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The December 20, 2013 – January 16, 2014 issue of Neighborhood Gazette, serving Wheat Ridge and Edgewater, Colorado.
Citation preview
The Great American
Cocktailsee page 6
Back Pain: The Uninvited Holiday Guest
see page 7
CARRIAGE RIDES & GOOD CHEER WERE ABUNDANT AT THE WHEAT RIDGE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION on Sunday, Dec. 8 on The Green, 38th & Reed. Sponsored by Ridge at 38, the bash brought out 1,200 people for the lighting of a 25-foot-tall Christmas tree, PolarExpress and refreshments. Despite the bitter cold, about 200 families had their pictures taken with Santa.. PHOTO: BLU IRON PHOTOGRAPHY
GazetteNEIGHBORHOODGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteGazetteWheat Ridge | Edgewater | DECEMBER 20, 2013 – JANUARY 16, 2014
Legislature 2014: Build a Better Future
see page 4
A Sport With Heart – Boxing in Wheat Ridge
Storm Clouds Ahead for 2015 Wheat Ridge Budget?
BY CYNDY BEAL
Boxing names and rules change, but the heart of boxing remains the same and
beats in Wheat Ridge.In April, the Colorado Golden Gloves
Charities (CGGC) Boxing gym moved to Wheat Ridge, and Head Coach Manuel Alvarado and Coach Bernie “Bern-dog” Alvarez began a new chapter as amateur boxing coaches. Their former gym in Westminster, and team name, was Colorado Chin Check.
The defi nition of a “chin check” is to apply one’s fi st to another one’s chin in creating a whiplash motion and or knocking them out. Amateur boxing is judged on a 10-point scoring system, more punches equals more points.
“We do it more out of our hearts,” said Alvarez of himself and the coaches. Bern-dog is the name the kids gave him. All six coaches at CGGC are volunteers.
Ultimately their boxing program needed more space for the boxers and equipment and CGGC could help.
The boxing program is part of CGGC, Inc., part of the Colorado-New Mexico franchise of the nationally recognized Golden Gloves of America Inc. program. CGGC is a nonprofi t, charitable organization and is always looking for sponsors.
Both Alvarado and Alvarez are Denver natives with decades of boxing and coaching experience. The two have coached and ran boxing programs together for 19 years. Both started boxing in the 1960s.
The boxing program is Christian based and includes group prayer – but all faiths and all persons are welcome at the gym.
Registration for boxers and coaches is required through USA Boxing, which includes a background check for gym coaches. Boxers must be registered through USA Boxing to compete or to spar in the gym. Currently CGGC has 53 registered boxers.
Membership at CGGC is open to anybody, boxers and non-boxers. It’s a family-oriented sport and gym and many
BY J. PATRICK O’LEARY
As the City of Wheat Ridge rolls into a new year, its new budget will look
about the same as the last, thanks in part to federal grants and transfers of excess funds from reserves. But with reserves leveling off at their council-mandated level and fewer grants, careful consideration and hard decisions may be ahead for the new city council as the 2015 budget planning process begins in March.
“It’s a pretty status quo budget,” says Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff of the 2014 General Fund budget. “We’re projecting minimal increases in revenue (just under 2 percent) and slight decrease in budget (about 1 percent)…”
The General Fund accounts for roughly three quarters of the total city budget. The city’s capital investment and eight special revenue funds make up the other quarter.
In late October city council adopted the proposed budget, with minor changes, and the fi nal version will be published this month.
The business-as-usual budget is good news, but Goff points to current and future funding changes to the city’s Capital Investment Program (CIP) fund as reason for concern. While the expenditures and revenue for the general and most special funds match, CIP has relied heavily on General Fund reserves to pay for projects.
City council adopted a General Fund reserve policy in 2011, requiring a minimum 17 percent reserve, says Goff. The city’s general reserve fund was much greater, so the excess funding was being spent to balance the budget. Funding for CIP comes primarily from those reserves.
“We didn’t use any reserves to balance the (General Fund) budget, however to pay for capital expenses, we dipped into reserves,” says Goff. About $1.7 million will be transferred to the CIP fund in the 2014 budget, 41 percent of the $4.1 million needed. The balance comes from grants (54 percent, $2.2 million), lodging taxes (5 percent, $200,000) and interest (0.02 percent).
