Westy Connection Winter 2023

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Sleigh all Day Westminster's wintertime tradition at City Park

Winter 2023

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What to 'Snow' Before you go

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State of the Arts

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Meet the Holiday Magic Makers

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CONTENTS 4

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What to 'Snow' before you go Your guide to navigating snow season in Westminster

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Neighborly Advice

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Sleigh All Day Westminster's wintertime tradition at City Park

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Winter Events Guide

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State of the Arts

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Westy Wishlist Holiday Gift Guide

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Meet the Holiday Magic Makers How a local small business brings the holidays to life

Connect with Us VISIT www.westminsterco.gov CALL 303-658-2400

CONTACT INFORMATION Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 911

FOLLOW US

Non-Emergency Dispatch . . . . 303-658-4360

@CityofWestminsterColorado @WestminsterParksandRecreation @WestminsterFireDepartmentCO @WestminsterPolice @WestminsterLibrary @StandleyLakeRegionalPark westminster.colorado @westminsterco @WestminsterPD @WestyFire

City Hall (General Inquiries). . . 303-658-2400 City Manager’s Office . . . . . . . . . 303-658-2006 Economic Development . . . . . . 303-658-2108 Golf (Legacy Ridge). . . . . . . . . . . . 303-438-8997 Golf (Walnut Creek). . . . . . . . . . . . 303-469-2974 Libraries (College Hill). . . . . . . . . 303-658-2601

Get Connected with the westy Word Blog Your hub for City happenings, stories, and neighborly advice at www.westminsterco.gov/ TheWestyWord

Libraries (Irving Street). . . . . . . . 303-658-2301 Municipal Court. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-658-2250 Parks/Recreation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-658-2192 Standley Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303-425-1097 Water/Sewer Breaks (24/7). . . . 303-658-2500

City Council Members

Nancy McNally Mayor

nmcnally@ westminsterco.gov

David DeMott Mayor Pro tem

ddemott@ westminsterco.gov

Bruce Baker

Lindsey Emmons

Obi Ezeadi

Sarah Nurmela

Rich Seymour

bbaker@ westminsterco.gov

lemmons@ westminsterco.gov

oezeadi@ westminsterco.gov

snurmela@ westminsterco.gov

rseymour@ westminsterco.gov

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'

Here’s the scene: It’s 6:13 a.m. and you just pulled onto Church Ranch Boulevard. Snow is falling on your windshield, and you can’t quite figure out how fast you want your wipers to run. Too fast and it’s annoying; too slow and it doesn't make a bit of difference. You can’t concentrate on the wiper speed — you need to focus on the road.

Visibility is limited, so you clutch the steering wheel until your knuckles turn white.

Then, you glance in your rearview mirror and relax a little because help is on the way. Those flashing blue lights belong to a trusty City snowplow. But do those flashing lights mean you need to immediately pull over and stop? Or are you supposed to change lanes? Maybe speed up or slow down and hope it passes you?

First, remember that the snowplow driver is a friend to us all, and they don’t want to add any more stress to your busy day. Interim Street Operations Superintendent Brock Hufford says the flashing lights are for everyone’s safety. If you see the blue lights coming up behind you, then you have two options, depending on the road conditions. If you feel safe, then you can continue driving ahead of the plow. But, if you feel the conditions are too hazardous, then you can pull over and let the snowplow pass. After the plow passes, you can follow behind it, driving on freshly cleared roads.

Approaching a snowplow doesn’t have to be a game of chance. Before you head out, you can visit our new snowplow tracker on your phone, tablet, or computer to see where our snowplows are currently located. Each City snowplow is outfitted with a GPS device that sends live

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information to the map, so you can see if the route you're planning to take has been plowed.

This nifty map does more than just track the large snowplows that clear our primary streets.

If it snows more than eight inches and the City deploys smaller plow trucks into residential areas, then the map will track those trucks as well. You can visit the map by scanning the QR code.

If you have a question about snowplows or our new snowplow tracker, please call the Streets Division at 303-658-2501.

