neighborhood gazette july 2012

WHEAT RIDGE

Neighborhood GazetteEDGEWATER

BY CYNDY BEAL

For an athlete to become an Olympian is a dream for many and a journey of thousands of self-disciplined steps.

In the midst of Wheat Ridge, there are two such athletes who’ve successfully made the trek to start the Olympic journey, David Herman and Jessica Lopez. Both are competing in the 2012 XXX Summer Olympic Games from July 27 to Aug. 12 in London.

David Herman

Herman, a 24-year-old Wheat Ridge resident, was the fi rst one to qualify for the United States 2012 US BMX team of fi ve, three on the men’s team and two on the women’s team. Th e Olympic BMX races are Aug. 8-10.

BMX is a fast-paced sport, with an outside dirt track ranging from 300 to 400 meters and includes jumps, bumps and banked corners. Th e track in London is 400 meters or approximately 437 yards.

“When I was younger, I loved the jumping.” said Herman. He started racing at the age of eight. He said it is evolved now, and he loves the sport overall and the traveling. Herman travels about half of the weekends in a year and rides most days.

BMX is an acronym for Bicycle Motor Cross. It is a sport that originated in the United States in the late 1960s. Th e riders race on a dirt track similar to motorcycle motorcross. Th e dirt course has a starting gate for eight racers and a fi nish line. Each heat (race) is one lap around the track and lasts less than 40 seconds.

BMX racing made its debut at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Herman did not qualify for the 2008 games, so 2012 is his fi rst Olympics.

Herman became interested in the sport watching his older brother race at a BMX track in Arvada. Th e Arvada track no longer exists but by the time the younger Herman was in sixth grade, he was one of the top riders in the country. He now is the U.S. top BMX elite rider, with very consistent riding in the last year at various competitions. He is one of the top BMX riders in the world.

Herman rides a Free Agent Bike that weighs 20 pounds. BMX racing bikes range in weight from 17 to 23 pounds and are small-framed with 20-inch wheels. If a bike is too light, it takes away from stability, and the bike could break apart.

BMX racing sometimes is regarded as “just a little kid sport,” said Herman. Th is is due to the size of the bikes and young racers. Herman said that is a misperception that BMX racers are working to dispel, particularly getting people to understand the sport and not confuse it with Freestyle, where riders perform stunts and tricks.

At the 2008 Games, the U.S. BMX team won silver and bronze medals, but no gold. Gold medals were one by the French and Latvian teams in Beijing. Herman wants either himself or somebody on the U.S. team to win a gold medal in 2012 to help validate and promote this newest Olympic sport.

For most of July, Herman will be at U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., before making his way to London. Herman is thankful for the support of many, including Armbrust Pro Gym in Wheat Ridge.

Herman’s advice for those interested in BMX is to go to http://www.usabmx.com.

Jessica Lopez

Lopez lives in Westminster and trains with her coach, Nilson Savage, at TIGAR (Th e International Gymnastics Academy of the Rockies) in Wheat Ridge. Lopez is thankful to TIGAR and regards them as the best gymnastic facility in Colorado.

Lopez is a 26 year-old Venezuelan Olympic gymnast who competed in the 2008 Beijing games. Th e Olympic

From Wheat Ridge to London Two Olympians Make the Trek

Meals of Dreams

July 25, 2012see center section

Upping The

Art Antesee page 12

Live Local Wheat Ridgethursday, aug 9 • 5-8 p.m.

RSvP athosted by

The Ridgeview Center44th & Field

Sponsored by Mayor Jerry DiTullio and the Ridgeview Center

The 170-year-old Zoppe’ Family Circus will be coming to this year’s Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival at Anderson Park on Aug. 17-18.

Th e circus will set up at Anderson Park on Aug. 17 and run for the following 10 days, with several performances per day. In conjunction with the circus will be an Italian Village, which will off er an Italian wine tasting, authentic Italian food and vendors. Zoppe’ Circus Tickets are $15 for general admission and $20 for VIP seating. Purchase tickets at the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival - Italian Village or the City of Wheat Ridge.

Other additions to this year’s Carnation Festival will include salsa dancing during the chili cook off ; an Art Exhibit and Sale featuring glass, metal, ceramics and more from 20 local artists; and a Pie Bake-Off .

Th e Carnation Festival’s returning attractions will

Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival:Something Old, Something New

TOP TEN -- Jessica Lopez placed in the top ten for gymnastics at the 2010 World Cup. The 2012 London Olympics is her second Olympics; she competed in the 2010 Beijing Olympics. Lopez is the only gymnast representing the Venezuelan Team.

PHOTO JAY COLE, IMAGESAT5280.COM

ON THE TOP--Wheat Ridge resident, David Herman, poses with his Freestyle BMX Bike at Anderson Park. Herman is on the U.S. BMX Team, and will compete at the 2012 London Olympics in August. This is Herman’s fi rst time as an Olympian.

PHOTO BY PHIL CZAJKOWSKI

Gymnastic dates are July 28 to Aug. 7.She trains six to seven hours a day, six days a week. Lopez

joked that she “thinks about gymnastics 25 hours a day.” When her parents came to visit her in Colorado, her mom said she saw Lopez doing gymnastics in her sleep.

Lopez is the only gymnast living in Colorado competing in artistic gymnastics at the 2012 Olympics, and also the only one to qualify for the Venezuelan team.

Women’s artistic gymnastics has four events: uneven bars, balance beam, fl oor exercise, and vault. In 2008, the International Gymnastics Federation started a new scoring system, eliminating the once perfect 10. Gymnasts now receive two marks, one for diffi culty and one for execution in each event. Th e two scores are added together and usually range from 14 to 17 for Olympic gymnasts.

Lopez said she considers herself “a good all-arounder,” for the four events; but is known for her performance on the uneven bars. In 2010 at the World Cup, Lopez placed 10th in the all around.

Lopez started with gymnastics when she was about fi ve, after becoming interested in the sport from watching her older

sister, who also was a gymnast.Lopez made her way to the United States after being

recruited by the University of Denver at the 2003 World Championships. She started at DU on a scholarship in 2005. Lopez graduated from DU in 2009 with a psychology major. She did not speak English when she fi rst came to the States, so in addition to being a full-time college student and a member of the DU Womens’ gymnastic team, she was also learning a new language.

Th is is Lopez’ second Olympics, and at 26 probably her last. A gymnast must be 16 years of age to be an Olympian. Most of the gymnasts she will compete against are teenagers.

She loves the sport. “Every day is a challenge,” said Lopez. “Competing is my passion; I love performing.” Her advice to young talented gymnasts is to “never give up.” Lopez additionally said it takes three or four years of gymnastic training to learn the sport.

For most of the month of July, Lopez is training in Spain, with the Spanish National Team, before heading to London.

For more information on the London 2012 Olympics, go to http://www.london2012.com

include two nights of fi reworks, live bands, a spaghetti supper, chili cook-off , kids events and activities, beer garden, food and craft vendors, as well as the annual parade down 38th Avenue.

Jeff co Schools will provide bus transportation to the festival . A round-trip ticket is $1. Buses will shuttle from the parking lots at Wheat Ridge Middle School, Wheat Ridge High School and Everett Middle School to and from the festival on a 30-minute continuous loop. Buses will run from 6-11:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 and 2-11:30 p.m. on Aug 18, and more will be added during the peak hours of 8:30 to 11:30 each evening.

Th e Carnation Festival Parade runs on Saturday, Aug. 18, on 38th Avenue between Wadsworth and Sheridan. It starts at 10 a.m. For detail about the festival & circus, visit www.wheatridgecarnationfestival.org or www.zoppecolorado.com.See page 8 for a complete schedule of activities or to volunteer.

