Neighborhood Gazette – November 2019 – Edgewater by Neighborhood Gazette

EDGEWATER MAYOR Updates On Elections, Council And Action Center Page 4

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Giving Thanks For Community Living Page 5

NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS See Art Where You Shop Page 6

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| SLOAN’S LAKE | WEST COLFAX | TWO CREEKS | WEST HIGHLAND November 18 – December 15, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE

Low Spending, Wide Vote Margin In Mayoral Contest n By

Mike McKibbin

dgewater voters gave a landslide victory to incumbent Mayor Laura Keegan in the Nov. 5 election, despite Keegan being outspent by challenger Virgie Carr by a more than three-to-one margin. Two new members and two incumbents were also chosen to serve on the city council. The mayor serves a two-year term and council members are elected to four-year terms. City voters gave Keegan a 970-to-184-vote (84.06 to 15.94 percent) victory. According to two statements of personal expenditures filed by both candidates from Aug. 23 to Oct. 27, Keegan spent a total of $207.44 and reported a non-monetary contribution of $42 fair market value from Jamie Melhany for a meet-thecandidate social. In comparison, Carr reported spending $759.90 over Continued on page 2

LAKEWOOD’S HOLIDAY CELEBRATION, LAKEWOOD LIGHTS, takes place Friday, Dec. 6 at the Lakewood Heritage Center, 801 S. Yarrow St. The free event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and features live music, hot chocolate, crafts and, of course, Santa. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF LAKEWOOD

Fill Your Calendar With Holiday Cheer This Season n By

Meghan Godby

hile your calendar may be brimming with visits from family and friends this holiday season, don’t forget to leave a little room in your schedule for a variety of fun, local holiday celebrations. They are great opportunities to enjoy free entertainment, meet your neighbors and help local businesses and artisans. The City of Edgewater will hold its annual tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 6 p.m., and Santa will be visiting the Orum House (2444 Depew St.) on Wednesday, Dec. 18. More details will be available in a week or so – check the city’s website at edgewaterco.com or call 720763-3011. Over in Wheat Ridge, the Holiday Celebration on Ridge at 38 will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7, from 3 to 6:30 p.m., with the tree lighting happening promptly at 6:30 p.m. The family-friendly event includes free cookies and hot chocolate, horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts and even a visit from Santa and a few of his reindeer. Unique, handmade gifts and food from local restaurants will also be available for purchase. Presented by Localworks in partnership with The City of Wheat Ridge and other generous sponsors, the event will take place at 7101 W. 38th Ave. in Wheat Ridge. For more information, head over to ridgeat38.com. If you don’t mind a short drive, Lakewood will also be hosting its holiday celebration, Lakewood Lights, Friday, Dec. 6 at the Lakewood Heritage Center (801 S. Yarrow St., Lakewood). The free event runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. and features live music, hot chocolate, crafts and, of course, Santa. Visit lakewood.org for more information. Local libraries are also joining in on the holiday fun. Head over to the Edgewater

branch (1800 Harlan St.) on Wednesday, Dec. 4, for a special holiday open house, featuring face painting, music and festive goodies. The event is free and runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Similar celebrations will be held at other library branches, including the Wheat Ridge branch (5475 W. 32nd Ave.) on Saturday, Dec. 14, from noon to 2:30 p.m., featuring a sing-along presented by the Rocky Mountain Ukulele Orchestra. Visit jeffcolibrary.org for more details.

If all these holiday festivities have you in the mood for a little shopping, you’re in luck. There are plenty of craft fairs throughout the greater metro area, including a Holiday Arts and Crafts Fair at Four Seasons Farmer’s Market (7043 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge) on Saturday, Dec. 7 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 8 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Enjoy holiday music while you shop for an assortment of gifts and gourmet foods. The market will also be hosting a

“Holiday High Tea” on Sat., Dec. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets are $25, and attendees are promised an “elegant afternoon” with live music and delicious food. For more information on the craft fair and to purchase tickets to the Holiday High Tea, visit fourseasonsfam.com. On Saturday, Dec. 14, Infinitus Wheat Ridge (a pizza joint also known as iPIE) will be hosting a craft fair that features not Continued on page 10

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Edgewater’s Gluten-Free Baker n By

Ken Lutes

dgewater “gluten-less” baker Erin Kuklinski admits that her first gluten-free baking attempts were “terrible.” “My husband can attest to that,” she said, laughing. But through constant experimentation, research and an undying quest to create cinnamon rolls “just like” the ones her great grandmother used to bake, she has found and created a variety of recipes that satisfy. In 2000, after Kuklinski was diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance, her doctor suggested a gluten-free diet to help with inflammation and to start regulating her condition. Her medical condition put her on a diet without wheat, barley and rye flours, all of which contain gluten. She was 15. “I remember crying and thinking I would have to eat broccoli for the rest of my life, because that was the only thing I could find that was gluten-free.” She recalls finding limited eating options, but she educated herself and began to find alternatives. “I started working at Whole Foods when I was 20, and they would EDGEWATER BAKER ERIN KUKLINSKI DISPLAYS sometimes bring in nutritionists who knew a lot about allergies and some of her recent “gluten-less” delights: chocolate-

raspberry cake, spice cupcakes and macadamia nutContinued on page 10 chocolate chip cookies. PHOTO BY KEN LUTES

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019– ngazette.com

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Mayor Paul Outspends Rival, Wins By 10 Percent Margin

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Mike McKibbin

utspending his opponent by a nearly three-to-one margin, Lakewood Mayor Adam Paul had a nearly 10 percent margin of victory in the Nov. 5 election to win a second term in office. Paul received 24,256 votes (54.71 percent) to Councilwoman Ramey Johnson’s 20,081 (45.29 percent). In 2015, Paul beat Johnson for mayor by less than 1 percent. Several campaign finance reports filed by Citizens for Adam Paul, his campaign committee, between Jan. 27 and Oct. 26 with the City of Lakewood, show Paul raised $85,501.30 and spent $82,365.80, leaving the committee with $5,966.98 remaining. Meanwhile, the Committee to Elect Ramey Johnson, her campaign committee, filed reports between May 4 and Oct. 26 that showed she raised $27,891 and made a loan to her committee of $1,050.54 for a total of $28,941.54. The committee reported spending $8,032.75 and having $19,858.25 at the end of the last reporting period. Paul also reported a non-monetary contribution of $518 from 240 Union restaurant for food. Among his highest expenditures were around $8,000 to Corvinus Strategies of Centennial for campaign coordination and compliance and more than $63,200 to Mad Dog Mail in Florida for printing, photos and direct mail production and costs. Mad Dog Mail works with Democratic local, state and national candidates and committees, including campaigns for Colorado state representative

Election Results Continued from page 1

that period. Her itemized expenditures were $330 to Neighborhood Publications for ads in the Gazette; two expenditures of $139.75 each to Banners, Signs and Decals in Lakewood for sign decals; $43.94, $41.38 and $28.80 to Griffin Coffee for three meet and greet gatherings; and $36.28 to the UPS Store in Edgewater for handouts. Keegan’s two reports listed $22.44 to Target for printing paper, $85 to an Ohio graphics company for stickers and $100 to Neighborhood Publications for newspaper ads in the Gazette. The reports did not list contributions. Keegan has served on city council for more than 8 years. She was appointed to the council in 2009, then was elected to two terms. She was first elected mayor in 2017. After this year’s election, Keegan noted the city needed to improve communication with citizens. “To bring our city communications to a higher, more efficient level, City Manager Dan Maples has hired a full-time communication and events director,” she wrote in an email to the Gazette. “Her position will entail working with the city administration to manage communications,

