Westy Connection Winter 2022

Wintry Mix

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City Council Members

Get Connected with the westy Word Blog

Your hub for City happenings, stories, and neighborly advice at www.cityofwestminster.us/ TheWestyWord

Nancy McNally Mayor nmcnally@ cityofwestminster.us

David DeMott Mayor Pro tem ddemott@ cityofwestminster.us

Bruce Baker bbaker@ cityofwestminster.us

Obi Ezeadi oezeadi@ cityofwestminster.us

Rich Seymour rseymour@ cityofwestminster.us

Sarah Nurmela snurmela@ cityofwestminster.us

Lindsey Emmons lemmons@ cityofwestminster.us

Letter from City Manager Mark Freitag

Dear Westminster Community Members,

Thank you for welcoming me into your beautiful community! For the past two months, I have anxiously awaited the move from Wisconsin to Colorado and my first day on the job as your City Manager.

My first few weeks at City Hall have been informa tive, illuminating, and affirming. I’ve learned about the great services, programs, and activities our City offers its residents and businesses to keep them safe, engaged, and active. The dozens of parks, miles of trails, and acres of open space show me just how much this community values preserving nature and outdoor living. After observing the dedication and professionalism of City staff firsthand, and the passion our City Council has for the place we call home, I feel encouraged about what the future holds for us all.

While my office is in City Hall, you will see me out and about, enjoying long walks on Big Dry Creek Trail and enjoying the pools and gyms at our recreation centers. You’ll see me holiday shopping throughout Westminster, supporting the small businesses that contribute so greatly to our economy and Westminster lifestyle. Although it’s easy to understand why I wanted to serve and live in Westminster, I am excited to continue to help build upon our City’s great foundation and history. I’ll be a leader who puts our community first and focus es on finding solutions that bring our community together.

Again, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve you, and I look forward to meeting you in and around our wonderful community!

With great respect and admiration,

Mark Freitag

Mark Freitag City Manager

Winter Events

Thank you for joining us at our family events this fall! Approximately 30,000 residents joined in the spooky celebration at Westy Fest, our festival in Downtown Westminster. Now as the seasons change, we’re gearing up for the most wonderful time of the year. From visits with Santa to the biggest holiday lighting celebration in the city, there will be no shortage of holiday spirit this December. Make sure to check out our holiday events schedule, and we hope to see you at one of our many family-friendly gatherings this winter!

Partner Event: Hometown Christmas in Historic Westminster

Hosted by Westminster Historical Society Dec. 2, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Fireman’s Park 7290 Bradburn Blvd

Holiday Lighting Ceremony

Presented by SCL Health Dec. 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

City Hall Plaza

Stocking Stuffers

Discounted passes for recreation centers and golf courses on sale Nov. 25-Dec. 24 www.cityofwestminster.us/HolidayGiftGuide

Santa on the Plaza

Hosted by Westminster 7:10 Rotary Club Dec. 10 & 17 5-7 p.m. City Hall Plaza

Free Fitness Week

Free access to recreation centers and fitness classes Jan. 1-7 www.cityofwestminster.us/freefitnessweek

Viva Via

Outside the front entrance of the Residences at Panorama Pointe — a 62-and-older living community in Westminster — two women stand next to their collapsible two-wheeled carts. Both are ready for their midday outing, which would be much more difficult or even impossi ble without the help of the City’s newest transportation service.

Gayle Byron, 80, has on a red floral top and light amber sun glasses, while Dolores Wolfe, 86, has a thin sweater at the ready. Their styles differ, but both are wearing comfortable sneakers as they await the arrival of the white bus that will carry them to their destination: King Soopers on 104th & Federal Boulevard.

Gayle and Dolores are making the most of Westminster’s new partnership with Via Mobility Services, a program that offers Westminster residents a free ride within 15 miles of their homes.

Residents age 60 and older, or residents experiencing short- or long-term disabilities are eligible for the program, and can take trips for almost any purpose, including doctor’s appointments, recreational activities, seeing friends, or in Gayle and Dolores’ case, a grocery run.

“It’s also a social thing for us,” Gayle says. “We prefer the stores that have a Starbucks in them so we can sit and socialize after shopping.”

