The May 15-June 12, 2013 issue of Neighborhood Gazette, serving Wheat Ridge and Edgewater, Colorado.
8
Get Ready! Here Comes The Sun see page 2 Colorado+ Gets An A+ see page 8 Take A Moment To Remember see page 7 GARDEN SCULPTURE SHINES in the June sun in Anne Brinkman’s backyard. Brinkman’s garden is the mid-way Lunch Stop for this year’s garden tour on Saturday June 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PHOTO BY CYNDY BEAL WHEAT RIDGE GARDNER, JAN DENT poses in one of her garden areas in her backyard that she calls the “Oregon Cor- ner”. Dent’s garden is one of 10 featured gardens for the Third Annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour on Saturday June 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PHOTO BY CYNDY BEAL By J. Patrick O’Leary A fter a few months of debating whether and how to accelerate the 38th Avenue Corridor Plan, as well as listening to sundry complaints about its implementation so far, Wheat Ridge City Council received some positive feedback and support at a recent regular business meeting. Ted Heyd of the 38th Avenue Leadership Committee and Jerry Nealon of Cress Kitchen & Bath presented a “38th Avenue Retrofit Endorsement Letter” to council on April 8. They each took three minutes of public comment time to thank council for its efforts, and briefly explained how 38th Avenue would be promoted for the rest of the year. The endorsement, signed by 18 local and regional businesses and organizations, stated: “As a committed partner on the corridor and in the Wheat Ridge community, I support the roadway redesign and the actions in the Corridor Plan to grow the economic sector on and adjacent to the corridor.” Signatories included City of Wheat Ridge Office of the Mayor; Compass Construction; Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Colorado By Cyndy Beal S pring has finally sprung. Fresh smells and vibrant colors are springing up all over town, pleasing garden enthusiasts and the winter weary. One can enjoy the return of garden season at the third annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour on Saturday June 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The self-guided home-garden tour starts at 9:00 a.m. at Wheat Ridge 5-8 School, 7101 W. 38th Ave. The $15 ticket is available on the day of the tour on the green at Wheat Ridge 5-8 School. This year lunch is included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased on site on the day of the tour. All ticket proceeds benefit Wheat Ridge charities. No exception to spring’s return is Jan Dent’s east Wheat Ridge garden and the beginnings of plant color and growth. Dent’s garden is one of nine on this year’s tour. A mature garden that is easy to maintain, it represents 18 years of creativity, experience and hard work. “It’s always trial and error,” said Dent of the process of plant placement and creating an interesting and colorful garden. Dent has lived in Colorado for several decades, but is originally from Oregon. There’s a corner in the yard she calls the Oregon corner, with shade-loving Hostas and a water feature. From the old horse-drawn carriage in the Dent’s front yard to the various rusted farm equipment out back, where Clematis vines climb around the equipment for support; and various other vines climb wooden fences and trellis, Dent has created a unique garden of small spaces with a little bit of everything to see at every angle, including upwards. “The backyard is more lush with trees and shrubs,” said Dent. The trees and shrubs offer filtered shade for the various plantings so “…there is no place in my yard that gets blasted with sun,” she said. “I’m always looking at ideas,” said Dent, who herself has gone on several local garden tours to fuel her creativity. New to the tour as a host, she attended the Wheat Ridge Garden Tours in 2011 and 2012. Most of the 10 gardens are new this year. Returning from the 2012 Wheat Ridge Garden Tour is Anne Brinkman’s garden, best known and remembered for metal pieces and sculpture in the backyard. Located midway on the tour, her garden is the catered Lunch Stop. The Lunch Stop provides a place for neighbors and fellow garden tour participants to gather and listen to live music provided by members of Wheat Ridge High School’s Marching Band and Orchestra, who are one of the three beneficiaries of ticket proceeds. The other two Wheat Ridge organizations are Feed the Future and the Public Art Fund. Pietra’s Pizza is donating lunch. This menu will include an item or items from their original 1963 menu as part of the tour and in celebration of their 50-year anniversary. Every garden will have a surprise or something additional to the gardens themselves, which vary in style from traditional, cottage, xeriscape, combined and in-between. Join this event and help spread the word through a Like on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Be the 50th to join the Garden Glorious Gardens Return Wheat Ridge Garden Tour Gazette NEIGHBORHOOD te e e e e e e e te te e e e e e e e e e e e Wheat Ridge | Edgewater | MAY 15 – JUNE 12, 2013 Traffic Studies Wrap Up, Support Shown for 38th Avenue Foundation for Public Health and the Environment; Wheat Ridge Cyclery; Wheat Ridge 2020; 1stBank; Regional Institute for Health & Environmental Leadership; Cress Kitchen & Bath; LiveWell Colorado; PSD; Jefferson County Public Health; Aging Well In Jefferson County, Colorado; Kevin Robb; Options Healthcare Group; MIG; Vinylworks Signs & Graphics; and Wheat Ridge Professional Pharmacy. The letter had been drafted and circulated in fall of 2012, according to Heyd, and was not a response to recent commentary at council meetings. Heyd told The Gazette that the bulk of the