Neighborhood Gazette – June 2019 – Wheat Ridge

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Each Development Should Be Judged On Its Own Page 2

NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS Great Changes To Anderson Park When It Re-Opens Page 5

CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE Celebrating 50 Years – 1969 – 2019 Pages 9-16

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WHEAT RIDGE | APPLEWOOD | MOUNTAIN VIEW | LAKESIDE | BERKELEY June 17 – July 15, 2019 • ngazette.com • FREE

G Line Opening Spurs On Transit Oriented Development n By

Mike McKibbin

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he trains are finally rolling in Wheat Ridge and the city and developers hope to climb on board with new housing, recreation and commercial buildings and facilities surrounding a rail station.

Commuter rail service began Friday, April 26, with the G (Gold) Line carrying passengers 11.2 miles between the Wheat Ridge Ward Station and downtown Denver’s Union Station.

Wheat Ridge officials began preparing for growth near the station several years ago, using an approach considered to be key to rail station development success. Transit-oriented development (TOD) generally includes transit, bicycle and pedestrian amenities, housing options, retail, office, open space and public uses. By combining housing, jobs and transportation choices in a small area, TOD is believed to help lower living costs, reduce driving, support active living, strengthen and diversify tax revenues and promote more Continued on page 8

ONE OF THE LONGEST RUNNING FESTIVALS IN COLORADO, the Carnival Festival is a wonderful mix of traditional county fair and modern beer and music festival delivered over three days to as many as 30,000 participants. See special 50th Anniversary section starting on page 9. PHOTO COURTESY WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Five Fridges Farm Makes Connection Between Community, Sustainability n By

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Meghan Godby

ast December, a herd of goats belonging to Five Fridges Farm disappeared from their grazing grounds at Kipling Trailhead.

Although the area was gated, someone tampered with the lock, and it’s believed that the goats were stolen.

Unfortunately, despite extensive media coverage and volunteer search efforts, the goats were never found. But thanks to a positive attitude and generous community support, the farm, located at 1100 W. 38th Ave. in Wheat Ridge, is moving forward.

In April, Five Fridges Farm teamed up with Colorado Plus in Wheat Ridge to help raise money for a new herd. The brewery came up with the idea for a commemorative brew to honor the lost goats, and t-shirts were made.

The fundraiser brought in $3,000; beer sales generated $500 and the rest came from donations and t-shirt purchases. The money helped fund the purchase of a new grazing herd and GPS units to track goats in the future. Foothills Animal Shelter, Skål Farms and Blessed Bit of Earth Farms also donated goats.

The partnership with Colorado Plus runs deeper than the fundraiser, however.

Each week, the brewery provides 200 pounds of spent grain to the farm, which is fed to goats and chickens. In turn, the farm supplies quality ingredients (i.e., eggs and vegetables) back to Colorado Plus.

Colorado Plus and Cibo Meals, a Denver food delivery service, are two organizations that provide food scraps to supplement the animals’ diets – chickens, in particular. The farm receives about 10 gallons of scrap per week. While the majority is from pre-sale (i.e., from food preparation, before it goes

out on the table), Amanda Weaver, the farm’s owner, is working to change that.

“You first want to try and get that food to people,” Weaver said. “[After that], we’re spending a lot of money on composting, but what we should be trying to do is use that food as calories before we turn it back into soil.”

The philosophy is a paradigm shift that can radically change the way we think about

food, and it’s one of Weaver’s passions.

“We’ve already grown the food and prepared it,” she explained. “If we can’t get it to human mouths, can we get it to animal mouths?”

But while animals are great at breaking down the waste, the cycle doesn’t stop there.

One of the most valuable ways the animals benefit the farm is through their manure.

“Manure is incredibly rich and is going

to add back all that organic matter you need to grow vitamin-rich vegetables,” Weaver shared. “At the end of the day, it’s their poop that is the most valuable to me.”

Since there’s a conservation easement on the farm, managed by Colorado Open Lands, this cycle of sustainability is essential. The area is designated for strictly Continued on page 6

PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Tattoo Artist Finds Enrichment By Giving Back To The Community n By

Ken Lutes

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he more good we do for ourselves, the more we have to give,” says Aries Rhysing, owner of All Sacred Tattoo Studio and the All Sacred Foundation, in Wheat Ridge at 7700 W. 44th Ave. That mantra is a far cry from the wayward path he followed through most of his teen years and early twenties. Having recognized he’d been following in the footsteps of his family, who have all passed away from addiction and disease stemming from negative addictive lifestyles, he “wanted to be the one who did not follow that path.”

Rhysing simultaneously discovered that his art, as well as his soul and body, was suffering from his self-destructive lifestyle. That’s when he began to take both tattooing and his spiritual path more seriously.

He then realized that his art flourished from his spirituality and his spirituality from his art.

“That cycle needs to happen to be on the Bodhisattva path,” Rhysing said, referring to the Buddhist path to attaining enlightenment. “The better I got with my art and the more fulfilled I got with my spirituality, “

Continued on page 6

ARIES RHYSING IS FOUNDER AND OWNER OF ALL SACRED TATTOO STUDIO and the All Sacred Foundation, which, from its Wheat Ridge location at 7700 W. 44th Ave., raises funds for several metro Denver-area nonprofits. PHOTO BY KEN LUTES

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – ngazette.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Each Development Should Be Judged On Its Own Merits Dear Editor, The constant burning question is whether the City of Wheat Ridge has enough amenities and “interesting” businesses - a very subjective hot topic. If Wheat Ridge was on the eastern Plains and there was no other city surrounding Wheat Ridge, I would say no, there isn’t enough interesting businesses and amenities in Wheat Ridge.

However, Wheat Ridge is surrounded

by Denver, Lakewood, Arvada and Golden – cities that all have more developable land, amenities and resources. It doesn’t make any sense for any type of business to have a location in Lakewood and Arvada and Wheat Ridge. Those retail business look at distance/space requirements and Wheat Ridge doesn’t have the ability to offer vast locations like other cities that are larger.

If you live in Wheat Ridge and you want something different you go to Denver or Lakewood or Arvada or Golden. It’s the nature of the beast. Is it wrong? NO. Is it a reality? YES. The other question is “Does Wheat Ridge have the right demographics to prosper?”

This is where some folks and I disagree. We do have the demographics. For example, Wadsworth Blvd. has 40,000 cars a day driving north and south. On the average each car has two riders? Those folks are going to shop at the Lucky’s or the Safeway or whatever business is along Wadsworth Blvd. East Wheat Ridge is also seeing an influx of new families moving into the area with children.

For a lot of people, density is a four-letter word. Many new families that have moved to Wheat Ridge have told me they came to Wheat Ridge because of the larger lots, ranch homes, and the rural feel even though you’re in an inner urban ring. On a side note, I really like the new single-family homes being built in Wheat Ridge - three stories and all.

I think it’s unfair to criticize somebody who wants Wheat Ridge to be less dense and not like Denver or a larger city with higher density living. I also understand the need for quality higher density multi-family living as well. For example, I wholly support the Wazee Partner developments at 38th and Upham St. and the Lucky’s development at 38th and Wadsworth and the higher density units at this location. In 2010, I believe, the voters did say they supported higher density units along the Wheat Ridge corridors, such as Wadsworth, Kipling and I-70. Unfortunately, many of the early multifamily developments in Wheat Ridge were very user “unfriendly” and unattractive.

This has set the stage for many conflicts when new developments are coming into the City. The new developments have better quality design, materials and are much more attractive than that lap-siding 60s and 70s an even 80s developments that are multifamily in Wheat Ridge.

I disagree that Wheat Ridge is a hard city to develop in. Our land use codes and permit fees are no better or no worse than any other city in Jeffco. Because we are an inner-ring suburb, and because every development is impacting an existing neighborhood, there is always going to be this conflict, much like the Upham St. project between 38th and 44th.

There really isn’t any other solution except for better communication between the city, the developer and the neighborhood.

And density will always be questioned. The recent project Upham St. at City Council is an example of that type of conflict.

My solution is this - every project must be evaluated on its own merit and communication between the neighborhood, the city and the developer must happen.

Anyone trying to draw a line in the sand is going to create more problems than solutions, and that includes the neighborhood. Like I said before, the new developments are much better quality and much more attractive than the old-style developments, and in reality they do improve property values

when done correctly. They also improve the attractiveness of the neighborhood when done with high quality materials and design.

Compromise creates a win-win situation.

If everyone wins and loses a little I would contend we had a good public process.

Drawing lines in the sand creates a no-win situation.

– Jerry DiTullio, Wheat Ridge

School History Columns Are Written By The Victors, But Sometimes Guy Dear Guy I read your article under School Crossing (“Right Or Wrong – History Will Tell,” May 14-June 16 2019 Neighborhood Gazette) this morning and couldn’t agree more with your thoughts.

I am sending it to my daughter-in-law who is a history teacher in Wisconsin.

She is a Wheat Ridge High school graduate and she does try to make history come alive in her classroom.

I can’t believe that a teacher would leave out the Holocaust from her history class as students need to know what can happen when a dictator who hates the Jews is in power. Many Americans had families who were affected by this horrific event.

Our students need to learn from history so hopefully we don’t repeat the mistakes of the past.

I’m tired of teachers and textbooks trying to rewrite history for whatever reason.

Thanks for your insight and your writings.

– Margaret Wahl (a 79 year old grandmother), Wheat Ridge

Council’s Upham Street Rezoning Sparks Resident Petition To the Editor: Wheat Ridge recently approved the rezoning of four lots on Upham Street from R-3 to PRD (Planned Residential Development). The plan is to scrape the four existing single-family homes to make way for a major subdivision consisting of 38 townhomes in nine separate buildings.

Please help us fight this project. We are passing a petition requesting that the City Council either reconsider their decision and deny the rezoning or put the rezoning to a vote of the people. We don’t want to see high-density plopped in the middle of a residential neighborhood. This is a worrisome (and dangerous?) precedent.

For more information and to sign the petition, please contact Judy Capra at 303-422-4662 or jcapra@q.com . Petition Circulators will also be at the “Movie on the Green” on Friday, June 21. If you are a registered voter who lives anywhere in Wheat Ridge, you are welcome to sign the petition.

– Judy Capra, Wheat Ridge resident

G Line Critics Are Off The Rails Editor, I do not personally know either Mr. Matthews or Mr. O’Toole (“Rails Reach Wheat Ridge, But Critics Remain,” May 14-June 16 2019 Neighborhood Gazette) therefore I have no first hand knowledge of either their commuter or light rail expertise.

It would appear to be a bit thin, Mr. O’Toole’s book notwithstanding. His book title would indicate passenger trains of yore, not urban iterations. That said, it is my opinion that either or both are denying the positive impacts of this type of urban mass transit.

As long as there has been some version of mass transportation, there have been “TOD’s” (Transit Oriented Developments) that have sprung up to the benefit of both urban and suburban dwellers. If you look Continued on page 4

ngazette.com – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Nostalgic Homes has Exciting News to Share.

