Summer 2024 Westy Magazine

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Paddle Smart Staying Safe on Standley Lake

Neighborly Advice

Summer EVENTS GUIDE A New Era of Recycling

Summer Passport Challenge Take a Journey Through City Programs AND Win Prizes

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Merry & Metal It's Christmas year-round at Aspen Lodge

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CONTACT INFORMATION

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City Council Members

Nancy McNally Mayor nmcnally@ westminsterco.gov

Sarah Nurmela Mayor Pro tem snurmela@ westminsterco.gov

Claire Carmelia ccarmeli@ westminsterco.gov

David DeMott ddemott@ westminsterco.gov

Obi Ezeadi oezeadi@ westminsterco.gov

Visit The Westy Online

Your hub for City happenings, stories, and neighborly advice at westminsterco.gov /TheWesty

Amber Hott ahott@ westminsterco.gov

Kristine Ireland kireland@ westminsterco.gov

It’s a beautiful summer day. The sun is shining, not a cloud in sight — the perfect time to go paddleboarding on Standley Lake. The views are majestic with the beautiful Rocky Mountains on full display. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the pelicans that likes to hang out at the lake. Yes, Westminster has pelicans, who knew? If you don’t own a paddleboard, you can rent one at the park. It’s one of the most popular and accessible ways to get out on the water, with more than 2,000 paddleboard rentals at Standley Lake last season alone.

Before hitting the lake, though, you should make sure to take certain precautions. Afternoon thunderstorms throughout the summer months can have a big impact on conditions at Standley Lake, conjuring dangerous lightning, strong winds, and treacherous whitecaps.

Westminster Fire Lieutenant Shawn Caswell knows the dangers all too well. His team trains for water rescues and is always prepared to jump into action at Standley Lake, if necessary. However, you don’t need specialized training to keep yourself safe while paddleboarding. Caswell says it’s as simple as checking the weather forecast before heading out.

“Knowing what the weather is going to do and understanding how that is going to affect your day on the water will help you be prepared,” Caswell said.

newbies get lessons before hitting the water. “It's a large body of water with conditions that can rapidly change. Conditions can deteriorate, and you need to be able to get back to shore,” Caswell said. “It is imperative you stay within your means of ability to swim to safety and stay within sight of the shore.” Even without lessons, Caswell says beginners shouldn’t be afraid to try with the necessary precautions.

After checking the weather, Caswell says the next step is to familiarize yourself with the life jacket rules. When paddleboarding at Standley Lake, everyone using the watercraft must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD). They don’t have to wear it — it just has to be on the board, though wearing it is recommended. If a person rents a paddleboard at the park, then they must wear the PFD at all times while on the water. Anyone under the age of 16, regardless of if they rented the board, must wear a PFD.

“Nobody likes tan lines, but there are a lot of different options out there,” Caswell says.

“There are some personal flotation devices that go around your waist, with a piece that will connect onto the paddleboard’s leash. That way it's more of a waistbelt.”

Although Standley Lake is for paddleboarders of any skill level, Caswell does recommend

Caswell recommends wearing the leash that’s attached to the paddleboard. He says it's even more important on still water than it is on a river. “Imagine you’re on the lake, with your life jacket resting on board. All of a sudden, a big wind gust comes and knocks you off your paddleboard. The paddleboard is essentially a big sail, so if you’re not weighing it down to

keep it in place, the wind is going to grab it and it’s going to start spinning and fly across the water away from you,” he continues painting the scene. “Because your leash isn’t attached, you’re going to have to swim after it, you’re already exhausted on a hot day, maybe you’re dehydrated. There’s no way you’re going to be able to catch up to the board when you’re already tired and you don’t have on your life jacket. So, having them both on and attached to you is very important.”

If storm clouds start rolling in, it’s best to get to shore as quickly and safely as you can. “Lay down on the board, lay down as tight as you can, make your profile as small as you can and then surf paddle your way to the shore.”

In addition to bringing a PFD when paddleboarding, you can also wear a whistle. “A whistle carries very, very well across the water, so it's easy for people to pick up on and generally is a universal sign of help out on the water,” Caswell said. “If you're struggling to get back onto the board, just get your arms up onto the board and get yourself up as high as you can and call for help.”

