I’ve often reflected on how hard it was to move to and become a citizen of the United States. The paperwork, the attorneys, the testing, and, of course, the waiting—it was an arduous journey. It was never about a specific state or city; for me, it was about the idea of the country itself. Recently,
For whatever reason , I was expecting so much more from 24, but I am grateful for every year and what it brings. New businesses to our town, new families moving in on our streets. No doubt that this year’s elections was a relief to some, a gut punch to others and the rest just
With the constant stream of proposals and regulations up for debate in this election season, it can be challenging to keep track of what’s actually on the ballot—let alone decipher all the opinion pieces circulating online and at community meetings. Each side accuses the other of spreading misinformation, lying, or concealing key facts. This piece,
It was just past the Syracuse, New York exit on I-90 when Bruce made a terrible vibrating sound. I quickly pulled over the side of the highway. It was Saturday and so most places I called were closed. But I did google VW-EuroVan near Syracuse and got on the Eurovan FB to ask for help.
It’s been a year since the world witnessed the barbaric acts of the Hamas terrorists upon a music festival and families in a small town in Israel. Thousands murdered, raped and kidnapped and still more than 100 hostages kept and tortured in those tunnels. It was the largest number of jewish people killed in one
I am a self-confessed Olympics junkie. Having attended 2 Olympics in person, I follow them every 2 years and still not sure whether I prefer the summer or winter versions. This year’s Summer Olympics in France produced more world records and social media footage than ever. Yes, it’s easy to harp on the complaints of
For 67 years, Cub Scout Pack and Scouting Troop 240, chartered in 1957 by the Wheat Ridge Kiwanis Club, have embraced diversity to create a supportive and enriching environment. Troop 240 includes Scouts from varied backgrounds. One Scout found guidance after a parent’s incarceration, while another discovered family support following a parent’s passing. Scouts on
Losing friends or making friends based on their political beliefs is unfortunately quite common these days. In fact disagreeing with someone will almost certainly sever that relationship and have you labeled as a “negative” person. This was by far the most talked about topic at our Gazette booth at RidgeFest and The Edgewater Music Festival.
When I sat down to write this month’s editorial, I had this witty idea about how bands change overtime. The Dave Matthews band of the 1990s is not the same band you’ll see on tour today; That Journey needed to learn how to be a band without Steve Perry… I wanted to wax poetically about
As the City of Wheat Ridge moves to decommission its network of fifteen Emergency Notification sirens, I would like to provide a bit of context. Generally referred to as Civil Defense Sirens, for those of us who grew up in the 1950s and ‘60s, the wail of these sirens was a weekly reminder that dangerous
Being part of the Wheat Ridge team, presenting at the All America City Conference, was a huge honor. We were asked to each wear a “Wheat Ridge t-shirt”. The presentation described what and how the city had addressed the recent racism and anti-semitic attacks on our town and how we dealt with it. We had
Kids have a bad habit of asking for something over and over and over until parents break down and say “OK”. Some may experience these battles in shopping centers, restaurants and of course at home. The energy from both sides spent on a very predictable outcome, while funny sometimes, is an absolute drain on everyone
I walked out of the restaurant and held the door open for the person walking in… And he just kept walking. I said “you’re welcome” and got no reaction back. What happened to “thank you?” Letting someone into your lane during traffic, there used to be a wave of a hand, as if to say
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
Every few years the City of Wheat Ridge hires a marketing firm to survey its residents. Rising to the top spot: 77% of residents point to the Neighborhood Gazette as one of their most used sources of news and information. That was the result of the last survey. Higher than any other publications, websites or
“24 and there’s so much more” sang Neil Young, and that’s how I feel about this new year. If it’s one thing I learned in 2023 is that there are no promised tomorrows. Appreciate your friends, leave nothing unsaid, plant that tree, buy those chickens. Build that shed. Forget that permit. Take that vacation. Ask
As the excitement of the New Year begins to fade, it can be challenging to remember why we dreamed up such lofty goals or even how we can remain committed to personal change. Statistically, one-third of Americans embark on resolutions, but only 8% successfully achieve them. If you find yourself within these statistics, the odds
Let’s make 2024 the year we identify our true friends and build on that list. Take stock of who’s around you. That is my New Year’s resolution. I have more than 2000 contacts on my phone and yet don’t stay in touch with nearly as many as I’d like to. Your sphere is made of
My dad always told me that he would rather see the KKK march down main street in full daylight for all to see, rather than have them meet in dark basements. Last week at council, several speakers, using fake names, signed up for public speaking to get their three minutes to talk about rounding up
As conversations regarding the 2024 elections start to ignite, I find it worth talking about the voting experience for young voters in an age of technology reliance and its correlation to heightened political activity. To preface, political engagement within Generation Z is at a historic high according to 2023 midterm election data from Tuft’s Center
I remember the morning of Sept. 11, 2001 standing in the parking lot at work, watching that second plane go into the towers right in front of me. I also remember those inside my office that were cheering the falling of the towers and the murder of 3,000 people. Earlier this month when I learned
Just take a moment to look around and see the amazing things happening all around us. I was invited recently to the Optimist Club meeting and found myself standing in a room of people reciting an oath to be positive and to look at the sunny side of things. It was an hour of laughter,
Election time is always interesting in Wheat Ridge. These days, much more subdued than ever. We have a city council that is all in agreement. All green lights on the dais for just about every proposition, amendment, idea or spending request from the city. Many that follow city council meetings have been voicing their concerns
The expression of “be careful for what you wish for” was never as right as that Saturday when I set up the Neighborhood Gazette booth at the Blues and BBQ Festival in Edgewater. Displaying a banner that reads “I will talk to anyone about anything” brought on more attention than I expected. The festival began
