Neighborhood Gazette September 2013 by Neighborhood Gazette

Mayor’s Veto Nixes Sales Tax Vote see page 2

Optimist’s Annual Pancake Supper Oct. 10 see page 6

Local Business Update see page 7

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013

Scholarship Fund Born Out Of WR Foundation Leader’s Vision BY TIM BERLAND AND VICKI OTTOSON Obituary: Curtis J. Gilmore

t is with great sadness that we announce that Wheat Ridge community leader and education advocate Curtis J. Gilmore passed away in late August. Gilmore was Colorado native, who recently celebrated 50 years of marriage with his wife, Jane Anne. He is survived by three daughters and nine grandchildren. A graduate of Lakewood High School, Gilmore attended Colorado A&M (CSU) and graduated from the University of Texas. He spent two years in the Army serving in Germany and returned to enter graduate school at Colorado School of Mines. He was active in the community serving as a member of SPAC and citizen groups of Jefferson County Public Schools, board member of Jefferson Foundation and Wheat Ridge 2020, past president of Wheat Ridge Rotary, and was current chair and a guiding force of the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation.

“It was said that Curtis Gilmore was a visionary. For any one that knew Curt that was an understatement,” remarked life-long friend Art Bushell. “I was privileged to know Curt almost 50 years. He was not only a friend, but a mentor. Curt also had a dream, and that was to improve our education system, and to do anything and everything to beneﬁt a child’s lifelong learning.” “Thinking ‘out of the box’ does not do justice to the vision of Curt Gilmore. He thought ‘off the planet,’” states Wheat Ridge Community Foundation board member and friend Tom Ripp. “He had a dedication to education that was unrivaled. As a private citizen, with no background in education, he was a tireless advocate for the students of Jefferson County.” Gilmore spearheaded an effort last year to provide laptop computers to 37 college-bound students at Jefferson High School who did not have the means to acquire them on their own. As chair of the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation, Continued on page 9

NEITHER HAIL NOR HIGH WATER stopped the Farmers 5000 fundraising footrace, held the morning of Sunday, Sept. 15, at Wheat Ridge High School. The 30+-year-old annual event, which included a 5K race with prizes and 1K fun run, raises money for the school and promotes physical fitness and community spirit. Wheat Ridge Community Foundation, Wheat Ridge Optimist Club and Wheat Ridge High School PTSA are among the event sponsors. PHOTO BY SCOTT CHAMBERLIN

Business Organizations Offer Support, Networking & Opportunities BY DANA R. BUTLER

oretta DiTirro, a local real estate professional, says the proliferation of small businesses opening their doors in the city of Wheat Ridge is a fortunate turn of events for everyone who lives and works here. And yet a recent national survey found that small business owners think that running a small business is harder today than it was ﬁve years ago. So what is driving this growth? Most cities offer some sort of support for the businesses that operate within its borders, but, it turns out, Wheat Ridge is especially strong in this area. Joey DeMott, whose family has owned and operated Pietra’s Pizza on 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge for nearly 50 years, says the city of Wheat Ridge has, in recent years, really pushed to help grow businesses and does the most of the cities he’s familiar with to support and encourage new and ongoing businesses. DeMott is in a unique position to appreciate the city’s efforts—as is DiTirro. In addition to owning his business, DeMott is a city council member who sits on the Board of the Wheat Ridge Business District. And DiTirro is president of the Wheat Ridge Business Association. But what can these helpful organizations do for you?

Wheat Ridge Business Association The Wheat Ridge Business Association offers services and beneﬁts to both new and existing businesses with an eye toward the continuing vitality of the community. The Association meets each month on the second Tuesday morning and offers interesting and relevant speakers in addition to prime networking time. “The WRBA can be such a resource for networking,” says Board member and

City Coucilwoman Joyce Jay, “not only to exchange cards or move goods and services but via creation of a ‘business buddy’ for contacts, tips, or relieving the occasional frustrations and, yes, even concerns.” The Association’s Board of Directors, recently boosted by the addition of four new members, does its best to remain responsive to member needs and to anticipate beneﬁts that members may not have even thought of yet. This, of course, in addition to managing their own businesses as the Board is an all-volunteer group of people who donate some of their minimal free time to running, marketing, and promoting the Association and its members. “What I love about the board,” says DiTirro, “…is that everyone respects everyone’s skill. No one thinks or acts like they are more important than anyone else. They are the people that I admire the most.” DiTirro describes the Association as “a sales force and an information center” for its members. She offers as an example of services an economic forecast for 2014. “Who has time to do that for yourself when you are running a business?” she asks. Planned speakers include representatives of organizations such as the Colorado Restaurant Association and Colorado Tourism Ofﬁce, whose presence is designed not only to entertain and inform, but also to answer questions about what events are coming to the state and how can individual businesses take advantage of those happenings. “I love the breakfast meetings with the discussions with other business owners and, of course, the messages from the business and community VIPs,” says the Association’s Vice President Don Seyfer of Seyfer Automotive. “Keeping up with the developments of the city helps plan my strategies for my business.” A priority for DiTirro is that the board

members get out as much as they give to the organization. “Much of my business if referral based, so belonging to a business organization like Wheat Ridge Business Association helps build those connections to people who do business with me and can refer me to others they know who might need my products or service,” says Board member Cheryl Brungardt, who owns Thank Em Productions. “It’s about connecting and making a difference by buying local that makes WRBA involvement essential to me.” Membership dues total $50, and

DiTirro says the monthly meetings alone are well worth the price, not to mention what amounts to a sales force of 200 people who are out making contacts and asking for recommendations on a daily basis. “It’s a win-win for everyone,” she says.