less-than-positive feedback on the project arises from the claim that reduced vehicle volume on the roadway limits business on the corridor. “We’re not belittling those concerns at all,” on the Leadership Committee, said Heyd. He went on to say, “There is a place for everyone’s voice at this table … the numbers demonstrate that the street is functioning just fine … but the voices (concerns) are there, and are welcome.” Last month the city completed its final traffic count study to evaluate the impact of the project on traffic. Heyd says the promotional events planned for the balance of the year should demonstrate that 38th Avenue “is really becoming a destination” as a result. The 38th Avenue Corridor Plan was adopted in October 2011, and sets the course for implementing economic development and land use strategies as well as street and right of way improvements. Wheat Ridge 2020 has engaged about 50 community stakeholders through a Leadership Committee to guide the process, and has contracted with the city carry out parts of the plan. The plan calls for a 24-month evaluation period (July 2012-July 2014) to assess the success of the project, examining automobile traffic volume, pedestrian and bicycle counts, travel time, traffic speed, accidents, emergency vehicle access, vacancy rates, building permit and business license activity, and sales revenue. Wheat Ridge Community Development will also consider feedback from businesses, residents, and the 38th Avenue Leadership Committee, through tools such as the city’s Citizen Survey. For more information on the 38th Av- enue Corridor Plan, click on the 38th Ave- nue Quick Link on the City of Wheat Ridge web site, www.ci.wheatridge.co.us. Tour Event and win two free Garden Tour tickets; or to help generate more funds for the Wheat Ridge organizations go to: http://wheatridgegardentour.com/tickets. html To volunteer at one of the gardens and receive a free ticket contact Milly Nadler, co-chair, call 303-319-0690 or e- mail [email protected]. For sponsorship inquiries contact Vicki Ottoson, co-chair, call 303-777-6144 or e- mail [email protected]. For comments, questions on this story or future story ideas contact cdbea22@ gmail.
Transcript
Get Ready!Here Comes
The sunsee page 2
Colorado+ Gets
An A+see page 8
Take A Moment To Remember
see page 7
garDen sculPTure shines in the June sun in Anne Brinkman’s backyard. Brinkman’s garden is the mid-way Lunch Stop for this year’s garden tour on Saturday June 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PHOTO BY CYNDY BEAL
wheaT riDge garDner, Jan DenT poses in one of her garden areas in her backyard that she calls the “Oregon Cor-ner”. Dent’s garden is one of 10 featured gardens for the Third Annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour on Saturday June 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. PHOTO BY CYNDY BEAL
By J. Patrick o’leary
after a few months of debating whether and how to accelerate the 38th Avenue
Corridor Plan, as well as listening to sundry complaints about its implementation so far, Wheat Ridge City Council received some positive feedback and support at a recent regular business meeting.
Ted Heyd of the 38th Avenue Leadership Committee and Jerry Nealon of Cress Kitchen & Bath presented a “38th Avenue Retrofi t Endorsement Letter” to council on April 8. They each took three minutes of public comment time to thank council for its efforts, and briefl y explained how 38th Avenue would be promoted for the rest of the year.
The endorsement, signed by 18 local and regional businesses and organizations, stated: “As a committed partner on the corridor and in the Wheat Ridge community, I support the roadway redesign and the actions in the Corridor Plan to grow the economic sector on and adjacent to the corridor.”
Signatories included City of Wheat Ridge Offi ce of the Mayor; Compass Construction; Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Colorado
By cyndy Beal
spring has fi nally sprung. Fresh smells and vibrant colors are springing up all
over town, pleasing garden enthusiasts and the winter weary.
One can enjoy the return of garden season at the third annual Wheat Ridge Garden Tour on Saturday June 15, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The self-guided home-garden tour starts at 9:00 a.m. at Wheat Ridge 5-8 School, 7101 W. 38th Ave.
The $15 ticket is available on the day of the tour on the green at Wheat Ridge 5-8 School. This year lunch is included in the ticket price. Tickets can be purchased on site on the day of the tour. All ticket proceeds benefi t Wheat Ridge charities.
No exception to spring’s return is Jan Dent’s east Wheat Ridge garden and the beginnings of plant color and growth. Dent’s garden is one of nine on this year’s tour. A mature garden that is easy to maintain, it represents 18 years of creativity, experience and hard work.
“It’s always trial and error,” said Dent of the process of plant placement and creating an interesting and colorful garden. Dent has lived in Colorado for several decades, but is originally from Oregon. There’s a corner in the yard she calls the Oregon corner, with shade-loving Hostas and a water feature.
From the old horse-drawn carriage in the Dent’s front yard to the various rusted farm equipment out back, where Clematis vines climb around the equipment for support; and various other vines climb wooden fences and trellis, Dent has created a unique garden of small spaces with a little bit of everything to see at every angle, including upwards.
“The backyard is more lush with trees and shrubs,” said Dent. The trees and shrubs offer fi ltered shade for the various plantings so “…there is no place in my yard that gets blasted with sun,” she said.