The Pickup

The white bus with Via branding pulls up, and a woman wearing a blue branded polo shirt opens the doors and steps outside. Mary Mendez has been driving for eight years and loves that she can provide a much-needed service to the community.

“I took care of my mom, so I saw firsthand how difficult it was,” she says. “I didn’t know about mobility transportation like this, so when I took my mother to doctor’s ap pointments, it was really difficult because she was not mobile.”

Mary helps the women step onto the bus, then grabs their folding carts and places them toward the back. The bus is equipped with a lift that can be used for wheel chairs, scooters, or anything else that is too bulky to carry up steps.

“That lift is a godsend,” Mary says. She mentions how she had to use her personal vehicle to take care of her mother, and would have loved having a lift back then.

The Arrival

The ride to the store is smooth and quick, and upon arrival Mary helps Gayle and Dolores step down off the bus and unfolds their rolling carts for them.

Helping with groceries and carts is a prime example of the extra service and care that separates Via from more limited transporta tion services for seniors and those with disabilities.

“What’s different about Via is they provide door-through-door service,” said Debra Baskett, se nior transportation and mobility planner for Westminster. “Instead of just pulling up to the curb or the driveway, they know if their customer needs assistance to get the door locked, put their coat on, or when they return home they can help bring groceries in. They are trained to go that extra mile.” Gayle and Dolores have a little under two hours to do their shopping. They don’t need all two hours, but intentionally booked a later pickup to have time for socializing.

Once their shopping is done, the women are sitting at a small table in the Starbucks area near the produce section. Their rolling carts are full of groceries to take back to the Residences, and Gayle is happy to be sipping on her favorite – a grande latte.

They chat about Dolores’ daugh ter who lives in France, and how her frequent visits to France have made Dolores a bit of a wine con noisseur. They talk about Gayle having graduated from high school in Westminster and seeing how much the place has changed over the years. They start to dis cuss a recent documentary about cowboys when the Via bus arrives a couple minutes early.

“It’s nice to have something so reliable that you can depend on,” Gayle says.

The Return

Once the women make their exit, Mary uses the lift to load the full carts onto the bus. On the way back, both Gayle and Dolores say they want to see more people utilizing the service. They look forward to doing more trips with Via, hopefully to restaurants in the near future.

After dropping off Gayle and Dolores and their groceries, Mary explains how she feels fulfilled after every trip.

“It’s great to see them happy and get them to come out,” she says. “It’s a good service. Some times someone will say ‘Mary, I wish I could just ride around with you all day.’”

This free transportation service is part of a one-year pilot program and operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding holidays. To learn more about the City of Westminster’s part nership with Via and how to register for a ride visit: www.cityofwestminster.us/AccessibleTransportation. You may also book a ride by phone by contacting Via Mobility Services directly at (303) 444-3043.

Neighborly Advice

Join the Westy Snowbusters!

Offer a helping hand to seniors and residents with disabilities this winter! Sign up now to volunteer with the Westy Snowbusters, and shovel snow from public walkways in front of the homes of residents who need assistance.

Snowbusters will be matched with a resident who lives within a two-mile radius of their home. If desired, Snowbusters can be matched with residents who live farther away.

Snowbusters must complete snow removal within 24 hours after measurable snowfall, not including light dustings.

Snowbusters are only expected to shovel the sidewalks, but they can choose to fur ther assist residents by shoveling driveways and or the walk to the front door.

This is a great service opportunity for students, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church organizations, and individuals! Please note that children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult while participating. All adult volunteers are subject to a background check.

How to Sign Up

Apply online at www. cityofwestminster.us/ VolunteerWestminster, or by scanning the QR code, by phone at 303-658-2150 or email Volunteer@CityofWest minster.us

We’re here to help!

For general inquiries and assistance, contact a Community Assistant

Monday-Friday, 8 a m . to 5 p .m . 303-658-2400 (then press “0” from the menu options)

How to prevent frozen water pipes

Cold temperatures can freeze the water in your pipes causing the pipes to burst and leak. Take steps in your home today to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Locate your water shut-off. If a pipe does freeze and burst, you want to locate your water service shut-off valve to immediately turn off the water in your home and minimize damage. This valve is often located in your basement or crawl space where your water line comes into your home.

