Greater Park Hill News January 2023

The Golden Road To City Hall

Since 1959, All Paths To The Denver Mayor’s Office Wind Through Park Hill

By Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN

It’s a fairly easy task to run for Mayor of Denver. You’ve got to be 30 years old, a qualified elector, and a resident of the city for two years. Living in Park Hill at some point in your lifetime isn’t a requirement. But, dating back to 1959, it’s been a point of fact.

As documented in historian Phil Goodstein’s seminal book Park Hill Promise, every elected* mayor of Denver — from Richard “Dick’” Batterton (1959-63) to the current mayor, Michael B. Hancock — has lived in Park Hill.

In his usual colorful prose, Goodstein devotes an entire chapter to the “Mayors of Park Hill” — detailing the various triumphs and foibles of past city leaders, as well as other sundry politicos who cut their teeth in the neighborhood.

Not all of these men — Denver has not yet elected a woman mayor — have lived in the neighborhood while holding office. Some had the luck of growing up in the neighborhood or living here as young adults before

entering politics. Some moved to the neighborhood after their election to the office. (Indeed, in recent years, Park Hill has become a mustlive-there destination for some politicos hot on the move.)

In an interview, Goodstein admits the past trend may not carry as much gravity as all that.

“To be honest, I think that a lot of it is coin-

cidence,” he said.

In his book, Goodstein describes Batterton, who led the city from 1959-63, as the last Republican mayor of Denver. Though the office is officially nonpartisan, Democrats have long dominated city hall, with only the occasional registered Republican serving on city council. Batterton lived at 2009 Hudson St. (an address that has also been designated as 5439 Montview Blvd.) and co-owned a car dealership on Colfax and Gilpin. Like many car salesmen, Batterton cultivated a winking, folksy manner — a sort of, “Do I got a deal for you!” style, Goodstein said.

Once elected, Batterton eagerly promoted building Interstate 70 through existing neighborhoods, forever altering Globeville, Elyria and Swansea. Under Batterton Denver also achieved a dubious honor as the burglary capital of North America — a record aided by culprits who also happened to be Denver police officers. The police burglary scandal helped spur Batterton’s defeat in 1963 by Thomas G. Currigan.

Lived here, then moved Tom Currigan, mayor from 1963-1968, grew up at 2668 Clermont St., and politics ran in his family. After World War II and attending college at Notre Dame, Currigan returned to Park Hill, and lived at 2925 Ivy St. By the time he ousted Battington, Currigan no longer lived in Park Hill. He had moved to 444 S. Oneida, in

on page 4

Scoring At

Story and photos by Reid Neureiter For the GPHN

The Irish Gaelic greeting, “Céad míle fáilte” or “One Hundred Thousand Welcomes” appears on the sign of the East Colfax’s Abbey Tavern Irish pub. And during November and December’s soccer World

Cup, tavern co-owner and founder Glen Eastwood welcomed standing-room-only crowds of passionate soccer fans cheering on their favorite teams while watching the soccer-centric pub’s seven big-screen televisions.

Eastwood came to the United States from Dublin, Ireland in 1994 and ran or man-

aged a number of bars for nearly 20 years. In 2012, wanting to open his own pub, Eastwood and a partner saw the potential in a closed flower shop on the 5100 block of Colfax Avenue between Fairfax and Filbert streets.

The Abbey Tavern opened in November 2013, serving a menu that Eastwood describes as “Irish-American,” including everything from burgers, to Shepherd’s Pie, to traditional British fish and chips.

“I wanted to build a neighborhood pub,” Eastwood says. “A pub that I would be proud of, proud to own, a place where I would feel comfortable drinking.” He says

Soccer fans react to England’s Harry Kane missing a penalty that would have tied the quarter-final match with France on Dec. 10.

Candidate Kelly Brough met in December with The Locals, a group of longtime Park Hillians who gather regularly at Cake Crumbs Bakery & Cafe. Photo by Cara DeGette

Denver’s current mayor, Michael B. Hancock, pictured with the late longtime Denver power broker Steve Farber in this undated photo. Photo courtesy of Phil Goodstein

Federico Peña urged Denver to Imagine a Great City. Photo courtesy of Phil Goodstein, circa 2006 by Tom Torgove.

Bill McNichols was mayor of Denver from 1968 to 1983. Photo courtesy of Phil Goodstein

April’s Coming, No fooling

Denver Is At A Crossroads; Get Ready For A Historic Election

By Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN

Whoever is not running for mayor of Denver, raise your hand.

That became a running joke as 2022 drew to a close — and as the number of people announcing they want to run Colorado’s largest city began to swell, then balloon. As of press time, the count is 25 — with three more months to go until the April 4 municipal election.

After 12 years as mayor, Michael B. Hancock is term-limited from the office, and a number of local politicians are making their move (see the complete list of candidates for mayor on page 4).

As Hancock’s time in office draws to a close, perceptions of the state of the city are far bleaker then the joke about who wants to be the next mayor. Denver’s continuing crisis of homelessness, along with a lack of affordable housing and rising crime, are on peoples’ minds. So too is the palpable perception among regular citizens that the current administration is operating at the behest of special interests — specifically deep-pocket developers and lobbyists who are calling the shots at city hall.

In coming months, expect all of these issues to be front and center — including the ongoing controversy of the Park Hill Golf Course property. Last year Denver voters overwhelmingly approved further protections for the city’s conservation easement on the 155-acre property. But thanks to a persistent developer and his friends at city hall, this April Denver voters will again be asked to weigh in on the future of the easement. Other citywide referendums and amendments will also likely be sent to voters.

Denver’s strong-mayor form of government means whoever holds the position wields a tremendous amount of power. The job comes with a current salary of $188,429, and loosely includes everything from being responsible for overseeing the police department to making sure potholes are filled.

The mayor appoints 25 department heads that oversee parks and recreation, community planning, the airport, police, fire and public safety, as well as transportation, human services, economic development and a multitude of other services. Needless to say, it’s a full-time job.

But mayor is not the only game in play come April. Denver’s 13-member city council is also likely to shift. Several current members are also term-limited, are not running again, or are being challenged. The tax-paid salary for city council members

is currently $96,557, and whoever is appointed council president makes another $12,000 on top of that.

Longtime Councilman Chris Herndon, whose district included Park Hill as well as Central Park, is term-limited. Because of last year’s redistricting, two council districts will include parts of Park Hill. Check out pages 6-7 for an introduction to the candidates who want to represent the neighborhood at city hall — and for the map showing the newly-redrawn council districts.

In all, nearly 50 people are currently running citywide for council — including nine who are running for two open at-large seats. The two who are elected will represent the city as a whole.

Penfield W. Tate III, an attorney, open space advocate and former state senator and representative from Park Hill, announced in November that he is an at-large candidate. Tate is also an award-winning columnist for the Greater Park Hill News; his column is on hiatus while he is running for office. His campaign website is tateforcitycouncilatlarge.com

Other candidates who are running for at-large seats include:

Will Chan: Currently works for the city’s economic development office. He grew up in west Denver. willchanfordenver.com

Dominic Angelo Diaz: At 24, Diaz hopes to become the youngest member of city council. He currently works for the city in the office of children’s affairs. diazforden.com

Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez: Currently is a state legislator, representing House District 4. serenafordenver.com

Tim Hoffman: A prosecutor at the Denver District Attorney’s Office. timfordenver.com

Travis Leiker: Is a senior director of development at the University of Colorado. Is also president of Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods, a registered neighborhood organization. travisleiker.com

Sarah Parady: An attorney, and self-described advocate for economic justice and workers’ rights. sarah4denver.com

Jeff Walker: Has served on several boards and committees, including RTD, the Denver planning board and the Blueprint Denver task force. walkerfordenver.com

Marty Zimmerman: A nonprofit business consultant. His website indicates he was born in Denver and is a graduate of Manual High School. martyfordenver.com

Make sure to check back over the next months, as we continue to cover these races and city issues.

The Greater Park Hill News is published by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC) on the 1st of each month. Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of GPHC. GPHC does not necessarily endorse the companies, products or services advertised in The Greater Park Hill News unless specifically stated. GPHC reserves the right to run any advertisement.

Circulation is 13,000 and is distributed in the Park Hill Area by neighborhood volunteers.

The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteerbased registered neighborhood organization that: promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill; provides resources, information and advocacy; and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.

Go Forth And Prosper

Some people barely give Rock Pigeons a second glance, as they commonly gather in flocks in public squares and streets around the world. But don’t underestimate this bird. These symbols of luck and prosperity can find their way home, even if released from a distant location blindfolded. They can navigate by sensing the earth’s magnetic fields, and perhaps also by using sound and smell. Charles Darwin’s observations of pigeons helped him formulate some aspects of his theory of evolution. This Rock Pigeon was photographed in Park Hill By Mark Silverstein.

Golden Road, continued from page 1

the Virginia Vale neighborhood.