“I’m always looking at ideas,” said Dent, who herself has gone on several local garden tours to fuel her creativity. New to the tour as a host, she attended the Wheat Ridge Garden Tours in 2011 and 2012. Most of the 10 gardens are new this year.
Returning from the 2012 Wheat Ridge Garden Tour is Anne Brinkman’s garden, best known and remembered for metal pieces and sculpture in the backyard. Located midway on the tour, her garden is the catered Lunch Stop.
The Lunch Stop provides a place for neighbors and fellow garden tour participants to gather and listen to live music provided by members of Wheat Ridge High School’s Marching Band and Orchestra, who are one of the three benefi ciaries of ticket proceeds. The other two Wheat Ridge organizations are Feed the Future and the Public Art Fund.
Pietra’s Pizza is donating lunch. This menu will include an item or items from their original 1963 menu as part of the tour and in celebration of their 50-year anniversary.
Every garden will have a surprise or something additional to the gardens themselves, which vary in style from traditional, cottage, xeriscape, combined and in-between.
Join this event and help spread the word through a like on Facebook or follow on Twitter. Be the 50th to join the Garden
glorious gardens returnwheat ridge garden Tour
GazetteNEIGHBORHOODGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazettewheat ridge | edgewater | may 15 – June 12, 2013
Traffi c studies wrap up, support shown for 38th avenue
Foundation for Public Health and the Environment; Wheat Ridge Cyclery; Wheat Ridge 2020; 1stBank; Regional Institute for Health & Environmental Leadership; Cress Kitchen & Bath; LiveWell Colorado; PSD; Jefferson County Public Health; Aging Well In Jefferson County, Colorado; Kevin Robb; Options Healthcare Group; MIG; Vinylworks Signs & Graphics; and Wheat Ridge Professional Pharmacy.
The letter had been drafted and circulated in fall of 2012, according to Heyd, and was not a response to recent commentary at council meetings.
Heyd told The Gazette that the bulk of the less-than-positive feedback on the project arises from the claim that reduced vehicle volume on the roadway limits business on the corridor.
“We’re not belittling those concerns at all,” on the Leadership Committee, said Heyd. He went on to say, “There is a place for everyone’s voice at this table … the numbers demonstrate that the street is functioning just fi ne … but the voices (concerns) are there, and are welcome.”
Last month the city completed its fi nal traffi c count study to evaluate the impact of the project on traffi c. Heyd says the promotional events planned for the balance
of the year should demonstrate that 38th Avenue “is really becoming a destination” as a result.
The 38th Avenue Corridor Plan was adopted in October 2011, and sets the course for implementing economic development and land use strategies as well as street and right of way improvements. Wheat Ridge 2020 has engaged about 50 community stakeholders through a Leadership Committee to guide the process, and has contracted with the city carry out parts of the plan.
The plan calls for a 24-month evaluation period (July 2012-July 2014) to assess the success of the project, examining automobile traffi c volume, pedestrian and bicycle counts, travel time, traffi c speed, accidents, emergency vehicle access, vacancy rates, building permit and business license activity, and sales revenue. Wheat Ridge Community Development will also consider feedback from businesses, residents, and the 38th Avenue Leadership Committee, through tools such as the city’s Citizen Survey.
For more information on the 38th Av-enue Corridor Plan, click on the 38th Ave-nue Quick link on the City of Wheat Ridge web site, www.ci.wheatridge.co.us.
Tour Event and win two free Garden Tour tickets; or to help generate more funds for the Wheat Ridge organizations go to: http://wheatridgegardentour.com/tickets.html
To volunteer at one of the gardens and receive a free ticket contact Milly Nadler, co-chair, call 303-319-0690 or e-
For comments, questions on this story or future story ideas contact cdbea22@gmail.
2 neighborhood gazette – MAY 15 - JUNE 12, 2013 – ngazette.com
The importance of Participation
PublisheR’s NOte
By Tim Berland
as some of you may or may not know, I have spent most of my career as a
graphic artist to some of Denver’s fi nest community newspapers. As a more or less willing participant to the community newspaper process, I have become used to a kind of rhythm to seasonal events. I get a sense of comfort in knowing the Capitol Hill People’s Fair will always start the summer season, much in the same way Taste of Colorado ends it.
Wheat Ridge and Edgewater are home to several community enriching events, as well. From the Carnation Festival, celebrating 44 years in August, and the Fourth of July & Celtic celebrations in Edgewater, to newcomers like the upcoming Wheat Ridge Garden Tour (Sat., June 15), the inaugural Wheat Fest (Sat., July 20) and ongoing Live Local gatherings, these celebrations and events help to enrich the quality of our lives and give us an enhanced sense of place.
Interest and participation are what help these functions to thrive. I commend all the volunteers and community groups
who dedicate countless hours to make these events happen. Without them, they just wouldn’t exist.
As a community news source, we will always do our best to promote community celebrations and events so that you as readers and community members are well informed. If you are planning an event or function let us know at [email protected].