“This will only allow us $1.2 million for annual preventative street maintenance…we should be putting in at least $2 million a year… That’s the biggest story of the 2014 budget. We got to the point where we reached the reserve level. This will be the last year we will get to (transfer those funds) to capital projects.”
What will get funded this year are Kipling Street pedestrian improvements ($2.8 million, partially funded by grants), courtroom security improvements ($63,000) and Doud Overlook storm water improvements ($25,000). The funding for CIP dropped 60-70 percent from 2013, primarily due to the completion of the $5 million, grant-funded improvements at 32nd and Youngfi eld. This decrease also skewed the average change for funding for all funds to an overall 12 percent loss.
So next year the city council will need to cut General Fund expenditures, fi nd new revenue sources, or increase revenue from
times families join together.“It’s all ages and sizes,” said Alvarado.
It’s a sport where somebody can learn life-long lessons about discipline, respect and sportsmanship, just to name a few.
Boxing has been around for thousands of years and the earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3000 BC, according to the offi cial website of the Olympic Games.
Men’s boxing made its debut in the 1904 Olympics. Women’s boxing became part of the Olympics in 2012.
The fi rst Golden Gloves tournament took place in Chicago in 1923. Now called The Tournament of Champions, it’s an annual national event. In May 2014 it will be in Nevada. Colorado had its regional Golden Gloves Tournament in March.
existing sources. That discussion of long-term, sustainable funding will take place at council’s annual retreat, held in March, says Goff.
Council could, of course, do nothing. According to Goff’s letter to the mayor and council accompanying the 2014 proposed budget, without additional funding, only $1.6 million over seven years (2016-2022) will be available for preventative street maintenance. Tabor Street improvements related to RTD’s Gold Line can be made, as that $740,000 price tag is funded by grants.
“It’s been an ongoing issue, we knew this day was coming,” says Goff. “They (council) know it’s an issue, and know it needs to be addressed…”
City council acted to put a sales tax increase to voters this fall, but then-mayor Jerry DiTullio vetoed it, and council declined to attempt an override.
Both Alvarado and Alvarez see their program as a way to keep kids off the street. Many times the kids bring their homework to the gym and are required to keep a minimum of a C grade average. They hope to start a homework program at the gym in the future.
“Boxing is here to stay,” said Alvarado.For more information on the CGGC
Boxing Gym at 6161 W. 44th Ave., please contact Coach Manuel 720-260-1658 or Coach Bern-dog 720-862-4912. The Gym is open Monday through Friday 4 p.m. till 8 p.m.
For additional information about box-ing go to www.goldengloves.com or www.teamusa.org/USA-Boxing.
For questions or comments about this article email [email protected].
BY GUY NAHMIACH
Economists will tell you that confi dence in the market is the single most important
factor in how well our economy is doing. I can still hear Mr. Ewart, my macro economics teacher, preaching: “If you think the market stinks....well then, it does.” We live in a world where one’s perception becomes one’s reality.
When we moved to Wheat Ridge from New York, I just couldn’t get over how beautiful it was here and was convinced that the weather was the best-kept secret in the universe. And yet when I shared my thoughts with my neighbor, she quickly asked me not to tell anyone else about it. Somehow she perceived the concept of more people moving to Wheat Ridge as a detriment to the place she called home. Of course, I told her about the advantages of an increased tax base and access to more resources, but clearly this was not the road
she wanted to share.During our recent election we heard
some people remember a time when we attracted visitors who came in by car as a means to raising revenues for our retail establishments.
Today’s market is very much based on a walkability factor. The slogan “think global, act local” applies to the way of life many families are seeking. In fact it’s why most of my clients are choosing to move to, or remain in, our humble town of Wheat Ridge. They love to just walk over to the store or bike to a restaurant. High-growth neighborhoods across the country all boast high walkability numbers.
Home values in Wheat Ridge have gone up 16 percent. The large lots and mid-century homes are attracting more buyers than ever before. Pocket neighborhoods such as Tech-Row nestled by Founders
Wheat Ridge Business in 2013: Growth, Grace or Grumbling
Continued on page 2
2 NEIGHBORHOOD GAZETTE – DECEMBER 20, 2013 – JANUARY 16, 2014 – ngazette.com
This chilly chap is located somewhere else in this issue, fi nd him and
send an email to [email protected]
and tell us where it 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: Vicki Ottoson 303-777-6144 or Tim Berland 303-995-2806
Copy Editing/Proofreading: J. Patrick O’Leary, Cyndy Beal & Sarah DiTullio
© DECEMBER 2013 All rights reserved. The publishers assume no responsibility for
representations, claims or opinions by any advertising or article in this publication.