William H. “Bill” McNichols, Jr., who succeeded Currigan, also came from a family of politicians. His father was a longtime city auditor and his brother had been governor. McNichols had a couple of Park Hill addresses — including 3395 Grape St. and 2115 Quince St. Like Currigan, McNichols no longer lived in the neighborhood by the time he became mayor. He had moved to the Montclair neighborhood.

McNichols won three terms as mayor and was ultimately defeated by the Blizzard of 1982. The massive Christmas storm dropped two feet of snow and paralyzed the city for days. Voters blamed the mayor for failing to clear the streets and so they cleared him out of office the following spring.

The next mayor, Federico Peña, grew up in Texas. He landed in Denver as a young man — not in Park Hill but as a proud Northsider. His campaign motto, “Imagine a Great City,” proved to be a winner, and Peña took office in 1983. He didn’t move to Park Hill until shortly after his reelection four years later. That’s when he married his then-new-bride Ellen Hart, and the couple settled in a home at 1750 Leyden St.

After his second term, Peña moved to Washington and served as Secretary of Transportation under President Bill Clinton.

Webb, Hickenlooper, Hancock

As a young man, Wellington Webb, Peña’s successor, had several Park Hill addresses — including a house near 24th and Olive Street and one at 36th and Eudora Street. Like Currigan and McNichols, by the time Webb became mayor, he had already moved out of the neighborhood. He and his wife Wilma — who also has strong ties to Park Hill — have lived in the Whittier neighborhood just west of City Park,

for decades.

After Webb’s three terms, John Hickenlooper was elected mayor in 2003. Hickenlooper had arrived in Denver 22 years earlier and worked as a petroleum geologist. After losing his job, he opened the Wynkoop Brewery in what was then the dilapidated neighborhood of Lower Downtown. He became a vanguard in the efforts to redevelop LoDo, where he lived. Three years after becoming mayor, Hickenlooper moved to Park Hill. Now a U.S. Senator, he still owns his big white house at the northeast corner of Montview and Fairfax Street.

Which brings us to Michael B. Hancock, Denver’s current mayor. As a baby, Hancock and his family moved to Denver from Killeen, Texas. Once here, the family moved frequently, Goodstein says, including to several Park Hill addresses. Hancock eventually settled in Green Valley Ranch, where he lived when he became mayor in 2011.

Current ties to the neighborhood

After 12 years, Hancock is term-limited from running again. So far, 25 would-be successors have announced their candidacies. How many have lived at some point in time in Park Hill is not entirely clear. But here are a few known candidate ties to the neighborhood:

Of the 25, two currently live in Park Hill — Leslie Herod and Jesse Lashawn Parrish.

Another high-profile candidate — antigang activist Terrance Roberts — grew up in Park Hill and has spent much of his life working in the neighborhood.

Mike Johnston, who lives in Central Park, is a former state senator whose district included much of Park Hill. He located his senate headquarters at 33rd and Hudson Street, in the Holly Square.

Kelly Brough hasn’t lived in Park Hill but notes both her campaign manager, Sheila

MacDonald, and field director Hashim Coates, are Park Hill natives. Her campaign counsel, Trey Rogers, lives in Park Hill. Also, her daughter attended Denver School of the Arts in Park Hill.

In one of his campaign ads, Chris Hansen’s son wears a red McAuliffe International School pullover. McAuliffe is on the Smiley Campus in Park Hill.

Come April, if the final victor does not live in Park Hill, will the next mayor move to the neighborhood and continue Denver’s 64-year running streak? That’s anyone’s guess.

* Guillermo “Bill” Vidal is the notable exception to the continuous Denver string of Park Hill mayors. Vidal served as mayor for six months in 2011, after John Hickenlooper resigned when he was elected governor. Vidal, who lived in Hilltop, has not lived in Park Hill. However, he was also not elected to the office.

At press time 25 candidates have entered the race with hopes to become the 46th mayor of Denver.

Three of those candidates are currently in the state legislature, with no intention of stepping down while running. That means that, when the session convenes this month, three of 100 state lawmakers will be representing their constituents at the state Capitol, while at the same time vying to become the next mayor of Colorado’s largest city. One of those mayoral candidates is Rep. Leslie Herod, who currently represents Park Hill.

Several of the candidates are repeat contenders, who are hoping the second, and even third time proves to be a charm with voters. Others have tossed their hats in the ring for the first time, ready to give running for mayor of Denver a whirl.

The following is a breakdown of announced candidates — along with the neighborhood in Denver where they currently live.

High Profile Candidates

• Kelly Brough, former Chief of Staff for Mayor Hickenlooper, Chamber of Commerce CEO: Cory/Merrill

• Lisa Calderón, Emerge Colorado CEO, former mayoral candidate: Cole

• Mike Johnston, former state senator, former CEO of Gary Investments: Central Park

• Terrance Roberts, Anti-gang activist: Capitol Hill

• Ean Tafoya, Environmental activist: Bear Valley

Sitting Legislators/Lawmakers

• State Sen. Chris Hansen: Montclair

• State Rep. Leslie Herod: Park Hill

• Denver Councilwoman Debbie Ortega: Highland

• State Rep. Alex Valdez: Downtown

First-Time and Returning Candidates

• Paul Fiorino: Five Points

• Marcus Giavanni: University Hills

• Danny Lopez: Harvey Park South

• Ken Simpson: Cherry Creek

• Abass Yaya Bamba: Virginia Vale

• Alex Cowans: Elyria Swansea

• Aldwyn L Gardner II, Member of t he Denver Civil Service Commission: Central Park

• Sylvia Herring: Clayton

• Jesse Lashawn Parris: Park Hill

• Aurelio Martinez, Former boxer: Five Points

• Trinidad Rodriguez, Investor: Country Club

• Andre Rougeot, Camping-ban proponent: Highland

• David Stevens, L anguage s chool founder: C entral Park

• Robert Treta: Sunnyside

• James Walsh, University of Colorado Denver political scientist: Sunnyside

• Thomas Wolf, Investment banker: Cherry Creek

Former Mayor Wellington Webb, with current Mayor Michael B. Hancock. Webb, mayor from 1991-2003, was honored last year with a statue at the civic building downtown that bears his name. File photo

2023 mayoral candidate Ean Tafoya, with bullhorn, in last year’s Park Hill 4th of July Parade. Photo by Cara DeGette

Caricature of Hick the Hick by Lee Raen, courtesy of Phil Goodstein. John Hickenlooper was mayor from 2003-2011.

Leslie Herod, who currently represents Park Hill in the state House of Representatives, is also running for mayor. File photo

Former Mayor Tom Currigan (in a file photo) and two Park Hill houses he lived in, as they look today. House photos by Cara DeGette

2023 Mayoral candidate Jesse Lashawn Parris lives in Park Hill.

Here’s What You Can Do To Fight Global Warming In 2023

By Tracey MacDermott For the GPHN

Welcome 2023! January is typically one of our coldest months of the year, second only to December. Unfortunately, we can bet this will be another year of recordbreaking heat, drought, wildfires, flooding and lower crop yields.

In Colorado, a combination or all of these will affect tourism and public health. We have already experienced substantial warming, and forecasts show that average temperatures will further rise 2.5 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050. Yikes!

At the end of November, the Biden administration announced that two tribes in Alaska will receive $25 million each to head for higher ground, away from rising waters. Relocation of entire populations of people should make us all pause. Actions such as this will become part of our new normal. Climate-related disasters have tripled in the last 30 years, forcing 20 million people a year from their homes.

The New York Times has reported that 90 percent of the counties in the U.S. have recently experienced floods, hurricanes, wildfires or another serious climate-related event. None of us — no matter how rich or poor — can escape Mother Nature’s revenge. However, those who have contributed the least are usually the most impacted. Earth and equity are truly out of balance. We may feel a bit immune here in Denver — at least to the worst of the disasters — but we are experiencing climate change right now. Last year Denver’s KMGH-TV reported that Colorado will likely experience 50-60 percent less snow by 2080 due to drier conditions resulting from climate change. The findings included a prediction that water will disappear from high elevations due to rising temperatures. Our state’s snowpack has been declining due to increasing year-round temperatures. Imagine our state with dwindling snow, and what the impacts on winter sports and recreation — a $1.2 billion industry — would do to our economy.

Here’s more bad news. Colorado is one of the fastest warming states in the country. The Center for Health Progress notes that our air quality will continue to decline in the Denver Metro area and the North Front Range.

I know many of us are feeling this prolonged drought, concerned about our trees

and the increase of a wildfire season that begins earlier each year. Our ozone issues contribute to more than 800 deaths each year. The American Lung Association has given Denver a failing grade for high-ozone days and particulate pollution. This means that each of us continues to be at risk just for living in our beloved city.

Last year a study from the University of Colorado’s Journal of Ecology reported that tree mortality in the state’s subalpine forests tripled since the 1980s. Heat and drought are responsible for 70 percent of tree deaths in 13 areas of subalpine forest.