BY gUY NAHMIACH

Is someone playing a joke on me or are there really only 30 days left to our summer vacation? I am not even halfway down the

list. We all have that list of activities we wanted to get done over the summer. Some lists were on paper, some in our heads and please, let’s not forget the digital version. Th ese days, it’s all about digital.... Danielle has given up on printed books and reads strictly off of her iPad or nook. Dylan has traded his Lego building skills for a virtual construction site called MindCraft.

Speaking of building, our city has been super busy on our streets this last month. Re-coating roads and painting new lines. I love it! Th ough it is now technically illegal to turn into my own driveway, after the double yellow line was painted 6ft longer than the previous one. I keep imagining one of Chief Brennan’s offi cers waiting around the corner to write me up. Of course I am kidding as our police department has been in the headlines for all the right reasons lately. Especially when we had a strange man approach our son at King Soopers, trying to engage him in conversation, off ering unwrapped candy. Th e WR offi cer was great in providing assistance, reassurance and taking down the description to share with the rest of his team. Th ank you for being so helpful.

Our schools are beginning making their registration day plans. With the district still pushing for an all on-line format....most schools however are trying to make on site registration still available for those parents preferring the more personal approach.

Prospect Valley Elementary PTA held an emergency meeting on July 12 to discuss and vote on the additional technology funds requested by the school. As our class sizes keep growing due to budget cuts, our need for additional equipment per classroom will increase. It’s a catch 22, cut from end and we have to supplement from the other.

All these issues are brewing and come August, the mill levy & bond debates will heat up and become everyday topics of conversation. I’ll be dedicating a full column to this issue and would love to hear your opinion. Do you think we can aff ord to cut anymore from our education budget? Do we

have a responsibility to the next generation, even after our own kids have completed their schooling. Has the district done enough to make the system effi cient? Are there more ways of making due with what we have? Write me at [email protected] and let me know your thoughts on these hot topics.

Speaking of heat, I was fortunate to fi nally get my pool up and running in time for my Canada Day and July 4th celebrations. Th e weather has also pushed more families to our water feature over at Discovery Park as well as to tubing down the creek over in Golden. Anything to keep cool. I can tell you that with my AC running for hours, I have been extremely thankful for all those solar panels on my roof these

days. All our parks have all been busy this

summer. Especially with our new skatepark that is packed every afternoon and evening. I’ve fi nally fi gured out that skaters and boarders all sleep in because that place is empty in the morning.

Th ere is a movement in wheat Ridge right now trying to get enough support to ban smoking from all public areas including parks. Th e issue is not so much the person smoking in the park, but about the kids being harmed by the second hand smoke. If you are looking for more info on this issue please log onto www.breatheeasywheatridge.com

Finally, the changes on 38th are really taking shape and attracting more people to our restaurants on the strip. Another area that has been growing is the west side of town on Youngfi eld. We had a great time at Tellers last week with the Millers, and noted how full that place was every night of the week. People are really proving that if “they build it” they will come out. Also on the west side, are parents hoping that the city will complete the sidewalks along 38th Ave (Ward to Kipling). With schools about to start again, kids will be criss crossing the busy street to stay on the walk and avoid the dirt patches that cars drive by.

One month left to summer vacation.......make it count!

Th anks for reading

Guy Nahmiach can be reached at 303 999-5789 or [email protected].

School Crossing

Guy nahmiach

BY JENNIFER STRICkLANDDirector of Community Relations

Looking for a fun way to support a great animal cause? Join Foothills Animal Foundation, the non-

profi t organization that supports the animals cared for by Foothills Animal Shelter, for the 3rd annual Raise the WOOF! gala. Th is year’s event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Colorado School of Mines—Green Center at 924 16th St. in Golden.

Savor great food from over 20 top-rated restaurants. Bid on fabulous silent and live auction items while enjoying interactive entertainment. Th e icing on the cake? Spend time with adoptable Shelter dogs who will all

Raise The Woof!be in need of forever homes.

Th e evening’s emcee, 7News anchor Christine Chang, will kick off the event at 5:00 p.m. Live auction and entertainment will

start at 8:15 p.m. Individual tickets are $150 and young professionals (under the age of 35) are $115. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, too!

For more information or to register, go to www.RaisetheWoof.org or contact Megan Peters at 720.407.5227 or [email protected] . Help thousands of area homeless pets by raising the “woof ” at a fabulous

event!

Jennifer Strickland can be reached at 720-407-5224 or [email protected].

Jennifer Strickland

YOUNgFIELD TO kIPLINg

Address Style Beds Bath SqFt Sold Price % Ask DOM

3224 Quail St Ranch/1 Story 2 2 1,604 $215,000 96% 79

12165 W 34th Pl Two Story 4 3 1,836 $255,000 91% 71

4307 Quail St Two Story 3 3 2,233 $255,000 94% 15

11653 W 28th Ave Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 3 2 1,436 $271,552 94% 47

3062 Robb Cir Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 4 3 1,453 $273,000 94% 63

3160 Wright St Ranch/1 Story 4 3 2,036 $288,500 96% 156

3921 Miller St Ranch/1 Story 2 2 1,829 $300,000 100% 5

3610 Tabor Ct Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 4 3 1,658 $350,000 97% 44

2615 Oak #28 Dr Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 3 3 1,871 $350,000 95% 134

11715 W 29th Pl Ranch/1 Story 3 3 2,256 $353,000 96% 86

3300 Moore St Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 4 3 1,772 $378,900 98% 98

12083 W 31st Pl Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 4 3 1,748 $425,000 100% 3

11 Rangeview Dr Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 4 4 2,204 $524,000 98% 34

Averages $326,073 96% 64

kIPLINg TO WADSWORTH

Address Style Beds Bath Sqft Sold Price % Ask DOM

4585 Garrison St Ranch/1 Story 2 2 1,481 $159,000 94% 10

3685 Allison Ct Ranch/1 Story 3 2 1,472 $206,000 96% 20

8906 W 32nd Pl Story and 1/2 3 3 1,671 $207,500 94% 17

3885 Allison Cir Ranch/1 Story w/ Bsmt 5 3 1,644 $250,000 97% 40

3915 Garrison St Ranch/1 Story w/ Bsmt 5 3 1,389 $336,500 92% 18

4090 Field Dr Ranch/1 Story 2 2 1,503 $358,000 87% 582

Averages $252,833 93% 115

WADSWORTH TO SHERIDAN

Address Style Beds Bath Sqft Sold Price % Ask DOM

3451 Fenton St Two Story 3 2 880 $137,700 98% 41

2906 Benton St Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 3 1 866 $153,800 100% 0

2645 Chase St Ranch/1 Story 4 2 1,576 $160,000 100% 0

4395 Reed St Ranch/1 Story 3 2 1,554 $170,000 97% 42

4410 Teller St Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 3 2 1,022 $184,750 95% 18

6970 W 32nd Ave Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 4 2 1,004 $187,600 104% 34

3010 Webster St Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 4 2 1,170 $201,250 103% 11

3625 N Marshall St Ranch/1 Story 2 1 1,042 $205,000 99% 2

6190 W 42nd Ave Ranch/1 Story 3 2 1,430 $220,101 92% 92

3380 Pierce St Ranch/1 Story 3 1 1,353 $220,500 100% 55

4490 Teller St Story and 1/2 4 3 1,320 $242,450 97% 22


2950 Kendall St Raised Ranch 4 3 1,770 $247,000 95% 114

3955 Lamar St Ranch/1 Story 3 3 1,925 $262,000 97% 6

4040 Reed St Ranch/1 Story 4 2 2,184 $270,000 95% 321

3032 Ingalls Ct Ranch/1 Story 3 2 1,690 $289,000 98% 20


3017 Depew St Two Story 2 2 3,548 $304,000 92% 213


3775 N Chase St Ranch/1 Story w/Bsmt 2 2 2,380 $475,000 100% 59

Averages $239,983 98% 55

Jessica KlingspornWheat Ridge Specialist, REALTOR® Phone: 303.845.2876Fax: 303.785.8331Email: [email protected]: www.LiveIn5280.com, www.WheatRidgeExpert.com

Recent Real Estate StatisticsCompiled by Jessica Klingsporn, Your Castle Real Estate, as reported by Metrolist

have a news tip, story idea or letter to the editor?Send it to [email protected]

To advertise in neighborhood Gazette contact Jonathan Lee 720-982-5672 or Tim Berland 303-995-2806

by Davis b. ReinhaRt

In May the City Council held its annual strategic retreat. We set aside specific issues of the day to focus on ensuring Wheat

Ridge’s vitality in the future. And that means the city’s long term financial sustainability.