Snowplow Safety Reminders: 1. Slow down. Snowplows make wide turns, frequent stops, and often need more than one lane. Pass on the left but only if you need to. Do not pass a snowplow on the right. The plows leave piles of discarded snow on their right side.

2. Give them plenty of room. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, please leave four to five car lengths of space for the snowplow.

Westminster’s snowplows often spread granular deicer. If you get too close to the snowplow, the granules could scratch your paint.

Scan the QR code to submit your punniest name for a snowplow and follow us on social media to vote for your favorites! The two winning names will be added to our fleet this winter, joining last year's winners, Snow-B-GoneKenobi and Scoop Dogg.

NEIGHBORLY ADVICE ’

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)

Sidewalk Shoveling Ordinance

Snow Removal Policy

Residents are required to clear snow from sidewalks within 24 hours after a storm ends. If you notice a neighbor is not shoveling their sidewalk, you can call Code Enforcement at 303-658-4432.

The City’s snow removal team works around the clock to keep roads safe for residents.

Their work begins before the storm even arrives, with crews often pre-treating roads and preparing for plowing. If a storm leaves behind more than eight inches of snow, the City will also plow residential streets once main roads are cleared. Sometimes, based on the severity of the storm, the City will only plow residential streets near schools.

As for City-owned sidewalks, crews from the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department (PRL) are responsible for shoveling those. You can call PRL at 303-658-2192 for help.

The City’s sidewalk snow removal map is also a good resource.

You can view it by scanning the QR code.

If a City plow does make it to your neighborhood, you’ll notice they only remove snow from the center of the street. This is because plowing from curb to curb would require residents to move cars parked on the street.

Snowbusters Program If you’re willing and able, shoveling snow for a Westminster neighbor in need is a great way to give back. It’s also a fun way to sneak in a workout without going to the gym! Each winter, volunteer Snowbusters deploy across the city with one mission: Clear sidewalk snow for people who can’t do it themselves.

Should you choose to heed the call, here Is what comes next: Snowbusters are matched with someone who lives within two miles of their home. However, you can ask to help those who live farther away, if you wish.

Snowbusters must remove the snow within 24 hours after measurable snowfall.

Although Snowbusters are only expected to shovel sidewalks, they can choose to go above and beyond by also shoveling the driveway and paths leading to the front door.

This is a great way for individuals, families, and groups to help make someone’s life just a little bit easier. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

All adult volunteers are subject to a background check.

How to become a Snowbuster: Apply online at www.westminsterco.gov/volunteerwestminster or by scanning the QR code.

You can also email volunteer@westminsterco.gov.

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activity to stay warm when it gets cold outside, Recreation Services Manager Tim Lachermeier has some options for you.

When the snow begins to fall, you can count on Westminster residents to descend upon City Park with inner tubes, sleds, and even skis and snowboards in hand.

Westminster’s City Park (10455 N. Sheridan Blvd.) has become one of the metro area's greatest snow day destinations because the sloped incline lends itself to gravity-powered fun for all ages. The slope is steep enough to gain plenty of speed, but safely flattens out to an expansive field with room to stop.

Westminster's Parks, Recreation and Libraries Director Tomás Herrera-Mishler said sledding at City Park is a must for making the most out of winter in Westminster.

“While the kids are on the sledding hill at City Park, take some time for yourself and book a massage at the City Park Fitness Center. You can stay warm by enjoying the steam room, sauna or hot tub located in the aquatics area of City Park Recreation Center. And if the snow is just not quite right yet, bring the family over to City Park and let them try out the old-school rope swing or the lazy river waiting for the snow to pile up outside.”

Learn more about winter activities and services at City Park by scanning the QR code.

“Westminster’s parks are always fun, but winter adds great opportunities for cold weather activities such as sledding,” he said. “We hope families will make some great memories together this winter, enjoying our great sledding venues whenever we get a good snowfall.”