Monitor areas most vulnerable to cold. Check rooms that are not insulated, rooms without access to heat, and openings in doors and windows. Basements and rooms open to the elements are most vulnerable to frozen pipes.

Eliminate access to cold air by repairing broken windows, isulating exterior walls, and sealing any cracks or openings near windows and doors.

Protect any exposed pipes by wrapping them in insulation. This can be found at most home improvement stores.

Prepare your outdoor faucets by removing any hoses that are attached to faucets. Also, remember to shut off inside valves that supply these outside faucets, and leave faucets open.

Every holiday season, we see an increase in sewer backups caused by cooking grease, oils, and fats being poured down a sink drain. Help us prevent backups by following these year-round tips

Can Your Grease: Take leftover grease and pour it into an empty soup can or other heat-resistant con tainer. For oil, pour into a container with a cap.

Once the grease cools and turns solid, throw it in your trash. If it’s still liquid, make sure you close the container to prevent messes.

Blocking is for football! Prevent sewer backups by disposing of your cooking grease properly

Help & Hope

“We all talk about our first call, how fearful it was,” remembered Drew Hogan, victim services coordinator with the City of Westminster. “The first call I did was a bank robbery... I was sitting there working with a girl who had been confronted with a gun during the robbery and she was very tearful. Behind me there were three FBI agents taking notes. What they wanted to hear was, through an emotional conversation, any new infor mation that might come out and help the case.”

When a crime occurs in Westminster, officers from the Westminster Police Department answer the call. When victims of crime need support, Westminster’s

Victim Services Unit responds. This crucial service provides guidance and resources to victims of cer tain crimes who are dealing with trauma or whose safety may be in jeopardy.

Victim advocates work as partners with law en forcement, taking a victim-centered approach. They help get information about cases and provide services such as sourcing financial assistance, find ing victims safe places to stay, and guiding them through investigations and court proceedings.

Much of the support offered by advocates comes from federal funding, as well as donations and efforts from volunteers. Westminster is one of just a few cities along the Front Range with a dedicat ed victim advocacy team housed within the police department.

“Outside of Colorado a lot of police departments rely on nonprofit agencies,” Hogan said. “It’s really just Colorado and a couple other states that start the victim advocacy at the police level. Even here in Colorado some may have a single victim advocate that works with the police department, and then they still have to rely on a lot of volunteers.”

While Westminster’s Victim Services Unit is com prised of a handful of staff victim advocates, welltrained volunteers provide over 10,000 hours of night

Westminster’s Victim Advocates Provide Compassion When Needed Most

Having us at the crime scene starts the support for the victim immediately. People who have support through trauma heal faster.

Drew Hogan Victim Services Coordinator

“

Drew Hogan (left) and Emina Acosta (right) offer support and resources to victims of crime.

and weekend coverage. Their work enables the unit to connect victims with services 24/7.

Hogan said having a dedicated team of advocates within the police department benefits the commu nity greatly by streamlining the process of helping people when time is critical.

“Having us at the crime scene starts the support for the victim immediately,” she said. “People who have support through trauma heal faster, and actu ally have an opportunity for healing resources that they might not have if you wait for a victim’s rights case to get filed through the district attorney’s office. That can take months.”

Emina Acosta has been a staff victim advocate for five years. She said she finds the job incredibly rewarding and encourages other people who are interested in this type of work to take the leap.

“I serve victims of crime. I serve a vulnerable popu lation, and I find great pride and joy in being a voice for those who need it most,” Acosta said. “People are overwhelmed with the support, empathy, and un derstanding that they can get from this unit as well as all the other services like resources, guidance and day-to-day support until they get on their feet.”

The volunteers who choose to work with the Vic tim Services Unit receive intensive training and are certified in victim advocacy before they take their first call. While volunteers come from all walks of life, Acosta said she sees a common thread.

“Our volunteers are kind people,” she said. “People that can express and provide empathy, people who are understanding and want to give. What they have in common is that they are kind people who want to help.”

VOLUNTEER WITH US

If you are interested in joining Westminster’s Victim Services Unit as a volunteer, please call 303-658-4210.

Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally is happy to share some of her favorite family recipes so you can treat all your loved ones to a happy holiday season. Follow along with her helpful tips and tricks and be sure to make enough of these holiday treats to share.