The researchers noted that the findings were alarming.

Clearly, the impacts of global warming have smacked us, right here and right now.

Any further waiting to step up our counteraction is not an option.

In 2023, what can we do — what will you do — to stop impending disaster? Here are a few suggestions:

• Demand our leaders prioritize combatting climate change.

• Demand a n equitable t ransition for communities that bear a disproportionate burden.

• Green up your commute: walk, take public transportation, car-pool, ride your bike.

• Consume less.

• Reduce energy use.

• Support i ndigenous communities leading on climate.

• Invest in renewables.

• Green up your investment accounts.

• Act locally.

• Talk about it.

Our planet’s future is scary. The thought of what we can do seems overwhelming, but it is not impossible. Collectively we have the power to create change through our everyday actions. The time to act boldly is right now.

Tracey MacDermott is an at-large member of the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., and immediate past chair. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017, and is currently the Statewide Co-Chair of the Climate Reality Project for the 100% Committed Campaign.

Lights, Trash, Trees

A Few Handy Tips To Kick Off The New Year

It’s January, and that means change is afoot — namely, old holiday lights, Denver’s new trash system, and what to do with your crispy Christmas trees.

Longtime Denverites know the tradition of taking down outdoor lights coincides with the end of the Stock Show later in the month, but some opt to do it sooner. Once again, Denver will collect old light strings for free at the Cherry Creek Recycling Drop-off station at 7400 Cherry Creek South Dr. Days and hours are Tuesdays-Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also bring them to Blue Star Recyclers at 953 Decatur St., Mondays-Friday 9-5 and Sat 9-1. This free program runs until Jan. 7, so if you miss out place your old light strings in a box for next year’s collection.

You have hopefully heard that January is the start of Denver’s new trash collection program. Recycling remains free and compost bins will now be provided to all homes for free. The city will levy a $9 per month fee for a 35 gallon trash cart, $13 for a 65 gallon cart and $21 for the 95 gallon cart. Call 311 or send a request

through PocketGov to initiate a change in you cart size.

Denver will recycle Christmas trees this year, but only if you drop them off between Jan. 2 and 31 at several locations listed at Denvergov.org. The closest TreeCycle locations to Park Hill are Bruce Randolph High School at 3955 Steele St. and Fred Thomas Park at Quebec and 26th. They’re open three Saturdays — Jan. 14, 21 and 28 between 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waste Management will pick up your tree on large item pickup day but it will be hauled to the landfill. So if you can’t bring it to the TreeCycle drop off, lop of the limbs and chuck them in your new green compost bin. Then saw the trunk in segments that will fit in the bin to ensure your whole tree is turned into compost.

Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling household items appear every month in these pages. A directory of his past columns for recycling everything from paint to Styrofoam to shoes is at greaterparkhill. org/sustainability/recycling-directory/.

off And Running

Denver’s New City Council Map Gives Park Hill Two Reps. Six Are Vying In District 8; Three In District 9.

By Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN

The November midterm election may be behind us, but do you know who will be your next voice at Denver City Hall?

On April 4, Denver voters will pick a new mayor for the first time in 12 years. Because of term-limits — along with a newly-redrawn council district map — the makeup of the 13-member city council will change dramatically as well.

In Park Hill, District 8 is currently represented by Councilman Chris Herndon, who is term-limited and can’t run again. Six candidates have so far announced

they are running for the seat. District 9, which is currently represented by Candi CdeBaca, now includes a portion of Park Hill. CdeBaca is being challenged by two candidates in her reelection bid.

We asked all nine candidates to provide us with highlights of what’s on their minds as their campaigns start to heat up. Note the emphasis on the Park Hill Golf Course, as the future of the property will undoubtedly be one of the driving issues in this year’s municipal election. (For additional election-related info and what’s to come, check out page 2.)

Here’s what the candidates had to say.

dIsTrIcT 8

What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?

Rita R. Lewis Website: ritalewisfordenver.com

How long have you lived in the district?

I am a Denver native and I’ve lived in District 8 for the majority of my life since I was three years old. I am a proud Park Hill resident.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

I would like to tackle these three issues if I’m elected to Denver City Council:

1. Advocate for “reasonable” rent control.

2. Advocate for “attainable” affordable housing.

3. Advocate for more voter input on sensitive issues that directly impact Denver residents.  Denver is in a housing crisis where our homeless epidemic has exploded, housing is not affordable and rent is not based on “living wages.”

What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?

My primary point of contention regard-

ing Denver’s municipal government is its failure to incorporate citizen input in its decision-making. The City of Denver should allow its citizens to vote on proposed actions before implementing new plans/actions as well as vote on highly contested issues.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I am not taking a position on the plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property and rather see what happens with a possible city referendum. People on both sides are very passionate about this issue. I grew up in Northeast Park Hill, I’ve played golf at PHGC, attended many events at the PHGC clubhouse and definitely care about the future of PHGC.

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property?

Again, I want to see what happens now that this issue may become a city referendum before I can make an objective decision on how I would vote on this issue on April 4.

How long have you lived in the district?

I bought my house in Montbello in 2016, soon after graduating from college at CSU.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

My top three issues are bringing grocery stores to the food deserts in the district, especially in Montbello and Park Hill, particularly through a community ownership model like the FreshLo project in Montbello.

Expanding the Denver Department of Transportation to address the last mile and better connect residents to RTD lines through programs like the Montbello Connector that have been a huge help to my family since my mother-in-law arrived as a refugee on the Uniting for Ukraine Program and cannot drive. We would like these programs accessible to more throughout Denver. I also oppose luxury developments in the district and want to promote more attainable housing.

My biggest frustration is the policies that incentivize new, more affluent residents into Denver at the expense of those already here. My impression is that they work for the developers of Denver at the expense of Denverites.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I oppose the project. Residents of Denver spoke loud and clear when they passed 301 and rejected 302 in 2021. I commit to fighting to keep the golf course 100 percent open space. The developers want to convince us the only way we can get a grocery store and affordable housing is through this project, but we can bring more of both into the district and keep our open space. Once the space is gone, it will be lost forever!

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I will never vote to lift the conversation easement.

Christian A. Steward Website: district8steward.com

How long have you lived in the district?

I am [the] community connector for the Denver Department of Transportation of Infrastructure. This is an important fact to know because I live and work in our district doing community engagement in Montbello, Central Park, Northeast Park Hill and East Colfax for four years.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

1. Creating citizen patrol groups to address safety and provide wellness checks. The principle [purpose] of these groups is to coordinate community policing with police officers and other city officials.

2. Creating cohesive neighborhood coalitions to identify and develop creative city laws to address housing, rent prices and our unhoused populations.

What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?

I would say the recruiting and retention of a diverse and qualified workforce.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I do not support keeping the land a golf property. I believe owners and investors should develop mixed use with the community and history of the community in mind. There should be smart and environmental ways to produce housing, green open spaces, and multi-modal infrastructure. The WHOLE neighborhood should be engaged and kept involved in every phase of development. The community engagement efforts should be robust and include those living in the area, those misplaced, and those vulnerable to being misplaced.

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property?

Shontel M. Lewis Website: Shontelforcouncil.com

How long have you lived in the district?

Born and raised in Colorado, purchased my home in the district in 2016.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

To become and maintain being the healthiest district in the city. What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?

We have an opportunity to represent the interest, not voice, of communities in order to move this city forward.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

With the PHGC in District 8 and close by in my neighborhood, I am following the intense city-wide debates about what is to be done with this currently out-of-operation golf course. I believe the next District 8 councilor should be closely listening to community input on the many sides of this complex issue, and urge residents of District 8 to continue to share their perspectives with me. As someone not currently elected to council I am not privy to all the information the council might have access to and would want to be thoroughly informed prior to making a decision.

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I am currently undecided and gathering information. I trust that we can all agree that an out-of-operation golf course has very limited benefits.

Mr. Revare indicated he was unable to submit responses to this candidate questionnaire by the deadline.

3. Modernizing city processes to streamline city permits and contracts impacting residential and commercial properties.

Leslie Twarogowski Website: leslieforcouncil.com

How long have you lived in the district?

My husband and I purchased our current home in 2000. At the time, it was in District 5, and was redistricted to District 8 in 2015.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

1. Housing: Not just trying to make it more affordable, but also trying to keep our historically diverse community (what’s left of it) intact.

2. More effective solutions for our unhoused neighbors in order to reduce disorganized tent camping, including expanding mental health and substance abuse services.

3. Shoring up our public transportation system, which is currently unreliable, unsafe and perpetually underfunded.

What is your biggest frustration

I think it is wise for me to know the ballot language before I can commit my vote. In general, I support lifting the conversation if it serves many of the people in the neighborhood.

about Denver’s municipal government right now?

My biggest frustration with the current government is the lack of transparency and honesty.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I’m not a fan. I am very well aware of Denver’s need for more housing, but building on what is left of our open space should be the last resort. We have so many other spaces that can be infilled with residential units, and we will need that open space to provide recreational opportunities for current and future Denverites.