Wheat Ridge Business District The Wheat Ridge Business District has been in existence since the early 2000s (ﬁrst as the 38th Avenue Business District) and is organized with the speciﬁc purpose of giving Continued on page 6

Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater in Citizen’s Park, Sept. 21 & 22 BY LAURA KEEGAN

eltic Harvest Festival Edgewater will celebrate Colorado’s diverse artists and musicians and share Celtic culture Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 & 22, at Citizen’s Park, 24th & Benton, west of Sloans Lake. Admission is free. This year’s music lineup includes Angus Mohr, Mythia, Keep Britain Irish, Billy the Mountain, Celtic Winds, Kindred Spirits, O’Neil’s Fancy, Sherman Woods and Colcannon. Traditional color and entertainment will be provided by pipe bands, Celtic dancers and, on Saturday evening, a Clan Ceilidh and ceremonial calling of the clans. The Renaissance Scots Reenactment Village will provide a hands-on experience of Highland Scotland of the early 1600s, before the battle of Culloden. Fairgoers can sword-ﬁght with the master Scots, shop for treasures in the Celtic Marketplace, ﬁnd fresh produce and more at the Farmer’s Market,

and indulge in a variety of food and drinks, including Scotch and Oskar Blues Brews. The Clans will join in the fun again this year with myriads of clan history, traditions, and genealogy. Hawkquest will entertain and educate with their birds of prey. Sheep herding lessons with Billy Pickel, Celtic-themed games and crafts for children of all ages, face painters, a medieval bouncy castle and storytelling in the children’s area make the festival a family affair. A puppet show by Cosmic Circle Puppets will enchant young audiences with a touch of whimsy and mayhem! New this year is the Walking on Water. Featured again this year are the Dogs of the British Empire showcasing over 20 breeds. Last year’s event drew over 10,000 people! Festival hours will be 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.celticharvestfestivaledgewater.com or call Dan, 720-763-3012, or Laura, 303-232-0745.

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – ngazette.com

Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD

Tim Berland 303-995-2806 e-mail: editor@ngazette.com www.ngazette.com 4385 Wadsworth Blvd., #140, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 Publication date is the 15th of each month. Advertising: Vicki Ottoson 303-777-6144 or Tim Berland 303-995-2806 Copy Editing/Proofreading: J. Patrick O’Leary, Cyndy Beal & Sarah DiTullio

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Mayor’s Veto Nixes Sale Tax Vote BY J. PATRICK O’LEARY heat Ridge residents won’t get to vote on a proposed sales and use tax increase this fall, thanks to mayor Jerry DiTullio’s veto as well as city council’s decision not to override it. Council Bill No. 12-2013, which would have submitted a ballot question to the voters of the city of Wheat Ridge at the Nov. 5, 2013, election to increase the Sales and Use Tax Rate to 4 percent (currently at 3 percent), was approved 6-2 at the Aug. 26 regular meeting, with mayoral candidates Joyce Jay and Mike Stites casting nays. DiTullio later vetoed the bill, and Council chose not to override. Kristi Davis told the Gazette that they had the votes and could have held a special meeting to override, but they wanted to present the measure “to the people in a united fashion.” Following are statements by DiTullio and George Pond commenting on the veto:

Mayor Defends Sales Tax Referendum Veto

Councilman Objects to the Veto

City Council recently passed an ordinance submitting a proposed sales and use tax hike to the voters. The proposal would have raised the current sales and use tax in Wheat Ridge from 3 percent (7.5 percent) to 4 percent (8.5 percent) and would have generated approximately $6.5 million a year in additional revenues. Due economic conditions and the demographics of our city, I have vetoed the ordinance. Even though a few members of Council have been rude and uncomplimentary of the veto, I stand by the veto and my reasons. Below is my complete veto message to Council: My reasons for vetoing this ordinance are as follows: 1. Both mayoral candidates voted “no” on the ordinance on second reading, which indicates that Council is not united on this issue. This is a recipe for failure. 2. The proposed sales tax ballot question results in the City of Wheat Ridge having one of the highest sales tax rates in the Denver metro area at 8.5 percent (currently 7.5 percent). 3. The proposed sales tax ballot question results in a 33 percent increase in the cost to retail consumers. Currently, the median income for a family of four in Wheat Ridge is $44,000. 4. The proposed sales tax ballot question results in a 33 percent increase in the cost of development and/or redevelopment in the form of increased use tax. 5. The proposed sales tax ballot question does not have a sunset provision. 6. Studies have shown that quality retail follows residential. Housing in Wheat Ridge is made up of 47 percent rental properties; many of which are occupied by families with low disposable incomes (see item 2 above). The proposed sales tax ballot question does not address future funding for improving the housing stock and promoting home ownership in Wheat Ridge as described in the Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) via public/private partnerships. 7. City Council and staff have not completed the Priority Based Budgeting process. City Council has not proposed any budget cuts using the “less of a priority programs and projects” from the Quartile 4 and Quartile 3 budget levels. For example, in 2012 the following Quartiles were proposed by staff: Quartile 1: $15,370,417 or 51 percent of General Fund spending Quartile 2: $5,645,502 or 19 percent Quartile 3: $6,175,077 or 20 percent Quartile 4: $3,069,081 or 10 percent Conceivably, Council could data mine and find $3 million+ in savings per year if the quartiles were properly reviewed and city budgets were trimmed accordingly. The budget cuts would lessen the amount of new taxes needed in the proposed sales tax increase. Council has not performed the needed due diligence on the city budget to demonstrate fiscal responsibility to the voters. 8. Based on my 38th Avenue survey and comments from constituents across the city, I believe City Council has lost the trust of the public by spending over $615,000 on a twolane “pilot” project for 38th Avenue which has divided residents and business owners. Council has created a win-lose situation. This situation could have been avoided with a little listening, compromise and forethought by City Council. 9. Maintaining a 17-25 percent reserve creates an artificial shortfall of funds. The reserve funds should be used on public works and redevelopment projects. Other cities (as well as previous city councils) maintain an 8-15 percent reserve. It is time to spend taxpayer money on the taxpayers and not hoard tax dollars for some future disaster. This reserve policy is not fiscally conservative; it is too extreme and not sound public policy. Lastly, I believe the will of the people has been usurped by the will of the Council on numerous projects and programs over the past two years. The trust of the people has been lost by City Council. Now is not the time to ask the voters for more money with a blank check. Jerry DiTullio, Mayor of Wheat Ridge

