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A PUBLICATION OF

FEBRUARY 2019

BUSINESS OF SMILES

SOUNDING OFF

Croquet nonproﬁt brings together dementia patients

Residents battle highway noise

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WORKING AS ONE Womxn’s March promotes inclusivity

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MAGIC IN A BALL Denver snow globe artists create works of art

2 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

Business Matters By Kailyn Lamb | klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com Business Matters is a monthly column on the changing landscape of business and development in south Denver. If there are any inquiries on new developments in your area, or if you are a local business wishing to highlight an upcoming milestone, email Kailyn Lamb at klamb@ coloradocommunitymedia.com.

DEVELOPMENTS South York Apartments A proposal to turn two properties, 2445 and 2455 S. York St., into apartments is under review by the city of Denver. The properties are currently houses. According the city website, the building would be five stories with 44 units. The proposal also includes 38 parking spots. Arte Bella Another plan under review by the city of Denver would convert a parking lot at 434 Santa Fe Drive into an apartment building. The city website lists this building at a proposed three stories with nine units. The building would have six parking spaces.

BUSINESS OPENINGS Dryland Sports Co. A gym focused on injury prevention opened in December at 1435 S. Holly St. The gym was launched by a group of parents whose children are in competitive sports. According to the website, one of their daughters was

injured playing soccer and became injured again shortly after being given the green light to return to the sport. Dryland focuses on preventing burnout as well as injury prevention. Classes are offered for specific sports or training routines such as skiing, soccer, conditioning and more. Dryland also offers recovery options such as a sauna and compression therapy. We Work We Work leased 18,000 square feet from the Finance House in Cherry Creek, 205 Detroit St. It will be the ninth location for the company in the Denver area. We Work offers co-working spaces for individuals or small companies. It is headquartered in New York City and has office space available across the country. We Work will take the second and third floors of the Finance House, according to the Denver Business Journal. The company’s website lists the Cherry Creek location, but does not have leasing information available at this time. Unravel Coffee In the same complex as Dryland, a new coffee shop is set to open this month. Unravel Coffee will open at 1441 S. Holly St. in the Virginia Village neighborhood. Owners have a short post on the shop’s website. “We meet up daily with expectations of service and escapism through this wonderful beverage we know as coffee. Complex, yet simple when done right,” the post says. “Unravel Coffee is set to provide a new collabora-

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We Work, a co-working space, recently leased space in Cherry Creek. The company has eight other locations in Denver, as well as locations throughout the United States. COURTESY OF WE WORK

tive experience from the very first plantings of a coffee shrub to the remnant in the cup.” Untuckit Colorado is getting a second Untuckit shop, which offers casual shirts meant to be worn untucked. The men’s clothing brand is set to open a shop in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center early this year. The other Untuckit store is located in the Park Meadows mall. The Cherry Creek Shopping Center has the store listed as “coming soon” on its website. It will be located on the lower level of the mall. American Grind American Grind, which first opened in Avanti Food & Beverage in 2017, is moving to a brick-and-mortar location near Washington Park this spring. The restaurant will be located at 431 E. Bayaud Ave. The restaurant is owned by the same people who own The Way Back in the Berkeley neighborhood. American Grind is a burger restaurant, which also offers a vegetarian item. American Grind is currently still open at Avanti Food & Beverage. StretchLab A California-based stretching studio is heading to Cherry Creek next month. The studio will be located at 3201 E. Second Ave. StretchLab offers assisted stretching meant to counter imbalances or tightness in the body, according to the website. It can also help people with flexibility and range of motion. Hoja Ben Susnick’s new culinary creation Hoja is now open at 1284 S. Pearl St. Susnick is best known as the owner of Base Camp Provisions, a frequent food truck seen at the South Pearl Street Farmer’s Market. The space is cozy but light and bright with wooden tables and cactus decorations on the walls. The kitchen is open like a deli to the seating area. Out back, for when the days warm up, is a nice patio area still slightly under development. The menu ranges from the decidedly southof-the-border, breakfasty chilaquiles to matzo ball chicken noodle soup. Also offered is an assortment of hot and cold drinks. Susnick also said Hoja has received approval for a liquor license, which will enable him to offer beer, wine and select cocktails. Hoja is open every day except Mondays for breakfast and lunch. You can visit its website Hojadenver. com for more information. - Tom Snyder

CLOSINGS Mile High Comics Mile High Comics in Glendale near the Cherry Creek Shopping Center closed its doors at the end of December. The store was on the upstairs level of a shopping center at 760 S. Colorado Blvd. The store moved its inventory into its 8-year-old store at 4500 Jason St. in west Denver. Mile High Comics first launched in 1969. Owner Chuck Rozanski started the company in his parent’s basement. CHANGES Carmine’s on Penn Carmine’s on Penn, a family-style Italian restaurant, celebrates 25 years in West Washington Park this month. The restaurant will have specials and prizes throughout 2019 to celebrate the anniversary. The restaurant is located at 92 S. Pennsylvania St. Denver Drumz A longtime Congress Park drumming school has moved to the Baker neighborhood at 420 Broadway. Owner JB Maroncelli wrote on the Denver Drumz Facebook page that he outgrew his space in Congress Park and is hoping the new space on Broadway will bring more visibility to his drum school. He expects to open the first week of this month. The space is 5,000 square feet and has room for studio space and band rentals. Maroncelli launched a Go Fund Me in 2017 to help raise money for the new space. So far, he has raised $1,000 of a $10,000 goal. For more information, visit https://bit. ly/2UhQJE2. Cho77 The former South Broadway restaurant opened its doors downtown late last month. Cho77 closed at 42 S. Broadway in September, and reopened in January at 1555 Blake St. Cho77, which is operated by ChoLon Restaurant Concepts, offers Asian-style street food. BorraCho Tacos, which is owned by the same restaurant group, is open in the former Cho77 space. Aviano Coffee A second Aviano Coffee shop has opened in Cherry Creek North. The new location is at 215 St. Paul St. The other location, at 244 Detroit St., has been there since 2010. The company opened its first shop in 2006.