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by Brittany Peterson, Dave Young and Alec Garnett; and Barbara O’Brien’s campaign for the Denver Public Schools board of education. Paul’s committee also listed many individual contributions of anywhere from $20 to $800 from Lakewood residents, those living in surrounding cities and even across the country. Likewise, Johnson reported many similar contributions from Lakewood residents although far fewer than Paul. Johnson’s largest expenditures included signs, cards, office supplies, park rental from the City of Lakewood, advertising and database management. Along with casting votes for mayor, Lakewood readers of the Neighborhood Gazette had an uncontested city council position on their ballots. Sharon Vincent in Ward 2 garnered 4,662 votes. Lakewood’s mayor is elected at-large and serves with 10 council members, two from each of the city’s five wards. Lakewood has staggered terms, so one council seat from each ward is voted on during each regular municipal election. The mayoral election is held every four years. The mayor and council members are elected to fouryear terms and may serve two consecutive terms. Paul, Vincent and other city council members-elect (Charley Able in Ward 1, Anita Springsteen in Ward 3, Barb Franks in Ward 4 and Dana Gutwein in Ward 5) will be sworn in at the first city council meeting following the election, which will be Nov. 25. to take on building our new city website over the next (several) months and to post updates so the public will easily find important Edgewater information, news, upcoming activities and events and city meetings.” In an earlier email, Keegan noted improved communications could help decrease the need for residents to travel outside the city, “so citizens know what is available here, making the need to travel outside our borders less necessary and less frequent. By hiring a person skilled in communications, we can achieve that, as well as provide quick, easy access to city government and community events and news.” Among city council candidates, Micha Rosenoer received the most votes with 879 (25.28 percent), followed by incumbent Cory Reid-Vanas, 793 (22.81 percent); Casey Earp, 733 (21.08 percent); and incumbent Steve Conklin, 708 (20.36 percent). Candidate Larry Welshon, 364 votes (10.47 percent), was the only candidate not elected. The four city council members-elect and Keegan will join three current council members, John Beltrone, Caleb Rountree and Janet Spangenberg. Their terms of office begin at the first regular city council meeting following certification of election results on Nov. 13.

ngazette.com – NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019– ngazette.com

EDGEWATER MAYOR

We are thankful to be part of a great community

Updates On Elections, Council And The Action Center citizens, strive to work as a team and, when needed, compromise to make decisions that are strong, community-serving and well would like to welcome the council members thought out. who won the Nov. 5 election. Two of our On another note: At our Nov. 12 council current council members, Steve Conklin meeting, I presented the proclamation and Cory Reid-Vanas, were re-elected to for Homelessness and Hunger four-year terms as were the Awareness Week. In attendance two other newly elected council to accept the proclamation was members, Micha Rosenoer and Carolynn Alexander from the Casey Earp. Action Center. I am very honored to have Today I received an email been re-elected to serve as from her that I wanted to share: mayor for another term of two “During the meeting years. break, I had a community Two of our current council member come up to me and say members, Kate Mulcahy and that if it was not for The Action Kara Swanson, chose not to run Center, her daughter would have this election, but to return to had no food for a period in her their more-than-busy private Laura Keegan life. lives. They will be missed. Their “She is doing better now, but for a period strong commitment to our city was evident of time The Action Center literally saved her in the hard work and dedication they life. I hear those stories often and wanted to showed to our community over their terms. share this specific Edgewater feedback with I know they will both continue to serve the you. community in many ways. “I also did a search in our new database The results of our local election showed and The Action Center has supported 114 strong support for those candidates who Edgewater households (306 individuals) ran by demonstrating they had no personal with some kind of services in the past year motivations, but that they wanted to work or so. That obviously is just the folks who for the betterment of the entire community. have addresses to provide. Almost half of Those candidates clearly conveyed their our participants are reporting no permanent aspirations to continue to hold our smalladdress.” town-community-feel paramount as we Edgewater will again be supporting a embrace new ideas and move forward. With drive for socks, gloves, hats and canned open minds, we, as a council, will pave the goods throughout December. Please watch way to move Edgewater into the next decade our city website for announcements and of change. updates on this very important drive. In the next weeks, when we convene Have a safe and loving Thanksgiving with two new members, our council, as holiday filled with family, friends and much a body of eight (seven councilors and joy. mayor) will again prove our commitment to Contact Edgewater Mayor Laura Edgewater. Though we certainly have varied Keegan at lkeegan@edgewaterco.com. ideas, styles and voices, we will listen to our

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Laura Keegan

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tax revenue is the answer to all of Edgewater’s needs. However, that money goes quickly (hello, new civic center), and hen I was first elected as a the fact remains we need people to bring councilperson for Edgewater, I Edgewater’s festivals and events alive. thought two things: 1) I am so honored and Volunteering in humbled to be elected to this Edgewater is easy and fun. You position, and 2) four years is a meet your neighbors, learn long time. about the city, and have the Well, it turns out that I am opportunity to give your opinion still very honored and humbled and input. While this may be to have served Edgewater. the case for many other cities However, four years isn’t long as well, Edgewater’s size allows at all. No cliché can describe your small input to become a big how quickly the time has passed, difference. and I am amazed at how much City staff and our various Edgewater has changed. boards are constantly looking These four years have for volunteers to make our brought development to 20th Kate Mulcahy events and festivals the best they and Depew (finally), the Civic can be, so if you want Edgewater’s events to Center, a mobility plan, a sustainability keep going and be even more amazing than plan, a sustainability board, new festivals, they are, volunteer and make it happen. and the list goes on. When we look for volunteers, we often I would love to take sole credit for all call for help program by program via the of these changes, but the most I can truly Town Crier, Nextdoor or the city website. claim is to have put forth my best to support However, if you would like to simply be put these efforts and not get in the way of all the on a list as a possible volunteer for future others around me helping to make these events, please email edgevolunteers@ changes possible. edgewaterco.com and the city will contact This speaks to my biggest takeaway you as needed. Help as you can, when you from my time in office: it takes a village to can. raise, well, a village. By the time you read this article, it is For such a small town, Edgewater is rich likely that I will already be out of my official with festivals, events and causes that make position as a councilperson. While I’ll our town unique. Yet the fact remains that certainly miss being a part of council, I have since we are a small town, we also have a no doubt that my voice will still be heard in small city staff with small resources. Our this city because I’m still going to volunteer. town needs our help to make the events that Kate Mulcahy is a former Edgewater we love possible. City Council member. Some people like to think the marijuana n By

Kate Mulcahy

ngazette.com – NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Giving Thanks For Community Living n By