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property?

No. I will vote to keep the easement in place, and if elected, I’d like to amend the easement language to remove the language regarding usage as a golf course. My hope is that the land will continue to be zoned open space, but that it will be parkland accessible to all Denverites.

Tyler Drum Website: Drum4Denver.com

Christian A. Steward

Tyler Drum

Leslie Twarogowski

Shontel M. Lewis

Brad Revare

Rita R. Lewis

Brad Revare

Candi CdeBaca

Website: CandiCdeBaca.com

How long have you lived in the district?

I’m a fifth generation resident of D9. I live in my great-grandmother’s home where I was raised.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

I came into council in 2019 with plans on addressing 1. housing/wages, 2. traffic/pollution, and 3. transparency/ accountability. My focus on these areas of interest has remained steadfast even while other pressing issues have competed for my attention.

At the core of every decision I have made and will make is the desire for responsible growth, people-centered transportation and co-governance with the residents of our city. I’d say those focus areas have evolved to be more broadly:

1. Housing & New Economy

2. Environmental Justice

3. Co-Governance.

What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?

I’ve consistently shared my frustration with the power imbalance between The

People, the Mayor (the executive branch), and Council (the legislative branch). This power imbalance gives almost absolute power over all city services/resources, and even legislation to the mayor with zero checks and balances. It makes any mayor susceptible to corruption and it takes away meaningful opportunities for The People to have true ownership over their government.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I live a mile and a half from this golf course and was the original proposer of the 301 ballot initiative that was passed overwhelmingly by the voters of Denver. I do not support lifting this publicly-owned conservation easement for private development. I also despise the false premise that in order for Denver to build affordable housing and food access, we must sacrifice the planet and open space even further in the already most polluted zip code in America. I have explained some of my thoughts preceding my vote on the small area plan here:  https://youtu.be/-EiWrCjdRf4.

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property? No.

Kwon Atlas Website: Kwonatlas.com

How long have you lived in the district?

I lived and went to school in Park Hill for part of my childhood but I have been living in Five Points since 2018.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

1. Racial Equity

2. Economic Security

on city council and on the Denver Public Schools board is also extremely frustrating. Everyone needs to work together to tackle the immense challenges we are facing as a city.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

How long have you lived in the district?

30 years.

Identify the top three issues you want to tackle if you are elected to the city council.

As I have been communicating with community members across District 9, their priorities are providing increased access to attainable and affordable housing; creating healthier communities, including more green spaces, shared/safe streets, innovative micro-transportation options, and energy policies to reduce carbon footprint; and finally, making our neighborhoods safer.

What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?

Some of our elected officials are focused on divisive politics instead of making progress on the biggest issues impacting city residents.

What is your position on the city and Westside Investment Partners’ plan to develop the Park Hill Golf Course property?

I support the requirement for a vote by the current Denver City Council to review the site plan and then a vote by Denver residents on whether they approve the removal of the conservation easement in April 2023. I also recognize that this issue highlights the need for park space and affordable housing — both are necessary.

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property?

To me, the legislative question is, “Do I have the skill and the will to work collaboratively with community members, council members, and the administration to execute the will of the people?” First, city officials and council members should have worked more collaboratively with community members early and continuously throughout this process. I have a history of working collaboratively with the community and elected officials to tackle difficult public policy issues and drive community informed decisions through the lens of social equity. Second, this complex issue will become the responsibility of the next council and I will work closely with the new District 8 council member to ensure an outcome that reflects the needs of residents in the Park Hill community.

3. Public Safety

What is your biggest frustration about Denver’s municipal government right now?

The city is understaffed and needs more support to provide high quality service to the community. Community planning and public safety have become key areas that need improvement. The divisiveness

I like the plan that has been put forward but I think it could be better and I am hoping that the [developer] achieves and exceeds their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and sustainability goals and create a diverse and welcoming community.

On April 4, will you personally vote to lift the conservation easement on the Park Hill Golf Course property?

Yes, I believe so.

Candi CdeBaca

Darrell Watson Website: WatsonforDenver.com

Darrell Watson

This city council district map was adopted in 2022. You can determine the district in which you live at this website: tinyurl.com/DenverDistrictMap Source: City and County of Denver

Ready To Rumble

The 2023 National Western Stock Show officially kicks off on Jan. 5 with an annual public parade through downtown Denver. In this photo from the 2016 parade, a herd of longhorn cattle are being driven from Union Station along 17th Street to the Brown Palace Hotel. Cowboys on horseback have their lassos at the ready to rope any steer that threatens to wander from the group.

The Stock Show is a Denver tradition since 1906. This year it runs through Jan. 22, and includes an extravaganza of about 30 rodeos, 11 horse shows, sheep, hog and other livestock shows, fiddle playing competitions and other attractions. Events are held at the National Western Complex, north of Park Hill at 4655 Humboldt St. For more information, a schedule of events and tickets, check out nationalwestern.com.

Tavern, continued from page 1

he has strong backing from the Park Hill neighborhood, estimating that more than half his patrons live within a four-mile radius.

Eastwood himself is a supporter of Liverpool Football Club, the giant English soccer team with millions of devoted fans.

Accordingly, he has secured the designation as Denver’s official Liverpool Supporters Club, meaning that the Tavern is committed to being open for and to televise all Liverpool games, time zones be damned.

The Tavern has done well, but it barely made it through the dark days of the COVID pandemic. Eastwood credits Denver’s soccer community for support those difficult months. To survive the pandemic, Eastwood appealed to Denver’s dedicated Liverpool fans “to order at least one meal or one hamburger a week.” The fans came through, says Eastwood, and the Tavern survived.

The Abbey Tavern’s popularity with soccer fans was apparent at noon on Dec.

10, when England met defending World Champion France in a World Cup quarterfinal. As Eastwood and his frenzied staff navigated the packed space to serve the thirsty devotees (the vast majority of whom were England supporters), the Tavern fell to a hushed silence after England fell behind 2-1 from a headed goal by French forward Olivier Giroud.

The atmosphere became cautiously hopeful minutes later when England was awarded a penalty kick that would have tied the game. But English star forward Harry Kane blasted his kick over the crossbar, and the Tavern let out a collective groan, accepting the reality that England would have to wait at least another four years to duplicate its single 1966 World Cup triumph.

A week later, on Dec. 18, Argentina prevailed over France, winning the one of the most thrilling finals in recent World Cup history. The last time Argentina won the Cup was in 1986.

CHRISMERMAN

Abbey Tavern co-owner Glen Eastwood serves it up to World Cup fans on Dec. 10.

File Photo by Reid Neureiter

The winningest Coach

East’s Rudy Carey Notches 877th Career Win On Dec. 13

Story and photos by Reid Neureiter For the GPHN

Before an enthusiastic Dec. 13 home-court crowd that included Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, the Denver East boys basketball team made history for Angels Coach Rudy Carey.

Led by flashy senior point guard D’Aundre Samuals, who weaved through the Terrors’ defense seemingly at will, the Angels dominated an overmatched Palmer High School squad for a 96-61 win. It was never close. The impressive Samuals had 37 points, 5 rebounds and two assists, all while sitting for most of the third quarter due to foul trouble.

The victory took the Angels’ early season record to 6-2 — and more significantly, marked a historic milestone for East coaching legend Rudy Carey.

It was Carey’s 877th win as a Colorado high school basketball coach, taking him past Denver Christian’s Dick Katte to become the winningest coach in Colorado high school history. With three state titles as a coach at Manual High and another six at East, Carey’s nine state titles also tie him for the most Colorado state championships all-time.

With Samuals leading the way, the Angels look good for another deep playoff run after last years’ heart-breaking one point loss in the state semi-finals. East home games in January include a Jan. 14 match against Douglas County, Jan. 21 against Denver South, and Jan. 28 against Hinkley. The regular season concludes on Feb. 11 with an away match against DPS rival George Washington.

Rudy Carey is the winningest high school coach in Colorado history.

Senior point guard D’Aundre Samuals (#5) led East to a dominating 93-61 win over Palmer High School.

A banner celebrating Coach Carey’s historic record was unveiled after Denver East’s home win over Palmer on Dec. 13.

Thank You Neighbors

Thanks to your support, participating real estate agents have proudly donated over $35,000 to the Greater Park Hill Community Food Bank since 2015. These community-focused agents will continue this generous tradition in 2023 with a donation of $100 per transaction in Park Hill!