Washington Park Profile 3

February 2019

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February 2019

Newly announced DPS Superintendent Susana Cordova, left, and Ron Cabrera, the interim superintendent listen to teachers speak at a community meeting in December. Teachers voted for a strike last month. KAILYN LAMB

District, teachers union back in talks Wait for decision on state intervention delays strike By Erica Meltzer, Melanie Asmar

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Editor’s note: This story was written before Washington Park Profile’s press deadline. The Denver Public Schools district and the teachers union went back to the bargaining table on Jan. 31 as they continue to await word on whether Gov. Jared Polis will intervene in their pay dispute. The Denver Classroom Teachers Association offered the date, which is notable because union officials previously had cast doubts on the value of ongoing negotiations unless the district is willing to come up with more money for teacher pay. Ahead of the meeting, union Executive Director Pam Shamburg said the union had no confirmation from the district that it would offer more money, but that officials had said “everything is on the table.” “We are willing to come to the table in a good-faith effort to get a deal done,” Shamburg said. The two sides have been in a bit of a holding pattern. After the teachers union voted to go on strike, the district requested state intervention in the hopes that a mediator or fact-finder could help broker a deal. The union opposes intervention and is preparing its members to walk off the job to pressure the district to meet its demands. Teachers cannot legally strike while a decision about state intervention is pending. Polis has encouraged the district and the union to continue negotiating while state officials decide whether to intervene. Denver Public Schools Superintendent Susana Cordova said in late January that the district was eager to return to the table, but no date had been set at that time. The date setting came on the same day as a conference call on Jan. 29 between representatives of the governor’s office, the state labor department, the district and the state teachers union.

KEEP UP TO DATE This was the most recent development on the possible strike of Denver Public School teachers as of press time Jan. 30 for Washington Park Profile. For updates and continuing developments, go to www.washparkprofile.com or https://www.facebook. com/washparkprofile. Feedback in conference call Shamburg characterized the conference call as an opportunity to get feedback from the governor after his Office of State Planning and Budgeting did its own analysis of the two sides’ competing proposals, which differ in philosophy and cost. Colorado Education Association President Amie Baca-Oehlert and a researcher with the state teachers union were on the call on behalf of the union. District spokesperson Anna Alejo added that Polis set up the call to make sure there was clarity on the cost of the two sides’ proposals. Throughout the negotiations, it has often seemed as if the district and the union are not operating from the same set of facts, such as how much each proposal will cost over the long run, how many teachers would take advantage of opportunities for raises, or how different policies affect teacher retention. In its filing asking the state to stay out, the Denver Classroom Teachers Association said the district had “effectively unraveled” months of negotiations based on shared assumptions by introducing “a completely different financial model.” Mark Ferrandino, the Denver district’s chief financial officer, said that far from introducing a different financial model, the district was engaged in a good-faith effort to come up with more accurate assumptions about where teachers would fall on the proposed salary schedule and the likely cost of that schedule. To do so, it looked at numbers from neighboring Aurora Public Schools, whose salary schedule is similar to the one proposed by the union. “It’s the same financial model we’ve always been using,” Ferrandino said — just updated. Shamburg, meanwhile, does not believe the new information makes the model more accurate because it’s not based on Denver teachers.

Lack of trust apparent This kind of disagreement is emblematic of the lack of trust between the two sides and of the competing claims that state officials are weighing as they decide whether to intervene. The state cannot impose an agreement on the district and the union, but it can require the two sides to participate in mediation, conduct independent fact-finding, or hold public hearings in an effort to broker a deal. Cher Haavind, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, which is the agency that would intervene, said the purpose of the joint call on Jan. 29 was to share information and better understand each side’s position. Haavind said one reason the law allows 14 days for the department to make a decision about whether to intervene is to provide an opportunity for the informal convening and information gathering “that helps us explore the value of intervening or not intervening.” Rumors have swirled that a decision by the department is imminent. Haavind said she does not expect the governor’s office and state labor officials to take the full two weeks to decide, but she stressed that no decision has been made and that officials are actively weighing evidence and monitoring events. “You have to be respectful of the process and the collective bargaining agreement and the working conditions,” she said. “We want to intervene if it’s helpful and we do not want to intervene if it will get in the way of negotiations.” She called the return to the bargaining table “positive.” Denver Public Schools and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association are negotiating an agreement that governs a system of bonuses and incentives that teachers receive on top of their base pay. The system is known as ProComp. As part of these negotiations, the union pushed the district to put an additional $30 million into teacher compensation. The district has offered more than $20 million, but the two sides are still roughly $8.5 million apart. They also have strong philosophical differences about how teacher compensation should be structured, with the district wanting to keep more money for bonuses and the union wanting smaller bonuses and larger base pay.

Washington Park Profile 5

February 2019

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February 2019

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Donation helps animal shelter build new facility Staff Report The Denver Dumb Friends League is one step closer to helping shelter pets across the state get adopted. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) donated $250,000 toward the Denver Dumb Friends League capital campaign project in January, according to a news release. In 2017, the nonprofit launched the Building a Better Way home campaign to rebuild and renovate its shelter space at 2080 S. Quebec St. in Denver. The ASPCA donation will go toward a space dedicated to animals being transferred from other rescue organizations. The separate space will allow the Denver Dumb Friends League to work with larger groups of animals and immediately address any health concerns, the release said.

“We often do not have enough pets available for people looking to adopt, so we have created ethical animal transfer partnerships with shelters and rescue organizations in Colorado, as well as other states,” said Dr. Apryl Steele, president and CEO of the Dumb Friends League, in the release. “This investment by the ASPCA will not only help build this advanced transfer space, it will directly impact the lives of homeless pets that may otherwise wait months, or even years, to be adopted.” The space will be named in honor of former Dumb Friends League president and CEO Bob Rohde and is expected to be completed later this year. So far, the nonprofit has raised more than $36 million toward the $40 million campaign. For more information on the Denver Dumb Friends League, visit https://www.ddfl.org/

Jewish Film Festival celebrates 23 years The festival will be in theaters throughout Denver this month Staff Report This year’s Jewish Film Festival will feature 44 films in Denver theaters from Feb. 6-18. The festival showcases Jewish and Israeli cinema from 18 countries, according to a news release. The festival is put on annually by the Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community Center’s Mizel Arts and Culture Center in the Virginia Vale neighborhood in Denver. The JCC is located at 350 S. Dahlia St. The 23rd annual Jewish Film Festival is being presented by the Sturm Family Foundation. The foundation supports nonprofits providing impactful programming to their local communities, according to its website.

