EDGEWATER MAYOR Newly Seated Mayor, Council Roll Up Their Sleeves Page 4
NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS Fine Art at the Rise & Shine Biscuit Kitchen and Cafe Pages 7
NEIGHBORHOOD DINING Chocolate Never Goes Out of Season Page 10
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December 19, 2017 – January 15, 2018 • ngazette.com • FREE
Colorado Mills Opens After Hail Forces Closure n By
Gwen Clayton
M
ireya Velazquez walks around Colorado Mills on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving with her hands full of packages. Helping her with equally loaded arms are her mother and three children. “We wanted to see the stores,” Velazquez said. “I wanted to buy some things before I go home to Mexico.” The young mother and her family were visiting Denver from Durango – not the Colorado city, but the place south of the United States border. Velazquez was one of hundreds of shoppers to attend the grand re-opening of the Colorado Mills shopping mall in Lakewood on Nov. 21. The site had closed this past May after a hail storm damaged the roof and inventory. Many of the stores were waiting for Black Friday on Nov. 24 to open – and some will not re-open until 2018 – but the dozens of stores that did greet shoppers on opening day welcomed the life flowing through the halls. “We’ve had great traffic,” said Mike Manning, assistant Continued on page 5
ROBERTA’S CHOCOLATES IN EDGEWATER prepares for the holiday rush. December is the busiest season for local chocolate vendors; see story on page 10. PHOTO BY GWEN CLAYTON
Volunteers Make Meals on Wheels Go Round – But Funding’s in Peril n By
Mike McKibbin
J
ack R. Russell likes to talk. But living alone in a small apartment in Lakewood means there isn’t always someone around to listen to the 87-year-old U.S. Marine veteran. That’s why Russell happily greets volunteers with the Meals on Wheels program at his front door. Run for the last 43 years in the metro Denver area by Volunteers of America Colorado, the program is one of a nationwide network of 5,000 local community-run programs. Russell has received meals for the last 8 months and said he appreciated the “overall assisting” the program provides. “I can’t get around as much due to my legs, and it really helps financially,” he said.
will only increase if current funding levels are not adequately boosted. This would, in turn, cause a far greater taxpayer burden through costly Medicare and Medicaid expenses.” The Older Americans Act has supported senior nutrition programs for 45 years and provides 35 percent of the funding for Meals on Wheels nationally. Backers worry about this “foundational funding source” if Congress does not reach a bipartisan budget agreement “with realistic caps on defense and nondefense discretionary spending.” In September, Meals on Wheels America and Care2 delivered more than 112,000 petition signatures to Congressional leadership and members who sit on key legislative committees, urging Congress to avoid cuts to federal funding for Meals on Wheels programs. Supporters also
shared more than 1,000 paper plates with personalized messages from recipients, volunteers and supporters about the impact of Meals on Wheels, part of a nationwide #SaveLunch campaign.
100,000+ meals delivered in JeffCo
The metro Denver program area includes seven counties included in the Denver Regional Council of Governments, or DRCOG. Last year, the program served 100,615 noon meals to senior citizens in Jefferson County, according to Dale Elliott, division director of aging and nutrition services for Volunteers of America Colorado. That compared to 94,000 in the 2015-16 fiscal year and 98,000 in 2014-15, Elliott noted. Another 3,400 “emergency” meals (six meals delivered at one time in case of
weather-related program closures) were also handed out last year. “The demand has been pretty steady most of the time,” Elliott said. “There’s a little up and down movement at times.” The Jefferson County program runs on a $700,000 budget, with VOA contributing $4 million to programs across Colorado, Elliott said. Statewide, the program had nearly $15 million in expenditures last year. Unlike some Meals on Wheels programs across the country, Elliott said the state of Colorado has been “extremely proactive” in funding senior services. “That makes up a very large chunk of our funding,” Elliott added. Most of the local program’s federal funds - 46 percent - come through the Older Continued on page 2
Federal budget cuts proposed
The national program drew attention in March, when President Donald Trump’s proposed 2018 “skinny” budget included the elimination of the Community Services, Community Development and Social Services block grants. Some Meals on Wheels programs rely on those funding sources to deliver nutritious meals to atrisk seniors, either to homes or in group settings, such as assisted living and senior care centers. In a May statement, Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander noted the primary source of federal funding – the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program – would see a $3 million decrease from current levels under Trump’s proposed budget. “This is taking place at a time when these nutrition programs are already serving 23 million fewer meals than in 2005,” Hollander added in the statement. “While waiting lists mount in every state, the number of seniors threatened by hunger
W E ST C O L FA X S K E TC H E S
Christmas Comes But Once a Year… By Kris Autobee
T
his month West Colfax Sketches turns its attention to Christmas. Modern Christmas is a holiday of extremes. One extreme aspires to have “peace on earth among men of good will,” the other end of the spectrum is a maze of tinsel and materialism. The first extreme is given less time every year while the second extreme will be encroaching on Labor Day in the near future. Nowhere is this more evident than small town newspapers of the 20th century, including our own East Jefferson Sentinel. In 1938, the East Jefferson Sentinel was published weekly on Thursdays, claimed a circulation of 15,000, and limited its coverage Continued on page 2
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 19, 2017 –JANUARY 15, 2018– ngazette.com
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Americans Act. Around 85 percent of the program’s money comes from those state and federal sources, Elliott said, with 9 to 10 percent from fundraising. “That’s very much a large segment of funding, so it would be hard to continue to run things as we have if that took a major hit” from Congressional budget cuts in the coming fiscal year, Elliott added. “We’ve had conversations with DRCOG and some of the other agencies (about funding help in case of federal cutbacks), but we have not changed our ask from the state, just because they’ve been so very proactive.”
Volunteers, seniors become friends
In metro Denver, around 150 volunteers deliver hot meals to senior citizens five days a week, along with frozen meals for Saturdays. Each volunteer delivers an average of 670 meals a year, Elliott noted. Each hot or frozen meal costs the program an average of $7. Nancy Collier of Golden has organized the delivery program at Montair Christian Church, 1390 Benton St. in Lakewood, for 37 rosivdA nayears. oL .rShe S –joined neerthe G .program M niveafter K seeing a story in a local newspaper. Her main duty gninnur sraey 6 enizagaM 0825 ni lanoisseforP ratS eriF dedrawA is to transfer the hot meals from coolers to paper bags - “They call me the packer,” Collier said with a laugh – for delivery by volunteers to seniors in need. Anne Robinson of Arvada has delivered meals for two years and got involved when she was close to retiring and considering volunteering. “I wanted something like this, something
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991,802; 18.50 percent. 136,075; 13.70 percent. .emitLiving yna 2593Alone: -568 • Seniors Isolated 237,885; 24.20 percent. • Seniors Living In or Near Poverty: 226,947; 23.10 percent. • 46.60 percent of funding comes from the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. • 53.40 percent of funding comes from other sources. • 81 percent say it improves their health. • 92 percent say it enables them to keep living at home. • 90 percent say it makes them feel more safe and secure. • A senior Meals on Wheels lunch can be delivered for one year for about the same cost as one day in a hospital.