Laurie Dunklee

ur community has Thanksgiving together every year. There are some pretty good cooks here,” says Kellie Teter, a resident of Hearthstone Cohousing Community in Highland Gardens Village. “We set a really nice table, thanks to the artists among us. People bring their special dishes, like Harriett with her sweet potato soufflé. We have vegetarian choices as well as turkey, and one of our residents bakes his own bread. We make a day of it, with games and a singalong.” Hearthstone, at 37th Avenue and Winona Place, is a cohousing community comprised of 33 private townhomes around a central green space. Events like Thanksgiving, as well as weekly shared meals, are held in the common house, a 4,800-square-foot building with a kitchen and dining area. The stone mantle in the fireplace room – the “hearthstone” – displays photos of all the members’ families. Cohousing communities encourage interaction among neighbors for social and environmental benefits. Households have independent incomes and private lives, but neighbors collaboratively plan and manage community activities and shared spaces. Neighbors share resources like tools and lawnmowers, as well as outdoor spaces and gardens. “We have lots of impromptu dinners outside in the summer,” said Teter. The neighbors’ close proximity encourages them to do things together. “A group of musicians formed a band called ‘Wake the Neighbors.’ I love that,” Teter said. “We also organize workdays; we carpool and walk together; and we have a game night and a crafts night. Every year we put on a Halloween party for our Highland neighbors. We’re starting a Spanish night to practice speaking Spanish.” The community includes about 70 residents of all ages, including families with kids, single parents, singles and

seniors. Most members have been a part of Hearthstone since 2001, when the community was in the planning stages. It was completed in 2002. Residents’ livelihoods are diverse, including healthcare, law and medicine. Some residents are retired. “A lot of us are in health, including public health, mental health and massage therapy,” said Teter, a maternal child health program manager at Denver Public Health. Her husband, John Connell, works for the Environmental Protection Agency. They have one child in college and an exchange student from China. “The community has 27 kids in all: 23 living here and four in college,” said Teter. “Right now someone is pregnant, so we will make a quilt and have a ceremony of support for the parents.” Teter and Connell lived at 52nd and Quitman before Hearthstone was built. “I saw an ad in Parent magazine for affordable cohousing at the Elitch Gardens redevelopment,” Teter said. “We put some money down and were part of the planning process during construction.” The cohousing concept started in Denmark in the 1960s and Teter estimates that today there are about 300 communities in North America. There are 24 cohousing communities in Colorado according to cohousing.org. Teter says a big advantage of cohousing is the support of the community. “If somebody needs something, we are right there. If someone is sick or injured, we bring meals and help with rides. We help give single parents respite time by taking care of their kids. Some of our older residents have a call list in case they fall or need a ride. Their call goes out to five neighbors at a time so someone can help.” The community’s shared values include saving resources, including living smaller: units are between 900 and 2,400 square feet, with one boiler per building. Most

HEARTHSTONE COHOUSING NEIGHBORS GATHER FOR THANKSGIVING dinner in 2015. PHOTO COURTESY HEARTHSTONE COMMUNITY units don’t have air conditioning. Residents recycle their clothing at the clothing swap and share their cars. Teter likes the connections formed in the community. “I’m not the type to cultivate friendships; I’m not that good at it. Here I live closely with people so it’s a blessing. We raised our kids together and we go through life together. I can step out my door and talk with an old person, a child or a teenager. The intergenerational aspect is great. I get my life from living here.” She said cohousing works because neighbors see each other all the time. “We get our mail together and do laundry together. It builds cohesion,” said Teter, a sociologist by training. She says cohousing is not for everyone because not everyone enjoys interaction and participation. But introverts make up a large part of the community’s mix. “Introverts are actually overrepresented here because they can interact

with a set group that they know, and not have to meet new people.” Maintaining a comfortable balance between privacy and interacting with others is not much of an issue, Teter says. “People are intuitive and respectful. They just get it.” The cohousing lifestyle isn’t a financial option for everyone. “There are more barriers to living in community than ever, mostly because of economics,” Teter said. “When we started Hearthstone, this was an affordable neighborhood, not so gentrified. Now 80212 is a zip code where prices keep going up; it’s the same with other cohousing communities in Colorado. “We want economic diversity, but some people can’t afford to live here, like those with student debt and single parents. We don’t rent homes because community decisions need to be made by the owners, and landlords might not live here. Our biggest concern is that cohousing is becoming a thing for rich people.”

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019– ngazette.com

NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS

See Art Where You Shop n By

Neighborhood Gazette Staff

olorado Mills and 40 West Arts District are two iconic Lakewood West Colfax destinations. Their artistic partnership continues through 2019 and into 2020 with the addition of new murals, art installations and more. Artist Julia Williams, who also goes by the name Designosaur, just finished a mural installation called “Winter Bloom” and located near the Nike Factory Store. This colorful piece combines large-scale flowers with 3D elements. Additionally, Colorado Mills has turned over Hallway 4-1/2 (located between entrances four and five) into a permanent exhibition space. A number of artists recently filled the walls with colorful flowers of all types, for an installation that will run through Spring of 2020. Both of these artistic elements remind patrons that during the upcoming winter months, Colorado Mills is a place to come inside from the cold for light, vibrancy and fun. “Colorado Mills approached us because they understand the importance of art and how it adds to and activates a space,” is how 40 West Arts Executive Director Liz Black described the partnership. “It’s such a forward-thinking, modern and collaborative approach and we are 100 percent on board. It’s about bringing art to the places that people are already going to, such as an active shopping destination.” Patrons can look for additional art installations now and through 2020 including a 22-foot metal dinosaur sculpture created by artist Greg Wasil (perfect for kids and families) and located in Colorado Mills through the holiday season.

Have A Painting Soiree Artist Tabetha Landt has been teaching her craft since 2010 and recently relocated to her new home in the heart of 40 West Arts District, called Landt Creative Space, at 1528 Teller St., Lakewood. She hosts both freestyle classes and follow-the-leader sessions where she walks students through the steps to make a specific painting. Tabetha welcomes both beginners and artists looking to hone their skills and her laid-back approach means that everyone feels welcome. Interested in bringing your friends? You can also book Tabetha for a private painting party, where she’ll tailor the workshop to your skill level and needs. Buying a class for yourself or someone else is a great way to gift an experience someone will remember, support small business and shop local. Learn more by contacting Tabetha at tabjazz@gmail.com or head to her website, paintingsoiree.net.

‘Love Letters’ Opening Reception And Exhibition We’re a ways from February, but perhaps a little mediation on love will speed us through these chilly months. Come to the 40 West Arts District Friday Dec. 6 through Saturday, Jan. 4 for a show all about what, who and how these artists love. Artists were tasked to bring forward “work that highlights a person, place, thing, idea or other that has captured your heart.” Each piece to be accompanied by a two-tofour sentence artist-written love letter to be displayed alongside their work. Sounds

DESIGNOSAUR, – AKA ARTIST JULIA WILLIAMS – JUST FINISHED A MURAL installation called “Winter Bloom” in Colorado Mills, part of a continuing artistic partnership with 40 West Arts District. PHOTO COURTESY 40 WEST ARTS DISTRICT metatextual and oh so fun! This event is free and part of the districtwide First Friday. The opening reception is from 6 to 9 p.m. Visit 40westarts.org/events#!calendar for more information.

Lakewood Arts Offers Kids Holiday Card Printing Class Looking for a practical children’s art class for the holidays? Kids Create Printmaking Holiday Cards will be offered Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon, at

Lakewood Arts Council’s Community Art Center & Gallery, 6731 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. Using simple, safe tools, kids can create an original printing plate, then use waterbased ink to transfer the image to card stock, and take home two cards. Cost is $4 for Lakewood Arts Council members, $5 others. All supplies will be provided to the students and are included in the course fee. Tools will be provided, as well. All experience levels are welcome. Parents can sign up, too. But do so and pay by the Dec. 6 deadline. A minimum of two students must sign

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ngazette.com – NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS up for the class to be held, but no more than 12 students. Students are asked to arrive 20 to 30 minutes early if paying on the day of class.