“This festival has played an integral role in bringing the best of Israeli and Jewish cinema to our local community for 22 years running,” said Don Sturm of the Sturm Family Foundation in the release. “We are extremely proud to continue our support of this annual tradition.” There will be 30 Colorado premieres in this year’s film lineup, the release said. Four of the films have been submitted to the Academy Awards for the foreign language category, and eight of the films were done by first-time feature filmmakers. Several theaters will be showing films from the festival, including The Elaine Wolf Theatre at the JCC, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Sloans Lake and the Sie Film Center in the Congress Park neighborhood. Seating at the Alamo Drafthouse and Elaine Wolf Theatre is reserved in advance. Single tickets are $14 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Multifilm packages are available. For tickets or for more information, go to www.jccdenver.org/ film or call 303-316-6360.

Washington Park Profile 7

February 2019

INC AWARD WINNERS Neighborhood Stars: • Anne Callison, Winston Downs Community Association

• Phyllis Ward, University Park Community Council

• Glenn Harper, Sun Valley Community Coalition

• Brooke Webb, Virginia Vale/Ellis Community Association

• John Robinson, Harvey Park Neighborhood Association

• Ann White, Montbello 20/20

• Diane Travis, Swallow Hill Neighborhood Association

• Bill Gross Memorial Award for Public Safety: Chaffee Park Neighborhood Association, ElyriaSwansea Neighborhood Association, Colorado Latino Forum and the Colorado Sierra Club

• Michelle Valeri, Capitol

• Sustainability

• Denise Sanderson, Canmer Park/Hilltop Civic Association • Blair Taylor, Greater Park Hill Community

Ronnie Crawford, left, from Overland Park in south Denver, receives the ﬁrst Sustainability Award during the Denver INC Awards on Jan. 23. The INC created the award, as well as a Sustainability Committee last year. KAILYN LAMB

Hill United Neighborhoods

Award: Ronnie Crawford, Overland Park Neighborhood Association • Walt Kemble Memorial Award for Outstanding Delegate: Drew Dutcher, ElyriaSwansea Neighborhood Association • Virginia Oredson Memorial Award for Person of the Year: Christine O’Connor, Lowry United Neighborhoods • Youth Civic Engagement Awards: Colorado High School Charter and Arts Street @YEA

Neighborhoods making a difference 33rd annual awards honor individuals, community projects Staff Report A group of Denver residents and schools were honored for their work in 2018, celebrating conservationists, activism and community projects.

The Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC) held its annual award ceremony on Jan. 23. Two new awards were given this year, the Youth Civic Engagement Awards and the INC Sustainability Award. During the 1990s, INC created the $1 Dictionary project, which gave out dictionaries to all third-grade students in Denver. After the program was canceled, the organization still wanted a way to work with young people of Denver. Karen Taylor, who presented the new award to two schools, said it was a way to honor young people doing good in the com-

munity. The two schools also received $500 toward their projects. The INC recently created a new sustainability committee in addition to awarding a community member for promoting conservation efforts in Denver. Before the awards ceremony, Michael Henry gave a speech on the impact a community organization can have. Henry was one of the founding members of the INC back in 1975, and has also served as president of the Capitol Hill United Neighborhoods organization. He highlighted victories by the INC, as well as

several other neighborhood organizations over the last four decades. Irene Aguilar, a former state senator who represented a portion of Denver, and director of the Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Team, spoke about the need to preserve the city’s history and cultural diversity. Grace Lopez Ramierez from the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement presented the awards, giving a brief explanation of each person’s achievements over the last year. Winners were nominated by INC community members and then selected.

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8 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

‘You sound like you’re on the

freeway’

Buchtel Boulevard South follows Interstate 25 just south of Washington Park and is an on-ramp to the highway. Residents in the area said that drivers often speed on this road, causing dangerous situations for children living there. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

A 2000s highway expansion leaves Denver residents to deal with noise By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Mike Ridge can remember a time when Interstate 25 was only two lanes in each direction and the speed limit was 55 miles-per-hour. Those were quieter days for his neighborhood, which sits a handful of blocks south of Washington Park. He moved there when he and his wife married in 1984. The area is separated from the highway only by Buchtel Boulevard South and a small stretch of grass just before the underpass. But today, I-25 spans seven lanes and Ridge and his neighbors can hear the sounds of traffic whizzing by at all hours of the day, with one exception — when traffic is at a standstill during rush hour. “I notice the noise when there’s less traffic because it’s not standstill,” said Abby Jayne, who has lived in the area for the last 2 1/2 years. “So later, toward the evenings, it’s really quite loud — and that’s when we want to open our windows in summers.” The Colorado Department of Transportaiton (CDOT) and the Regional Transportation District (RTD) created a partnership that would eventually add more lanes to I-25 in the early 2000s as part of the construction project, Transportation Expansion, or T-REX for short. The first steps toward T-REX were taken in 1992 when the Denver Regional Council of Governments commissioned a traffic congestion study of I-25. Several more studies were done, and official planning for T-REX did not begin until 1999. The project lasted five years, from 2001-2005.

Before the Transportation Expansion Project added more lanes to Interstate 25, residents were asked if they wanted to add a sound wall. One side of the highway voted yes, the other voted no, which has caused a noise buildup on the southern side of the interstate. T-REX added light rail services to the area, as well as traffic lanes on I-25 and Interstate 225 through Denver, Aurora, Greenwood Village, Centennial and Lone Tree. The light rail opened a few months after construction in 2006. At the time, Ridge said, the city came to residents to ask if they wanted to install a sound wall to prevent highway noise from disturbing the neighborhood. But neighbors, including Ridge, were concerned a sound wall would block their view of the mountains to the west, or that it would block their view of South High School, which can be seen directly north of the neighborhood. Residents instead opted for trees, but Ridge said they were never planted. He said he believes the trees were not planted because there’s no watering system or irrigation in that area. Paul Kashmann, the city councilmember who represents this area of town, said after neighbors contacted him about the noise, he began to

look into what could be done. But the process will likely be complicated, he said, because part of the area is controlled by CDOT, while other parts are controlled by the city of Denver or RTD. He said he has begun to reach out to the two other entities. “This is a real complicated one,” he said. “I understand their concern and we’ll run down the ends until someone says there’s nothing that can be done.” Tamara Rollison, communications manager at CDOT for the Denver area, said the department is working with the city of Denver and would allow for the construction of a soundwall. But the department is also strapped for funding, she said. “We don’t have the funding for it and we have conveyed that to Denver. We are assisting with doing some noise testing and getting an estimate of how much the noise walls would be to install,” she said in an email. “If Denver can come up with funding, we would allow them to proceed with installation.”