GazetteNEIGHBORHOOD
van carver1/12 H
GUY N1/12 H
axio1/8 H
LORETTA1/12 H
FROM THE EDITOR
Wrong Campaign DonorIn the November edition of
the Neighborhood Gazette, it was erroneously reported that Citizens to Elect Jerry DiTullio provided District III City Council candidate Dick Matthews’ campaign with $144 of in-kind donations.
Those contributions were actually from Roger Loecher (party, $84, and signs, $40) and Matthews (offi ce supplies and postage, $20).
We stand corrected, and apologize for any trouble this may have caused.
JESSICA KLINGSPORN
1/24 H
MICHELLES1/24 H
Park, the urban farms backing up to the greenbelt and the ever-popular Applewood are all being considered by homebuyers these days.
We can celebrate the 198 new businesses that have registered in Wheat Ridge this past year. Only six have canceled their licenses. Seventeen hundred building permits have been pulled, almost 200 more than last year. The city is encouraging developers and homeowners to build and remodel. These statistics are very good news. If your business is not thriving in this new market, you really should consider changing your business model to suite today’s consumer. Sometimes you don’t know it’s broken – until it’s broken.
With 38th Avenue under the microscope for so long, I have made it a point to explore the new areas in Wheat Ridge. On the west side of town we have 48 high-end homes going up near Kullerstrand Elementary. The strip mall on 26th and Kipling has new tenants, a wonderful restaurant called Little Brazil and the relocated Davie’ s Chuck Wagon. The east side of town boasts the hugely successful West 29th Bar & Restaurant, with Twisted Smoothie and People’s Market right across the street. There’s Rickoli’s on Wadsworth. Another growing strip mall on 50th and Kipling hosts my new favorite, Real Thai restaurant – hot, spicy and very tasty – right next to State Farm’s amazing agent Sue Ball. That area is really growing!
Also new to our town this year has been Oz Snowboards; you have to love this “100
percent wind powered operation.” Tommy Slalom has moved over from Denver, and CP Parts and Restoration on 44th has also relocated from Arvada. The construction and opening of the MCPN building on Wadsworth is important and so are the many other projects on the drawing board, including the old car dealership lot on Wadsworth and 38th, and the strip mall on Kipling and 38th. Investors have been negotiating for both – more news on that in future columns.
The Ridge on 38th is a hot topic, and one can’t ignore the foot traffi c and fl ow of customers in and out of the wonderful spots. Even in the freezing weather we’ve had, customers are hanging out at Colorado Plus and enjoying the evening fi res at The Offi ce.
Do we still have a long way to go? Sure. Do we have some businesses that look like they are on their last legs? Yes. Are we moving forward? Absolutely. Are we optimistic about the future? Very much so. I can hear someone chanting, “Rudy, Rudy, Rudy!” I think you get the point.
In 1859 we were a rest stop for miners on their way to the gold mines. Today, skiers stop for their “supplies” at Applejacks or King Supers. We were once the largest producer of carnations. Could we be a center for brew pubs? Organic farming? The list is endless. We are a 9.5-square-mile city and yet we maintain 19 parks and four lakes, incredible schools and amazing citizens. Who wouldn’t want to invest here?
2013 was a year of growth, evaluation and anticipation. Let this new year be one of simply enjoying what we have.
Guy Nahmiach can be reached at 303-999-5789.
Wishing you peace this
holiday season and
a New Year fi lled withprosperity
and success
The staff at Neighborhood
Gazette
2013 BusinessContinued from page 1
CAROUSEL1/16 V
teller st.1/16 V
Van CarverWheat Ridge native serving the community for over 30 years.
Call for free, no obligation market analysis.
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Now is an excellent time to discuss how to stage your home to sell. Call me today for your con� dential consultation.