This Council has a budget policy built on the prudence of its predecessors. Wheat Ridge has no debt, a solid cash reserve policy, and the lowest city taxes in the region. Our core staff has stayed the same, so growth in the budget has matched inflation for 20 years. We have been able to add police, and new recreation center staff is paid by fees.

But what got the most attention from Council were the city’s hard assets—streets, sidewalks, structures, rolling stock, equipment and parks. During the economic downturn we cut payroll with furloughs and freezes but fell behind on the routine facilities maintenance. We are millions behind on street repaving alone. With an aging infrastructure this can only get worse.

Capital construction has lagged, too. This year undertook more than $9 million of needed projects: Ridge Road Storm Sewer, 32nd Avenue Widening, 29th Avenue Storm Sewer, and the Wadsworth Gateway Sign. By drawing down our strategic reserved $2.1 million, in accordance with our new reserve policy, we obtained $4.5 million in matching funds from the state and regional agencies.

That’s a signal that we need a more sustainable income stream. Wheat Ridge has many tens of millions of dollars’ worth of prudent and necessary infrastructure projects.

As the city’s stewards, the Council and your neighbors see the need for improvements all around us: drainage improvement along Chase Street to protect residents’ houses and yards; improvements on 38th Avenue west of Kipling to let children walk safely to the elementary

school; storm drainage in District 4 to cut flood risk north of Clear Creek and save homeowners thousands of dollars on flood insurance. Fully building just those projects would require in excess of $10 million. We simply can’t fund major capital improvements with our $35 million annual budget and fully commit to operations.

That’s Council’s focus now because in Wheat Ridge we attract

families and businesses because of our great look and feel—the deep roots, short commutes, and nice neighborhoods thing. A lot of our appeal is how nice the streets and rights of way look, the beauty and amenities of our parks, the rec center, and our commitment to vital business districts. Above all, we want to sustain and improve desirable neighborhoods for all of us who live in them now and those who want to join us by investing in a Wheat Ridge home.

How can we can fund our capital programs sustainably and ensure the future by investing in our assets? That’s a hard question. Council is working the problem, but we can’t solve it without your help. Let me know what you think. Call, e-mail or join Councilman Bud Starker and me at Cebiche’s at 7000 W 38th Avenue from 5 to 6 p.m. on First Fridays through October.Davis B Reinhart, Wheat Ridge City Council Dis-trict 1, can be reached at [email protected] or 720-987-4208.

Council Corner

Davis B. Reinhart

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Urban Perspective

BY ZACHARY URBAN

For some strange reason I have been listening to Harry Chapin more frequently in the past few weeks. For those

of you who don’t follow 1970’s folk singers as religiously as I do, that would be the guy who sings “Cats in the Cradle.” I have also found Neil Young popping up a little more often as well. Neil Young was the one who sung “Old Man.” My connection to all these 70’s folk singers started with my parents who told me that they chose to name me Zachary after hearing that John Denver named his son Zachary. I was hoping for something a little more inspirational than that, but there’s no changing it now. A word of advice, if ever name your kid after a folk singer’s son, at least come up with some alternate version of the story that involves something about some guy name Zachary that saved you from a burning building, and you couldn’t re-pay him for his heroism, so instead you named your son Zachary in honor of his heroic actions, something other than “If it’s good enough for John Denver, it’s good enough for us.” I love my name don’t get me wrong, and I’ll tell you this, it’s a heck of a lot better than if my parents had been big Johnny Cash fans. I’ve been perpetually stuck in this time warp ever since. Some of you might be saying “What time warp?”, you know who you are, still searching for a heart of gold on a dark desert highway forever in blue jeans. Did you

catch all those? That being said, I told you last time I would let you know whether we are having a boy or a girl. If you didn’t get the hint by now go back and listen to “Cats in the Cradle” a few more times. I am very proud to announce that we are having a boy. We are all very excited, Isabella our daughter is super excited as she puts it “to have a ‘big’ brother!” We haven’t settled on any names

yet, John Denver is dead, and I haven’t been stuck in any burning buildings lately, so it’s going to be tough to come up with this one. Be rest assured, there will be one heck of story to go along with the name regardless of where we find it.

Recently I participated in the time honored tradition here in Wheat Ridge of ripping out all of the very overgrown juniper

bushes in front of our house. I finally did it in part because my mother-in-law was coming into town from Texas and I wanted the house to be presentable for her, but I also found some skunks crawling in and out of the bushes. For the first time in 50 years our property is free from the tyranny of the Juniper. I am now a believer in a Juniper free Wheat Ridge. A cheap place to take them after you have removed them is Rooney Road Recycling Center, in Golden. They charge 6 bucks for a cubic yard for organic material. Now there’s a name, how about Rooney Urban?Zachary Urban can be reached at 720-252-5930 or www.zacharyurban.com

A Boy Named Sue Zach

Zachary Urban

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BY BONNIE MCNULTYMayor, City of Edgewater

This month I want to share with you one of Edgewater’s most iconic citizens, Ben DiPietro. Ben and Josephine started

the Edgewater Inn – the longest running successful business in Edgewater. Ben passed away on Father’s Day, June 17, 2012.

John Bucci was asked to give the eulogy for Ben. This is some of what he shared with those in attendance at Ben’s funeral mass.

On April 22, 1916 Ben Clyde DiPietro was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. First, we all must realize that this mass is truly a celebration of Ben’s life. We are celebrating 96 years of a life well lived. Sure there is sorrow and grief but in Ben’s case, we should truly be happy for him. Please allow yourself to be happy for Ben.

Ben’s family lived in North Denver near 33rd and Shoshone Street. His future bride, Josephine Pullo lived in the same neighborhood and they knew each other as children. As they got older they fell in love and got married on Feb. 15, 1942. They enjoyed a strong and happy marriage of 63 years. After being married for awhile they brought their son into the world, Dickie Dee, (aka Sweetness) or as the principal of Jefferson High School referred to him, Richard DiPietro.

Ben along with Josephine worked and scrimped and saved every penny possible for the first 11 years of their marriage. Ben was in the refrigeration business. Not many people know this but he was the innovator of the refrigerated beer line system. This system is used by virtually all restaurants and bars to this day. Josephine was giving dance lessons at the Albany Hotel. Finally they saved the whopping sum of $500, enough for a down payment on a house.

So what did they do? In 1953 they forgot the house, took a gamble and spent every nickel to purchase an old pool hall on 25th street in Edgewater. The plan was to open a 3.2 bar which they did, under the now iconic name, “The Edgewater Inn”.

In 1957 they moved the business a couple hundred feet east, across the alley, into the abandoned post office building. The Inn has been there ever since. Ben and Josephine, along with other family members, hammered, sawed and drilled every board themselves as they got the restaurant off the ground. Now with a full service bar they welcomed customers with 5 styles of Italian sandwiches but their specialty was the pizza. The original recipe came from Josephine’s mother.

As the reputation of the Edgewater Inn grew, it was rumored that high ranking Denver police officials would usher celebrities like Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra into the Inn after hours. Frank was said to have proclaimed that the Edgewater Inn had the best pizza in Denver.