Noise becomes unbearable Cynthia Darby, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1985, said no one asked for her opinion. She would have wanted both a wall and trees. Back when she first moved into the neighborhood, there was some highway noise, but Darby said it has noticeably increased over the years. Before she installed air conditioning in her house, Darby used to open windows in the summer, but the noise from the highway would become unbearable. Despite no longer having to rely on open windows for cool air, Darby said the sounds still interrupt her daily life, such as when loud trucks drive on the highway. “I have been woken up in the middle of the night because of that,” she said. Everyday tasks such as walking the dog or barbecuing in the backyard mean taking the noise head on. “You sound like you’re on the freeway,” Darby said. In addition to general traffic sounds, a sound wall on the north side causes the sounds to amplify and bounce toward the south side, the neighbors said. And on Sundays, the neighbors regularly hear cars racing on the highway in the wee hours of the morning. “It wakes us up every Sunday,” said Ally Naes, who has lived on South Lafayette Street for 2 1/2 years with husband Anthony. Safety concerns exist as well But the noise isn’t all that residents are worried about. Buchtel has a number of safety concerns as well. When I-25 is crowded, drivers will frequently exit onto Bucthel, which

adds to the traffic, Jayne said. Drivers also speed on that road, which Ally said was a concern to her and other neighbors with small children. “They speed because they don’t realize that children live here,” she said. “I’m scared to death of having kids or dogs out there without leashes on both of them because if one darts into the street and somebody isn’t paying attention, it’s game over.” “People get flipped off (by drivers) for going the speed limit,” Ridge added. Neighbors also worry about the retail value of their homes. When Darby tried to sell her home five years ago, many potential buyers said the noise was too much, she said. Ally said she also worried whether the noise would prevent her from selling her house if she wanted to move. In addition to reaching out to Kashmann, residents have also started a petition to have something done about the noise, Anthony said. The group of neighbors agreed that adding vegetation to the median on Buchtel or to the grass along the edge of the underpass could help with the noise, and may be a cheaper solution. Many of them also believe installing a sound wall on the south side of the highway would be worth the expense. Anthony said that would make it so he and his family could enjoy sitting out in the backyard again without turning their music up all the way. “I also think you would see a lot more traffic from a foot perspective on that path going over to Wash Park,” he said. “I think you’d see even more folks go that way if the walk up and down Buchtel was more pleasurable.”

Washington Park Profile 9

February 2019

E H T ING

H S U ‘P

’ E P O L

E V EN

Hilltop couple makes snow globes into works of art Cameron Lewis, left, and Reid Grossnickle stand in their workshop holding a few of their snow globes. They create handmade works of art, with Lewis putting together the pieces and Grossnickle creating the “snow” inside. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

TO LEARN MORE

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

now falls outside the window of Hilltop residents Cameron Lewis and Reid Grossnickle’s workshop. But there’s a bit of snow inside, too, in the confetti and glitter swirling in the collection of snow globes — some now decades old with yellowing water — that line shelves in the entrance of the pair’s packed workshop. Many of the globes celebrated milestones of corporate companies, some no longer in existence. Making snow globes was a career that unexpectedly landed in Grossnickle’s lap. He and Lewis originally made cubes with liquid and sculptures inside. The pair were at an art show in Las Vegas in the ‘90s when someone asked if the art could be set in globes instead. So Grossnickle began making snow globes for companies. Lewis later explored the couple’s more artistic side with globes for art shows as well as their Etsy shop. “I kept looking for snow globes that I imagined, and I couldn’t find any,” Lewis said. “There was nobody we could find making snow globes for grownup art.” The magic happens at the back of the couple’s workshop in northeast Denver. Grossnickle helps repair snow globes sent to the workshop, many of them collectibles or items with special family memories. But he also makes snow globes with people’s photos and for companies or universities that want bulk orders with each one looking exactly the same. He is one of the few snow-globe makers in the U.S. making corporate products, Grossnickle said. Other companies are based in China and Taiwan. The pair don’t advertise or promote repairs on their website, but if people ask, Grossnickle will often take in customer’s broken globes. After repairing his first globe for a family who lost their mother to cancer, he couldn’t say no. “When I fixed the one, Pandora’s Box got open, and the flood has just come in,” he said. Lewis is in charge of the handmade creations — snow globes large and small inspired by

When they’re not traveling to shows, Cameron Lewis and Reid Grossnickle sell their snow globes on their Etsy shop, CamrynForrestDesigns. More information can also be found on their website, https://camrynforrest.com/. Grossnickle’s site for custom snow globes and repairs is www. snowglobecentral.com.

Reid Grossnickle, a former architect, will often make small models for Cameron Lewis to use inside her snow globes. In this piece, he built a set of stairs and Lewis added small people to them.

“We have more confetti than Party City does,” she said.

ART SHOWS “an astonishing ﬁrst place to start.”

Cameron Lewis said that she and Reid Grossnickle try to show their snow globes in art festivals around the country. But their artistic snow globes are not something that can be shipped. Instead, the couple gently packs up the globes and drives to shows across the country.

Lewis said she and Grossnickle will be in the Cherry Creeks Arts Festival again this year, which will be happening July 5-7. For more information, go to http://cherrycreekartsfestival.org/.