NATALIE HENGEL

8Z Real Estate

CAROLYN DOOLING

Compass

JAY EPPERSON

Compass

LAURA HUDGINS

Compass

KELLY

HUDSON

Compass

DAVID KHRONE

Compass

JUDY WOLFE

Compass

BEN FIEDLER

Denver Luxury Homes

joining together to support our community

JOHN WYSZYNSKI

Gerretson Realty

NINA KUHL HomeSmart

ANASTASIA WILLIAMSON Kentwood City Properties

COMBS SELLS HOMES Kentwood Real Estate

CHRIS MERMAN LIV Sotheby’s

SCOTT PETERSEN LIV Sotheby’s

NICHOLE BARNES Living 1/4’s

CHRISTINE DUPONT-PATZ

RE/MAX of Cherry Creek

TEAM HETTERICH

RE/MAX of Cherry Creek

CHARM GILMORE Roet Realty

EMILY ROET Roet Realty

MARY GERWIN

PorchLight Real Estate Group

SHAYLISA TURNER

PorchLight Real Estate Group

CHAD MENDOZA

PorchLight Real Estate Group

JESSICA AVERY PorchLight Real Estate Group

BEN LUSZ

PorchLight Real Estate Group

ALLISON NUANES

PorchLight Real Estate Group

KIM TIGHE

PorchLight Real Estate Group

NIKKI WIEDERAENDERS

PorchLight Real Estate Group

Bundles Of Thanks

The Greater Park Hill News utilizes a unique delivery system that includes nearly 400 volunteers who assist with the distribution of our publication. It is truly a community effort. We are grateful for the help of all our volunteers and take pride knowing we live in such a tight-knit community that rallies around the community paper.

Every month, volunteers gather at the Greater Park Hill Community office on Fairfax Street for a few hours

Carol Ahnen

Jody Allen-Smith

Mark Almquist

Micki Amick

Greg & Vicki Anderson

Robin Angst

Veronica Annibale

Jamie Archambault

Aubrea Argueta

Brian Aucone

Dan Barnett

Maria Barreto

Oliver Bast

Ann Baumgartner

Christine Bejarano

Howard Belon

Carolyn Bennoit

Bonita Bird

Jill Bishop

Lindsay Black

Walter Blake

Kent Boesdorfer

Hank Bootz

Andrea Bott

Karyn Brandt

Diedre Bricker

Rachel Burbank

Stephanie Calabrese

Sidney Calabrese

Arna Caplan

Mary Carnegie

Delores Carter

Steve Carter

Barbara Cavender

Stephanie Ceccato

Matt Cecere

Christa Cecere

Elizabeth Cecere

Luke Cecere

Emily Clark

Cherie Clark

Sondra Coker

Heather Colliander

Matthew Collver

Nora Colter

Janine Conklin

Elaine Connell

RK Consulting

Catherine & Kevin Cray

Wiley Daniel

Cara DeGette

Haleigh Delmoro

Graduating Seniors

Denver Children’s

Home

Sally Dischinger

Celsa Dominguez

Sara Donnelly

Bernice Donohoue

Shawn Dresser

Millie Drumwright

Matt & Lindsay Dunbar

Christine Dupont-Patz

Jenny Dyer

Mark Dysart

Peg Ekstrand

Sam & Cindy Ellis

Wendy Emrich

Jean Ercolani

Mona Estrada

Ramona Estrada

to assemble stacks of newspapers and bundle them for distribution. The bundles are then delivered to the doorsteps of the blockworkers, who deliver papers to their neighbors’ doorsteps.

This is how the Greater Park Hill News is distributed. It is a group effort and we are so grateful for your support!

If you’re interested in volunteering, contact newspaper manager Brenda Morrison at newspaper@ greaterparkhill.org or call 720-287-0442.

Elaine Granata

Ted Griffith

Emily Groves

Jacqueline Hall

Ernestine Hall

Carol Haller

Gemma Haller

Lisa Halstead

John Harhai

David Harris Amy Harris

Shanta Harrison

Duke Hartman

Jennifer Heath

Nam Henderson

Michael Heringslack

Tom Jensen

Christa Jimenez

Will Johnson

Allison Johnson

Jimmy Johnson

Ashley Johnson Matt Jordan

Michele Joyce

Vera Kalba

Lynn Kalinauska

Tiffany Kampsnider

Chris Kannen

Lee Kastberg

Jeff Kean

Lynda Keavney

Jackie Keller

Lauren MacMillan

Cathy & Dave Manchester

Beverly Marasco

Sophie Mariam

Lisa Martinez

Reuben Martinez

Gary Martyn

Jen & Billy McCafferty

Margaret McCaskill

Claurice McCoy

Carol McDermott

Frank McLaughlin

Craig McQueen Megan McQuinn Chris Merman

Danny Pier

Joel Pirtle

Paola Ramirez

Mauricio Ramirez

Elizabeth Rear

Linda & Paul Redstone

Judy Regan

Karl Reuter

Barbara Reyman

Carrie Richardson Jimmy Riley Becky Rold

Joan Root

Deb Rosenbaum

Jeff Rosensweig & Family

We are thankful and grateful to these blockworker volunteers for delivering the Greater Park Hill News to the doorsteps of their neighbors in 2022. Without their volunteer service, the neighborhood distribution of our publication would not be possible.

The Greater Park Hill News is unique in that it relies on volunteers in the community to deliver our paper on their block or an adopted block in Park Hill. If you receive the paper on your doorstep, it is because of one of these fine volunteers.

Thank you, blockworkers, for sharing the Greater Park Hill News with your community! For more information on how to become a blockworker volunteer, please contact Brenda Morrison at newspaper@greaterparkhill.org.

Julia Evans

Andy Ewing

Kola Fadeyi

Erin Fahres

Jackie Farrar

Jeanette Fedele

Margie Feinberg

Sarah Felsen

Harriett Felton

Maria Flora

Tommy Flowers

EJ Footer

Susan Fortney

Josh Frank Mike Friel

Regina Friend

Michael Fults

Dave Gahlert Gahlert

Simone Garcia

Lisa Gardner

Lori Gardner

John Gavel

Mary Gerwin

Mario Giardiello

Dan Goe

Ellie Gora

Mary Gorham

Rose Gotseff

Lola Hershberger

Margerie Hicks

Everly Hildebrandt

Dave Hill

Shari Hill

Laura Hill

Ronnie Hinkson

RH Hinkson

Glenn Hirsch

Leslie Hirsch

Poppy Hirsch

Sylvie Hirsch

Kirstin Hoagland

Jody Hodges

Gisela Hollon

Chuck Holum

Sandy Hoops

Beth Hopkins

Stephanie Hoy

Robin Hunt

Andy Hwang

Brian Hyde

Meg Ingram

Julia Jackson

Betty Jamieson

Bill & Mary Frances

Jaster

Kirstin & Tom Jensen

Kizzy Kelley

Alice Kelly

Tim Kennedy

Ryan Kilpatrick

Mark Kintner

Anna Kirchbaum

Joe Knepell

Frances Koehn

Robb Kolstad

Elin Kondrad

Tom Korson

Gretchen Kurtz

JoAnne LaBadie

Bill Lakers

Louis & Megan Landry

James & Rochelle

Larcus

Barbara Larsen

The Larsen Family

First Last

Elisabeth Lawrence

Elizabeth Leaneagh

Nel Lenhart

Paulina Leon

Tony Livaudais

Roberta Locke

Johnnie Lofton

David & Lisa Lucas

Lori Midson

Stuart Miller

Juniper Miller-Cole

Angie Mills

Stacy Minjarez

Laurel Mohr

Lisa Roll Moore

Paul Moore

Tom & Kim Mordick

Sharlie & Rick Morel

Emily Morgan Brenda Morrison

Adam Mueller

Sarah Murphy

Sammie Muzikowksi

Christina Naff

Steve Nelson Bob Nelson

Linda Nestor

Megan Nyce

Keith Olivera

Kyle Olivera

Lesa Paige

Jordan Parman

Jessica & Jeff Pearson

Franklin Pesantez

Kara Petillo

Janice Phillips

Allison Rosenthal

Maple Ross

Mary Salsich

Bob & Barb Sample

Andrew Sanchez

Bryan Saunders

Cindy Sawyer

Doug Schuler

Judy Schulman

Karin Schumacher

Art Schuster

Michael Scott

Susie Seawell

Katrina Sellers

Janet Shafer

K & Jason Shiroff

Lynn & Rich Shults

Katelyn Shults

Jacqui Shumway

Eric Sikkema

Kathy Simpson

Robyn Sims

Jenell Slay

Elvin Smith

Jim Smith

Eloise Smith Madison Spangler

Cheryl Spector &

Milo Spoering

Jasper Spoering

Lorrie Spoering

Melissa Stearns

Sara Stoloff

Troy Stribling

Jim Sund

Steve Sushinsky

Sophia & Alyssa Swanson

The Swanson Family

Donna Swartzendruber

Mark Swinerton

Debby Sycamore

Frank Tapy

Courtney Taylor

RT Taylor

Corey Taylor

Chris Thomes

Forrest Thornily

Troy Tomsyck

Wallace Toulette

Yvonne Toulette

Valissa Tsoucaris

Jackson Turnacliff

Dick Turner

Carl Turner

Leslie Twarogowski

Gloria Valdez

Jamie Wagner

Clint Walker

Jewll & Tom Wegs

Mary Ann Welch

Anne Wheatley

Melani Whitcraft

Jennifer Whitlock

Joshua Willett

Trevor Williams

Renee Williams

Chris Williams

Jeannie Willis

Polly Wirtz

Sue Wofford

Jude Wolf

Jalik Woods

Marsha Woodward

Tom Wordinger

Thomas Worley-Morse

Meghan Wren

Ben Wright

Ronald Wright

Susan & Guy Wroble

Ann Yates

Chris Yaunt

Lorie Young

Zander Zacher

Connie Zahn

Kathy Aguirre

Ann Baumgartner

Becky Burr Barbara Cavender Celine Davis Greg Davis Maria Flora Tas Frashure

Mark Frye Denise Geiger

Ken Gershman Megan Jamison Jasper Mueller

Mia Peterson Mike Quigley

Sandy Sabala

Mary Salsich Brian Shaw Shoshi Shaw Jonathan Sierra

Thank you to the following volunteer bundlers in 2022:

Read All About It!