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that would be consistent, and you could develop friendships,” she said. The seniors Robinson delivers hot meals to are “like friends.” “I bring them birthday presents with their meals and they buy little treats for me, too,” she added. Tracy Rotter and Maggie Collins of Lakewood volunteer to deliver meals “because senior citizens are often neglected,” Rotter said. Collins added that she and Rotter “have been very blessed and we just want to give something back” to the local community. That goal was appreciated by Russell, who lauded the “kindness of the girls” who deliver his meals. “They’re good fellowship,” he said. “We enjoy good food and good fellowship. I can’t thank them all enough for reaching out and serving.”
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THE MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM SERVED 100,615 noon meals to senior citizens in Jefferson County last year and could be affected by possible federal budget cuts to the nationwide program. PHOTO COURTESY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA.
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of Christmas to four issues beginning with the December first number. A short article, “Popular Christmas Carols,” appears to be from a wire service.147The carols listed are 542 SLMN truly hymns, not pop music, and include many current favorites like “Hark the Herald Angels Sing,” “While Shepherds Watched their Flocks by Night” and “Adeste Fideles.” All of the songs mentioned in this 1938 article were written before 1800, although “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” was set to its familiar upbeat music in 1855. Incidentally, of the 700 radio stations broadcasting across the nation in 1938, only a handful were on the air 24 hours a day. More radio stations broadcasting for more hours means more opportunities for musical artists to sell seasonal music. More opportunities to sell means more can be written, and then of course more seasonal music played to a less-appreciative audience. By the 8th of December, local stores are beginning to advertise “Xmas” and Christmas gifts and decorations. Crites’ Hardware (5416 W. Colfax) takes out a display ad selling “Xmas Lite Sets 29¢.” They have a complete line of both indoor and outdoor sets and bulbs. Mountair Liquor Store (5208 W. Colfax) also has Christmas specials running such as a quart of Blackberry Wine for 49¢. The following week Rose’s 5c to $5.00 Store (7610 W. Colfax) publishes lists of suggested presents for “Her,” “Him” and the “Kiddies.” The ad is quite clear that everything they sell is brand new, and they have “abundant free parking.” Several merchants, including Mountair Liquor and Rose’s encourage
readers to consider the benefits to the community of shopping local. Safeway, at West Colfax and Sheridan, may have had the oddest gift suggestion of 1938. “Ship Colorado Pascal Celery. Ship boxes of this fine celery to your friends and relatives in other parts of the country. Consult your Store Manager for prices, prepaid to destination.” That must have been some celery! There is no indication as to the box size or price without shipping. There are four pages of businesses wishing the community A Joyous Holiday, Greetings, Holiday Greetings, Noel, Season’s Greetings, Yuletide Greetings, Christmas Cheer, Christmas Joy, Merrie and Merry Christmas. These Christmas cards include Lakewood Brick and Tile Co (1325 Jay) “May pleasant memories of the jolly old season linger long after the holidays are over.” Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph, Company’s gift to the community was to offer reduced rates both Christmas Eve and Day. Over and over local businesses thank their customers for their ongoing support and friendship, and wish them joy and happiness over the holidays and in the new year. In the years following World War II, Christmas gained commercial spectacle and season length. In 1964, planning for Christmas begins before Thanksgiving with a short article about a local church and its unusual Christmas tree ornaments. The women of the church were making Styrofoam ornaments in the shapes of religious symbols. The Jefferson Sentinel started an outdoor lighting contest in 1948 with cash and other prizes. The 1964 contest was cosponsored by Public Service Company. The Sentinel paid $75 cash prize for first place Continued on page 10
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 19, 2017 –JANUARY 15, 2018– ngazette.com
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EDGEWATER MAYOR Newly Seated Mayor, Council Roll Up Their Sleeves commitment to Edgewater’s people, and am already humbled and learning from the contributions of the newest council s 2017 comes to an end, Edgewater’s members.” newly seated mayor and city council Caleb Rountree: “I couldn’t be more have rolled up their sleeves and gone to honored to be entrusted with the well-being work. of such a wonderful city. I want to thank We’ve already had a joint meeting with everyone who voted, regardless of who you our Planning and Zoning and BOA to work on voted for. I promise to represent ideas involving non-conforming you with dignity, respect, and Edgewater properties. The integrity. Edgewater is an discussion and further action will amazing place to live and my evolve over time with direction now main goal is to maintain and coming from P&Z and then further further improve our already discussion at workshops at city excellent standard of living. I council meetings. Our first council look forward to working with retreat with our representatives such a dedicated and talented from DOLA and CIRSA occurred council and doing everything last weekend. New members were we can to let families live, grow, quick to join in with ideas as we and stay in our city.” updated our council goals, which John Beltrone: “City Laura Keegan we do every six months. Council has already been very The new Civic Center productive since the swearing-in ceremony. construction is under way with expectations We got a chance to brainstorm with two of a fall 2018 opening date. You can watch city boards on potential changes to the way for updates on the city website. The holiday Edgewater handles additions to homes with season is well under way. Edgewater has an non-conforming structures. A policy change amazing variety of businesses and we urge has the potential to allow homeowners to you to support them as you do you shopping. renovate rather than scrape their property I asked our newly elected councilors for which enables families to stay in Edgewater a statement as they begin their terms: longer. At our Council Retreat, I was Janet Spangenberg: “Edgewater once honored to be able to share the insights I again demonstrated our engaged community received from citizens while campaigning in making our city ‘go’ choosing from an and encouraged by how well the new group impressive list of candidates this past was able to work together.” election. Those who weren’t running came to Happy holidays to everyone! the ‘meet and greets,’ read the Gazette and Contact information for Edgewater ofcampaign literature, and reached out to the ficials is available at: www.edgewaterco. candidates with their concerns. I return for com. a second term with gratitude and renewed n By
Laura Keegan
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HEALTHY EDGEWATER The Health Benefits of Dance Education for Children n By
Lee Stiffler-Meyer
E
ach month, HEALthy Edgewater is bringing you tips, stories and more about healthy eating and active living in Edgewater. This month HEALthy Edgewater interviewed Edgewater’s favorite kids dance teacher Jackie Oxford (a.k.a Ms. Jackie)
How did you get involved in teaching dance here in Edgewater?
