Neighborhood Gazette - September 2014 by Neighborhood Gazette

Fall, Warm as Toast

Yard Buddies to Salve Seniors’ Snow Woes see page 8

Swim Instruction a Lifesaver see page 10

Gazette see page 10

NEIGHBORHOOD

Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | SEPTEMBER 19-OCTOBER 16, 2014

38th Corridor Plan, Much-Needed Maintenance at Stake in Wheat Ridge Election By J. Patrick O’Leary

t’s official: Whether Wheat Ridge will see the final implementation of the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan will be decided by voters this fall. But more importantly, they’ll also decide whether to raise the city sales tax to pay for capital improvement projects, including storm drainage upgrades and the revitalization of Anderson Park, 44th Avenue and Field Street. Wheat Ridge City Council voted 7-0 on Aug. 25 to ask its residents to approve a one-cent sales-and-use-tax increase, plus a bonding question, and a change in street width designation to widen of portions of 38th Avenue. Although the $6.4 million from the tax increase would fund a wide variety public works projects, the implementation of the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan will not be one of them. Ballots for the mail-in only election will be mailed in mid-October, and must be returned by Tuesday, Nov. 4. Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay, City Council members and community leaders launched the Yes on Issue 2A campaign at the Anderson Park Pavilion on the evening of Sept. 8. According to a press release, the increase is expected to generate up to $6.4 million annually, and allow the city to raise another $40 million through bonds, to fund repairs to city roads and bridges, upgrade storm-water and flood-plain drainage systems, and construct and improve local park and recreation facilities. The group’s web site can be found at http://yeson2a. org/. “Our supporters include Mayor Jay and all the council members,” said spokesman Bill Ray. “Plus, we have a large group of business leaders supporting 2A. We are

working to build our coalition.” Yes on 2A registered with the city clerk on Aug. 24, with Feldmann Nagel, LLC, as its registered agent. The group’s committee includes Kim Calomino, Margie Seyfer and Guy Nahmiach. “There’s huge support for 2A as long as no money goes to 38th,” said Nahmiach. “The city is behind in infrastructure updating overall. Most will go to the storm drain system.” He added that over 100 Wheat Ridge homes are designated in a floodplain, requiring higher insurance premiums. “The city wants to divert the water and make the homes safe.” The context of this year’s proposed sales tax increase is far different from last year’s, when then-mayor Jerry DiTullio vetoed council’s proposal. “I vetoed the proposed sales tax increase in 2013 because it was a blank check, there was no public outreach and the previous council was shooting from the hip on how the money would be spent,” DiTullio explained. “This council, this year, performed a 600-person survey and held five town meetings to ask the voters what they wanted if a sales tax increase was proposed. Based on citizen input, we have included flood plain drainage and mitigation for Lena Gulch and Clear Creek for up to 250 homes, Anderson Park improvements, new I-70 hook ramps at 32nd and Youngfield and city-wide street and bridge improvements to be paid for by a $40 million bond. A small investment of one penny per one dollar equals huge returns for our city.” And for the record, he’s neutral on 2B. Wheat Ridge Wants 2B has about 20 Continued on page 2

Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater, Sept. 20 & 21

even of the best local Celtic bands are highlights of this year’s Celtic Harvest Festival Edgewater, set for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20 & 21 at Citizen’s Park, 24th & Benton, west of Sloans Lake. The festival celebrates Colorado’s diverse artists and musicians and the rich Celtic culture. Colcannon, Indulgers, Celtic Friends, Commoners, Stubby Shillelaghs, Big Paddy and Rare Oulde Times will play throughout both days of the festival. Traditional entertainment will be provided by pipe bands, Celtic dancers and, on Saturday evening, a Clan Ceilidh and ceremonial calling of the clans. This year the clans will again share their history, traditions and genealogy. The Renaissance Scots Reenactment Village will depict the early 1600s of Highland Scotland, before the battle of Culloden. The Celtic Marketplace will offer merchandise for sale, and the Farmer’s Market fresh produce. A variety of food

and drinks will be available, including ﬁne Scotch and Oskar Blues Brews. New this year is bungee jumping with Airbound. For wannabe crofters, Hawkquest will entertain and educate with their birds of prey, and Billy Pickel will offer sheep herding lessons. The Dogs of the British Isle will showcase more than 20 dog breeds. For wee-uns, a Punch and Judy puppet show by Cosmic Circle Puppets will enchant audiences with a touch of whimsy and mayhem. Celtic-themed games and crafts for children of all ages, face painters, a medieval bouncy castle and storytelling in the Kids Korner will make the festival a family affair. Entry is $2 for ages 16 and up; children are admitted free. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. For more information visit www. celticharvestfestivaledgewater.com or call Dan at 720-763-3012.

WES WHITNEY AS THE FARMER MASCOT WAS “RACE READY” before the start of the 34th Annual Wheat Ridge Farmers 5000, Sept. 14. The event raises money for Wheat Ridge High and helps promote fitness and community spirit. The Farmers will host their first annual Farmer Golf Ball Frenzy Fundraiser now through Oct. 15. Details can be found on page 11 of this issue. PHOTO BY NICK DESIMONE

Wheat Ridge Stops New Pot Shops, Looks At Larger Issues By Cyndy Beal

heat Ridge’s budding marijuana businesses are getting some residents fired up. The latest development is the future of the southeast corner of 38th Avenue and Miller Street. The site was to be the possible home of a new marijuana-related business, and has raised questions about larger issues. How Wheat Ridge and other municipalities within Colorado handle retail/recreational sales of marijuana and the industry as a whole is a moving target and in a state of flux. Colorado itself continues to create and adopt additional rules and regulations related to marijuana. So, Wheat Ridge is not alone in these decisions. On Aug. 18 at a special Wheat Ridge city council meeting, council voted unanimously in favor of Ordinance 1554, a “90-day moratorium on the acceptance of new marijuana business applications, in order to pursue a solution to citizens’ concerns about zoning and notice of application,” per the city’s website. The potential marijuana business hadn’t yet applied for a businesses license, and was in the pre-application process, the first step for new construction in the city. The property owner had begun demolition of an existing gas station at the 38th Avenue and Miller Street site. Wheat Ridge presently has five marijuana centers that sell medical and/or retail marijuana. The city council is exploring around a half dozen options, including special-use permits for marijuana-related businesses. The 90-day moratorium will end on Sunday, Nov. 16, or until council takes action. On Monday, Sept. 22 at the regular city council meeting, individuals or groups will get the opportunity to speak about

their opinions regarding marijuana-related businesses; time will be limited to 10 minutes each for proponents and opponents. Part of the pro and con debate are not just residents of Wheat Ridge, but local and national organizations. A representative of the SAM organization (Smart Approaches to Marijuana) is scheduled to do a presentation for the council. Common concerns with those opposed to retail/recreational marijuana are the possible increase in under-age consumption and students bringing marijuana or marijuana-infused products, such as edibles, to school. Other concerns are possible increases of driving under the inﬂuence of marijuana. On Sept. 11, Parents for a Healthy Colorado were part of a community meeting at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center. Its website describes the group as “… a volunteer, parent-led, non partisan, grassroots coalition speaking up for the health and safety of our children with regards to the commercialization of the marijuana industry.” One of the larger concerns for both groups is the selling of edibles, marijuanainfused food products, such as candy and cookies that may appeal to children. Per state law, patrons of marijuana shops are required to be over the age of 21. The Colorado Department of Revenue, Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) is currently evaluating additional regulations on the labeling and packaging of edibles. “Kids taking the edibles is a public safety concern,” said Michael Elliott, director of Marijuana Industry Group, a trade association that supports and represents both the medical and recreational marijuana industries. Continued on page 2