One of the ﬁrst shows they participated in was the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Lewis said. She called it

The couple’s festival schedule can be found on their website, https://camrynforrest.com/.

trinkets or other objects she finds. She often stops on walks, picking up plastic pieces or items people consider trash. “We still get inspired by what we experience,” she said. Each globe contains its own little world. As a former architect, Grossnickle sometimes makes model stairs or other items to go in the globes. The largest ones are 5 inches in diameter. Often, Lewis sets those globes on stands that have vertical liquid tubes with glitter and confetti. “Those are really fun because we’re pushing the envelope, how far can you push a snow globe,” Lewis said. “Either people get that or they don’t.”

The couple moved their workshop to northeast Denver after getting priced out of the River North neighborhood, where they worked for 30 years, they said. The workshop houses all the glitter and confetti for the globes, as well as the liquid solutions and glass. Creating snow globes can be as much a science as an art because of all the steps to ensure the confetti works in the liquid solution, Lewis said. “Every glitter and confetti that we use has to be soaked for months,” Lewis said. “Otherwise, we dye all the liquid multi-colors.” Although Lewis handles the business side of the artistic snow globes, making them is a

When it comes to repairs and corporate snow globes, having the right glitter or confetti can make all the difference. Lewis said that when confetti companies started going out of business, she and Grossnickle would by their inventory. This led to them owning tens of pounds of glitter.

But it’s worth it. When Grossnickle gets requests for repairs, even the smallest sample of the gitter inside the snow globe can help. “When someone sends in a globe, there’s a really good chance that we’re going to be able to match what was in it,” Lewis said.

collaborative effort. Once she finishes the sculpture on the inside, she passes it along to Grossnickle who picks out the color of the confetti. Some items float differently in the liquid, she added, and can take hours to descend to the bottom again. “Reid’s brilliant with the confetti and sparkles, and how to add things,” Lewis said. “Occasionally, he’ll do something where you shake it and the globe will go completely solid color.” Completing a snow globe can take several months of careful and concentrated work. “Snow globes, you gotta treat them like babies,” Lewis said. “They’re divas.”

10 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

com

ing

soo

Are co-located schools squeezing each other out? By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

THE FLAMING LIPS WITH THE

Colorado Symphony

F E B R U A R Y

MARCH

Mendelssohn Double Concerto featuring Yumi Hwang-Williams

Face Vocal Band with the Colorado Symphony

FEB 1-3 FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00

Peter and the Wolf Featuring Magic Circle Mime Co.

MAR 9 SAT 7:30

■

Kevin John Edusei, conductor Yumi Hwang-Williams, violin Anne Marie McDermott, piano

MAR 10 SUN 2:30 Christopher Dragon, conductor

Symphonic Tribute to Comic Con — V FEB 8 FRI 7:30

HalfNotes

Christopher Dragon, conductor

HalfNotes

Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 MAR 15-17

FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00 ■

Peter Oundjian, conductor

Sondheim & Lloyd Webber Showcase FEB 9 SAT 7:30 Christiane Noll, Debbie Gravitte, Hugh Panaro, vocalists

A Classical Romance

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert with the Colorado Symphony MAR 23-24 SAT-SUN 2:00 1STBANK Center, Broomfeild, CO Tickets: altitudetickets.com

FEB 14, 16-17 THU, SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00 ■

Brett Mitchell, conductor Kelly O’Connor, mezzo-soprano

Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition

The Flaming Lips with the Colorado Symphony

Brett Mitchell, conductor Augustin Hadelich, violin

FEB 22 FRI 7:30

MAR 29-31

FRI-SAT 7:30 SUN 1:00

Christopher Dragon, conductor Members of the Colorado Symphony Chorus

Nat King Cole & Me — An Evening with Gregory Porter FEB 23 SAT 7:30 Christopher Dragon, conductor

HalfNotes Please join us for family-friendly activities 1 hour before the concert. These performances include FULL SCREENING OF THE FEATURE FILM! presenting sponsors

also supported by

COLORADOSYMPHONY.ORG

■

For the last seven years, Creativity Challenge Community (C3) has housed elementary school classes in the basement level of the Merrill Middle School building in the Cory-Merrill neighborhood. But the growth in numbers of students also has some parents — who worried from the beginning about space — saying the buidling has become too cramped to provide an adequate learning environment. Parents Michele Orlee and Amy Duclos, whose children attend the middle school, say the growing elementary school is squeezing the middle school. They would like to see DPS find another home for C3, possibly in the former Rosedale Elementary School building which is about three miles southeast of Merrill, and closed for the 2005-2006 school year due to low enrollment, according to DPS. But other parents, who have had children go through C3 and Merrill, aren’t sure that’s the right solution: They like the collaboration between the two schools. Denver Public Schools officials also are hesitant to move C3 because they say data projections show a decrease in student populations in southeast Denver in coming years. Julia Shepherd, principal at C3 since it opened in 2011, remembers the protests from parents when the announcement was first made to open C3 in Merrill in the building at

CONSTRUCTION AT MERRILL In 2016, Denver voters approved a $572 million bond for various projects across the Denver Public Schools district. Merrill Middle School and Creativity Challenge Community (C3), located at 1551 Monroe St., received $2.7 million from the bond. Construction at the school will begin this summer. The projects at Merrill and C3 include bringing the administrative ofﬁces of the latter upstairs so that the schools can use the same entrance. Ofﬁcials from the schools said during a public meeting on Nov. 14 that it would help make the schools safer. The schools will also be improving the bathrooms in the buildings as well as adding seating to the school’s two gyms. To learn more about DPS bond projects, visit http://bond.dpsk12.org/. 1551 S. Monroe St. She said she — along wth Merrill Principal first Christina Sylvester, who started working at the school three years ago — have worked hard to build a community within the two schools. “There was no where else to put us,” Shepherd said about opening the school inside Merrill. DPS “looked at other possibilities. SEE MERRILL, P11

Reopen Rosedale? A former elementary school could be the solution to crowded classes By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