Blockworkers Are The Backbone Of Our Operation

By Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN

The Greater Park Hill News began publishing in 1960, delivered via a unique and ingenious system. Here’s how it works:

Around the first of every month the editor, the newspaper manager, the ad sales representative and the art director work together to produce a new issue. Each issue is filled with stories, opinion columns, photos and advertisements. The issue is sent to the printer, and the next day, the printer drops off stacks of the finished product to the GPHC office, at 2823 Fairfax St.

A small group of dedicated volunteers then breaks the newspapers into smaller bundles, which are then delivered to businesses and homes across Park Hill.

Quincy Jackson, our delivery driver, then takes those bundles of newspapers, and delivers them to businesses and to select residences across the neighborhood. Those residents are special volunteers –called blockworkers – who then take the small stack of newspapers and walk around their square block. They leave a newspaper on each doorstep for their neighbors. It takes maybe 20 minutes. (At businesses, the newspaper is distributed in racks, which

are generally located right next to the entrance/exit.)

Currently 12,000 newspapers are distributed this way to homes and businesses in and around the neighborhood.

The system works pretty well, as long as there is a volunteer on each block who is willing to do what is arguably the most important job at the newspaper – make sure readers get the paper so they can read it.

Some Park Hill blockworkers have been at it for years — even generations — and every month the new issue arrives like clockwork. However, delivery of the newspaper in some parts of Park Hill has been less reliable, particularly in parts of the neighborhood where there are more rentals. Not surprisingly, turnover of blockworkers tends to be higher in these areas, leading to less consistency in delivery.

If you are interested in becoming a blockworker and delivering newspapers to your neighbors every month, contact newspaper manager Brenda Morrison at newspaper@ greaterparkhill.org. If you are already a blockworker or receive the newspaper every month, you can also sign up to deliver the paper to another block in Park Hill — contact Brenda for a plan that works best for you.

Yoga And The News

Ben Wright, 6, Likes Parties, Playing Soccer, And Delivering The Paper To His Neighbors

Story and photo by Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN

If you ask Ben Wright what he likes to do best, you can expect an instant demonstration.

“My favorite thing to learn about is yoga,” he says, jumping up and moving into the tree pose, which he holds for several seconds. Yoga is good for balance, and it’s good for focus.

Wright, 6, is currently in first grade at Park Hill Elementary. In addition to yoga, he has a lot of other interests. What are his three favorite hobbies? Easy.

Going to parties

Going to parks

Playing with his friends

Going to school

Playing soccer

Reading books (not magazines or comics)

the “chiller” part of the neighborhood.

Wright inherited the paper route from his neighbors, the Yaunts, who had delivered the newspaper for years and decided it was time to pass the baton to the new generation. Wright takes the position of blockworker seriously, though he admits he has a lot of fun doing it.

“It can be one of my chores, or it can be a surprise,” he says. “The person that gave the job to me said not to put the newspaper in the mailbox, so I don’t do that.” Instead, he leaves the newspaper on porches or doorsteps of each home, so people can take them inside to look at the pictures and read the news of the neighborhood.

On The Move

OK, so that’s six, but who’s counting? Last summer Wright added another activity to his routine. He became a blockworker, delivering the Greater Park Hill News to all the neighbors living on his block in North Park Hill — which he describes as

So far, his dad has accompanied Wright on the monthly newspaper route, though his mom hasn’t ruled out joining in the fun in the future. Wright admits he’s had to get used to all the dogs along the way — Park Hill neighbors sure do love their dogs. Wright estimates he encounters five or six dogs as he walks around his block every month. None of them are dangerous, but three of them bark — and they bark loud, he says.

So has he thought about barking back?

“Of course not,” he says. “I’m not a dog.”

These Park Hill powerhouses gathered in November at Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. world headquarters at 2823 Fairfax St. to eat a little pizza, sip on some cold beverages, swap stories and share best practices for delivery of the Greater Park Hill News. Every month, these women join nearly 400 other volunteers who deliver the newspaper along their blocks to houses all over the neighborhood — a 62-year Park Hill tradition. (A list of all current blockworkers is on the opposite page.) From left, Margie Feinberg, Janet Shafer, Lynda Keavney, Emily Clark, Janice Phillips, Bernadette Kelly and Newspaper Manager Brenda Morrison. Photo by Cara DeGette

Goals for Reading

Sometimes, You Just Need A Good Mystery

By Suzanne Gelwick-Knight Park Hill Branch Librarian

Welcome to 2023!

For a lot of people, January is a time to make New Year’s resolutions and/or set new goals. Maybe you want to exercise more, learn a new language, or spend more time with family. For me, January is when I review my reading from the previous year and set new reading goals.

My reading goal number for 2022 was set low due to not having as much time to read as I have had in years past. Still, I met the goal in early December — and even read a couple of extra books beyond my original number.

This got me wondering, how do you decide what to read? Are you a reader of what is popular? Do you stick to what is required for a book club? Or are you like me, you read different genres based solely on your mood? Sometimes I just need a good mystery, which I consider to be my comfort reads. Sometimes I want short stories, which are satisfying and easily digested in during a brief sitting. Sometimes I bring home an 800-page doorstopper, read for hours and stay up all night to finish.

As I thought about setting my reading goal for 2023, I was reminded how much of a privilege the act of reading actually is. Not everyone has access to books, libraries, or even the internet which is needed to access ebooks.

And currently, even if you do have access to all of those things, peoples’ right to read what they want is being threatened in some places, in small but powerful ways. All you have to do is look at news reports from across the country and you see how groups of people are attempting to tell me, you, everyone what they are allowed to read. Here in Denver please know we at the library are

always happy to help you find something new to read.

If you are looking to jumpstart your 2023 reading, please take part in the library’s adult Winter of Reading Program which starts at the beginning of January and runs through the end of February. The goal is to complete five suggested tasks, after which you may choose either a stainless steel mug or a really great tote bag as your prize.

Another way to invigorate your reading is to attend one of our monthly No Strings Attached Book Chat meetings. We meet here at the Park Hill Branch every four weeks, where we discuss what we’ve been reading, watching or listening to. The next No Strings Attached Book Chat will be Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. I always learn about something new to add to my to-be-read list or hear about a new movie to watch.

I hope you’ll take part in either or both of these library programs. Maybe your goal for 2023 will be to visit the library more, and if so we’re here to help. Here’s to 2023 being a great year of reading.

January In-Person Programs at Park Hill Branch

Baby Storytimes | Thursdays 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.

Toddler Storytimes | Fridays 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.

Magic The Gathering Club | Wednesdays 4 - 5:30 p.m.

A teen-run Magic the Gathering Club for other teens.

Chess Club for 18 and Unders | Saturdays

3:30-4:30 p.m.

No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Jan. 7, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Read whatever you want, attend whenever you can.

Jigsaw Puzzle Swap | Saturday, Jan. 11, 1 p.m.

Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle.

January In-Person Programs at Pauline Robinson Branch

After School is Cool | Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Join us at After School is Cool on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for crafts, games, STEM and more. Program is for ages 7-12.

All Ages Storytime | Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 from 10:30 - 11 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers.

Drop-In Tech Help | Wednesdays, Jan. 4, 11, 18, 25 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Need help navigating the internet, email, or social networks like Facebook? Have questions about your phone or tablet? Want to know how to access eBooks

on any device? Drop by and get your questions answered and learn how to use tech more effectively.

Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, Jan. 28 from noon - 1:30 p.m.

We meet on the fourth Saturday of the month. In January we will discuss Wahala by Nikki Mays.

Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave., and the Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation for both neighborhood libraries, check out denverlibrary.org.

o pen Book | op I n I on

TikTok Goes The Clock

A Simple Cure-All For All That Ails You

By Anya Nitczynski For the GPHN

You heard it here first! The new fix-all, cure-all, alleviation of pain is a simple thing: delete social media.