Lakewood Arts Council members. An opening reception will take place First Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m.

For more information, call instructor Annette Sapp at 303-250-8813 or email Annette.sapp@yahoo.com.

Lakewood’s Annual Arts And Pottery Sale

Lakewood Arts’ Holiday Craft Show And Sale, Nov. 24-Dec. 26 Patrons and holiday shoppers will have a chance to purchase handmade art and craft gift items by Colorado artists at Lakewood Arts Council’s Holiday Craft Show And Sale, running Nov. 24 through Dec. 26 at the Council’s Community Art Center & Gallery, 6731 W. Colfax Ave., Lakewood. Artists will display an assortment of crafts: fiber, baskets, pottery, glass, wood, lotions/soaps, ornaments, cards, etc. Jewelry will be offered exclusively by

In a world full of plastic, premade merchandise, a handmade gift can really stand out. This holiday, consider the gift of pottery made by a local artisan. Whether a small bookshelf accessory or a full set of dishes for a large dining event, you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone on your list. If pottery isn’t quite to your taste, crafters from other trades will be on hand: jewelers, painters, knitters and others. This annual traditional runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 14, at the Washington Heights Arts Center, 6375 W. First Ave., 80226. Visit lakewood.org and search “pottery sale” there.

‘Elf’ Movie-Watching Party At Alamo Drafthouse Cinema n By

Neighborhood Gazette Staff

e have to say up front: This is an 18-and-up show, friends, though children six and up may attend if accompanied by an adult. Now that that’s out of the way, grab your besties and ofage family members and make your way to Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for a full-on party showing of the modern-day holiday classic, “Elf.” This might be the most-quoted, mostmemorable and most laugh-out-loud holiday movie ever, and the safe bet is a party showing of it will probably be epic. An Alamo Drafthouse Movie-Watching Party features fun props, a themed contest before the showing and, for “Elf,” a “real,” in-theater snowball fight. Cotton balls for everyone! Bubbles for a few key scenes! And, best of all: a special scratch-and-sniff card so you smell-along with Buddy and his family. The party runs Sunday, Nov. 30 through Thursday, Dec. 19. Tickets are available at drafthouse. com/show/elf-movie-party.

‘A Christmas Carol, The Musical’

THE ANNUAL LAKEWOOD POTTERY SALE, hosted by Washington Heights Arts Center, allows you to purchase unique, handmade gifts while supporting local artists. Stop by the arts center on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to browse unique gifts, which will include mugs, bowls serving dishes and more. Also on offer: jewelry, scarves, paintings and work from several other disciplines. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF LAKEWOOD

We debated including this show, but it’s such a classic, and the Arvada Center is sure to do it up right! This timeless Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge’s transformation from grinch into giving soul transports audiences through the skinflint’s memories past, present and future — all in the service of redeeming him by Christmas Day. A great tale made even more memorable with music by Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “The Little Mermaid”) and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens (“Ragtime,” “Seussical”).

ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA for a full-on party showing of the modern-day holiday classic, “Elf.” The party runs Sunday, Nov. 30 through Thursday, Dec. 19. This is the epitome of a whole-family holiday show experience. Performances run Nov. 22 through Dec. 22. Showtime Tuesday through Saturday is 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday matinee 1 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees 2 p.m. Tickets start at $53. (Previews are $36.) Call the Arvada Center box office at 720-898-7200 with questions or to book your seat. If you want a richer experience, consider attending a Talk Back: discussions offered after select performances covering interesting subjects about the production with members of the cast, director and/or designers. Talk Back opportunities: • Tuesday, Dec. 3, after the 7:30 p.m. performance. • Wednesday, Dec. 11, after the 1 pm performance. • Thursday, Dec. 12, after the 7:30 p.m. performance. Visit arvadacenter.org/a-christmascarol-the-musical-2019 to learn more.

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019– ngazette.com

ASK THE SUPER How To Keep Communication Open & Guard Public Servants Questions For Jason E. Glass, Ed.D., Superintendent & Chief Learner of Jeﬀco Public Schools

also model respect and treating people with dignity. With that said, I know that there are some individuals who seek to abuse my availability by trying to overwhelm and n By Dr. Jason Glass barrage me with messages. And there are others who do not share my same regard In a world of social media and almost for respect and personal dignity. In those anonymous sharing of opinions, we cases, I simply do not respond. People are notice an increased amount free to send me all the messages, of negativity being shared in tweets, and comments they the community, setting bad want – but I reserve my time examples for our kids, students and responses for people who and neighbors, in terms of want to have a real conversation. respect and civil discourse. There are some who want to hurl How do you manage to keep insults, make personal attacks, the doors of communication or inflame others with incendiary open and be transparent claims. In those cases, I follow while guarding 14,000 Jeﬀco a simple maxim: “Don’t feed employees from being harassed the trolls!” Sometimes, the best and disrespected? statement is saying nothing at all. As Superintendent of Jeffco Dr. Jason Glass When it comes to our Public Schools, I strive to engage employees, I advise them to be welcoming with people in a variety of formats. Those and receptive to all feedback, both positive include face-to-face interactions, in-person and negative. When someone raises a concern conversations, discussions and answering or problem, it gives us an opportunity to learn questions over email, and also interacting and get better, so we appreciate constructive with our community on social media. I work critique and hearing from others on how we hard at trying to both understand what the can be of greater service. community is interested in talking about I also advise our staff to not allow and engaging in those discussions, as well as themselves to be the subject of bullying working to lead the community into forwardand abuse and to disengage with people thinking and important conversations about who are not able to control themselves or the future of learning and our schools. to refer hostile or threatening messages to Generally, I try to engage with anyone law enforcement. While such behavior is who wants to talk. Sometimes people are uncommon, it does happen and our staff supportive and sometimes they are critical. members should not be expected to be a Honest discussion and critique are essential punching bag for anyone, regardless of the to our democratic republic and, as a public issue. servant, I need to listen to all viewpoints in If you have a question for the Superour community. In all my interactions, I try intendent please submit it to TheGuy@ to model responsiveness (in almost all cases KW.com or call it in to 303 999-5789. I respond to people within 24 hours), and

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Dr. McDermott – The Man With The Plan n By

Guy Nahmiach

hey say that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. When it comes to plans, Dr. Thomas McDermott is your man. In fact, his title is Chief Strategy Officer for Jeffco Schools. It’s been three years since Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass has been listening to the community, acknowledging issues and dedicating resources to providing options and solutions in addressing various issues in our schools. When I asked him for his secret, he pointed to Dr. Thomas McDermott. McDermott is the one behind all the task forces, community meetings and organizing opinions into recommendations for the board of education. Both Glass and McDermott believe in open dialogue and meeting the values of the community. I recently met up with McDermott for this interview. He is a Harvard graduate pursuing a career in educational leadership. He hopes to be a superintendent one day of his own district. Already experienced in leading private and public organizations, he feels that he brings a skill set that allows him to unite community members – including parents, educators, business owners, experts – and, without getting lost in the weeds, work to bring solutions and present them to the board of education for decisions that will have an effect on schools run in the district. When McDermott decided to pursue his doctrine residency in picturesque Eagle County with Dr. Glass, he had no idea that he’d end up stepping on a stage that’s been under the national media microscope right here in Jeffco.