During public meetings with Denver Public School officials, parent Amy Duclos offered a possible solution to Creativity Challenge Community’s growth inside Merrill Middle School: to reopen Rosedale Elementary School and move C3 the school there. Rosedale, 2330 S. Sherman St., has been closed for the past 12 years, and has been vacant since. District officials, however, say they have no plans to reopen the school. Over the years, Duclos has spearheaded an effort reopen other schools in south Denver. She successfully rallied community members to reopen the Stephen Knight school in the Belcaro neighborhood as an early learning center. She did the same with Byers, a science and technology school in the Speer neighborhood. At the time, Duclos said the district dragged its heels, saying student numbers didn’t show a need for new schools. This is the same argument the district is using now as she works to reopen the Rosedale building, she added. “Rosedale is just a repeat,” Duclos said. In her efforts to open the two other schools,

Duclos met with Jeannie Kaplan, a DPS board member from 2005-2013. Kaplan also became interested in reopening Rosedale, despite representing DPS District 3, which covered the central Denver area. “I never ran because I only cared about District 3,” she said. “I believed that a board member was a representative of the community.” Rosedale closed in 2005. In one estimate, the district said it would take about $2.8 million to renovate the building and bring it up to current standards as an elementary school. At one point, DPS hoped to use the Rosedale building as teacher housing. But the neighborhood community opposed the idea. Now, DPS has no set plans for the building’s use. “The housing efforts we are currently exploring do not include repurposing underutilized school buildings such as Rosedale. We will once again engage the community regarding any potential uses for Rosedale in the future,” said Liz Mendez, DPS director of operations support services. But Kaplan is still hopeful, saying that when she was a board member, DPS would often listen to parents with a plan, adding that in the past Denver voters have also been generous in helping to provide funding for projects through bonds. She also hates to see the building sit empty. “How much money have we spent on other schools to get them back up and running?” she asked. “You can build support if it’s an idea that makes sense and is what the community wants.”

Washington Park Profile 11

February 2019

Merrill FROM PAGE 10

This is where the kids were, this is where the space was. We had to deal with protests before we got in here. That’s a hard thing to get through, but once we got through it we moved forward and we have not looked back.” Concerns about size, safety Orlee, who has a son in eighth grade at Merrill, said she spent quite a bit of time working with parents to enroll their children into Merrill as the district worked on improving classes and student performance there. Today, Duclos and Orlee say Merrill and C3 are bursting at the seams. DPS records show Merrill has 577 students and C3 has 306, for a total of 883. Both schools have seen slight increases to their student population since 2014, according to those records. Shepherd and Sylvester estimated that the Merrill building can fit around 1,000 students. Duclos says one solution to the crowded space is to move C3 into a new building. But other parents — while acknowledging the large class sizes —say that may not be the right move. Michelle Bills has had children move through C3 and Merrill. Now that C3 has been in the Merrill building for seven years, there is finally collaboration happening between the two, Bills said. But Bills did say DPS needs to develop a plan for the future of the two schools, as well as for the crowded class sizes. Since DPS has already invested so much in opening C3 inside Merrill, a new solution needs to be cost-efficient, Bills said.

Christina Sylvester, left, and Julia Shepherd stand together during a school event. They are the principals of Merrill Middle School and C3 respectively. The pair said they work together to make the school co-location a community. COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS “I hate the idea that all of that money goes out the window,” she said. Kim Dolan, who has three children at C3, said she does not think the building is overcrowded. And, she said, the co-location of the two schools is an opportunity for students to grow and learn from each other. At C3 in particular, she said her kids are well known by their teachers and “not just another number in a classroom.” Sylvester, who became Merrill’s principal three years ago, said her priority is working with Shepherd as a team. “We do a great job cultivating a community while still maintaining that we are separate schools,” Sylvester said. “I would prefer to work within the existing structures and have community and harmony and coexist with a co-locating school.” Duclos, however, said many parents believe community isn’t happening and their children feel segregated within the schools. The older students, for instance, are not allowed to use the playground, she said.

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“You’re saying this is a community, but our kids are coming home and telling us a different story,” she said. A construction project set to start this summer is also stirring the pot with parents. DPS recently allocated bond money to create an entrance for each school at C3. The dual entrance was required by DPS for safety reasons. Having one entrance for each level will help the schools keep track of who is entering the building, Sylvester said. But Duclos and Orlee feel that the new entrance will give more space in the building to C3. Duclos also argued student safety was not the goal of DPS officials. She points to lack of air conditioning in classrooms and cracked blacktop on the Merrill basketball court that was repaired only after parents complained. Looking into the numbers Sylvester said the average classroom size at Merrill for sixth grade is 30 students, 31 for seventh grade and 34 for eighth grade. In the coming years, she is hoping to lower the average closer to 30 across the board. The most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics showed the average classroom size for Colorado middle school students who change classrooms for different

subjects was 26.1. The average class size at C3 is 26 students, said Will Jones, director of media relations with DPS. DPS officials do not have plans to move C3 out of the building because its projection for student populations shows the numbers leveling out in the next few years. “The Fall 2017 Strategic Regional Analysis confirmed previous forecasts that the elementary seats available in the southeast region are sufficient to meet elementary enrollment needs through the time period examined through 2022,” said Liz Mendez, DPS director of operations support services, in an email. The waiting list at C3 in October was 176 students for those whose first choice was C3, according to Jones. For Merrill, the October waiting list for first-choice students was 36. Although the schools have waiting lists, neither school principal wants to increase their school size. Sylvester said that even if she did have all of Merrill to herself, she would not want a 1,000-student school. Smaller class sizes mean students build better relationships with teachers. Students “need to be able to name the adult,” she said of that relationship, “and the adult needs to be able to name them.”

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12 Washington Park Profile

LOCAL

February 2019

VOICES

In a world without memory, it’s easy to get lost

love “The Golden Girls.” The show brings together group of older women who are navigating aging, friendships and dating, and creates a family. But there is one episode in particular that breaks my heart. In season three of the show, the women celebrate Mother’s Day. Each character has a flashback to a special Mother’s Day moment that fits their quirks and personality. For Blanche, the memory is visiting her 89-year-old mother in a nursing home. But her mother has trouble remembering things and thinks Blanche is her other daughter. The longer I watch Blanche navigate her mother’s dementia, the more my heart aches. The saddest part for me is that I can’t remember exactly when my own grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. My first true memory of the disease taking over my family’s life was during a summer visit to Denver when I was in high school. My dad’s family had come in to town from Illinois. My grandma was an avid rummy player, and I loved to play with her when she came to visit.