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ngazette.com – DECEMBER 20, 2013 – januaRy 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette 3
NOSTALGICFULL
4 neighborhood gazette – DECEMBER 20, 2013 – januaRy 16, 2014 – ngazette.com
b & f1/16 V
stephen parks1/16 V
Anthony Mms1/12 H
vincenzas1/12 H
massage works1/24 H
WR BIZ1/24 H
Legislature 2014: Build a Better Future
BY SUE SCHAFERState Representative, House District 24
Hello, citizens and friends! Early January means your lay state legislature will
convene in order to help build a better future for all Coloradans! It’s time to put partisan politics aside to support the middle class. Jobs and the economy are on everyone’s mind and they are my top priority. I believe, for example, that Colorado companies should have first crack at state contracts in order to hire Coloradans who will produce profits and revenue. Also we must build up our reserves to help the victims of the vicious floods and wildfires that ravaged our state this summer.
As a teacher, I will focus on better financial support for our K-12 schools and keeping higher education affordable by placing a 6 percent cap on tuition increases at colleges. Students should not graduate from college with huge student debt, and the governor’s budget is proposing an extra $44 million in financial aid for needy students. His budget also requests an extra $225 per student in public K-12 schools. With the failure of Amendment 66 our K-12 schools are still operating on a 2009 budget, $1 billion less of where we would keep pace with inflation.
Speaking of education, what about the early childhood years? Researchers from Harvard and Stanford have found that the brain of children age 0-5 is like a
sponge soaking up words, numbers, fitness, attitudes and social behavior. Children without early skills trail behind their peers through high school. I will sponsor bills to track the effectiveness of public early childhood centers by gathering data, which will likely show children in early childhood programs will perform better academically, will graduate from high school and likely
attend college.Another priority is health
insurance for people and their families. If you are uninsured I highly recommend Connect for Health. This is the bipartisan, Colorado version of the Affordable Care Act and can be found at www.connectforhealthco.com. Despite what you hear about federal and other states’ problems, our exchange is
working well with already 10,000 more Coloradans receiving coverage. The application deadline for 2014 coverage is March 30, 2014.
As your state representative I will not engage in bitter debates of the past but will move forward to solve today’s challenges. Our economic forecast is positive, our adults are well educated, and we have a precious environment to enjoy and protect. Let’s move forward and make 2014 a productive year!
Honored to Serve the Citizens of Wheat Ridge, Edgewater, and Golden. Contact House District 24 State Representative Sue Schafer at [email protected] or 303-866-5522.
Sue Schafer
BY ZACHARY URBAN
Last night after the city council study session I went to check my mailbox at
city hall. As I walked through the office I was surprised to see an entire hallway filled with Christmas presents. There must have been over a hundred presents lining the walls.
Is it possible that Santa Claus is using Wheat Ridge City Hall as a drop zone? Why else are there so many presents stacked inside city hall?
Upon inspection I learned that the reason city hall is stacked with presents is because our city has some of the most generous staff around. In partnership with Family Tree’s Adopt a Child program, Wheat Ridge city staff has collected presents for less fortunate children during this holiday season.
For over three decades, Family Tree has provided innovative, life-changing services designed to end child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness. Family Tree has recently undergone an organizational face-lift. While their mission remains the same, they are refreshing the look and feel of their organization. Take a moment to look them up. Is there anything you can do to help them in their pursuit of the mission to help people overcome child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness to become safe, strong and self-reliant?
Thank you to the employees of the City of Wheat Ridge for your help in the pursuit of this mission. I am truly impressed by the sheer volume of presents the staff was able to collect. Each one of these presents represents a giant smile on a child’s face.
For most of these children, these presents are a small joy in a difficult situation. Last year city staff was able to support more than 88 children through this program. I am sure the number has grown this year. Please join me in thanking the city staff for their generosity.
I am excited to see that city hall isn’t the only place where the Christmas spirit is alive and well. I was impressed to see many of our Wheat Ridge businesses take the time and effort to participate in similar programs.
It is with deep sympathy that I offer condolences to the Davis family. Barbara Davis, wife of Kent Davis and mother of current city council member Kristi Davis, passed away recently. Barb was a devoted mother, wife and community member. She was
the mother of four, proud grandmother of three, and proud great-grandmother of four. Please keep the Davis family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Take a moment during this holiday season to enjoy time with your friends and family. Take an out-of-town family member up to Kataluma Chai for some hot chai. I like a dirty chai. The Christmas season is a great opportunity to reconnect with family and a chance to reconcile with others.