There is a lot wrong with this veto, not the least is the fact that it allows one voice to preempt the voice of 30,000. This alone is enough to condemn this action as wrong. Sadly, there is more to be concerned with. The communication of this veto stands as a dangerous outline of policies and principles that this city cannot afford to allow without raising our voice. Here are the important policy points and underlying principals highlighted in the memorandum. Residential and Retail: There is reference to a theory that that “retail follows residential” and therefore city funds should be used to improve residential housing stock through public/private partnerships. This point is ill-conceived on two levels. First of all, it presupposes that the city is not currently interested in improving the residential quality of our community, that is just not true. Secondly, it is extremely inefficient to try to make a difference house by house. In actuality, residential improvements will flourish as the demand to live in our community increases. Over and over again in the greater community surrounding Wheat Ridge, residential has followed the perceived quality of life in a community. We must ask ourselves: “Will we have the means and the wherewithal to provide a quality community that people demand?” A key foundation to fostering this demand is the city maintaining the community infrastructure, encouraging high quality development, and providing high quality services. The ballot measure absolutely addresses these needs. 38th Avenue: It is inappropriate to hold up a statistically deficient survey as the sole indication that the efforts to revitalize 38th Avenue have been wasteful. It is it is also ignorant of the context and purpose of the work on 38th: that is that the corridor has been in a state of urban decay and within this context the goal is to create an identifiable main street, with vibrant and viable businesses, and beautiful (and useful) pedestrian spaces. Has the goal been reached? Is everything beautiful right now? Understandably no. However, all of these moves are part of the larger trajectory to change this street and the image of our community. It is undeniable, that taken as a whole, the street is no longer in a state of decay, and that positive change is occurring at a phenomenal rate. The important work and careful consideration of all of these moves has been going on for some time, over multiple city councils. It is flatly not true that this work has not involved “listening, compromise, and forethought,” and moreover, it is grossly out of touch with reality. Priority base budgeting: It is irresponsible to encourage the perception that there are abundant resources just waiting to be used and to suggest that this council and this city staff have not performed due diligence in regards to the annual budget. Every year the resources and expenditures are considered and debated, the budget belt is tightened, and this city operates in a responsible way. Is there room for improvement? Of course, and that is the intent of priority based budgeting. However, to casually suggest that council has not lived up to its fiduciary responsibility is an insult, and to imply that there is an endless supply of $3 million budget cuts is wrong. A prudent reserve: It is incorrect to suggest that the current reserve creates an artificial shortfall of funds. The council has already discussed the option of allowing the current reserves to be spent down to 17 percent, which is the lowest level suggested while still being prudent. Once that money is spent down, it is gone. So, it will help for the short term, however, it will not have a year over year impact to the budget beyond a couple of years, and it certainly does not represent anything artificial. There has been no indication that the short-term gains of spending the reserves down to 8 percent would help in the long-term let alone be prudent. ...Should this be acceptable as a foundation of change? ... the basis for our policies? ... No. George Pond, Wheat Ridge City Council Representative, District III

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – ngazette.com

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

Police Chief Dan Brennan Leads By Example By ArtHur rosEnBLum

t is rare to meet with a police chief and not have the conversation focus on crime rates, arrests, or complaints about the use of force or racial profiling. Since 2005, the year Dan Brennan became chief of the Wheat Ridge Police Department, he has tried to change that conversation and the way his officers engage the people who live and work here. Chief Brennan helped to redefine the department’s mission and shift its focus. He was able to hire 18 new officers, almost a quarter of the department, and apply the lessons he learned as a 24-year veteran of the Lakewood Police Department. In addition to police officers filling their traditional role of law enforcers, the new chief, with the input of his troops, adopted a crime prevention focus called Community Policing. Chief Brennan explains, “We can’t prevent and deter crimes by ourselves. We have to be an organization that is proactive, collaborative and engages the community.” Essentially, community members must help the police identify problems and then partner with them to create solutions to those problems. That new role is reflected in the department’s vision, “Exceptional people providing exceptional service.” To realize that vision and to implement the principles of Community Policing, the department has developed a number of programs that put officers in closer contact with community members, to help develop those essential partnerships. Several Wheat Ridge officers function as Community Service Officers and in addition to fighting crime focus on quality of life issues like nuisance abatement, locations that are a breeding ground for crime; parks enforcement; animal control and code enforcement. The department has also created the East Wheat Ridge and Boyd’s Crossing

Neighborhood Projects, two areas that were experiencing high crime rates. The police went into the communities and Chief Brennan says, “asked community members what they saw as the problems and what they wanted to see done about these problems.” In the East Wheat Ridge project, numerous community meetings were held, traffic issues were addressed, collaborations were established with business and civic organizations, code violations like trashridden and overgrown yards were addressed, and neighborhood cleanups were held. While problems remain, the crime rate in East Wheat Ridge had been lowered to the point that it is no higher than other areas in the city. The department reaches out to the community with a wide range of activities. Residents can attend a Citizen’s Police Academy, where they learn about police operations. There’s a senior’s safety program that helps some of our more vulnerable residents avoid being victimized by fraud, scams and other crimes, as well as a program that uses computer chips to track missing residents with dementia or mental illness. Officers help organize Neighborhood Watch and Walk and Watch Programs that encourage residents to be active participants in making their neighborhoods safer. And there is a Street Smarts Program that engages high school students with police to discuss crime awareness and prevention.