FROM THE EDITOR

Kailyn Lamb

But when I asked her to play with me, she just looked confused. My dad gently pulled me to the side and said “Honey, she doesn’t remember how to play any more.” At the end of the episode of “The Golden Girls,” Blanche and her mother reconnect. In a moment of clarity, she remembers who Blanche is and they share a hug. From my own experience, I know those moments of memory are few and far between the longer someone lives with Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s and dementia slowly leech the memories from the people we love. For my grandmother it started with small things, like forgetting where she was going while driving. She would remember certain faces and details. But after suffering from the disease for years, she began to pull herself out of the conversation, becoming quieter and quieter each time I saw her. If she didn’t know the answer to a question, she would reach her hand up and stroke the hair by her ear. The last time we were in Illinois to visit my grandparents and uncle, my dad found a box filled with photos of my grandmother’s family. My dad would

try to ask my grandma about photos of her siblings. Up went her hand, and my dad realized she couldn’t remember. Hold your loved ones close. Ask them questions about their past, their families and memories. Ask them while you still can, because you never know when it will be too late. More recently, my grandfather made the decision to move my grandmother into a home treating people with dementia. The decision has been rough on him, as well as my dad and uncle. But we all knew it was for the best: caring for my grandmother had become a full-time job. My uncle and grandfather visit her on Sundays. They tell her about her grandkids and my niece, who is her only great-grandbaby. In this issue there are stories from Denver and Centennial on programs helping people live with dementia and Alzheimer’s. In a world without memory it doesn’t take much to get lost and to feel alone. It warms my heart to see these organizations help our loved ones find their smiles again.

Reflections on 2018, looking forward in 2019

F Keeping the planet clean in February HELPER HERE AND NOW

Diana Helper

h, them Romans! It’s the Month of Purification and fumigation, as we all—now—know. We must think about where to start! The heavy equipment will move in soon. First, Feb. 1, Groundhog’ Eve we’ll start by honoring when the groundhog underground that makes decisions about next-day events due to—hiding away or out cavorting in one’s festive tutu. You’ll find out Feb. 2: six more

A publication of

Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 To subscribe call 303-566-4100 or visit www.washparkprofile.com/subscribe

winter-weeks? An early spring? Then party on with the birthday of our friend Shirley. On Feb. 5’s Chinese New Year — the honor is big — eat all you want, it’s the Year of the Pig. Then honor Abe Lincoln born on Feb. 12, then Washington, who claims Feb. 22 all to himself. In between, Feb. 18, honor all prez with impunity, our annual expression of kindness and SEE HELPER, P13

or Denver to maintain and improve our high quality of life, inclusive of residents of all backgrounds and sustainable for future generations, we must ensure there is a balance between housing people can afford and good-paying jobs. We also need an accessible and robust transportation and mobility network to help people move around in a variety of ways, whether walking, cycling, transit or driving. Affordable housing is on the forefront of many minds throughout Denver. That is why in 2018 I led the charge to prohibit housing discrimination based on how someone pays to rent or purchases a home, and worked with council colleagues and the community to launch a free Eviction Legal Defense Program. Council voted to double affordable housing funding to a record of more than $50 million in 2019 and extend rental affordability to a minimum of 60 years. Last year’s housing fund built a record 1,200 affordable homes for those earning between $0-$64,750 for a family of three, and the Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance program (TRUA) helped 961 households with rent and 164 with

GUEST COLUMN

utilities to avoid displacement. For more information on the TRUA program, visit https://bit. ly/2DdhZ0S. My first goal for 2019 just passed: an expansion of the Low-Income Councilmember Property Tax Rebate to reach Robin Kniech more senior and disabled homeowners and to help homeowners with children for the first time. Lowincome owners and renters may apply for a rebate of 2018’s property taxes after May 1. To promote good-paying jobs, I collaborated with councilmember Deborah Ortega and the administration to create apprenticeship training goals and targeted outreach to vulnerable individuals for construction careers on large Denver projects. I am currently championing the passage of a $15 minimum wage for city employees, contractors and tenants. SEE KNIECH, P13

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Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Profile.

Washington Park Profile 13

February 2019

Kniech FROM PAGE 12

To ensure community trust in our public safety services, I supported our community in successfully advocating for stricter standards for use of force by police. This year, councilmembers Paul Kashmann, Paul López and

I are working to modernize and reinforce independent oversight of the police and sheriff by strengthening the Office of the Independent Monitor and the Citizen Oversight Board. Regarding sustainability, in 2018 the city committed to new goals for reaching 100 percent renewable electricity communitywide by 2030, energy efficiency and electric vehicles. I

Helper FROM PAGE 12

unity. Save love to honor the rose, candy, wines, cards, candy, cupids: Feb. 14 is Valentine’s! February’s the shortest month; born on Leap Day, my dears, your birthday comes `round only every four years. Now, what most needs February’s fumigation and purification??? Dirty old Planet! And who’s responsible for getting out the scrub brushes and shovels? This isn’t

will continue to actively support efforts to increase Denver’s waste diversion by incentivizing greater composting and recycling across the city. Lastly, we must remain focused on transportation and mobility. Thanks to voters, $431 million of the Elevate Bond package is devoted to transportation and mobility, including 375 miles of road repairs, 50 miles of bike lanes and 33

a matter for feather dusters. We have dirty air, water, and, yes, dirty dirt. Need to compost, recycle, bicycle, plant and maintain trees and open green space. Build on hardscape, not permeable. Require construction/developers to include plenty of green space to serve buildings. We need people of all ages to work, and they need good useful programs, mostly under the title of “climate change” for neighborhood programs, such as trees, gardens, for kids and everyone. Schools, churches. More and more are growing and in “cleaner dirt.” Amazing what they can do and how good you’ll feel. Just go online for climate change groups. Get in

miles of new sidewalks. The city’s 2019 budget includes $27 million more, focusing on pedestrian and bike infrastructure, filling sidewalk gaps and creating safer intersections. While substantial investment is being made, Denver needs dedicated, sustainable funding to improve our transportation network. It is one of my priorities this year to engage Denverites about the options for improving

touch with Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), which has many communities involved. For all our health, including old Mom Planet! Healthwise, we all could work on alternative transportation as better, cleaner exercise. Keep hearing about all these chubby kids who don’t have running space and will be waddling around. Then there’s the kids whose playgrounds are near high-pollution highways. Hack-kaff. The folks who have to stay in on asthma days. The pretty fit folks who’d be so much fitter out there walking and biking. Improved bus and train connections! Sidewalks and trails!

transit, roads and sidewalks for all users. Your ideas and questions are welcome. My office hopes to hear from you. Please email Kniechatlarge@denvergov.org to continue the conversation. Robin Kniech is a councilmember at-large on the Denver City Council. At-large council members represent the city as a whole.