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – SEPTEMBER 19-OCTOBER 16, 2014 – 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: Tim Berland 303-995-2806 Copy Editing/Proofreading: J. Patrick O’Leary, Cyndy Beal & Sarah DiTullio © SEPTEMBER 2014 All rights reserved. The publishers assume no responsibility for representations, claims or opinions by any advertising or article in this publication.

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR Do Your Homework, Voters! Dear Editor: Passionate, persistent, intelligent and committed. These adjectives describe the way I remember two of my high school teachers. One taught sophomore English classes. All year she homed in on the “inevitability of change” in our lives. She was passionate and persistent that we must be ready to accept and to cope with the many changes we would face. The other passionate and persistent teacher taught American History to seniors. Her mission was to make sure we left her class with a commitment to “watch our government.” She was a true patriot who forced us to consider and analyze all aspects of a democracy governed by the people. She emphasized that the right to vote was sacred. With that sacred vote came a tremendous responsibility to use it intelligently. We learned that “government” is “us,” not “they,” but “us.”

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active members and 100 people actively engaged in the program, according to spokesperson Rachel Hultin, Wheat Ridge resident and ofﬁcer on the Wheat Ridge Transportation Advisory Team. The group registered with the city clerk on Sept. 10. Its registered agent is Kim Calomino, who also sits on the Yes on 2A committee. As a former Live Well Wheat Ridge community coordinator, Hultin has been involved with the comprehensive plan as well as the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan. “I am personally just passionate about this particular initiative,” she said. It’s not just about a new 38th Avenue, it’s about bringing all sidewalks and curb cuts into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, she explains, allowing a more active lifestyle for seniors. So far, she said people who moved to Wheat Ridge in the past ﬁve or six years are very excited about the changes, and engaging residents in the initiative will be an important part of approval. “It’s going to be a really grassroots campaign,” she said. To learn more, email WheatRidgeWants

Pot Moratorium Continued from page 1

Wheat Ridge resident and Parents of Healthy Colorado volunteer Jennifer Shepherd said that their organization doesn’t want more pot shops or really want them at all. The community meeting at the Wheat Ridge attracted around 60 people, largely Wheat Ridge residents. So far Wheat Ridge and Edgewater are the only municipalities in Jefferson County to allow retail marijuana businesses.

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Retail marijuana is taxed by the state at a higher rate than medical marijuana. In July, recreational sales of marijuana surpassed those of medical marijuana for the ﬁrst time. The total Colorado sales tax on retail marijuana is 12.9 percent. Wheat Ridge taxes marijuana sales at 7.5 percent. Overall sales taxes collected by Wheat Ridge were $9.2 million year-to-date, and $1.4 million for the month of July. Marijuana sales taxes collected were $104,000 year to date, and $5,979.24 for the month of July. Fees collected, year-to-date, were $40,573.24.

Law Enforcement Driving under the inﬂuence of marijuana or any drug remains illegal. The legal limit for drivers is ﬁve nanograms per milliliter of whole blood for the THC limit. THC is a chemical compound or active ingredient in marijuana that can create intoxication. The legal limits for THC continue to be debated. Unlike alcohol, THC can remain in

So, what does that mean? It means that every vote we cast must be a considered one. It means that I, as a voter, will have listened, analyzed and become confident that I know why I am casting my vote for a particular candidate or ballot issue. It means that all three levels of government – local, state and national – deserve my careful attention. If a candidate is seeking re-election, I will have researched how he or she has voted on issues and if they match the way I would have voted. Has the first-time candidate stated clearly and specifically his or her positions on issues? It means that I will have listened to both sides of an issue and that I will have participated in civil discussions without demonizing others. Rapid change has become a way of life. But the obligation to cast a reasoned vote has not changed. Patricia Mesec, President League of Women Voters of Jefferson County 2B@gmail.com or 303-667-0609. Opposing both initiatives is Citizens for an Inclusive Wheat Ridge (CFIWR), which registered with the city clerk in February, with Vivian Vos as agent. “The intent of CFIWR is to make citizens fully aware of how ballot initiative 2B in particular impacts the taxpayer dollars already spent, as well as the negative impacts to long-time businesses that have invested in the community,” according to a statement provided by Vivan Vos. “CFIWR will be pointing out the high cost to taxpayers, the deconstruction of the avenue, the concern we have for emergency vehicles being able to maneuver narrower streets, concern for businesses and how will they survive the prolonged reconstruction.” A few people have been posting on behalf of CFIWR on the “38th Ave. - Wheat Ridge Main St” Facebook page. That neutral, public discussion page on the future of that segment of the city is particularly active, with nearly 120 members and daily posts. The group will be distributing fliers in neighborhoods. Volunteers can contact CFIWR at abetterwaywr@gmail.com, 303-900-7373 or on Facebook (Citizens for Inclusive Wheat Ridge). the blood long after intoxication. Arrests 2014, roughly from Jan. 1 to Sept. 11 DUI (Marijuana) Arrests: 7 (three were alcohol and marijuana) DUI (Alcohol): 103 2013, roughly from Jan. 1 to Sept. 11 DUI (Marijuana) Arrests: 5 (1 Alcohol-Marijuana) DUI (Alcohol): 116 2013 Total: DUI (Marijuana) Arrests: 6 (1 Alcohol-Marijuana) DUI (Alcohol): 166

Timeline Highlights November 2000: Amendment 20 passes. The amendment allowed persons (over the age of 18, or with parental consent) who are receiving medical treatment for a debilitating medical condition to apply for a medical marijuana registration identiﬁcation card, with physician certiﬁcation, through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). November 2012: Amendment 64 passes. The amendment allows a person over 21 to consume or possess limited amounts of marijuana, up to 1 ounce for Colorado residents. It permitted local governments to regulate or prohibit such facilities. October 2013: Wheat Ridge City Council voted 5-3 in favor of allowing retail marijuana businesses. January 2014: Wheat Ridge allows existing medical marijuana dispensaries to additionally operate and open as retail marijuana businesses.