If a paddleboarder spots someone in trouble, Caswell has advice on how they can help. "Paddle over and hand them your PFD. Stay connected to your board, stay low on the board, and give them something to hold onto that's going to keep them up. You can then paddle them over to their board that blew away.”

Even though park rangers are out patrolling Standley Lake, they might not immediately realize someone is in danger. If you’re on the shore and see someone struggling, Caswell says you can help them. “First of all, you should call 911,” Caswell says, even if you're not 100%

sure the person needs emergency services. “That 911 call will activate the rangers out on the lake and will get the rescue crews out there quickly. We'd rather have that 911 call come in and then not be needed, then have it come in and realize they should have called sooner.”

After calling 911, it’s good to keep an eye on the person in the water. “Look at them and locate something exactly opposite from where you are and where they are. Make sure you choose a stationary object, like a power pole or distinctive tree, so if they go under, rescuers will know where they were last spotted.”

Being aware and understanding the dangers of paddleboarding is the first step to keeping you safe. Overall, paddleboarding is a lowrisk activity that can be enjoyed by the entire family, including four-legged members! Just remember to make sure everyone has a PFD, including your pooch.

Watch our video on paddleboarding safety by scanning the QR code

Tips for Paddleboarding

Check the weather forecast

Wear a personal flotation device

Wear your board’s leash

Wear sunscreen and bring extra

Bring a water bottle

Bring a whistle if you have one

Carry your phone in a waterproof bag

NEIGHBORLY ADVICE

We ’re here to help!

For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant.

Report Illegal Street Racing

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

303-658-2400

(then press “0” from the menu options)

Help us keep our streets and community safe this summer by reporting illegal street racing. If you hear or see street racing around Westminster, you can submit an anonymous tip to law enforcement at www.reportstreetracing.com.

The website is managed by the Colorado Street Racing Working Group, made up of law enforcement agencies including the Westminster Police Department, district and city attorneys, and support staff. You can submit a report at any time by scanning the QR code.

Save Money on RTD Fares

RTD's new fare system includes discounted prices that Westminster residents can take advantage of this summer! Some of the lower fare options include:

Discounted fares for ages 65+ SeniorRide for the 65+ community Access-a-Ride for those with disabilities

Zero Fare for Youth

Scan the QR code for pricing information and to purchase fares.

Water Quality Report

The City's annual Water Quality Report is now available. The report provides a summary of the city's drinking water quality and our work to keep our water clean, safe, and affordable. The Water Quality Report is now available at www.westminsterco.gov/WaterReport. Residents may request a printed copy of the report by calling the City’s Water Quality staff at 303-6582461 or by emailing water@westminsterco.gov.

Summer EVENTS

www.westminsterco.gov/events

Uncle Sam Splash Bash

Thursday, July 4 1 – 3 p.m.

Countryside Pool 10470 Oak St.

Public Safety Open House

Saturday, June 22 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Public Safety Center 9110 Yates St.

4th of July Celebration

Thursday, July 4 4 – 10 p.m. (Fireworks at 9:15 p.m.) City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

Movies in the Park

7 p.m. each night

"Wish": Friday, July 12 at Amherst Park "Super Mario Bros": Friday, Aug. 23 at Legacy Ridge Golf Course "Migration": Friday, Sept. 13 at McFall Park

Top Taco 21+ Event

Thursday, August 8 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

1870’s Vintage Baseball Saturday, July 13 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wolff Run Park 4705 W. 76th Ave.

Partner Event July 7 – 15 City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

Westy Craft Brew Fest 21+ Event Saturday, July 27 5 – 9 p.m. City Park 10455 Sheridan Blvd.

Doggie Dive-In Saturday, Aug. 17 Noon – 5

Countrysidep.m.Pool 10470 Oak St.

RECYCLING A NEW ERA OF

It’s a Friday afternoon in April and curious residents gather outside the new Westminster Sustainability Center (6020 W. 91st Ave.) ahead of forecasted spring storms. A little rain could not dampen their eagerness to walk through the doors for the first time and see how the new facility would serve them.

“When I heard this center was opening, I thought ‘Yay! This is great news,’” said Jan Spratte, a Westminster resident who attended April’s grand opening celebration. “I was glad to see how the process for dropping off different recyclables works. I think everyone should come and see it.”