But I call on our readers to do more. Volunteer. Donate. Participate. Our local events NEED your support. If you are interested in volunteering in any upcoming Wheat Ridge or Edgewater community event, send me an e-mail, [email protected] or give me a call 303-995-2806. I will do my best to put you in touch with right person.
Speaking of community participation, I would like to take a moment to congratulate my brother, Matt Berland, on his recent promotion to lieutenant in the Arvada Fire Protection District. Matt started as a volunteer in his twenties and it has been a pleasure to watch him grow it into a promising career. Way to go Matt, I’m so proud of you!
This bumbling buddy is located some-where else in this issue, fi nd him and
Did you know that May is Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness Month? The fi rst
Monday is known as National Skin Self-examination day, to both kick off the month and to remind us to check our own skin for skin cancer.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, with more than one million people diagnosed annually, accounting for about 50 percent of all types of diagnosed cancers combined. Yet, it is also one of the most preventable types of cancer—more than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure. As with many cancers, early detection is key.
A thorough skin check means examining the body, front and back, in the mirror, under both arms, in between toes and soles of the feet, behind ears and scalp. Each month, examine your skin to become familiar with the location, size and color of moles, freckles and other marks. Report any abnormal areas to your physician. Ask your physician to do a skin check as part of your annual physical.
Here are some of the things you can check for yourself: the ABCDEs of melanoma:
A: Asymmetry – The mole is not completely even in appearance.
B: Border – The margins should be even and smooth, without irregular or projecting edges.
C: Circumference – The mole should be round, without jagged or sharp edges
D: Diameter – The size should not be more than 6 millimeters across, the size of a pencil eraser.
E: Evolving – Any changes over time in
size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (bleeding, scaling, infl ammation), and shades of color should be observed.
Prevention tips to keep in mind and help limit your sun exposure include:
Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more to all exposed skin. “Broad-spectrum” provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UBV) rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when possible.
Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the
sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand because they refl ect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. In the Skin Health Population Study, researchers found that persons using tanning beds often were three times more likely to develop melanoma than those who never tanned indoors.
If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product or spray, but continue to use sunscreen when you are exposed to sunlight.
linda Fiske, RN, MsN, oCN, is manag-er of Cancer services at Exempla lutheran Medical Center.
linda Fiske, rn
MediCally sPeaKiNg
Carousel CleanersNight DropFast & Convenient!
4040 W. 38th Ave. 303-477-1001
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“I have been using Carousel Cleaners for years and have moved and still drive 10 miles for the wonderful service and qualit y.”
ngazette.com – MAY 15 - JUNE 12, 2013 – neighborhood gazette 3
4 neighborhood gazette – MAY 15 - JUNE 12, 2013 – ngazette.com
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By guy nahmiach
home stretch, fourth quarter, second half...last few weeks to a school year
that seemed to fl y by. I do not know that my kids feel the same excitement I had when I was their age: feeling like getting sprung from captivity into two solid months of morning-to-sundown playing outside. I can still hear my mom’s voice calling me in for dinner, echoing through the neighborhood.
Have summer vacations become shorter? Have they become so fi lled with activities that the time fl ies by or has the internet fi lled the void as to make time unnoticeable, with minutes turning into hours? Has it taken over TV’s role as the cheapest form of child care? What are your kids doing this summer? Are you sure?
Principal Collins at Prospect Valley Elementary is organizing reading and writing groups in their library over the summer. It is a great idea for parents who do not want their kids to start from scratch in August. Another new idea being adopted by PV is the Capital Campaign, replacing four fundraisers with simple donations from the families at the start of the year. If this means less solicitations in my son’s homework folder, I am all for it. In fact I have pledged $500 for next year if I can be on some kind of “do not disturb” list. If the info is not relevant to my son’s academic performance, you can keep it. Especially the 26,000 printed ads for Zumba nights.
Congratulations to Michele Sannes for
receiving the Volunteer of the Year award at PV. You can usually fi nd her directing traffi c at school and helping out with the DI program, as well as getting involved in so many other committees. Congratulations Michele.
With Mother’s Day behind us now, we can fi nally get out there and plant our gardens without the fear of frost. I have been reading over the rules in the Consolidated Mutual letter I just received: lawn watering only on Mondays and Thursdays, no mist sprinklers, and only buckets for car washes, no hoses. The list goes on. Could this be a hoax? The plan is just too elaborate and convoluted.
In fact, everyone I have spoken to about these new rules looked at me like I had just asked them to stop smoking in the parks.
Threatening to shut down water supplies to homeowners who do not follow the rules was a bit much—I fi nd asking nicely always works better. Perhaps focusing on our need as a community to conserve water would have rallied everyone around this cause in a more positive and productive way.
What are you doing this summer? I would love to highlight one family’s plans and how they actually turn out: how they came up with the idea, who disagreed and how it was resolved. Write me at [email protected].
Enjoy your spring, and as always, thanks for reading.
6650 West 38th Ave. • 303-421-6111Open Mon.-Fri, 8:30a.m.-6p.m., Sat, 8:30a.m.-1p.m.
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This may be a cartoon but it’s no joke. If you have experiences with mail order let your pharmacist know and visit www.Fight4Rx.org
asK The suPerNew Column Answering Questions Posed to school superintendent stevenson
When we live in a world where perception becomes reality, it is really important to communicate your message many times, and be very precise in your language, so as to not be taken out context.
