The calls and emails that come in to the Gazette range from all sides of the spectrum, bright to dark, and sometimes the dark gets real ugly. Sometimes self serving, misinformed to downright threatening and mean. But the bright messages that we get, filled with hope, passion and uplifting stories are why we do this. Celebrating special occasions or stories of a struggling artist with a God given talent expressing themselves with colors, sounds or even shapes, the farmer turned politician standing up for a community, the selfless teacher helping those that couldn’t, the local entrepreneur turning a dream into a thriving venture. The amazing city staff that has to deal with that very dark side of town far more than we’ll ever know. This is the town where even opposing groups can take a moment to gather at events that bring the community together. These are the stories that keep us writing, publishing and bringing the Gazette to your homes.
Neighbors like Jeff and Liz that own Clancy’s but open up their place to all kind of musical groups that come in to rehearse and share their music with the community. The reunion of the graduating Farmer class of 1970 who come in to relive, share and catch up, and the list goes on, all for free. Joe Demott who continues to pull volunteers in to run the world’s greatest Carnation Festival (according to me).
City councilors that take that step forward to improve their districts. Meeting every Monday of almost every week of every month of every year for their terms. They listen to criticism, false accusations and have to take it all with a smile remembering why the stepped up to make a difference.
Eugene owns Colorado Plus and also opens up his beautifully remodeled place for groups, gatherings and reunions. Eugene doesn’t ask for anything in return. He smiles, shrugs and shares that he loves supporting this town. Tad owns Stylus and Crate. A coffee shop, now turned also cocktail parlor after 3PM. A place for seniors, passionate coffee drinkers, religious groups, authors looking for inspiration, informal city staff meetings and Wheat Ridge Police department community gatherings. Tad is an amazing and giving local business owner that is passionate about life in Wheat Ridge.
The list goes on and reminds me of when I purchased the Neighborhood Gazette and made only one change… “Only good news” and people doubted this would ever work. This community proves me right month after month. You are the light that keeps the “darkness on the edge of town”. Thank you for that… and as always, thank you for reading.