ngazette.com – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

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neighborhood gazette – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – ngazette.com

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safe living conditions. The question is: Does this ordinance achieve that goal? Will the new mandates on landlords benefit tenants? Some n the first few months of my tenure say not only will it benefit tenants, but also as mayor, I received many calls from that the city has a duty to assure safe housing. residents who were having trouble getting Others say it will merely push their landlords to do needed out Edgewater’s lower-income repairs on their homes. The renters as landlords come into issues were usually hot water compliance with the law. And heaters, broken water pipes, some have questioned whether mold and other health and or not the law is fair. Should a safety issues. I spoke to our Property Maintenance Code only city’s staff and found they were apply to landlords, or should also getting the same kind of it apply to all of Edgewater’s calls. What I learned is that property owners? the city does not require any There is still time to let minimum standards for rentals, council know whether or not nor is it allowed to voluntarily you support this kind of policy get involved in such issues. Bonnie McNulty in Edgewater. Before the Rental Colorado does have a Warranty Property Maintenance Code becomes law, of Habitability Law, however it is a timely city council must vote on it twice, with the process and very difficult for the average first vote scheduled for Oct. 2. The Rental person to wade through. For a quick look Code has taken a very long time to get to at Colorado’s habitability law, visit http:// where it is today and is still controversial. As blog.bradfordpublishing.com/leases-andthe city looked at what other communities landlord-tenant/colorados-warranty-ofhave done, there seems to be no common habitability-law-the-tenants-view/ approach. Since that time, city council members For more information on this ordinance have spent years in research and holding or to receive a copy in its entirety please workshops to find possible solutions. The contact City Hall at 2401 Sheridan Blvd., resulting Rental Property Maintenance or call the City Clerk at 720-763-3002. City Code (Rental Code) will come before Council will meet on Oct. 2, 7 p.m., at City council for its First Reading on Oct. 2. Hall. This ordinance will set minimum livability I invite you to have coffee or tea at standards and make it mandatory that Target’s Starbuck’s every Wednesday, 9 to 11 landlords in Edgewater register with the a.m. Don’t forget, I’m buying. If you would city, carry a business license, and have their like to meet another time please contact me. properties inspected. Contact Edgewater Mayor Bonnie McThe devil’s in the details. The idea behind Nulty at 303-233-6216 or bjmcnulty2@ the Rental Code is to support tenants and comcast.net. hold landlords accountable for providing

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helped grow. Six years ago, a similar need to share, reach and grow our Edgewater community, t’s almost fall. The subtle changes have in a new way, was born. Edgewater wanted begun. Hints of orange, red and yellow to have a quality event that did not cost tinge the leaves—it seems too early this families a fortune to attend, where kids and year. Looking at the green tomatoes, adults alike could be entertained and let jalapeños still promising heat, their hair down and have a good and grass-like chives bending time. We tended that idea and it in the rainfall that failed to turn grew. to snow, we see the fruits of our With great pride, the City labor struggling to mature, not of Edgewater presents its fifth yet ripened by a summer season annual Celtic Harvest Festival that has had its own difficulties— Edgewater. On Sept. 20 and gray clouds and rain were more 21, we open our Citizen’s Park the norm this year that our usual at 24th and Benton to our hot, arid summer days. We are community. We’ll have all things reminded of how little we can Celtic there, yet we have strived control. to use only musicians, material Yet, as we round the corner Laura Keegan and food vendors, dancers, into fall, we find that in the rented wares, services and numerous other process of gardening not only did we sow entertainments that are Colorado local. We seeds into the ground, we rediscovered a invite you to be a part of your community. sense of accomplishment and a newfound Come and enjoy! sense of community as many of us moved This year’s entertainments are: Music outdoors and connected with our neighbors. by Colcannon, Indulgers, Celtic Friends, With the knowledge that we need to plant Commoners, Stubby Shillelaghs, Big Paddy, and nurture the roots of community, we too Rare Oulde Times. Enjoy the RenScot are growing and reaching out. We’re finding Village, Celtic Clans, the ceremonial Calling a neighbor – or two, or 10 or 20 – to wave to, of the Clans, Celtic dancers, sheep herding, or at the very least to share a friendly “hello” Hawkquest, food, shopping, Oskar Blues with. We’ve taken control and realized we beer, fine scotch, whiskey, Airbound bungee can and should reach out to each other. We jumping, Kids Korner, Dogs of the British do not have to be excessive about it, will Isles and much more. most likely always have an invisible fence The times are Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. around our perimeters, but that is OK. We and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. need that too. For more information and schedules, But knowing that the couple walking visit www.celticharvestfestivaledgewater. with their child or their dog, or riding their com. bicycles down the street are approachable, is Contact Edgewater Councilwoman an abundance we have carefully tended and Laura Keegan at 303-232-0745 or lkeegan nurtured. Our payoff is a sense of belonging @edgewaterco.com. and a sense of pride in a community that we

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ngazette.com – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

Wheat Ridge City COUNCiL

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Consider the Bigger Picture For example, Arvada’s mill levy stands at 4.310 mills, Golden at 12.34 mills and Lakewood at 4.711 mills. s you may know, the mayor and The bottom line is that as members of city council have placed an item on the Wheat Ridge community, our tax burden November’s ballot, asking Wheat Ridge is very low. And that’s been nice. But it’s also voters for an increase in the city’s sales tax. made it difficult for the city to generate the This initiative is worthy of your support. revenue that will allow us to grow, improve Wheat Ridge currently has and flourish. We need to make a one of the lowest sales taxes in change. the area at 3 percent. It is true As you will see on that an increase of 1 percent, one the ballot question, the tax penny per dollar, will make our dollars will go to improving sales tax one of the highest. critical infrastructure, such as In order to accurately maintaining and improving compare our sales tax to that roads and bridges, addressing of other cities around us, I ask storm water and flood drainage you to look at the bigger picture. issues, funding the construction, Take Lakewood, for example; its installation, operation and sales tax also stands at 3 percent. maintenance of our parks and However the next time you visit Kristi Davis recreation facilities. This includes a Lakewood shopping area, take a the revitalization of Anderson look at your receipt. The city adds something Park. called a “public improvement fee,” listed We’re talking about one ballot initiative, on your receipt as “PIF.” Belmar adds 2.5 representing a tax increase. But the bigger percent; Colorado Mills adds 1.4 percent; picture is that when it comes to reinvesting Creekside, at Colfax and Wadsworth adds in our city, we are lagging behind our 1.5 percent and the Promenade at Denver neighbors and, in turn, short-changing West adds 1.4 percent. ourselves. In other words, several of your favorite As a Wheat Ridge native, I know this shopping areas in Lakewood add a sales tax is a strong community that enjoys its and a “fee” that inflate the total cost of your small-town feel, perfectly nestled between purchases by between 4.3 and 5.5 percent. It downtown and the mountains. We have the is important to note here that the citizens of ability to preserve everything we value. I ask Lakewood were not given the opportunity to you to join me in celebrating and respecting vote on these “fees.” our past while preparing for our future by One additional item to add to this voting yes on ballot item 2A. picture is that Wheat Ridge also has a Kristi Davis is Wheat Ridge City Counlow property tax mill levy at 1.830 mills, cil Member of District II, and can be consubstantially lower than the 7.23 mills tacted at kdavis@ci.wheatridge.co.us or average for Colorado cities. Our mill levy 303-757-8488. equates to about $36 going to the city for a home valued at $250,000.