In 1978 Ben was asked by the Coors brothers (who frequented the Edgewater Inn often) if he would agree to be featured in the first, nation wide, Coors Light print media promotion. Of course he said yes, as that was quite an honor. This is the picture that appeared in Coors Light ads all across

the United States.Ben’s generosity was never ending. At

one time he sponsored more than 20 different athletic teams - softball, basketball, bowling, soccer, rugby, football, volleyball and baseball teams. He also sponsored golf tournaments and even race cars at the old Lakeside and Englewood Speedways. The first year I held my golf tournament; I went to Ben and asked for gift certificates to give away as prizes. Ben (with cigar in mouth, unlit of course) asked me how many I wanted. I said “Maybe two?” He said, “That’s not enough, I’ll give you four.”

Ben loved the city of Edgewater and was constantly involved with various fundraising efforts for the Catholic Church and youth groups. After he became a successful entrepreneur he could have moved and built a big house in a fancy neighborhood but he stayed put. He strongly believed in giving back to the community that was so good to him. Dick mentioned that he didn’t think his dad ever turned down a request for help.

In 1996 Dick and Carolyn presented Ben with his first and only grandchild, a baby girl named Haley Dee. Of course it goes without saying, Ben loved her very much.

Ben developed special relationships with his employees. At one time or another Ben had done each of their jobs with passion. Ben washed dishes, made pizzas, tended bar, waited tables, prepared cash drawers, and of course he managed.

He attended mass on a regular basis and often served as an usher and volunteer. His strong relationship with God was instrumental in getting him through a very difficult time after Josephine, the love of his life, passed away in 2005.

We all would like to live a life like Ben DiPietro’s; loved, purposeful, respected and full of accomplishments. Ben touched and inspired many through his generosity, humor, empathy, and gentle but strong character. Ben DiPietro was truly an outstanding example of a man from the Greatest Generation.

When St. Peter greeted Ben at the Pearly Gates leading to Heaven, I’m sure he got a kick out of Ben’s famous greeting “Howdy Paisano!”

Edgewater Mayor Bonnie McNulty can be reached at 303-233-6216 or [email protected]

Edgewater City News

34th & Youngfieldwww.hollywestrestaurant.com

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tim berland 303-995-2806 • Jonathan Lee 720-982-5672 e-mail: [email protected] • www.ngazette.com

Mailing address: 4385 Wadsworth blvd., #140, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Neighborhood Gazette

© JULY 2012 Neighborhood Publications, Inc. All rights reserved. The publishers assume no responsibility for representations, claims or opinions by any advertising or article in this publication.

All copy and material is subject to quality standards.

Publication date is the 15th of each month. Deadlines for advertising/editorial are the 10th of each month. Copy Editing/Proofreading: J. Patrick O’Leary, Cyndy Beal & Sarah DiTullio

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by J. PatRiCk O’LeaRy

While dining al fresco on a restaurant patio during the Wed., July 25, Meals of Dreams fundraiser, your

dining dollars will help the kids next door afford recreation center programs, provide laptop computers for graduating high school seniors, make free summer concerts possible in Anderson Park, and even place memorial benches in parks. The Wheat Ridge Community Foundation, the fundraiser’s sponsor and beneficiary, does that and more.

The Foundation does not do the heavy lifting, but connects resources with needs, and Meals of Dreams is the next step in development. While the portion of dining proceeds donated by the 20+ participating restaurants is important, the fundraiser will also raise awareness of the Foundation and the programs it nourishes.

The 501(c)3 nonprofit was established in 2003 to support community programs offered through the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department. Since then, the Foundation has expanded its funding to a variety of local nonprofits, working in education, beautification, cultural enhancement, historic preservation, memorialization and recreation, to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in Wheat Ridge. At the end of seven years of work, the Foundation received more than $613,161 in contributions from more than 900 donors and has expensed $399,920 on its programs. The Foundation has no employees; all administrative and program work is performed by volunteers and city staff.

Guiding the Foundation into the next stage of growth is Curt Gilmore, chairman of its board of directors.

“I’ve been involved with the school district as student, parent or volunteer for 67 years,” says Gilmore of his involvement with the community. He recalls the Foundation was originally set up to keep donations for memorials, e.g. park benches, trees, and gazebos, separate from the city’s general fund.

“It ran along for a number of years with bake sales and that sort of thing until someone came up with the idea of putting in artificial turf at the high school. Suddenly we went from a bake sale to a $1.5 million project.”

The daunting task was the tipping point for the group, and that’s when he was elected to run the board. As veteran directors retired, Gilmore brought in people he’d worked with in other projects. With new directors came new direction, new programs and expansion.

Thanks to Police Chief Dan Brennan, The Wheat Ridge Feed the Future Backpack Program came into the Foundation’s fold. Originally run by the Arvada Food Bank, Gilmore says Brennan brought the program to Wheat Ridge, where it now provides food for approximately 200 elementary school children who are on the school Free and Reduced Lunch Program at Pennington, Kullerstrand and Stevens elementary schools.

Each Friday, children are given a sack filled with breakfast, lunch and snack items, along with fruits and vegetables, to help nourish

them over the weekend. The Wheat Ridge Police Department, Wheat Ridge and Arvada fire departments, Wheat Ridge Optimist, Rotary and Grange service clubs, Enterprise Wheat Ridge business members, faith-based sponsors and community members help support the program. Any amount of help is welcome: $2.50 provides one student with food for a weekend, and $10,000 feeds one school for a school year.

The Kyle Brake Memorial Sports Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 to help pay for registration fees, uniforms and equipment costs for needy kids, in kindergarten through the eighth grade, who participate in local sports.

The annual Kickin’ It 4 Kyle Bowl-a-thon and private donations feed the fund, which has provided more than $25,500 to 180 children so far. This year’s event raised $10,462, a 13 percent increase over 2011, and the Foundation matched the first $5,000 of donations. The fund dispersed 70

scholarships totaling $8,551.45 in 2011, and 31 scholarships totaling $3,197 to date this year.

Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth, better known as AWRSAY, are volunteers from Arvada and Wheat Ridge service clubs working to recognize and encourage young people who are making an effort to overcome adversity and challenges in their lives—health issues, drugs and crime, for example.

Each year, 60 middle- and high-school students are recognized at an awards ceremony, including 25 seniors who are offered $900 to $1,200 scholarships to Red Rocks Community College. Students in grades seven through 11 are eligible for scholarships of up to $200 for activities and events that emphasize leadership, teamwork and character development. Refurbished computers are provided to some students,

Money for Dreams, In Your BackyardWheat Ridge Foundation Makes Big Things Possible

Wheat Ridge Community FoundationWorking for the Community’s Future

ARvADA WHEAT RIDgE SERvICE AMBASSADORS FOR YOUTH, better known as AWRSAY, recognized 690 youth and pro-vided more than 240 college scholarships worth over $135,000 since its inception in 2002. More 120 supporters raised approximately $10,000 at AWRSAY’s second annual Get It Done Luncheon in June

the annuaL kiCkin’ it 4 kyLe bOWL-a-thOn and private donations have provided more than $25,500 to 180 children so far Continued on page 8

MISTY HOCkMAN, ARvADA HIgH SCHOOL, a 2009 ARSWAY honoree, Pictured with Dr. Michele Haney, President, Red Rocks Community College and Dr. Cindy Stevenson, Supe-intendent of Jefferson County Schools

help support the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation’s many outstanding programs by dining out on July 25 at twenty participating restaurants. see CenteRFOLD

T-BIRD ROADHOUSE

9701 W. 44th Ave. • 303-484-9116t-birdroadhouse.com

Tue-Sun 9am-9pm • Closed Monday

GREAT FOOD & DRINKSBe sure to check out our special events like bike night every

Wednesday night starting at 6pm and our ladies night Thursday nights at 6-9pm. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-6pm $1 off Wine, Well & Draft!

