neighborhood gazette – february 2015

Edgewater JoinsHealthy Eating Activity Living

see page 7

Recognize A Heart Attack & Save A Life

see page 12

PLAYGROUND PERCH AND SUNSHINE COMBINE for this pair on an unseasonably warm February day at Discovery Park (38th Avenue and Kipling Street). As part of a new city ordinance, no marijuana business may locate within 1,000 feet of any city park. Park main-tenance is considered a top priority for 90 percent of Wheat Ridge residents, per a recent Parks and Recreation survey see article this page. PHOTO BY CYNDY BEAL

GRASSHOPPERS GRACE THE TOP of this pavilion at Hopper Hollow, Wheat Ridge’s newest park at 44th Avenue and Kendall Street.

GazetteNEIGHBORHOODGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteWheat Ridge | Edgewater | FEBRUARY 17–MARCH 16, 2015

Fruitdale School Plans

Flounder?see page 2

Public Rakes 38th & Wadsworth Developer Over Future Tenant

By J. Patrick O’Leary

What came before Wheat Ridge City Council as a go-ahead to negotiate

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the development of the blighted property on the southwest corner of West 38th Avenue and Wadsworth turned into a public protest by local Wal-Mart opponents at council’s Monday, Feb. 9 meeting. Approximately 40 people signed up to speak at the public hearing, and 27 took the podium for two minutes apiece, all but four opposing Wal-Mart, the TIF, or both. Public testimony took about an hour, following a presentation of the latest proposal by Quadrant Development Properties. At night’s end, council approved amended resolution 07-2015 by 7-1, with District II’s Zachary Urban opposed, followed by a noisome clearing of the room during which Mayor Jay had to ask for order. The resolution amends the Wadsworth Corridor Redevelopment Plan to allow the use of Tax Increment Financing for Quadrant’s project, a mixed-used development including a grocery store, for-sale townhomes and retail. No commercial tenants have been announced by the

developer, but public and council comments indicate that the anchor tenant will likely be a small Wal-Mart grocery. Public testimony was overwhelmingly against allowing Wal-Mart to open on the site or benefi t from the use of TIF. Although the developer presented architectural renderings of the proposed buildings and amenities, little public comment was made on them. The amended resolution council approved allows the use of TIF for the project, but contingent on council’s fi nal approval (although approval by Renewal Wheat Ridge is still required). The resolution also instructs city staff to look into alternative fi nancing, such as public improvement fees. Although not part of the amended resolution, District I councilman Jerry DiTullio asked the developer to negotiate with its prospective tenants to provide funding for the project as well. “This is about the development of the entire corner, not just a 40,000-square-foot Wal-Mart,” said District II councilmember Kristi Davis following the public hearing. She summarized and acknowledged the public’s allegations and concerns about

By Cyndy Beal

Pot shops in Wheat Ridge are here today, but their tomorrows will be more

restricted. At their regular meeting on Jan. 26 Wheat Ridge City Council had two marijuana-related ordinances to consider, 1563 and 1564. Council voted unanimously 8-0 favor of Ordinance 1563, which places additional regulations and restrictions on marijuana-related businesses. Ordinance 1564, related to the colocation of medical and retail stores, was postponed by a vote of 5 to 3. Amongst other things, Ordinance 1563 limits the number of marijuana-related businesses to fi ve medical/retail centers and infused-product manufacturers at three. If the center is both, it counts as one business. Wheat Ridge presently has fi ve medical/retail centers and two infused-product locations with one pending, per the city website. For the last fi ve months, the city has debated the marijuana subject. The process for the new ordinance included the planning commission, city council and staff, as well as public commentary. Approximately 120 people attended the Jan. 26 council meeting. Around 25 people signed up to speak about not only the proposed ordinance, but pot shops within the city, and marijuana use in general. Wheat Ridge resident Barbara St. John voiced many concerns about the city’s future and hoped the city wouldn’t become “a hostage” to revenue generated by marijuana business. Retail marijuana is taxed by the state at a higher rate than medical marijuana. As of August 2014, yearly sales tax revenue for

the city was $80,000, and license fees are averaging approximately $14,000 per year, according to minutes of the Sept. 22 city council study session. District 1 Council Member Jerry DiTullio commented on the large amount of public response that council and the city have received, especially in the last two weeks. DiTullio said many people have said, “Don’t allow this to happen.” He added this all has happened and “the horse is already out of the barn.” Council fi rst passed marijuana regulations in March 2011, which allowed medical marijuana dispensaries. In October 2013 council voted 5 to 3 in favor of allowing retail marijuana businesses. On Jan.1, 2014 three medical marijuana dispensaries began to additionally operate as retail marijuana businesses. In August 2014, council voted unanimously for 90-day moratorium on the acceptance of any new marijuana business applications, in order to pursue a solution to citizens’ concerns about zoning and notice of application, per the city’s website. In October council voted to extend the moratorium. Ordinance 1563 ends the moratorium. The moratorium was primarily enacted due to public concern about the proximity of marijuana businesses to city parks and notifi cations for residents and businesses for the location of new marijuana establishments. A potential new marijuana business at 10390 W. 38th Ave. (38th Avenue and Miller) sparked a controversy last summer. In June, the property co-owner, Babak Behzadi met with city offi cials to begin a pre-application process, the fi rst step for

Wheat Ridge Council Says No to New Pot ShopsContinued on page 12

Continued on page 2Continued on page 12

By Guy Nahmiach

With an eye towards short- and long-term needs, a recent assessment of

Wheat Ridge’s Parks & Recreation program produced some interesting results. Two community meetings were held at the end of 2014 with an added targeted survey that went out to 3,000 citizens, with an online version open to the public. A return of 343 completed surveys was considered to be “very good.” Compiling the data from the focus groups and surveys began with fi nding that 96 percent of respondents were registered

voters and have spent an average of 16.9 years living in Wheat Ridge. 42 percent were under the age of 54, which was a good balance between generations. Interestingly, 66 percent of those answering were women. 90 percent expressed a top priority for the maintenance of our parks, Green Belt and recreational facilities. Very few thought that it would be good to promote our parks and recreational services to those living outside the city, although it was listed as a strength, since it brought additional revenue to the city. 65% thought the city did not do a good enough job of communicating and promoting the available programs. A better and easier-to-navigate website was needed. Other suggested improvements included smart phone accessibility to recreation schedules, extended hours at the outdoor pool and better signage. Long-term improvements included an added BMX bike park, recreation center expansion and safer ways to cross Wadsworth and Kipling. With 21 parks well distributed throughout the city, 75 percent of the population is within a 10-minute walk from a park. This was one of the major reasons for families moving to Wheat Ridge. The Green Belt was considered one of the positive aspects of our program. However, recommendations included adding pedestrian and car access, sponsored kayaking events and nature programs, and signage to educate visitors about nature

Wheat Ridge Rates Parks & Recreation Program

2 NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – FEBRUARY 17 – MARCH 16, 2015 – ngazette.com

This love struck fellow is lurking about somewhere in this issue, help fi nd him and

send an email to [email protected]

and tell us where he is. We will draw a winner

out of the correct responses and send them a cool prize.