For some residents, sliding down hills in the cold may not be the ideal snow day activity. If you prefer a more relaxing

SLOPE FACTS: Total length: 195 feet long Average slope: 17 degrees Estimated top speed: 20 mph

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W I N T E R E VE NTS

Pa rt n er Ev en t:

Home Town C h r is t m a s

There’s snow place like Westminster for family fun this season! Celebrate in Historic Westminster with Home Town Christmas, join us at City Hall for the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony complete with our 30-foot tree, and take the kids for a visit with Santa on the Plaza. View the full calendar and learn more about winter events at www.westminsterco.gov/events

Friday, Dece mber 1 6:30 – 9:30 p .m.

Fireman's P ark 7290 Bradb urn Blvd.

Presented b y Westminster Historical So ci

ety

H o l id a y L ig h t in g Ceremony Saturday,

Decembe r2 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

City Hall 4800 W. 9 2nd Ave

.

Presented by Intermoun tain Healt h

ness Free Fit Week ry 1 – 7

Janua

tion recrea s o t s s e sse cc Free a & fitness cla s r cente ted by Presen ealth ntain H u o m r Inte

S a n ta o n th e P la z a December 9 & 5 – 7 p.m.

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In d o o r t S n o w b a l l F ig h ber 15 Friday, Decem .

6:30 – 8 p.m brary College Hill Li ve.

A h 2t 11 .

W 5 370

City Hall Plaza Ave. 4800 W. 92nd Hosted by the tary Club Westminster Ro

S to ck in g S tu ff er s S a le November 24 – De ce

mber 24

Discounted pass es for recreation center s and golf courses on sale www.westminste rco.gov/ StockingStuffers

One Book W e s t m in s t e r Commun ity-Wide Reading P rogram January –

April

Multiple L ocations

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STATE right golds, oranges and purples are rolled across a concrete wall primed white. Paint splatters dot shoes and pants, but also beautify a shared space in Historic Westminster.

“Art is a fundamental way to connect our community,” said Kate Cooke, cultural affairs coordinator with Westminster’s Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department. Her team was tasked with bringing art to life throughout the city, and they called in some help to complete the job.

Westminster Public Schools (WPS) students are the creative spirit behind the new mural at Westminster Station Park Nature Playground near 69th Place and Lowell Boulevard. The student painters are either enrolled in international baccalaureate visual art courses or are members of Westminster High School’s (WHS) art club. Wielding well-honed creative talents, the group of students worked with local mural artist Grow Love to transform the park’s pavilion into a colorful design honoring Colorado’s beautiful sunsets.

This was one of many partnerships recently coordinated by the City to introduce more creativity and color to Westminster during the first-ever Arts Week event held in September 2023.

The week-long celebration included painting, musical performances, poetry, and even live theater, but not on a stage...

Scan to watch the painting process of the Mural

Nature park playground mural

Parking is such sweet sorrow… especially when the parking lot could be used for performing arts! WHS provided their lots as a stage to host “Shakespeare in the Parking Lot” performances.

Through a partnership with Denver Center for Performing Arts, Westminster residents were dazzled by modern renditions of "Romeo and Juliet" and "A Midsummer Night’s Dream."

All in all, Arts Week boasted more than ten individual events aimed at being inclusive and free to the community. Cooke says working hand in hand with local groups was the key to success.

“Westminster’s Arts Week is a partnership that includes North Metro Arts Alliance, the Paletteers Art Club, Poetry Society of Colorado, the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Westminster Public Schools, the City of Westminster, and funding from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District,” said Cooke. Although the City has had a number of art and music events over the years, often hosted by individual organizations, Cooke is confident that this new partnership model will allow Arts Week to thrive and endure for years to come.

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OF THE In addition to Arts Week events, the city has been gifted with new artwork in several different neighborhoods. Fifty-three WPS students recently designed wraps for more than a dozen traffic boxes scattered around Westminster. Additionally, WHS students participating in Front Range Community College’s TRIO Upward Bound program painted storm drains around the city, including near College Hill Library. The storm Scan the QR code to tour drain beautification effort was implemented to remind residents that stormwater westminster's runoff is directly linked to our community’s rivers and streams, and keeping them clean public art! of trash and other pollutants is a shared commitment.

If you’re curious about where to spot all the new artwork, the location of each piece of Westminster public art is cataloged and can be located on the City’s new interactive Public Art Map.