So many education-related issues are being discussed inside our learning institutions here in Jefferson County. The message comes from the district, to the schools, to the teachers and then the students and parents, the media and local politicians. Everyone hears what they want to hear. But how do we get the truth?
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Cindy Stevenson contacted me a few weeks ago about my last column and some of my questions regarding the county’s budget. In a matter of minutes she had cleared up any confusion regarding the numbers and issues. We thought it would be an excellent idea if we could continue down this path and take one question a month from our community and have Cindy answer directly. Now I am not sure if she can help with your son’s B+ that you thought should have been an A, but she can clear up things like questions on T-CAP or curriculum, or perhaps even what the future looks like for our schools.
Please direct your questions for Jeff erson County schools superintendent Cindystevenson to Guy@NostalgicHomes.
ngazette.com – MAY 15 - JUNE 12, 2013 – neighborhood gazette 5
By Jerry DiTullio
Police launch new crime maPPing Program
Residents of Wheat Ridge have a new way to track crime in their neighborhoods. The Wheat Ridge Police Department recently unveiled a new partnership with Regional Analysis and Information Data Sharing (RAIDS) that allows for crime mapping, analysis of crime data, citizen alerts and community notifications. The product is provided free of charge to the Department and the community at www.raidsonline.com.
Citizens can view a map of the city showing most of the reported crimes in their area, sign up for neighborhood watch reports that automatically email a breakdown of recent crime activity, and submit an anonymous tip about a crime directly to their law enforcement agency. RAIDS Online automatically syncs with the WRPD’s records management system to keep crime information updated online and in the mobile application.
WRPD is committed to partnering with the community to make the community as safe as possible. Public crime information allows for citizens to become more involved in assisting with criminal apprehensions and crime prevention efforts. Citizens can take steps to reduce the likelihood of victimization by securing their property and being mindful of current criminal activity.
Crime maps and crime alerts are a means for citizens to stay informed. RAIDS Online provides a tool for citizens to stay informed and a tool for the police officers to gain more information about what is occurring on their beat.
To access reported crime activity in your neighborhood, go to the City of Wheat Ridge website at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us and click on “Police Department” and
then “Neighborhood Crime Statistics.”
DisTricT iii resiDenTsYou will be receiving a notice
this from Council members Mike Stites and George Pond regarding participation in an “email list” to share the many exciting things happening throughout the city. They are looking for a way to stay connected, share information, and receive timely
feedback regarding District issues. If you have questions or need further information please contact Pond at [email protected].
save The DaTes!• The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival
is set for Aug. 16 & 17, at 44th Avenue and Field Street.
• Zoppé Italian Family Circus takes place Aug. 17-26, also at 44th and Field.
Wheat Ridge Mayor Jerry DiTullio can be reached by calling city hall, 303-235-2800.
Wheat Ridge City NeWs
Jerry DiTullio
By meredith avery Thaler
Posey girl Flower BouTiquePosey Girl Flower Boutique is fast
becoming a destination for the Wheat Ridge and surrounding area’s flower needs. The flower shop opened two years ago as of April 1 and owner Susannah Burley is incredibly proud of the feats that her business has overcome thus far. With a unique touch and unusual organic flowers, textures and mediums, Posey Girl is not to be missed.
Upon visiting, one is greeted by Burley and her friendly and dedicated assistant Sonya Agnello, who joined Burley six months after first opening her doors. On occasion, the room is livened with the presence of Burley’s dogs, Jupiter and Milo.
Burley’s love for flowers surfaced in her life 15 years ago when she began working in a grocery store flower department. It has been 10 years since she moved to Colorado, and over those 10 years she found herself drawn to the name Posey Girl Flower Boutique. After much time passing through Wheat Ridge, she felt drawn to the for-lease building on 38th where her flower shop has made a home. No longer working for anyone but herself, Burley finds contentment running her own business. “I get to do what I love every day, so I can’t wish for anything better than that,” she explains.
The flower boutique offers wedding flowers, events as well as weekly accounts for business as well as domestic purposes, where one can get fresh flowers on a weekly basis for $25 each week.
More than just a flower boutique, Posey Girl offers “Devine Design” events where people can come and engage in a day of inventive floral arts. This event allows people to bring in their own vases or purchase one from Posey Girl, as they are guided through the art of making a personalized bouquet. All fresh-cut flowers and foliage are 25 percent off the standard pricing at the event, and tea, coffee and cookies are offered. When bringing one’s own vase, it is asked that it is watertight.
In addition to Devine Design events, Posey Girl flowers have joined forces with
Tentiko.com and will be hosting a Build an Indoor Box Garden event. This helps attendees to create a portable garden for their homes and/or offices. The wood used to create these box gardens is taken from an old Wheat Ridge barn that has been torn down and the wood specially acquired for this event.