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MediCaLLy SpeakiNg Cancer Screenings for Men: Which Should You Get & When? screening. However routine screening is not recommended. • Colorectal cancer screening is not ancer screening is done on a select recommended for men older than 85. group of people in order to detect • Screening for lung cancer should only cancer at an early stage before the disease be considered in a high-risk population of causes noticeable symptoms. If a screening men age 55-80 with a history of smoking program is effective, the cancer will be one pack per day for at least detected when it may be 30 years and who are currently easier to treat and cure, thus smoking or have quit in the past decreasing the risk of dying 15 years. from the specific cancer for • Routine Prostatewhich the screening program specific antigen (PSA) screening is used. for prostate cancer is no longer Screening programs must recommended. However, be carefully followed to ensure other groups still recommend that they are not placing consideration of screening patients at an increased risk certain individuals at high risk. of unnecessary procedures, People should discuss especially when the risk of cancer screening with their cancer death is not diminished. Tyler Kemmis primary care physician in order to Various organizations and determine whether or not it is indicated and specialty groups provide recommendations also which methods are most appropriate. on screening programs for both men and Lutheran Medical Center, 8300 W. women. The U.S. Preventative Services 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, will hold a free Task Force (USPSTF) provides unbiased Men’s Health Screening on Saturday, recommendations on cancer screening Sept. 27, 9-11:30 a.m., offering prostate based on scientific literature reporting exams, testicular exams and several others outcomes of screened populations. Other especially important to men. Screenings organizations, such as the American Cancer at the event are rapid screenings only and Society, also provide guidelines for cancer not meant to be a substitute for a complete screening. exam. Reservations are required. To see if Some general guidelines from the you qualify for the screenings and to make USPSTF for men include the following: an appointment, call 303-689-4595. • Routine screening for colorectal cancer Dr. Tyler Kemmis is the medical direcis recommended starting at age 50 and tor of Radiation Oncology at Lutheran continuing to age 75. Medical Center. • Certain men age 76-85 may also require

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neighborhood gazette – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – ngazette.com

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29 Degrees of Gung Fu, a dojo owned by martial artist and black belt James Bedwell, has opened at 5515 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge. The “29 Degrees” skill set created for the dojo (the classic Japanese word for “place of the way”) are teachings that integrate mind, body and spirit while developing ancient skills derived from Chinese and Japanese martial arts systems, according to Bedwell. The main focus is the strengthening, awareness and mastery of skill. The dojo’s Women’s Self Defense Class teaches how to keep a potentially dangerous situation from escalating. Interested? You’re invited to visit a class in session. Ages 14 and up are encouraged. For more information, or to make an appointment, call 720-936-9992 or visit www.29degreesofgungfu.com.

Wheat Ridge to Honor Best Businesses Oct. 1 The nominations are in for the best of Wheat Ridge businesses. The City of Wheat Ridge and the Wheat Ridge Business Association will host the Wheat Ridge Business Award Breakfast and business appreciation ceremony, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St. One winner will be selected and recognized in each of the following categories: Business of the Year: Abrusci’s Italian Restaurant, Applejack Wine and Spirits, Colorado Plus, Larson’s Ski and Sport, Neighborhood Gazette, People’s Market, Visions in Gold, and Wheat Ridge Animal

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Lorian Bartle 720-353-2902 LorianBartleStrings.com

Pat Dolan 303-753-8800 3850 Wadsworth Blvd. • AAA.com

Peter Damian Arguello • 303-463-5335 7220 West 38th Avenue

Ron Benson Linda McDonald 720-484-8647 kwmcdonaldgroup.com

Tim Berland • 303-995-2806 ngazette.com

Nancy Crego 303-526-5564 adwestinc.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., Oct. 14 • 7-8:45am • Wheat Ridge Rec Center Guest Speaker: Kelly Leid

Executive Director, North Denver Cornerstone Collaborative, Mayor’s Office, City and County of Denver RSVP by Oct. 10

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Empower Cycling Studio, an indoor cycling and small group fitness studio is celebrating its opening with free classes, food and giveaways on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20 and 21. Located across from the Super Target at 4980 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, the free classes are held at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. each day of the weekend. A full description of studio offerings, class descriptions and instructor bios are available on the web site, www. EmpowerCycle.com. Space is limited, so guests are invited to pre-register online. Participants can also enter into a drawing for a free month of unlimited classes. For more information, visit www. EmpowerCycle.com.

Wheat Ridge Neighbors – Hottest Spot Online that I wasn’t using, so I responded to that post with the offer to lend it. I’m looking he hottest spot in town isn’t in town, forward to tasting some of those dried it’s online. The Facebook group apples. If you are not already a Wheat Ridge Neighbors member I would suggest joining continues to be a hotbed of if only to be in the know. Wheat community goings on, updates, Ridge Neighbors has been ably recommendations, sharing of moderated by Wheat Ridge fruits and vegetables, and other Resident Debbie Sarcone, who neighborly acts of kindness. has a keen eye towards weeding The group is, in its own out those who violate the “antiwords, “a place to share news campaigning” rule for the group. and events for the residents There is no leadership, of Wheat Ridge, and to build agenda or politics behind the a community that extends group. It is a valuable asset beyond online posts. We have Zachary Urban to the community and I look also invited WR businesses to forward to seeing you join in the post their promotions twice a month. Get to know your neighbors here conversation. Kudos goes out to Wheat Ridge based and across the fence!” start-up AWhere Inc., which helps growers At the beginning of the year the group had about 100 members, and as of Sept. 15 guide their business decision using Big over 715. This explosion of growth doesn’t Data. According to a recent report by the show any signs of slowing down, either. It Wall Street Journal AWhere, Inc. just has been a go-to place for all things Wheat finished raising $7 million in new Series A funding, and CEO John Corbett was Ridge over the past few months. The topics posted to Wheat Ridge quoted as saying, “We can help farmers face challenges where their old practices aren’t a Neighbors really run the gamut. • A homeowner sought advice on their fit anymore. Rainy season may be coming at trees: “We need a knowledgeable tree a different time this year, and we can help trimmer – not someone that just hacks them decide whether to plant millet instead away at the branches. Any names and of maize, for example. Whatever it takes to stay in business, and to use resources in a numbers?” • An accident happened and curious sustainable way.” This news caused Wheat Ridge resident minds wanted to know the details: “Does Dave Maney to Tweet: “Once again proving anyone know exactly what happened at 38th that #WheatRidge is increasingly a digital & Nelson?” • A consumer seeking a locally sourced hotbed.” I would echo that statement, we need product posted: “Where might I be able to more innovation and encouragement of buy locally grown raw honey?” • An apple-laden neighbor posted: digital firms seeking to do business in “Anyone have a food dehydrator that I could Wheat Ridge. borrow for a few days? I’ll compensate with Zachary Urban can be reached at 720fresh or dried apples....Thanks!” I just happened to have a food dehydrator 252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com.