TRAFFIC BOX STUDENT ARTWORK

STORM DRAIN STUDENT ARTWORK

One of the more unique items you’ll see in the garden is from Annette Coleman, a mosaic artist and self-proclaimed "recyclista." She created her piece called “Apollo’s Journey” using home satellite dishes and recycled glass. “The glass will tell you where it wants to be,” she said about the two-way experience of putting the mosaic pieces of her artwork together.

Coleman was excited for the opportunity to share her work with the residents of Westminster. “What I like about these rental programs is that I’m able to test out some of my ideas. That way when I do the larger projects, I have some of the things worked out.”

Sculpture Garden

Shakespeare in the Parking Lot

One place you’ll find on the public art map is the Vicky Bunsen Sculpture Garden located at 73rd Avenue and Orchard Court. It’s a hidden gem in Historic Westminster featuring three-dimensional sculpture work with 11 sculptures rotating annually through an international call for entries.

If you’d like to take part in the selection of sculptures in the future, community input is solicited every year at the Summer Block Party in June.

By investing in new art installations that enhance the beauty of our community, the City’s goal is to make residents feel more connected to art and creativity. So, the next time you drive past a traffic box with a colorful animal on it, or a storm drain covered in an ocean design, or a mural with a beautiful Colorado sunset, we hope you feel proud to call Westminster home.

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Need a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant?

We’re here to help with all your health needs and concerns.

A primary care provider (PCP) is the first person you go to for health questions and concerns. When you choose one of our PCPs, you form a relationship with someone who knows your history and is here for you, year after year. Your primary care provider is your partner in health through every stage of your life and we’re here to help you find someone just right for you.

“A PCP can teach you ways to stay healthy, treat you when you are sick, and help you get more advanced care when you need it.”

“PCPs are generalists who see babies, kids and adult patients for common ailments including respiratory infections, headaches, back pain, rashes and urinary infections,” said Angela Bryant, PA-C, a PCP at SCL Health Medical Group - Westminster. “They also manage chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anxiety and depression. A PCP can teach you ways to stay healthy, treat you when you are sick, and help you get more advanced care when you need it.”

You should establish care with a PCP who truly listens to your concerns, offers advice and allows you to make decisions regarding your health that you both think are best.

“Even if you have never had a primary care provider, developing a relationship with one now will allow you to reach out to someone who can give advice if you are not feeling well, as well as give you recommendations to keep you healthy for the future,” said Angela.

Scan the QR code to learn more about primary care services offered at Intermountain Health clinics.

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Westy Wishlist You don’t have to look far for unique, fun, and festive gift ideas this holiday season! Shop local and browse our holiday gift guide featuring items from small businesses in Westminster.

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Rebelry Boutique 7641 W. 88th Ave. Sweatshirt $54 | Candle $24 | Slippers $32

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Westminster Flowers & Gifts 8000 N. Federal Blvd.

Fall & winter centerpieces ($50-$85)

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Board & Brush 5674 W. 88th Ave. DIY Decor @Home Kits $35

Add a set of five 2 oz. paint bottles for $5

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Road Runner Sports 10442 Town Center Dr. Custom insoles $99.99 DryMax socks $39.99 Massagers $99.99 - $199.99 Goodr sunglasses $25.99 - $45.99 Men’s and women’s Korsa apparel $39.99 - $139.99

Westminster businesses

Interested in participating in future opportunities? Submit contact information here:

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Rocky Mountain Olive Oil 14644 Orchard Pkwy. #1300 Holiday 60ml Mixed Oil & Vinegar Taster Pack $56.95 Muttz 11225 Decatur St., Suite 600 & 800 Orthopedic dog bed $129 Bocce's holiday treats $7.99 Sam's Yams $15.99 Benebone chew toys $10.99 The Dessert Stand 8393 Church Ranch Blvd.