3 MARGARITAS

10160 W. 50th Ave. • 303-431-03053margaritasmex.com

Mon-Thu 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

MEXICANTry all of your Mexican favorites, like burritos, tacos, or enchiladas,

or try our healthy menu. We also have a kids menu. Join us for Happy Hour everyday from 3pm-6pm.

BENNETT’S PIT BBQ

7490 W. 52nd Ave. • 303-424-0318bennettsbbq.com

Sun-Thu 11am-9pm • Fri/Sat 11am-9:30pm

BAR-B-QUEWe’re too smart to mess with our delicious hickory-smoked

meats, but our kitchen continues to create menu items, stamped with our “loyal customer seal of approval.”

LA FONDA

5750 W 38th Ave. • 303-420-4234lafondamexican.com

Open Daily 11am-9pm

MEXICANOne of the first restaurants established in the northwest area of Wheat Ridge. Since the beginning we have brought the flavors and cuisine from Mexico to create a truly authentic experience.

PIETRA’S PIZZERIA

9045 W. 44th Ave. • 303-421-4100pietraspizza.com

Tues-Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-9pm • Closed Mon

PIZZA • ITALIANOur family has been serving some of the finest pizza and

Italian food in the same location since 1964. We strive to treat you like one of the family.

RED TANGO

5807 W. 38th Ave.303-420-2203

Mon-Fri 11am-2pm • Mon-Sat 5pm-10pm

LATIN AMERICAN Stylish and sunny, the Tango is a bright spot on 38th Avenue. The sommelier takes great pains to match the best of South

American wines with a variety of seasonal dishes.

CEBICHE

7000 W. 38th Ave. • 303-386-4580cebichedining.com

Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-9pm • Fri-Sat 11:30am-10pm

PERUVIAN • LATIN AMERICANEnjoy a casual Peruvian dining experience in an inviting neighborhood atmo-sphere. We take pride in serving you creative authentic dishes made from the freshest ingredients and paired with invigorating cocktails and superb service.

VINCENZA’S

8000 W. 44th Ave. • 303-420-8400vbakery.net

Mon-Sat 8am-9pm • Sun 8am-8pm

ITALIAN • BAKERY • PIZZAVincenza’s brings you the best of Italy for breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

Our pastries and breads, long considered the best in town, are baked fresh, and you’ll discover unique flavors and styles that you just won’t find in supermarkets.


2001

VINCENZA’S

INFINITUS PIE

3928 Wadsworth Blvd. • 720-287-5915welovemypie.com

11am-9pm daily

PIZZASimply stated, a pizza has tomato sauce, a PIE has infinite

possibilities. No combination too eccentric, in fact- creativity is encouraged.

FORMERLY MY PIE BREAKFAST ON THE EDGE

2045 Sheridan Blvd. • 720-328-5806breakfastontheedge.com

Mon-Sun 6am-2:30pm

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • SPIRITSOur diverse menu offers something for everyone in your party. Bring your friends for brunch and settle into our comfortable

atmosphere. Enjoy the full bar, relax and let us take care of you.

Savor the offerings

of these fine

restaurants on

July 25 in the

communities of

Wheat Ridge,

Edgewater & Arvada.

A portion of your

meal will go to

support the

Foundation’s many

fine programs.

APPLE RIDGE CAFE

3790 Kipling St.303-423-6800


FAMILY DININGWith loads of parking, the Apple Ridge

is the perfect spot for abreakfast, lunch and home-style dinners.

COLD STONE CREAMERY

5545 Wadsworth Bypass • 303-424-9900coldstonecreamery.com

Follow us on Facebook! Olde Town Arvada Cold Stone

ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT Now serving Hawaiian shaved ice! Cold Stone Creamery of-

fers the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience. Ice cream, Ice cream cakes, shakes and smoothies the way you want it.

DAIRY QUEEN

6790 W 38th Ave • 303-420-4141dairyqueen.comDaily 10:30pm-10pm

ICE CREAM & FROZEN YOGURT Drive Thru

Dairy Queen Cakes Available. Gift Cards. DQ Treats, Hot Dogs and Orange Julius.

ABRUSCI’S

3244 Youngfield St. • 303-232-2424abruscis.com/applewood

Sun-Thurs 11a.m.-9 p.m. • Fri-Sat 11a.m.-10 p.m.

ITALIAN“The Best Damn Italian Food...Period.” Reasonably priced menu with such hearty favorites as pasta, pizza (many of which are gluten-free).

Daily happy hour with specials on food and drinks.

HOLLY WEST

3490 Youngfield St. • 303-274-8433hollywestrestaurant.com


MEXICAN AMERICANAlthough we are known for the Tacorito, our menu is very extensive including a terrific American Menu. All of our sauces are made fresh

every day with only the finest and freshest ingredients.

FRAN’S CAFE

7057 W. 38th Ave.303-423-8567Tue-Sun 7am-3pm

DINER • HOME COOKINGCome join us on July 25 for the Meals of Dreams fundraiser. We’ll have a special menu with adult entrees for $9.99 featuring DeeJay Mac spinning

rockabilly,honky tonk and vintage rhythm and blues from 4 to 8 pm.

Fran´s Cafe

RIGHT COAST PIZZA

7100 W. 38th Ave. • 303-431-6077rightcoastpizza.com

10:30am – 9pm 7 days a week

PIZZA • COLORADO BEER & SPIRITSAnything but the traditional pizza parlor feel. Made to order pizza with the freshest ingredients and featuring beer and

spirits from the state of Colorado.

WHEAT RIDGE LANES

6595 W. 38th Ave. • 303-420-2523wheatridgelanes.com

Mon 2-10pm • Tue-Fri 2pm-12am • Sat 10am-1am • Sun 10am-10pm

BOWLINGCruise in every Friday at 3pm weather permitting.

Happy Hour, Free Food if you bring a Hot Rod.Grab your Balls and Roll ‘em here!

THE DRAGONFLY

7300 W. 38th Ave.303-931-2702


DELI • BREAKFAST & BRUNCH“Where customers come first!”

Come get a home cooked meal, at great prices, with great people.

The DragonFly

Cafe & catering

PROVIDENCE TAVERN

5280 W. 25th Ave. • 303-462-5280providencetavern.com

Mon-Sat 11:30am-2am • Sun 12pm-2am

AMERICAN FOOD • BARHamburgers starting at $4.95. Happy Hour 7 Days a Week.

Come enjoy our patio.

The Kyle Brake Sports Scholarship ProgramAWRSAY – Arvada

Wheat Ridge ServiceAmbassadors for Youth

Feed The Future Backpack Program

Laptops for Graduates

The Foundation also supports public art programs, senior

community centers, high school and youth athletics, recreation scholarships, police

programs and various other programs that

support our community.

A FUNDRAISER FOR THE WHEAT RIDGE COMMUNITY

FOUNDATION

My gift of $_______________________enclosed.

Please direct my gift to:

❑ Wheat Ridge Community Foundation (general fund)

❑ Kyle Brake Memorial Sports Scholarship Fund

❑ AWRSAY

❑ Feed the Future Back Pack Program

❑ Arts and Cultural Programs

(Garden Tour, Mayor’s Public Art, Holiday Lights, Performances in the Park, Carnation Festival)

Please make checks payable to Wheat Ridge Community Foundation

❑ $10.00 ❑ $25.00 ❑ $50.00❑ $100.00 ❑ $200.00❑ Other ______________

Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Email:

Yes! I want to help the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation and its programs by encouraging community giving.

The Wheat Ridge Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization and all donations are tax deductible.

www.wheatridgefoundation.org

Please return this page, along with your contribution, designating the programs you wish to support to:

Wheat Ridge Community Foundation4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Wheat Ridge Community FoundationWorking for the Community’s Future

and all are given a certificate of recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives.

AWRSAY has recognized 690 youth and provided more than 240 college scholarships worth over $135,000 since its inception in 2002. More 120 supporters raised approximately $10,000 at AWRSAY’s second annual Get It Done Luncheon in June.