organizations like the Wheat Ridge Rotary and Optimist Clubs, Family Tree, the Alzheimer’s Association, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, Jeffco Head Start and, closest to the Chief’s heart, Feed the Future. Several years ago, Chief Brennan was notified by the Arvada Community Food Bank that they were providing food to the families of children in Wheat Ridge elementary schools. They asked the Chief to help out with fundraising, and what began as simply addressing a few business and civic groups has blossomed into an important source of nutrition and support for about 325 Wheat Ridge schoolchildren. The Feed the Future Backpack Program provides meals over weekends during the school year to children who are eligible for free or reduced priced lunches. When Chief Brennan became involved 25-30 kids at Pennington Elementary were being served. Three years after the Chief created a board of directors and organized fundraising and marketing efforts, the program has expanded to three elementary schools, Pennington, Stevens and Kullerstand. Chief Brennan and his team, which includes leaders in the business and faith communities, the city government, the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation and others, raise more than $30,000 a year to fund the program. Feed the Future is especially important to Chief Brennan who has always been involved in

Lead by Example It is well known in police circles that community policing programs work best when they have the full support of the department’s leadership. And few departments have chief executives more committed to community engagement than Chief Brennan. The chief is quick to point out that the commitment to community service exists throughout the department, with command personnel involved in

efforts to enhance the lives of our youngest residents. “If we show kids how to do the right things, they’ll develop into law abiding citizens,” Brennan said. He went on to explain, “If we want Wheat Ridge to become the Dan Brennan community we want it to become, we have to find ways to build trust and respect in our relationships with the community.” According to local Realtor Loretta DiTirro, who serves on the Feed the Future board, this is exactly what Chief Brennan is doing with the police department. “He knows what needs to be done in order for us to reach what we are striving for. He leads in a quiet way, and guides us to make decisions that are best for everyone to accomplish our tasks. He leads with his heart not his ego.” Perhaps the greatest tribute that can be paid to Chief Brennan and Wheat Ridge police officers was made by the Optimist Club’s Dan Ryan who said, “Even the bad guys know what the police are doing for Wheat Ridge.” There are indeed, “excellent people providing excellent service.”

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – ngazette.com

Business Organizations Continued from page 1

grants to brick-and-mortar businesses to literally improve themselves, be it updated signage, a fresh coat of paint, re-sodding a walkway, or bringing a bathroom into ADA compliance. When a business’s bid is approved by the District’s Board of Directors, the owner moves ahead with the project, including any and all permits and certiﬁcates of occupancy, and pays the bills. When the project is completed to the satisfaction of the Board, the business owner is reimbursed in the amount of the grant which can be increased

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by 10 percent if Wheat Ridge contractors are employed. While both organizations are thriving, which, in turn, increases the strength of the small business community, when asked about the biggest challenges, both DeMott and DiTirro answered that they often hear that people have never heard of them. “I am still amazed that there are numbers of small businesses that do not know we exist,” says DiTirro. DeMott says he and several of the Board members do outreach and keep brochures in their vehicles for when they are needed. Of course, he adds, they are always careful about offering assistance, preferring not to offend anyone satisﬁed with his or her storefront by suggesting a paint job or new sign. DiTirro is also very focused on outreach to both business owners and to other business associations in neighboring communities, such as Arvada, Lakewood and Edgewater. “As a board,” DiTirro says, careful to emphasize the team effort, “we have done a phenomenal job of reaching out and showing the possibilities for Wheat Ridge businesses and showing Wheat Ridge businesses what we can mean for them.” She spends as much time as possible knocking on doors, gathering and spreading knowledge. She also sees value in cultivating relationships with groups as large as the West Chamber and as small as the Applewood Business Association. “We are stronger in teams,” she says, “… stronger in numbers.” Like any successful business owner, DiTirro is always looking ahead. “We want this to be a year in which we continue to unfold and become more connected throughout Jeffco,” she says,” “to take our partnering to the next level.” For more information, contact the Wheat Ridge Business Association by calling president Loretta DiTirro at 303-594-1520 or visit www.wheatridgebiz.com. For information on the Wheat Ridge Business District, contact Britta Fisher at bfisher@wheatridge2020. org or Kim Snetzinger at reception@wheatridge2020.org or call 720-259-1030.

COMMUNITY FOCUS Optimist’s Pancake Fundraiser Sweetens Wheat Ridge Philanthropy BY MEREDITH AVERY THALER

omprised of men and women who do business in Wheat Ridge, and dedicated to serving the youth of the Wheat Ridge Community through service projects, the Optimist Club of Wheat Ridge has been a driving force in the community for over 50 years. Among the activities that the Optimist Club is well known for is their annual Pancake Supper, hosted at Wheat Ridge High School, is the club’s primary fundraiser, feeding the club’s annual Christmas Program and other events. The 58th annual event will again take place at the school, Thursday, Oct. 10, 5:30-8:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 per adult and $3 per child, and provides pancakes, bacon, ham, sausage, peaches and milk or coffee, in addition to silent auction, children’s entertainment and door prizes. Helping the children of Wheat Ridge has never been in better taste. The Optimist Club’s Christmas Program is notorious for bringing food and clothing certiﬁcates, as well as toys, to Wheat Ridge families who are in need of a little extra help around the holiday season. This program is made possible, in part, through funds raised at the annual pancake supper. Optimist members and friends and family of members are also contributors to the Christmas Program. In 2012, the program aided over 270 children and 65 families

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overall, providing gifts and food cards. So far, in 2013, the club has funded more than $4,000 in scholarships—four of which count club members as namesakes of their scholarship. Also donating to ARWSAY, the club aids in helping 10-12 hopeful students attend school at red Rocks College annually. Other programs that the Optimist Club contributes to and/or participates in include the Brain Bowl, Liberty Day, the Bringing Up Grades (B.U.G.) program, Tri-Star, JOOI and several scholarship opportunities including the Essay Contest, as well as the Oratorical Contest and Carl Cerveney Scholarship. The Wheat Ridge Optimist Club is one of more than 2,900 autonomous clubs nationwide, all branches of Optimist International. The international organization supports each individual club through encouraging growth as it simultaneously manages organization-wide programs for Internet Safety, Childhood Cancer, Junior Golf Championships and Scholarships. The Wheat Ridge Optimist Club meets on Wednesday mornings for breakfast, 7:008:00 a.m. Each week, food is provided and new and interesting speakers attend while club updates and business are addressed. For more information on upcoming events, or how to join the club, visit www. wheatridgeoptimist.org. Contact columnist Meredith Avery Thaler at Meredith.Thaler@gmail.com.

ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

LOCAL BUSINESS BRIEFS By Daniel Chasey The Office Bar and lounge Joining the resurgence of restaurants on West 38th Avenue, including Right Coast Pizza and Colorado Plus Brewpub, The Office Bar and Lounge made its debut in September at 7000 W. 38th Ave. Owner Victor Nguyen is a veteran of the business, with a successful Vietnamese restaurant in the downtown Littleton area. He joined forces with local property owner Tom Yang to renovate the three-story building, previous home to a Peruvian restaurant, into a casual neighborhood eatery and hangout. New paint and hardwood floors give the property a fresh and comfortable feel. A cozy new fire pit is the centerpiece of the front patio, overlooking 38th Avenue. The front dining room offers familyfriendly dining in brightly lit rooms. The menu highlights comfort foods such as a zesty duck wing appetizer and the 38th Street Double Smasher, a juicy Angus burger topped with onions and smashed between two grilled-cheese sandwiches. Daily lunch specials at $4.95 will be offered, as well as an unbelievable 10-oz. T-bone steak special with all the fixings for $9.99. The back portion of the building offers a sports bar complete with 14 flat-screen TVs, pool table and arcade games. In addition, three additional 65-inch screens will offer a never-ending variety of sports entertainment including Broncos Sundays, boxing and the MMA. Daily happy hours run from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close with daily specials. Look for live entertainment to be offered in the downstairs lounge in coming months. The Office Bar and Lounge, 7400 W. 38th Ave., 720-536-5584. Open 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday-Thursday; Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-midnight.

Kataluma Chai Just down the street from the Office, in the space recently occupied by Dragonfly Café, the Kataluma Chai opened its doors in early September. A fixture at the Colorado Mills Mall since 2004, the new shop at the Ridge at 38, 7300 W. 38th Ave., offers an amazing array of gourmet chai tea & gifts. The shop also offers espresso, smoothies, whole-

Kataluma Chai Co., 7300 W. 38th Ave., 303-431-2424. Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday.

Twisted smoothies Co. This block of West 29th Avenue has seen a lot of activity in past months. Joining the growing commerce center is the Twisted Smoothies Co. Owners Josh Listen and Josh Hudson are offering satisfying smoothies and made-from-scratch baked goods, at affordable prices. Their cozy storefront is located between People’s Market and longtime fixture Wheat Ridge Poultry, at 5640 W. 29th Ave. Listen, the culinary expert of the duo, recommends “The Lean Green,” a healthful blend of strawberry, kale and apple juice. He is also working on a seasonal smoothie with an interesting blend of fresh beets, orange and ginger, just in time for the cool fall weather. Twisted Smoothies Co., 5640 W. 29th Ave. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Tuesdays. Info: twistedsmoothie.com.

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Long-time dance instructor Colette Wagner recently moved her studio, Destination Dance, to 4550 Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite H, in Wheat Ridge. Wagner is a certified dance instructor and member of the Dance Educators of America. She is also currently the head cheerleading coach for both JV & Varsity at Wheat Ridge High School. The studio offers dance and fitness classes for both youth and adults. They are taking reservations for fall classes in Hop, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Clog, Lyrical, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga and Aerobics. Details are available at their website. Destination Dance, 4550 Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite H, 303-941-9554, destinationdancellc.com.

That means that now is the time to buy and waiting another year could cost a buyer a lot of money. For example, a yearly household income of $60,000 can qualify to purchase a $310,000 home at an interest rate of 3.5 percent. At 4.5 percent that amount drops to $275,000. Therefore, if prices and interest rates continue the trend they are currently on, a person’s buying power is going to diminish in the coming months and years. Since home prices hit their lowest point in 2008, we have seen a transition from a depressed market to a strong seller’s market. Fortunately, interest rates are still relatively low, making it a good time for buyers as well. 2012 was the initial year of recovery, and the first half of 2013 has shown good growth in sales price and volume. Inventory, which is tight right now, will not get better (from a buyer’s point of view) until at least 2014. While nobody can predict the future, I do not foresee home prices decreasing again in the next three to five years. To sum all this information up, it is an exciting time in the real estate market, a time with tremendous opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Note on the sources: Data from Metrolist (July 8, 2013); Analysis by Your Castle Real Estate. Time period: July 2011 to June 2012 vs. July 2012 to June 2013. Contact Jessica Klingsporn at Your Castle Real Esate, 303-845-2876, www. WheatRidgeExpert.com.

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local Real estate Trends e have all heard about the “turn around” that the real estate market has been experiencing, but what exactly does that mean, and more specifically, what does that mean to Wheat Ridge? In the past year there have been 347 houses sold in Wheat Ridge, 12 percent more than the previous year. Perhaps even more interesting is that these houses sold on average 48 days faster than the previous year. Currently, there are 41 houses for sale in Wheat Ridge; approximately one half the amount that were for sale at this time last year. What this means is that Wheat Ridge only has 1.4 months of inventory (MOI), which is the sixth lowest MOI of the 28 Denver metro areas studied. This lack of inventory has resulted in a 13 percent increase in Wheat Ridge home prices over the previous year. Now the question is, what does this mean for a seller or buyer? For sellers, 1.4 MOI means that it is currently a very strong seller’s market. There is little competition on the market, so if a home is priced correctly, it will sell quickly and is likely to get multiple offers. With sold prices increasing on average over 1 percent per month, Wheat Ridge has recovered from the downturn in the real estate market and is quickly reaching record highs. For buyers, interest rates are still low by historical standards (even with the recent increase) and home prices are on the rise.