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nostalgichomes.com Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – ngazette.com

WHEAT RIDGE MAYOR After 50 Years, Wheat Ridge Continues To Thrive store and a 35-acre office complex. A trail system will provide connections to the Clear Creek Trail. Funding from 2E will finance ast month, we took a look back at the construction of westbound I-70 hook history of business development in ramps, removal of the off-ramp at 32nd Wheat Ridge, specifically our early focus on Avenue, and construction of a connecting agriculture. As we look forward to the next 50 street to 32nd Avenue. A groundbreaking years, some important infrastructure for our ceremony for the construction of the hook future is being made possible with projects ramps is being planned for July. For more being funded by the 2E ballot initiative on this project visit www. passed by voters in 2016. ci.wheatridge.co.us/1266/I The funding from 2E 7032nd-Ave-Interchange-EA. and Investing 4 the Future

Wheat Ridge • Ward will improve transportation Station is the new station serving infrastructure, create the G Line commuter rail at opportunities for economic Ridge and Ward roads. The development, and enable funds from 2E will help address additional “place-making” to traffic growth and facilitate attract those wanting to live in redevelopment and economic Wheat Ridge. We are thrilled that development opportunities. the first of those four Investing 4 Planned improvements include the Future projects being funded Bud Starker reconstruction of the adjacent by 2E will be celebrated with streets – Ridge Road, 52nd a grand opening scheduled for Avenue and Tabor Street; installing a June 22 at 10:30 a.m. in Anderson Park and traffic signal at the Ward Road/Ridge Road I hope you’ll join the party. intersection, a pedestrian bridge over the In addition to Anderson Park rail tracks, pedestrian access improvements improvements that are being funded by the and other public amenities, and a linear sales tax increase, Investing 4 the Future park. As construction begins on the Hance projects include: installation of I-70 on/off Ranch and TRAX housing developments, ramps for the Clear Creek Crossing mixedwork will also begin on the sidewalks and use development; widening of Wadsworth other infrastructure. For more information Boulevard into an attractive corridor for on the Ward Station project visit www. multi-modal use; and improvements to ci.wheatridge.co.us/1130/Northwestpublic infrastructure and amenities to Subarea. encourage economic development and And finally, this fall work begins on transit opportunities at the Wheat Ridge • the widening of Wadsworth Boulevard.

Ward Station.

The first step is the Environmental These projects are being made possible Assessment, which was open for public

by Wheat Ridge voters who authorized the review through June 5. Goals are to 2E bond in 2016. It’s an exciting time as we improve traffic operations, provide critical see our shared vision for the future of Wheat pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and help Ridge becoming a reality. improve the overall look and feel of this Improvements to Anderson Park and major thoroughfare in Wheat Ridge. Plans facilities will include a brand new stage/ include reconstruction of the street to a picnic pavilion, new construction for better six-lane section with a simple version of access to Clear Creek, new playground a Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) for features, and upgrades to the Anderson the intersections of West 38th and 44th building which include renovated locker avenues. For more on the Wadsworth rooms and the lifeguard office, as well as project visit www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1517/ the addition of two private changing rooms.

Wadsworth-Widening. For more details, New ball field lighting, roof replacements, and www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/1560/ and sidewalks are also part of the plan, and Investing-4-The-Future--Projects-Fundedwere designed to help keep the park safe and We hope you are watching for all the accessible. A new original piece of art will fun events we have planned this year to be installed later this year. For more project celebrate our 50th Anniversary and plan to details visit www.rootedinfun.com/207/ join in the fun. As we look back together on Anderson-Park-Renovation. our rich history as a city, we can also look Clear Creek Crossing is a mixed-use forward to sharing a future that is rich in project between 32nd Avenue and Highway possibility.

58 along I-70 is being developed by Evergreen Contact Wheat Ridge mayor Bud Devco Inc., which will include multi-family Starker at bstarker@ci.wheatridge.co.us residences, retail stores, entertainment or 303-235-2800. facilities, restaurants, hotels, a large anchor

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Letters Continued from page 2

have a great chili recipe? PROVE IT!

Carnation Festival Chili Cookoff SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2019 ANDERSON PARK (44TH & FIELD) WHEAT RIDGE

Contact Tim | chili@ngazette.com | 303-995-2806

back at Denver’s streetcar system and look where the original stops were then you’ll quickly realize where development occurred.

I suppose that could be taken as either a boon or a bane depending upon one’s point of view. Not unlike both the freeway interchanges and the light rail stops that have sprung up since then. The recent, additional development built due to the commuter and light rail stops cannot be denied, Arvada included — and it’s just beginning to be fully realized.

I think you need to open up your eyes a bit more, Mr. Matthews. Arvada has already seen significant development in the vicinity of its stops including multi-family housing that has attracted additional tax paying residents. Oh, and by the way, the projected ridership encompasses all eight stops, not merely Arvada and it won’t be instantaneous.

Mr. O’Toole points out several cost overruns by RTD. Well, sir, hold on to your hat when you see the final numbers

for two early on transportation projects now underway to upgrade transportation.

Namely, the elevated portion of I-70 and DIA’s renovation. Insofar as the Flatiron Express goes, what is the ridership? How many stops? What is the long term life cycle cost when you include road repair? How many years from now do you think that a commuter rail line — with multiple stops — is constructed along that corridor to replace those buses? As an aside, it’s ironic that, if you go back to pre-1965, the “Boulder Turnpike” was a toll road complete with toll gates at Broomfield! Having to stop to pay a toll was always a nuisance. Now, we have again have toll lanes springing up all over metro Denver. The more things change the more they stay the same. Until all vehicles are 100 percent pollution free (they never will be) and roads are somehow funded by other than gas taxes then mass transit via rail will remain the best clean alternative for our high plains metropolis. Perhaps neither light nor commuter rail is the “ultimate” solution to increasingly intense urbanization — whatever “ultimate” might be. It’s for damn sure it isn’t cars or buses.

– Bill Leake, Golden

ngazette.com – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

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Tiny Home A Big Deal For Local Family n By

Elisabeth Monaghan

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eople looking to buy a house in or around metro Denver know they can expect to pay about $430,00 for a small or “starter” home, making it difficult for low- and middle-income families to own or upgrade their homes.

The lack of affordable housing in the area is one of the reasons couples like Katrina and Kyle Christensen opted for a tiny house to raise their three boys. Although they have only recently moved into their tiny house, the family has resided in Wheat Ridge for a little more than two years.

With the Christensen family living in Centennial and Kyle’s job on Denver’s west side, the commute was long and the cost of a full tank of gas, costly. This prompted them to move the family farther north. When it came to deciding on schools, Katrina said one friend’s advice was especially helpful in making their decision.

“It doesn’t matter where you live – Wheat Ridge or Arvada are both great – but your kids have to go to Mountain Phoenix.”

Taking that advice, the Christensens downsized from 2,700 square feet to a 1,500-square-foot rental in Wheat Ridge.

For six months, the Christensens rented, but as is the case for many renters in and around metro Denver, the monthly outlay took a significant toll on the family’s finances.

“We were paying $2,500 a month, in rent,” says Katrina. “That was a stretch for us, but we did it because we liked where we were.”

After six months, the financial strain forced the family of five with boys, who are

9, 7 and 2, to move in with family while they figured out how to remain in their adopted community. They settled on purchasing their newly built tiny house.

For anyone unfamiliar with the concept, a home is considered “tiny” if it is less than 400 square feet. Because that is not a lot of room, tiny house dwellers have found clever ways to utilize space while ensuring almost every square inch is functional. For example, most tiny houses have high ceilings to allow for lofts, which people use as bedrooms or children’s play areas. Some tiny homes have stairways to these lofts, with built-in compartments underneath that serve as storage, closets or bookshelves. Others have built-in Murphy Beds or tables they can fold up when not in use.

During the research phase, the Christensens spent Christmas of 2017 at Wee Casa, a tiny house Airbnb in Lyons.

This allowed all of them to see different layouts and design options to consider for their home. One idea the boys liked was a catwalk in a Wee Casa house that was a Plexiglas, steel-framed bridge connecting the lofts, but unlike the clear variety at the Airbnb, the Christensens selected one that wasn’t see-through, and under the catwalk is where they built their kitchen cabinets.

Responsible for designing their tiny home’s interior, Katrina explains her approach.

“I spent a lot of time figuring out and being honest about what we needed,” she says.

At the top of her list was a dining room table.

“The table was our stickler,” says Christensen. “It’s so important for us to

Great Changes To Anderson Park When It Re-Opens June 22 n By

Meghan Godby

LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS ONE REASON couples like Katrina and Kyle Christensen opted for a tiny house to raise their three boys. PHOTO COURTESY KATRINA CHRISTENSEN

have family meals.”

Making space for a table that accommodates a family of five was no easy task, but they were able to make it work.

Aside from being more affordable than buying or renting a traditional residence, Christensen says tiny home living has helped her be a better parent. With her sons in close proximity, she is able to address their needs, or, if they are getting into mischief or fighting, she can intervene quickly.

Among the challenges of living in a tiny home is the lack of approved zoning. Because many municipalities view tiny houses as recreational vehicles, they are not approved for living in year-round. Even though the majority of tiny houses are on wheels and require large trucks to haul them, not all tiny home owners wish to take their homes on the road. The Christensens are among those who

would prefer to stay in one location. Although they will be transporting their home to the Colorado Tiny House Festival taking place in Adams Country from June 21 through 23, Christensen says that is the one time her family will take their home on the road.

When it comes to remaining in Wheat Ridge, the Christensens hope the city will establish comprehensive zoning laws around tiny houses and recognize them as another type of accessory dwelling unit (ADU).

The affordability of tiny houses has proven an ideal situation for Katrina, but even more important is the comfort in knowing her family can remain in a neighborhood where her children receive an excellent education, and her family to be active participants in a community they love.

A

nderson Park has been a staple of the Wheat Ridge community for half a century – the site of countless baseball games, picnics and summer concerts. It’s also where you’ll find the beloved Carnation Festival every August.

If you’ve driven past the park recently, you may have noticed that some changes are in the works. Thanks to 2E, a half-cent sales tax increase approved by voters back in 2016, the city has been working on some significant improvements since September of last year. In fact, the Anderson Park project is one of four “Investing 4 the Future” projects funded by the tax increase and the first to reach completion.

What changes can we expect?

Performances in the Park will benefit from a brand new performance stage (effective 2020) while the outdoor pool will see a new lifeguard office and completely renovated locker rooms. Thanks to new access points, residents will be able to more fully enjoy Clear Creek, which runs along the southeast side of the park. There will also be a public art piece, new playground features, and a complete makeover to the Anderson Building.

The overall goal of the project was to meet the needs of the community by improving the park’s existing features while also adding several new amenities.

Joyce Manwaring, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Wheat Ridge, explains.

“Anderson Park and the Anderson Building are over 40 years old. The infrastructure in the park needed replacing and updating [and] the building was not used to its full potential due to its condition.

[These] renovations help the department meet the programming needs of the community and certainly reduce the stress on other popular city facilities and parks.”