“This year we were able to provide 37 laptops,” says Gilmore, including 27 to recent college-bound graduates of Jefferson High School who did not have one.

The Wheat Ridge Recreation Scholarships program provides financial assistance to individuals of any age who can’t afford to participate in activities offered through the Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department. This program also supports equipment, educational materials and supplies for the Licensed Preschool Program at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center.

And the list of programs goes on.“We’re now totally separate from the city,

and appoint our own directors. We still work out of the recreation center, still run programs in exchange for our overhead, still on their

website, but we’ve also got our own website for direct donations.”

As part of development, older programs are being deemphasized, but not dropped.

“The memorial programs are going to be a very small part of what we do,” says Gilmore. But if someone wants to donate a park bench, the Foundation will take the money and make it happen. “People like memorials. They also like tax write-offs. So if they donate through us, they get that.” As a 501c3, the Foundation can be viewed as a nonprofit consultant, or a matchmaker.

Some programs have grown up and moved out, so to speak. The Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival, a long-time beneficiary of the foundation, now does its own fundraising, according to Gilmore.

“We’re just getting started on the fundraising side of it,” he says of recent media efforts. “We’ve relied on word of mouth before, sent out flyers with the West Jeff Chamber, the stuff we’ve done through the Neighborhood Gazette has been significant. It’s a good vehicle for us.”

Meals of Dreams is more complex, as it is a two-way street on which participating restaurants share the evening’s revenue with the Foundation, and the event raises awareness of the Foundation’s mission…as well as the eateries.

“Nothing is truly a one-way street,” he concludes. “The Meals of Dreams program

MISSION STATEMENT The Wheat Ridge Community Foundation encourages community giving by connecting donors to community needs, building permanent

charitable funds, and bringing people together to improve the quality of life throughout Wheat Ridge.

Money for DreamsContinued from page 5

MASON vIDER, WHEAT RIDgE MIDDLE SCHOOL, a 2011 ARSWAY honoree, Pictured with Mike Little, Jefferson High School Principal and Ron Slone, Director of CBI.will help us, as a fundraiser. If successful, we plan on coming back and recognizing those who helped…”

Looking ahead, the Foundation has offered to fully fund next summer’s Performances in the Park, which will provide daytime children’s entertainment and evening concerts for the general public, free of charge, in Anderson Park. “We won’t hire the performers, but we’ll fund it.”

“We’ll probably expand endowments for

scholarships too,” he says.For more information, visit www.

wheatridgefoundation.org, which contains descriptions of programs supported. Or, contact any member of the Foundation board: chair Curt Gilmore, Secretary Tom Ripp, Treasurer Floyd Sasa, Vice-president Art Bushell, and members Beth McBride, Cheri Jahn, Dave Petersen, Karen Hagaman and Lisa Schrag. Contact information is online, as well.

help support the Wheat Ridge Community Foundation’s many outstanding programs by dining out on July 25 at twenty participating restaurants. see CenteRFOLD

Jerry DiTullio

BY JERRY DITULLIOMayor, City of Wheat Ridge

Wheat Ridge Resident David Herman will be participating in the London Olympic Games in August. David

placed fifth in 2012 at the UCI BMX World Championships in Birmingham, Eng land, qualifying him for the Olympic Games. David is representing the United States, the State of Colorado and the City of Wheat Ridge and we wish him luck and success in London. BMX racing will be televised August 7, 8 and 9th. (See cover story this issue)

The City of Wheat Ridge is seeing an increase in vehicle trespasses in neighborhoods and parks once again. In order to address this problem, the Police Department must work together with residents and park patrons to prevent the crime or at least lessen the degree of victimization. The Wheat Ridge Police Department is asking citizens and park patrons to not store valuable items such as briefcases, wallets and purses in their vehicle.

If it is necessary to carry a purse or briefcase, lock it in the trunk prior to ar-riving at the parking lot or trailhead as to not alert criminals that may be watching. Other preventative measures citizens can take are: Close and lock all doors and windows. Many of the vehicle trespasses in neighborhoods involve unlocked vehicles.

Remove valuables. The trailhead trespasses usually involve vehicles with valuables left inside. Simply covering a purse with a blanket does not deter the thieves from breaking in to the vehicle. This includes

loose change in the ashtray or cup holder of the vehicle.

Leave your valuables at home. Use a fanny pack. If you must bring

valuables along, carry them with you. While supplies last, the Police Department has a supply of fanny packs available at no cost.

Take your stereo face-plate with you. If you’ve purchased an expensive stereo system, take advantage of this safety feature and

remove the face-plate when you leave the vehicle.

Report all suspicious activity immediately. The police need your eyes and ears to help combat this crime. Police cannot be everywhere at all times. Call 9-1-1 or the Wheat Ridge Police Department at 303-237-2220 if you see any suspicious activity or if you are a victim of a crime.

Together we can deter criminal activity in our community and have a safe and crime free summer.

The revitalization of 38th Avenue into the City’s Main Street is underway. The first phase of construction on 38th Avenue, which involved restriping the street and adding new signage, is now 100 percent complete. The installation of amenities, Phase II, started on June 21st. This entails the place ment of large planters and pop-up structures with outdoor seating. The amenities should be com plete by mid-July. To learn more about the project, visit the City’s website at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/38thAve.

Wheat Ridge Mayor Jerry DiTullio can be reached at (303) 235-2800 or [email protected]

Wheat Ridge City News

$3.00 off any 16” Family Size pizza

9045 W. 44th Ave303-421-4100

Check out our website

pietraspizza.com for menus,

banquet information, and info on our

‘Rewards Program’

Wheat Ridge Pharmacy

6650 West 38th Ave. • 303-421-6111Open Mon.-Fri, 8:30a.m.-6p.m., Sat, 8:30a.m.-1p.m.

We deliver in Wheat Ridge

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

Visit the Italian Village!

BOTH NIGHTS!!BOTH NIGHTS!!BOTH NIGHTS!!

Local churches and faith-based communities have been invited to actively participate in the Wheat Ridge “Feed

The Future” Backpack Program, starting with a July 25 meeting to discuss the challenges of feeding undernourished school-aged children in our community. The City of Wheat Ridge Police Department and the program’s Citizen Committee set up the meeting with the vision of inspiring community stakeholders to assist in sustaining the program and provide an opportunity for faith communities to serve locally.

“The Wheat Ridge ‘Feed the Future’ Backpack Program began in 2009, as a means to ensure that Wheat Ridge‘s most needy children had their basic nutritional needs met in a simple and cost-effective way,” said Wheat Ridge Chief of Police Dan Brennan in a letter to local faith leaders. “Educating a child is one of the most important responsibilities of government, and studies have shown that children who come to school hungry are not able to focus on learning.

“The Wheat Ridge ‘Feed the Future’ Backpack Program is committed to assisting all school-aged children in our community to be free from hunger, to be healthy, and to support wellness. Experience with other similar programs nationwide has shown that, in addition to hungry children receiving healthy food, such programs have led to improved grades and attendance for these children, as well as increased involvement in their schooling by their parents. Today, this community program is providing meals to over 300 elementary-aged students at Pennington, Stevens and Kullerstrand elementary schools.”

Regardless of religious beliefs, people can support the program by purchasing bracelets ($3 each, two for $5) at the city’s National Night Out celebration (Tues., Aug. 7, 5-8 p.m., at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center) and the Carnation Festival (starting Fri., Aug. 17).

For more information the “Feed The Future” Backpack Program, email Loretta DiTirro at [email protected].

Churches, Cops & CitizensConspire to Feed kids’ Future

TUNDRA by Chad Carpenter

Visit www.ngazette.com for a complete selection of outrageous comics, courtesy of Funnies Extra!

RU

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RO

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TR

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In!

To advertise in neighborhood Gazette contact Jonathan Lee 720-982-5672 or Tim Berland 303-995-2806

What’s Happening

CASH FOR BICYCLES!303-830-2453CALL 9AM-5PM M-F

Bicycles Wanted!