Dr. Thomas McDermott I asked Tom if he could describe the perfect district he’d like to lead in the future. Without hesitation he said “Jeffco.” He’s fascinated with how the communities are comprised of affluent and poverty-line families, all in the same neighborhoods, heated conversations next to calmness, equity-lacking next to resource-abundant. All working, learning and living next to each other. Trying to make things work in the same town and sometimes on the same street. Thinking that McDermott might have been the “family mediator” growing up, he answers my question with a mischievous smile and shares that he “might have been the instigator.” He might have used another expression, but quickly lets me know that was his extensive education that he digs deep into in understanding human nature and the ability to bring people together. When the community screams and Continued on page 9

ngazette.com – NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

New Jeffco School Board Faces Financial Challenges n By

Mike McKibbin

wo new school board members will join three remaining members with budget issues and possible school closures as some top issues, according to Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Jason Glass. In the Nov. 5 election, Stephanie Schooley defeated Robert Applegate 88,002 to 75,698 (53.43 to 46.57 percent) in District 3 and Susan Miller topped Joan Chávez-Lee 87,590 to 76,261 (53.46 to 46.54 percent) in District 4. Schooley and Miller are scheduled to be sworn in to office Monday, Dec. 2, at 5 p.m. in the district board room. Glass wrote in his blog, “Advance Jeffco,” that ballot question 1A asked county voters to approve a “de-Brucing” measure to allow the county to keep (and not refund) revenues collected over the limit set in the Taxpayers Bill of Rights. Since voters soundly defeated the measure by about 10 percent and the school district relies on numerous county services, such as school safety, public and mental health and a sizable portion of the county road system, Glass noted the district will begin planning to trim those services as the county makes its 2020 budget cuts.

At the state level, Proposition CC was a request to allow the state to “de-Bruce” and not refund revenues collected over the TABOR revenue cap beginning with the 2019-20 fiscal year. It was defeated by voters across the state. The funds retained by the state would have been used for education, transportation and transit services, so the school district will begin making budget forecasts for next year and into the future without these incremental state funds, Glass added. A second area the board will need to make decisions about is the size and number of district schools, Glass stated. The district is the second largest in the state but has seen declining enrollment for the past several years. That left many small schools, some enrolling fewer than 200 students. Glass noted that while the district has a tradition of supporting small neighborhood schools, “there is a real financial cost associated with keeping those schools open and subsidizing them so they can offer an equitable learning experience to what students in larger schools have.” Glass stated that while deciding to close schools will not be easy, it is an issue the board will need to address.

ASK THE EXPERT Divorce – Five Things to Know For Your Mortgage n

By Wanda Norge

to appear as deposits into her individual account. Buying before divorce is final: Be sure to get counsel on this! Typically, one party of the divorce wants to proceed with buying a new property before a divorce is finalized. Be sure to have the temporary settlement clearly state that this is the plan and that the other party will have no claim to the new real estate. Property purchased during a marriage is considered marital property and the other party can stake a claim to it or any increased property value; this makes the property another asset that needs to be sold and divided. Involve a CDLP as early as possible to assist in preapproving you for your divorce.

aving a certified divorce lending professional (CDLP) as part of your divorce team will provide peace of mind because you will know they have the financial knowledge and expertise to bridge that connection between family law, mediation and mortgage financing strategies. When working with divorcing clients, it is necessary to provide guidance for future mortgage needs in addition to just the current transaction. Credit: Maintaining a good credit during a divorce is important when wanting to qualify for a buyout or purchase. The first thing to do is handle any joint accounts. Wanda Norge You do not want to remain Wanda Norge, mortgage conon a joint account unless you plan to be sultant (NMLS: 280102), certified divorce responsible for that payment. Keep in mind, lending professional (CDLP), National Asthe other party can access that account, run sociation of Divorce Professionals (NADP) up balances and may not care about making Leadership Team. Equilane Lending, LLC payments. (NMLS: 387869), 16 years experience. Contingent liabilities: Debts can Phone: 303-419-6568, loans@wandanbe assigned to a specific party as part of a orge.com, wandanorge.com settlement. Lenders do not need to count these items against you if it is not assigned to you. However, that does not remove you from being responsible for payments Continued from page 8 in the creditor’s eyes. You are still both responsible. demands change in what, when and how we Timing and documentation proof: feed our 87,000 students in 154 facilities. Or Once a divorce petition has been filed, a improvements in how we protect these young finalized divorce settlement or temporary lives. Or even the times they start and finish, settlement signed by the court will be are transported and so many other complex required for a new mortgage, especially if and seemingly impossible-to-solve challenges, children are involved. Proof of the amount McDermott uses his skills to make sure all of maintenance and/or child support, age of voices and opinions are being represented in the kids and length of support all factor in each conversation. It is amazing how he turns if that income must be used for qualifying. the craziness of of social media into civil faceProof of consistent amounts for at least six to-face dialogue with a single goal of making months (some loans can be one or three improvements for the benefit of that precious months) of this kind of income and three end user – the student. year’s continuance past the funding of the Our lunch was over and he left me with loan is required. this statement, which has stayed with me every Joint checking and savings: Split day since: “Status quo is not an option. Things into individual accounts as soon as possible. need to progress and move forward. Staying as For example: husband will be paying wife we are is simply not possible.” child support/maintenance, but the funds Excellent plan, Tom. are deposited into a joint account since it Questions for this guest writer or suggeshas not been split yet. This does not work tions for future guest writers should be sent in for a lender in terms of qualifying the wife to TheGuy@KW.com as receiving that income. The income needs

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Kuklinski Continued from page 1

special diets. I would go down the aisles and find gluten-free crackers and other options – a lot more than just broccoli.” Baked goods were high on Kuklinski’s list of foods she missed. Having been inspired during visits to her great grandmother’s home in Missoula, Mont., when she was eight, Kuklinski started gluten-free baking. “My great grandma was a great baker,” she said. “She’d make cinnamon rolls and have her bridge ladies over. We’d make cakes and cookies and that sort of thing. ”But baking wasn’t something only for special occasions, sometimes it was just because. In those days, you always had something on hand, like icebox cookies, for the unexpected guest. Almost like a survival necessity.” Gluten-free baking requires finding substitutes for wheat flour and usually adding xanthan gum to provide an elasticity similar to that of traditional wheat-based breads and cakes. “Cakes are easier to pull off as a match to regular wheat flour cakes. As with any diet, it’s nice to have those same textures and flavors that you can’t have otherwise,”