Actually, you’ve probably heard this rhetoric all over the place in the last few years. There are articles that details how social media can cause multitudes of problems, from unhealthy sleep patterns to inability to think straight. Rhetoric that social media is one of the worst habits you can have is not uncommon. So is social media really all that bad? And if so, why are we still so much in its clutches?

thing. It becomes a limbo: and eventually you realize that it’s all bait for interaction and ultimately money — and that literally nothing you post on your Instagram story really matters.

Is social media really all that bad?

Social media is one of the fastest and convenient modes of connection there is today. It’s hard for me to believe that there aren’t any positive impacts of social media. I don’t believe the problems most people cite as grounds for leaving social media are what we should be focusing on.

Social media sensationalizes the important things. If there’s a mass shooting, there’s an infographic with the bloody details all over your feed that declares a goal of “raising awareness.”

One one hand, you probably came to social media to isolate yourself from the outside world, maybe because you read the news and it was simply too much that day. On the other hand, if you don’t repost it you obviously don’t care and you’re prob ably, like, a really terrible person or some

Social media is really a place for people to scream their opinion into an abyss to feel like a better person. And the pressure of judgment is not the right reason to be “raising awareness.” When Charli D’Amelio, who has almost 150 million TikTok followers, changed her profile picture from one that was just the words “Black Lives Matter” to a photo of herself after over a year, the internet threw a fit. Yes, her platform is big. Yes, she should be using it for good. Yes, the legal adult can do a lot better than just a profile picture.

But it doesn’t matter. Not really.

It’s all fake and it’s all engineered. The reasons we hate social media should not be exclusive to the eye damage we may get from the screen time. The true and concerning fact of the matter is that social media allows for opinions to exist in a vacuum, and dangerous people to find the niche group that agrees with them, and enables them.

Always remember: You’re allowed to have opinions not formed by the internet.

Anya Nitczynski is a sophomore at Denver School of the Arts. Her column

In Rut At The Arsenal

Story and photos by Reid Neureiter For the GPHN

Frisky mule deer bucks with wide antler racks are plentiful and active at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge in early winter. This is the “rut” — deer mating season, when bucks search out receptive does and engage in antler jousting to show their dominance and run off competitors.

Colorado has two types of deer — mule deer and the smaller whitetail deer species. Both can be easily seen at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge, just six miles north of Park Hill. This 15,000acre site is free and open to the public and includes 20 miles of hiking trails, as well as a network of roads and a wildlife drive that provides ample opportunities to view other wildlife in winter as well, including bison and bald eagles.

The larger mule deer are named for the oversized ears that resemble a mule’s ears. Mule deer have a black-tipped white tail and white patch on the rump. The bucks are easily identifiable by the dark patch or black “eyebrow” across the forehead.

According to Colorado Parks & Wildlife, in 1900, with Colorado’s rangelands forming the basis of a booming livestock industry and uncontrolled hunting of big game, the state’s mule deer population had fallen to fewer than 6,000. Over the past century, with careful management and regulation of hunting and commercial outfitting, the mule deer population has rebounded to between 400,000 and 600,000 across the state.

While whitetail deer are found across the country, mule deer are typically found only west of the Missouri River into the Rocky Mountains. According to the National Park Service, adult mule deer are typically 31 to 42 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh

anywhere between 100 pounds for does and up to 300 pounds for mature bucks. Gestation for the does is six to seven months, and one or two spotted fawns will be born in late spring or early summer.

Bucks usually lose their antlers in February, but new sets of antlers begin growing almost immediately. The best time to see mule deer at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is the hours just after sunrise and near dusk. A drive up the Rattlesnake Hill viewing area will usually reveal several bucks and does. If you are lucky, you will even see the big bucks battling for the does’ favor.

Two young mule deer bucks face off at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge on Dec. 4.

Mule deer buck at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal, with Denver and the mountains beyond. The winter months provide great opportunities to watch the deer and other wildlife at the refuge, which is just six miles north of Park Hill.

Bucks usually lose their antlers in February, but new sets of antlers begin growing almost immediately.

15 Tons of food Last Year

All Signs Point To A Busy 2023 In Our Pantry

By Lori Midson Executive Director, GPHC, Inc.

For more than three decades, I wrote about the Denver restaurant scene, documenting openings and closings, conducting hundreds of chef interviews and reporting on salacious shakeups. When COVID-19 struck, my career all but sank. Restaurants shuttered entirely or were closed for months. There were lockdowns.

Every story I did manage to squeak out was inevitably punctuated by the horrors of the pandemic and increasing hunger statistics, a direct result of health concerns and job losses. According to an April 2021 survey from the a statewide nonprofit Hunger Free Colorado, Denver’s food-insecure population increased from 11 percent to 33 percent during the pandemic. And food banks, as you can imagine, went into overdrive — including Greater Park Hill Community’s own emergency food pantry.

Our free food pantry was, and is, a lifeline for the more than 1,500 individuals and families who rely on us every year to support, sustain and nourish them. Many of our clients, most of whom are Park Hill residents, live on fixed incomes and struggle to pay their monthly bills, perhaps now more than ever given inflation and surging costs of food staples.

Some of our clients live alone, while others are single parents with young children. Many more are large, extended families under one roof. We offer them all quick relief in the form of free groceries, and we do so with minimal red-tape hurdles. On average, a one-person household receives 19 pounds of grocery staples each time he or she shops our pantry. In 2022, that equated to 342 pounds of food for one person based on 18 visits per year.

In total, our pantry distributed approximately 30,000 pounds — or 15 tons — of food last year. To put that into perspective, 15 tons is about the same as a fully loaded school bus, or four hippopotamuses, or five

grizzly bears.

And our food assistance doesn’t end with our emergency pantry. In November of last year, we distributed upwards of 5,600 pounds of food during our annual Thanksgiving giveaway. During Colorado’s growing season — June through October — hundreds of neighbors gather at our free farm stand to stock up on fresh produce donated by local farms and gardeners. By the time our farmstand ended in 2022, we’d distributed more than 6,000 pounds of fresh vegetables, herbs and fruit.

We also offer a weekend snack food program that supports the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver. Our annual Garden in a Box giveaway plants the seed (so to speak) for amateur and low-income families to grow their own vegetables at home. Each person receives seedlings, seeds, planting instructions and other tools to make their garden grow.

What does this all mean as we head into 2023? It means we’re gearing up for a super-busy year with respect to our food programs and services. We’re increasing our number of yearly pantry visits from 18 to 24, and we’re also investing in more fresh food — including meats, eggs and bread — to give to our community. And . . . we’re also looking for a few volunteers, especially to help staff our emergency food pantry. If you have availability on Mondays and/or Wednesdays, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., I’d love to hear from you! We provide onsite training, and you’ll be in the company of some truly amazing and committed volunteers who are passionate about nourishing our community.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please send an email to director@greaterparkhill.org or submit a volunteer form at greaterparkhill.org/join-us/volunteer/.

I hope 2023 brings heaps of hope, optimism, peace, spontaneity, happiness and fun into your lives. And thank you for being a part of ours. Happy New Year to you all!

Donors

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Dahlia Campus Farms and Gardens

Dank-Colorado

Messiah Community Church MIle Hi United Way

Park Hill Congregational

UCC

Park Hill Dental Arts

Park Hill United Methodist Church

PHC Mixed Use LLC

Duffy Charitable Gift Fund/ Schwab Charitable St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Abigail Dice