Free Pick Up

We Buy Old or New Bikes

Highland West Apartments6340 W. 38th Ave Apartment living for seniors 62 and up303-424-8132 www.hwsca.com

[email protected] | 303-358-8388

“Courtesy and Integrity”INDUCTIVE ELECTRICElectrical ContractorResidential

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Store for Dogs & Cats

• Healthy & Natural Foods• On-site Dog Bakery• All Natural, No Added Sugar or Salt• Dogs Welcome…WE DELIVER TO YOUR DOOR

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Store for Store for Dogs & CatsDogs & Cats

• Healthy & Natural Foods

Hail Damage SpecialistsDakota Construction Company

of Colorado1345 Perry St, Denver, CO 80204

ROOFING • CARPENTRY • MASONRY

Monte 720-841-2212 • Mike 303-669-6785

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Healing Hands Chinese Massage 4485 Wadsworth Blvd. #104

Wheat Ridge, CO 80033720-318-3540

Buy 5 and get 6th one 1/2 off

Solution to Crossword:

Development of the plan was led by a mayoral-appointed Stakeholder Committee, and adopted by City Council in October 2012. Th e plan for the corridor restriping and amenity improvements is the result of a local community partnership with LiveWell Wheat Ridge and Wheat Ridge 2020.

For project information visit www.ci.wheatridge.co.us/38thAve.

National Night Outaug. 7 at Rec Center

Wheat Ridge will celebrate National Night Out with food and festivities at Wheat Ridge Recreation Center, 4005 Kipling St., Tues., Aug. 7, 5-8 p.m.

Free cotton candy, food and drinks will be provided. A jumpy castle, face painting and balloon animals are available for kids,

while the general public can watch TASER demonstrations and play Dunk-A-Cop or Dunk-A-Fireman.

National Night Out is an annual, nationwide crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. It engages citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local offi cials to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fi ghting back. Last year, 37 million people in 15,000 communities participated.

Th e local event is sponsored by the Wheat Ridge Police Department, Wheat Ridge Fire Department and Pridemark Paramedics.

nominations Due aug. 31For Best Businesses

Nominations are open for Wheat Ridge’s ninth annual Business Appreciation Awards Program, recognizing commercial concerns in categories of Business of the Year, Reinvestment and City Council’s Partnership. Winners will be honored at an October awards breakfast at the Wheat Ridge Recreation Center.

“Our 2011 ceremony was the best we’ve ever had,” said Wheat Ridge Mayor Jerry DiTullio. “I truly believe this was due to the amount of nominations we received from throughout the community. I encourage everyone to nominate a business that should be honored.”

Th e Business of the Year award recognizes a business that exemplifi es good business practices that represent the values of our community.

Th e Reinvestment award recognizes a business that has made a signifi cant investment in its property, improved the overall appearance of the site, maintained property at the highest standards, or updated its facilities in a manner to make it more marketable.

Th rough its Partnership award, City Council recognizes a company for their overall contributions to the city, using criteria from all award categories as well as contributions in volunteerism, leadership and community investment/involvement.

Last year’s honorees were Family Tree, Business of the Year; Compass Construction and modMood, Reinvestment; and myPie Pizza, City Council Partnership. Th e City of Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation Department received the 2011 Mayor’s Business & Community Partnership Award. Last year’s winners will help present this year’s awards.

Nomination forms are available at City Hall, the Wheat Ridge public library and the recreation center, or can be downloaded at www.ci.wheatridge.co.us. Nominations must be received by Fri., Aug. 31.

Planters & Pop-up CafesPart of 38th ave. Plan

Th e placement of planters and pop-up cafes along 38th Avenue will continue through mid-July, part of the City of Wheat Ridge’s 38th Avenue Corridor Plan.

Residents will continue to see traffi c barrels on the roadway while contractors work on the installation of the main street amenities, including pop-up cafés in front of Dragon Fly Café, Right Coast Pizza and Ceviche Peruvian Restaurant as well as eight large planters for fl owers. Th ere should be no signifi cant impacts to traffi c during this time frame. Work on the main street amenities should be complete in mid-July.

$10 OFF for Ladies • Open 7 days a week

Asian Touch Massage720-400-0684

6900 W. 38th Ave., Suite 302, Wheat Ridge, CO

WHEAT RIDGE POULTRY 5650 W. 29th Ave. • 303-233-0757 • www.rockymountainmeats.com

BUY YOUR MEAT LOCALLY & ORGANICALLY

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Bandit (ID# 103310)2-year-old German

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The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers or affi liates. Readers are encouraged to submit letters to:

Editor, Neighborhood Gazette, 4385 Wadsworth Blvd. #140, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 or [email protected]. Contributions maybe edited for space or content.

Letter to the Editor

Tobacco policy ad

Th e ad in your June issue promoting strong tobacco policies in our community was truly a “Breath of Fresh Air”! We believe that enhancing the smoke-free policies for Wheat Ridge would provide a healthier environment for all of the residents of our community, including infants, children, adults (and the unborn). Th e medical and lay public are becoming increasingly aware of the unequivocally detrimental eff ects of breathing second hand smoke by all age groups. We believe that more strict tobacco policies will not only improve the safety of the local environment but also make Wheat Ridge a more attractive location for young families and businesses. Th ank you for running this ad!

Drs. Jack and Lorrie Odom, Wheat Ridge residents since 1976

Citizen’s Cornerkeeping A Balanced Perspective

BY CASEY TIgHE

A family of hawks recently took up residence in a cottonwood tree in my brother-in-law’s back yard. His family

was excited to see the majestic birds fly in and out of the yard each day to sit proudly on the tree branches and occasionally show off their impressive wingspans. My sister-in-law posted pictures of the birds on Facebook and reveled in having these unique visitors. However, they soon found out there is a dark side to hosting these great birds of prey.

The first sign of trouble was when my niece and nephew started finding carcasses of various animals strewn around the yard, the discarded remnants of the hawks’ recent meals. Apparently, the hawks’ table manners, and bathroom habits leave a little to be desired, because the messes around the yard started to become more frequent. Cleaning up after the hawks started to become a regular duty for the family. Occasionally, when my brother-in-law’s family would try to relax in the shade of the beloved cottonwood tree, they would hear the disconcerting sounds of the hawks with their meals.

Next, my brother-in-law started noticing a few mice in their house. Since they have not had mice in the house before, they assume the mice are hiding from the hawks. My sister-in-law told me that the situation reminded her of the movie Jurassic Park, in which the park at the beginning of the movie was quiet and peaceful, before turning violent and wild. The back yard was getting a little wild.

However, they do not want to complain too much. The hawks have not bothered the family’s prize wiener dogs, and they have not been aggressive toward any friends or family in the back yard. My sister-in-law said they

are learning to live with some of the less desirable aspects of their new tenants, and all things considered they think it is pretty neat to have these beautiful birds living with them.

This situation made me think about how we can keep little inconveniences in perspective. I worked as an auditor for the last 20 years, so I tend to look at things as if I were looking at a balance sheet. Having big beautiful hawks in the backyard is a major asset. Having to clean up after them is a liability, especially for my niece and nephew who get the brunt of the cleanup detail. The key is to remember how much pleasure you get from the hawks while you do the clean up.

When people remember the benefits or positive aspects of something it is easier to accept or balance in the associated cost. A perfect example of this occurred over the recent Fouth of July holiday. In result of the recent fires and the extreme dry conditions throughout the state, fireworks and most public firework displays were canceled. However, as I spoke with people at Lakewood on Parade and at the Arvada Fourth of July event, everyone seemed very accepting of the decision. People were disappointed, but they generally agreed that the safety benefits outweighed the cost of not having fireworks.