Kuklinski said. She first started baking gluten-free from scratch, using all the typical flours used in gluten-free baking: brown and white rice flours, sorghum flour and a variety of starches, including tapioca, arrowroot and potato. “It was like a laboratory of different ingredients,” she said. Over time, as the industry has grown, she has incorporated commercially available mixes into her cupboard, while falling back on individual ingredients when the need arises. “My big thing is my great grandma’s cinnamon rolls, to bake them gluten-free. And I really like cookies. They don’t last very long here at the house.” One of her favorite go-to sites for glutenfree recipes is GlutenFreeOnAShoestring. com. “The woman who runs that site has a son with celiac disease. She doesn’t want her son to never have a Twinkie, so she’ll make a gluten-free version of that, which I think is really cool. “A lot of my friends and family members have a gluten intolerance. My husband’s brother has arthritis; he’s gluten-free and he feels he gets relief by staying away from wheat.” Based on her personal experience, Kuklinski said she believes that a growing

population is trending toward a gluten-free diet. In fact, a 2019 study published in the Gastroenterology Journal states, “American market research found that 44 percent of people buy gluten-free food for reasons other than GS [gluten sensitivity}, and that 65 percent believe that a GSD [gluten-free diet] is generally healthier. This trend has driven the worldwide gluten-free industry from values of $1.7 billion in 2011 to 3.5 billion in 2016, and it is forecast to reach $4.7 billion in 2020.” “I think even if people don’t have a serious health issue, they are finding they feel better when they reduce or eliminate gluten from their diet,” Kuklinski said. “I think it’s a good thing for people to try a different way to eat and see how it makes them feel.” While Kuklinski sells her baked goods directly to individuals and rents booth space at the Edgewater Farmer’s Market in the summertime, you won’t find her baked items in stores. She operates under the Cottage Foods Act, which the Colorado legislature enacted in 2012. According to its website (https:// www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/cottagefoods-act), “The Cottage Foods Act allows limited types of food products that are non-potentially hazardous (do not require refrigeration for safety) to be sold directly to

consumers without licensing or inspection.” Baked goods and preserves, which Kuklinski also sells, are allowed under this act. “I label my products as ‘Gluten-less’ because I bake everything at home, and I can’t guarantee my kitchen to be glutenfree. My packaging has to have a disclaimer with all the ingredients and my contact information – it’s a safety protocol. I do cater more to people who have sensitivities to wheat and gluten.” Her disclaimer also states that her products are produced in a home kitchen that “may also process common food allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, fish, and crustacean shellfish.” Her products are not intended for resale. Some products available in stores that are naturally gluten-free are labeled glutenfree (GF), and Kuklinski has an opinion about that. “I think it’s overkill to label a thing as GF when it naturally doesn’t contain gluten. I think it draws attention to how little people know about their food. One example, at my work, they started labeling guacamole as ‘vegan,’ and people would ask, ‘Where’s the non-vegan guacamole?’” For more information about Kuklinski’s gluten-free baked goods, email LogenberryBakery@outlook.com.

Holidays Continued from page 1

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only handmade goodies but also free hot chocolate and fantastic deals on pizzas. The restaurant is located at 5807 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge, and the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 720-287-5915. Art in the Denver Highlands presents its holiday arts and crafts market on both Saturday, Dec. 7 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, Dec. 8 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The event takes place at the Elks Lodge #17 (2475 W. 26th Ave., Denver) and features locally made artwork and unique gifts for everyone on your list. For more information, check out facebook.com/artinthehighlands. Looking to support a local charity? The Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) will be hosting its 18th annual holiday bazaar on Thursday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at 11177 W. 8th Ave., in Lakewood, this free event features everything from handmade crafts and gifts, a bake sale, silent auction and even a visit from Santa. The best part? Everything benefits DDRC and the people it serves in both Jefferson and Summit counties. For more information, call 303-462-6585. Have little ones? Head on over to The Wonder Co. (6101 W. 38th Ave., Wheat Ridge) for their holiday workshop. For $35, kids ages 4 to 12 can create their very own gingerbread house as well as a gift to wrap. This drop-off event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 from both 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m. Reserve your spot at wondercodenver. com. As we inch closer to the end of November, more events are announced every day. Keep an eye out on NextDoor, Facebook and sites like milehighonthecheap.com, which list affordable festivities in the greater metro area. Community boards at libraries and local restaurants are also great places to scope out smaller celebrations in your neighborhood.

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MEDICALLY SPEAKING ‘BE FAST’ When It Comes To Stroke or are they unable to speak, or difficult to understand? • T is for time: call 9-1-1 to get to the troke is the fifth leading cause of death in hospital right away if a person shows any of the U.S. and is a major cause of serious these signs, even if it’s just one disability. Nationally, about or if they go away. 795,000 people have a stroke There are two different each year. However, stroke is types of stroke. The most preventable and it is treatable common type happens when a when you “BE FAST.” clot blocks a vessel supplying First, it is important to know blood to the brain. The second your risk factors for stroke and type is a bleeding stroke, where how to lower your chances of there is a ruptured blood vessel having a stroke. Talk to your within the brain. This type of health care provider about your stroke may cause any of the risks, such as A-fib, high blood “BE FAST” signs and/or include pressure, high cholesterol, heart a sudden, severe headache disease, diabetes and smoking, Jessica Telesco without known cause. to name a few. At a certified comprehensive stroke Second, getting fast treatment is center, like Lutheran Medical Center, important in preventing death and disability all stroke symptoms are taken seriously. from stroke. Seconds count when we are Specialized stroke teams will quickly talking about your brain. Recognizing the evaluate you, including brain imaging, to signs and symptoms of a stroke and calling best determine what type of stroke you may 9-1-1 right away will allow you to “BE FAST” be having. and increase the chances of a better recovery. Treatment with a clot-busting • B is for balance: Is there a sudden loss medication and/or removal of the clot of balance? through a procedure can be done for the • E is for eyes: Has there been vision loss type of stroke caused by clots. If it is a in one or both eyes? bleeding stroke, the stroke team will take • F is for face: Ask the person to smile. action to stop the bleeding. The availability Does one side of the face droop or is it and success of these treatments is highly numb? reliable on early recognition and getting to • A is for arms: Ask the person to raise the hospital via 9-1-1. So BE FAST! both arms. Is one arm weak, drift down, or Jessica Telesco is the stroke coordinanumb? tor at Lutheran Medical Center. • S is for speech: Is the speech slurred

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The Silent Plague Of Sympathetic Overdrive key to activating the PNS is the vagus nerve. This nerve is so named because it “wanders” ur bodies are equipped with amazing like vagabond, sending out sensory fibers mechanisms that operate without the from your brainstem to your organs. Strong need to even think about it. This is called vagal tone is vital because it regulates every the Autonomic Nervous System. There function in our body. are two branches at work in this system: Here are some fascinating jobs for which Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and this powerful nerve bundle is responsible: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS). • Preventing inflammation – The Sympathetic Nervous alerting the brain to draw System (SNS) is responsible out anti-inflammatory for the fight or flight stress neurotransmitters that regulate response. When activated, immune response. our body experiences a rush • Making memories – of survival mechanisms. A stimulating the vagus nerve sequence of nerve-cell firing strengthens memory by occurs as chemicals including releasing the neurotransmitter adrenaline, noradrenaline and norepinephrine into the cortisol are released into the amygdala, which consolidates bloodstream. Our brain’s logical memories. reasoning mechanism is ignored • Breathing – eliciting the when our body perceives danger. neurotransmitter acetylcholine, Leann Filley This is why we are overstimulated which tells your lungs to breathe. in a world of rush-hour traffic and pinging • Heart rate – sending electrical notifications. Unfortunately, the same lifeimpulses to specialized muscle tissue. saving mechanism can also become a threat • Relaxation – telling your body to “chill in and of itself. out” by releasing acetylcholine, the chemical Comparing our body to a car, the SNS that calms you down. would be the gas pedal. The fuel flooding People with a stronger vagus response our system would be the stress hormones. may be more likely to recover more quickly The accelerator could become stuck in SNS, after stress, injury or illness. Your vagus nerve forcing us into hyper-alert. Symptoms of this is a translator between your brain and gut, like state could be a number of things ranging a “walkie-talkie” telling your brain how your from anxiety, digestive issues, insomnia, body feels. Gut feelings are very real! low libido and many more. This can lead to One simple practice that can a compromised ability to detox, heal, digest, increase your vagal tone can be done by fight off illness, and just plain rest. incorporating slow, rhythmic breathing into The opposite is the Parasympathetic your daily routine. We’ve known for years Nervous System (PNS), or the body’s that breathing exercises and meditation are brake. When this is activated, our body helpful for our health, and it’s fascinating to is in a relaxed state, and our digestion, learn the body mechanisms that make them detoxification and immune function is work. optimal. On a chemical level, the release of Leann Filley is a trainer and accountstress hormone, cortisol, is suppressed. The ability coach at Feed Your Soul Fitness. n By