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In 1999 I earned my BA in Dance & Teaching from Columbia College, Chicago where I began teaching dance for a seniors group and a middle school youth group. Soon after, I started teaching toddler dance and musical theater classes. Upon moving to Edgewater in 2010, I began searching different children’s dance teaching programs and was ever so delighted to discover a teaching opportunity right here in my own community through the Edgewater Parks & Rec. Earlier this year I created Local Motion Dance, LLC and currently teach Creative Dance, Pre-Ballet, Ballet, Jr. Hip-Hop, and Parent-Tot. What do you think are some of the benefits of dance education for children?
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First and foremost kids enjoy dance classes because they’re fun! As a dance teacher this is a crucial element that I constantly strive for. Of course there are the obvious physical benefits of taking dance as a child: developing strength, endurance,
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and coordination. Repetitive movements in dance can improve muscle tone, correct posture, balance, and overall cardiovascular health. Dance class is a social activity that inspires musicality and imagination. Dancing encourages a child to express their self-confidence and creativity through a fun and energetic way. Watching a child experience the JOY of dance is one of the many reasons I love to teach! How does my family stay healthy?
For the health of my family and as a parent, I often strive for balance. We live in a busy, fast-paced, technology-filled world where we can often forget the simple yet necessary beauty of slowing down, resting, and breathing. Practicing yoga and stretching combined with good restful sleep habits have become so important. On the same hand, it has been said, “A body in motion stays in motion.” Regular exercise can often be as effective as medication. The mind and body are intimately connected. One of our favorite family activities is walking in our beautiful community. It is accessible and fun and gets your heart pumping. Daily doses of laughter is also essential for my family and can indeed be a stress reducer, improves the mood, and enhances creativity. And of course, there’s lots of dancing at home. Lee Stiffler-Meyer is a member of the HEALthy Edgewater Committee.
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5
EDGEWATER COLLECTIVE Edgewater and Gentrification n By
Joel Newton
T
his past month, the term “gentrification” hit the national news. You might have seen the ink! Coffee sign that read “Happily gentrifying the neighborhood since 2014.” The New York Times even ran a story on the sign and the uproar that it brought to the neighborhood just north of downtown Denver. Once again people are discussing the idea of gentrification. One side of the debate speaks of gentrification as a good thing because of the new businesses coming into the area and the redevelopment of rundown properties. The other side of the debate says that gentrification is pushing out long-time residents who are people of color and have lower incomes. The Business Dictionary defines gentrification as: “The process of wealthier residents moving to an area, and the changes that occur due to the influx of wealth. As wealthier inhabitants move into an area that is already populated with lowerincome residents, the neighborhood begins to change as well. Often this will spark an urban renewal process, which cleans up the town, but often leads to an increase in rent, taxes, and other items. Sometimes this change means that the previous residents can no longer afford to live in that neighborhood, which is why gentrification can sometimes be used in a negative context. However, many good changes also historically accompany gentrification, such as decreased crime rates and increased economic activity.” It seems as though many neighborhoods around Denver are in the midst of this gentrification struggle and Edgewater is not immune. Since 2011, home prices and rental rates in Edgewater have skyrocketed. The current Zillow Rent Index for Edgewater is $1,963 per month and according to REcolorado, the median home price in Edgewater is now $320,600. These increases in rent and home values have brought new wealth into our city. Since 2011 new businesses have sprung up in Edgewater to meet this new demographic. A run down liquor store on 25th Avenue became Bottles and Bitters. The vacant pawn shop at 25th and Sheridan became Joyride Brewing Company. A hair salon became Wine Beer Fat. Edgewater Coffee Company became Coda Coffee. Even our McDonalds and Burger King are being remodeled following the remodel of King Soopers. The next few years will bring even more redevelopment to 20th and Depew as well as the city-owned properties on 25th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard. Our housing stock around town is also changing. As houses sell new owners come in and scrape houses that were in disrepair especially on the east side of town. Now when you look across Sloan’s Lake at the skyline of Edgewater you can see three story
Colorado Mills Continued from page 1
manager for U.S. Polo Association. His store reaped the benefits of its heavy social media and email campaigns announcing the reopening and offering special deals. “A lot of people were curious to see. Everybody’s buying.” In a press release dated Nov. 6, The Mills President Gregg Goodman said, “We are grateful for our community’s patience, thankful to all the men and women who have labored tirelessly to get us to this point, and look forward to the balance of the tenants reopening in the next several months.” The release claimed Colorado Mills is the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the state. Prior to the May 8 hail storm, it was home 119 stores and
duplexes peaking above the businesses on Sheridan. One-story houses are being replaced by two-story houses to meet the tastes of a new generation. This rise in housing costs and new business development in Edgewater fits the definition of gentrification. There are many things to celebrate especially if you have owned a home in Edgewater for years and have seen the value of your home increase. But what are the other costs of this gentrification? Who is being displaced? How will Edgewater change over the next 10 years? In Edgewater and the surrounding Jefferson County, there are not well established advocacy groups like in Denver for those who are being displaced. As lowerincome families and people of color can no longer afford to rent at the Terra Village Apartments on 26th Avenue, they disappear from our city. As Latino families who send their children to our local schools can no longer afford the rents at the duplexes along 20th Avenue, they have to move away. Who is the voice for the displaced? What is the role of the city government in housing affordability? What will be the racial makeup of Edgewater when the next census occurs in 2020? In the midst of a booming Edgewater economy, we must continue to ask who is being left behind and what can be done to make sure that they have a pathway to enjoy the same success.