Grease loaf pans. (Can use full-size loaf pan if desired, but using smaller pans for gift-sized loaves is preferred.) Combine ingredients and fill small loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 45 min. (70 min. for full-size loaf) Use a tooth pick to test; if it comes out clean, the loaf is baked.

Use a thin kitchen towel to avoid sticking.

No fuzz means No fuss!

Bucket Bread

Roll

3 eggs

1 cup sugar

2/3 cup pumpkin

1 tsp lemon juice

3/4 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Pinch of salt

Pumpkin Cake Roll

Beat eggs on high speed in mixer for 5 minutes; gradually beat in sugar. Stir in pumpkin and lemon juice. Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Fold into pumpkin roll mixture. Spread batter onto 9”x13” baking sheet with 1-inch sides, lined with parchment. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Flip onto towel. Roll towel and cake together. Cool thoroughly. Unroll. For filling, combine and beat smooth. Spread over unrolled cake, then roll and serve chilled.

Filling

1 cup powdered sugar

2 (8-oz.) packages cream cheese

4 Tbsp margarine or butter

1/2 tsp vanilla

Makes 2 small loaves each baked in a 1-lb coffee can or crock

1 pkg. active yeast

1/2 cup warm water

1/8 tsp ginger

3 Tbsp sugar

1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk

1 tsp salt

2 Tbsp vegetable oil

4 cups flour

Dissolve yeast and ginger and 1 Tbsp sugar in water; set in warm area until bubbly, about 15 minutes (will look like a pancake ready to turn). Mix in other ingredients, spoon into well-greased 1-lb coffee cans or crocks. Dough will be sticky. Let rise and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Remove from container while still warm.

Sliced bucket bread is so versatile! serve it with butter for dinner or toast it with jam for breakfast!

Wintry Mix

Our award-winning snow removal team is here to help you prepare for the season with some great tunes and helpful tips for driving safely this winter

"electric worry" by clutch Brad Bettale

"wherever i roam" by J. Balvin and Metallica Colin Greer

Scan here to check out our snowplow playlist, hand-picked by our roadway rOCkstars!

"Mr. Brightside" by the Killers Barett Howell

The first measurable snowfall in Westminster may be hard to predict, but City staff is well prepared for whenever the flakes start to fly!

Westminster’s Public Works and Utilities Department (PWU) is tasked with plowing over 1,100 lane miles of road and keeping residents safe during winter storms. The City prioritizes snow removal based on the severity and timing of the snow to ensure main roads are open and accessible for emergency services.

Westminster’s priority during any snow storm is keeping primary and secondary streets open and safe for the public. In addition, priority is given to streets adjacent to hospitals, police and fire stations, schools, RTD bus routes, and busy intersections, hills and curves on residential streets. Please remember that residential streets only receive service if snow accumulations are greater than eight inches and after the above priorities are addressed.

The City partners closely with the Colorado Depart ment of Transportation to ensure roads are plowed promptly. While CDOT plows the region’s state high ways such as US 36, Federal Boulevard, 120th Ave nue, and Wadsworth Parkway, the City handles its main roads within city limits such as 104th Avenue, Lowell Boulevard, and Church Ranch Boulevard. Plowing Sheridan Boulevard is a combined effort with designated areas for the City and CDOT.

“Our primary objective when we deploy our snow removal team is to improve driving conditions during inclement weather, not to remove all snow

and ice from the road surface,” said Kurt Muehle meyer, street operations manager. “Drivers still need to be prepared for snowy, icy, and slushy conditions, have a working vehicle with proper tire tread, drive defensively and most importantly slow down. Also, please give our snowplows room to operate and be patient as they plow and de-ice the roadway.”

When a storm rolls into Westminster, it’s not just PWU that jumps into action. Many other City staff members put their usual work on hold to sit behind the wheel of a snowplow.

In addition to city streets, there are also trails, side walks and City facilities that require special attention to ensure residents can safely access services and amenities. To get the job done, more than 60 people from the City’s parks and open space team, includ ing staff from Standley Lake and even golf course personnel, are called in to help during snow events. They focus on clearing parking lots and sidewalks at all recreation centers, Irving Street Library, fire stations, and City Hall. Once those areas are cleared, the focus shifts to removing snow from City-main tained sidewalks and dozens of miles of trails.

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