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Have a news tip or story idea? Send it to editor@ngazette.com

ngazette.com – NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WEST METRO FIRE

What’s Happening in the WRBA

High-Tech Competition Could Shape The Future Of Firefighting n By

Ronda Scholting

hen her family escaped from the smoke and flames, a five-year-old Lakewood girl ran to the safety of her bedroom closet. And that’s where West Metro firefighters found her, after searching through total darkness inside the family’s home. She was injured, but survived. Life safety is the number-one concern on scene of a structure fire and firefighters rely on years of training and experience to methodically search through rooms, behind doors and under furniture for people who might be trapped. In most cases, firefighters can’t see anything and hearing is difficult. The reasons why new technology – based on vibrations or touch – could help fire crews find the victims more quickly and get them to safety. This month, West Metro firefighters were able to try out that new technology during a competition at West Metro’s Training Center where teams of developers put their prototypes to the test. It’s known as haptic technology, which creates a vibration or touch sensation to communicate. In the competition, those vibrations told firefighters where to go to find a “victim“ inside a smoke-filled building. ”It was strange at first, allowing the technology to guide me,” said West Metro Captain Todd Heinl. ”But, it worked. I was able to get in, find the victim and get out in about three minutes.” The prototypes, created by four

teams of developers, were integrated into firefighter helmets, jacket liners and gloves. For example, a vibration on a firefighter’s left meant a left turn, while a vibration on the right meant a right turn. Vibrations in the middle told the firefighter to go straight. The event was sponsored by the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) division of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The goal of the competition was to get the firefighters in and out of a smoky building with the quickest time, after locating and rescuing the ”victim“ – a child-size dummy. “You’ll not see any of this on the market tomorrow, but what we’re trying to do is encourage these new companies and these new innovators to get involved in public safety,” said Dereck Orr, Division Chief with the Public Safety Communications Research Division at NIST. “We’d like them to take this technology forward so it could be available for first responders in the next five to 10 years.” It’s possible that haptic technology could be an alternative to radio communication and give firefighters “eyes” inside a fire where search techniques now have crews using their sense of touch to feel their way around. “It has to be something that we’re not relying solely on, but, it could enhance our ability to get the job done,” Heinl said. Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

REACH 25,000 HOMES MONTHLY! Contact Tim Berland 303-995-2806 • tim@ngazette.com

The November Breakfast Meeting was a great way to learn about Finding Your Ideal Customer with our Speaker Joyce Deming from Jefferson County Public Library. Thanks to our Sponsor Wheat Ridge Dentists and Spotlights Alpenglow Acupuncture & Mahnke Auto Body.

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON 2019

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019– ngazette.com

WHAT’S HAPPENING and returning the unwrapped present to the department’s office in the mall. You can donate presents through Dec. 13. Agents deliver the gifts to children as a part of the department’s Christmas Cheer for Children program. For other holiday happenings, visit Lakewood.org/HolidayEvents.

Free Holiday Bazaar Benefits Developmental Disabilities Resource Center, Dec. 5

VOLUNTEERS HELP ERECT A CHICKEN COOP at Five Fridges Farm, located at 11100 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge. Numerous charitable organizations like Five Fridges benefit from Colorado Gives Day, which is Dec. 10. Make your donations through coloradogives.org. PHOTO COURTESY COLORADO GIVES

Cooking Oil Recycling Event Coming Up, Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 Get ready to recycle your used cooking oil from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Quail Street Recycling Center, 1068 Quail St. This annual event helps divert oil from going to the landfill or ending up in the municipal sanitary sewer system. Vegetable oil is not usually accepted at this location. Recycling is free, but donations are welcome. Staff is available for recycling questions. The center is open Monday through

Sunday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed major holidays, including Thanksgiving. Learn more about recycling at Lakewood.org/recycling.

Angel Tree Is An Opportunity To Provide A Gift For A Local Child In Need Lakewood Police Department’s Angel Tree at Colorado Mills Mall near the Target store provides an opportunity for residents to buy a present for a Lakewood child in need by picking an ornament from the tree

The 18th annual Developmental Disabilities Resource Center holiday bazaar takes place Thursday, Dec. 5, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 11177 W. 8th Ave., in Lakewood, to benefit people and programs of Jefferson and Summit counties. The market features handmade arts and crafts, unique gifts and jewelry, a bake sale and silent auction. Santa will visit, carolers will sing, and door prizes will be awarded. Admission is free.

For information, call 303-462-6585.

Colorado Gives Day is Dec. 10. Schedule your donations early! If you can believe it, this year marks only the 10th anniversary of Colorado Gives Day. Seems like this great tradition has been going forever. Join thousands of Coloradans and support your local nonprofits Tuesday, Dec. 10. Twenty-two Wheat Ridge nonprofits are registered to benefit from this important day, including Family Tree, Inc., Colorado PTA, Early Childhood Council Leadership Alliance and so many more. This statewide movement to celebrate and increase philanthropy through online giving has raised $217 million for Colorado nonprofits since 2010. Last year alone, donors gave more than 161,060 donations to 2,547 nonprofits totaling $36.5 million. This year, a $1.5 million incentive fund has been made possible by Community First Foundation, FirstBank and other community members and boosts the value of every donation. Make your donations through coloradogives.org on Dec. 10 or schedule in advance.

Mark Your Calendar For Art In The Highlands Holiday Arts & Crafts Market, Dec. 7 & 8

Check Out A St. Anthony’s Volunteer Information Session, Dec. 11

Art In The Denver Highlands Northside is staging a Holiday Arts and Crafts Market. The weekend event will be held Saturday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Elks Lodge #17, 2475 W. 26th Ave., Denver. Parking and admission is free.

With the new year approaching – and with it, “resolution season” – perhaps you’re looking for a place to volunteer? Consider St. Anthony’s hospital where there are opportunities in various departments. You can also simply welcome visitors and patients at one of the hospital’s information desks – a very important job when you

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ArtInTheHighlands.

Continued on page 15

ngazette.com – NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

WHAT’S HAPPENING Continued from page 14

consider how disorienting and sometimes frightening a hospital visit can be. To volunteer with St. Anthony’s visit centura.org/locations/st-anthony-hospital/ volunteer-opportunities and fill out the “Online Volunteer Application” form there. After you have completed the form, attend an informational session to learn more about the hospital and its volunteer program. To register for the informational session, visit eventbrite.com and search “St. Anthony's volunteer information session” there. The next informational session is Wednesday, Dec. 11, from 4 to 7 p.m. in the St. Anthony Hospital auditorium (rooms E and F).