Native Roots Partners with Bienvenidos for Food Drive In this season of giving, Native Roots collected more than 1,800 pounds of food to benefit Bienvenidos Food Bank in northwest Denver. Food was collected at various Native Roots locations around the Denver area, including the Edgewater location, during the month of November. “Hunger is a devastating world issue that needs support from organizations of all sizes and at all levels of a community,” said Native Roots Dispensary CEO, Ryan Brown. “We are thrilled to partner with Bienvenidos Food Bank in Denver doing our part by donating the food we’ve collected over the last month at our nearby locations with the help of staff, customers and patients who share our commitment to help those in need.” Bienvenidos Food Pantry has been serving families for more than 41 years at their location at 38th and Pecos. “We are grateful to Native Roots for their support and generosity,” said Greg Pratt, Bienvenidos Executive Director. “Although our Northwest Denver neighborhood continues to grow and change, we still have a significant number of families who depend on us for food each week. We greatly appreciate the food donations – especially this time of year.” eateries, such as J. Crew Factory, Eddie Bauer Outlet, Victoria’s Secret and Yard House. Six retailers with exterior entrances to Colorado Mills opened earlier this fall, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Super Target and United Artists Theatres & IMAX. The common areas of Colorado Mills still have some construction left to be done, but construction firm, The Beck Group, plans to have all work completed by early 2018. Colorado Mills is owned by Simon Property Group. The company has premier shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use destinations throughout North America, Europe and Asia, and is an S&P 100 company. Colorado Mills is located at 14500 W. Colfax Ave., in Lakewood. For more information on store openings and hiring opportunities, visit www.coloradomills.com, or on social media at @ColoradoMills.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 19, 2017 –JANUARY 15, 2018– ngazette.com
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40 WEST ARTS DISTRICT
WEST METRO FIRE
Winter Solstice Class, Meditation Group and More
Field Day Tests West Metro Recruits
Liz Black
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ate dawn. Early sunset. Short day. Long night. Winter Solstice is the longest night and shortest day of the year. Symbolically, the solstice is a time of turning inward, into the darkness, into the depths of the unknown. It’s a time of tuning into a deep sense of intuition – trusting your inner voice. In a sense, it is a time of feeling your way in the dark when you cannot see where you are going. Join Container Collective Yoga, 1492 Ammons St., in Lakewood, for a Winter Solstice Class, Thursday, Dec. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., to reflect on what has been and what will be through intention setting, restorative yoga and yoga nidra. Learn more at www.cc360denver.com.
Taoist-Style Sitting Meditation Group, Dec. 28 Join 40W artist and creative Richard Eversley for a sitting meditation that will help to center and relax the mind, relieve mental stress and increase oxygen flow to the body, Thursday, Dec. 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Bring a pillow and/or a mat. $5 suggested donation. This course is held at 40W Studios, located at 1615 Reed St., in Lakewood. For more information, visit www.40 westarts.org/Events.
Mark Your Calendars for ‘About the Body’ 40 West Arts, Lakewood’s state-certified arts district, invites the public to celebrate its newest exhibition titled “About the Body.” Opening in February, this exhibit explores the multiple aspects of the human body including cycle of life, birth and aging, wrinkles, scars, markings and more. The exhibit will also focus on things that can be ascribed to the physical self such as attitudes toward bodies and topics of selfesteem, body size, and body acceptance among others. The body is a topic that is fundamental to both art and human existence. We’re excited to kick off our 2018 exhibition schedule with this show because it’s a recognizable and accessible topic for artists, but it also has so many fresh and unique opportunities, especially with topics like body size, body acceptance and gender issues gaining a large and profound voice in recent years. The opening reception for “About the Body” will take place First Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. at 40 West Gallery, located at 1560 Teller St., Lakewood. Beer and wine and light bites will be served. Additionally, multiple galleries in the arts district will be open to the public with exhibitions and opening receptions. Liz Black is the 40 West Arts Executive Director.
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Ronda Scholting
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house fire, a dumpster fire, a car crash, a medical emergency. The calls were coming in one after the other. Almost as soon as the recruits were cleared from one incident, they were on their way to the next. It was a long day, filled with challenges and designed to test the skills of soon to be firefighters – on track to graduate in early December. “This is the first time the recruits have taken everything they’ve learned during Academy and put it all together,” said Lieutenant Dan Fahrney, West Metro Fire Rescue. “They’re teamed up with experienced firefighters on fire engines and ambulances and running calls from beginning to end. We think this gives them a real life look at what it’s going to be like after they graduate.” Over the course of 12 plus hours, the recruits of Class 17-02 would respond to nearly two dozen calls, most on the grounds of West Metro’s Training Center. The class is the second academy of the year with 13 recruits from three fire agencies – West Metro, Tri-Lakes Monument Fire and Castle Rock Fire. “During Academy, we’ve had subjectmatter experts from all three agencies on hand teaching the skills required to be a firefighter,” said Fahrney. “On Field Day, the recruits show how well they’re able to put it all together.” Pairing the recruits with experienced crews was a strategic decision meant to lay the groundwork to prepare them for what would be expected of them as new firefighters. And, it was an opportunity for the experienced crews to once again mentor the younger firefighters.
WEST METRO FIRE ACADEMY RECRUITS put put their rescue and firefighting skills to the test on the grounds of West Metro’s Training Center during “Field Day.” PHOTO: WEST METRO FIRE. On scene at a Field Day car crash, it’s up to the recruits to talk to the victims and determine injuries. In one car, a father and son are both bruised and bleeding, lending a bit of authenticity to the incident. “We try to make the medical calls as realistic as possible and we use makeup to give the recruits something to look at and diagnose,” said Lieutenant Mike Binney, West Metro Fire Rescue. “It’s important to replicate as closely as we can some of the patients they’re going to come into contact with.” After they graduate from the 17-weeklong Academy, the new firefighters will go “on line,” or be assigned to a fire station. “It’s our goal that when they leave Academy, they’re more than ready to respond when people dial 9-1-1,” said Binney. Ronda Scholting is West Metro Fire Rescue’s Communications/Media Relations Specialist.
ngazette.com – DECEMBER 19, 2017 – JANUARY 15, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS
What’s Happening in the WRBA
Fine Art at the Rise & Shine Biscuit Kitchen and Cafe What an amazing 2017 this has been for the Wheat Ridge Business Association!!! And our packed Holiday Lunch today just proved that. Thank you to everyone who joined us and showed their support.
January Membership Breakfast THE RISE AND SHINE BISCUIT KITCHEN AND CAFÉ is a cozy eatery with tasty food and art exhibits on the walls. PHOTO BY NANCY HAHN.
“HOPE STONES” BY GAYLA LEMKE - Ceramic Hope Stones with a variety of interesting quotes by Gayla Lemke.
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sold, most artists have their websites, Instagram accounts, or contact information posted. Original artwork and prints are available on many of their websites. Visit this exhibit to see art you are sure to enjoy in a very diverse art show. Oh, and did I mention the hash browns?