And it’s not just about the surface level improvements, either.

“We’re excited to be able to offer additional youth programming and expanded fitness programs,” Manwaring said. “The newly renovated spaces at the

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THANKS TO NEW ACCESS POINTS WHEAT RIDGE RESIDENTS will be able to more fully enjoy Clear Creek, which runs along the southeast side of Anderson Park, which reopens June 22 after a complete renovation. PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE

Anderson Building will provide an enhanced experience for program participants.”

The grand opening was initially scheduled for early June. While the Anderson building did open on June 2 as planned, the park will not be open until the public until June 22. City staff are excited to unveil the changes with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m., kicked off by Mayor Bud Starker.

Manwaring, who will be retiring on June 28, was happy to see the project to fruition before her departure.

“I opened the outdoor pool in 1980,” she said. “I feel like I have come full circle with this project.”

Whether you’re new to the area or a long-time visitor to Anderson Park, there’s no doubt these changes will make your experience safer and more enjoyable for many summers to come.

For more details, visit www.rootedinfun.com or www.facebook.com/wheatridgeparks.

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agricultural use and is protected from future development.

“My job as the owner and land manager is to keep this viable for food production into perpetuity,” Weaver said. “That’s a daunting task. It’s not just about the food I produce; it’s about managing land in a way that can continue to produce food indefinitely, sustainably.”

This attitude of sustainability is behind everything the farm does, including its community partnerships.

In 2012, after an experimental run on her own farm, Weaver met with the city to discuss the possibility of rotational grazing with her goats – a process that helps keep invasive weeds in check and maintain native soil. This is important because it allows native grasses to grow and helps the soil become healthier and maintain moisture.

“It takes about five years to see a piece of land change,” Weaver said. “We’ve seen results. I’m just blown away, so excited.

In farming, you wait a long time to see results, especially when you’re growing in a regenerative way.”

As the farm continues to grow, Weaver is thinking about ways to deepen the community connection. After all, the space offers a multitude of opportunities to bring people together.

An example? The farm will host a “baby shower” on Friday, June 21. The event, which runs from 4 to 7 p.m., will allow visitors the chance to tour the farm and visit with baby animals. But it will also benefit Shannon’s Hope Maternity Home,

Aries Rhysing Continued from page 1

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the more I realized I had gratitude to give back to the community, and that’s how the All Sacred Foundation started.”

Seven years ago, Rhysing raised $300 for each of three nonprofit organizations by tattooing all day. He was joined the second month by another tattooer and they raised $1,200. More artists have since volunteered their talents and services to the Foundation.

Last year, it raised over $32,000 in one day for several nonprofits such as those that work with high-risk youth, animals in need, addicts in recovery, the homeless and LGBTQ youth.

“Our business model from the beginning to now is, and always will be, that the Foundation operates on donated goods and services, volunteer labor, volunteer art and music, and we donate 100 percent of what we make,” Rhysing said. “If there is another local organization that wants to become part of our roster, contact us. We’ll be voting in the fall on the organizations we’ll be supporting in 2020.”

Organizations the foundation supports are invited to the events to set up tables and have speakers to tell about what they do. “We make the money, we give it to them before they leave, and they’ve spoken to the gathering that day about how the money’s going to be spent,” he said.

One of the organizations supported by the All Sacred Foundation is Art from Ashes (AfA), which uses a “nationally recognized, award-winning curriculum designed to facilitate creative transformation through the power of artistic expression,” according to AfA’s website. AfA brings their youth to All Sacred’s fund-raising events to share their poetry while people are getting tattooed.

“A child who can barely read a sentence because they’re so nervous will get up on the microphone and share a poem about how they’re overcoming the challenges in their life, and there are kids who have risen to become leaders in their community and are a commanding presence in the room, sharing poetry that brings people to tears,” Rhysing said. “They’re all so moving, just to see the change that occurs in these kids because they believe it’s possible. I actually get really emotional talking about this, because I wish this program had been available when I was

a local charity that serves pregnant women experiencing homelessness.

It’s a unique partnership, but one that makes sense.

“Most people don’t care about invasive weeds or how excited I get about regenerating soil,” Weaver laughed. “But they love local food, they love goats, and they love Wheat Ridge’s agricultural background. [...] You can start talking about those other important themes of sustainability while they’re petting the goats.”

I spoke with Amy DePierre, cochair of the Wheat Ridge Sustainability Council, regarding the farm’s impact on the community. She agreed that it’s this connection that makes the urban farm so special.

“Amanda has made it a community space so that people can come and see and learn and interact,” DePierre said. “Part of that sustainability piece for me is that connection to food. There’s this whole resurgence of local urban agriculture and the farm stands out; people are familiar with it, they know it, they see it – she opens her doors.”

In short, it’s about making a connection where there wasn’t one before, especially for people who don’t come from a rural background. “[They can] see what a farm in the city can do and what it looks like,” DePierre said.

“It makes it accessible for people to then take it home. They think, ‘maybe there’s something I can do, too.’ You’re looking for that connection.”

For more details, including upcoming events and information on private tours, visit 5fridgesfarm.com or call 303-7258748.

a youth.

“We do a breast cancer event, too. We tattoo over mastectomy scars for survivors of breast cancer. Not only is it extremely emotional for the women involved – getting art over their scars – but their families have these eye-opening experiences, having never thought that their partner or their mother or their grandmother or their daughter would get a tattoo, and then realizing how positive this tattoo is in their lives.”

Rhysing believes the fundraising events help to soften the negative views people may have about the tattooing industry. He said that much of what comprised tattoo culture up until this new millennium was often tied to some criminal activity.

For example, “there was the Yakuza, the Japanese mafia that got tattooed, that ran drugs and dealt in prostitution. There’s no discrimination anymore, as far as the type of people that get tattooed. I think there is still a mindset that you’ve got to be a little radical to get a tattoo, but apparently now there’s radical doctors and lawyers,” he said, smiling.

Waxing philosophic on the history of tattooing, Rhysing said it predates all of industrialized civilization and existed in every culture in one form or another.

“Body modification has been a desire for human beings since long before the Internet, since before tattoo magazines, since before tattoo culture as we know it today.”

Rhysing has been professionally tattooing for 20 years. He became interested in it 15 years before that, when he was 13 years old.

“I remember distinctly getting off of a city bus in Minneapolis and seeing someone who was covered with tattoos, and I was so stricken with the energy, feeling like they really had ownership of their body, that they were really making a statement that they were different. To me, as a 13-yearold, sub-culture skateboarder, punk rock kid, wearing tattoos on the outside to speak about who you are on the inside was extremely appealing.”

Rhysing has this advice for anyone thinking about getting a tattoo: “Take your time, do your research and following your heart.”

To learn about the organizations the Foundation currently supports, visit allsacred.com/foundation/organizations/.

Contact the Foundation at allsacred.com/ foundation/contact/ or 303-862-9172.

ngazette.com – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

Back To School Aug. 14…

Seriously? has changed; increasingly, parents are enrolling kids in structured, academically aligned enrichment activities. Although well t was the last day of school and I was done. intentioned, these activities may limit kids’ No pencils, no homework. My clothes access to the free time, the downtime, and were packed and our wood-paneled station the child-centered play they desperately wagon had the seats reclined with sleeping need for healthy development.” bags laid out in the back. The cooler was full At a time where concern for the mental of food, Thermos full of hot coffee. It was health well being of our children runs high,, 5 p.m., my dad started the engine and our we are pushing more things into their summer vacation had officially began. summer schedules. Colorado has twice the It was a nine-hour drive through the national average for teenage night with stops for gas only: suicides. Staying busy, learning “Better use the bathroom ‘cause and having fun are not mutually we aren’t stopping just for you.” exclusive. Learning to cook, We spent two weeks in build a campfire, growing a Wildwood, NJ. Aunts, uncles garden and building a go kart and cousins, all made their own can be fun. There are so many way there. No agendas. Simply different ways to keep our kids breakfast, beach and ice cream involved, being creative thinkers on the boardwalk every night. I and solution finders. really got to know my family.

Who stole our summer The rest of the summer vacation? Why in the world are was spent on bikes, sleepovers, Guy Nahmiach our kids going back to school on spending time with our Aug. 14? We keep comparing our grandparents and sharing secrets education system to other states and even with our friends. Happy days indeed, all the countries. Toronto, Canada, has their kids way to Labor Day weekend. doing back on Sept. 2. The UK has them back Fast forward and our kids are going back on Sept. 3. Philadelphia is back to school on to school on Aug. 14th.

Aug. 27 and yet, here in Jefferson County, We’re concerned about the drop off our kids go back on Aug. 14. In fairness, we retention levels of students and finding ways finish quite early. We all still keep to about to keep their learning habits active during the same number of school days. the summer. Then there are camps to teach Does summer break have to actually them to write code, online classes to advance take place in the summer? The state of their standings in school and maybe skip a Texas has students off during the spring grade level. Scheduled baseball practices. as to allow them to take advantage of the Music lessons, swimming at 5 a.m. three cooler weather for outdoor activities. In times a week. A list of books recommended fact 3,700 schools in the U.S. (4 percent), by their English teacher. No biking this use a flat or balanced calendar. Some will summer because our street doesn’t have a have two weeks off after six weeks on. The bike path and I know how much you liked reasons vary, but, mostly, it is to boost the park, but I just ran out of sunscreen, so student achievement with a more consistent maybe next weekend – “we’ll have a good focus on education. time then,” and unlike in Harry Chapin’s I spent a few months on the Jeffco song, my son was nothing like me.

Schools calendar committee (yes, there Harvard Graduate School of Education’s is such a thing), which included about Denise Pope writes: “For many parents, 15 members of the community as well as summer presents a child-care problem, first and foremost, and so we turn to camps Continued on page 8 to solve it. But the notion of camp, too, n By

Guy Nahmiach

I

WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL Historical Society Hosts July Craft Fair n By

A

Janet Bradford

historical society’s job is to make available knowledge and information through museum displays, programs, lectures and publications. Crafts are one of the programs we like to share with the public. Handmade items make for great gifts. We usually have someone working on a craft project at each Second Saturday event. So this month we are hosting a Craft Fair where you can buy, sell and trade your craft supplies.

Did you buy some yarn or material for a project that you are no longer planning to do. Do you have a craft project book you thought looked fun but never did? Do you have a half finished project? There are those out there who would love to finish a quilt, afghan or hat. Bring those items and finished items you want to sell or trade to the Baugh House, 11361 W. 44th Ave., at Robb Street, on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be snacks and local musicians so bring your instrument or voice and join in! There will be historical books and memorabilia for sale as well.

The Historical Society meets on the second Tuesday of each month. Our July meeting will be on 9th at 7 p.m. at the Historical Park. We talk about upcoming events after sharing an interesting program of Wheat Ridge History. Snacks are brought

each month by a member.

