We Are Moving! Please Sign our Neighborhood Blog and Leave us a note

Please leave us a note in the comments section below.

We are Moving!

When: Truck leaves Sunday, June 26th (a week from today), we drive out the Monday-Tuesday after

Party/Farewell: Friday, June 24th, 4-8pm, open house, please come by so we can say good bye. 

Come by anytime!

How can you help? 

1. Moving.   If you have time, we'd love your help loading the truck. The truck will be here (can't miss it) Friday-Sunday, June 26th. Come by anytime during the week Monday-Friday or Sat 9-12n, Sunday, 9-12n and help us pack-a-box, we'll provide drinks

2. Please sign our Neighborhood Blog, we'd love to hear from you, link here.

3. If you're the praying type, please pray for us for jobs, housing, safety as we travel, for peace

We love you and will miss you. Good bye and Adios.

David, Rachelle, Canela (12), Isabela (9), David Dennis (7), Jack the dog and Snowball the Hamster

I Love Garage Sales; Arvada Neighborhood Grant

Welcome Back Neighbors! You belong here,

Spring is in the air, the crack of the bat, tax refunds (just thought I'd throw that in there), trees are budding, people are outside and gorgeous sunny days are here (combined with a few rainy, snowy ones).

Spring is here and that means it's time for garage sales!

Our family loves garage sales, do you? 

We had our first garage sale last weekend and we made over $200. Good signage is the key, my wife Rachelle is the sign expert. I sit around and greet people (I'm the PR guy).

And even better than a few bucks was to make smores and burgers with our neighbors. We invited Michelle and children over who've been on our block for less than a year and had an impromptu bbq.


Our children got to play, adults got to talk about real stuff and smores were eaten by all.

We can't wait for our neighborhood garage sale that usually happens the 1st weekend in June sponsored by Gary and Donna Browing. Let's get our signs ready, sell stuff and get to know one another better.

Btw, the City is finally catching up to us : )

Have you heard about the Arvada Neighborhood Grant? It starts at $100 for picnics and such and goes up to $10,000 for bigger neighborhood projects. Read more here (thank you to Mike and Nancy for the heads up). 

Last year we were ready to pull off Bikes, Boards and Brunch (fixing bikes for local children and families) but fall and winter caught up to us.

The Neighborhood Improvement Grant applications must be submitted by April 22, 2011 and grants should be awarded the beginning of July.

If enough of you want to plan Bikes/Boards and Brunch together or something different, please let me know and we may just pull this off.  

Btw, last year I sent City Council members as well as the author of a book on Neighboring our neighborhood updates and they are all very proud of our efforts. For more read here and here.

Have a great beginning of Spring and see you around the neighborhood,

Your neighbor,

davidTrig

14235 W. 70th Dr. Arvada, CO 80004

303-859-8822 cell

Snow Days Drive Me Crazy!

Snow days drive me crazy! So we wrote a song about it. Click on Song Link below or video below. Hope you're surviving.

Song Link: Crazy!

Dog Cone

Good Day Neighbors,

How are you? The other day I sent an email to our neighbors looking for a dog cone or a "cone of shame" as made famous by the movie Up. Well, we got one from one of our neighbors (see video)

Thank you to all who offered to help with the dog cone. Jack's (our dog) eye (he has allergies) is doing better. This is what a neighborhood is all about.

Your neighbor,

davidTrig
14235 W. 70th Dr. Arvada, CO 80004

Poker Night Pics

For more on Poker Nights, or to join in the fun, see here.
Thank you Travis and Becky Smith (7085 Gladiola St) for organizing Poker Nights at your house. You guys are a great example of what being a neighbor is all about.

A Few Pics from Soup on Halloween

15 families passing out Soup on Halloween

15 families have signed up to pass out Soup on Halloween, tomorrow Sun. Oct 31st, 5-7pm near 72nd and Indiana Arvada, CO 80004 in an effort to become better neighbors and get to know each other better.

If you're one the families making Soup on Halloween, please send us your pictures, comments, reflections, evaluations by next Sunday, Nov. 7th. Thank you!

Small Business Invite - Pampered Chef - 14415 W. 70th Drive

If you'd like to post your business link on our neighborhood blog,  we'd love to help. We have a section below called "Business Links". Let us know how we can help.