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Hospital. Reinvestment Award: Christiano’s Gelato, The Office Bar and Lounge, and Seyfer Specialties. Four other awards will be presented at the ceremony: City Council’s Partnership Award; Mayor’s Business Partnership Award; Wheat Ridge Business Association Member of the Year; and Cultural Commission Award. The city has hosted the annual business appreciation ceremony for the past 11 years, recognizing businesses that have had a significant impact and have made contributions to the community. Last year the WRBA joined the city in hosting, to further strengthen the collaboration between the two organizations. The event is free, but reservations are required by Sept. 27; email sart@ ci.wheatridge.co.us or call 303-235-2806.

ngazette.com – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

school crossing

Ask the Superintendent Answers to Questions Posed to Schools Superintendent Dan McMinimee

Who Is Really Standing Up For Our Kids?

With protests and news coming out of board meetings and various media, how can you reassure parents that the district is doing everything possible to retain and reward our most effective teachers?

will be great to have a choice for families at that level as well. Speaking of choice, as we go to press t’s been almost a month since our kids have gone back to school and all is finally calm. I am excited about the upcoming (Sept. Parents are back to their normal routines: 17) Education Summit, the first of many dropping kids off, going to Starbucks for a organized by the Wheat Ridge Committee for quick meeting and then on to the remodeled Educational Excellence. Held at the Wheat Ridge Rec Center, it is a chance King Soopers, where they’re for local schools to promote still trying to understand the themselves to local families. random layout of products. Each school will be represented For most schools, things by their principal and will have started off rather well. But at a table with handouts. With Prospect Valley Elementary, so many rumors and opinions with one teacher quitting on floating around, it will be great to the first day of school, classes get first-hand information about had to be rearranged with some programs, strengths and staffing. surpassing the 30-student Please note that this mark. It was followed by a sixthsummit is not about the school grade teacher and the secretary board. However, if you do have resigning this week. And finally, Guy Nahmiach a question for them, we have all three first-grade teachers announced their retirement. Talk about superintendent Dan McMinimee answering stress. No doubt replacing Ms. Monaco directly. Look for his column, Ask the Super, and especially Ms. Hutton will not be easy. in this issue (see right) as he explains the During Dylan’s graduation from sixth grade importance of keeping and rewarding our last year, Hutton was the only one to come most effective teachers, as well as increasing out and hug the students she had in her own our starting salaries as to attract more class some five years earlier. They will be teachers to Jeffco. I completely agree that most teachers missed! Generational transitions throughout our are underpaid and have not had a raise in schools are never easy. New teachers are over five years. But I have to ask, where were frustrated by not being able to implement the picket signs and votes of no confidence new teaching technics, and parents are before this new board? Why the frustration concerned with the lack of vigor in new with a 3-2 vote? No objection was ever made physical education instructors and other to the four years of repeated 4-1 votes. Every member of that board represents constituents programs. Everitt Middle is another school and voters that elected this new board in. As a experiencing transition. As are many other parent, I feel like my child and I are stuck in schools across the country. Styles and the middle of this fight. Neither side is getting tradition are one thing, but technology my full support and that’s exactly why charter seems to be the biggest factor. With students and private schools are growing every day. Actually, I’ve been more concerned about being so much more tech savvy these days, teachers are using this very avenue to my son starting school at 7:15 a.m. I am like communicate, implement and teach the most middle school parents, perplexed about curriculum. I was floored when I walked into how it came about for these kids – who are this year’s first PTA meeting to find over 20 zombie-like in the morning – to start classes energetic teachers ready with their plans for so early, and end up on the street at 2:15 after-school clubs, community interaction p.m. Major studies have been submitted and fundraisers. Talk about raising the at the federal level proving that students of bar! If you are considering a middle school middle-school age would perform far better for your child next year, make sure to visit if they started later in the morning. We with Principal Gomez. You will not be also know that these kids would have less opportunity for “getting in trouble” if they disappointed. Congratulations to our own Pennington finished class later in the afternoon. But then Elementary for winning the National PTA again, everything revolves around the bus Award of Excellence, recognizing their schedule. That’s how we place importance in efforts to increase parent engagement at our district. As always, thanks for reading. the school. Applause also goes to Mountain Contact Guy Nahmiach at 303-999Phoenix for successfully securing Fruitdale as the location for their new high school. It 5789 or Guy@NostalgicHomes.com.

By Guy Nahmiach

The Jeffco School Board is finalizing a plan this week that will have the vast majority of Jeffco teachers see larger paychecks this year. While previous discussions centered on giving teachers “step raises” per the collective bargaining agreement, nearly 1 out of 10 Jeffco teachers would have seen no increase in their compensation under that plan. All Jeffco teachers participated in the salary reductions and furlough days, and while salaries have been returned to their original levels this board has consistently said it was not fair that so many effective and highly effective teachers would not see an increase in their take-home pay if “step raises” were given. In addition, the Board of Education increased by over 50 percent the amount available for compensation increases this year. Original budget projections had $11.7 million allocated for compensation increase. The board raised that to over $18 million, some of that will go toward raising the salary for entry-level teachers; currently at a low of $33,616 all entry salaries will be raised to at least $38,000. This will make us more competitive with Denver area school districts for young talent, and keep those that have been hired in the last few years. All highly effective teachers will see an even larger pay check. The board has asked staff to differentiate the compensation increases so that highly effective teachers will see an even greater increase in their take-home pay. We believe this will serve to attract and retain the best teachers to our system. We want everyone to know that this Board of Education is committed to making the increases retroactive to the first of the school year, and central staff is working as quickly as possible to determine the actual increases for each employee. Thank you for staying with us as we find a way to assure that all effective Jeffco teachers are rewarded for their great work and want to continue working in this school district. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need further information.