Join the Wheat Ridge Quilt Circle on the fourth Wednesday of the month (July 24) between 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. If you are busy during the day then join our Knit/ Crochet Group from 7 to 9 p.m. Bring a project and lunch/snack if you want. Cost is $2 for either meeting. All crafters are welcome and our members are generous with their knowledge so stop by if you have a craft question or need help with a project!

Our Fourth Saturday Project Days are on hold for the summer as our members are super busy with other projects and events.

We will revisit the project day program at a members meeting in September. Let us know what you think by email: wrhistorical@ gmail.com, subject 4th Saturday projects.

The Wheat Ridge Historical Park grounds, 4610 Robb St., are open dawn to dusk for picnics and walks. The museum is open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Visiting is free and tours are just $2 per person (cash or check only please).

We offer group tours with advanced notice.

Call 303-421-9111 for more information.

Upcoming Second Saturday events include Heritage Day – Ice Cream Social (August), Back to School Book Exchange (September) and Apple Cider Day (October).

For more information email wrhistorical@gmail.com or check our website, www.wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – ngazette.com

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efficient use of land and infrastructure, according to the city website.

Marilee Utter is with Citiventure Associates, a Denver-based consulting firm helping the city develop TOD plans for the station.

“TOD takes a long time, longer than you think it should,” she recently told the city council. “But it does and it never really starts until the trains start running.”

Utter said the city should try to make the station a “distinctive, walkable, special place, so people come to Wheat Ridge as much as they go to Denver.”

She added the effort needs a “sexy name” and the station should be more visible.

“Ward Road is pretty challenging right now,” Utter said. “It’s hard to find the station, pedestrianism is pretty weak, but there are also some pretty good gems to build on.”

She pointed to the existing business base, ponds at the foot of a proposed linear park, access to I-70, a bicycle/pedestrian bridge over the railroad tracks, and a residential area that will grow. Events such as concerts and cultural gatherings will also help bring people to the area, Utter added.

Station plan outlines outdoor recreation theme

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A 2017 Ward Station area vision document adopted by city council, known informally as the “Base Camp” vision plan, seeks outdoor recreation entrepreneurs to locate close to the foothills west of Denver, with the ability to connect to the rest of the metro area and Denver International Airport via train. The main components of the plan include employment-related land uses such as co-working and maker space, a regional park, active public space, an urban street grid and multi-modal connectivity, a pedestrian bridge, and pop-up or special events to attract attention to the area.

The city’s goal is to position the station as the premier location in the metro area for outdoor recreation-focused companies and employers.

The document noted the station is one of a few “end of line” stations with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Such stations may experience heavier parkand-ride demand and longer travel times.

However, end of line stations allow unique development that may not be possible at more centrally located stations.

Denver Regional Transportation District spokeswoman Laurie Huff said RTD takes into account each municipality’s desires for its stations when it designs a rail line. RTD claims previous TOD efforts within a halfmile walk of a high-frequency station — not including downtown Denver and Boulder — helped create 44,500 residential units, 10.7 million square feet of office space, 1.5 million square feet of retail space, and 3,600 hotel rooms. The G Line is projected to help create 2,313 residential units and 136 hotel rooms.

Projects and funding sources

The Ward Station area will receive $12 million of 2E money (the 2016 voterapproved half-cent city sales tax increase for transportation infrastructure, economic development and residential growth) for traffic growth, redevelopment and economic development.

Community Development Director Ken Johnstone, in a memo to city council, listed priority 2E projects for the area, with a cost estimate between $13 million to $14 million.

The projects include: • Design of 52nd Avenue, Tabor Street and Ridge Road improvements (right-of-way acquisition has started along Ridge Road); • Off-site drainage and utility expenses on streets adjacent to the Hance Ranch townhome project; • A bicycle/pedestrian bridge and linear park have been designed and seem feasible within previous budget estimates; • Ward Road grade separation will likely be awarded Denver Regional Council of Governments funding this fall for environmental and design work that would be done after the 2E funded projects are completed; and

• A public/private partnership opportunity on TRAX, a 4- to 5-story, higher-density, market rate, multi-family project just northeast of the station. The 2.2-acre site would have up to 280 housing units with structured parking to allow HRE Development to achieve higher, transitsupportive densities. But without some form of public participation, Johnstone wrote, the project does not make financial sense.

Other costs are design, development review, right-of-way consultant fees and acquisition, construction management and construction. The city could receive $2.6 million in revenue and reimbursements from parkland dedication fees from private development and the City of Arvada for work on Ridge Road, Johnstone wrote.

Earlier this year, the Renewal Wheat Ridge urban renewal authority discussed a tax increment finance (TIF) agreement with HRE to designate expected property tax revenues from development in the station area to help cover just over $6.7 million of an estimated $9.5 million financial gap for the project, Johnstone added. City council gave consensus to proceed with a $1.2 million agreement, but Steve Art, economic development manager and authority executive director, wrote in a recent email that the city and HRE have yet to agree to terms of the deal. He was unsure when or if it might occur.

TRAX is one of three projects near the station in the city approval processes and could be under construction within the next 12 months, Johnstone added. Others are 63 townhomes at Hance Ranch, another 200 townhomes and live/work units, plus some 6,000 square feet of commercial space on the former Jolly Rancher site (Toll Brothers). These developments represent approximately $150 million in private sector investment and meet the city’s goal of using 2E funds to foster private sector investment, Johnstone noted.

Other funding sources could include an expansion of the Ward TOD Metropolitan District, formed in 2012 but limited to a single large parcel in the station area (the Jolly Rancher site). The vision document noted that while it is a large portion of the station area (approximately 13.65 acres), more revenue would be gained by adding properties. Further study was recommended to estimate the revenue potential of an expanded district.

Colorado statutes allow the creation of special districts that assess mill levies on property within district boundaries to help pay for public services and infrastructure needs. Still other funding recommendations were to pursue grants and consider development impact fees.

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series on the G Line commuter rail service in Wheat Ridge.

School Crossing Continued from page 1

district employees. Balancing the legal needs (school days), union needs (contract requirements) and parent needs (work vs. childcare), there are lots of hoops to jump through and obstacles to navigate, the main one being sports. Tryouts, starts of seasons, practices and team formation.

That was the single biggest reason why we start so early. The second reason was the parents’ vacation plans that began on the day before Christmas and right at Memorial Day weekend - those proved to be too big of hurdles to jump over. Finally, there is a general reluctance to change. While many in Jeffco remember going back to school after Labor Day weekend, I doubt it’ll ever happen again.

This year on the first day of our summer vacation, we loaded our jeep with a cooler filled with food and plenty of water and headed to Indianapolis for the Indy 500 race. A miserable 16 hours each way, filled with stories, jokes and songs we wouldn’t trade for anything in the world.

Aug. 14 is around the corner. How are you spending your summer vacation?

As always, thanks for reading.

Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789.

CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY

CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY Thank You To City of Wheat Ridge Has Deep Roots Wheat Ridge 50th Anniversary Sponsors n By Sally Griffin

throughout the country for carnations of “brilliant color, unusual size and lasting quality.” At one point, bout this time 50 years ago, Wheat Ridge was in Wheat Ridge was the largest producer of carnations in danger of being annexed by larger neighboring the world. These brilliant, cinnamon-smelling flowers cities, probably Arvada or Lakewood. Several where delivered each week to the White House. They volunteers at the Wheat Ridge Fire Department were were accompanied by a note indicating that they were concerned. To address their concern, they started a a gift from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the “Carnation City.” petition drive to urge incorporation of Wheat Ridge as a Most people don’t know, but chickens also became city. That petition was successful. With voter approval, a major industry in Wheat Ridge. First started by in August 1969 the City of Wheat Ridge was officially Hickory Chicken Hatchery, and later Schreiner’s Mile created.

High Poultry Farm, there were a many as 100,000 But the history of Wheat Ridge goes back much chickens with tens of thousand of eggs produced further than 50 years ago. It started as a rest stop for daily. However, during and after World War II, housing miners heading into the mountain gold camps in the shortages forced many of the larger poultry buildings late 1850s. It got its name for the golden ridges of to lose their chickens and be converted to apartments. wheat that could be seen by the travelers. It continued One of the earliest employers was a tent city for to supply wheat and alfalfa to the area until the 1880s. tuberculosis patients. In 1907, the Lutheran Evangelical The Baugh cabin, built by a miner in 1859, is believed Society established the tent city that evolved later to be the oldest cabin in Colorado that is on its original into a sanitarium with brick buildings, a chapel, and site. It has been restored by the city and the Wheat landscaped grounds. In 1961, the institution became Ridge Historical Society and can still be seen on the the only all-purpose hospital and medical center in corner of West 44th Avenue and Robb Street.

Jefferson County. The growth of medical professionals As unsuccessful miners moved out of the helped spur office and residential development in the mountains and returned to the area, they turned to area. Lutheran Medical Center is still a communitywhat they knew best – farming. Wheat Ridge supplied based hospital that includes a hospice center, a spine rich, fertile soil that attracted more and more people center and integrative health and wellness services. to the community. In the 1880s, the wheat fields were converted to fruit orchards and vegetable farms. One of the first apple trees in Colorado was planted near 38th and Ward Road. Until World War II, the Wheat Ridge community was a major supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables in Denver. It is no wonder that the Wheat Lutheran Medical Center is now part of SCL Health, a Ridge High School teams are known as the “Farmers.” nonprofit faith-based health system with 11 hospitals Wheat Ridge was not without its growing pains. in three states. To this day, Lutheran remains the In the late 1890s, there were three blacksmiths, a largest employer in Wheat Ridge. tomato cannery and several general stores. There is In March 1914, civic-minded residents joined an interesting tale about the Justice of the Peace in together to develop the Wheat Ridge Improvement Wheat Ridge. At the time it evidently was not unusual Association. This Association eventually resulted for these general stores to have gambling machines, in enhanced road maintenance, the creation of a primarily slot machines. He became incensed because telephone exchange, electricity for city residents, a the store was near to a school. He was sure that water system and, forty years later, a sewer system. it was corrupting the youth of the community. He By 1915, membership in the Association had grown subsequently took out the machine and smashed it to to over 760 members. The Olinger family, the owners smithereens. He then gave the 65 nickels inside in it to of Olinger’s Mortuary, had just completed their house the school fund. at 29th and Wadsworth. They hosted a gala at their After World War II, flower growers discovered new house to celebrate the work of the Association. It Wheat Ridge. Abundant sunshine made Wheat Ridge a is not known how many of the Association attended nearly perfect environment in which to grow flowers, or whether the Olinger’s house could accommodate particularly carnations. There are more days with over 700 people, but the Association itself was a great sunshine here than in either San Diego or Miami Beach. success.

By the 1950s, this area was home to more than 30 A great success with one exception. A group of carnation greenhouses. Wheat Ridge became famous businessmen sued the telephone company for a

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direct line to Wheat Ridge and the court ruled in their favor. Even though it was court-ordered, the telephone company vowed that the court could not tell them how to do business and threatened to cut off service. The court enforced their order. Thus, the businessmen and much of Wheat Ridge, while having telephones, were never given their own exchange.