OPEN HOUSE
Several home based small businesses
In one location for one stop shopping!

DATE: Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
TIME: From 10 AM till 3 PM
PLACE: 14415 W. 70th Drive, Arvada
Website here.
Download flyer here.

Stop by and see what the specials are. Do some Christmas shopping, buy for yourself or just window shop and get your wish lists together!! Even try some items out for yourself before you buy!

Bring a friend & receive a gift!

Don’t forget to sign up for any e-newsletters that are available, you’ll receive tips & current specials. You could even receive how to tutorials, & recipes, depending on the company of course.

Hope to see you then!!

Maria's Home Update #7 (14395 W. 70th Dr) - WOW!!

See Maria's Home Updates #1 here, #2 here, #3 here, #4 here, #5 here, #6 here

For background on this story, see here.

 

John and his crews keep up their incredible pace of work on Maria's home. This week they dug out the basement window well, Felted the roof, Started trim on the outside, the stairs went in, worked on the front columns, and a ton of more carpentry detail framing inside. Maria has a arched wall between the Living room and Dinning room. These guys are working at light speed. 

They are also asking what everyone thinks about the home too. So tell us what you think about it in the comments sections below. We will pass your comments along. 

This next week the mechanical systems are being installed and more work on detail framing. The window should be in next Monday and then they will start working on buttoning up the home from the elements. Its looking great. And everyone is really excited to see what's next to be done on Maria's home. 

Until next week.

Scott Stringham

Soup on Halloween Flyer

UPDATE#1 - So far, we've had 12 families sign up! Awesome. Keep them coming!!

Feel free to download flyer and pass out to your neighbors, family and friends!

For more information, check out video promo:

To register, download Registration Form and email it to mycityarvada@gmail.com or dtrigueros@gmail.com on or before Sunday, Oct. 17th, 2010

Download Registration Form here.

Thank you!

davidT

Why Be A Better Neighbor?

The other day someone asked me "how do we get people to buy into being a good neighbor". Everyone has a story, someone told me "it's the way I grew up". So how did I start trying to get to know my neighbors?

For me, when I was 7-8 years of age in Nicaragua, I remember my father coming home and giving small jobs to the homeless guys outside our house. As a little boy, even though I was scared of them, I always wondered why they were there. I soon realized many of them struggled with alcohol (as my grandfather who lived with us did). They would wake up late, worked maybe 1-2 hours and come hang out outside our door hoping to get money for the afternoon drink. They were kind men, harmless.

But instead of being scared or ignoring them, my papá would give them small jobs - paint the fence, sweep the porch, cut the trees, basic stuff. When they finished their work my dad would pay them, talk to them about their drinking (some of them actually stopped drinking, others didn't) and they'd be on their way till the next day. Did they drink with the money? Probably, but they felt valued versus invisible. Did my father waste his money, feeding their problem? Perhaps, but it modeled the practice of helping versus ignoring.

I remember about 10 years ago, I was looking at a church building I wanted to rent for an organization I was starting. Outside were 3-4 homeless guys, alcoholics, asking for money. I didn't feel anything bad towards them, but I also didn't do anything good. But the pastor showing me the church said "they're just a bunch of drunks!" as he near stepped on them. I told myself, "I will always treat people with respect and dignity."

Obviously here in our neighborhood things are much different, I don't have any homeless people waiting outside my door! But the principle is the same.

Whether a single person, or older couple, whether a loud family or a quiet woman, everyone is worthy of respect, no matter their life situation. And in fact, that dignity and respect is best shown by becoming friends and better neighbors.

I wonder what is your story? Why do you try to become a better neighbor?

Family Walk - to support John Wright, science teacher w/leukemia

Cost:
Individual $20
Family (2 or more) $50



Registration Form

Maria's Home Update #6 (14395 W. 70th Dr)

See Maria's Home Updates #1 here, #2 here, #3 here, #4 here, #5 here

For background on this story, see here.

WOW! What a week. The second floor went up. The trusses for the roof were put on and the roof sheeting was installed. It really looks great. And BIG too. All of the neighbors that I have talked to have commented on how much bigger it looks. The ceilings in the home are 2 feet higher then they were. So the house is about 4 feet higher.