Lakewood’s Calling All Artists To Help Celebrate Earth Day Lakewood wants you to give them your vision for Earth Day – and there’s a prize for the best. Lakewood is looking for hometown artists to create the design for the city’s annual Earth Day Celebration festival. The winning design will be used on posters, T-shirts and other promotional items, and the artist receives $200. Lakewood’s Earth Day Celebration will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and demonstrate how the community can continue making a difference for the next 50 years. The event will bring the community together on April 18, 2020, with music, food, art, exhibits and activities that increase environmental awareness.

New Classical Academy To Take Place Of Vivian Elementary Next School Year Vivian Elementary in Lakewood will become the New Classical Academy at Vivian for the 2020-21 school year, Jeffco Public Schools announced. The restructured elementary school will implement a modern version of the classical academy curriculum, blending the foundational elements of the classical model while elevating the Jeffco Generations Skills, according to an Oct. 24 release from the school district. “With traditional programming focused around core knowledge, as well as content anchored in Greek and Latin roots, the PreK-5 elementary school aims to create 21st century philosophers,” according to the release. “Students will combine the valuable lessons learned from history with Jeffco Public Schools Generations Skills of content mastery, critical thinking and creativity, collaboration, agility and adaptability, civic and global engagement, and communication to become active, engaged members in their communities and successfully pursue their

life goals.” Vivian has weathered years of declining enrollment due to fewer families with elementary age students living in its boundary area, in addition to the impact of school choice. District and school leaders met in early fall to consider the viability of the school under its current structure. “Recognizing that there is strong demand for the classical academy model within the community, district and school officials determined that creating a New Classical Academy at Vivian was the most viable option for the school and had the greatest appeal for both staff and families.” Enrollment in New Classical Academy at Vivian will be available to any family living in the Vivian boundary area. Families living outside of the boundary area can utilize the choice enrollment process, which opens in Jeffco Public Schools on Dec. 10. The transition will include new school branding, student uniforms, building renovations including a new playground, as well as other developments as the programming is fully determined, according to the release.

Jeffco Public Health Nurses Got Their Flu Shots – Shouldn’t You? Flu season is here, and Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) isn’t just encouraging everyone to get their annual flu vaccine as soon as possible – its entire workforce is getting vaccinated, too. By getting vaccinated against the flu, JCPH workforce members are helping to protect coworkers, clients who come through our doors for services and the communities in which we live and visit, according to a release from the county. ”Getting the flu vaccine is one of the most important things we can do to help keep ourselves and those we come in Continued on page 16

Learn more about the New Classical Academy at Vivian at www.viviannewclassical.org.

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

Submit a design by Jan. 13 at Lakewood.org/EarthDay.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE– NOVEMBER 18 – DECEMBER 15, 2019– ngazette.com

Happenings Continued from page 15

contact with healthy,” said Gwyn RodmanRice, who supervises a team of public health nurses at JCPH. “As nurses, we hope to set an example for our community, and to be a resource for anyone who has questions or would like to know more about the flu vaccine.” Even though it is early in the 20192020 flu season, 27 people in Colorado have already been hospitalized due to the flu, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. During the 2018-2019 flu season, there were 367 hospitalizations due to the flu in Jefferson County alone. Public health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of getting the flu or experiencing serious complications from the virus, including people 65 and older, young children, pregnant women and people with certain chronic medical conditions. Additional recommendations include: • There are two flu vaccines specifically for persons 65 and older; people should talk to their healthcare provider about which vaccine is best for them.

• Children who are younger than 9 years who are getting the flu vaccine for the first time, and those under 9 who have only previously gotten one dose of the vaccine, should get two doses of the vaccine. They should receive their first dose as soon as vaccine becomes available and the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose. • Pregnant women have more serious complications if they get the flu and should be vaccinated as soon as possible. A flu shot given during pregnancy has been shown to not only protect the mother from flu, but also to help protect the baby from flu infection for several months after birth, before he or she is old enough to be vaccinated. Visit www.vaccinefinder.org to find a nearby location to get the vaccine. JCPH’s Immunization Clinic, located at 645 Parfet St. in Lakewood, provides low- or no-cost flu vaccinations for anyone who needs help paying for the vaccine. Call 303-239-7078 to make an appointment. For additional information about the flu, visit www.jeffco.us/2143/Influenza.

HUD Awards $218,449 To Jefferson County Housing Authority The Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded $218,449 to

Jefferson County Housing Authority on Oct. 31 to assist young people aging out of foster care and who are at risk of experiencing homelessness. It was one of nearly a dozen housing authorities receiving a total of $1.5 million. Funded through HUD’s new Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) Initiative, this funding will offer housing vouchers to local public housing authorities to prevent or end homelessness among young adults under the age of 25 who are, or have recently left, the foster care system without a home to go to. FYI requires that communities provide supportive services for the length of assistance to help youth achieve selfsufficiency. These activities center around basic life skills, landlord outreach and job preparation. Additionally, they will receive educational and career counseling as well as counseling on program and lease compliance. This is critical given that the assistance is time limited. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that more than 20,000 young people age out of foster care each year. The National Center for Housing and Child Welfare estimates that approximately 25 percent of these young people experience homelessness within four years of leaving foster care and an even higher share are precariously housed.

Wheelchair Rugby Practice Shows Benefit Of Lakewood’s Therapeutic Recreation Program Want to see an intense rugby practice? The Denver Harlequins wheelchair rugby team has been using gym space at Charles Whitlock Recreation Center, 1555 Dover St., for its practices about three times a week, according to a release from the City of Lakewood. “It can get really exciting and loud. There’s contact between wheelchairs as players block opponents,” says Shelby Nellis, a Lakewood therapeutic recreation programmer. “It breaks the stigma that people with disabilities need to be treated delicately.” Four members of the Denver Harlequins compete on the U.S. wheelchair rugby team, which won first place at the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge 2019 in Japan this October. The U.S. team will head back to Tokyo for the 2020 Paralympic Games, having locked in its spot with a win over Canada for the gold medal at the Parapan American Games. “It’s important for people to see athletes with disabilities not letting anything hold them back,” said Nellis. “They’ve gotten a lot of attention here. They’re a source of inspiration for people of all abilities.” While a wheelchair rugby league isn’t offered by the city, Lakewood believes that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves choices for health, leisure, recreation and wellness to enhance quality of life, according to the release. The robust therapeutic recreation program and its summer day camp serves more than 250 people annually, and Lakewood Recreation is committed to inclusion and accessibility across all of its programs. For more information about Lakewood’s therapeutic recreation program, visit Lakewood.org/TherapeuticRec or call 303-9874867. To learn more about the Denver Harlequins Quad Rugby, visit DenverQuadRugby.org.

Have a talk with your teen about vaping and tobacco. Many teens don’t realize that vaping, like traditional tobacco use, can lead to serious health problems. When teens are addicted to nicotine, it can prime the developing brain for cigarette smoking and other addictive behaviors. Adults can talk to the teens in their lives about vaping and tobacco by asking honest questions about what teens are experiencing, either through their or their friends’ use.

The best way to show your teen you care?

Be there.

Jefferson County Communities That Care