Another resident who attended the celebration, Theresa Lubben, shared a similar sentiment. “It will be great, we need to have more of this,” Lubben said.

The new facility is managed by SustainAbility Recycling, a company with a proven track record. They currently operate locations in Arvada and Broomfield and make it a point to offer work opportunities to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

During the grand opening celebration, employees showed off areas that will keep recyclables out of sight until they can be taken to their next stop in the journey of sustainability. For electronics, that means certified e-waste recyclers will take them and break them down in an ethical manner without compromising any personal data left on the device. Single-stream items will be compacted and kept inside the building at night, and Republic Services will process the contents a few times a week.

The new, one-stop-drop recycling hub located near Downtown Westminster is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and closed on Sunday. From now through August, the center will be open until 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays as part of extended summer hours. The facility replaces the four 24/7 recycling drop-off bins that were located at Fire Station 1 (3948 W. 73rd Ave.), Municipal Service Center (6575 W. 88th Ave.), Municipal Court (3030 Turnpike Dr.), and West View Recreation Center (10747 W. 108th Ave.). Those sites are now closed.

Current Westminster resident and former City of Westminster employee Mark Granger is excited about the new sustainability center. He thinks it is a great addition to the city, and he should know — he had first-hand experience in just how messy and unsafe the old drop-off sites could get: it was his job to clean them.

“People would drop off hazardous materials in the middle of the night,” Granger said. “There was broken glass scattered on the ground. The bins would overflow, and windy days would blow the trash around.”

But it wasn’t just the items being left in and around the bins that made them unsafe — Granger also points out how close the bins were to traffic. "At the MSC, you've got the traffic on West 88th zooming by, plus large vehicles always going in and out of the gates. It just got to be a little dangerous.”

The new Westminster Sustainability Center eliminates the unsafe drop-off conditions. Employees will be there to help collect recyclables from residents, making sure they get put in the correct bins. Then, when the facility closes for the day, employees will bring the bins and compactor inside, which will keep the area safe and clean. When it comes to traffic, residents won’t be dodging zipping cars when unloading their recyclables. To mitigate potential traffic impacts, residents are asked to enter the site from Harlan Street and either park in the designated spots for hardto-recycle items or enter the line for single-stream recyclables.

In addition to accepting singlestream recycling and hard-to-recycle

items, the Westminster Sustainability Center will also offer educational opportunities for the community. It will host field trips for local schools and will be available for other community tours to demonstrate the environmental benefits of recycling.

“I think that's a great way to get [kids] started and hopefully thinking twice about just dumping trash out on the streets or throwing your recycling into the trash and not taking care of it the way you should,” Granger said.

Single-stream recyclables are free to drop off, and hard-to-recycle goods will be accepted for a fee outlined in the table below. To learn more about the Westminster Sustainability Center, scan the QR code or visit: westminsterco. gov/sustainabilitycenter.

You don't have to travel far to experience the best that summer has to offer. From dozens of parks and 125 miles of trails to thousands of acres of open space and hundreds of classes and programming for all ages and abilities, Westminster is a hot spot for summer fun!

Take part in our Summer Passport Challenge by participating in different City programs and collecting stickers in five exciting categories:

nature, wellness, civics, learning, and arts. Collect stickers to earn awesome prizes, including a grand prize of $2,000 to put toward an extended trip booked through the City's Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department.

Scan to find a list of programs and events that you can attend to earn stickers, or turn the page for some fun ideas and more information about the contest.

Collect

&

Win!

Collect & Win!

Start today, and use this page to collect one sticker for each category. You can attend any summer program or class offered by the City of Westminster to earn a sticker in that category. After attending the program, ask the instructor for your

Summer Passport Sticker!

To claim your prizes, please bring The Westy magazine with your completed sticker page to City Hall and present it to front desk staff. Please note that prizes are first come, first served and supply is limited. There will be a raffle for the grand prize.

You could attend one of our great outdoor recreation programs, such as Wildlife Wednesdays or Beekeeping 101, or even camp out under the stars for Family Camp Night at Standley Lake!

Westminster Public Library offers tons of learning opportunities, including hands-on science activities, trivia nights, book clubs, and more!