Maria stopped by a couple of times this last week. She was very anxious to see what everyone thought of the new home. I think I can speak for everyone when I told her that it looked fantastic, and from everyone slowing down to look at the new home, everybody is pretty much in agreement. One person who was passing let out a great big "YAHOOO".

This made Maria feel a whole lot better. Maria misses the neighbors and can't wait to be home. John the builder is shooting to have Maria back home by Thanksgiving or Christmas. As fast as they have been working and as long as the weather holds for a couple more weeks, I think Maria back home would make for one incredible Christmas present for the neighborhood.

Until next week,

Scott Stringham

Night of the fire...April 23rd, 2009

Maria's Home Update #5 (14395 W. 70th Dr)

See Maria's Home Updates #1 here, #2 here, #3 here, #4 here.

Its starting to look like a home! They started the framing. It took about a week to get the first floor done. John the contractor said he hopes to have the roof trusses on by next Wednesday. I'm sure if you drive by everyday you can see the rapid progress that they are making.

Here are a few shots of the progress. The floor plan looks just about the same as the other home.The second floor has a dormer on the master bedroom for a higher ceiling. The ceilings are higher and the back of the home extends out about 4 feet further into the back yard for a bigger kitchen, family and dinning room. This also makes the 2nd floor rooms larger.

On a sad note. Some one got into Maria's yard last weekend and cut down three of her trees in the back yard. They were about a 30 foot elm tree in the north east corner of her yard. If we could keep an eye out for vandals, that would be greatly appreciated.

A Note from Peter Lovenheim

One of the books that has greatly influenced our efforts to become better neighbors has been Peter Lovenheim's "In the Neighborhood: The Search for Community on an American Street". Check it out here.

Peter heard of our neighborhood efforts here in Colorado and he wrote us a nice note. Thank you Peter!

David and Rachelle,

I love what you're doing in your neighborhood--I'm glad you found my book, "In the Neighborhood," helpful. Your neighbors are lucky to have you as a neighbor!

Best,
Peter Lovenheim

September Update - 2010

Hi again neighbors!

Can it get any more beautiful than this? Wow...this weather is amazing.

It's been a while, but we have not forgotten about you! In fact, we've been planning some ways to get together again. One almost happened but we postponed it and one is in the making.

In this edition:

1. Poker Night
2. Brunch and Bikes (Spring 2011)
3. Soup for Halloween
4. Blog Stories - pigeons and more...

1. Poker Night - Friday, September 24th – 7:00 PM, 7085 Gladiola St - Smith's House

Mark your calendars for the next night of fun; feel free to invite friends and neighbors. Most of us haven’t played much poker so don’t worry if you are inexperienced as well. More info here.

2. Brunch and Bikes - Postponed. The idea was to fix bikes for neighborhood children while enjoying some great food and amazing weather! It's still a great idea, but we'll do it in the Spring of 2011 when everyone is ready to use their bikes once again.



I spoke to John, owner of Foothills Cycling and he was ready to donate 10 gently used bikes, PTA at EL Foster Elementary where our children attend (a Title 1 dual language Spanish/English school in East Arvada) was ready to bring some of their children that needed bikes, Einstein's Bagles was ready to donate bagels, I spoke to Mark and Cynda owners of Bread Winners Catering in Old Town and they were ready to donate delicious quiche and 4-5 neighbors.


3. "Soup on Halloween" Sat-Sunday, Oct 30-31. I spoke to one of our neighbors Scott who already does this as well as the president of Maple Valley HOA (right next to Shadow Mountain) and we're looking into opening different homes for Halloween weekend and making soup - split-pea, chicken noodle, chile and my favorite Tortilla Soup, like a "Halloween progressive dinner".

4. Blog Stories - our blog has had over 400 hits in just 3 months since our park event in June 2010. I also spoke to the Arvada City Manager and our blog will be under "Community Partners" on the Arvada City Website and the Old Town website.

I personally love Donna's story about the pigeon. I've also enjoyed the progress reports Scott has been posting regarding Maria's rebuilding (house that burned down last year), read updates here.

Btw, Maria's construction site was vandalized a few days ago, someone jumped the fence and cut down one of her trees. Why? No clue.