Good luck!

Find Me!Tim Berland 303-995-2806e-mail: [email protected]

www.ngazette.com4385 Wadsworth Blvd., #140,

Wheat Ridge, CO 80033Publication date is the 15th of each month.

Advertising: Tim Berland 303-995-2806 Copy Editing/Proofreading:

J. Patrick O’Leary, Cyndy Beal & Sarah DiTullio© FEBRUARY 2015 All rights reserved.

The publishers assume no responsibility for representations, claims or opinions by

any advertising or article in this publication.

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any new construction in the city. Behzadi said at the council meeting that he had proceeded with removing the gas tanks on the property, “based on promises,” from city staff. On Jan. 8 he and his attorneys sent a Notice of Injury to the city, which estimates his damages of $700,000. The city has 90 days to respond to the letter.

Ordinance 1563 at a glance Ordinance 1563 amends Chapters 5, 11 and 26 of Wheat Ridge’s Codes of Laws concerning marijuana establishments. It creates buffer zones. Marijuana business can’t be within a 1,000 feet of schools, improved city parks, the Recreation Center, child-care centers and drug treatment facilities. Distance restrictions were in place before, but have been expanded upon and include the language of direct aerial for distances. Marijuana centers can’t be located within three quarters of a mile of one

New Pot RulesContinued from page 1

another. Infused marijuana manufactures can’t be within one quarter of a mile of one another There are signage and advertising restrictions on what can be seen by the public. All signage must be reviewed by the city. Graphics such as marijuana leaves or cartoon characters are prohibited. The combined square footage of any center can’t exceed 5,000 square feet total, which includes store and growing areas. Colorado law requires that a marijuana business be vertically integrated, meaning there is a common ownership of the dispensary and growing facility. The majority of marijuana products must be from that grow facility. It creates a process of notifi cation of a vacancy of a marijuana-related business and a lottery system if there are multiple applicants. To view Ordinance 1563 in its entirety go to www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=85.

For questions or comments on this ar-ticle email [email protected] or [email protected].

Marking Life’s Milestones

FROM THE PUBLISHER

By Tim Berland

“If you do not change direction, you might end up where you are heading.” – Lao Tzu

Welcome to the New Year readers. The beginning of this year marks some

signifi cant life milestones, which I feel compelled to write about. So please humor me in these quick 300 words. The fi rst milestone I am personally the most proud of. My lovely wife Roxann and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. This is no small feat. It is not easy to be a good partner and even harder to stay for the long haul. Roxann and I have been able to navigate this. We have found a synchronicity in our lives, truly enjoy each other’s company and I am looking forward to many more years of wedded bliss. And I will unapologetically profess to the world again that I truly love her. My second signifi cant milestone involves my career. For the past 25 years I have been the lead production artist for some of Denver’s fi nest monthly community newspapers.

Two of these projects recently changed ownership within a couple of hours of each other, which is astonishing. These publications are the long-standing respected voices of their neighborhoods. Things have been the same for two decades. Each will now have a new voice. This is change on a monumental level, not only for myself, but for all who are involved with producing these newspapers. So I want to say “bona fortuna” to my longtime partners and associates—Paul Kashmann with the Washington Park Profi le and Rory Seeber and Hilleary Waters with Life on Capitol Hill. The trip has been amazing all these years and I couldn’t be happier who I spent it with. I wish them nothing but the best in their new endevours. I also want to introduce Jill and Jay Farschman at the Washington Park Profi le and Keith and Shanna Taylor at Life on Capitol Hill, with whom I am starting what I hope to be long and rewarding business relationships. Welcome! Contact publisher Tim Berland at 303-995-2806 or [email protected].

By J. Patrick O’Leary

Mountain Phoenix Community School may not be moving into the historic

Fruitdale school building after all. Wheat Ridge Housing Authority had selected the pre K-8 charter school to use the 10801 W. 44th Ave. structure as a high school last year. But the contract to purchase the property lapsed, and at press the Authority had offered to extend the contract to allow more time for discussions, according to Wheat Ridge Community Development Director Ken Johnstone. “It’s under contract still,” he said. “They let us know there were still some bumps in the road.” Fruitdale Building Corporation is the potential buyer for the school. That entity was created to hold the property until the school made a decision to use it as an extension of its Miller Street campus, according Karen Bailey, a representative of the corporation. “After getting advice from the district, the Governing Council decided we were not in a good position to take on another big building project since we have to fi nish the upstairs of our middle school,” Bailey explained. Johnstone pointed out that the school district had removed asbestos from the building, so there were no environmental issues thwarting the possible sale. And, the Authority has paid for a historical structure

assessment, which identifi ed needed repairs to address critical defi ciencies in the building, as well as restore it to its historical character. “All that work has been done, we have construction drawings,” said Johnstone. “The housing authority spent a fair amount of money, in addition to grant money it received.” The cost to restore – the responsibility of the eventual buyer – is approximately $2 million, he said. Johnstone said the Housing Authority “remains anxious to get something done” and will have further discussion on the future of the building at its Feb. 24 meeting, slated for 4 p.m. in Wheat Ridge City Council chambers. “We still think it’s a good fi t,” he said. “If that doesn’t work, then we need to fi nd a path forward sooner or later.” Mountain Phoenix was one of only two organizations that responded to a housing authority proposal asking local organizations if they were interested in taking over the property to use it in ways to benefi t the community. The Wheat Ridge Education Center for the Cultural Arts and Humanities also put in a request for the property, but Johnstone said it was not as well capitalized. “It’s too early to tell whether we’ll go back (and look at that),” Johnstone said. “We haven’t gotten to the next step.”

