half cup rice or pasta, feel that youthful vigor! You've probably 6-inch whole wheat tortilla, or a half cup heard the term “plant-based eating,” but cooked barley or quinoa. what exactly is it? • Fruit – any kind, any color! Try to Plant-based eating refers to eating include a serving of fruit high in vitamin more whole, unprocessed foods that come C each day, like strawberries, citrus fruits directly from plants. It's a shift away from or melons. Whole fruits are the traditional Western diet that packed with fiber, vitamins and is high in meat, fat, saturated fat antioxidants. Eat three or more and sodium. servings/day – one medium For example, vegans piece of fruit, a half cup cooked exclude meat, fish, eggs and fruit, or a quarter cup dried dairy from their diet. They do fruit. so for a variety of reasons – • Vegetables – any kind, ethical considerations, or the any color! These are also environmental impact associated loaded with nutrients including with animal consumption. vitamin A and C, beta-carotene, There are also health folic acid, iron, calcium and benefits, such as a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, Cherie Chao, RDN fiber. Get your vegetables in a variety of colors, especially dark hypertension, cancer, diabetes green and orange/red to ensure you get and obesity. This is due to the diet being those important nutrients. Eat four or more cholesterol-free, lower in saturated fat, servings – one cup of raw veggies, or a half trans-fat, sodium and calories, while being cup cooked veggies. higher in fiber and plant phytochemicals How do you make this shift? like antioxidants. • Start slow. Any movement toward a Impossible, you say? It's easier than you plant-based diet will provide health benefits think to eat a plant-based whole foods diet, • Change your mindset consisting of: • Make it simple and delicious • Legumes – beans, peas, lentils, • Begin with breakfast peanuts. Also baked beans, refried beans, • Get a good cookbook or borrow from soy milk, edamame, tofu and textured the library vegetable proteins. They're a powerhouse • Check out websites and blogs online of nutrients providing protein, fiber, iron, • Get inspiration from ethnic restaurants calcium, zinc and B vitamins. Eat two or • Think positive! The possibilities are more servings a day – 8 oz. soy milk, 4 oz. endless! tofu, half a cup cooked beans, a quarter cup Cherie Chao is the Cardiac Rehab and of nuts, or two tablespoons of peanut butter. Outpatient Dietitian for Bridges Health • Whole Grains –100 percent whole and Wellness at Lutheran Medical Center. grain breads, pasta, tortillas, cereals, barley,
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The vehicle consists of a custom-made carbon-fiber body, made by hand from molds. It will weigh somewhere between to 20 to 40 pounds when assembled. It will have three wheels, two in front and one in back. The motor is the same type used in radio-controlled airplanes. The motor is powered by hydrogen combustion, with water as the resulting exhaust. “It’s been a journey, and a lot more work than he thought it would be,” said Andrew, the secondary driver in Detroit. . The team isn’t sure how many hours have gone into the entire process to build the car, but estimate it to be in the thousands, with class time during the week and continued work on weekends. Total cost for the car and travel is $12,500. The team is asking for monetary assistance and support from individuals and groups in the community. Two of the sponsors include the city of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation. “This is a community car,” said Sprague. For more information or to provide fi-
nancial support, visit https://sites.google. com/a/jeffcoschools.us/wrhs-stem/home; or call the main office at WRHS at 303982-7695.
Shades of Blue Continued from page 1
several years. An estimated loss of 69,000 pilots and 100,000 mechanics will be needed to replace the number of retirees, said Daniels. Presently Shades of Blue has 1,000 registered student members, but assists thousands. They have chapters in eight states, with plans to make their program national. They offer classes and presentations for K-12 students all along the Front Range. They have established programs in Littleton and Aurora schools. A goal for Shades of Blue is to help 250,000 students by 2017. For those interested in volunteering or donating to Shades of Blue go to www. ourshadesofblue.org. Those interested making a donation to WRCF go to WheatRidgeFoundation.org or in volunteering contact Arthur Bushell at 303-810-3087.