RTD Update: West Line Opening see page 2
Celebrate Earth Day April 20 & 21 see page 6
April 17 – March 14, 2013
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Gardens Wanted For Tour, June 15 see page 6
Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD
Wheat Ridge
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Edgewater
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April 17–May 14, 2013
Family Tree Has deep roots in Wheat ridge By Joan Wallach
W
hen Nanette Nale of Designers’ Loft Hair Design approached this newspaper’s publisher, she let him know that part of the salon’s mission was to “reach out into the community to give back.” Nanette planted a seed about Family Tree, Inc., and its rich legacy in the community while talking about a silent auction on Saturday, April 27 to benefit Family Tree. The auction will feature items from local business such as Anthony M’s, Swiss Flower and Wheat Ridge Cyclery. Complimentary food and beverage will be available from Right Coast Pizza. The fundraiser will start at 5:30 pm. The administrative offices of Family Tree have been in Wheat Ridge since the organization’s beginnings almost 37 years ago. Family Tree started as a cooperative effort with local government, civic and private agencies to fill service gaps to needy children and families in Jefferson County. The mission of Family Tree now reads, “to help people overcome child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness to become safe, strong and self-reliant.” Its programming includes Children’s Services, Domestic Violence Services and Homelessness Services. In the 2011-2012 fiscal year, Family Tree served 43,189 clients and provided more than 24,000 nights of safe shelter to individuals and families throughout the Denver metro area. Family Tree currently has 101 employees and a multi-million dollar budget. Scott Shields became the CEO of Family Tree in 2007. Among many recent accolades, Family Tree received the Denver/Boulder Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award, the first given to a nonprofit organization, in 2009.
CaLLINg WHEaT rIdgE ITS HOME for almost 37 years, The Family Tree organization has held true to its mission “to help people overcome child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness to become safe, strong and self-reliant.”
According to the BBB’s website, http:// denver.bbb.org, “The award is a tribute to those who exemplify an outstanding commitment to fair, honest, and ethical practices.” In 2011 Family Tree was named the Wheat Ridge Business of the Year. At that time Shields stated, “Wheat Ridge is a great place to do business and we look forward to honoring our award by providing the best service possible to those in need.” In the economic downturn demands for Family Tree’s services has increased as some sources of income dwindled. The passion and commitment of the board and staff of Family Tree appears matched by its volunteers, more than 2,600 in the last fiscal year. Creative volunteer team efforts have enhanced the bottom line as well as efforts of individuals like Arvada neighbor Don Hanlon, who was recently named a 7Everdyday Hero. For 11 years Hanlon has tirelessly and generously engaged in monthly grocery shopping for clients in Family Tree’s Housing Services. Treasure Trunk Thrift Store directly benefits Family Tree. Located at 7043 W. 38th Ave., it accepts donations Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is open for shopping seven days a week. MarK YOUr CaLENdarS Family Tree’s 20th Annual Celebration of Achievement fundraising dinner is scheduled for Thursday, June 20 at the PPA Event Center, 2105 Decatur St., Denver. Attendees will share an evening of triumph over adversity, celebrating the success of three inspiring clients on their journeys to safety, strength and self-reliance. Each year, Family Tree recognizes the tremendous community support they receive by acknowledging organizations, businesses and individuals who have partnered with Family Tree to enhance service delivery. Nominees for the 2013 Celebration of Achievement Community Award are: Tanja Butler-Melone; Butler Rents; Hands of the Carpenter; Making a Difference (MaD) Friends; and Polar Field Services. The 2013 Community Award winner will be announced at the Celebration of Achievement fundraising dinner on June 20. Individual tickets and tables of 10 are available for purchase online at www. thefamilytree.org. A brief article perhaps cannot do justice to the efforts that culminate in interrelated services for at-risk neighbors, many of whom find their way to new and better lives. To learn more, you are invited to visit www.familytree.org, consider attending scheduled volunteer trainings, or join in any of the fundraisers for and/or organized by Family Tree. For more information call 303422-2133. Thanks to Dana Juniel, Director of Public Relations and Marketing, at Family Tree, Inc., for her contributions to this article.
BOUNTIFUL BLOOMS IN TrEE CITIES will soon replace sights of snow-covered branches. On April 27, as part of Tree City USA criteria and the Revive the Greenbelt project, Wheat Ridge this year will gain over 200 total trees and shrubs along Clear Creek. Wheat Ridge and Edgewater are both Tree City USA communities through the Arbor Day Foundation. PHOTO BY HEATHER LEE
arbor day Celebration: greens for the greenbelt By Cyndy Beal
T
he Wheat Ridge Greenbelt is going greener. On April 27 starting at 9 a.m. at Prospect Park (West 44th Avenue and Robb Street) community forestry experts and volunteers will gather and engage in a large-scale tree planting endeavor along the Clear Creek waterway, just south of Prospect Park. Volunteers are welcome and needed. This effort is part of the Revive the Greenbelt project. The project goal is to preserve and restore areas along Clear Creek. The project started primarily as a result of the summer 2009 storm that left numerous Wheat Ridge trees downed or damaged. The Arbor Day tree planting is one part of the criteria that Wheat Ridge must meet to keep its Tree City USA status through the Arbor Day Foundation. Wheat Ridge has been a Tree City for 34 years. Over 200 total trees and shrubs will be planted, with 75 native trees and 120 shrubs, of about a dozen varieties, including Plains Cottonwood, Thinleaf Alder and Golden Currant. About 800 willow plants from other areas along the Greenbelt will be relocated, as well. The Revive the Greenbelt project is a collaboration between the city of Wheat Ridge and the Denver-based nonprofit the Institute of Environmental Solutions (IES). As a non-profit, IES relies on donations, grants and sponsorships to fund the Revive the Greenbelt project and other local area projects. “It would be great to have help with the
healing,” said Margaret Paget, Wheat Ridge Forestry and Open Space Supervisor, in regard to the significant tree loss from the summer of 2009. Trees, shrubs and plants offer many environmental, economical and psychological benefits. Mature trees in particular improve air quality; prevent soil erosion (deep roots stabilize soil) and provide temperature control and protection from hot summers and cold winters for people and wildlife. Along Clear Creek, the need for planting trees isn’t just the result of the summer 2009 storm, but a change in the creek itself. The creek once aided in natural tree reseeding through overflowing its banks and scattering seeds. Water diversion to other metro cities, through long-standing water rights, has decreased the water volume of the creek. Clear Creek in many areas is now considered a channelized stream. It takes two to three years for a tree to become established. After planting trees, volunteer stewards are needed to water and monitor the health of the newly placed plantings. Preregistration is appreciated. Tools, such as shovels and other materials will be provided. To volunteer or for additional information, contact Margaret Paget, Forestry and Open Space Supervisor, at 303-205-7554, e-mail mpaget@ci.wheatridge.co.us. To preregister for the event e-mail Michael Haney (IES) at mhaney@i4es.org. For more information about the Revive the Greenbelt project or to donate go to http://i4es.org/revivethegreenbelt.html.