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ngazette.com – FEBRUARY 17 – MARCH 16, 2015 – NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE 3

NOSTALGICFULL


By Guy Nahmiach

The world of education is moving at 200 miles an hour these days, with studies,

surveys and lots of opinions. This month I thought I would try to cover everything in this space. Let’s get started: The Jefferson Framework is still moving forward with the community agreeing that change is a must in order to improve the performance of our students. Everitt Middle School will become a GT center starting in the new school year, finally giving families a local option for their advanced learners, instead of having to drive them to the next town over. Everitt will hold an info night for all interested on Feb. 23. Stevens could still move into the soon-to-be-dismantled Wheat Ridge 5-8, although the community is worried about Sobesky [Academy] possibly moving in. Wheat Ridge High held a drug awareness evening. While attendance was not huge, it definitely started the wheels in motion for a more developed program in the near future. Scores are still an incredibly sensitive topic. We use scores to rate your credit when buying a home or car, and keep score when professionals excel. It is also how homebuyers choose neighborhoods in which to buy a house and send their children to school. While schools do profess a distaste for the ratings web sites, it’s interesting to read about the highly rated schools that are boasting and publicizing their score compared to their neighboring schools. So which is it? Hard to ignore, but definitely investigate for yourselves. In fact this was a common theme to the many community meetings held in the last three months. Holding parents accountable for their children’s education. Completion of assignments, attending classes regularly and getting involved no matter how busy they are. More parents were asking to reinstate holding back students who do not qualify for the next level. Scores are also attached to teacher salaries. It’s not always fair. Especially when comparing results from Title One and high-achieving neighborhood schools. But attaching dollars to simply the number of years working, does not work in creating incentives and reward for the effective and highly effective teachers in our system. The teachers union is asking its members to wear blue shirts on Thursdays. In recent weeks teachers have been asked if

they would support a full-blown strike. The majority answered “no.” I believe that most teachers are thinking of the students and would prefer to settle any dispute with a more direct dialogue. Almost every teacher I have spoken with has admitted that they are union members mainly because

of the professional insurance coverage. Last week, a Master Teacher admitted that she was excited about new tests that will give teachers quicker and better feedback. So more testing sometimes is good. But she did insist on remaining anonymous in her opinion. A list of 6,000 signatures was recently submitted to the board of education, demanding the resignation of three of its

members. Going through the names on this list I found many that did not even live in Jeffco and some that did not even live in Colorado. Talk about outside influences. It’s budget time for Jeffco schools and every principal has submitted their newly formulated SBB (student-based budget) where they have more control over resources and hiring. Forecasts are troubling for dollars being sent over to Arvada’s exploding population and soon the newly developed Soltera area where in a few years we will need to build schools for the almost 2,000 students moving to that area. All this while declining enrollment in Wheat Ridge leaves us behind with older buildings and antiquated or insufficient technology. Marijuana has also being a hot topic with the planning commission having triggered the latest fire by recommending that the buffer zone between playgrounds and pot shops be removed. I have to question who exactly is this group representing? Same has to be mentioned of PTA board members of Stevens Elementary that also supported removal of the buffer zone placed to protect the same kids from their school. A huge attendance by parents at the city council meeting ensured that the buffer was kept with a unanimous vote by council. I thought I could squeeze everything in if I just “get to the point” on some of these issues, but I never got to the electrical fence requested by a vendor right next to a local school. I didn’t mention the funding for the charters and the ‘bout face regarding the Fruitdale project. If I missed something, call or email me. As always, thanks for reading.

Contact Guy Nahmiach at 303-999-5789 or [email protected].

Guy Nahmiach

Education @ 200 MPH

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Ask the SuperintendentAnswers to Questions Posed to Schools Superintendent Dan McMinimee

Can you tell me about a Vision 2020 program? Jeffco leaders from across the community, including representative teachers, principals, students and staff, are joining forces with business and community leaders to craft a vision for what the ideal Jeffco Schools graduate should be able to do by the time he or she leaves the school system in the year 2020. The Jeffco 2020 Vision Development team is a diverse group that is meeting monthly through the end of the school year to develop priority competencies for future grads. It is being facilitated by Ken Kay, founder of EdLeader 21, and Dr. Syna Morgan, Chief Academic Officer for Jeffco Schools. At the first meeting in late January, Kay helped guide the group as they brainstormed a wide-ranging list of possible student competencies and attributes, challenging them to develop a model of education that is effectively preparing kids for the jobs of the future in work settings that are increasingly globalized and complex. Included in the brainstorming was a look at what skills our kids will need in the future and how well we are currently doing in giving opportunities to learn and apply those skills in our classrooms. There was widespread agreement on the need for future Jeffco grads to be more skilled in communication, collaboration, critical thinking, content mastery, financial literacy and creativity. They also felt future students need encouragement to be more innovative and self-directed. Eventually, the work of the team will be forwarded to the School Board for consideration as well as members of Jeffco Schools’ leadership. This work will provide the foundation of a new Strategic Plan for Jeffco, tying the vision to the everyday work of the District in future years. More information will be available later this spring as the Jeffco 2020 workgroup continues to solidify the vision.

Thank you,Dan McMinimee, SuperintendentJefferson County Public Schools

These are responses to questions submitted by members of our community. If you have a question for Superintendent McMinimee, please submit it to [email protected] or call it in to 303-999-5789.

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WHEAT RIDGE CITY COUNCIL

by Tim Fitzgerald

In the January edition of the Neighborhood Gazette councilman Jerry DiTullio said,

“The City of Wheat Ridge is not broke. As I have stated before, the city has an unrealistic reserve policy that needs to be changed.” It’s true that the city has 17 percent in reserve in case of unexpected events. The 17 percent policy was initiated by previous councils. The current council discussed the idea of spending down past 17 percent at length, and chose to keep the policy. It’s a done deal. DiTullio also said the sales tax initiative “2A would have resulted in the City of Wheat Ridge having one of the highest sales tax rates in the Denver metro area at 8.5 percent...” That’s misleading. Ours is 3 percent – lower than every other city in the metro area except Centennial, at 2.5 percent, and Lone Tree. It’s identical to Lakewood’s. All others are higher. If 2A had passed we would have had a 4 percent sales tax – a half-penny higher than the metro median. But that is an incomplete understanding. Wheat Ridge does not have a Public Improvement Fee, or PIF. All of our neighbor cities and almost all metro cities add PIFs to their tax rate in hot retail locations: .5 percent at Belmar, and 1.4 percent at Colorado Mills. If you shop at Colfax and Wadsworth you can expect an added 1.5 percent. The Wal-Mart at Lakeside also adds a 1.5 percent PIF. Arvada has a PIF at the Target center on Kipling. Our 3 percent – or 4 percent if we had passed 2A – looks better and better the closer you look. If we had passed 2A and had a 4 percent sales tax we would still be lower than Lakewood,

which theoretically has a 3 percent sales tax but adds a 1.5 percent PIF for a total of 4.5 percent on a purchase. We defi nitely do not now have, and at 4 percent would not have, “one of the highest sales tax rates...” when you factor in PIFs. But that is still not the whole story. There is the issue of the total tax burden.