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neighborhood gazette – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING Kite Flite Fest Preview Launches Oct. 5 from Discovery Park A preview “test flight” of the Wheat Ridge Kite Flite Festival will be held at Discovery Park, 38th Avenue and Kipling, on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. “This event provides families with an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, see unusual kites and come together with their Wheat Ridge neighbors while kite flying,” said committee chairperson Margie Seyfer. “We invite people to get back into flying, introduce their kids to flying or just bring a lawn chair and be a spectator.” Open to all ages, the event has been organized to appreciate the beauty and fun of kites, as well as good times with family, mild exercise, and the outdoors. It is part of One Sky One Earth, a worldwide kite celebration held each October to honor the fact that people all share the same sky and the same earth. There will also be overflow kite-flying space at nearby Everitt Middle School’s girl’s lacrosse field. Limited quantities of kite kits are available on-site, priced from $2-5, with assembly help provided by the committee.

To register for event and receive updates on the upcoming April 2014 event, visit www.signupgenius.com, and under the tab “find a sign up” enter the email davidg0126@peoplepc.com. Parking will be available at the park and across the street at the lot behind the Starbucks, but not at the recreation center. If you would like to volunteer as a community ambassador to help out at this event or next April at the main event or have questions, contact Margie Seyfer at seyfermarg@aol.com or 303-233-0836.

Sell Your Stuff at Edgewater Citywide Garage Sale, Sept. 28 The City of Edgewater’s Citywide Garage Sale is Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Encouraging residents to coordinate and hold individual sales on the same day, the city hopes to break the record for most garage sales in the city in a single day. Following the garage sale, participating residents will have an opportunity to have unsold items picked up by Goodwill Industries, which will donate five cents per pound to the Edgewater Optimist Club for local charitable activities, including

HOME, GArdEN & LIfESTyLE BY JEANNE NICHOLS

ast month we touched briefly on capitalizing on the Wheat Ridge era of homes that developed during the suburban growth of our community by simplifying, neutralizing, bringing in organic touches, plus the furnishing and accessories. Hopefully many of you had the opportunity to go on the Wheat Ridge Mid-Century and Modern Home Tour and were able to go into the six homes on the tour and see how six different owners personalized each of their homes to reflect the era. If you were unable to go, I thought we might talk about several different ways to approach the interiors: Modern, Contemporary and vintage ‘50s and ‘60s furniture. Modern furniture is generally described as a style of furniture that originated in the post-war era (mid 1900s, ‘50s, ‘60s and some ‘70s). These pieces have a very distinct look and design. This style was greatly influenced by the Scandinavian Contemporary and Bauhaus movements. Many of the pieces were designed by architects of the time. Contemporary furniture, on the other hand, is exactly what it states: current and new furnishings and what is happening now. Contemporary style changes, it is dynamic with fewer rules and more open-ended applications than Modern, which allows for incorporation of new and innovative materials. What was Contemporary in a certain time period may not be Contemporary in the future. Kitsch vintage are those items that your grandma had in the basement; you know those things that made you wonder what grandma and grandpa did on Friday night with the great bar stools, the record player and the mountain of martini sets. Oh yeah, let’s not forget that Formica dinette table now in their garage. In short—Modern furniture and vintage Kitsch is static, the pieces are what the pieces are, whereas Contemporary furniture is very dynamic and constantly changing.

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 303-728-9497.

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scholarships and toy drives. Edgewater’s fall alley cleanup day will be held on Oct. 7, followed by a large item drop-off and a shred-a-thon on Oct. 12. To sign up to host a garage sale, go to www.playedgewater.com.

Questions Sought for Wheat Ridge City Council, Mayoral Candidates Got questions on city issues for candidates for Wheat Ridge Mayor and City Council? Wheat Ridge United Neighborhoods invites all community groups and individuals to submit questions for its Candidates and Issues Forum, to be held Wednesday, Oct. 2, 7:00 p.m., in City Council Chambers, Wheat Ridge City Hall, 7500 W. 29th Ave. Ten questions will be selected for presentation to the candidates. Submit questions to Wheat Ridge United Neighborhoods, c/o 6869 W. 32nd Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, or teslats@q.com.

Help Neighbors in Need During Edgewater Fall Cleanup Day Oct. 5 Edgewater residents have an opportunity to help or be helped during Fall Cleanup Day: A Day of Helping-Edgewater Style, Saturday, Oct. 5, starting at 9:00 a.m. Presented by Colorado Senior Connections, the City of Edgewater and Edgewater Collective, the event aims to help home-owning senior citizens with basic fall outdoor chores by welcoming people of all ages, especially children and families, to do simple good deeds for a neighbor in need. Volunteers will pull weeds, rake leaves, sweep porches, patios and sidewalks, pick up debris (like sticks and weeds), put away patio furniture, trim bushes and wash outside first-floor windows. Seniors requesting help must live in Edgewater, be 65 or older, and be at their home during the event. To discuss their needs and schedule a home visit, interested seniors should call Alison at 720-248-4591. For more information, call Felica Goett at 720-763-3042, or visit www.EdgewaterSeniors.org.

Learn How Tourism Benefits Colorado at WRBA Oct. 8 Breakfast State of Colorado Associate Director of Tourism John Ricks presents “Travel Trends and How Tourism Benefits Colorado” at Wheat Ridge Business Association’s Tuesday, Oct. 8, breakfast meeting, 7:008:45 a.m. at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St. $15 nonmembers. RSVP by Oct. 4 at wheatridgebiz.com/ meetingregister.php. Call 303-594-1520 for more information.

