“It’s all about people and positivity.” This mantra guided Robb Gneiser through 14 years as principal at Windy Peak Outdoor Lab, an outdoor education program for middle school students in Jefferson County. Founded in 1975 and located on 205 acres in Bailey, Colorado, Windy Peak provided an immersive educational experience to an estimated 60,000 students
Extracurricular activities, whether sports, the arts, faith-based activities or cultural clubs, can have profound effects on children, particularly as they transition from childhood to adolescence. Children who participate in group activities tend to have higher self-esteem and connection to their peers, as well as lower levels of anxiety and depression. Wheat Ridge hosts a plethora
In last month’s article, we discussed the goodness of “no-till” and why working less by ditching the tiller might be your best move yet! However, there is one more layer (pun intended) to this methodology which is inseparable from no-till; and that is mulching. 10 years ago, I adopted deep mulching methods in my permaculture
We are launching a community engagement process to help us set the stage for the city’s updated master plan, or City Plan, as we’re calling it. This plan aims to articulate the community’s vision for the next 20 years, establish shared values and identify priorities for the future. It will also provide direction on issues
Knee pain is a widespread issue that affects people of all ages and lifestyles. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior or someone who spends most of their time behind a desk, knee pain can strike unexpectedly and disrupt daily activities. Understanding the common causes behind this discomfort can empower individuals to seek appropriate treatment
Today you’ll find me curious about pretty much anything: my inner dialog, my procrastination, my dog’s behavior, my habits, my intuitive nudges and physical feelings, my judgments, any human I encounter and much more. I wasn’t always this way. I tended to be a bit of a know-it-all. It was a persona I needed to
Summer is right around the corner, and you might be wondering, “At what point do I switch from red to white?” The good news is that lighter-bodied reds can be served slightly chilled and are very refreshing in the spring and summer months. Consider trying a nice Pinot Noir or Beaujolais; these reds are lighter
I live on a street that has everything. Cats and dogs, squirrels and birds, kids, babies, families, young and not so young. We probably use three or four different waste pick up companies. We drive different cars and have different homes. Some days we cross the street and talk with our neighbors. Sometimes we cross
Mountain Vista Senior Living Community sits 15 sprawling acres of land looking out towards the mountains. Inside, it is a veritable town, with its own beauty salon, chapel, dog park, aviary, general store, garden, theater and clubhouse. “At Mountain Vista, we really strive to have a home-like environment,” said Director of Resource Development Annie Lazano.”This
Spring is in the air bringing good moods, cheery waves and neighborly gatherings. Walking down Ames Street this week, a woman I wasn’t sure I recognized was walking in the opposite direction on the other side of the street, talking sweetly to a child in her arms. She waved at me across the street and
Stressful situations in life are often unavoidable. It is common to feel stressed at times. Three out of four adults experience stress-related health effects. Stress is a physical response to challenging circumstances in your world, and can result in physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms. Stress is different from anxiety, which is a psychological reaction characterized
If you have a hobby, a creative or business idea and need a place to make it happen in Wheat Ridge, the Clear Creek Makerspace is now open. Localworks, a nonprofit organization focused on the city’s economic development, launched what might be its most visible project yet with a March 30 grand opening of the
Forget happy hour – it’s time to talk housing! Localworks, in collaboration with the City of Wheat Ridge and the Jeffco Advocacy Network, is thrilled to invite you to a special event aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding around the pressing issue of affordable housing in our community. Scheduled for Thursday, April 4th, from 5:00
Despite the harsh weather, scores of parents and community members reached out to the Jeffco School Board during public comment to express their hope and trust in the district to stand by LGBTQ+ students by upholding the district’s JB-R policy, in addition to supporting Colorado House Bills 1039 and 1323. The March 14 meeting was
Public health is an integral part of the larger picture of the health sector, but is distinct from the healthcare system in that our work focuses on the health and wellness of the community and population, rather than centering on individuals. This is done by addressing the foundations of health in the community. By reinforcing
It’s not an April Fools’ prank that I’m going to devote this column to April Fools’ Day when it’s already past. The day is one of my favorite times of the year, although having been a public school teacher, it always contained certain challenges — think tacks on teacher’s chair or, worse, water. I beg
Wheat Ridge Historical Society Earth Day Celebration The Historical Society will celebrate Earth Day at the Baugh House (44th Ave. & Robb St.) on Saturday, April 13, from 10:00–2:00. Join us for a seedling plant exchange to increase the variety in this year’s garden and a refresher course on sustainability, including information on best ways
With my sights set on a college degree and an interest in a new environment, I moved from Wheat Ridge to Starkville, Mississippi in 2022. While the city may be foreign to you, it is mostly known as the city in which Mississippi State University (MSU) resides and is the core reason I moved there.
Recycling information has changed over the years. In the 1980’s and 1990’s we were told to remove the cap from plastic bottles, whereas NOW we are told to leave the cap on. In previous times we crushed the aluminum cans down flat, but now Green For Life (our state recycler) requests that we NOT crush
Started in 1970, Earth Day is a day designated for celebrating, learning about and taking action to protect nature. Throughout the years, Earth Day has inspired numerous initiatives, from tree planting to beach cleanups to educational campaigns and policy advocacy. It has catalyzed significant changes, such as the creation of environmental protection laws, the promotion
Wheat Ridge City Council Held two public study sessions in March. The March 4 study session reviewed the amendment to the cooperation agreement between the city and the Wheat Ridge Urban Renewal Authority, and U.S. Retail Partners, the developer of the former Applewood Village Walmart. To incentivize the redevelopment of the property, in 2019 the
Hi bird lovers. Happy April. Ken Hall, aka Bird Nut here. The other evening I had the good fortune to meet two of the outstanding staff with The Neighborhood Gazette. I was presented with a question: “What made you interested in birding?” I had never pondered this question, and I’m very good at pondering. So
This year, it’s not the Lorax who speaks for the trees — it’s the Wheat Ridge Rotary Club. As part of its larger effort to maintain the beauty and charm of Wheat Ridge, the Rotary Club is piloting its Tree Scholarship Program. The program is set to offer 18 locals a free tree during Wheat
Sporting bow ties, bonnets and bunny ears, hundreds turned out to Anderson Park for the annual Easter Egg Hunt hosted by Wheat Ridge Parks and Recreation on Saturday, March 23rd. According to event organizer Beth June, the event, held annually for roughly 40 years, has evolved into a cherished family tradition for many in the