In the 1920s, we don’t hear about the Improvement Association anymore, but the Wheat Ridge Men’s Service Club was organized. They worked with the state to develop special districts. This resulted in enhanced water and sewer systems and improved fire department and recreational districts. This club eventually became the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce in 1970.

In the 1950s, Wheat Ridge earned another nickname. It became know as “Sweet Ridge” due to the production of Jolly Rancher candies. Started by Bill and Dorothy Harmsen, the company was named Jolly Rancher because “Rancher” indicated its western nature and “Jolly” hinted at a friendly intent. They first made ice cream, chocolate and candy. But after not being able to sell much of their ice cream during the winter months, they switched the manufacture and sale of hard candy. The most popular flavors were Fire Stix, Apple Stix, and Grape Stix. In fact, they claimed that, “Jolly Rancher is the only candy guaranteed to be positively superior to any other you have eaten.”

At one time they had 250 employees. Each day they produced over 100,000 pounds of sugary goodness.

They sold the enterprise to Beatrice Foods in 1966. It was then sold to Hersey in 1996 and eventually was moved to Mexico.

Shortly after the incorporation of the city, the Wheat Ridge Police Department was formed. They did this by hiring off-duty Jefferson County Deputies on an hourly basis. By the next year, thanks to a new sales tax, the police department was able to hire 13 officers, chiefs and administrators. They were able to buy a police vehicle. Today, the department has 82 officers and 56 vehicles.

The movement to make Wheat Ridge a city started with fire department volunteers. These volunteers continued to support their city by constructing the Anderson Building. This was prefabricated metal building that for six years housed the City Council Chambers, the city office, and the gymnasium designated as the recreation center. This fire department has since undergone many changes and mergers. Originally formed in 1926 as the Wheat Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, in 1942 it became the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District. In 1971, the Prospect Valley Fire Department merged with the district. Columbia Heights joined them in 1974. Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District took over fire service for Edgewater in 2013. It then merged with West Metro Fire Rescue in 2016.

Wheat Ridge did not forget its agricultural heritage.

In the late 1970s, Wheat Ridge was one of the first cities in Colorado to be awarded the designation of “Tree City USA.” This was based on the many trees planted by the City and the establishment of an arborist board and a tree ordinance. This continued into 1982, when the city was designated a “Green Survival City” by the American Association of Nurserymen for its arbor management.

Since Clear Creek travels through the entire length of the city, it was regarded as a unique community resource and ideal location for parks and trails. Today, Wheat Ridge encompasses approximately 10 square miles of area with about 170 acres of developed parks and 300 acres of open space. The presence of parks has long been regarded by city residents as a way to create a sense of community and to improve the quality of life. A thriving park system in Wheat Ridge, from the first, was seen as a status symbol that generated a sense of pride.

Although Wheat Ridge is only 15 minutes from downtown Denver, it has had its own unique history since the times of the gold rush. It has evolved from a farming community with fields of wheat to a location for truck farms to a home for nationally known carnation greenhouses. (Carnations are now, almost exclusively, imported to the U.S. from South America.) It has been home to chicken and turkey farms, a TB sanitarium, and a candy manufacturer.

Although the wheat farms are gone, the ridges still provide expansive views of the front range. Wheat Ridge, to this day, represents a city with deep roots, a varied and rich history, and a continuing sense of the importance of community.

Wheat Ridge Celebrates National Night Out Tuesday, August 6, 2019 Hayward Park, 7500 W. 29th Ave.

• • • • •

Photos courtesy of the Wheat Ridge Historical Society

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n the beginning, the Wheat Ridge area was known locally for, of course, ridges of wheat. These wheat farms supplied grain to the many mining camps located just west of us. Later, Wheat Ridge became known nationally as the “Carnation City.” Carnations need ample sunlight in order to grow well. Wheat Ridge supplied that in abundance and became the chosen location for the greenhouses growing carnations.

In the 1960s, the city had 32 different carnation growers and sent flowers to the White House every Monday morning. The bouquet was then displayed in the front foyer with card a indicating it was a gift from Wheat Ridge, Colorado, the Carnation City.

As a child, I remember the wonderful cinnamon scent of some of carnations grown in Wheat Ridge.

As a result, the carnation is still one of my favorite flowers.

The city of Wheat Ridge was incorporated officially in 1969. On the first anniversary of that incorporation, the designation as Carnation City encouraged local groups to organize a celebration.

This celebration was intended to honor the agricultural aspects of the city’s history, highlighting the growing of carnations. Thus, the yearly event, the

Carnation Festival, was born. The parade associated with this festival once featured floats decorated almost entirely with carnations from local growers.

The greenhouses are gone, (The last carnation grower phased out their operation in 2008.) but this connection to the past remains.

The Wheat Ridge Carnival Festival is nearing the half-century mark. The event has changed and grown but remains volunteer-based and family-friendly. The festival is a long-time supporter of local nonprofit, service clubs, student and senior organizations. After the costs of the festival are paid, monies go to these local entities.

One of the longest running festivals in Colorado, the Carnival Festival is a wonderful mix of traditional county fair and modern beer and music festival delivered over three days to as many as 30,000 participants. According to organizers, “Every August in Wheat Ridge, there is a community shindig for a few thousand of the city’s closest friends.” The festival was previously held at a several different sites until finding its present home at Anderson Park.

The first Carnation Festival was held on the grounds of Wheat Ridge Junior High School (now Stevens Elementary). The school and the nearby Grange Hall were the location of the Flower Show, the Hobby Show, vendors booths, and the Pancake Supper. Events on Thursday night included the Talent Show, Square Dancing and the crowning of Carnation Queen. Friday had events like the Pet Show, the Kiddie & Pet Parade, and the Afghan Hound Racing Demonstration. Friday night ended with a concert and dancing. Saturday morning opened with the parade and its carnation floats. The day continued with a Westernaires Show, Firemen’s Competition, Pancake Supper and awards presentation. It ended with music and other entertainment lasting until midnight.

Over the last 49 years, there have been many changes: from the types of events, to the type of entertainment, to the parade participants, to the various location in the city. It has featured lots of dancing, including the Red Boots Folk Ensemble, Fiesta Alegre Spanish and Mexican Dancers, Polish Youth Club Dancers, Bailesartes Mexican Dancers among others. It has gone from a three-day event to a two-day event and back to a three-day event. At one point, they even tried calling it by a different name. But the intent remains: To be a family-friendly celebration that brings the community together.

One thing has stayed the same every year, kids and their parents eagerly gather around 38th Avenue looking for their favorite spot to see the parade.

(The parade remains on 38th Avenue, after a short hiatus on 44th Avenue.) From 9 a.m. to noon, parade entries come from community groups, service groups,

CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY community-building organizations, local Boy and Girl Scouts, Wheat Ridge-based businesses, churches, special-interest groups and other groups wanting to celebrate their hometown: Wheat Ridge.

Individuals who have made significant contributions or impact in Wheat Ridge are recognized as the Carnation Festival Grand Marshal, Count, and Countess. These three individuals lead the parade, then decide the parade winners for each category. By the way, the first Carnation Queen was Jacque Ferguson. The first Count and Countess were Gary Wardle and Barbara Davis.

The Directors of the first festival were Zebulon M. Pike Jr., William R. Cornelison, Frank Stites, Marie Engelman, and John Harper. For a while, the Festival was run by the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, then turned over to an all-volunteer board. Today the Wheat Ridge Carnation operates as a 501(c)(3) with a non-profit board of directors. The current board includes Festival Chair, Joe Demott; Vice-Chair, Walt Petit; Dave Petit; Chris Miller; Ruth Baranowski; Cyndy Beal; Rob Benson; Tim Berland; Dominick Breton; Leah Dozeman; Theresa Joyce; Joe Seehusen, Emily Smith and Renee Schreiner.

According to the Carnation Festival website, “Like the City, the Festival has seen its fair share of hiccups, disasters, rain outs and tragedy, but it has never stopped growing. It has never stopped trying to be the best it possible can be and it has never stopped being what it is – The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival.”

What a fitting celebration of the city and the lovely flower that was immortalized in a charming poem by Theodore Roethke. This is an excerpt from the poem, Carnations: Pale blossoms, each balanced on a single jointed stem, The leaves curled back in elaborate Corinthian scrolls…

Like…The windless perpetual morning above a September cloud.

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Photos courtesy of the Wheat Ridge Historical Society

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ROTARY CLUB OF WHEAT RIDGE wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org

invites you to join us at the

Carnation Festival Beer Garden

Don’t miss the live music, food, and cold beverages at the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival in August.

Our Rotary Club helps support the Wheat Ridge community with profits from sales at the Festival.

We look forward to meeting you!

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Our Mission Our Mission is to cultivate a prosperous and growing community by promoting, supporting, connecting and advocating for Wheat Ridge business.

The Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce serves as a resource and help center for organizations doing business in Wheat Ridge. The Chamber has a unified voice of diverse business organizations and supports the business community through advocating for positive business legislation, seminars, leadership programs and expanding marketing outreach. We host business networking events through our BNG lunches and spotlight member businesses, creating an educational environment for all active participants. The Wheat Ridge Chamber is also focused on providing opportunities for young professionals and newly created organizations doing business in Wheat Ridge.

Celebrating 50 Years of Wheat Ridge Business

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WHEAT RIDGE HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Thank you to our 2019 Sponsors

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Proceeds will support the WRCF and these WRHS campaigns:

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ngazette.com – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

17

MOUNTAIN VIEWS Backyard Chickens: A Growing Community n By

Patricia Lilliston

C

hickens have served as a source of amusement for decades. And, if asked today, “Alexa” will respond with a round of chicken jokes. However, over recent years, raising a small flock of backyard chickens within an urban environment has become a growing trend.

The Mountain View Town Code, Article 5 Animals, Section 7-5-10 defines and allows “fowl as chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, guineas and pigeons.” Section 7-5-50 (b) states and prohibits “no male fowl capable of crowing shall be kept by any person within the Town.”

Public Works Director Gene Bird speculates that at least three backyard chicken runs are located within the Mountain View town boundaries. Several fundamental notions suggest an explanation for the trend.

Many households want to achieve a sense of self-sufficiency. In a small yard, four or five egg-laying hens can provide that opportunity without a significant shift in lifestyle.

With the awareness of local food to table campaigns, people appreciate knowing that the food they eat is raised humanely and chemical free. When fresh eggs are collected from backyard pens, one knows first-hand how the hens were treated and feed.

Raising backyard chickens is reported as fun and relatively easy. Chickens are

multi-purpose pets due to their intelligence and quirky personalities. Flocks forage for bugs and weeds in the yard, produce natural garden fertilizer, and provide the principal ingredient for the breakfast omelet.

Yet, before converting the backyard into a functional space for chickens, investigate the basics.

Research the breeds. Hundreds of breeds are recognized worldwide. The social nature, desired egg size and color, and cost per chicken varies according to the breed.

To keep backyard poultry safe from predators, the chicken coop needs a secure, deep fence and a strong floor, door and roof with wire covering atop a run.