Nancy Hahn
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f you haven’t tried the Rise & Shine Biscuit Kitchen and Cafe at 5126 W. 29th Ave. in Denver, there are several reasons to do so soon. This small jewel of a restaurant has tasty homemade biscuits with an assortment of fresh sandwich ingredients, local beers and ales, and amazing hash browns. Also, the Biscuit Kitchen’s current art and photography show will be ending Jan. 9. Many styles of original art by artists from all across the country are on display in the café, as well as photographs of each of the artists by a local photographer. The artists featured in the show are members of a group called the Legendeers. The goal of the group is to make art and artists an integral part of the world. The group creates events and activities to encourage this interaction and, also, creates activities for artists to meet and interact with other artists. Last summer many members of Legendeers hiked in Zion National Park. Their lead guide was Mahting Putelis, a Denver-area sports and outdoor photographer and videographer. In the spring, the artists sat for a photo session with Mahting. The goal, Mahting felt, was to bring out the unique qualities and amplify the story of each participant that he had observed during their time in Zion. These portraits are included in the exhibit. Each of the artists has one of their works on display and available for purchase. Many different styles and media are included. Andrea Slusarski from Denver creates watercolors inspired by the world around her. Artist Julia Luft wants her dream-like works to inspire the viewer to create their own story from the picture. Key “Maelstrm” Clark, a poet and graphic designer, creates bold and graphic work. Clearly, the artwork and the content are as varied as the artists themselves. While some pieces are already
PHOTO BY NANCY HAHN.
Edge Gallery, at 7001 W. Colfax, is a joy to visit, because the art shows such variety. The “Small Wonders” exhibit just ending is a wonderful mix of all types, sizes and mediums of art with something every visitor would love. The Edge Gallery will celebrate the new year with an open show from Jan. 5 through 28 and will be exhibiting artwork of any medium. The opening reception for the show will be Friday, Jan. 5, from 5 to 10 p.m. The Lakewood Arts Council in Lamar Plaza will begin the new year with a show called “Inspiration in Color.” The show will run from Jan. 3 through 26. Artists can present work in any medium, two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Lakewood Arts sponsors an Open Studio every Friday beginning at 11 a.m. Participants have a quiet classroom to work in with other artists for a minimal charge of $3 for members or $6 for nonmembers. The Edge Theater, at 1560 Teller St., is celebrating the season with a brandnew production. “Resolution,” written by local playwright Josh Hartnell, will be performed through Dec. 31. The play tells the story of six couples who meet yearly in Vail to celebrate the holiday. Each year they make resolutions together, but this year is something different. Visitwww. theedgetheater.com to find out more or Continued on page 11
Fun & Festive Films on Tap at Alamo for the Holidays Elisabeth Monaghan
The Alamo Drafthouse in Sloan’s Lake will wrap up the year and holidays with screenings of seasonal films like “Elf” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” For those interested in a little more audience participation, the theater also will host movie parties for “A Christmas Story,” “Gremlins,” “Home Alone” and “The Polar Express.” The new year starts off with a movie party for Jonathan Demme’s “Stop Making Sense,” a legendary film from 1983, covering a three-night concert in which the band Talking Heads played at Hollywood's Pantages Theater (Jan. 6, 9 p.m.). Also on tap for January at the Alamo Drafthouse are movie parties for “The Princess Bride” (Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m.), “Zoolander” (Jan. 20, 7:45 p.m.), “Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (Jan.
Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, Jan. 4
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Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2018 Time: 7:00am-9:00am Location: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center – 4005 Kipling St. Cost: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members SPEAKER: Michelle Wilson TOPIC: Peace of Mind Productivity
26, 8 p.m.) and “The Wiz” (Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m.). Other special screenings coming to the Alamo Drafthouse in January include Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life,” presented by the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (Jan. 10, 7 p.m.), “Grass: A Nation’s Battle for Life,” a silent film from 1925, which will be presented by the Denver Silent Film Festival (Jan. 14, 6 p.m.) and “(500) Days of Summer” (Jan. 22, 7 p.m.), featuring a live performance of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts Cabaret's “First Date.” Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Denver Actors Fund. One notable screening that will take place on Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Oscar-nominated film “Selma” (Jan. 15, 7 p.m.). To see what else is showing at the Alamo Drafthouse, or more information, visit www.drafthouse.com/denver.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 19, 2017 –JANUARY 15, 2018– ngazette.com
MEDICALLY SPEAKING
SENIOR FOCUS
'Tis the Season – To Keep it Safe
Senior Nutrition Part II: Where to Find Individualized Help
around you. Taking care of yourself during this busy time by exercising, getting proper rest, and eating a mostly-healthy diet can he holidays are a time to join in the help you manage your stress and keep you festivities with friends and family. It’s from getting run down and more prone to also the season for viruses, icy slips and catching a virus. falls and get-togethers, making it In the event you or a a particularly busy time at your loved one does need medical local hospital emergency room. care, you want to make sure While you can’t prevent all you get the right care at the illnesses or accidents, there is a right time. How do you choose lot you can do to keep yourselves where to go – your own doctor, and your loved ones from having an urgent care center or an to make that trip to the doctor. emergency room? • To lessen the risk of One way to help you spreading colds, flu or norovirus make a good decision is to ask – a particularly unpleasant yourself these questions: gastrointestinal virus – avoid Dr. Scott Miner • Do I need to be treated contact with those who are sick. in minutes? Clean surfaces at home, hand-washing, and • Can it wait for hours? staying home from school or work will go a • Will I be OK waiting a day or more? long way in preventing the spread of disease. If you reasonably think that someone • Ever hear the term “Walk like a is having a life-threatening emergency, penguin?” In icy or snowy weather, taking the safest thing to do is to call 911. That care when you’re out of doors to wear way, trained professionals can begin any proper footwear, walking flat-footed, taking necessary treatment before you get to the short steps, and not carrying too much, can hospital, and the hospital staff will already help keep you upright. be informed and ready to take over as soon • The holidays can be a difficult time of as you arrive. year for some. Maybe they’ve experienced a An urgent care clinic is the place to go recent loss, or they just struggle more with when you or your child have a condition loneliness or addiction this time of year. that can’t wait until you can get into your Keep in touch with those around you who doctor's office, or it occurs after-hours but may be in this situation. If someone you doesn’t require the high-level treatment know does need more professional help in found in an ER. order to cope, encourage them to seek it out. Dr. Miner is medical director of the • Stress. We all have it, right? What’s Emergency Department at Lutheran Mediimportant is to be aware of your level of cal Center. stress and how it is affecting you or those n By