Our property tax in Wheat Ridge is 1.83 mils, or $1.83 per thousand in value. It’s lower than every other city in the metro area except two. The average is 7.273 mils or four times our levy. Denver has 13.185 mils. Golden has 12.34 mils. Arvada has 4.31 mils, but they also add 5.378 mills for the Apex Recreation District for a total of 9.688. Our taxes are low, and would still be low if we had added

a penny to the sales tax. DiTullio wrote in another media, “Council could data mine and fi nd $3 million in savings per year…” That’s 10 percent of our total General Fund expenditure! We have just been through a grueling 2015 budget process in which we scoured the budget for things to cut. Citizens came to council and asked us to reinstate most everything that we proposed cutting. Finding $3 million more is too good to be true. So are we broke? The police will answer your call. The Rec Center will be open. The street lights will remain on. In that sense the city is not broke. But we don’t have enough money to fully maintain our roads, bridges and buildings. If we want to make our city a better place to live, we all have to shoulder our civic responsibility. Look at what our neighbors are doing. Compare.

Contact Tim Fitzgerald at 720-360-0871 or tfi [email protected].

An Answer to Councilman DiTullio

Tim Fitzgerald

by Zachary Urban

On Feb. 9 the Wheat Ridge City Council considered Resolution 07-2015,

the fi rst amendment to the Wadsworth Boulevard Corridor Redevelopment Plan, as enacted on Oct. 22, 2001. This amendment would permit the Urban Renewal Authority to engage the developer of the property at West 38th Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard in negotiations for up to $7.8 million in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) as permitted under Colorado’s Urban Renewal Law. I am supportive of developing this blighted corner. This property deserves to be one of our premier mixed-use developments given its location in the heart of the City of Wheat Ridge. I voted no on this amendment for a number of reasons. There was a lack of a clear plan for the residential property development aspect of this project. The developer all but ignored the southern half of the development in his presentation. “Public” improvements in areas of the development which are not in the public right-of-way should not be considered as a “public” improvement. Sidewalks crisscrossing a parking lot are not in my defi nition of signifi cant pedestrian amenities. There was a lack of access to information on this project coupled with the explicit denial of requests for information. A board member of the Urban Renewal Authority had to take the extraordinary step of invoking the Colorado Open Records Act, and was summarily denied access to information regarding this TIF proposal. The opportunity costs and the risk of economic cannibalism are too high to intentionally develop a project which is for all intents and purposes a mirror image of the existing development to the northeast of the

proposed development. This project is all but designed to cannibalize existing Wheat Ridge sales tax revenue. The use of tax increment fi nancing should be used in a situation where, but for this investment, a development would not occur. The amount, details, specifi c allowable costs, applications, and arguments for a TIF should also be scrutinized and sanitized by the sunlight offered under the Colorado Open Records Act. I would suspect most developers would suddenly become a lot more creative in fi nancing these deals if the TIF process had greater transparency and more information regarding their need for public assistance. This rodeo ain’t over yet. There is still an opportunity to have your voice heard on this issue. The amendment, which was passed on a vote of 7-1, will allow city council to have fi nal review and approval of any deal hammered out regarding the use of a TIF agreement. The amendment also requests that the developer and city staff discuss alternative fi nancing, such as a public improvement fee (the fi nancing mechanism Lakeside used to develop its Wal-Mart). The developer is also asked to communicate with any proposed tenants of the development to consider what, if any, fi nancial investment will be offered by the proposed tenants towards this project. It is my expectation that this fi nal review will contain any and all information regarding this proposed TIF agreement and all such information should be made available for full public inspection with plenty of time for review. I am in favor of a mixed-use development using TIF where appropriate. I just don’t want to give away the farm in the process.

Zachary Urban can be reached at 720-252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com.

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WHEAT RIDGE 2020 UPDATE

By Ellen Daehnick

When we needed to find a larger location for my business, Helliemae’s,

I narrowed my search right away. My ideal location would have government representatives who understand what we do, help me know what’s required, and interpret those requirements consistently during the build-out process. For the whole experience of getting Helliemae’s to Wheat Ridge, that’s exactly what happened. When we started looking in Wheat Ridge, my first points of contact were Steve Art at the city, and Britta Fisher at Wheat Ridge 2020. After discussions with them, I knew Wheat Ridge was my top choice in the metro area. Not only did Steve have great information on available locations, he was able to connect me directly with the right folks in the city building department and the fire district. And when I met Britta, we hopped in her car for a driving tour: she pointed out places that might be good fits, and told me what had been going on recently with the properties. I was blown away by the meetings. When we entered negotiations for our building at West 44th Avenue and Jay Street, Steve joined me for a walk through, and included the head of the building department and the fire marshal. We went through the planned use, and even at that early stage, the officials outlined what we would need to do. That gave me confidence as we moved toward closing on the building.

Before we drew up plans, the folks in building and fire had conversations with us to answer questions. Then, when it was time to submit plans for review, both the city and fire district representatives got back to me quickly, with approval or with clear instructions for required changes. Once the build-out began, the inspections were easy to arrange (a special shout out to Melissa on the permit desk) and the inspectors were consistent. Most folks have PTSD by the time their commercial build-outs are done. While our project had its share of surprises and headaches, not a single one was caused by dealing with the city or fire district. Think for a minute: has anyone ever told you that? To be fair, we did things right: we involved officials early and kept them briefed, asking questions before we ran off in a new direction. But I’m here to tell you, that is almost never enough – the streets of Denver could be washed with the tears cried over unexpected cost increases due to changes in rules during projects. That just didn’t happen here. Now, I’ve turned into a booster for moving companies to Wheat Ridge. I don’t see any reason to keep the secret to myself: life and business are sweet in Wheat Ridge, whether you’re a candy company or not.

Ellen Daehnick is the owner of Helliemae’s, maker of caramels and con-fections. She moved her business to Wheat Ridge in 2014.

Life (and Business) is Sweet in Wheat Ridge

Law Firm Boatright & Ripp Celebrates 63 Years In Wheat Ridge

More than six decades ago, the legal firm now known as Boatright & Ripp, LLC, first set down roots in what was then a very rural Wheat Ridge community. Established in 1952 by law partners George Holley and Gerald Boatright, three years later the firm was joined by Gerald’s younger brother, Virgil Boatright, a newly minted attorney from the University of Denver. By 1961 the firm had outgrown its original office space on the southeast corner of Wadsworth Boulevard and 44th Avenue and moved across the street to its current site at 4315 Wadsworth. The firm is now marking a milestone of 54 years in the same location. The firm has been home to well-known attorneys like Dale Helm, judge Mike Villano and Ray Sharpe. While most of these have retired, Virgil Boatright – now age 82 – continues to work part-time with many of the same clients and client families that he has assisted over the past 60 years. Virgil’s expertise is focused on wills, probate and estate planning, and during a majority of his practice, he was appointed as a public administrator. Today the firm includes attorneys Thomas R. Ripp, Joseph Lusk and Anthony Damon, and specialty services offered include estate planning, wills, real estate transactions, criminal defense, licensing, personal injury, corporate transactions, and general litigation and transactional services.