From our family to yours, may you have a bright and merry Christmas. If you are looking for a good soundtrack for this holiday season, might I suggest a classic crooner, Harry Belafonte.
Zachary Urban can be reached at 720-252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com.
Holiday Kudos to Family Tree, City Staff
Zachary Urban
urban perspective
under the dOMe
Have a news tip or story idea? Send it to [email protected]
cowboy poetry1/8 H
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ngazette.com – DECEMBER 20, 2013 – januaRy 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette 5
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Wishing you the very best of the holiday season! Christian
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6 neighborhood gazette – DECEMBER 20, 2013 – januaRy 16, 2014 – ngazette.com
Superhero LEGO Building Camps Offered at Wheat Ridge Rec, Dec. 23-27
The Wheat Ridge Recreation Center will hold two popular Superheroes-themed LEGO Building Camps for youth, ages 5-11, Dec. 23-27.
Superheroes Camp, for ages 5-6, focuses on building hideouts and vehicles of favorite Superheroes, and will be held 9 a.m. to noon each day.
Superheroes Engineering Camp, for ages 7-11, explores how inventions such as Spider-Man’s web shooter works using the concepts of physics, engineering and architecture, and will be held 1-4 p.m. each day.
Both camps are taught by an experienced instructor from Playwell Teknologies.
Cost for each camp is $108 for Wheat Ridge residents and $113 for nonresidents.
To register, call 303-231-1300 or visit www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/registration.
Blu Hartkopp Featured at Meet the Artist, Jan. 16
The 2014 Wheat Ridge Meet the Artist series opens Thursday, Jan. 16, with photographer Blu Hartkopp at Mike’s Camera, 3830 Wadsworth Boulevard. The event is free and open to the public and runs from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Hartkopp spent his early school years in Wheat Ridge and received a scholarship to study at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Massachusetts. After graduating, he assisted photographers at the Maine Media Workshops, and returned to Colorado three years ago. He now operates a commercial studio in an old Tudor-style house at 32nd and Wadsworth.
“I get to tell stories one frame at a time and sometimes at 24 frames per second, and it is awesome,” says Hartkopp. “I’m always looking to go beyond printing on
photographic paper. If it makes sense for the piece, I like to put work on wood, stone, metal, or plastic. I have a 1890s wet-plate 8-by-10 camera with a huge brass lens that continues to challenge and reward me every time I wheel it out.”
The Meet the Artist series is organized by the Wheat Ridge Cultural Commission as a way to introduce artists and businesses to the community in a casual setting that promotes the arts in Wheat Ridge.
For more information, contact Milly Nadler at [email protected].
Recycle at Prospect, Panorama Parks
Wheat Ridge residents can turn their tired-out tannenbaums into garden mulch after the holidays by dropping them off before Feb. 15 at either Prospect (44th Avenue and Robb) or Panorama (35th Avenue and Fenton) parks.
The program accepts only natural trees, which must be stripped of all ornaments, tinsel and supports. The trees will be ground into mulch, available at the drop off sites, for use in lawns and gardens. Sorry, residents only, and trees are not accepted from businesses.
For more information, visit ci.wheat ridge.co.us.
Historical Society Looking for a Few Good Volunteers
The Wheat Ridge Historical Society is seeking volunteers to help care for and present the city’s six historic buildings.
People with any talent or skills are welcome, and are asked to commit to volunteer six hours per month or more. Training is provided.
For more information, contact volun-teer coordinator Claudia Worth at 303-467-0023.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
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The Great Comeback: The American Cocktail
BY JEANNE NICHOLS
In my opinion, there is no better time of the year to talk about cocktails than the
holidays. Many of you started drinking cocktails back in the ‘50s and ‘60s and have continued to this day. I guess I’m showing my age when I say that raiding the bar with the assortment of hard liquor on a Friday or Saturday night, while the folks were out, was an accepted activity in my teens. (Especially filling the bottles back up with water in order to keep the level the same in the bottle.)
When I actually came of age, cocktails began taking a back seat to wine and, more recently, artisan beer. But never fear, the cocktail is back and back strong.
Nothing is more American than the cocktail. The evolution of the cocktail came during Prohibition when liquor had to be cut with other ingredients to make it palatable. The fruity flavors and frost colors also gave the appearance of innocence while disguising the high alcohol content.