Posey Girl is located at 7210 W. 38th Avenue in Wheat Ridge. For more informa-tion, please visit their website at poseygirl-flowers.com or call 303-847-0124.
coloraDo+ BrewPuBWheat Ridge welcomes Colorado+
Brewpub to the community as it officially opens its doors this weekend. Come try 56 different kinds of brews and enjoy food and fun with co-owner Eugene Kahn.
Colorado+ Brewpub is located at 6995 West 38th Avenue. For more information, visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/ColoradoPlusBrewpub.
Have news tips about business in Edgewater or Wheat Ridge? Contact col-umnist Meredith Avery Thaler with news of Wheat Ridge and Edgewater businesses at [email protected].
6 neighborhood gazette – MAY 15 - JUNE 12, 2013 – ngazette.com
radio marketing Focus of wheat ridge Business association Breakfast
At the June 11 Wheat Ridge Business Association breakfast Jayne Colburn, Marketing Executive with The Fan Radio 104.3, will present Powerful Radio Marketing.. In addition to a brief history of radio from reel to reel to digital, Jayne will build personal creative marketing campaigns for a few Wheat Ridge Business Association members.
The next Wheat Ridge Business Asso-ciation breakfast meeting will take place June 11, 7:00-8:45 a.m. at the Wheat Ridge Rec Center, 4005 Kipling st. RsvP’s are required by June 6. WRBA members $12, non members $15. Register online at www.wheatridgebiz.com/meetingregister.php. info 303-594-1520.
Jeff co league of women voters shows how new state laws will aff ect you
This month the Jefferson County League of Women Voters will explain the ins and outs of the 90+ bills that passed through the state legislature this month – from civil unions to voting rights, gun control and health care, higher education, fi scal opportunity, reproductive choice and juvenile direct fi le.
The League of Women Voters has had a dedicated team of volunteers following bills through the state legislature this year. From fi rst readings to hearings, they have attempted to shape numerous state laws, and testifi ed for and against numerous bills, according to Jeffco League spokeswomen Lynne Ellison.
Learn how these new laws will affect your life at this month’s small group meetings, all held in Lakewood:
Wednesday, May 22, 9:15 a.m. at Westland Meridian, 10695 W. 17 Ave., Lakewood; call Kathy at 303-238-5696 for more information.
Wednesday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. at 1425 Brentwood, Suite 7, Lakewood; call Carmah at 303-239-0981 for information.
Thursday, May 23, 9:15 a.m. at the Cason Howell House, 1575 Kipling St.,
Lakewood; contact Lynne at 303-985-5128 for information.
All meetings are open to the public regardless of party affi liation. No reservations are required.
For more information about the Jeff co lWv visit www.lwvjeff co.org.
Panel Discusses Diabetes care may 29 at edgewater rec room
A panel of experts will discuss the causes, treatments and control of diabetes from nutritional, exercise, medical and patient perspectives in “Controlling Diabetes,” a free discussion presented by Colorado Senior Connections, Wednesday, May 29, 10:00 a.m., at the Edgewater Recreation Room, 5845 W. 25th Ave., in Edgewater.
For more information, contact Buff y at 720-763-3042 or [email protected].
Jeff co elders invited to senior law Day June 1
Older adults are invited to the third annual Jefferson County Senior Law Day, Saturday, June 1, 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Arvada Covenant Church, 5555 Ward Road, Arvada.
The educational seminar provides information specifi cally for older adults in Jefferson County. The registration cost is $10 per person and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Each attendee will receive a free copy of the new “Colorado Senior Law Handbook 2013,” a publication of the Colorado Bar Association. The Joe Peterson Orchestra & the JPO Andrews Singers will provide music during lunch. The “Ask-An-Attorney” feature allows participants to sign up for a free 15-minute consult with an attorney. Special plenary speaker will be Channel 4 News Anchor Jim Benemann.
Workshop topics include ID theft prevention, tips for probate, powers of attorney, conservatorship/guardianship, elder abuse, end-of-life issues, reverse mortgages, investment fraud and the “aging brain.”
For registration and information, email csjohnso@jeff co.us or call 303-271-6970.
Kickin’ it 4 Kyle raises $9K+ for sports scholarships
Bowlers and donors raised at least $9,378 for the Kyle Brake Memorial Sports Scholarship Fund at the fi fth annual Kickin’ It 4 Kyle Bowl-a-Thon, April 27 & 28, at BrunswickZone, 9751 W. 49th Ave. Additional donations and payments for silent auction items were expected at press.
The Bowl-a-Thon is the major fundraiser for the fund, which was established to help ease the fi nancial burden associated with participating in organized sports. The scholarship is available to needy children, kindergarten through eighth grade, who want to participate in Wheat Ridge area sports. Funds are used to cover registration fees, uniforms and equipment costs. Since its creation, the fund has provided $35,300 in scholarships to 293 children.
For more information on the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation call 303-423-5133.
learn about the east wheat ridge Project June 7
Wheat Ridge City Council will hold a neighborhood meeting to discuss the East Wheat Ridge Project and other topics, Friday, June 7, 6:00 p.m., at Ye Olde Firehouse, 3232 Depew St.