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Gold Rush 5K Benefits Prospect Valley, Oct. 13 The Prospect Valley PTA will stage its 3rd Annual Prospect Valley Gold Rush 5K Run/Walk and 1K Fun Run on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Prospect Park in Wheat Ridge. The fundraising and fitness event starts at 8:30 a.m. with a pre-run stretch/warmup, followed by the 5K start at 9:00 a.m., and 1K Fun Run at 10:00 a.m., with a course that winds along the Clear Creek Greenbelt. The timed, USATF-certified race is a Bolder Boulder qualifier. Prized will be awarded to the top male and female finishers off each age division. “The run will be a morning of fitness and fun to benefit the students at Prospect Valley, their families and the community,” said race chairperson Brenda Ritz. “Funds raised by this event will be used to support technology and other vital needs of our students in order to further enrich their learning experience. Corporate sponsors for last year’s event were Applewood Plumbing, Heating and Electric, Stellar Energy contractors, Chapman Orthodontics, i9 Sports, Wells Fargo (Applewood branch) and Colorline Quality Printing. Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation provided additional support. Race registration and information are available at www.pvgoldrush.com. Visit www.prospectvalleypta.org for Prospect Valley PTA information.

Singers Sought for WestSide Chorale Local community choral group WestSide Chorale is holding auditions Monday nights, 7:00 p.m., in September, at Peace Lutheran Church, 5675 Field St., Arvada. The group performs at Bethlehem Lutheran, 2100 Wadsworth Boulevard, and socializes in Edgewater after concerts. For information, call Margaret at 720232-7825.

Picnic & Play at Wheat Ridge Park(ing) Day, Sept. 20

elebrate the progress made to create community space and place at Wheat Ridge Park(ing) Day 2013, held Friday, Sept. 20, 5-7 p.m., at 6920 W. 38th Ave., across from BF Tire. Park(ing) Day is an annual opensource global event where citizens, artists and activists collaborate to temporarily transform parking spaces into “Park(ing)” spaces: temporary public places. The local event provides an opportunity to meet others with a vision for a vibrant and sustainable community, and includes a family picnic/potluck, games, acoustic music performances and a Harvest Exchange – a home-grown produce swap.

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

Curtis J. Gilmore Continued from page 1

Curt was instrumental in providing leadership and helping to expand various programs that benefit the Wheat Ridge community, such as Fields of Dreams and Computers For Kids. The Wheat Ridge community will miss his leadership, his passion for students and education and the many contributions of Curtis J. Gilmore.

Foundation Creates Honorary Fund In honor of Curt’s vision, the current Foundation board has established the Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund, which will carry on Gilmore’s vision to help thousands of students who are engaged in primarily nontraditional educational pursuits. The goal of the Foundation over the next three years is to create and fund 10 to 15 scholarships to be awarded to students in the Wheat Ridge area who demonstrate character, work ethic and financial need.

Neighborhood Gazette Inaugurating Charitable Giving Month The Neighborhood Gazette is inaugurating October 2013 as Charitable Giving Month and has chosen to support and feature the Curtis J. Gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund. A $5 donation from every household that receives the Neighborhood Gazette in the month of October has the potential to raise $75,000 in scholarship funds for Wheat Ridge area students.

to donate to the Curtis J. gilmore Lifelong Learning Scholarship Fund, go to wheatridgefoundation.org/donate. all donations are tax deductible. 100% of every donation directly benefits the fund. to create or fund a scholarship, contact one of the Wheat ridge Foundation board members listed on the contact page at wheatridgefoundation.org/ about/members.

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neighborhood gazette – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – ngazette.com

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With only a handful of students in class per half a day, why is Jeffco the only district to hold assessments over two days, instead of one full day for everyone? This forces families to make arrangements with vacation days and childcare. Jeffco knows that families have to make arrangements when we do early release or modified contact days in our schools. Early release days are scheduled district wide and are used for professional development and teacher work. When schools have “testing days” or modified contact days, the school schedules that time. All schools are expected to consult with their accountability committees about those schedules. Why are they important? Those days allow our teachers to have the right information about your children so that they are able to support their success. Thank you Jeffco parents for working with us to create success for kids!

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awareness meetings for parents with advanced learners. We continue to hear about the wonderful programs supported y daughter just started high school and funded by the district, but not offered and my life will never be the same. at some schools. Families should know That first week of school made me realize that these are not local options – they are just how quickly life was passing us by. available in every Jeffco school. If your While nothing compared to that teacher is not open to discussing first day in elementary school these options, make sure to when she let go of my hand and meet with your principal and rushed into her class without approach your accountability looking back, this day was vastly committee. Most of the time it’s different and included more simply a matter of awareness, emotions that I’d care to list. training and support. Teachers While I did study and find really want the best for every the most efficient way to navigate student. But let me assure you morning traffic and avoid that no one looks out for your the parking lot as suggested child’s best interests as much by the officer on orientation as you. Keep knocking on those night, I did not expect to find Guy Nahmiach doors until your knuckles bleed! the most unfriendly and selfish I have to wonder just how long we can neighborhood that had convinced a weak hold on to our amazing teachers without Lakewood City Council to ban any stopping a raise in six years. While a simple “thank on the blocks attached to the school. you” does go a long way, I wonder if, as News flash: when you buy a house right parents, we could contribute to a bonus for next to a school, please don’t be upset when our children’s teacher. After all they play for 15 minutes, twice a day, parents are an important part in our community. Just trying to pick up and drop off their children. as Connie is our favorite person at Wheat The tiny stretch of sidewalk right in front is Ridge Cafe, Jean at Applejack and Wayne simply not enough. The gentlemen that had at Wheat Ridge Cyclery, Heather, Becky and called in the police had moved in a full 20 Shelly over at Prospect Valley are my son’s years after this school had been established. teachers and are an important part of my While I feel for the Lakewood police immediate community. These relationships who are stuck having to enforce such an transcend politics and economic status. unfriendly law by giving tickets, I am Interdepend with common goals. impressed by Wheat Ridge, which instead While some of you may have received has their officers patrolling and helping my strange email a few weeks ago about ease the flow of cars by educating and being stranded in Manila and in need of communicating … and of course the friendly cash to get back home, I did appreciate the and understanding neighbors. offer of assistance and realize just how easy A big thanks to Everitt Middle School it is to get hacked and how important it is for the invitation to their chili cook-off at to keep your email safe. This created havoc orientation night. An enthusiastic PTA and with my week, but on a bright side, I did great teachers are led by a principal with an hear from great people I hadn’t from in a eye on the future, but clearly acting today, while, like Tom & Jean. to make a positive impact on the students’ School is in full swing. If you have any learning experience. Congratulations on news from your corner of the world, please your Carnation Festival award! write or call me. Also in the news is Wheat Ridge High, As always, thanks for reading. which received a visit from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. How’s that for a Guy Nahmiach can be reached at 303lasting impression? 999-5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.com. Jeffco’s GT program holds monthly

