November 15, 2012
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A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 4
Open space trails celebrated City opens Metzger Farm open space By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Westminster and Broomfield residents braved the snow and cold on Saturday to check out the now open, Metzger Farm open space area. Attendees enjoyed the celebration with hot cider and live music, while representatives from both cities spoke about the importance of the project. “Cities and counties by their nature are competitive, we depend upon sales tax property tax to live and to have this area become open space without any tax associated, is truly unique,” said Broomfield mayor Pat Quinn. “I doubt there are many projects like this across the county. This could be a Walmart or another store, but it’s not, it’s open space.” In 2005, the city of Westminster and the city and county of Broomfield formed a foundation for the acquisition, financing, management and maintenance of Metzger Farm, which is nestled between both communities at 120th Avenue and Lowell Boulevard. The foundation purchased the farm in 2006 using funds from three grants totaling more than $1.8 million from Adams County and a grant of $500,000 from Great Outdoors Colorado.
Doug Rippey and Anita Schunemann of the 40 Degrees North Appalachian string band perform at the Metzger Farm opening in Westminster Saturday. Photos by Andy Carpenean The farm was purchased in 1943 by John Metzger and was used for cattle grazing. The farmstead includes the family home and nine buildings, which are still intact and represent a model farm in the mid-20th century. The two main ponds on the property were originally used for irrigation, stock watering and firefighting. Now after months of renovating, the
Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally, left, talks with visitors at Saturday at the Metzger farm opening.
area includes a parking lot, two miles of trails, a 70-foot steel bridge that connects to the Big Dry Creek Trail system, a picnic pavilion, fishing dock, wildlife viewing deck, fencing and signage. Quinn said stabilization construction will continue on the house and the buildings and the project will be completed in full by summer 2013. Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally is thrilled with the opening of the Metzger Farm to the public. She said it will benefit both communities and also preserves an important piece of local history.
During the opening celebration, Bill Metzger and Karen Keithley, son and daughter of John Metzger, spoke about their time on the farm growing up. Both agreed their father would have been pleased and proud with the farm being used as open space for the community. “Over the years I would come and check on this place from time to time and it seemed like we were kind of stuck, but what was happening was the planning wheels were turning,” Keithley said. “And now it is truly a magnificent place. We are so proud and grateful for everyone in both cities. Everyone has been tremendous.”
Charity drive helps families during tough times By Ashley Reimers
‘Last month we helped 528 families, and that number could go up next month.’
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com For 21 years the Westminster Fire Department has stepped up to provide toys, clothing and food to those in need in the city through their annual holiday charity drive. The effort has made a huge difference in the lives of hundreds of residents during a time when families need it most. “The need always goes up during the winter months and around the holidays,” said Lynda Nobbe, coordinator of the Westminster FISH food bank. “People lose their summer seasonal jobs or their construction jobs. Last month we helped 528 families, and that number could go up next month.” The Westminster FISH food bank is one of three beneficiaries of the charity drive. The Have-AHeart Project, a local non-profit organization that provides food and clothing to Adams County
Lynda Nobbe, food bank coordinator
Yoly Nofsinger puts together boxes of food at the Westminster FISH food bank. The program provides food to over 500 families a month and is one of the recipients of the Westminster Fire Department’s holiday charity drive. Photo by Ashley Reimers residents and the Jeffco Foster Care program are the other two. Lt. Bruce Black, coordinator
of the charity drive, said all perishable food items go to the food bank, and the new and gently
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used toys and clothing go to the other two organizations. Although all items donated are appreciated, new clothing and toys are preferred, he added. “We will take anything, but when it comes to the toys we would really like new toys,” Black said. “I don’t know a kid who would want a used stuffed animal. Kids want new toys and for some, this may end up being the only toys they get for Christmas.” Debbie Smith, president of Have-A-Heart Project, said she looks forward to the charity drive every year because anything free is great. Through the project, she tries to provide a new or used toy to every child who’s family qualifies for the Have-A-Heart services and this year she said will probably give out at least 500-600 toys. “We give the kids good clothes and warm coats, but all they really care about is the toys,” she said. “So this charity drive helps us get them their toys so their dreams
aren’t crushed at Christmas.” This year’s charity drive is Nov. 19 through Dec. 14. Donations of perishable foods and new and gently used clothing and toys can be dropped off at any city facility in the big green bins. Firefighters will collect the items and distribute them to the local charities. Nobbe said she hopes the community participates because the families the charity drive helps, are truly appreciative. “We have the nicest and appreciate clients in Colorado,” she said. “They are so happy with what they get, even during the times when we are low on food.” For more information on the charity drive, call 303-658-4500.
HOLIDAY CHARITY DRIVE Donate nonperishable food items and gently used toys and clothing to those in need in Westminster Nov. 19 through Dec. 14. Green donation bins can be found at all city facilities.