Any flavor of a 9” specialty cheesecake plus any flavor of one 10” fresh baked pie $64.95

Order before Dec. 19 using promo code: westybundle

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Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe 14644 Orchard Pkwy., Suite 100 Maileg Gingerbread House $64 Maileg Winter Ski Mouse Set $38 Maileg Dollhouse $298 Maileg Vintage Kitchen $78 Maileg Miniature Fridge $44 Maileg Baby Twins in Matchbox $34 WWW.WESTMINSTERCO.GOV

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3489 W. 72nd Ave. Give a charitable gift and help support our community in need. Donations to Growing Home contribute to the 501(c)3 organization’s food pantry, parenting education, and housing and lifelong stability programs in Westminster.

Donate at: growinghome.org/donate

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MEET THE

HOLIDAY

Magic Makers

If you have ever taken pictures with Santa’s giant

sleigh at Cherry Creek Mall, posed for a selfie with the larger-than-life topiary reindeer at Denver International Airport, or attended the Holiday Lighting Ceremony at City Hall, you’ve seen the hard work of a Westminster business.

Alpine Artisan Studios, located at 120th Avenue

and Huron Street, works year-round with a team of designers, carpenters, welders, and other talented artisans to create large-scale, custom holiday décor for commercial clients all over the world.

Jenni Vanini, president of Alpine Artisan Studios, joined the company in 2006 and purchased the long-standing business once the previous owner retired three years later. Since then, she has seen the business change from focusing on manufacturing décor to creating complete installations that get people in the holiday spirit.

“We were imagining and designing and fabricating and building the decorations here in Denver, and that’s been happening since 1935,” Vanini said.

“Manufacturing capabilities set the company apart. We were focused on wreaths, garland, Santa sets, and I wanted to see what else we could create. In 2006 there was a weld shop and paint shop, but now we have foam carving, carpentry, programming, and all of the animation and lighting that goes on. As an organization we are a lot more well-rounded. We’ve taken advantage of adapting with the times and new technologies.”

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While much of the work is Christmas-themed,

need to be packed,

not every project is a set for taking pictures

shipped, and

with Santa. The artisans at Alpine have worked

assembled on site.

in partnership with the Denver Debutante Ball for 40 years to produce the annual holiday

“I consider them

chandelier display at The Brown Palace in

all artists. They are

downtown Denver. The team has also created

artisans,” she said.

a 40-foot-tall penguin covered in lights that

“Nobody here is

puts on a musical show at the Philadelphia Zoo

just a carpenter,

and the world’s largest holiday bow on top of

just a welder, just a

an outlet mall in Los Angeles. Design engineers

decorator. Everybody

in L.A. even had to obtain FAA clearance for

is cross-trained in

installing the massive décor piece because

multiple disciplines so

the lights were the same type used on airport

they can step in and

runways.

help on every project.”

Vanini said Westminster provides an ideal

The staff at Alpine also share their knowledge

location to complete such uniquely large and

with clients so the intricate displays can be

creative work.

properly installed, maintained, and stored so they last for multiple holiday seasons. For

“When you go looking for warehouse space,

example, when Alpine Studios built the 30-foot

there is a lot of development along that I-70

Christmas tree for Westminster’s City Hall back

corridor that’s more like strip mall warehousing,”

in 2016, City staff was invited to the warehouse

she said. “We have a freestanding building. We

to practice setting up the tree and taking it

do a lot of crazy stuff at crazy hours during the

down.

high season, so being able to put up a 40-foot penguin outside of our facility and have it there

Westminster’s holiday display at City Hall is

for three or four days is important to us.”

just one of many seasonal favorites created by Alpine in the metro area, and Vanini said her

Vanini also said she takes pride in the talented

holiday message to all residents is to get out

workforce at Alpine. The company typically

and seek festive experiences.

operates with 10 to 12 year-round staff and ramps up to about 75 employees each year

“Take the time to go out and explore,” Vanini

leading up to the holidays when projects

said. “The metro area has so many great things to offer. Take time to stroll, shop local, and enjoy the holidays. What we bring to the holidays you cannot get online. You have to go experience these places in person.”

The City of Westminster will be hosting several holiday events this season where you can see the work of Alpine Artisan Studios. For a full list of seasonal events, visit www.westminsterco.gov/events.

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PRSRT STD

City of Westminster

4800 West 92nd Ave. Westminster, CO 80031

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U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 32 Westminster, CO 80031