For more information, call 303-423-7131.

Metro Community Provider Network Expands Dental Services

A general dentist and dental hygienist have been added to Metro Community Provider Network’s team at the Jeffco

Family Health Services Center, 7495 W. 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge, thanks to a recent grant, according to Dental Oral Health Advocate Diana Pinney. The two dental professionals join a pediatric dentist at the clinic. “Our clinic in Wheat Ridge is open to new pediatric dental patients and their families,” said Pinney. It’s a federally qualified community health center, part of a large network that includes more than 20 clinics in the metro area, providing wrap-around services – many health services in one location. “It’s not a health plan, per se, but quality health care for low income individuals,” she explained. “We’re open to the public, bill Medicaid and CHP Plus, and offer a sliding scale (fees) for individuals.” Wheat Ridge has a sizable low-income population to be served, she added, including many elderly, uninsured and migrants.

For more information, call 303-239-

9964.

Teller Street Studio Transformed, Still Open

After remodeling and downsizing, Teller Street Gallery & Studio, 7190 W. 38th Avenue, has completely transformed its studio space. “Since closing our pottery studio in September we have downsized and remodeled our space, and now have new neighbors, Lucid Studio next door!” according to a post on Teller’s web site. The proprietors consolidated the gallery and class studio to the east side of the main level, and have leased the west side to Lucid. Hours changed after the New Year; doors open at 2 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesdays and Saturdays they still open at noon. Myriad art classes and painting nights are offered weekly.

For more information, visit www.teller

streetgallery.com, call 303-424-9273, or

email info@tellerstreetgallery.

LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS

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by Bonnie McNulty

Great news from the Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District! The District’s

updated ISO Classification has been upgraded from a Class 4 to a Class 2. What does that mean? Well, ISO (Insurance Services Office) helps communities evaluate their public fire-protection services. Classification numbers range from 1 to 10. A Class 1 means you are as good as it gets. A Class 10 means you have no fire protection at all. ISO preforms independent evaluations for 49,010 fire departments in the United States. Out of all of these departments, only 60 have earned a Class 1 rating, and 750 fire departments have obtained the status of Class 2. As you can see, our fire department’s ability to serve our community is in the top 98th percentile. Businesses as well as homeowners in the District benefit from good ISO Classification Ratings. Not only can we all feel safe and protected, but also some insurance companies use ISO ratings to determine the cost of fire Insurance. All of this has a positive impact on our property values. As a follow up for Edgewater Residents, part of the decision to join the WRFPD came from ISO’s assessment of Edgewater’s ability to serve our community. Edgewater simply didn’t have the resources to properly support our Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department and our firefighters. Edgewater’s ISO rating had fallen to a Class 6.

Talent in Government Congratulations to Edgewater City Council member Laura Keegan. She has just

published her first novel! In “Haunting at Remington House” Laura leads you into the dark world of the supernatural, where those who have died still live! I am purchasing a copy and will have Laura sign it! (Yes, I will read it – all 559 pages.) And from her kitchen table, Laura is already working on her second book! I am honored to know someone that can actually finish such a project!

Election Reminder To make sure I have given the correct impression, having five council seats open for election doesn’t mean that Edgewater is running out of politicians. I have heard on good authority that all of the current council members, whose terms are up, plan on running for re-election. Some are even thinking of running for mayor.

Did you hear? Taxpayers will soon be paying Denver City

Council members $90,000 a year. Well don’t get your hopes up. Here in Edgewater if you decide to run for office you might want to keep your day job. Edgewater’s elected receive a meager, and taxable, stipend for their dedication and hard work. Edgewater taxpayers only pay $300 per month to their council members and $500 per month to their mayor. Glad I live here! As usual, I will be at the Target Starbucks every Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. I will buy your cup of coffee or tea. If you can’t meet during that time, please call and I will arrange a time convenient for you.

Contact Edgewater Mayor Bonnie Mc-Nulty at 303-233-6216 or [email protected].

Bonnie McNulty

Outstanding Performance

EDGEWATER CITY NEWS

New Grassroots Groups Strengthen the Community

By Joel Newton

New ideas for the new year are bubbling up in Edgewater from the efforts

of two community-based groups. The HEAL Citizen’s Advisory Group and the Community Building Team are led by Edgewater residents leveraging community assets to make Edgewater a better place to live and work. Last October, Edgewater City Council passed a resolution to join the Healthy Eating Activity Living (HEAL) Cities and Town Campaign through Live Well Colorado. This program encourages local governments to adopt policies that improve access to healthy food and increase physical activity. The Edgewater Walks campaign last fall is a perfect example of the type of initiative that would be encouraged and supported by the City of Edgewater as a HEAL City. In order to encourage citizen involvement in the HEAL process, the HEAL Citizen’s Advisory Group began this year to assist the city. “The HEAL Citizen’s Advisory Group was formed to assess what strategies are already in place in Edgewater that address the healthy eating and active living policies outlined by LiveWell Colorado, and to determine what gaps exist, so that recommendations could be made to the City of Edgewater,” said group leader Lee Stiffler-Meyer. “The group also hopes to help bring together resources and volunteers to carry out programs that can benefit the health and

wellness of all Edgewater citizens.” The next meeting of the HEAL Citizen’s Advisory Group will be Monday, March 16, 6:30-8 p.m. in the Edgewater Recreation Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave. “I’m excited about the wide range of interest in the HEAL program and can’t wait to see what ideas they’ll come up with,” said Edgewater City Council Member Myra Keeble. “So far, new moms, retirees, professionals from the fields of nutrition, health care, architecture and the built environment, and workplace wellness, as well as people who want to make their neighborhoods a little bit healthier have all jumped in enthusiastically.” This year also brought the launch of the Community Building Team by local nonprofits Edgewater Senior Connections and Edgewater Collective. The city is experiencing a lot of growth in new, younger residents while many of the senior population remain in the community. Senior Connections noticed a need for more volunteers from the local community in their various projects. The desire behind the team is to brainstorm and implement opportunities for neighbors and residents to connect with each other. The first task of the team is encouraging the use of NextDoor.com as a way to connect online and communicate with neighbors. The Community Building Team meets on the fourth Monday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.edgewatercollective.org.

