14 The News-Press
November 1, 2012
Parker: Club takes issue with claims about firing Parker continues from Page 13
told me Thursday. “There is a group wanting to do things very differently, so they pushed me out the door.” Van Hall, who knew most of the 2,000 club members by name, was hired to run the 128-yearold Denver institution 10 years ago. Nearly four years ago, van Hall was diagnosed with a degenerative disease that took most of the sight in his left eye. Then late last year, the disease attacked the other eye, rendering him legally blind. I profiled van Hall’s journey into near darkness in a February story for The Denver Post. What struck me most at the time was not only his upbeat attitude, but also his agility in getting around the massive building on Glenarm with all its stairs, narrow hallways and tricky turns.
When it was apparent that his eyesight was permanently impaired, the board of directors approved the purchase of special equipment van Hall needed to do his job, including a 32-inch monitor with a machine that enlarges letters to 3-inch type that he can still read. When I spoke with him recently, van Hall was at the club cleaning out his office. He called the experience “heartbreaking.” “They’re such a great group of people in this club, it’s a shame that a smaller group wants to do things their way,” he said. In the end, van Hall and the board of directors couldn’t agree on the direction of the club. “They wanted me to eliminate staff and I didn’t think we should. They wanted the club to be more exclusive. I’m told they made some hurtful
comments about my disability and ability to run the club. I was being undermined every step of the way.” David Hague, the acting general manager and comptroller, answered my request for comment by saying, “First, I want to assure you that in no way is Andre’s current situation related to his eyesight. The club is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity employment, and we do not discriminate against anyone on the basis of age, race, sexual orientation, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, disability or any other status protected by state or local law. “The DAC is making a change because, in the best judgment of the board of directors, it needs to do so in order to ensure its continued viability. In addition, the DAC and
Andre are at an impasse regarding his rather onerous contract that was negotiated with Andre long before the current board and board president were involved.”
Start spreading the news Denver Restaurant Week(s), presented by Visit Denver, is set for Feb. 23-March 8. DRW will once again offer diners a multi-course dinner for two for the “Mile High” fixed price of $52.80, not including tax or tip, or $26.40 for one. All information can be found at www.denverrestaurantweek.com. Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc.com or at 303-619-5209.
CURTAIN TIME Rock band comeback “Rock of Ages” by Deborah Montgomery (edited by Mitch Slevc), lyrics by Bill Paddock, plays Nov. 2 to 17 at the Eisenhower Chapel, 293 Roslyn St., Denver. Presented by Firehouse Theater, directed by Mitch Slevc. The Rolling Emotions, an aging rock band, finds that music helps them in a comeback effort. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays. Tickets:$20/$18, 303-5623232, firehousetheatercompany.com. (Location change for this show only.
How did he do that? “Harry the Great” by John Di Antonio is a Creede Repertory Theatre production, presented at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree, from Nov. 1 to 11. Set at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, a vaudeville story about magicians. There will be 13
The Fly By Nighters Are Flying By Night The Out of Towners Are Leaving Town The Door Knockers Stopped Knocking (Knock on Wood)
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Girls’ Night Out
“Naked in Encino,” by TV writer/producer Wendy Kout, plays Nov. 2 to 24 at the Work/Space at the Laundry on Lawrence, 2701 Lawrence St., Denver. Presented by And Toto Too. Five women gather to talk. Local actors Pamela Clifton, Lisa Mumpton, Suzanne Nepi, Krista Rayne Reckner and introducing Libby Arnold. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Tickets: $22/$20, $11 on Wednesdays. Brownpaperbagtickets. com/event/282407. For information: andtototoo. org.
Character drama
“Time Stands Still” by Donald Margulies plays through Dec. 15 at Curious Theatre, 1080 Acoma St., Denver. Directed by Christy Montour-Larson. Drama about a couple at a crossroads. Performances: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $18-$44, 303-6230524, curioustheatre.org.
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Tony Paul Alvarez July 5, 1926 ~ October 23, 2012
Tony Alvarez was born in Los Angeles, California on July 5, 1926. He was the eldest son of 10 siblings and the family settled in Tracy California. During WWII, Tony joined the Marines at age 17. He served in the Philippines and fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima where he was wounded and awarded a “Purple Heart”. He married Nola and raised his family of 3 children in Tracy where he worked and retired from the Tracy Defense Depot. He dedicated his life, not only to his family and friends but his passion for sports led him to a genuine love and commitment to youth activities in the community. He was an active member of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church and a former Grand Knight of Columbus. His family moved to Castle Rock, Colorado in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Nola, his son Paul Alvarez and wife Brenda, grandson Paul Alvarez Jr., his two daughters Stephanie Alvarez and Patricia Mellin and husband Jim Mellin. He has 4 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tricia Rittger. He was a resident of the Castle Rock Care Center until his passing. His interment will be held in Tracy, California.