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ngazette.com – SEPTEMBER 19 – OCTOBER 17, 2013 – neighborhood gazette

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Coffee Conversations

What ‘Community’ Means in Edgewater

own communities or organizations. The coffees have been a wonderful opportunity for all to ask questions, s Mayor of Edgewater I have extended voice their opinions, and share time with an open invitation, to one and all, to neighbors. join me for coffee. Over the last two years, A while back, an “out-of-town” visitor, or about 95 Wednesdays, I have bought a speaking at a public hearing, said lot of coffee and enjoyed some Edgewater needed to become great conversations! You name a community if we wanted to it, and we have probably talked succeed. He seemed to imply that about it; all in an informal and we didn’t care about our schools, fun atmosphere. our businesses, or our neighbors. Aside from all the fun stuff, I was personally offended. City these coffees have been an council actively engages the opportunity for people to discuss school district. We are one of only elections, fire departments, eight communities in the state to zoning, development, and 20th be a member of Keep America and Depew, just to name a few Beautiful. Citizens initiated a topics. Being a good neighbor comprehensive citywide recycling can be challenging at times and Bonnie McNulty program. Our elementary schools is often the beginning of topics are getting awards for excellence. We have about code enforcement, weeds, gas fumes, citizen groups that focus on our schools, and dogs, diets, and a litany of other quality-ofothers who tutor and mentor Jefferson High life and safety concerns. Schools, boards students. Many other groups are diligently and commissions, parking, and fireworks working on student’s needs ranging from are always popular topics. It is encouraging the homeless to food programs, providing to see how engaged the people of Edgewater support for seniors, organizing local business are in their community. owners, and connecting neighbors. To help introduce citizens to regional Edgewater does not need to become a personalities and, at the same time, introduce community. Edgewater is a great city, with Edgewater to others I often invite influential a strong sense of community. Thanks to the members from other communities and people who live here we are becoming even organizations. Guests have included better. I am proud of our citizens and how other mayors, school board members they care for their neighbors and for the and candidates, state representatives and future of Edgewater. senators, and representatives from the Please join me Wednesday mornings, Metro Mayor’s Caucus. Closer to home from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., at the Edgewater we have sat with fire chiefs, police chiefs, Coffee Company, 5224 W. 25th Ave. Don’t city council members, board/commission forget, your drink is on me. members, firefighters, police officers and city staff. The questions do not always come Edgewater mayor Bonnie McNulty can from the citizens. Many of these special be reached at 303-233-6216 or bjmcnulguests have come to ask how they can help ty2@comcast.net. us, or to learn ways of better serving their

BY BONNIE MCNULTY

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revolved around the need for meaningfully different ways of living, working and socializing, which results in opportunity for ave you noticed all the activity all. happening in Edgewater Taking opinion to reality is lately? I have. no easy task, but something that House sales are booming, we have accomplished. The city along with a sharp increase has conducted a comprehensive in building permits, 99 since lining of our sewer system, April to be exact. Add eight Site which was old, fragile and dated. Development Plans submitted Additionally, we have completed and approved, with another paving all of the alleys. Most due for a public hearing later recently, we milled and repaved this month, eight new regular 20th Avenue, including Pierce business and seven home Street in cooperation with the City occupations licenses and you Todd Riddle of Lakewood. You may have also have the making of a stellar year noticed we are working on sidewalk repairs of growth for our great community. and hope to have the majority of repairs So what exactly does make Edgewater finished this year. All of these infrastructure a great community? If that is a question improvements, some invisible to the eye, you ask yourself, you are not alone. I find support the goals of our Comprehensive Plan myself pondering the subject quite often. I and are vital for our community. know it when I experience it, but it’s hard to The community is at the heart of articulate at times. everything we do. Building relationships I learned a lot about what “community” and partnerships between citizens, city staff, means to the residents and business owners boards and commissions, business owners, during our Comprehensive Plan update elected officials, and entrepreneurs is an process last year. Perhaps you attended the important venue for collective action to keep workshops or took the survey. Edgewater moving the needle in a positive It was a refreshing, inclusive experience direction. Community is something that we to engage in; sometimes I get so focused all do together and, in my opinion, that is on economic development that I lack the what makes Edgewater a great community. language to talk about the city in other equally City Council encourages you to continue if not more important terms. The update making our community stronger in any way process certainly included the economics of you see fit. Shop local, sign up for a Parks & the city, and went well beyond, pushing the Recreation program, vote, volunteer or attend participants to dig deep and identify many a local event. more facets of what really makes a great community. Edgewater Mayor Pro-Tem and CounYes, you guessed it, everyone had an cilman Todd Riddle can be reached at tridopinion, and that was the brilliance of it all. dle@edgwaterco.com. Although different at times, all those opinions

BY TODD RIDDLE

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