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Playing an Instrument: A Full-Bodied Brain Workout

By Laura Lizut

Perhaps you have read or heard recently of the benefits of learning music at an

early age. That is true. Learning to play an instrument at an early age creates many benefits that will last a lifetime. Students who learn music develop more connections across brain hemispheres than those who do not. These connections help improve language and math skills, as music students are better able to use executive functions (memory, reasoning, problem solving and planning) in the brain. Researchers are finding that these connections have lasting benefits and help combat cognitive deterioration later in life. However, it is never too late to learn! These connections can still be made and are useful to aging adults! Researchers are finding that these connections may be made stronger through music learning and practice later in life. At the University of South Florida, Tampa, a group of students age 60 to 85 were given six months of individual piano lessons and showed gains in memory, verbal fluency and planning ability. All of these executive functions are attributed to a better quality of life. Playing and learning music is akin to playing your Sudoku puzzles, an aerobic workout, and listening and processing language all at once! It’s a perfect formula for your reasoning, memory, and coordination skills to work in tandem; it’s the only activity humans do that executes these skills all at once rather than one at a time. Plus, you will be learning and creating beautiful music all at the same time!

In for the long haul Learning and playing music is a commitment. Gainful progress in the executive functions is best kept up with many years of learning and practice. As a new music student, you will be able to play and read music within a few weeks, but that is just the beginning of the journey that music lessons provide. With the right instructor, you are led to new types of music, music history and music theory – all key components for a well-rounded music education.

Finding what’s right for you There are many avenues to take when finding a music instructor. You can do a basic Google search, call up your local music store, or simply ask your friends. Many music teachers love teaching adults, since adults want to be in lessons and want to do well. Find a teacher who will be understanding of your busy schedule and will help you progress in your own way. Lessons in the Denver metro area range from $25-$30 per 30-minute lesson. However, group classes may be another avenue to explore. They are usually less expensive, and you make a few friends along the way! Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime. The gift of music!

Laura Lizut, is a Wheat Ridge-based pi-ano teacher who holds a Masters in Music. She has more than 10 years’ experience teaching children and adults, and teaches adult group classes at Rockley Music Cen-ter in Lakewood.

SENIOR FOCUS

by Julia Spigarelli

Mindfulness: what does it really mean? Is it some New Age way of thinking,

or perhaps a different method of prayer or meditation? Mindfulness is about paying attention. It is about being aware of our thoughts and feelings in the moment. It is about setting an intention to be in the present; not the past or the future. It is about being active and open and accepting and listening with no judgment! And it is about restoring the balance in our live. If you respond to situations out of fear, anger or frustration and hope that tomorrow will be different, you are probably fooling yourself and causing yourself needless pain and suffering. So how do seniors benefit from mindfulness and meditation? 1. Improves longevity: A study found a significant decrease in mortality rates. 2. Decreases loneliness: Mindfulness and meditation have been found to “promote connectedness.” A UCLA study found that seniors who engaged in a mindfulness/meditation program significantly decreased rates of loneliness. 3. Encourages seniors to reach out: Mindfulness encourages socially engaged seniors to reach out and help those who are more isolated. 4. Improves mood: Mindfulness and meditation can be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. 5. Reduces healthcare costs: Studies have shown that seniors who practice mindfulness and meditation had fewer hospitalizations and physician visits.

6. Enhances coping skills and quality of life. 7. Improves sleep, mood and memory. In general, mindfulness results in better overall physical and emotional health. We can start by simply becoming “mindful” of our breathing. Deep concentrated breathing can help to keep our muscles strong and relaxed. Deep breathing can be done sitting in a chair. Breathe in through your nose for a count of six and breathing out through your mouth for a count of six. Imagine you are breathing in all positive thoughts and pushing out all negative thoughts. You might visualize a gentle brook carrying these negative thoughts far away from you downstream. If your mind begins to stray, gently direct it back to your breathing. Positive thoughts can invigorate you with a sense of inner peace, calm and balance. Negative thoughts can cause unnecessary fear and doubt, and can contribute to a feeling of exhaustion and frustration. As with all change, practice and be patient. If you have a negative thought throughout the day, become aware of it and replace it with three positive ones. Think of your life as a 1940s swing band: Do your own thing, groove to it, move with it and flow through it. As Vietnamese monk, poet, teacher and peace activist Thich Nhat Hahn said, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

Julia Spigarelli is the Resident Services Coordinator at Highland West and South Independent Senior Living Community, 6340 W. 38th Ave., in Wheat Ridge. Con-tact her at 303-424-9401.

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CAR TALK WITH TOM

POLICE BLOTTER

By Tom Schmuke

Family and friends, no one enjoys contending with an auto repair,

but sometimes we need to for reliable transportation. One question I get all the time is how to choose a reliable auto shop regardless of where you live. Perhaps these simple steps can help you, a family member or loved one. Take your time. It shouldn’t matter what kind of car you drive. Your best bet for quality auto repair is a fully researched shop. Take the proper amount of time to check out any shop you are considering by first asking around. Are the people in your neighborhood partial to any auto shops? Have they had good experiences? Poor ones? What types of services have they needed? Being familiar with what is available in your neighborhood and the reliability of those options is critical. Brush up on your vehicle’s needs. Read the user’s manual. This is the best source of detailed information on your particular make and model. The user’s manual often states how often regular service needs to be performed (oil changes, maintenance, etc.) Making a decision on a service provider for simple, routine maintenance is far less stressful than doing so in a panic when a major repair has put

By Laura Poole

The Wheat Ridge and Edgewater police departments have provided the

following information in order to both inform citizens of what’s going on around town and to get the word out on crime trends. Get in touch with the police if you have any information that could aid them in their efforts.

Cashbox Thief Caught on Video A suspect of a robbery at Action Recycling at Wadsworth and 42nd was seen driving either a silver 2005 Dodge Durango with unknown plates or a red 2000 Ford F350 with Texas plates. The suspect is reported to be a Hispanic male between 25 and 30 years old, 5 feet, 7 inches in height, weighing 160 lbs. He stole a cashbox on Dec. 26, and has not been seen since. If you see this man, who has also been associated with similar thefts in Thornton and Greeley, please contact the Wheat Ridge Police Department at 303-237-2220. A video of the theft can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YAVKYEDj7g.

One Shoplifter Got Away One of a pair of suspects shoplifting from the Target at 1985 Sheridan on Jan. 26 around 8 p.m. fled after being confronted by on-site security. The two were attempting to shoplift around $1,800 worth of electronics and were stopped by officers; one was restrained and arrested but the other was not. A car believed to be associated with the shoplifters took off at high speed from the parking lot and could not be identified. Also, a 1992 gray Honda Accord was stolen from a parking lot in the 2800 block of Kendall Street the sometime between 8 p.m., Jan. 26, and 7:20 a.m., Jan. 27. If you have any information on either case please contact WRPD Chief John Hough at 720-763-3000.

