Community Announcements
Special Flood Edition: Charitable Giving Guidelines & Scam Watch
By Mitch Morrissey
Denver District Attorney
As the waters recede from the tragic floods, the opportunities for scams are on the rise. Many good-hearted Coloradans become victims of these scams. I support and congratulate all who are looking for ways to help. Here is some guidance to ensure the funds to which you contribute are legal and will be used to help the flood victims.
Determining where and how to give is the first step in giving. A list of reputable agencies is available via helpcoloradonow.org. A partnership between the Colorado Division of Homeland Security, Emergency Management (DHSEM) and Colorado Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (COVOAD), the site provides a list of reputable agencies responding to current disasters in Colorado.
Giving Guidelines
Utilize internet resources, such as the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org) and Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) to verify the charitable organization.
Do not respond to unsolicited incoming emails, and never click on links contained within those messages. Also, be cautious of emails or networking sites that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files. These files may contain viruses.
Never give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions.
Contractor Scams
Unfortunately, contractors and home-improvement scam artists thrive during these times. Posing as inspectors, contractors, utility company representatives, FEMA agenda, home repair handymen or home inspectors, among others, these brazen offenders come door-to-door, post ads on Craigslist and often have seemingly legitimate credentials.
Always check ID before you let anyone into your home. Better yet, let NO ONE unknown in your home. If you are interested in the service offered, have them leave their information at the door. Only after they have left your property should you attempt to get the flyer or information they have left. Even if the person looks “official,” be vigilant and wary. Follow these tips:
Never select a home-improvement contractor who solicits door-to-door.
Contact your insurance company directly. Ask your insurance company for a list of qualified contractors, then check the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau (bbb.org).
Check to see that the contractor is licensed to do business in your municipality. In the City and County of Denver, contractors must be licensed. You can check the status of a contractor by going to the city website at denverda.org and clicking on “Contractor License.”
If you believe you have been taken in a scam, call the Denver DA Fraud Line at 720-913-9179.
Colorado Financial Planning Day
The 4th Annual Colorado Financial Planning Day will be held from 9am – 2pm on Saturday, October 5, at Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Auraria Campus Administration Building, 1201 5th St., Denver, CO 80204. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet in person or over the phone for a free, private consultation on their financial issues with experts from the Financial Planning Association and highly qualified Certified Financial Planner professionals. In addition, there will be several workshops conducted thoughout the day on a variety of personal finance topics. More information is available at cofpa.org/financial-planning-day To call for a one-on-one session, please dial 855-511-2233 on the day of the event. Take RTD Light Rail “W, C or E” trains to Auraria West Station or park in the Beech & Fir lot for free.
What is the Office of the Independent Monitor?
By Gianina Irlando
OIM Community Relations Ombudsman
The Office of the Independent Monitor (OIM) is the City and County of Denver’s independent civilian oversight agency of the Denver Police and Sheriff Departments. Led by Independent Monitor Nicholas E. Mitchell, the OIM accepts officer and deputy complaints and commendations, monitors investigations of alleged officer and deputy misconduct and recommends discipline to the Chief of Police, Director of Corrections and the Manager of Safety, when appropriate. In addition, the Independent Monitor makes recommendations on policy, procedure and training to better help the Police and Sheriff Departments improve their service to the public.
For more information about OIM, please visit our web site at denvergov.org/OIM or on Facebook at facebook.com/DenverOIM. If you have had contact with sworn law enforcement personnel, good or bad, and would like to talk about it, please contact us at OIM@denvergov.org, 720-913-3306 or drop by our office in the Wellington Webb Building, 201 W. Colfax Avenue, 12th Floor, Denver, CO 80202. We always welcome invitations to talk about our work and the services we offer from any organization interested in understanding the importance of independent civilian oversight for Denver.
What’s happening in RTD’s District B?
By Barbara Deadwyler
RTD Director District B
Big changes are happening all around the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) District B in northeast Denver and north Aurora, and we offer many ways for the public to stay informed. From construction on the new East and I-225 rail lines to bus schedule changes and other projects—I am here to help you stay informed.
Bus Service Changes
For starters, we are currently offering a great opportunity for you to learn more about the minimal bus service changes in our area that could take effect in January. RTD adjusts schedules three times a year, and it takes a lot of planning to coordinate service across 133 bus and light rail routes and 10,000 stops.