* If you hear of any vandalism, please let us know, we'll update the blog so we all can be on the lookout and help each other.

Other Quick Updates:

*A great book you may want to pick up on neighborhoods and community is "Community: The Structure of Belonging" by Peter Block.

*If you would like to co-host our neighbor's blog and post please let me know, I don't want to hog the blog : )

*I've received emails from many of you expressing gratitude for the connections that are being made on our homes and neighborhood. Thank you.

*The other day a neighbor knocked on our door as she was walking her dog, I had never met her before but she reads our blog. She told me "your car lights are on". That saved me having to get a jump the next morning while trying to drop children off. Thank you.

Glad to be your neighbor.

Please stop by anytime,

davidT

Maria's Home Update #4 (14395 W. 70th Dr)

See Maria's Home Updatea#1 here, #2 here and #3 here.

The foundation is poured, the forms were taken off on Monday. The foundation was left to cure for the week. On Wednesday they painted the foundation with a water proof paint to seal it. On Friday they back filled in the foundation.

It may seem slow, but they are making steady progress on the rebuilding. John and Maria were talking to me last week about what the home is going to look like.

The home is going to be rock and stucco. Its going to be a two story with a dormer above the master bed room. They don't have a artist rendition quite yet, but when they do, Maria said she would share it with everyone.

"Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress" Nicholas Murray Butler

until next week

Scott Stringham (14415 W. 70th Dr.)

Poker Night - Friday, Sept. 24th, 7 pm. (7085 Gladiola Ave St - Smith's)

Mark your calendars for the next night of fun; feel free to invite friends and neighbors. Most of us haven’t played much poker so don’t worry if you are inexperienced as well.

Date: September 24^th – 7:00 PM

Location: 7085 Gladiola St – Smith’s

No money (who has extra to spare these days), we have chips and it helps keep it a little more light and fun.

Bring a drink to share and we’ll have snacks.

Let me know if you can make it so I can plan accordingly.

Travis

Phone: 720-220-8311

Email: travis@SmithGroupEng.com

What Community is All About...

Happy Labor Day Weekend!

Donna (7119 Gardenia Ave) lovely lady on the left and Gretchen (lovely lady on the right) wrote this email a few days ago. Both Donna and Gretchen came to our Picnic at the Park back in June 2010.

Donna said it'd be okay to post her story on our neighborhood blog.

davidT

"Dave

I'm new to dealing with computers and e mail I,m hoping you can help me get this message out to the shadow mountain neighbors.

Sunday this beautiful white pidgeon appeared in Gretchen,s yard. It has bands on both legs, we called the bird rescue and they said it was probably a racing pidgeon. it can walk around but not fly. If anyone can help they can call Gretchen or Donna.

thanks so much donna"

(not actual pigeon : )

After I got the first email, I called Donna, we chatted a bit, then I called a friend who owns racing pigeons here in the area, I think the pigeon is his. What are the chances! A few neighbors heard of Donna and Gretchen's pigeon, and they reached out to them.

Then Donna wrote...

"Hi Dave,

thank you for helping us with the bird problem. Gretchen had two calls offering help and acvice. when she opened the garage door the bird walked out, took a looka around and flew away.

It was a great to experience what a coummunity is all about,
many thanks to you!

donna"

Isn't that great! Not only is the pigeon home (we hope), but connections were made and our neighborhood became that much more a place of kindness and support.

Thank you Donna and Gretchen. We think you guys are an amazing example of what it means to be great neighbors!

davidT

Maria's Home Update #3 (14395 W. 70th Dr)

See Maria's Home Update#1 here and Update#2 here.

From Scott Stringham (Maria's next door neighbor and Lieutenant of the Arvada Fire Department):

"The foundation was poured today! They were working all week on prepping for the foundation pour. Maria stopped by to take a look at the progress. She was really excited to see what had been done so far. She was also really happy to hear about the blog, and the progress reports.

She is going to let her family in Greece know about it so they can watch the progress of the home being built. She misses all of her neighbors, and is really tired of moving.

John wanted to get the foundation poured so it could cure over the long weekend. "

Thank you Scott for the updates...

And to Maria's family in Greece: Welcome!