West 44th Avenue in Wheat Ridge is seeing retail space filling up since the New Year with a number of new businesses opening in the area.  The retail outlet located at 9045 West 44th Avenue is now officially at capacity with two new businesses under lease and set to be open in the next few weeks. Heavenly Harvest Produce is set to open towards the beginning of February and will offer regionally grown fruits and vegetables at half the price of the major grocery store chains. Owners Russ and Kathy McKee had looked for a location in other Jefferson County cities but found the business climate and city management in Wheat Ridge to be much more conducive to small business owners. Russ McKee grew up in a farming family and has developed his experience into a thirty year career in the produce industry giving him the opportunity to network with growers and suppliers across the region allowing him to buy directly from the supplier and extending those savings to his customers.

Jim Wander has a history as a business owner in the community and brings over thirty years of flooring experience to Jim’s Flooring Solutions set to open mid-February. They will offer a large number of products including wood, tile, stone and carpet and will offer the service expected in being able to talk to the owner anytime.

The Colorado Dental Association is holding its annual Give Kids a Smile Day 2012 on Fri., Feb. 3 by offering free dental treatment to kids. More importantly, it is also a vehicle to demonstrate to policymakers that these children deserve a better healthcare system.  Local Dentist Dr. Darren Bennett of Sloanside Dental in Edgewater has volunteered his office as participants and is taking appointments for free care on that day.   To join the CDA and Sloanside Dental in this proactive national effort to address the ongoing issue of access-to-care and receive free care, call their office at (303) 274-1100.

TIGAR Gymnastics, 4860 Van Gordon, will offer a one-hour introductory class for anyone interested in learning about rhythmic gymnastics, beginning on Friday, January 20th. Rythmatic coach Marina Carlson, hails from Estonia, where she has trained national champions and Olympians.  The class open to children from age 5 – 16.  Call TIGAR at 720.898.4427 for more information.