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ake charge of your health. Do the research if you want to live longer. Monitor what you eat. Sounds simple enough, right?! It’s not that simple; especially when you add one or more chronic diseases to the mix. It seems like when it comes to medical information, we are constantly being pointed toward the Internet for answers. The problem is that whatever answers we search for can take hours of digging through unreliable or inaccurate articles. Then we have to tailor the search words just right to even begin to answer our original question. There may be information out there about how to eat if you have diabetes or how to eat if you have high blood pressure, but what if you have both? In the first part of our two-part series on nutrition, we spoke with local Certified Nutrition Consultant, Lynn Tandler who gave us tips on eating healthy throughout the holiday season. This month, we would like to focus on where to search for nutritional help for your personal situation. In our search for the best options, we discovered that it takes finding personalized help and not just reading generic Internet publications. According to the National Council on Aging’s article “Nutrition Tips for Seniors with Chronic Conditions,” the best way to start is by “asking your doctor to refer you to a registered dietician.” Of course, searching for your own
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ngazette.com – DECEMBER 19, 2017 – JANUARY 15, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
ASK THE EXPERT Inflammation and its Impact on our Health difficulty moving. One of the most common complains is lower back pain from t its most basic level, inflammation is a muscle strain. With inflammation you can an acute response triggered by tissue get redness and change in temperature in injury due to trauma, chemicals, stress and your skin, swelling, pain due to the swelling infection among others. It is supposed to which can compress nerve endings near the injury. be a healthy way of your body I bet most of you have to protect itself, which we call been dealing with some sort of Acute inflammation. There is pain or health issue for years also Chronic inflammation, and even some can consider it which is a dangerous, out-of“normal” or said: “I have had it control immunological reaction all my life.” Well let me tell you, which can damage healthy cells. it is NOT normal. Sadly most of us have some sort You don’t have to live with of chronic inflammation and are it. There are numerous ways not aware of it. that you can help your body in If your immune system a non-invasive way to decrease and your ability to balance the Yamila Cruz inflammation and pain. For inflammatory forces in your body are impaired, it can be bad. You are example eliminating inflammatory foods, headed toward illness and premature going to the chiropractor, taking highaging. But addressing the causes of quality doctor-recommended supplements inflammation and learning how to live an like Omega 3, and exercising, among others. anti-inflammatory lifestyle and take care of Don’t let pain and inflammation your body in natural ways can lead you to a interfere in your life and get worse. Inflammation is not only in the muscles, we healthy living lifestyle. Common treatments such as anti- can have it in organs or other tissues, and inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen or aspirin), that can lead to very serious problems. Take or steroids like prednisone, interfere with action! Live a healthier better painless life! the body’s own immune response and lead Yamila Cruz-Martinez, DC, FMP and inevitably to serious and deadly side effects. AIP Coach, is with Aim High Chiroprac With inflammation, the muscles tic. Contact her at 303-458-0294 or can spasm leading to severe pain and dr.ycruzmtz@gmail.com. n By
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Ask the Super Questions For Jeffco Education Superintendent Dr. Jason Glass The talk in and out of community meetings, task forces, teacher lounges and homes across Jeffco is about our state being 48th out of 50 in terms of perstudent funding. While what we actually need the funding for is for another day, I find it interesting how most fingers point to a bond, mill levy or some kind of taxation to be the magic solution. In your studies of other education systems around the state, country and world, what other options exist that include a fair balance between governments and business communities that together fund generations of students, future customers and potential employees? Colorado’s struggles in funding education (as well as really any endeavor primarily paid for with state and local tax dollars) is well known. Without getting overly technical, the collision of the Gallagher and TABOR amendments in the state constitution have systematically suppressed revenues available to the state legislature. As public education is the state’s largest expense item, our schools have felt this funding shortfall most directly. While the exact ranking and number can fluctuate depending on how the funding calculations are made, by most accounts Colorado is behind the national average in funding schools by over $2,000 per student. The solutions to this are complex. One set of answers focuses on the state funding system, and working to undo those parts of the Gallagher and TABOR amendments in the state constitution which result in a lack of available revenue. This path requires successfully passing yet another amendment to the state constitution, to effectively undo the choices made by voters in previous years. Specific to education, these state level solutions have a decidedly mixed history, with 2013’s Amendment 66 losing by nearly a two-to-one margin at the polls. The other possible solution is at the local level. At the risk of oversimplifying, school districts can go to the voters and ask for property tax increases in two main ways. The first is something called a “mill levy override,” which allows the local voters to basically add up to 25 percent more funding on top of what the state formula provides. The second is called a “bond,” which gives permission for the school district go borrow money for facilities improvements and then the taxpayers repay the debt over a period of years (usually 20). Both of these local solutions create a property tax increase of some level, depending on the magnitude of the mill levy or bond. The decision on whether or not to increase education funding is also complex. There are those who oppose taxes of any kind and feel that taxes limit the freedom and purchasing power of citizens. And, there are others who support all taxes to support schools because they feel it is an investment in the community and its children. There is merit to both of these perspectives and our goal should be to find a pragmatic middle ground. We do want to keep our taxes reasonable so we keep Jeffco an affordable place to raise a family and to encourage economic growth and development. We also want to have quality schools in Jeffco, so that we prepare our students for their future, prepare a quality workforce, and keep Jeffco an attractive place for families and kids. So, building a winning coalition when it comes to school funding has to involve being transparent and efficient on the potential tax increase, so that we aren’t overburdening taxpayers. It also involves creating a positive and exciting plan for where the funds will be spent that the community can get behind and that will benefit students. This balance is important in all communities, but this is especially so in a politically diverse community such as Jeffco. Our work ahead will be on listening to our community to determine how we can best navigate that balance. Jason E. Glass, Ed.D. Superintendent & Chief Learner Jeffco Public Schools • www.jeffcopublicschools.org If you have a question for our new superintendent please submit it to Guy@Nostalgic Homes.com or call it in to 303-999-5789.