Coop features include proper ventilation, nesting boxes, feeders and waterers. Pen dimension is determined by flock size.

Laying hens are omnivores so meat and vegetable tidbits are dietary essentials.

Without having a set of teeth, grit for calcium and feed breakdown is a required supplement.

Residents Petra and Robbie Conaway offer advice based on their experience raising backyard chickens.

“Research before committing. They can be happy, healthy birds, but you need to work to raise them that way.”

“As long as you stay on top of caring for them, it is rewarding and an excellent learning experience for children.”

“Fresh farm eggs are also a great bonus.”

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THE GREAT OUTDOORS Headed To Jeffco Open Space?

Leave Your Drone At Home n By

Meghan Godby

J

efferson County’s Open Space parks are a treasure trove for the outdoor enthusiast, offering ample opportunities to hike, camp and observe wildlife. The vast landscapes provide spectacular views, which also makes them tempting spots for recreational drone pilots. Unfortunately, there is a law prohibiting drones in all Open Space areas, subject to a $50 fine.

Why? Matt Robbins, Community Connection Manager for Jeffco Open Space, explains that the reasoning is two-fold – the law exists both to protect our natural resources and enforce visitor safety.

“The presence of these drones has caused problems with the normal, everyday lives of wildlife in their natural habitats,” he explains. “The noise [...] causes animals to run, sometimes crossing busy intersections or going onto private property.”

Mary Ann Bonnell, the division’s Visitor Services Manager, agrees. While there hasn’t been a lot of research on the ways drones impact wildlife, it’s better to err on the side of caution.

“We conducted a literature review and found information indicating that the presence of drones induces a psychological response in bears,” Bonnell shared. “Other studies are looking at the impact of color, flight speed, and angle of approach. In short, more research is needed.”

However, the lack of research doesn’t mean we can turn a blind eye. Nearly seven million people visit Jeffco Open Space every year, and staff are dedicated to ensuring that visitors’ impact on the environment is minimal.

And while environmental impacts are significant, there are public issues at hand, too. Drones can crash or become uncontrollable (posing a safety risk), but they can also create concerns around privacy and excessive noise. Additionally, drones can affect law enforcement efforts.

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“There have been situations during natural disasters and critical incidents where privately owned drones have been spotted,” explains Deputy Kyle Coburn with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department.

“This [creates] problems for manned aircraft conducting fire suppression missions, search and rescue operations, and law enforcement investigations, [...] causing undue delay for our first responders.”

Luckily, local disruptions are on the decline.

“Over the last few years, there has been a slow decrease in the amount of calls we have received,” Coburn said. “Jeffco Open Space has only a very small amount of tickets, [and] for the Sheriff’s office, most calls [...] have resulted in no summons issued. Typically, talking with the drone operator and educating them [...] has been sufficient.”

Drones can be flown safely and legally on public property, provided the pilot has permission and the space is suitable (i.e., several acres, no homes nearby). Drones can also be flown in specified public locations such as a small area in Chatfield State Park, which has runways and landing spots specifically designed for recreational model aircraft.

If you have further questions, contact your local law enforcement agency or visit faa.gov.

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NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – ngazette.com

FITNESS CORNER The Food/Mood Connection Those can all affect your mood, right?

Let’s focus on stress and eating, and how your food affects your mood, and vice he word “food” can bring thoughts of versa. We have become a society of eating health and healing, connection and instead of feeling! It’s become safer to community, or pleasure and comfort. Food block feelings with food than to feel. We is a necessity, but can be misused as well. are a busy, intellectual society, out of touch We are consumed by eating. The average with our bodies. Emotional eating cravings person believes that they make about 15 are usually high-energy, lowfood-related decisions a day, nutrient foods: sweets like cake but they actually make more and ice cream, salty food like than 200. It’s a head exercise chips, and sugary soda. These rather than an autonomic body bring temporary relief for longer decision. How we live is how we term issues. We experience eat and how we eat is how we changes in taste perception live. following mental or physical Mood is a temporary state stress, thus leading to more of mind or feeling. Remember binging as we are less satisfied. that one word – temporary.

Mindfulness can help you One’s mood can be affected deal with tough emotions, helping by our circumstances and you calm down when you’re sad, surroundings. Most notably, Leann Filley angry, or frustrated. Stress-induced it can be affected by stress. And eating may be helped by a mindful relaxation that is when our mood can cause us to response. Notice what is happening around misuse food. you and how your body feels. What do you Stress is the non-specific response of the see, smell, taste? Mindful eating significantly body to any demand for change. Is it bad? reduces binge eating, as well as anxiety and Not necessarily. Stress is actually required depressive symptoms. The “how” of eating is for survival. Hans Syele said, “Without as important as the “what.” Slow down. If you stress, there would be no life.” “Eustress” are DOING while eating, the hypothalamus is something that causes us discomfort for isn’t registering satiety. a good reason, as change is necessary to The mind-body relationship is alleviate it. It is a healthy, short-term (acute) interconnected and our relationship to stress that subsides. Think “fight or flight.” food and eating can reflect what is really On the other hand, “distress” is the happening behind the scenes. So, check unhealthy, long-term kind that continues your mood before you choose your food. (chronic). This would include situations To learn more about building healthy with extreme anxiety, sorrow or pain. relationships with food, visit www.

Chronic stress causes a sustained increase feedyoursoulfitness.com. in alarm molecules which, in turn, can alter Leann Filley is a trainer and nutrition glucose tolerance, blood pressure, thyroid coach at Feed Your Soul Fitness. hormone and sex hormone metabolism. n By

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The Top 3 Summer Health Myths n By

Jeff Beckman, MD

C

olorado’s spring snowstorms are behind us. Gardens are growing, summer sports are in full swing, and honey-do lists are getting done.

People are getting outside and being active. That’s a good, healthy thing. But there are common, potentially serious injuries we see every summer that can be avoided.

Myth #1: If you’re bitten by a snake, you should try to suck the venom out

weather injury, and the severity of the injury can vary wildly, from sprained ankles to spinal fractures.

Ah, the honey-do list. From clearing out gutters to cleaning second-floor windows, many around-the-house summer jobs require someone to make the climb. Before taking that first step there are two things you must do: 1) read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper use of the ladder and 2) recruit a spotter to stand at the base.

Even then, not everyone should climb a ladder. Anyone taking a blood thinner should not climb a ladder unassisted, or they may risk internal hemorrhage from what otherwise would be a mild injury from a short fall.

There are about 25 species of snake in Colorado but only two of them are venomous: the western rattlesnake, also known as the prairie rattlesnake, which is common throughout the state, Dr. Jeff Beckman and the massasauga, found mainly in the Myth #3: In certain situations, you state’s southeastern grasslands. Rattlesnake can ride your bike safely without bites are actually fairly common in the west wearing a helmet metro area.

Sure, if those situations fall under the Your best course of action is to get to broad category of “absolutely never.” a hospital-based emergency department Whether you’re headed down the block quickly so you can receive antivenom as to pick up the mail or you’re on a 20-mile soon as possible. ride, a fall could cause a life-changing head Sucking the bite or applying a tourniquet injury. There is no such thing as a “safe” won’t give you any additional time and, bike ride, even if you’re a safe bike rider. in fact, can increase your risk of a serious A distracted motorist, a flock of geese, infection. Snakebites are rarely fatal, but a slick bike path from an afternoon rain all the longer they’re left untreated, the more could cause the safest rider to fall. No ride likely you are to suffer serious medical is too short, no speed is too slow, no path is complications, including death. too safe. Always wear your helmet.

Snakes gravitate toward heat. When on Each of these common injuries is a summer hike, stick to the trail and avoid preventable and, with some attention to tall grasses. If you venture off the trail, carry safety, their severity can be lessened. Keep a long stick with you so you can probe the these summer safety tips in mind so you can ground ahead of you. enjoy the outdoors without serious injury.

Myth #2: Anyone who can safely climb stairs can also climb a ladder

Falls from ladders are a common warm-

Jeff Beckman is an emergency physician at Lutheran Medical Center and the Health Facilities and EMS medical director for Colorado.

ngazette.com – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

19

What’s Happening in the WRBA

Affordable American Insurance Opens With Ribbon Cutting Wheat Ridge mayor Bud Starker joined the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Affordable American Insurance – Barrett Bartels Agency to the community at a free ribbon-cutting celebration, the afternoon of May 30. The celebration took place at the business, 4860 Robb St., #202, Wheat Ridge digs. The public event featured food, refreshments and giveaways.

For more information on the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, visit www. wheatridgechamber.org.

New Board Of Directors, Officers Elected By Applewood Business Association Applewood Business Association elected their 2019 Board of Directors earlier this month.

Officers of the Executive Board are: President Andrew Coonan, Rarity Consulting; 1st VP Annie Hammond, Sunflower Bank; 2nd VP Nick Kepustka, Realm Chiropractic; Treasurer Lee Knoll Jr., Knoll & Company, P.C.; Secretary Kim Smith, Central Payment.

Directors are: Mike Herman, Golden Wealth Solutions; Sean Plumb, Bank of the West; Gayle Maschari-Mohr, Anthony M’s Visions in Gold; Liz Baker, SCL Lutheran Medical Center.

Outgoing directors who completed their terms are: Liz Bornmann, LF Insurance Group; Chelsea Bunker, Bunker Strategies; Lo Feigenbaum-Wedgwood, Your Insurance

RIBBON CUTTING TOOK PLACE AT SEYFER SPECIALITIES at 4509 Harlan St. to celebrate their new building addition. Seyfer Specialties is family owned and specializes in restoring, and upgrading hot rods, beloved vehicles and everyday rides. dream cars. L to RDist. 1 Councilperson Janeece Hoppe, Doug Seyfer, Ryan Sanders, Clint Scott.

Chuck Thomas, Kevin Marques, Wheat Ridge Mayor Bud Starker, Tina Marie and Troy Seyfer - Seyfer Specialty owners. PHOTO BY BRIDGET DVORAK, CITY OF

Thanks to everyone who attended the June Breakfast Meeting, Speaker Mark Loye with OvalOptions Dealing with Conflict, and our sponsor Emily Green, Cibo Meals

JULY MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST

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Specialists; Dana Naas, Golden Printing & Promotional Products.

Outgoing President Mark F. Tighe, Jr., Financial Advisor, Waddell & Reed, Inc., will remain on the board as the past president for 2019-2020.

The Applewood Business Association is dedicated to the promotion, expansion and development of its members by providing services that directly aid, support and promote their business and by expressing and supporting common goals for the protection, identity and growth of Applewood Businesses and the community.

For more information visit www.applewoodbusiness.com.

Thanks to our June Biz Mix hosts modmood and Localworks for hosting this fun event. Congratulations for your move to the new location, modmood!