The cocktail gave us the cocktail hour, which is more of a mood than a time, although I have heard the saying “it is 5 o’clock somewhere in the world” as a good excuse to begin the libations. The cocktail party was the activity of the weekend. Plenty of shaking, stirring, ice-cube clinking and garnishing became the thing to do.
Cocktails also became a fashion accessory not only as you held the glass, but also how it was served – bar carts became all the rage along with the martini shaker and all the different types of glasses. Just as red, white and sparkling wines are served
in different glasses to bring out their true nature, so the cocktail. The familiar ones to us are the martini glass, champagne coupe, champagne flute, low ball, high ball, tumbler and Collins, to name a few.
A change you will have noticed, if you still have vintage cocktail glasses or collect them, is the size of the glasses. The Mad Men three-martini lunch was possible because those vintage glasses only held 3 to 4 ounces of liquor compared to the oversized glasses you will find at most bars today. And to add one quick note the red solo cup wasn’t available back then.
Cocktails also influenced music. While jazz was popular during Prohibition, the cocktail hour and parties brought along the more relaxed lounge music which had more instrumentals with emphasis on percussion and rhythm.
Today, we have seen the bartender renamed “mixologist” and a new repertoire of creative cocktails with exotic ingredients seem to be an urban trend. But if you’re looking for a classic cocktail you can always order the Martini, White or Black Russian and at Abrusci’s you can find the “old fashion” Manhattan that includes bitters.
So...let’s raise a toast during this holiday season with the words from Hamilton Wright Mabie: “Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love.” Happy holidays!
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.
HOME, GArdEN & LIfESTyLE
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A Message from Moncia DuranOne of the greatest experiences of my life has been running for political offi ce. It was not great because of the power winning entails. What made it special was meeting the wonderful residents of my community. The families, children, business owners, teachers and senior citizens that showed me what politics is all about. It is about helping. Helping to enrich, strengthen, and protect the needs of our community.
After the election results were in, I took a private moment and refl ected on the past year. Even though I did not win the race, I won in so many other ways. Our community needs leadership. It needs a voice. I intend on providing both.
I would like to thank the voters of Wheat Ridge for opening their doors as I campaigned. I thank you for listening to my message. I thank all of those who placed my sign on their lawn at their businesses and for reading my campaign literature. I thank you for taking the time to talk when I called you on the tele-phone to discuss community issues.
I am extremely humbled and grateful for all the support I have received. Your actions inspired me every each step of the way.
Moving forward, I will continue to listen to our citizens. I promise to not give up on my campaign pledge. I will be back to fi ght for you – be it at the local or state level.
Once again, from the bottom of my heart!
Thank you,
Monica Duran
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Season’s Greetings anda Happy New Year!
ngazette.com – DECEMBER 20, 2013 – januaRy 16, 2014 – neighborhood gazette 7
BY GUY NAHMIACH
I believe what defines our country is the right to choose: to vote for whom we believe
in and the right to express our opinions. The same goes with our choice of schools for our children.
Neighborhood schools have evolved from “fairly equal” into “good” and “not that great.”
The result is a constant flow into better schools. After all, why would you willingly send your child to a low performing school?
Prospect Valley for example has an almost 70 percent choiced-in enrollment with good scores. Yet just down the road, we have Kullerstrand, a Title One school with average grades and a 90 percent free and reduced-price lunch student population. Only blocks apart, yet worlds apart. The same comparisons can be found in many neighborhoods all over Colorado.
With both having experienced their share of staff changes, including revolving doors at the principal’s office. Both have incredible teachers and follow similar curriculums. So why do they represent opposite sides of the spectrum?
I have an awesome mechanic working on my new car, but if he doesn’t have the latest tools, he can’t do as great of a job. Teachers are the same in many ways. Experience and creativity will only get them so far. Technology plays a dominant role in preparing students for tomorrow’s world. The job market does not allow for on-the-job training. Education needs tools such as laptops, smart boards and mobile devices, not to mention training for
teachers to use this technology in a classroom setting.
In tough economic times it is crucial to have a strong PTA to raise the dollars needed to provide these tools. Prospect Valley, for example, has amazing parents from all walks of life, offering their talents to organize events
and mobilize families, raising almost $40,000 per year. Maple Grove’s raise much more. Yet schools like Kullerstrand and Vivianne operate with less than 10 percent of those amounts. They have the same caliber of teachers, but a fraction of community involvement.