Precautions, Better Info Could Thwart Burglaries A residential burglary was reported on Jan. 19 around 4:20 p.m. on the 2000 block of Larimer. An alarm was activated and when Edgewater police went to check it out they found signs of forced entry and after speaking with neighbors discovered a male suspect had been at the residence

your vehicle on probation. Give it a try. If there are a few contenders, try them out with minor jobs. How do they handle the task? Is their staff courteous? Do they consider you an active participant in the servicing of your vehicle or simply want to move forward without consulting you on cost or decision-making? Is the facility neat and organized? Do they seem open to questions regarding service or simply just the state of your repair? Get an estimate. A quality auto shop will always furnish an estimate upon request. If you are receiving pushback regarding documentation, walk away. Clear and thorough estimates for immediate work or even suggested, future repairs are critical, as you may need to budget accordingly. Ask about labor rates and understand how they impact the cost of repairs. Document, document, document. When you pick up your vehicle, are you provided with a receipt for service? Does it include the hourly labor rate, cost for parts, and cost for the actual repair? It should. Any reputable auto shop will be happy to provide you with an explanation of service and should do so without prompting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Got a car care question? Email Tom Schmuke at [email protected].

that morning. He was reported to have been in his late teens or early 20s, slim build, wearing jeans, a hoodie and stocking cap and driving a shiny, dark blue, four-door newer model Honda with chrome spoke wheels and tinted windows. Due to rumblings in the social media world, citizens are advised to provide accurate information regarding this burglary, which occurred while the residents of the home were out. There have been reports of similar incidents on streets like Jay and Gray in past years, but information needs to be clarified. The police urge residents to keep track of precious belongings in the home, secure sliding windows with wooden dowels, and keep an eye out for suspicious behavior. Please contact WRPD Chief John Hough at 720-763-3000 if you have any information on this series of burglaries.

Beware of Bogus Criminal Investigators Last but not least, there have been multiple reports of citizens receiving phone calls from individuals identifying themselves as “criminal investigators” who threaten people with a variety of offenses, from IRS violations to threats of arrest warrants, and proceeding to obtain personal information. The police want you to know that this is a scam, so do not accept these calls as they might be trying to steal your identity. For more information visit ttp://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Warns-of-Pervasive-Telephone-Scam.

For questions or comments on this ar-ticle email [email protected].

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

HOME, GARDEN & LIFESTYLE

by Jeanne Nichols

Presidents Day is often lost in the frenzy of Valentines Day and it’s easy to see

why. Love is a virtue that many of us have experienced by either receiving or giving it and are more than willing to share our perception of it. As a single person for many years, Valentine’s Day was a holiday that was not on a list of things for which I was holding my breath, but I soon learned to embrace this holiday. Whether you’ve never married, are divorced, widowed or living happily ever after, Valentines Day has expanded to included sharing love with any and all. I recently received a lovely valentine from one of my client’s 8-month-old – it made my day. Fortunately this special day has broadened, not only with whom one shares it, but also the way we show it. Flowers and candy are always a sure bet, but here in our local community there are many businesses that can help you fine creative ways to show love. Eats and treats are always good, a new recent favorite is the KareBear Bakery on West 38th Avenue. If you haven’t been in it’s time to drop by, the girls there helped me put together a last-minute cupcake tree for my granddaughter’s birthday that was not only beautiful but delicious and I noticed many treats that would make a perfect gift. A beautiful bottle of spirits is also a great way to celebrate and with the revival

of the mid-century cocktail this opens many doors for a new beverage selections, which help make up cocktails like the Raspberry Chocolate Kiss Martini or something as simple as Lavender Champagne. Of course jewelry is never a bad thing and so one idea you might find delightful is to start the revolutionized charm bracelet through Chamilla and Trollbead Collections

found at Anthony M’s Visions in Gold and Swiss Flowers respectively. Cards are always an important part of Valentine’s Day but how about something a bit different? Posey Girls on West 38th Avenue has a collection of handmade cards, and don’t forget those guys in our life who

might even enjoy a “card” from Jordans Baseball Cards. Remember last month I talked about adding hugs into my day. Hugs don’t cost a thing and can make everything much brighter for not only you, but also the one with whom you are sharing that hug. February is the month of love so take the time from our busy and hectic lives to accept and give some compassion and affection, be generous, forgive, sacrifice for the sake of others, and give more than fairness requires, it just might change your life and I’m sure it can change an others.

Wheat Ridge resident Jeanne Nichols is the owner and Lead Designer/Home Stylist at modmood/RETRO Consign-ment at 44th and Wadsworth. She can be reached at [email protected] or 303-728-9497.

Love is in The Air

Free Patient Education Series at Lutheran

This month Lutheran Medical Center, 8300 W. 38th Ave., will offer a series of free, educational seminars on a variety of health and medical topics, led by physicians. Upcoming classes include: • “Treatment of Vein Disease and Varicose Veins,” with Dr. Martin Fejka, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6-7 p.m. • “Thinking about Having a Baby?” with Dr. Cheryl Cowles, Saturday, Feb. 28, 8:30-10 a.m. All classes take place in the second floor Learning Center; use Entrance No. 2.

For more information or to register on-line, visit lutheranmedicalcenter.org/class-es or call 303-425-8375.

Come Fly a Kite April 25

Kids, kites and kite enthusiasts will gather again this spring for the second annual Kite Flite Festival, April 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in Anderson Park, 4355 Field St., Wheat Ridge. This year the Festival will be joined by the Wheat Ridge Police Department and their fifth annual Child Safety Fair, incorporating several new events and activities while keeping popular favorites from last year. The Festival will feature a crafting competition, lots of giveaway kites and planned crafts for over 200 kids. The WRPD will provide free information on child safety and installation of car seats to families of Wheat Ridge, specifically in the Hispanic community. Last year’s inaugural Festival drew nearly 1,000 participants, double the 500 expected by the event committee. “The ingredients of family, food and free spirit were a perfect blend, and kite creativity was awarded with awards and praise,” said Mayor Joyce Jay, one of the judges at last year’s festival. “Once up in the air, many kites soared – or not, depending

on the mood of the wind. This is definitely a must-do on the Wheat Ridge calendar.”

For more information visit www.kite-flitefestival.com.

‘Oklahoma!’ at Wheat Ridge High School!

Wheat Ridge High School Musical Theatre will stage the musical “Oklahoma!” later this month at the WRHS auditorium, 9505 W. 32nd Ave. Shows are Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 27 and 28, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 5, 6 and 7, all at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12, available online at http://wrhsmusical.seatyourself.biz.

For more information, visit www.face-book.com/WRHSMusical, or call 303-982-7695.

Fighting Depression at TRIAD, Feb. 24

Join Sheri Gibson, Ph.D., Clinical Psychology to learn how to recognize depression and what options are available to help get back your sense of hope in “Just Down or Depressed?” on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1:30 p.m., at the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Conference Room located on 500 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden. From time to time, we all feel down or blue. But if you or someone you know just doesn’t seem to shake the blues, it could be something more. The free community meeting is sponsored by TRIAD, a cooperative venture of senior community members, the district attorney, law enforcement and senior service providers who are concerned about the safety and security of seniors living in Jefferson and Gilpin counties.