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n the “Nutcracker” ballet, young Clara and her prince arrive in the Land of the Sweets, where they are promptly entertained by Spanish dancers showering them with gifts 6789 W. 44th Ave. (Corner of 44th Ave. & Pierce St.) of a magical candy knowns as chocolate. Wheat Ridge • 303-424-1881 “Chocolate is America’s favorite flavor,” visionsingold.com | gems@visionsingold.com said Dana Cain, owner of Dana Cain Events, 2015 Wheat Ridge Business of the Year and organizer of the Colorado Chocolate Festival. The festival takes place over Mothers Day Weekend at the Denver Mart. 2018 will be the event’s 11th anniversary. “The first year I did this, I was shocked at how many thousands of people showed up,” she said. “You just say ‘chocolate’ and people come out. We have chocolatiers from all the over the region – most are local, but we get some national brands too. There are thousands of samples – customized truffles, candies made in small batches, all different ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! kinds of chocolate.” 7110 West 44th Avenue As hectic as Mother's Day weekend may be, Cain admits that December is the busiest 720-593-1994 season for her vendors. walnutridgefamilymedicine.com “Most of the chocolatiers I know are swamped this time of year because they’re so popular,” she said. ABC LAUNDRY ABC LAUNDRY One local chocolatier is Roberta Poirier Always Bright & Clean who owns Roberta’s Chocolates on West 29th Avenue. The Edgewater location has Always Bright & Clean been open for 16 years, having been in The cleanest and friendliest laundry in town Arvada before that. All chocolates are made onsite. Drop your laundry from 7-11 am “We do everything here,” she said. “We Weekdays & we’ll do it for you! The cleanest and friendliest laundry inmake towntruffles, fudge, filled candies, suckers, $1.50/lb. bars, patties – we have a full-service Ready in 2 business days! chocolate shop.” Drop your laundry from 7‐11 am Weekdays &has one rule for her employees. She 9990 44th Avenue • Wheat Ridge “I tell everybody if they’re making, on 44th east of Kipling south $1.50/lb. sidewe’ll do it on fortheyou! bowing or bagging it: Everything ends in a ATM on site Ready in 2 business days! smile,” she said. “Nobody buys chocolate to make anybody mad. This is the happy, merry Christmas.” On 44th East of Kipling on the South side. The aisles of her tiny shop are packed 9990 44th Ave, Wheat Ridge CO 80033with hundreds of festive, elaborately decorated, pre-packaged gifts, and behind Come in for “Free Soap Tuesday”* the counter are confections available for custom boxing or a la carte purchases. �While supplies last Tuesdays star�ng at 8 a� Sean McCarthy and his wife Jessica and sister Cindy are frequent customers
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with a table lamp from Public Service, second prize was $30 and an electric blanket, third prize was $15. A second contest was for light displays created by a youth 14 years of age or younger. This category had a first prize of $30, with five honorable mentions awards $5 each. The entry form stated, “I wish to help make Jefferson County bright for Christmas.” The lighting contest was open to all homes in the unincorporated areas of east Jefferson County. The 1963 winner was actually 15 homes on Nelson and Newcombe streets (south of West 20th Avenue), who created a neighborhood-wide light show. The 1964 winner did not disappoint. Some 400 bulbs illuminated three nativity scenes, wise men, angels, shepherds and two Santa Claus figures. Although the family had been decorating the house for a number of years, 1964 was their first time
TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter
BE SURE TO HANG YOUR STOCKING by the chimney with extra care, because Saint Nicholas might just have stuffed some melty, yummy cacao product inside. PHOTO BY GWEN CLAYTON of Roberta’s Chocolates. Living only a few blocks away, the group stopped in to the store to pick up some jams and dairy-free/ gluten-free gifts. “They have a lot of unique knick-knacks and presents and gift ideas, all local-made stuff,” Sean said. “It’s great.” When they got to the counter, the trio ended up doing some extreme chocolating as they dared to sample Roberta’s chocolatecovered jalapeños. Jessica just bit off the chocolate coating, but Cindy chomped down the whole piece. “I tried it as well,” Sean said. “It’s phenomenal.” “What’s great is that they have so many adventurous flavors,” Cindy added. Even without a spicy, green vegetable under its shell, chocolate can actually be healthy. “Chocolate is one of the highest antioxidants on the planet,” said holistic health coach Amira Watters, owner of The Wild Flower Alternative & Holistic Health Service in Lakewood. “The darker, the better. Chocolate is very high in ORAC value.” ORAC is an abbreviation for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. So this year, be sure to hang your stocking by the chimney with extra care, because Saint Nicholas might just have stuffed some melty, yummy cacao product inside. entering the contest. And, the family told the reporter, they were already planning for 1965. The biggest news of 1964 was Santa Claus. He worked regular eight-hour shifts handing out free candy at the JCRS Shopping Center. At Smilin’ Sebern’s Food Market (5690 W. Alameda) visitors could ride Santa’s Sled and there were more free treats for the kiddies. Meadowlark Shopping Center had the “same Jolly Santa that you visited with last year,” who also gave every child a free bag of candy. Santa paid a special visit to the Edgewater Firemen at their firehouse. In fact, Santa was so busy that year that he had to go by helicopter to the Alameda National Bank (5500 W. Alameda), where he gave candy canes to the children. The ad notes there would be coffee and cookies for Mom and Dad who could open up their 1965 Christmas Club accounts while they were there. I think I prefer the 1938 version. What do you think my aunts in Chicago will say when they get their celery?
ngazette.com – DECEMBER 19, 2017 – JANUARY 15, 2018 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE
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WHAT’S HAPPENING Holiday Decoration Cleanup – Where to Recycle The saddest part of the holidays is of course, the teardown. It’s hard to watch those glistening lights go dim and be stuffed into boxes for the next 11 months (unless you are one of those who keep your lights up until March – you know who you are). What’s even harder is saying goodbye to strings of holiday lights whose time on the tree or the house have expired. We can’t take the emotional wear of taking down holiday decorations any easier, but maybe providing you with the places to recycle the non-boxed decorations can. Lakewood residents can rest easier knowing that they have a place to take their live Christmas trees when the holidays are over. Lakewood Greenhouse, located at 9556 W. Yale Ave., will be accepting live, decoration-free Christmas trees only (no garland or wreaths) from Lakewood residents from Dec. 26 to Jan. 7, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Any type of holiday string lights can be taken to the recycling center on Quail St. through Jan. 21. There will be collection totes for the lights. Feel free to bring wrapping paper along with you to put in the paper bin while you are there. However, foillined wrapping paper cannot be recycled. – Tawny Clary
Want to Make Your Neighborhood Safer? The Edgewater Police Department’s Nextdoor Beat Cop Program was selected as one of the top seven programs in the United States by the Nextdoor selection team for 2017. If you’re concerned about crime in your neighborhood there is no better free program available than Neighborhood Watch. Neighborhood Watch coordination is nothing more than getting to know your neighbors and passing along information that the police department provides to you about the calls for service in your specific
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reserve your tickets. Have you visited the 40 West Art District on First Friday and enjoyed the interaction with street performers? Are you creative and outgoing? Would you love to be part of the performance art happening on First Fridays? The art district is looking for creative people with fun ideas and may pay up to $500 per event. To find out more, go to www.40westarts.org/Calls-for-Entries. Scroll down to “Open Call for Creative Experience Makers.” 40 West Studios, at 1615 Reed St., will be the site for a meditation to relieve the mental stress many of us feel at this busy time. Richard Eversley, a 40 West artist, will guide participants in a meditation to center to mind, to relieve stress, and to increase oxygen flow, Thursday, Dec. 28, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Participants should
neighborhood. Please consider inviting your neighbors to participate in Nextdoor Edgewater and contacting our Neighborhood Watch Coordinator Lorenzo at volunteers@ edgewaterpd.com to get more information on Neighborhood Watch and making your neighborhood safer.