Since its start in 2009, the East Wheat Ridge program has sought to improve the
safety and quality of life in the area between Harlan Street and Sheridan Boulevard, because of its classic neighborhoods and proximity to the City of Denver. Project partners include the Wheat Ridge Police Department, the City of Wheat Ridge, Wheat Ridge 20/20 and LiveWell Wheat Ridge.
On May 11, partners organized a Saturday morning neighborhood cleanup, providing dumpsters at six locations between Sheridan and Fenton from 29th to 33rd.
Wheat Ridge Police and project partners seek to enhance their partnership with the community to reduce crime and prevent neighborhood decline. They also seek to increase property values, provide healthy living choices, and attract new and law-abiding citizens to the community.
For more information on the East Wheat Ridge Project contact Wheat Ridge 20/20 at 720-259-1030.
Brothers redevelopment To Paint senior’s homes
Wheat Ridge-based Brothers Redevelopment is celebrating its 35th anniversary by offering to paint the homes of more than 100 Wheat Ridge seniors, free of charge, during its annual Brothers Redevelopment Paint-A-Thon.
Anyone can nominate a senior for the free program. To qualify, individuals must be 60 years or older, own and occupy their own home and plan to live in it at least one more year. Seniors must have a limited income and be fi nancially unable to hire a house painter (the average cost to paint a home can be well over $5,000). The home can not be taller than one and a half stories and must be in need of painting. Organizers are also looking for volunteers to help paint homes.
Applications are due by May 31, and are available online at www.brothersre-development.org or by calling Chad Nib-belink at 720-339-5864.
Jewish Family services off ers summer Full of Free Fun
Meet other grandparents who care for their grandkids during the summer and get out of the house for a grand time through free summer programs in Edgewater offered by Jewish Family Services, select Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The series begins with “Horseshoes and Ice Cream” on June 12 at Citizens Park, Benton St. and 22nd Ave. Plastic horseshoes are provided for the little ones, and real horseshoes for the big kids, along with, lemonade, ice cream and fruit.
“Brown Bag Picnic and Tie-Dye at Sloan’s Lake” is set for July 10 at Sloan’s Lake, Utica St. and 17th Ave. Bring a lunch and grandkids and talk with other grandparents while the kids enjoy summer play at the park. Bring a white T-shirt to create summer tie-dye.
“Dance Time” takes place Aug. 14 at Edgewater United Methodist Church, 2497 Fenton St. Bring dance shoes and grandkids for line dancing, salsa, mamba, and more.
All grandparents must be supervised by a kid, and all kids must be supervised by a grandparent. Free, but sign up.
In addition, all are invited to the “Edgewater Community Picnic and Scavenger Hunt,” featuring free hotdogs, music and fi reworks, Saturday, Aug. 10, 6 p.m., at Citizens Park.
To make a reservation, or request transportation, contact JFs at 720-763-3042 or [email protected].
PROSPECT VALLEY ELEMENTARY BREAKS GROUND ON GARDEN – Friday May 10, marked the ribbon-cutting of the Prospect Valley Elementary School Garden. Even a bit of rain couldn’t stop the landmark day. – Stacie Mintken
Cash paid for old guitars & amps Buying all old musical instrumentsCall Brian 303-548-1519
Rotate/Balance $35Rotate/Balance $35
ngazette.com – MAY 15 - JUNE 12, 2013 – neighborhood gazette 7
By Bonnie mcnulty
a couple of months ago I received an invitation from Capt. Andrew
Morris, Executive Officer of Marine Corps Recruiting Station Denver, to attend the Marine Corps Educators Workshop in San Diego, Calif. The Marines feel they are our partners in education and student success. They offer the workshop as an opportunity for educators and community leaders to learn not only how Marines are made, but to learn about the myriad of educational opportunities available to the young people of our community, as Marines.
We visited and participated in many of the activities recruits do as they go through their first 13 weeks of being a Marine. We learned commands, how to march and do formations, and how to follow orders. Fortunately, we did not have to cut our hair. From the Yellow Footprints Tour (Marines will know what that is) to Weapons Field Training, we were introduced to how a civilian becomes a Marine. On our final day we participated in the Morning Colors Ceremony and watched 463 young Marines graduate.
The educational opportunities are phenomenal. With over 700 military occupational specialties in 40 occupational fields, I would encourage any young student to consider any of our nation’s military services. The military is a great option for getting a higher education, seeing the world, and expanding one’s view of the great future that awaits our young adults.
As we build our future we ca not forget the past. Memorial Day is already upon us and sometimes I think we forget the meaning of Memorial Day. It is a day of national awareness and reverence, honoring Americans who gave their lives
while defending our nation and its values. It was originally known as Decoration Day, commemorating soldiers who died in the American Civil War. Today it honors all Americans who have died in all wars.
The National Holiday Act of 1971 changed the date of Memorial Day from May 30 to the final Monday of May. With the excitement of a three-day weekend, people often overlook
the meaning of the day. To help re-educate the nation, the National Moment of Remembrance resolution was passed in December 2000, asking all Americans, at 3:00 p.m. local time, “To voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of Remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to ‘Taps’.”
