February 26, 2015 VOLU M E 9 1 | I S SUE 28
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Youth on autism spectrum share art 40 West to host show in Lakewood gallery By Clarke Reader
creader@colorado communitymedia.com One of the best things about art is its openness — anyone who feels compelled to create can take up a pencil, a brush or a chisel and make something the world has never seen before. For sixth-grade Northglenn resident Max Boyer, the urge to draw has helped him to communicate his feelings and struggles with autism. Now Boyer is partnering with the 40 West Arts District to host a show in April featuring the work of children on the autism spectrum. “It allows kids to share art with the entire community,” he said. “We want to show that kids on the spectrum are not that different from other kids.” Boyer is putting out the call for artists, and any child — 18 and younger — can submit up to three pieces of art in any medium for entry. The deadline for submission is March 26. “Youth Artists on the Spectrum: A Celebration of Neurodiversity” will be on display at 40 West, 1560 Teller St., April 2 to 25.
“This is a chance for 40 West to showcase these kids’ art and raise awareness,” said Bill Marino, director of 40 West. “We’re delighted to work with them and show what they can do.” Art has been a huge part of Boyer’s life recently, with his first collection of art, “Hello, My Name is Max and I Have Autism,” getting published last year. “Max is definitely not alone in his ambitions,” said Rebecca Miller, Boyer’s mother. “The power of art has changed our lives for sure.” The partnership with 40 West came by way of a Lakewood institution — Chicago Style Beef and Dogs — and its owners, Luanne and Joe Margotte and Dianne Margotte Zimmerman. Miller is originally from Chicago, and loves the atmosphere at the restaurant, but there is a more personal reason for her attachment. “This was the only place where we were welcome when Max was younger and going through the early issues with autism,” she said. “Now we’re part of a family here, and I think it speaks to the importance of friendly businesses.” The Margottes are very active along Colfax, and introduced Boyer to 40 West, and planning took off from there. Since Boyer is familiar with the challenges faced by children on the spectrum, she wants to ensure
I’m Stuck With It by Max Boyer. Boyer uses his art to express his feelings as he has grown up with Autism. Photo by Clarke Reader the show caters to them. In that spirit, there will be two events on April 4: a sensoryfriendly opening from noon to 3 p.m. and a formal opening 4-6 p.m. The artists will be selling their work and 15 percent of proceeds go to 40 West Gallery, 5 percent to the Boyer’s Blue Ribbon Arts Initiative, 40 percent to Autism Speaks and the rest goes to
the artist. “A lot of kids on the spectrum are interested in creating something,” Boyer said. “There’s a future for all of them, and some people think there’s no hope for them — we will prove them wrong.” For more information visit www.blueribbonartsinitiative.weebly.com.
Alameda facilities plan could be winner Community helps shape school proposal By Crystal Anderson
canderson@colorado communitymedia.com
Lakewood residents attend a meeting at Lamar Station Crossing about where federal funds should be spent concerning low-income families. Photo by Clarke Reader
Lakewood wants more affordable housing Citizens weigh in on federal funding priorities By Clarke Reader
creader@colorado communitymedia.com Affordable housing for low-income residents is a major concern in Lakewood and needs to be a top priority for the city and county, according to residents who attended a federal funds spending meeting. The Feb. 17 meeting, hosted by BBC Research and Consulting, the City of Lakewood and Jefferson County, collected information from residents to be factored into a new consolidated plan concerning Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds.
“The consolidated plan is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) from organizations that receive these grants,” said Heidi Aggeler, managing director with BBC. “The purpose of the plan is to find out a jurisdiction’s housing and community needs and goals, and to figure out how the funds should be spent.” CDBG funds cannot be used for citywide projects — the focus must be on low- to moderate-income areas — and are limited in transportation options that can be funded. Residents in attendance spoke about the need to keep existing homes safe and healthy, and also questioned the push toward homeownership. Residents also spoke of a need for more even distribution of affordable housing in the city. “There are many areas around the city to build low-income housing, but many homeowners don’t want them
in their neighborhood,” said Jeff Boyd, with the Two Creeks Neighborhood. Another issue of concern residents discussed is the lack of sidewalks and other pedestrian-friendly means of transportation, especially along big corridors like Wadsworth and Simms. In previous years, Lakewood and Jeffco have used CDBG and HOME funds for projects as varied as transitional shelters for homeless families, rehabilitation of commercial areas and scholarships for child care. The community information will be factored into the goals and priorities of the consolidated plan, which will be available for discussion and public comment. For more information, or to provide input, contact Amy DeKnikker with Lakewood at 303-987-7822 or amydek@ lakewood.org, or Emily Sander with Jeffco at 303-271-8373 or sander@jeffco.us.
With excess capacity and an ever-increasing enrollment in the Alameda articulation area, the community brought forth a solution, one that the Jeffco community and school board find amenable. “I’m very enthusiastic about this plan,” said Ken Witt, school board president. “I love to see the work that’s gone into it and thinking that’s gone into it, and the community involvement, feedback and revising that’s gone into this.” During the Feb. 19 Jeffco Board of Education meeting, the district’s chief school effectiveness officer, Terry Elliot, and the principals of Alameda International High School, O’Connell Middle School and Stein Elementary School, Susie Van Scoyk, Jennifer Kirksey and Samantha Salazar, presented an updated proposal on a new seventh-through-12th-grade school located on the Alameda International High School Campus and the relocation of Stein Elementary to the O’Connell Middle School site. The plan would cost approximately $1.1 million, and combine Alameda’s current International Baccalaureate (IB) program with the area’s IB Middle Years program in one site, and will attempt to decrease dropout rates, boost student achievement and increase resources available to students and staff. “I’ve been in this area for 15 years, and I know the struggles of this area,” Van Scoyk said. “Whatever the decision is, I think the greatest thing to come out of this entire process is the voice of our Facilities continues on Page 10