If forced to send their kids to their assigned schools, parents all agreed that they would be just as
involved and, in fact, work even harder to rally families to raise the needed funds.
The dollars per student in Colorado are much less than needed, without funds from straight donations or fundraising activities. The success and performance of a school is directly related to the amounts raised by the community.
Would you consider giving up that choice and accept the closest school to your home as the one your child would attend? After a few years, would the distribution of wealth, volunteers and resources assure generations of equal quality schools?
Do you agree? Contact me to share your views. Until then I wish you all a very happy New Year – wealth, health and lots of laughter in each of your homes.
Thanks for reading.Guy Nahmiach can be reached at 303-
999-5789 or [email protected].
Guy Nahmiach
Is the Right to Choose...Wrong?
school crossing
BY DR. BYRoN JoNes
The holidays are associated with many things, but an aching back shouldn’t
be one of them. Unfortunately, it is a prime time for people to experience back pain. Winter holidays bring the perfect storm of cold weather, travel, shopping, outdoor activities, cooking, cleaning, decorating and rushing around that can cause your back to be the Scrooge of your holiday plans.
Winter. In Colorado, while cold and snow encourage fun activities such as skiing and snowshoeing, it also means shoveling snow, which can be particularly hard on your back. The key to proper shoveling is to put the weight in your legs, not in your back or arms; don’t overload the shovel, and avoid twisting.
Inactivity. Lack of exercise is a major contributing factor to back pain. Strong muscles help protect your spine. During the busy holiday season, it is important to stay active even if you simply walk indoors a few times a week. It’s also important to pace yourself. If you have a desk job during the week, be careful about being the ski warrior on weekends or holidays.
Stress. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be stressful. The body releases stress hormones that can cause muscles to tense, which can increase the perception of pain. So, if you are experiencing back pain, take a moment to check in emotionally. See if you can establish a link between your emotional state and your pain. If so, start simple. Try treating yourself to a massage or taking a warm bath.
Procrastination. The holidays are a time to relax and have fun, at times putting things off until that New Year’s resolution. However, it’s not a good idea to delay taking care of your back pain. While most back pain isn’t serious and doesn’t require surgery, it’s important to address
the underlying physical, postural, emotional and lifestyle factors that put you at risk and to take control early. Research has shown that people that have had physical therapy within a few weeks of a back injury were less likely to have the back pain return.
If you experience back pain, here are a few simple guidelines:
• Avoid bed rest. It can make the problem worse. Try light walking and/or gentle stretching to keep the muscles from tightening.
• Alternate heat/ice. A hot bath or heating pad may reduce pain and stiffness; ice may help reduce inflammation.
• Try over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen (Aleve), unless you have been advised to avoid these by your physician.
• Avoid strenuous activities including heavier lifting, repetitive bending or twisting, and take breaks from sitting or standing
every 30 minutes or so.
Contact your doctor if:• You suddenly lose control of bowel or
bladder function• You develop weakness, numbness or
tingling in your arms or legs• You become unable to stand or walk
due to leg weakness, not just pain• You develop fever or night sweats with
your back pain• Your pain becomes more severe over
time despite home treatment• Your pain continues beyond two weeks
despite home treatment• Your pain awakens you from sleep
There are many options available to treat back pain, and by far the majority of cases do not require surgery or injections.
Dr. Byron Jones is the medical direc-tor of the Exempla Spine Center at Denver West.
Back Pain: The Uninvited Holiday Guest
MEdically spEaking
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8 neighborhood gazette – DECEMBER 20, 2013 – januaRy 16, 2014 – ngazette.com
BY BONNIE MCNULTY
Here we are, right in the middle of the holidays – weather changing,
Christmas carols on the radio and holiday specials on TV. We are ready to meet the year 2014!
SaNTa CLaUS IS COMINg TO TOwN
In the past, the Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department helped bring Santa to your home on Christmas Eve. This year the Wheat Ridge firefighters have stepped up to do the same. If you would like Santa to come to your house on Christmas Eve please call Edgewater City Hall at 720-763-3012 or 720-763-3001 for details and to sign up. The deadline is Monday, Dec. 23.