LEGITIMATE WORK laura litit 2 AT HOME DIR H

Contact Kim 303-918-3359 or fill out form at www.vitalhomebalance.com

Thank you, Dan McMinimee Superintendent, Jeffco Public Schools If you have a question for Superintendent McMinimee, please submit it to guy@NostalgicHomes.com or call it in to 303 999-5789.

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neighborhood gazette – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – ngazette.com

Senior FocuS Communication Through Validation By Julia Spigarelli

ommunication is the foundation of healthy relationships. It involves listening, talking and understanding. The success of our relationships depends on how well we communicate with each other.

“What do you want and how are you going to let me know?” The process of communication can be complex involving several components, (especially in this age of mobile technology): • Your tone of voice • A clear voice and good pronunciation • The receiver hearing you – being able to hear you and listening to you • Medium: in person, using the telephone, email or texting, or sign language • Your feelings when you are communicating and the feelings of the person listening • Your body language • How long you speak and how long and how well you listen There are so many things to consider during this reciprocal exchange. We give, we take, we speak, and we listen. Poor communication in the workplace may lead to poor productivity. Poor communication in personal relationships can lead to frustration, trust issues and the eventual breakdown of the relationship. Our own strong ideas and opinions can become

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barriers to effective communication. We need to have an open mind, know our topic, know our purpose and communicate respectfully a little at a time. Communication can also be influenced by the environment (cold, hot, noisy, etc.) the style of the speaker and the language that is used. Statistics show that people remember: • 10 percent of what they read • 20 percent of what they hear • 30 percent of what they see • 40 percent of what they hear and see A good way to begin communicating is with validation. Validation means: to confirm, endorse or authenticate. To hear, acknowledge and respect another person’s feelings or opinions (regardless of whether the listener agrees with the content). Validation Communication is a peaceful and respectful method of communication that reduces stress, enhances dignity and allows for ongoing communication and resolution by “stepping into the world of another person and seeing through their eyes.” The listener may also engage in empathy with the other person. Empathy is the ability to co-experience and relate to another’s thoughts and emotions. Considered to be a higher order in the overall complexity of human emotions, empathy involves a more active process with a deeper understanding and more imagination. It is different from sympathy, which means the ability to support the emotional experience of another person with compassion and sensitivity.

Validation Principles: • People are unique and worthwhile. • People should be accepted as they are. • Listening with empathy builds trust, reduces anxiety and restores dignity. • Painful feelings that are expressed and validated by a trusted listener will diminish. • Painful feelings that are ignored, suppressed or not acknowledged will gain in strength.

Validate, Diffuse, Redirect, Resolve Once we have validated someone’s feelings, we can diffuse a complicated or volatile situation and then redirect the conversation or behavior towards a viable resolution. The basic building block of good communication is the feeling that every human being is unique and of value. 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.

Yard Buddies to Salve Seniors’ Snow Woes By Laura Poole

uring our long Colorado winters there is snow that must be removed from sidewalks and yards, but not everyone can plow the heavy white wonder that winter has left behind. So this year the Yard Buddy Program will aim to alleviate the often times heavy burden on the elderly population. The Jewish Family Service (or JFC) of Colorado, along with the Wheat Ridge Police Department, is starting up the Yard Buddies Project this year with a group of volunteers to help those in the community who need help clearing snow from their sidewalks, in hopes to connect and provide resources for the elderly, as well as avoid citations for improperly deposited snow, ice and debris. Program Coordinator of the JFC Colorado Senior Connections Alison Joucovsky says the whole program started with a conversation with the police department, where she found out that there are “often low income seniors who need help, they physically and financially can’t take care of their yard,” and she decided to see if she could gather a volunteer base for a program to assist when needed. Public Information Officer of the Wheat Ridge Police Department John Romero says that they rarely hand out tickets or citations, but instead implement methods, information and similar programs to Yard Buddies in order to keep from handing them out. Only in extreme cases of a “repeat situation” where they have had to confront a homeowner multiple times does the WRPD hand out a serious citation that can lead to a fine and appearance in court. The process of enforcing the ordinance consists overall of giving homeowners many chances to clean up their yards with simple warnings. Most of the time a citation or ticket is issued when a contractor or third party removes snow by plowing it into the street or sidewalk to the point of impeding pedestrian and vehicular traffic, but can easily be remedied by proper removal. The ordinance does not penalize the natural falling and collection of snow after a storm, just the method of proper disposal. Mary McKenna, WRPD Community Services Team Supervisor, says that the department tries “every avenue we can to get a family in compliance,” meaning warnings are given to residents instead of a citation to allow them to remedy the situation. Officers try to provide resources if someone needs assistance with snow shoveling, if hiring a company to do so is not financially feasible

for example. So the Yard Buddy Project is a great fit for their objectives. Right now the JFS is signing up volunteers so the program can become more of a neighbors-helping-neighbors initiative, allowing community members to help each other. Although it’s starting small, Joucovsky hopes that it will become an avenue to provide information and resources to the senior community so they continue to feel at home in their neighborhoods. “I was meeting with the police department and they voiced that there aren’t a whole lot of citations, but when they are – people get a whole lot of warnings – our hope is to be preemptive,” said Joucovsky. “They’re getting a lot of calls from people that can’t shovel their walk and don’t know what to do.” And that is where the Yard Buddy Program steps in, as a way to help those in need. Everyone wants their homes and neighborhood to look nice, and the City Code requires people to maintain their property to certain standards that everyone can live by. Luckily, many community members already enjoy helping their neighbors. “I’ve never seen a ticket issued,” said local Jesse Hill, “but we have an unspoken ‘race’ starting around 7 a.m. to clear the sidewalks of snow on Chase Street and who can make it first to our neighbors who need the help.” “We should all do what we can to help our elderly neighbors. I tag team with a person across the street – he clears the elderly neighbor’s sidewalk, and we do her driveway. It’s an unspoken task that we do each time it snows,” said Sara Robbins, another local resident. This type of helpful camaraderie is exactly what Joucovsky is hoping to see, and is the type of volunteer basis she wants to build for the Yard Buddy Program. Ideally, those living in neighborhoods with elderly residents will simply help with their sidewalks and yards, so nobody has to travel across town (especially in bad weather). A network of volunteers can be called upon to help out their own blocks, and also lead to stronger community ties and connections. “Our whole program is about aging in community. There would never be enough housing for coming seniors so we need to put in infrastructure so people have support to stay in their homes,” said Joucovsky. She adds also that if anyone knows somebody who might need help or access to information to stay in their community to use this program as a resource. The JFS is a tool that can be used for more information and aid for our elderly citizens. “I think right now we just want to be collecting volunteers and creating a base so as needs present themselves we can match up people appropriately,” said Joucovsky. Creating trust and a place to go to for information, resources, engagement opportunities and more allows people to “age better and remain in their homes,” a problem facing our aging population, said Joucovsky. Instead of pushing our elderly into nursing homes or retirement communities the JFS would rather see them stay put in their own homes and in their own communities with friends, family and other ties so they remain comfortable and happy where they live and not be uprooted. To volunteer or obtain more information about the Yard Buddy Project, contact Alison Joucovsky at 720-248-4591.

