April 2, 2015 VOLU M E 9 1 | I S SUE 33
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CEI recognizes Patterson as Healthy School Champion
Lakewood city planner Alexis Moore speaks about the plans to make the 40 West Arts District a destination during the March 25 meeting. Plans for the district include permanent signage, and temporary “tactical” urbanism. Photos by Clarke Reader
Extended school day to allow students more movement By Clarke Reader
creader@colorado communitymedia.com
40 West lays out ‘place-making’ designs District enlists support for Artspace proposal
By Clarke reader • Creader@ColoradoCommunitymedia.Com
A
rtistry often involves a declaration of uniqueness, a clear expression of identity. The 40 West Arts District is a step closer to doing just that, as the organization presented some “place-making” designs at a March 25 meeting.
Kristin Cypher, a place-making design consultant with C+B Design, has been working on ideas for creative and tactical place-making that range from gateways and permanent signage to identify the boundaries of the Lakewood arts district, to more unique methods like “yarn-bombing” and painting. “This is the most inspiring creative district I’ve had the chance to work with so far,” Cypher told the more than 30 people in attendance at the 40 West Gallery. “When you are building a district, you want to focus on character identity, and you already have an incredible sense of place here.” Most of the proposed designed integrate “40” and “W” into the design, and provide directions to popular destinations. One of the most important features are map kiosks, Cypher said, which will provide people a sense of place and provide space for community notifications. Attendees had a chance to designate places they believe would be ideal for place-making features, whether it be simple signage or more ornate, public art pieces. They were also able to pick some of their favorite and least favorite design elements.
WHERE IS THE DISTRICT? The 40 West Arts District runs along West Colfax, from West 9th Avenue to Simms Street, and includes: Galleries: A&E Gallery Bella Metallo Gallery Gallery 8025 The Alumni Gallery Zephyr Studio Gallery Performance Venues: Lakewood Dance Academy The Edge Theater The Lakewood Grill Stage The Mary Harris Auditorium Sons of Norway Creative Businesses: Accent Art Glass Earthwood Builders Lonnie Hanzon Design Studio Summit Brick Company Wings Aloft Gallery
Artspace plan weighed
During a March 25 meeting, residents indicated where in the 40 West Arts district they would like to see new place-making signage. “We’ve already had a huge impact with public art in the district and some of the new sidewalks that are getting put in,” said Lakewood city Designs continues on Page 22
Bill Marino, chair of 40 West, announced city council will consider making a commitment with Artspace on a predevelopment project on April 13 and encouraged all in attendance to be at the meeting, and speak in favor the agreement. “Artspace is 38 for 38 on getting projects done when they get these commitments,” he said. “The arts has an enormous catalytic effect on the economy, and if we don’t have places for artists to live and work, they will leave.”
Eating right and exercising at a young age are crucial to getting children in the healthy habit. The Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) recognized 47 Colorado schools that have taken the lead in getting their students healthy, and Lakewood’s Patterson International School is one of the Healthy School Champions. “We have a very solid healthy schools committee and this recognition is the culminating act of all we have done here,” said Patterson principal Valerie Pollitt. “Part of being an IB (International Baccalaureate) school is that we want our kids to be balanced.” Patterson will receive $2,500 for its designation. Winning schools will be recognized at the CEI’s 7th Annual Summit and Luncheon on April 24. CEI’s health and wellness program recognizes schools that implement healthy methods into daily activities and find a way to make health consciousness a routine, said CEI Health and Wellness Director Amy Dillon. “We look for administrators that really support these efforts and use data to evaluate the work,” she said. “We want to shine a spotlight on the successes and recognize the great work these schools are doing.” There is an application process schools go through, which includes getting letters of support, and then school representatives interview with CEI. Some of the features that set Patterson apart include starting an 100-Mile Club, starting before and after-school activities, and launching a Run for Fund fundraising event. Pollitt credits the school’s health committee for leading the way on these projects. “We’ve also been looking at the food our kids bring into school, and we’re trying to change that to healthy snacks,” she said. “We have built in opportunities for students to move more during the day and are bringing structured recess time to the students.” The health benefits aside, Pollitt said principal referrals for behavior have gone down and students are showing up to school earlier to participate in events. “This award validates all the work and time we’ve put in with our students,” she said. “Parents are participating, and it’s been great to see all these projects getting going.”
Council on Aging pegs senior needs Danielson to meet with county advocacy group By Amy Woodward
awoodward@colorado communitymedia.com Jefferson County’s senior advocacy groups are continuing to work toward the county’s goals in addressing senior needs. The Jefferson County Council on Aging identified key areas related to senior care in its 2015 report, which will be released in May. Through assessment surveys, provid-
ed by the Area Agency on Aging under the Denver Regional Council of Governments, residents responded that Jeffco seniors are in need of assistance relating to home repairs, housekeeping including meal preparation, case management and transportation. “It doesn’t matter where you’re aging — those are really big things,” said Rena Kuberski, aging and adult program manager with Jeffco Human Services. Kuberski and many other council members volunteer on multiple senior advocacy groups including Jeffco’s Aging Well Project. Results obtained by the council are ac-
curate when compared with the types of calls received at human services, Kuberski said, where county residents are calling to request more information on how to get assistance. Cary Johnson, president of Jeffco’s Council on Aging, said the 2015 report also outlines strategies to increase awareness of the advocacy group, their initiative to identify additional trends, concerns and gaps affecting older adults and their goal to reach out to state representatives. “We want to see that you are actually putting forward senior legislation on a regular basis,” Johnson said of the legislator
outreach. In August, the council will organize a forum where a handful of Jeffco’s representatives will be invited to listen to council’s suggestions and findings for senior needs. “We just want to interact with them at least once year,” Johnson said State Rep. Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, is at the top of the invite list, since she has taken a proactive approach to addressing senior needs through the introduction of two House bills this legislative Aging continues on Page 22