Please take a moment to remember and honor all who have served, or are serving, in our nation’s military.
Please come to coffee on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at the Edgewater Coffee Company, 5224 W. 25th Ave., and I will buy your coffee (or tea). Or call me and I will make an arrangement for a time that works for you.
Edgewater mayor Bonnie McNulty can be reached at 303-233-6216 or [email protected].
Bonnie McNulty
win-win (or, how i spent my spring Break)
By Kris Teegardin
as Memorial Day approaches, I would like to thank our service men and
women stationed at home and abroad. I would also like to extend my undying gratitude to our veterans and the sacrifices they have made for our country.
As we honor the fallen, we look back upon the struggles we have faced and overcome. As a child, I remember standing on battlefields with names such as Shiloh, Gettysburg, Antietam, Chickamauga and Yorktown. I remember listening to old-timers instructing me about the night they spent Christmas 1944 in a bombed-out house in northern France; on a destroyer in the Coral Sea; Pork Chop Hill. I listen to my uncles describe the Triangle or Khe Sanh, and my peers speaking of Fallujah and Camp Rhino. Many citizens and their kin have left blood, sweat and tears in those places. They fight so we do not have to witness and endure the perils of war.
We have been consumed in a “War on Terror” for over a decade, and I wonder what we have endured. I ponder where we have been and wonder where we are going. The United States has declared war five times in its history, World War II being the last. I wonder why we did not declare war in Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Iraq and
Afghanistan. I wonder why we send our soldiers to fight and die in open-ended conflicts of occupation. Lastly, I wonder why these types of conflicts do not demand shared sacrifice. We have lost our way, and we must find our way back home.
Each one of us loves our country, but we must stop our imperial adventures
and return to a foreign policy befitting a republic. Although I am not an isolationist, I am also not foolish enough to believe humankind has changed that we may be bereft of proper defense. However, we should refuse to compromise our soldiers’ lives for such dubious agendas; namely, to entrap ourselves in the never-ending destructive cycle of power and greed. Let us not destroy the very traditions
we are fighting to protect!It is our solemn duty to honor the
fallen and protect the living. And when we see more of our young men and women returning home, we shall serve them as they have served us. As George Washington stated long ago, “The willingness of with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”
Edgewater Councilman Kris Teegardin can be reached at 720-568-0461 or [email protected].
8 neighborhood gazette – MAY 15 - JUNE 12, 2013 – ngazette.com
By Zachary urban
The new brew-pub up the street in the old Valente’s spot named Colorado+ has
been a long time coming. There must have been some pent up demand for this kind of establishment. They had such a large turnout for their “invite only” soft opening, they ran out of food. You know a new restaurant is going to be successful when the kitchen is cleaned out of food within three days. Their kitchen is now back to being fully stocked. When I pulled up to the restaurant for the second night of their three night soft opening on the parking lot was packed. While the soft opening was by invite only, that didn’t stop the neighborhood from showing their overwhelming support for the new brewery. There were plenty of people who showed up for the soft opening who were invited by someone other than the owners. I heard one guy bragging unknowingly to the owner that he had snuck into the soft opening. The atmosphere exudes a “Come one, Come All” attitude. At the end of the day whether you had an invite, asked for an invite via facebook the night before like I did, or you invited yourself, the staff was extremely welcoming and helpful. The place was humming. More importantly great food and even better beer was fl owing. The food was awesome. I had a couple of Lamb sliders that were great. I also tried several local brews from breweries located in Arvada to Telluride. But don’t go there expecting to be served Milwaukee’s best, because they only serve beers brewed in Colorado.
If you are unfamiliar with Colorado’s beer brewing scene, this means they have
over 56 different beers from only Colorado breweries both large and small. They are still hiring, if you know anyone who is looking for a job.
Colorado+ isn’t just another great restaurant for Wheat Ridge , it is a regional draw for people all across the Denver Metro
area. The fact that the new restaurant’s focus is on having beer from breweries all across Colorado, you’d think this would be the main draw for people. I think that their food will be the real draw for folks. When you go into the restaurant, you’ll notice that while the location of the building will always remind you of Valentes, this new space will remind you of Colorado.
The interior design of the space was crafted by local couple
Kim and Chad Harr, owners of Lakota Skye Environments. The Harr’s are known around town for their involvement in all things related to promoting community in Wheat Ridge. They help organize the kids “Trick or Treat” Street during Halloween. Chad serves on the board for Wheat Ridge 2020. The Harr’s did an absolutely amazing job recreating the space to fi t the Colorado theme. They sourced Colorado materials to decorate the place, and used items such as Frisco, Colorado beetle-kill pine to adorn the bar. I am looking forward to going back there time and time again. It’s great to see new businesses opening on 38th, there is also a new business in the old Cebiche spot, called The Offi ce, but I haven’t’ made it across the street yet. I am too busy trying each of the 56 Colorado beers on tap at Colorado+
Zachary Urban can be reached at 720-252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com.
colorado+ gets an a+
Zachary Urban
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