ngazette.com – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

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neighborhood gazette – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – ngazette.com

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here are definitely some warm days still ahead, but a few cold snaps, the cooler nights, Hatch chile vendors on the street corner, NFL and the calendar tell us that fall is on the way. This time of year is a great time to invite family and friends into your home. It not only gives you a few practice runs for those big holidays coming in November and December, but it will be a great excuse to spruce up your home and winterize it. Now I’m not talking about draining the swamp cooler and sprinkler lines nor bringing in your plants, but doing some things inside that will help us enjoy our home a bit more during the coming months. Of course one of the most picturesque and romantic images you will find of home interiors include a fireplace. If you neither have one, nor the plans or budget to incorporate a real one, there are some great options out there. Take a look at the bio-fuel fireplaces. If you’re not familiar with this product, it is a ventless, smokeless and mostly odorless system that comes in a variety of sizes and price points, from small table-top units to full wall-mounted units that are absolutely beautiful and will definitely give you great ambiance. There is nothing better when having friends over to watch a game or season special than to pull out unique and interesting throws for those who have a chill or just like having a “security blanket.” Keep in mind that spending a bit extra on

some gorgeous fibers and textures will be rewarded with many years of use and the oohs and aahs of your friends. I must confess, I’m a dish fanatic (hoarder). I love beautiful dishes and after spending the summer eating off paper and plastic plates it’s always a treat to bring out some of those special serving pieces and dishes that may have been forgotten as we picnicked through the summer. Adding pops of solid colors to the china you received as a wedding gift or inherited from grandma can give your dishes new life. Keep an eye out at thrift stores, you can usually pick up sets or random pieces for a minimal amount and it will be a great conversation starter. And we couldn’t go into fall without giving some thought to decorations. Now, I’m not talking crazy, over-the-top decorations, but just adding that special little touch that enlivens your table and gives the appearance that you’ve made some special effort to ensure your guests have not only a great meal but you have enhanced that with a bit of visual stimulus also. Check out some little decorating tips on Pinterest and keep in mind that a little goes a long way. Enjoy this great time of year in Colorado and get that home winterized so you will be warm as toast! 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.

ask tHE ExpErt Swim Instruction a Lifesaver for Youngsters TICKETED AND SILENT AUCTION PIECES BY THESE AND OTHER AMAZING ARTISTS!

TICKETED AND SILENT AUCTION PIECES BY THESE AND OTHER AMAZING ARTISTS!

Nicole Anderson - Carl Barkley - Bruce Beck - Christopher Clark - Mandie Erickson - Ippy Farnam Meghan Gates - David Gott - Joshua Hicks - HISS Studios - Chris Kates - Sina March - Suzanne Martino Emilie Mitcham - Karen Nielson - Doug Ratcliffe - Ed Sargent – Ed Slack - Albert Stern - Nichole Torres Warner Varno - Laurie Waalkes - Lyla Warren - Terry Womble

TICKETED AND SILENT AUCTION PIECES BY THESE AND OTHER AMAZING ARTISTS! Nicole Anderson - Carl Barkley - Bruce Beck - Christopher Clark - Mandie Erickson - Ippy Farnam

TICKETED AND SILENT AUCTION BY -THESE AND OTHER ARTISTS! Meghan Gates - David Gott - Joshua Hicks PIECES - HISS Studios Chris Kates - Sina March - AMAZING Suzanne Martino TICKETED AND -SILENT AUCTION PIECES THESE AND- Albert OTHER AMAZING ARTISTS! Emilie Mitcham Karen Nielson - Doug Ratcliffe - EdBY Sargent – Ed Slack Stern - Nichole Torres Varno - -Laurie - Lyla WarrenClark - Terry WombleErickson - Ippy Farnam Nicole Anderson Warner - Carl Barkley BruceWaalkes Beck - Christopher - Mandie Nicole Gates Anderson - Carl Barkley - Bruce Beck - Christopher ClarkKates - Mandie Erickson Ippy Farnam Meghan - David Gott - Joshua Hicks - HISS Studios - Chris - Sina March - Suzanne Martino Meghan Gates - David Gott - Joshua Hicks - HISS Studios - Chris Kates - Sina March - Suzanne Martino Emilie Mitcham - Karen Nielson - Doug Ratcliffe - Ed Sargent – Ed Slack - Albert Stern - Nichole Torres Emilie Mitcham - KarenWarner Nielson - Doug Ratcliffe - Ed Sargent – Ed Slack - Albert Stern - Nichole Torres Varno - Laurie Waalkes - Lyla Warren - Terry Womble Warner Varno - Laurie Waalkes - Lyla Warren - Terry Womble

Thank you to all of the friendscarnation and sponsors of the festival V 2014 Carnation1/4Festival. You helped make this year's event a huge success!

By Kathy Nowak

ne of the greatest gifts you can give your children is to empower them with the knowledge to keep them safe. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is still the leading cause of injury related death in children. New research reported by the AAP states that “children ages 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming instruction.” Private, one-on-one instruction is invaluably better than group lessons, because instruction can be tailored to the individual’s learning style and they learn at their own pace. In groups, kids get distracted and are taught at the speed of the group, which can be too fast or too slow for that individual child. Not paying attention can be fatal in the water environment. In addition, private lessons can be very affordable, especially when you consider that those students learn to swim in weeks

instead of years. It also takes time to become an avid swimmer with real stroke development skills. Children learn through repetition so, the more daily lessons they take in a week, the more retention they will achieve. Kathy Nowak is Founder and Master Instructor of Swim Otters Swim & Fitness School, 3974 Youngfield St. For more information, go to www.swimotters.com or call 303-554-SWIM (7946).

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ngazette.com – September 19-OCtOber 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette

WHAT’S HAPPENING Share Fresh Produce with Seniors at Crop Drop, Sept. 21 Gardeners with surplus veggies are invited to bring them to share with senior citizens at a free Crop Drop, held Sunday, Sept. 21, 9-11:30 a.m., at the Highland South Park, 6363 W. 35th Ave. Seniors who would like to pick up free produce should bring their own bags. Classes in gardening and composting will also be offered at the event. For more information, contact Alison Joucovsky at 720-248-4591 or ajoucovsky@ jewishfamilyservice.org.