Please register for this meeting before 5pm on Thursday, July 4

wheatridgebiz.com/ upcoming_events/

DATE: Tuesday, July 9, 2019 TIME: 7:00am-9:00am LOCATION: Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Wheat Ridge, CO COST: $15 for WRBA Members and their guests, $18 for Non-members TOPIC: “HEMP 101: How the Hemp Boom is impacting Local Communities” SPEAKER: Samantha Walsh, Public Affairs Strategies and Legislative Policy Expert, Tetra MEETING SPONSOR: Christine Jensen, Fairway Independent Mortgage MEMBER BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Cheryl Garcia, LegalShield and Scott Feavel, EcoGraphics Printing

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS Trudy Stephens - Avenida Lakewood Mike Papantonakis - Rotary Club of Wheat Ridge Kailey Brennan L.Ac. - Alpenglow Acupuncture We would love to have you join us for our next meeting. Call (720) 588-2317 or Email Membership Chair today for more information.

FOCUS ON ENTERTAINMENT Swinging Into Summer With Music, Fairs And Puppets n By

N

Elisabeth Monaghan

ow that the school year has ended and the chilly weather finally behind us, it looks like summer has arrived. Fortunately, there is a variety of family-friendly activities in Jefferson County to enjoy.

If you haven’t visited the Colfax Museum, the Root 40 MusicFest offers an opportunity to support the museum while enjoying live music. The MusicFest takes place at the Colfax Museum, 6851 W. Colfax Ave., from 5 to 10 p.m. on June 28 and 29, and will feature Nashville legend Jim Lauderdale. Ticket prices start at $50. For information, visit www.eventbrite.com/o/ the-colfax-museums-annual-fundraisergala-event-21597871159.

Also on June 29, the Colorado Freedom Fest presents “A Concert & Whiskey Tasting Event” to raise funds and awareness for veterans and families of fallen first responders. The benefit begins at noon and runs until 11 p.m. at Jeffco Fairgrounds.

Ticket prices start at $55. Details and tickets are available at www.facebook.com/ events/408640659896444.

On July 13 and 14, the first annual Safe Summer Family Fair will take place at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Described by event organizers as “an insanely fun family event, with a direct objective of family safety and violence prevention, with the hopes of creating stronger, safer, family-oriented communities in the Denver metro area,” this inaugural fair begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. Tickets range in price from $11.11 for

general admission to $55.55 for an all-day VIP pass. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com/e/safe-summer-family-fairtickets-62452851159?aff=ebdssbdestsearch #tickets.

The Denver Puppet Theater is open Wednesday through Saturdays with marionette puppets performing “Silly Jack” through June 29 and “The Day it Snowed Tacos” through Aug. 24. For more information, email annie@hypermall.net, or call 303-458-6446.

Three upcoming shows of note at the Arvada Center for the Performing Arts include “Mozart Under Moonlight,” presented by the Colorado Symphony on July 11. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and ticket prices range from $20 to $50.

On July 13, at 7:30 p.m. the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra will perform music from Ray Charles performances that were then matched to recordings of the Count Basie Orchestra in the instantly classic album, “Ray Sings and Basie Swings.”

Tickets range from $18 to $40.

Singer Pat Benatar and guitarist, producer songwriter (and husband), Neil Giraldo, who have enjoyed a successful 40year career, will be at the Arvada Center on July 15 performing some of their top hits including “Love Is A Battlefield” and “We Belong.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and ticket prices range from $53 to $78.

To purchase tickets for any of these shows, visit www.arvadacenter.org.

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

Don Seyfer • 303-422-5261 4501 Harlan St. • seyferauto.com

Sue Ball • 303-421-7311 sueball.com

Paul V. LoNigro • 303-423-0162 9195 W. 44th Ave. • e-gia.com

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Amira Watters • 303-996-8976 awatters@jeffcobrc.org

Christine Jensen • 303-456-4403 CJensen@FairwayMC.com

Tim Berland • 303-995-2806 ngazette.com

Pam Bales • 303-233-5555 pam@westmetrochamber.org

20

NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – ngazette.com

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completely up to the organizers. They can range from just a few neighbors meeting in a driveway to entire subdivisions closing magine receiving an unsuspecting call streets for food, games and music. The food from one of your neighbors letting you can range from picnics to potlucks. One of know that your two-year-old dog found the most popular types of block party grub a way out of your fenced backyard and is barbecue. Imagine joggers and passersby is trotting down the street while you are stopping in their tracks; their grocery shopping. The neighbor mouths salivating because of the knew the dog was yours because bewitching aroma in the Wheat they recognized her from the Ridge air, christened by your block party that you recently hickory-smoked [insert your hosted in your neighborhood. favorite meat here].

Being wonderful neighbors, they

Not only would neighbors keep your dog safe in their home enjoy great food, but the kids until you return from the store. can befriend each other as This actually happened well. Sometimes, families with to a Wheat Ridge resident in children pitch in to rent party September of last year. She activities for the children, such hosted a block party, mainly to as beanbag toss (aka Cornhole), welcome the new neighbors on Malachi Goodman giant Connect 4, giant Jenga and her block. She said meeting her a bouncy castle. Then again, who says a neighbors and learning new faces resulted bouncy castle is only for kids? in her precious beagle returning home.

Throwing a block party for your Neighborhood block parties are a neighborhood is always an exciting idea. Yet, summer pastime, reminiscent of the good the most concerning part with organizing ol’ days. A time for fun, food and laughs, but one comes down to the expenses. That’s also a good way for people to get to know who why Localworks offers Neighborhood Block lives around them. They allow neighbors to Party grants that are available all year come together and collaborate on a common ‘round, reimbursing up to $150 per grant. If activity, which helps increase that sense of you want to organize a party for your block belonging to a community. Getting to know and take advantage of our grant program, your neighbors also increases neighborhood call Localworks today at 720-259-1030. safety and security. Plus, if you tell the More information and the application can Wheat Ridge Police Department about your be found online at WeAreLocalworks.org/ event, officers can swing by for a plate a food block-parties. Party on! and meet some of the people they protect in Malachi Goodman is the Office Mana relaxed environment. ager for Localworks.

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t was not that long ago that the water rushing through Clear Creek Canyon was part of a record Colorado snowpack.

In some parts of the state, there are predictions of potential flooding as the annual snowmelt continues and water levels in creeks and rivers rise. Rescue crews know that fast moving, icy water can be extremely dangerous. But, most people don’t realize just how dangerous. They can easily underestimate the power of rushing water.

“It moves so fast that just being in a couple of feet of water can sweep you off your feet,” said West Metro Lt. Chris Rhoads. “And the water is freezing cold, which quickly saps your energy, and your ability to self-rescue. We always tell people – don’t get in the water unless you’re properly trained and have the appropriate equipment – like a personal flotation device – or life jacket.”

West Metro firefighters, along with firefighters from three other agencies, spent a week last month training for water rescues along Clear Creek. The firefighters learned the basics of swimming in fast moving water, how to maneuver around obstacles like rocks or tree limbs and how to selfrescue. They also trained with using a boat and a rope system for rescues where the victim is stationary, like sitting on a rock or inside a vehicle and is not in danger of being overtaken by rising water.

“It truly can be a life or death situation,” said West Metro firefighter/paramedic Lee Maulsby, who is also a swift water rescue instructor. “That’s the reason why we train – to keep our skills sharp so that we’re ready to respond if needed.”

Although swift water is usually associated with creeks and rivers, it can be any form of moving water. That includes ponds, lakes, reservoirs and flooded areas.

Even slow moving water can cause a fatality if you can’t swim or aren’t wearing a

FIREFIGHTERS FROM WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE AND THREE OTHER AGENCIES spent a week last month training for water rescues along Clear Creek. Fast moving, icy water can be extremely dangerous. PHOTO BY WEST METRO FIRE RESCUE

personal flotation device – or life jacket.

West Metro Fire Rescue advises anyone who falls in moving water to try and float with your feet downstream in the direction you’re going. That will allow you to protect yourself and absorb the shock of hitting the obstacles in the way. If you see someone fall in, try to throw a rope or extend a tree branch to them but do not get in the water yourself. If you can’t rescue them – make sure you can give a clear description to the 911 dispatcher of where you are and where you last saw the person.

“We have so many people that enjoy the water – kayakers, fishermen, people who tube down the rivers,” said Maulsby. “We’re not asking them to stay out of the water.

What we want is for people to be safe.”

Ronda Scholting is the West Metro Fire Rescue Communications/Media Relations Specialist.

ngazette.com – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

ASK THE EXPERT Get Pre-Approved For Your Divorce! n By

21

Blues & BBQ for Better Housing

of loan being done-often needing consistent receipt for three to six months minimum.

Moving out of the marital home to purchase a new place while still married may require a temporary separation agreement that allows this, and the start of this type of income if needed to qualify. The income must continue for a period of three years after the funding date of the new loan. Children’s ages will be a factor for continuance rules.

Specialty loans are available that may allow only one month receipt of this income.

Wanda Norge

O

ne of the most important things for divorcing clients is being prepared to financially to take on a new home purchase or buyout when retaining the marital home.

Unfortunately, some final agreements are written without even knowing if the person can qualify or fit timeline requirements for completion from a lending standpoint.

Certified Divorce Lending Professionals (CDLPs) specialize in working with divorcing clients and professionals in family law, collaborative divorce, mediation, Title therapists, certified financial Being on the current loan planners and CPAs. We can and/or title can be important prepare an analysis of mortgage factors for refinance buyoutsfinancing requirements that that can affect qualifying, timing will assist your divorce team. As restrictions, and access to the Wanda Norge part of getting pre-approved, we equity limits for the buyout. review the credit report, job history, income, debts, assets, real estate owned, how title 90 Day Cash Rule is held, and any timing restrictions that You have 90 days to apply for a refinance may apply. We can also be called as expert loan to replenish cash used to buy a property. witnesses in your court case if necessary.

After that, the mortgage is considered “cash out,” can have higher interest rates and may Joint Debts & Credit need to adhere to other guidelines and “loan Reviewing a current credit report should to value” limits. The new tax law has lower be one of the first things to do. Identify any limits on the amount of mortgage interest joint accounts. If the ex-spouse is assigned that can be deducted on your federal taxes responsibility for a joint debt, it can hurt as well. your credit score if payments are not made These are only a few of many items to or are paid late since your name is still on consider that should be addressed in the the account. The creditor does not care that final settlement. Involve a CDLP as soon it was court awarded. You are still jointly as possible in your divorce or separation responsible. From a mortgage qualifying process! We specialize in divorce. standpoint though, we can follow the terms Wanda Norge is a Mortgage Consulof the agreement to exclude that debt. tant (NMLS: 280102), Certified Divorce

Maintenance/Child Support/ Social Security

Knowing the rules for qualifying with child support/maintenance/alimony or social security income can vary with the type

Lending Professional (CDLP), National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP) Leadership Team with Equilane Lending, LLC (NMLS: 387869), 16 years experience.

Contact her at 303-419-6568, loans@wandanorge.com or www.wandanorge.com.