Unfortunately sometimes people will focus on just one side of a situation. They dwell on only the positive aspects or on the negative consequences of something and forget to balance the two. As communities change and grow, it is important to keep a balanced perspective.

Casey Tighe is a resident of Applewood and a candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner. The views expressed in this column are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers, advertisers or affiliates. Readers are encouraged to submit letters to: Editor, 4385 Wadsworth Blvd. #140, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 or [email protected]. Contributions maybe edited for space or content.

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Chains Are For Bicycles Not Coffee ShopsThe Dragon Fly

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Mon-Sat 7:00am-3:00pm • Sun 9:00am-2:00pm7300 W. 38th ave. 303-931-2702

BY CYNDY BEAL

Wheat Ridge’s noise ordinance may be getting an overhaul, with the addition of restrictions on amplified

sounds. But it’s all still discussion at this point.At the Wheat Ridge City Council study

session on July 16, a sound ordinance draft was discussed. The draft ordinance applies to amplified sounds including music, musical instruments, loudspeakers or any machine or device or the amplification of a human voice, music or other amplified sounds.

In the draft ordinance, permissible hours for amplified sounds are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The following items are exempt: Church chimes, school bells, clocks, sounds on government property (owned, leased or controlled) or activities of a governmental body.

In May, residents close to 44th Avenue between Wadsworth and Kipling called the Wheat Ridge Police Department about loud music coming from a business on 44th Avenue. Afterward the neighbors, including Moe Keller (past Wheat Ridge City Council member and Colorado State Senator) and her husband, Steve, later spoke to Wheat Ridge City Council.

“Windows in houses were vibrating,” said Laura Jenkins a Wheat Ridge resident who lives one block off 44th Avenue. She said when she put her hand on a wall in her house she could feel the musical vibrations.

At the Wheat Ridge City Council study session on July 2, special events permits were discussed. The July 16 draft ordinance didn’t

Making Noise: Wheat Ridge Eyes Ordinance Change

include special permits; but an additional study session was suggested for after the July 23 City Council meeting, to include or make provisions for special events permits.

Justin Vogel, co-owner of Right Coast Pizza on 38th Avenue and High Court, is concerned about the addition of special events permits being required for bands and movies in the company’s parking lot. Vogel said if the city noise ordinance requires having a permit, their business would be required to obtain three permits for each event.

District II Council Member Kristi Davis wanted to know about limits on how many times per year a business could obtain a permit. “I’d like to see a number,” said Davis.

Several council members asked Police Chief Dan Brennan about enforcement and ordinance wording. The proposed changes don’t define noise levels, or when police can step in. It leaves enforcement up to the officer’s discretion.

Brennan additionally discussed how other municipalities address noise ordinances. He also discussed Colorado state law on mufflers and motorcycle noise, which he said is vague and difficult to enforce.

“Do I think it’s going to be 100 percent perfect and work? I don’t know,” Brennan said. He added that the city would have to see if the proposed ordinance changes are effective, and the city would have to revisit the issue in the future.

To view the current draft of the city’s noise ordinance, go to http://www.ci.wheatridge.co.us. Go to Quick Links and click on Agendas and Minutes. Select 07-16-12, under City Council Study Session Agenda Packets.

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volunteer to Help

Th e Festival will need volunteers to help with the circus, assist with the parade and bus transportation, and to act as greeters. Th e Festival website (www.thecarnationfestival.com) has a volunteer scheduler where you can select a 2-hour shift(s) and what piece of the Festival you would like to help with. You may even qualify for a Festival volunteer t-shirt! Email [email protected] to get started.

How good Is Your Chili Recipe? Come Prove It!

Can your chili recipe stand the heat of competition? Come prove it at the 3rd annual Carnation Festival Chill Cookoff . Great awards (and bragging rights) will be presented for the best chili in two categories: red chili or green chili.Winners will be selected from votes cast by people’s choice and announced at 7:30 pm.

Th ere is no entry fee, but entry is limited to the fi rst 30 cooks.

To enter, send an email to [email protected] with:

• First name and last name• Mailing address• Phone number• Email address• Category of chili (red or green)• Name of your prize-winning chili• Propane or electricity?If you have any questions, please contact

Tim at 303-995-2806.Also, in conjucntion with the Aug. 3

First Friday Art Walk, samples of the prize winning chilis from 2011 will be available from 6-9 pm on the patio of Cebiche, 7000 W. 38th Avenue., along with discount tickets for the circus and a chance to win a family four pack.

A new art gallery and studio has opened on 38th Avenue in the heart of Wheat Ridge.

Teller Street Gallery & Studios is located at 7190 W. 38th Ave., on the corner of 38th and Teller Street a few blocks east of Wadsworth. Th e 6,000-square-foot art gallery and studio off ers classes in painting and pottery, as well as a venue to showcase local artists. Th e fi rst fl oor is dedicated to special events, classes and gallery space, and the second fl oor off ers private artist studios and additional classroom space. Co-owners Mandy and Joe Fulton opened the gallery on June 30.

“We loved the feel of the space and what’s happening on 38th Avenue,” said Mandy Fulton. “Th e large open space gives us an opportunity to customize our classes as well as provide enough wall and fl oor space to promote area artists. We’ve had an amazing response since we opened and look forward to serving as a creative outlet for this community.” Th e Fultons have also applied for a beer and wine license.

Th e studio is off ering pottery classes by

Tanya Keith. Co-owner Joe Fulton will also be teaching pottery once he gets everything up and running in the shop. Th ey have three art instructors: David Gott, Neal Fulton, and Karen Hill, plus mosaic instructor Heather Sarmiento. Th ey are working with local artist Ed Slack to teach painting classes beginning in September.

For a full listing of classes and information on the studio, call 303-424-9273 or visit their website at www.tellerstreetgallery.com.

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Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival Schedule

(subject to change)

FRIDAY, AUgUST 174-9 p.m.

Annual Art League Membership Show Anderson Community Building

Gymnasium Presented by the Wheat Ridge Art league

4-5 p.m. – Strange Radio5-7:30 p.m.

Spaghetti dinner/Pie Bake-Off Pavilion, Anderson Park

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. – Tina Phillips5:30 – Dark

6th Annual Classic Car Show Joe’s Café Parking Lot

Sponsored by Steve’s Emissions, Joe’s Café and JoAnne Fisher of Fishbird Insurance

6-7:30 p.m. Friday Night Softball Game Ball Fields, Anderson Park

7-8 p.m. – Brothers of the Son8:30- 9:15 p.m.- ReUnion

9:15 – 9:30 p.m. FIREWORKS

Musical accompaniment by ReUnion (A Cap-pella)

9:45 – 11 p.m. – Jim Hyatt Band

satuRDay, auG. 18 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

41st Annual Carnation Festival Parade 38th Ave between Ames Street and

Upham Street Noon

Midway opens 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Drum City — Guitar Land NOON - 8 p.m. Fine Arts Display

Anderson Community Building

Noon – 1:00 p.m. - TBDNOON – 9 p.m.

Annual Art League Membership Show Anderson Community Building

Gymnasium Presented by the Wheat Ridge Art League

1:30 – 2:30 The Beloved Invaders3:00 – 4:00 Katy Laurel4:30 – 5:30 – Adam Rey

Salsa Band 5-7 p.m.

Chili Cook-Off In Front of Beer and Wine Garden

5:45 – 6:00 p.m. Parade Awards — Main Stage 6 – 7:00 p.m. - Eohippus

7:00 – 7:15 p.m. Chili Cook Off Awards — Main Stage

8:30 – 9:15 p.m. – Nacho Men9:15 – 9:30 p.m.

FIREWORKS 9:30 – 11 p.m. – Nacho Men

Upping the Art Ante: new Gallery Opens on 38th

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This slippery lobo 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!

neighborhood gazette july 2012

Documents

bmx track

younger herman

bmx riders

herman travels

th e track

bmx racers

th e olympic bmx races

th e arvada