Meet and Greet Candidates for Jefferson County Offices, Sept. 23 Candidates for county-wide offices will be on hand to answer questions and address concerns in the atrium of the Jeffco Administration Building (also known as the Taj Mahal), 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7-9 p.m. Candidates for county-wide offices will be on hand to answer your questions and address your concerns. Candidates for Jefferson County Sheriff, Coroner, Commissioner, Clerk and Recorder, Treasurer, and Assessor have been invited to attend. To prepare for this event, or if you are unable to attend, visit Vote411.org. This web-based guide provides pertinent voting information about these candidates and others. You can read candidates’ platforms and answers to specific questions in their own words. The League of Women Voters of Jefferson County is sponsoring this event, and its members will be present to answer questions about the League. Refreshments will be served. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization, which neither supports nor opposes candidates from any party. Its mission is to promote informed and active participation in government and to influence public policy through education and advocacy after consideration by its members. For more information about League of Women Voters of Jefferson County, visit www.lwvjeffco.org.

also qualify if you are Hispanic or African American, 35 years or older, with a family history of prostate cancer. Appointments are required. To register, call the AnswerLine, 303-689-4595.

Seniors Connections Offers Free Classes at Ye Olde Firehouse Colorado Senior Connections Wheat Ridge is offering two free classes for seniors in the coming weeks at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 N. Depew St. Learn basic seed-starting tricks so you can have a panoply of garden pots going all winter long in “Seed Planting In a Pot,” Tuesday, Sept. 30, 10:30-11:30 a.m., at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 N. Depew St. Taught by Barbara Mathews, Wheat Ridge resident and avid gardener, you’ll see how you don’t have to have a lot of space to grow vegetables and herbs. Learn how to live life more thankfully – and graciously – in “Gratitude: Appreciating What You Have,” offered Thursday, Oct. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Too often we limit. Hear how developing an ongoing attitude of gratitude (even when things might be tough) can have a profound effect on your life. Don’t limit your expression of gratitude to special holidays like Thanksgiving or birthdays. For more information, contact Alison Joucovsky at 720-248-4591 or ajoucovsky@ jewishfamilyservice.org.

For more information contact Nick DeSimone, Wheat Ridge High School Director of Athletics/Assistant Principal, at ndesimon@jeffco.k12.co.us.

Stich n Chatter Needs Crafty Seniors for Nov. 1 Bazaar

Teller Street Gallery and Wheat Ridge 2020 will stage “50 for 50,” an art fundraiser benefitting Live Local Wheat Ridge, Friday, Oct. 3, 6-9 p.m., at the 7190 W. 38th Ave. gallery and studios. Attendees can purchase $50 tickets, which will be drawn at random for holders to choose artwork worth at least $100. There will also be a silent auction, with 25 percent of proceeds benefiting the winning bidder’s charity of choice. The admission to the First Friday event is free, and will include live music, food and drinks, but tickets must be purchased for the art drawing.

Senior-aged crafters from all over west metro Denver are invited to display and sell their hand-crafted items to the public at the first annual Colorado Senior Connections/ Stitch n Chatter Fall Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale, to be held Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Edgewater Plaza Senior Apartments, 2250 Eaton St., Edgewater. The event is not only a way for seniors to showcase their elder year projects, but also raises funds for Colorado Senior Connections Edgewater’s programming throughout the year. Admission will be free, and raffles will be drawn every hour during the event, which will run 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking will be located off street or in the North parking lot only; any other parking on the premises is subject to towing. Senior aged vendors only. Purchases will be by cash or check only – no credit/ debit cards.

For more information, contact Teller Street Gallery & Studios at 303-424-9273 or info@tellerstreetgallery.com.

For more information on becoming a vendor, contact Felica Goett at 720-7633042 or fgoett@jewishfamilyservice.org.

Raise Funds and Fun for Live Local Wheat Ridge, Oct. 3

Tee Up For Farmer Golf Ball Frenzy Fundraiser Wheat Ridge High School will host its first annual Farmer Golf Ball Frenzy Fundraiser, now through Oct. 15, to raise $20,000 for building renovation and school modernization, and to supplement athletic facility and equipment needs. To help, buy a numbered golf ball at www.mygolfballdrop.com/e/WRHS_Ball_ Drop/, $10 per ball. On Oct. 15, all the golf balls will be dropped onto a green on Fossil Trace Golf Course. The purchaser of the ball that lands closest to the hole will win $1,000, the next closest a Sony PS4 game console, and the next a HERO Go-Pro camera. A WRHS Fan t-shirt will be given to persons buying 10 golf balls or students with 10 or more sponsors. The male and female students garnering the most sponsors will each receive a PS4 Game console; the pair

Free Men’s Health Screenings at Lutheran, Sept. 27 The Cancer Center at Lutheran Medical Center, 8300 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge, will hold a free men’s health screening event on Saturday, Sept. 27, 9-11:30 a.m., with health examinations especially important to men. Screenings at the event are rapid screenings only and not meant to be a substitute for a complete exam. Screenings including prostate cancer, testicular cancer (for ages 1535), cholesterol, sleep apnea, PSA, blood pressure, fitness and more. Educational information on men’s health issues will also be provided. To qualify for prostate cancer screening, you should be age 40-75, with no previous prostate cancer diagnosis, no prostate cancer screening within the last year, and not under a urologist’s care. You may

with the second most will each receive a Hero Go-Pro camera.

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“Carousel Cleaners is quick, affordable, and they do a great job on all my carousel shirts plus they do alterations.” 1/16 V BEN BRADLEY

Carousel Cleaners Night Drop Fast & Convenient!

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VOTE NO ON 2B

Join us!

VOTE NO ON 2B

Citizens for an Inclusive Wheat Ridge asks you to vote No on 2B – a $9.3 million streetscape plan for 38th Ave. in the eight-block area between Marshall and Upham Streets. $9.3 million does not include the additional costs to each small business. Keep 38th Ave. Wide! Support the businesses on 38th Ave. instead of choking a regional transportation artery. The streetscape plan will: ■ Produce the most expensive streetscape project on a per block basis in the Denver Area ■ Create a narrow road causing major traffic problems, restricting Fire and Emergency vehicle access ■ Replace underground drainage and water lines prior to scheduled replacement, resulting in construction lasting 6 months or longer ■ Negatively affect our hometown feel ■ Cause parking issues on residential side streets ■ Cause longstanding 38th Ave. businesses to close. Let’s come together after the election to foster a less expensive, more inclusive plan. Join us and VOTE NO on 2B.

VOTE NO ON 2B For more information, visit www.no2b.org. To help us create an inclusive future for Wheat Ridge, contact us at abetterwaywr@gmail.com. 303-900-7373 and “Like” us on Facebook. PAID FOR BY CITIZENS FOR AN INCLUSIVE WHEAT RIDGE (CRIWR)