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WHEAT RIDGE SUSTAINABILITY The Poop On Sustainability n By

I

Guy Nahmiach

finally got chickens. Ever since I started cultivating my land, it’s been fruit trees, rows and rows of vegetables, a pond for the animals to drink and, yet, I felt I was missing something. Last month, Mark from Right Coast Pizza donated three hens to Guy’s farm (The 6th Fridge). Two eggs a day between the three of them, help in weeding, lots of entertainment and tons of poop. I had no idea.

My cut vegetable scraps from the kitchen now make an additional stop before ending up in the compost bin. Not only am I saving on chicken feed, I’m also eliminating the need for fertilizer for my urban farm. In fact I’ve started reaching into my koi pond and collecting the algae and then burying it at the base of the fruit trees. Excellent fertilizer.

I know I’m sounding like a new dad and his poop stories, even though I’ve had to chicken-proof all my gardens, but this just goes with the philosophy that everything around us is somehow tied to everything else. This defines the concept of sustainability. My friend John Clark and I often talk (loudly) about how all of these “newly found” practices have existed for generations and have simply been rebranded with new buzz words.

The difference is that I think their incentive was somewhat different. Saving money for farmers is different than saving the earth for some. But does it really matter?

They both lead to the same result. One less bag of manure to buy, and one less bag of manure to produce. Same poop.

On a separate matter, I’ve noticed the increased traffic of parcel delivery trucks on our streets: FedEx, UPS, an army of white Amazon vans, the post office and the list goes on. We also have the daily races of the landscaping companies zooming through our streets. Some look great and professional, while some are barely holding on to that Jed Clampet trailer in tow as they go round the traffic-calming islands, clipping the overhanging branches along the way.

Perhaps Wheat Ridge needs to have a single parcel delivery company, maybe even a single landscaping provider. You see where I’m going with this right? It’s not about waiting for the city to impose a rule or policy. It’s about you and your neighbors deciding on how your block or even neighborhood will do their part. It’s very much the message the NRS (Neighborhood Revitalization Steering) committee heard from the many citizens about the direction our city needs to go. I know that not all city councilors believe in the NRS findings, but at the end of the day it comes down to what we each do in our own space. It’s not about a group of people planting one or two trees in a park. It’s about each one planting one tree in their own yard.

Contact Guy Nahmiach at Guy@NostalgicHomes.com or 303-999-5789.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING Division that were recently honored at the Impact Awards of Urban Land Institute Colorado.

The historic Fruitdale school had been vacant since 2007, but was revitalized as 16 solar-powered, affordable lofts within a sustainable landscape of edible plants.

Fruitdale Lofts was completed and open for leasing in the fall of 2017.

Also recognized was 5800 Alameda in Lakewood, a project that rescued an abandoned eight-story office building as high-quality affordable housing, changing the image of a blighted area of Lakewood.

OBERON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS WAGED A FRIENDLY BATTLE OF SCRABBLE against residents of Applewood Place, 2800 Youngfield St., Lakewood, during the residence’s Saturday Scrabble Challenge earlier this month, losing the tournament to the seniors in a game that lasted well over an hour. The residents of the senior living community invite all comers to stop by and try their luck against their prowess. PHOTO COURTESY APPLEWOOD PLACE

RTD Hosts Pop-Up Road Show In Arvada To Answer Questions About Quiet Zones Enjoy a pancake breakfast, roam RTD booths and ask questions at a Popup Roadshow hosted by the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and commuter rail concessionaire Denver Transit Partners (DTP) on Saturday, June 29, 9 to 11 a.m., at Arvada Ridge Station, 10189 W. 53rd Ave., Arvada.

The event provides the public with information about quiet zones along the G Line, and shares how to stay safe around buses and trains. It will feature a transit “touch-a-truck,” great for kids and curious transit riders of all ages.

Quiet zones are areas along a railroad segment where train operators don’t have to sound their train horns at crossings on a routine basis. However, even with quiet zones in effect, train operators maintain

discretion to use horns under circumstances that require additional safety precautions and per federal regulations. This means that train horns will still sound within designated quiet zones for a variety of reasons.

Residents are invited to visit with representatives of RTD and DTP, ask questions and learn when and why they might hear train horns in designated quiet zones along commuter rail routes.

For more information or to request translation services, please contact Christina Zazueta, RTD’s community engagement manager, at Christina.Zazueta@rtddenver.com or 303-299-2675.

Fruitdale Lofts Wins Award From Urban Land Institute of Colorado The Fruitdale Lofts residence in Wheat Ridge is one of two housing development projects supported by Jefferson County Human Services’ Community Development

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Mayor To Reopen Anderson Park In June 22 Celebration Anderson Park, W. 44th Ave. in Wheat Ridge, is scheduled to reopen beginning with a celebration hosted by Mayor Bud Starker on Saturday, June 22 at 10:30 a.m.

The plan to renovate and improve Anderson Park is the first project to be completed of the four Investing 4 the Future projects being funded by ballot initiative 2E, which was passed by voters in 2016, approving a half-cent temporary sales tax increase.

“Construction on this extensive project has been underway since September of last year, and city staff are thrilled to unveil the changes on June 22,” said Joyce Manwaring, director of parks and recreation for Wheat Ridge, in a city-issued press release.

“The plan included a great deal of input from the community, and we think everyone who uses the park to swim, listen to music, participate in sports or simply enjoy the sound of Clear Creek, will be very pleased with the changes.”

Plans included improving the park’s existing features while also adding several new amenities. A brand new stage/picnic pavilion will enhance summer Performances in the Park. Residents will also have better access to Clear Creek, thanks to new construction using natural elements. The outdoor pool facilities have also undergone a facelift with completely renovated locker rooms, as well as the addition of two private changing rooms and an upgrade to the lifeguard office.

“Over the years, the park has grown in popularity and become heavily used for many community events, sports programs, and other activities,” continued Manwaring. “As a result, facilities were showing their age and the wear from years of heavy community use. By maintaining the characteristics of the park and updating and improving its amenities, Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation will be able to meet the growing demands of the community.”

Other improvements include new playground features, and a complete renovation of the Anderson Building. A new original piece of art will be installed later this year. New ballfield lighting, roof replacements, and sidewalks are also part of the completed improvements, and were designed to help keep the park safe and accessible. Originally built by the Wheat Ridge Volunteer Fire Department, the Anderson building once served as the City’s council chambers and a recreation center.

Kids On A Mission To Read This Summer At Jeffco Libraries Young readers of all ages can spend their summer with the Jefferson County Public Library exploring a universe of stories and activities that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.

Readers of all ages, even babies and adults, are welcome on this “Mission to Read” that helps keep minds active over the summer.

Registration is now open and reading continues through July 31 as the county works towards reading and logging 50 million minutes. When goals are met, prizes are earned, including $500 for the Foothills Animal Shelter.

Schools can win one of five $800 prizes if they have the most readers finishing the program by reading 8 hours (elementary) or 16 hours (middle and high school), as compared to school enrollment.

Individual prizes include free books, amusement park tickets, space-themed rubber ducks for babies and a book bag for adults.

Summer Reading is made possible thanks to sponsors Jefferson County Library Foundation; Lakeside Amusement Park; Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park; Comcast; Wulf Foundation; First Bank; Genesee Mountain Foundation; and The Kerr Foundation.

Sign up and learn more at your local library – the new Edgewater Library, 1800 Harlan St. – or online at jeffcolibrary.org.

Swap Or Sell Projects – Finished Or Not – At Historical Society Craft Fair, July 13 The Wheat Ridge Historical Society will host a Craft Fair on Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Baugh House, 11361 W. 44th Ave. Bring items you bought but never used, the projects you finished and want to sell, or the materials you still have on the shelf you never used – another crafter will be delighted to have it!

It’s this month’s regular Second Saturday event, hosted by the Wheat Ridge Historical Society.

For more information, visit Wheatridgehistoricalsociety.org.

Bring Your Own Books – We’ll Pour The Beer There are now three monthly book clubs hosted by local breweries and Jefferson County Public Library, where readers can discuss their favorite books.

Drop in and discuss a book you’ve read dealing with “A.I. Romance” (can there be such a thing?) at Joyride Brewery, 2501 Sheridan Boulevard brewery in Edgewater, on Wednesday, June 26, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Share book recommendations; happy hour prices available.

Continued on page 23

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ngazette.com – JUNE 17 – JULY 15, 2019 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE

23

WHAT’S HAPPENING

THE “MANY COLORS OF WHEAT RIDGE” SIGNATURE QUILT was created by Cultural Commissioner Milly Nadler in celebration of the City’s 50th Anniversary.

Signatures include those of community members and City leaders.. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE

Continued from page 22

Ever read a book that debuted the year you were born? The BYOB(ook) Club invites you to show up to share, imbibe and receive great book recommendations when they meet at WestFax Brewing Company, 6733 W. Colfax Ave., on Wednesday, July 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. The club takes the traditional book club out of the library to where the beer is liberated and the dogs are welcome. Happy hours prices are available for attendees.

Across the border in Wheat Ridge at Colorado Plus Brew Pub, 6995 W. 38th Ave., a rival BYOB(ook) Club meets Monday, July 8, 6:30 to 8 p.m., to share and receive recommendations on biographies – this month’s theme. Monday is BOGO on some delectable beers, including an aptly named choice from Fiction Beer Company. Service animals are welcome, but please leave other four-legged friends at home.

Brews or no brews, you can discuss great reads with the Edgewater Library Book Group, meeting monthly at the new Edgewater Library, 1800 Harlan St. On Saturday, July 13, 1 to 2 p.m., they’ll discuss Graeme Simsion’s 2018 novel, “Two Steps Forward,” the story of a California widow and a divorced Brit who find one another on the Camino de Santiago, a spiritual walking route that winds through France and Spain.

Suitable for adults.

For more information, call the Edgewater Library at 303-235-5275 or visit jeffcolibrary.org.

Relax, Paint And Socialize With Other Caregivers At Memory Café, July 17 The Wheat Ridge Memory Café at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 Depew St., is a

welcoming place for people living with memory loss and their caregivers, held Wednesday, July 17, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

This ongoing monthly series presented by the Alzheimer’s Association invites you to gather to relax, paint and socialize with others while enjoying a cup of coffee, a fun activity, or a brief presentation. It’s suitable for adults, 60+.

Celebrate Saint James Day With Saint James Episcopal Church, July 28 Saint James Episcopal Church, 8235 W. 44th Ave., Wheat Ridge, will celebrate Saint James Day, their patronal feast day, on Sunday, July 28. The celebration includes Holy Eucharist at 10 a.m. in the church, followed by a picnic outside on the lawn.

All those who once attended St. James or are interested in the church are invited to share in the joy and fellowship.

For more information call 303-4241118.

Tickets For Jeffco Fair & Festival Go On Sale June 28 Online advance tickets for the 4th annual Jeffco Fair & Festival will go on sale June 28.

The three-day event takes place Aug. 9 through 11 at Jefferson County Fairgrounds.

It is Jeffco’s biggest celebration of the summer.

Event dates and times are Friday, Aug. 9, noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 10, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Look for events, happenings and entertainment posted on CelebrateJeffco. com as they become available.

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