Learning options also include outdoor education classes at the Standley Lake Nature Center or the 1870s Vintage Baseball Game, where attendees can learn about Colorado’s history while taking in the classic game played the old-school way!

place stickeryourhere place your sticker here

Get involved and learn more about how your local government operates by attending the Public Safety Open House, learning about the Parks, Recreation & Libraries Vision Plan at our summer events, or by attending a community meeting.

Get moving and get rewarded with a Wellness sticker by attending fitness classes at any of our recreation centers, trying out some new poses in a yoga workshop, or even treating yourself to some rest and relaxation with a massage from one of our licensed therapists.

Try your hand at drawing, jewelry-making, pottery, or any other fun and creative offerings to earn your Arts & Culture sticker! Classes and workshops for all ages are offered at our recreation centers and libraries. For the not-so-artistically-inclined, feel free to attend a summer concert at the Orchard Town Center to earn this one.

ONE

One sticker gets you a Summer Swag Pack, including a fanny pack, sunscreen, and SPF lip balm.

Completing the passport with all five stickers in five different categories earns you a 40 oz insulated tumbler, a custom luggage tag and a chance to win $2,000 toward an extended trip of your choice! place stickeryourhere place your sticker here place stickeryourhere

THREE

Three stickers in three different categories get you an official Westminster summer hat and some shades to complete your sunny-day look!

ALL FIVE

ONE THREE ALL FIVE

Merry Metal &

It's Christmas year-round AT Aspen Lodge

Thinly sliced steak hits the grill top with a crackle. Two metal spatulas stomp through the meat, churning and turning browned pieces over and over. A generous heap of chopped onions integrates with the dance, sending mouth-watering aromatics through the kitchen window. After a final scoop of diced tomato, sprinkling of Italian parsley, and a splash of seasoned oil are added, the mix is gently laid in a steamed sandwich bun and nestled in a basket next to piping hot French fries.

Hand-delivered by its maker and the owner of Aspen Lodge Bar & Grill, Mesut Cetin, the world-famous Turkish sandwich is a savory delight for the restaurant’s many patrons. “All of [my] items have a little touch of Turkish cuisine or Mediterranean,” Mesut says proudly. An entrepreneurial emigrant from Turkey, Mesut has owned several businesses in Colorado in the past, including restaurants in popular Summit County ski towns. But Mesut was clear that Westminster was the best location for his current business. “It’s a mom-and-pop neighborhood,” he says, and, “a place that makes it very comfortable for everyone.”

Escaping the searing summer heat, visitors are immediately greeted by a cooling, cozy atmosphere. House lights are dim. This allows several strands of Christmas lights, strung up throughout the log-cabin-style interior, to twinkle. Fully decorated Christmas trees, vintage travel posters, and Nordic skis decorate every corner. There’s a forty-foot bar with eclectic inventory and a live music stage for parties, karaoke, and the occasional appearance from an Iron Maiden tribute band. “It’s a little confusing of a place,” says Mesut, who wears his Aspen Lodge uniform, a black Iron Maiden T-shirt.

"Iron Maiden, Christmas yearround, lava lamps, black lights… I’m a seventies guy, this place is reflecting my personality."

When further questioned about his unique blend of interests that inject Aspen Lodge with undeniable character, Mesut replied with what he claims is his most important unifying theme. “Who wouldn’t enjoy Christmas? Love is in the air. Iron Maiden lyrics have a lot of love in them too.”

Tightly tucked in the inside corner of 8125 West 94th Avenue, Aspen Lodge has offered residents of Westminster American and Mediterranean cuisine for more than thirteen years. But delicious food with worldly flair isn’t the only unique characteristic of Aspen Lodge.

Patrons have reported reciprocal love for the restaurant publicly. Aspen Lodge boasts an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from almost 400 reviewers on Yelp. Comments pour out in paragraphs complimenting the food and jovial hospitality. “Nothing is better than to see their smiling face,” says Mesut as he ties his long hair up before heading back to the kitchen. “I love what I am doing. I’m 62 years old. I see myself, I’m 90 years old and cooking back there.”

As the grill sizzles again and the sharp melody of electric guitar riffs rip past stuffed Christmas elves and garland, one might almost forget the hot desert climate waiting just beyond the exit door.

For a virtual tour of the Aspen Lodge, scan the QR code.

A few of the faves

Mesut's "World Famous" Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich

Turkish Sandwich

Napoli Burger

Love Boat Smothered Burrito