You can review proposed service changes and provide feedback through Oct. 8 by visiting rtd-denver.com/servicechanges-january2014.shtml. You can also fax your thoughts to 303-299-2227 or email them to service.changes@rtd-denver.com. My colleagues and I on the RTD Board of Directors will vote on these changes Oct. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at 1600 Blake St., and you are welcome to attend this public meeting. You can also provide us with feedback at our website rtd-denver.com and look for updates at Facebook and Twitter at /RideRTD.
New Rail Line Progress
Of course, the really big thing happening in District B is the construction of the East and I-225 rail lines, which will open in 2016. The East Rail Line commuter rail project will connect downtown Denver to Denver International Airport and the I-225 Light Rail Line will travel through Aurora before connecting with the East line to DIA.
We are adding 33 miles of commuter and light rail in northeast Denver and Aurora and we ask for your patience as we experience short-term construction inconveniences. Please remember that temporary street closures and lane restrictions ensure the safety of our workers and the public. In three short years we’ll see the pay-off when we have two wonderful new rail lines in operation.
Public Meetings/Community Events
To keep you informed of our construction progress, RTD participates in public meetings and community events. As such, we encourage you to attend the following:
Thursday, Oct. 10, we’ll host an East Rail Line informational event at Market Street Station in downtown Denver from 11am – 1pm.
Saturday, Oct. 12, RTD’s East Rail Line contractor Denver Transit Partners (DTP) will host an annual open house from 11am – 1pm at the Swigert International School at 3480 Syracuse St. At the open house, DTP will serve hot dogs and hamburgers and you can learn about the new commuter rail line’s vehicle and other transit details.
Career Opportunities
Finally, I am often asked about career opportunities on RTD FasTracks projects. I am delighted to tell you about RTD’s Workforce Initiative Now (WIN) program. This year alone, 323 people have attended WIN sessions and 66 have been hired. In my district, 63 people have received career-building services and 19 have new jobs. For more WIN information, call 303-299-2WIN (303-299-2946) or visit rtd-denver.com/win.
Of course, you are always welcome to reach out to me at 720-273-9520 or by email at Barbara.Deadwyler@rtd-denver.com. I look forward to meeting you in person, over the phone or by email, and to talking with you about all the exciting transit progress taking place across our district.
Denver Public Schools Middle & High School Expo is October 23
By Amy Asper
Denver Public Schools
If you’re interested in Denver Public Schools middle and high school options, there’s just one night you can’t miss! On Wednesday, October 23, 2013, DPS will host the Middle & High School Expo, providing families with the opportunity to explore more than 60 exciting middle and high school options within DPS. For the first time, DPS will host the Expo at Sports Authority Field at Mile High Stadium. All families with children in grades ECE through 8th are encouraged to attend and visit with principals, teachers and students from your schools of choice – as well as go out into the bleachers and check out the field!
• What: Denver Public Schools Middle & High School Expo
• When: Wednesday, October 23, 6-8pm
• Where: Sports Authority Field – Park in Lot C, Enter at Gate 2
• Who: All Denver-area families with children ian grades ECE through 8th grade who are interested in learning more about DPS middle and high school options.
• Contact: 720-423-3414 or dpsk12.org/expo
Greater Good Academy
Join the Greater Good Academy (GGA), an 8-week Triple Bottom Line (TBL) business planning course, from October 21st – December 9th. Now in its fourth year, the hands-on program helps current and aspiring entrepreneurs focus on building a profitable, environmentally and socially responsible company or nonprofit. The GGA is designed for Denver-based entrepreneurs and provides access to what you need to know to start or grow your business. “Our network of business owners and mentors are there to support you develop and launch a triple bottom line business,” said Richard Eidlin, program director. The class takes place at the Mi Casa Resource Center and meets for eight consecutive Monday nights. Tuition is $275. For more information, visit greatergoodacademy.org or contact Richard Eidlin at Richard@greatergoodacademy.org.
Colorado Honor Band Association
(CHBA) is a non-profit instrumental music organization currently conducting beginning and intermediate band in the Denver-metro area. CHBA desires to bring music to Denver communities, such as Park Hill, because they believe learning music cultivates peer camaraderie, respect for culture, and a pursuit for excellence. A team of professional staff meets weekly with students, engaging students through large group and one-on-one instruction where they learn music theory, instrumental techniques, and musicianship. Band classes in Denver currently meet at the Denver School of the Arts and at Historic Grant Avenue. Please visit cohonorband.org for more information.