CITY COUNCIL RETREaTEdgewater City Council just had its semi-
annual retreat. One of the highlighted topics was how elected and appointed officials respond to citizens when questioned about property improvements. If you’ve ever pulled a building permit you know the process can seem overwhelming. Please remember that those of us on council, as well as boards of planning & zoning, and adjustment, can help answer questions about the city’s procedures, but sometimes we cannot talk with you about the specifics of your project.
During each retreat council evaluates our goals and our progress in achieving those goals. Communicating with citizens is always a priority. As a result of council’s efforts the city is getting much better. An improved website, water bill inserts, the Town Cryer, Coffees with the Mayor, block parties, citizen-sponsored websites, and the Neighborhood Gazette have all helped us keep you informed. Don’t forget, our city staff is one of the best sources to get answers to your questions or address a concern. If you have any suggestions please let me know.
EdgEwaTER BUSINESSESLost Images Photography is the
highlighted business this month. John and June Moreno have owned and operated the studio since 1977. This Edgewater family-operated business is located at the corner
of Harlan and 25th Avenue. In the last four decades they have shot over 10,000 high-school senior portraits, thousands of family portraits, weddings, prom dates and special events. In 2001 the studio made the conversion to digital photography. At Lost Images Photography everything from a simple passport photo to a special family portrait will have an artistic blending that anyone would be proud to own.
Please call 303-233-5195 for more information.
THaNk YOUOn a personal note, I want to
acknowledge, and thank, John and June Moreno for all they have contributed to the city and the citizens of Edgewater. The Morenos have always demonstrated a true commitment and passion for Edgewater and the people who live here. Most recently they both served on the Charter Review and Compliance Commission, with John as Chairman. The CRCC completed a thorough assessment of our charter and made recommendations to council. Council and the citizens of Edgewater have embraced the CRCC’s work by passing all of the commission’s recommendations.
I wish you all a happy holidays and a prosperous new year!
As usual, on Wednesday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Edgewater Coffee Company, 5224 W. 25th Ave., I will buy your coffee (or tea) just for stopping by to chat. If you can’t make it on Wednesdays call me and I will make arrangements for a time that does work for you.
Edgewater mayor Bonnie McNulty can be reached at 303-233-6216 or [email protected].
Bonnie McNulty
Ready to Meet 2014!
The Spirit of the Season
EdgEwatEr City CounCil
EdgEwatEr City nEws
BY JaNka FLaSka
Tis the season – snow is falling, temperatures are dropping, festive lights
are up and trees are decorated. Christmas music is playing in stores. This year brings another opportunity to share the true spirit of this holiday season. Yes, it can be hard to resist the pull of deep discounts offered by retailers, but don’t forget to also give of yourself – your time, friendship and support to others.
I had a funny exchange at work the other day, which inspired me to think about this topic. A friend came up to me, excited, saying, “I’m ready for Christmas!” Although I knew what she meant, I couldn’t help but think about the implications of that statement. Have we really come to this, that buying and wrapping and mailing is all we need to be doing? Surely this is not what Christmas is about!
There are so many ways to celebrate the spirit of the season, and, at risk of sounding excessively cliché, here it goes:
Share yourself. Share your time, share a meal or make a gift. Go for a walk with your family, even those who drive you crazy. Instead of going out to dinner, offer that value to an organization that makes meals for others, so that many may benefit from your single concession. Think of groups who have added meaning to your life. Consider volunteering or making a donation to the schools, churches, nonprofessional sports
teams and community theater groups who create great things with very small profit margins.
Remember community organiza-tions that work to improve your neighborhood and contribute to their efforts. As an
Edgewater resident, I appreciate the mission of organizations such as the Edgewater Optimist Club (“Bringing out the best in kids”) and the Edgewater Collective (“Cultivating partnerships for thriving Edgewater families”).
Consider supporting your local businesses. Walk down the street to the store where someone nearby makes soaps, breads, smoothies, or offers services such as
haircuts or pedicures. Meet people in your neighborhood, just like Mister Rogers taught you.
Say “Love.” And, when you get home at the end of the day, channeling the spirit of all of those gestures that say “love”, remember to say that very word to the people who matter most to you.
As a new council member for the City of Edgewater, I am excited about the opportunity to serve. If you happen to see me pushing my baby and my wiener dog around Sloans Lake in a stroller, please stop and say hello and let me know about any ideas you may have.
Happy holidays!Contact new Edgewater City Council-
member Janka Flaska at [email protected].
Janka Flaska
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