New Jeffcolibrary.Org Website Offers Patrons an Improved Online Library County Public Library’s new website gives residents an improved online library to enjoy. Library users can discover, explore, search, connect and do more online with the new jeffcolibrary.org. The site has many new features patrons have asked for, including the ability to create reading lists and manage reading history. It also makes it easier to discover all of the resources the library offers. New features include: • More access to new books and other materials • Improved search, especially for formats like DVD and e-books • Options to keep track of what you’ve read, watched, or listened to • Sharable lists, reviews and ratings • An easy-to-remember username • Options to send books and other materials to your nearest library with one click. • Mobile-friendly and ADA-compliant Jefferson County Public Library collaborated with Toronto-based software company BiblioCommons to build the new website, online catalog and events system. Visit the Jefferson County Public Library’s website at jeffcolibrary.org.
Prevent Porch Pirates From Hijacking The Holidays The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has tips to help keep porch pirates from stealing the booty being delivered to doorsteps during bring a pillow or mat and a $5 donation is requested. The city of Lakewood is looking for this spring’s new Earth Day poster. The deadline is Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. The winning poster design will become part of the Earth Day festivities on April 21 and will be included on Earth Day Marketing materials. The selected artist receives $200 and a lot of exposure. The poster must include in its design: Earth Day Celebration, Lakewood, and April 21, 2018. The focus this year is on how we can make a impact on the earth by taking action in our community. Up to two designs may be submitted. For more information visit Lakewood.org/EarthDay. C2 Gallery and Mercantile, a Handmade Collective at 1522 Teller St., is seeking submissions from all creators of unique handmade work. Art, jewelry, soaps and lotions, toys, sculpture, or anything unique and handmade could be showcased and sold in their new mercantile. If you are interested or have questions contact Rosie Taylor at csquarestudiosdenver@gmail.com.
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the holidays. Remember, report suspicious activity – such as an unfamiliar vehicle is following behind mail/package delivery trucks or an unknown person is hovering around mailboxes in the neighborhood – by calling local law enforcement. • Don’t leave mail or parcels unattended, especially overnight. Being left alone even for a few hours on the porch can put packages at risk of being stolen. • Ask a neighbor to help. A stay-at-home neighbor may be willing to have packages delivered to their address or at least pick up and keep secure packages that expected to arrive on a given day. • Consider an alternate shipping address. Employers may allow a small number of personal items to be delivered to a work address. • Use the USPS tracking system. USPS and other delivery services provide realtime tracking for a wide-range of products. Registered users of USPS.com can also receive status updates via text alerts delivered to mobile devices. • Change of plans? Change the package’s delivery address while it’s in transit! USPS Package Intercept allows domestic packages to be redirected to the sender, a new address, or to the Post Office to be held for pickup. The service is fee-based, but charges only apply if the package is successfully redirected. • Customize delivery. Provide the Postal Service personalized instructions Provide delivery instructions online and authorize the carrier to leave it in a specified location. Visit USPS.com, track packages, and select Delivery Instructions. Request that a package be left with a neighbor or held at a Post Office for pickup. • Ship using “Hold for Pickup” to the local Post Office. Priority Mail Express Hold for Pickup service lets customers claim
packages on their schedule, at more than 30,000 USPS locations, where packages are kept safe and secure. Automatic notifications via e-mail or SMS text messaging are also available. • On vacation? Hold mail at the Post Office. If out of town for a period of time, use the Postal Service’s Request Hold Mail service. Letters and packages will be held securely until retrieved. • Secure shipments using USPS Signature Services. The Postal Service’s Signature Services requires a signature at time of delivery. • Protect packages and insure valuable contents. Opt for Registered Mail service – the Postal Service’s most secure form of mail delivery. Registered Mail receives specialhandling from tender to delivery. Electronic verification of delivery or attempted delivery is available upon request. Insurance may also be available to protect against loss or damage. • Control the package delivery date using Priority Mail Express. Priority Mail Express is the Postal Service’s fastest domestic service (with limited exceptions), available 365 days a year. It offers a moneyback guarantee and overnight scheduled delivery to most U.S. addresses – including post office boxes. Proof of delivery signature record, tracking services, and $100 insurance (most shipments) is available with this service. • Upgrade the security for all mail, not just parcels. Consider renting a post office box at the local post office. Mail remains secure within the post office, accessible only when using the right key or combination. Many post offices lobbies are open 24/7, allowing convenient retrieval. For more information on USPS products and services, visit USPS.com.
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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 19, 2017 –JANUARY 15, 2018– ngazette.com
WHEAT RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL
Who’s Your Farmer? Laura Harper 2012 – Medical Student “Wheat Ridge gave me the educational foundation to build upon and was where I learned my study skills that got me into Medical school! WR is where I learned what I was capable of, made friends, and had the time of my life.”
Maribel Gallegos Rivera 2009 – Software Engineer/ Charles Schwab “I cannot be more grateful for the teachers and coaches that I had while at WR. Their continuous support and encouragement to push my limits was the root of all of my successes today. Wheat Ridge prepared me day in and day out by challenging me academically, letting me explore. Having options and a clear path made it easy for me to continue to further my education.”
Mark Landes 2000 – VP Technology/Green Chef “From being a Farmer I learned about achieving my goals, the work needed to achieve my goals and the rewards that can come from that hard work. I learned about being part of a team – invaluable as nothing great can be done alone. “
Wheat Ridge High School has a long legacy of producing leaders. From business owners to Broadway celebrities, NFL stars to nurse practitioners, many highly accomplished professionals in all kinds of fields began their journeys as Wheat Ridge Farmers. Our school may be smaller than some of those around us but we see that as a benefit. When a student comes to Wheat Ridge, they are embraced by our community particularly the adults in the building. Truth be told one of our key strengths is our amazing staff – including teachers, administrators, counselors and paraprofessionals – who come to work every day committed to do what’s best for our students. Wheat Ridge offers its students plenty of “big school” opportunities to shine. We have a broad selection of Honors and AP classes designed to keep students challenged. If that’s not enough, our Gifted and Talented Center is nationally recognized; our award winning STEM/STEAM program is the envy of the district, and our unique Career Explore program prepares students to succeed in today’s dynamic, ever-changing jobs scene. The innovative spirit that gave rise to these exceptional programs permeates throughout our school, even with our more traditional classes where teachers leverage their knowledge to craft innovative lessons intended to bring out the best in individual students. Of course, not all learning is confined to a classroom. Wheat Ridge offers dozens of clubs and varsity sports so students are able to round out their high school experience and even try something new. The options for learning and growing are virtually endless. Interested in finding out more? Please stop by the school, send me an email or give me a call. I’d love to talk with you about how WRHS can meet the needs of your student and then some. Farmers Forever, Josh Cooley, Principal
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