Adrienne Hill

Alan and Leslie Levine Alice Mansfield

Amy Barrett

Amy Harris

Anne & Joe Frank

Annie and David Pratt

Anthony and Christine Caruso

Barbara Berryman

Barbara F Dey Ben Sachs and Debra

Knapp

Bernadette Kelly

Beth and Jim McBride

Beth Wright

Betsy and Geoffrey Post Bill Juraschek

Blair Knicely

Bobbi Gillis

Brian Kelly and Nanci Young

Bryan Saunders and Kate Swan

Cara DeGette and Mark Silverstein

Cathy Bauchwitz

Charles A Miller

Chris and Erin Nielsen

Chris Brown

Christine and Daniel Allen

Christine Dupont-Patz

Chuck and Robyn Jacobs

Craig Reiter

Dan Robinson

David and Patty Roush

David Pyle

Deborah and Ralph Round Devin Nelson

Devon Brocke

Dirk and Carol McDermott

Donald Jurkoic

Dorothy Todd Duane and Jean Gall Elizabeth Harris

Erica Gutierrez Erin Donovan

Estelle and Charles Bennett

Frances Koehn

Frank and Jan Tapy

Frederica Crews

Georgia and Woody

Garnsey

Harriet Mullaney

Harry and Gail Doby

Henry Bootz and Maria Flora

Henry Hine

Inga Calvin

James Aubrey

James Klett

Janet Fairs

Jasmine Brubaker

Jay Deaner

Jay Epperson

Jeff and Mayzie Mayfield

Jeffrey and Karen Roberts

Jenna Cruff

Jennifer Calderone

Jenny Dyer

Jessica Pearson

Jodi Haller

Josh Gipper

Judy Wolfe

Kait Speth

Karen L. Johnston and T. Shane Sutherland

Karen Ortiz

Kate Percival

Katherine DeGette

Kelly Cooper

Kelly Hudson

Kirstin Koszorus

Lisa Haddox

Liz and James Cameron

Lola and Arlen Hershberger

Marian Frank Marty and Arna Caplan

Mary Gerwin

Mary Green

Mary Jo Starmer

Mary Salsich

Matthew and Elizabeth Spohn

Mike Miller

Nancy Brauer and Jeffrey Kent

Nancy Connick and Diane Jankowski

Nancy Downs

Nancy Watzman

Natalie Hengel

Oliver and Helen Wolcott

Pamela Greenberg

Pamela Hoggins

Patricia Mead

Patty Lalich

Paul and Linda Redstone

Paula Hoffman

Peggy Cuciti

Penny Ashley-Lawrence

Phil and Teresa Campbell

Polly Wirtz and Gary Klein

Rosemary

McWilliams

Ruth Steiner Sally Ortiz Sara Carlson

Sarah Speicher

Sebbie Coleman

Shanta Harrison-Sullivan

Sharlene Truax

Sharon and Joe Little

Sharon Lundahl

Shaylisa Turner

Simon and Elizabeth Hambidge

Simon Blamires

Sophie Milam

Stephen and Laurel Mohr Sue Wofford

Susan & Paul Riederer

Susan Klann

Thomas Bradley Thomas Korson

Tim and Sally Kennedy

Todd & Renee Hopkins Todd Cooper

Tom and Carol Odwyer

Tomsyck Kingel Family

Tracey MacDermott and Heather Shockey Troy and Jessica Lerner V.T. Kalba

Veronica D’Annibale Wendi Torres

Wendy Emerick William G Reinhardt

Volunteers

Ann Torgerson

Nichole Barnes Henry Bootz

CJV Real Estate

Emily Clark Harry Doby

Carolyn Dooling Maria Flora

Brittney Henderson Noni Horwitz

Joel Hunter-Pirtle

Vera Kalba

Bernadette Kelly Nina Kuhl

Roberta Locke Linda Lovell

Sheila MacDonald

Darren McKinnis Dru O’Rourke

Elizabeth Post Mark Pressey

Carole Robertson Deb Rosenbaum Shoshi Shaw

Lindsay Wadman Nikki Wiederaenders

who we Are, what we Do

The

Board of Directors of GPHC, Inc.

The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill, provides resources, information and advocacy, and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.

The GPHC board is comprised of volunteer at-large representatives, as well as 10 district representatives. If you are interested in volunteering or serving on a committee, contact current GPHC Board Chair Shane Sutherland at chair@greaterparkhill.org for details.

The following are current board members, and their best contacts. Many representatives prefer to be contacted through the main office, at 303-388-0918 or info@ greaterparkhill.org. The GPHC world headquarters is at 2823 Fairfax St.

If you have an issue you’d like to discuss about the neighborhood, contact your board representative.

For those board members who don’t have a phone or email contact listed, leave a message at the main GPHC number and it will be forwarded to your elected representative.

Leslie Twarogowski

Services Chair Rick Medrick

• Blessed Sacrament Rep. James Groves

• Park Hill United Methodist Rep. Jacqui Shumway

Princess Gray Randy & Babette McQueen

Aitken and Judy

Looking For The Sun

The Strauzia longipennis is a large species in the fruit fly family, and is generally known by the common name Sunflower Maggot. These guys hang out on sunflowers during the summer months, and are considered a minor pest in North America. Their larvae burrow into the stems of the sunflowers, feeding on the spongy tissue. The flies don’t damage the flower heads or seeds, though — hence the designation as a minor pest. This Sunflower Maggot was photographed in Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.

The Perils of Pudge

A New Year’s Resolution For The Furries, As Well As The Humans

By Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ For the GPHN

Welcome to the new year! I tend to think of January as the recovery month from the race through the holidays that starts on Oct. 31 and ends on Jan. 1.

It’s also the pudgiest time of year of year, with all the holiday foods and treats. And, I know we’re almost all a little bit naughty and indulgent with the fuzzy ones in the household. I mean, how can you resist those eyes?

But we know that a pet’s weight can have a significant negative impact on their longterm health. In fact, we know that obesity in pets can shorten life expectancy by up to 2.5 years.

For more than 10 years, Nationwide Insurance has reported that conditions and diseases associated with obesity have been driving an increasing number of claims for cats and dogs (more than 700,000 insured pets). These results are also mirrored by the annual data collected by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). See the sidebar at bottom for the top 10 health conditions for pets by Nationwide in 2021.

What can you do as a pet owner? Combine your health goals with pet health goals too. In a press release from the 2021 Nationwide data study results, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), noted “Keeping a pet lean and active can help humans lose a few pounds themselves and collectively avoid millions of dollars in obesity-related medical costs.”

Here are some simple steps that you can take to help with your pet’s weight loss:

1. Partner with your veterinary to assess your pet’s weight, set some weight loss goals and discuss calories and diet options.

2. Measure your pet’s food accurately with a real measuring cup, not the Big Gulp cup or eyeball method.

3. Consider adding a high-fiber filler such as canned green beans to dog’s meals and a few frozen green beans for the cat to play with and eat.

4. Treats: Make them TINY — as small as you can make them — and use treats for training or reward an activity rather than just for the begging.

5. Use food puzzles, food mats, slow-feed bowls to slow eating and add not only exercise but mental challenge and enrichment. There’s even a website for the felines: foodpuzzlesforcats.com.

6. Be active. Set up walks or ball games for the dog, and indoor play with “fishing” for the cat.

The perils of pudge are real, with more than 54 percent of cats and dogs considered overweight and obese. You, as a loving pet owner, can make a real positive impact that can extend your pet’s life, prevent and lessen pain, and help to ward off expensive veterinary bills for emergency care or chronic disease management.

Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit parkhillvet.com

Free Zoom Tai Chi

Free morning beginner Tai Chi classes on Zoom every Friday at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m. Register at taichidenver.com/ beginner-tai-chi-zoom-class/. Longtime Park Hillians Jacqui and Joe, who teach the class, will send you the link to join. Walk2Connect www.walk2connect.com

Park Hill Sunrise Walking Trips happen every Tuesday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Meet in front of Honey Hill Cafe at 23rd & Dexter Street for a casual, conversationalpaced community walk. Everyone is welcome to join.

eDUCATIoNAL oPPoRTUNITIeS

Curiosity Never Retires! OLLI at DU returns In Person to Park Hill UMC January 10th. 8-week courses Tuesday mornings/ Wednesday afternoons. Current Events, Women’s Wisdom, Free Speech, Integrative Medicine and Joseph Conrad’s books. Hurry and call Jacqui Shumway, Park Hill OLLI Coordinator 303-725-7482 to enroll. On-line options also available.

LAwN CARe

Aeration – Sod fertilizer – Power rake – Lawn mowing, Rototilling – Hauling –Stump removal – Weed control – Lawn mower repair – Shrubbery care – Small trees removed 720-327-9911

MASoNRY SeRVICeS

Masonry Services- Brick, Stone, Concrete, restoration, tuck pointing, chimneys, retaining walls, city sidewalks. Licensed, bonded, and insured. www.thebrickandstoneguy.com References. Call Shawn 303-907-9223

PAINTING

PREMIER PAINT WORKS since 1993. Denver’s Residential Paint Specialists. Int/ Ext Neat, conscientious craftsmanship by polite, respectful, honest & fully insured crew, impeccable references. Call or text John at 720-849-3921.

Interior and exterior painting. Prep, power washing, professional. Owned and operated by Park Hill resident with over 20 years of experience. Free estimate. JR Painting

720-485-7207 or jpabz04@gmail.com

PLAST

THE WALL REBUILDERS Interior plas ter (and drywall) repair. We repair cracks, holes, crumbling walls, etc. Specializing in older homes, though we fix houses of every age. Dan and Laura Pino 303-698-1057

Residential reroofing and repairs, 17 years experience, licensed, bonded, and insured. Gutter replacement and cleaning. Call Shawn 303-907-9223

SKI & SN

Affordable ski and snowboard waxing and tuning. Providing pickup and delivery to your residence. TEXT BRETT 303-5506166 www.centralparkskiboardtuning. com.

TUCKPoINTING

Over 25 years experience. Fully insured. Mortar color and brick matching, broken brick replacement, cement chimney crown replacement. 12 years Chicago union experience. Mr Chimney and Home Masonry Repair. Call Chuck Bahnsen 303-948-7999

wINDowS

Double hung window RESTORATION includes replacing sash cords (ropes) and removal of excess paint on wood and metal plus lubrication for smooth opening and closing. 40 year resident of PH. Contact

720-287-0442 (voicemail)