For more information or to confirm meeting status in the event of inclement weather, call 303-271-6970.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

Free Tax Help Offered at Jeffco Public Library

Now through April 15, Jefferson County Public Library (JCPL) will offer free tax preparation assistance to individuals who require help filing their tax returns. Each year, JCPL partners with AARP to offer free counseling and preparation assistance to all taxpayers, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. IRS-certified volunteers will be on hand to help people on a walk-in basis at the Arvada, Belmar, Columbine, Lakewood and Standley Lake Libraries, and by appointment at the Evergreen Library. Space is limited for this popular series, so patrons are encouraged to arrive early.

For locations, times, dates and more information, visit jeffcolibrary.org/re-search/taxes.

Great Homes Wanted for the Mid-Century and Modern Home Tour

Wheat Ridge 2020 is accepting nominations for homes for the 2015 Mid Century and Modern Home Tour, Saturday, Sept. 26. The tour features remarkable examples of Mid-Century and Modern residential architecture throughout our city. Wheat Ridge’s development was in full swing during the 1950s and ‘60s and many

fine examples of homes of this era remain, and many homes are being built and remodeled to the exhibit Contemporary/Modern style. The tour draws attention from the metro Denver area to some of Wheat Ridge’s finest examples and desirable homes, and in the past has sold out. Platinum sponsor modmood will serve as the starting point and host activities throughout the day for home tour attendees culminating in an after party. Potential sponsors should contact Britta Fisher or Mara Owen at Wheat Ridge 2020, 720-259-1030. If a great Mid-Century or Modern home has caught your eye, or you own such a home, please forward the address, owner contact information and photo of the house to Selection Committee Chair Joy Opp at [email protected], or the Wheat Ridge 2020 staff at 720-259-1030.

Fire Protection Rating Improved

Both Wheat Ridge and Edgewater received improved community fire protection ratings from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), according to Bob Dowling, Battalion Chief of the Wheat Ridge Fire Department. The Wheat Ridge Fire Department improved their score from a 4 to a 2 in Wheat Ridge, Lakeside, Mountain View and a small portion of Lakewood. In Edgewater the reduction was from a 6 to a 2. The evaluation includes water supply,

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Submit items to the “What’s Happening” section at [email protected]

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

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BOB PETROKYS LEASEDIR H

communications and the capabilities of the fire department. Scoring is based on a 1-10 scale with the lower the number being a greater overall capability. ISO is a third party evaluator of community fire protection. The ISO Public Protection Classification is a tool utilized by a majority of insurance companies to aid in determining fire insurance rates for properties within the assessed jurisdiction. This classification placed Wheat Ridge Fire Protection District in the 98th percentile nationwide.

For more information, visit www.wrfire.org or call 303-403-5900.

Is Your Garden Show-Worthy?

Applications are now being accepted for the 5th Annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour, Saturday, July 11. Up to 10 green thumbs in both Wheat Ridge and Edgewater will be selected to showcase their gardens. New gardeners are encouraged to enter as the “Garden to Watch” and volunteers are welcome.

To submit entries or volunteer, call 303-319-0690 or email [email protected].

9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. (2 blks E. of 9840 W. 44th Ave. • 303-424-7421

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38th & WadsworthContinued from page 1

economic cannibalism, lack of planning, transparency, and whether council has enough information, before placing the amended resolution before the council for

vote. The site is approximately 15 acres, per the Wadsworth Boulevard Redevelopment plan in 1999, which included the open field to the south on Wadsworth. The vision for the property has been outlined in multiple city plans for more than a decade. As part of the Colorado Urban Renewal Act (URA) CRS 31-25-101 of 1975, a city may create an urban renewal authority that is allowed to purchase blighted property and work in collaboration with a private entity, such as a developer. Most states have forms of URA that allow the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF). “TIF is a mechanism for funding redevelopment projects in Colorado exclusively targeted for blighted areas,” according to http://www.colorado.gov. In this case, TIF is an incentive for the developer and is based on the increased value of property. The developer may use future funds from the county, either through increased property taxes or from the city through sales taxes on the site.

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and history. These suggestions are also in direct opposition from some that feel this space should be void of any signage. Other opposing views included pedestrians and bike riders blaming each other for carelessness while using the paths and trails. A master plan for this space is now a top priority. Having attended the community meetings, I couldn’t help but notice a

different tone. Every single person was in support of our Parks & Rec program and had praise for the staff. There are still openings on the commission, including the youth commissioner seat – an important voice that helps us plan with the next generation in mind … it might be the key to eliminating pot smoking at Discovery Park. Complete survey results are posted on the Parks and Rec site’s main page – http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/458/Parks-and-Recreation – under Additional Resources below the current master plan link.

Parks & Rec UpdateContinued from page 1

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By Dr. Douglas Martel

Heart disease causes 600,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, making it the

leading cause of death for both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control, every year about 720,000 Americans have a heart attack. Did you know that most people experience warning signs of an impending heart attack up to two weeks before the actual big event? This means that heart attacks have beginnings. It is important to be aware of the early signs of a heart attack, because the window of opportunity to save a life and prevent heart damage is when these symptoms are present. The more typical early signs of a heart attack include: • Pain that travels down one or both arms • Jaw pain • Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort Some less typical signs of an early heart attack, more common in women and the elderly, are: • Nausea • Anxiety • Shortness of breath • Fatigue • Back pain The most important thing to do when someone is having these symptoms is recognize them as signs of an impending

heart attack, and respond quickly by calling 911. Eighty-five percent of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a heart attack. Quick, timely intervention can not only help save a life, but can also help preserve the quality of life. There are specific hospitals throughout the metro area, such as Lutheran Medical Center, that are Accredited Chest Pain Centers. These hospitals offer the quickest access to care, and when “Time is Muscle” every minute counts. February is American Heart Month, making it a good time to consider the risks of a heart attack that you or a loved one may be facing. Common risk factors for heart disease include: • High blood pressure • Smoking • High cholesterol • Poor diet • Inactivity • Obesity • Diabetes These are risk factors that are controllable, and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce your risk for heart disease and a heart attack. Modifying these risk factors will lead to a longer, healthier and better quality of life.

Dr. Martel is the medical director of the Chest Pain Center at Lutheran Medical Center and an interventional cardiologist with Rocky Mountain Cardiovascular As-sociates, and SCL Physicians.

MEDICALLY SPEAKINGRecognizing the Start of a

Heart Attack Could Save a Life

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neighborhood gazette – february 2015

Documents

public hearing

public testimony

public rakes

public protest

wheat ridge city council

city park

amended resolution council

renewal wheat ridge