And blub, blub — water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink matter of oceans! Rising, warming, clogging, polluted—call in the purification team! Surely there’s a way to scrub water? Imagine a great city all purified and fumigated. A great country, clean and green. A gleaming globe! Like a diamond in the sky!! Isn’t it Roman-ic? Make it happen. Now hand me that compost bucket. Diana Helper and her husband have lived in Denver for 63 years. She works on projects with the city, University of Denver, Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation and Open Space and Parks and Recreation.

Local Focus. More News. 17 newspapers. 20 websites. Connecting YOU to your LOCAL community.

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com VANDERVEEN

John Theodore Vanderveen July 25, 1935 – January 16, 2019

John Theodore Vanderveen, 83, passed away on the morning of January 16, 2019, having never fulfilled one of his son’s lifelong dreams of watching his incredibly intelligent father crush any and all opponents on the game show Jeopardy. Vanderveen’s ability to remember a myriad of facts — some significant, some not — will forever remain legendary in Vanderveen family lore. Born on July 25, 1935, in Logansport, Indiana, to parents Theodore John Vanderveen and Martha Jean (Seybold), John T. Vanderveen was an only child who quickly developed a reputation as a student of life if not necessarily a student of cleanliness. A byproduct of the Great Depression, he often kept his refrigerator stocked to the brim with outdated foodstuffs better suited to the interior of a museum than an actual modern-day appliance. A survivor of Polio when he was 10, Vanderveen never let the virus’ impact on his right leg keep him from one of

his first loves. Close to a scratch golfer at one point, he continued playing a mean round of golf well into his seventies. Vanderveen, a lifelong conservative and walking definition of the word dissonance, received a bachelors and masters from the notoriously liberal University of California at Berkeley (go Bears!). From there, he worked as a Foreign Service Officer in such places as Managua, Nicaragua, and Milan, Italy. In Managua, he once lived next door to baseball great Johnny Pesky. He also told a story of answering a phone one day only to discover LBJ shouting at him from the other end. Fluent in Spanish and Italian, Vanderveen in his latter years would often confuse poor waiters and wait-

resses in Spanish and Italian restaurants by assuming they too were fluent in the languages of their respective dining establishments. In 1973, he and his wife at the time, Mary Ann Vanderveen, moved to Denver with their son Theodore John (notice a pattern?) after an offer from Johns-Manville. That same year, the family welcomed a pair of twins Christopher Bolan and Kevin Robert. In 1983, John Vanderveen founded VSA International Corporation which led him to places like New Mexico and Arizona where he worked with the Navajos. Never afraid to tell someone what was on his mind, John Vanderveen left his three sons with an indelible understanding of the depths of sarcasm and wit. He loved the Oakland Raiders;

hated the Los Angeles Raiders and assumed the Las Vegas Raiders to be a sign of an upcoming apocalypse. He is survived by his sons Ted (49), Chris (45) and Kevin (45); his daughters-in-law Hilary, Kimberly and Susan, his partner Gayle Wunder; and his grandchildren Ann Marie (14), Colin (11), Sarah (6), Lila (8), Hollin (12), and his namesake Johnny Theodore (9). There will be a wake held at Ted Vanderveen’s house in Centennial at a date to be determined. If you’d like to honor John Vanderveen, read a book, study business and/or history, understand random trivia better than anyone else, consider a donation to the fine folks at Denver Hospice, and rid your refrigerator of random food items that appear to be long past their proverbial prime. And, maybe, consider telling Alex Trebek he missed out on seeing one of the greatest Jeopardy champions of all time. Dad, we miss you and we love you!

14 Washington Park Profile

‘The

power of play’

By Kailyn Lamb

February 2019

HOW TO PLAY

klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.org

The diagnosis of his dads’ vascular dementia 10 years ago changed the course of James Creasey’s life. His dad, Maxwell, lived in Sevenoaks in southwest England, where Creasy was born. Creasy had moved to Colorado in 1978. But Creasy decided he would visit his dad for two weeks, every 10 weeks, for the rest of his dad’s life. As Creasey and his five siblings tried to navigate the weight of their father’s disease, each tried to find something to help them bond with him. That quest led Creasey to croquet — and an idea he would bring back to the United States for dementia patients here. The Creasey siblings slowly found ways to connect with their father. They found more complex or fast games were lost after the diagnosis. Some activities were based on memories the family had of their father. One of Creasey’s sisters began to polish shoes with their dad because every Sunday he would polish the family shoes to get them ready for the week when they were children. “You just create a whole new thing that you feel your way into,” Creasey said. “That’s really what I was doing with my dad.” About a year before Maxwell’s diagnosis, Creasey had started learning how to play croquet in Colorado. He had played with some friends and later discovered a croquet lawn during a walk at Washington Park. Although he had never played with his dad before his diagnosis, Creasey thought it was worth a try. And it turned out Maxwell liked the game: “He’d just get a big smile,” Creasey said. And “that was the moment where I felt the tap on the shoulder that was: ‘So what are you going to do with this moment?’ I thought I’d die a happy guy if I could put that smile on a half a dozen more faces.” Creasey launched his nonprofit, Jiminy Wicket, shortly after. The organization brings dementia and Alzheimer’s patients to Wash Park, on the croquet lawn by the southern lake, in the summer for outdoor games of croquet. In the winter, Jiminy Wicket plays indoor games at St. John Lutheran Church and School, 1600 E. Exposition Ave., across from Washington Park. Over the years, Jiminy Wicket has put together more than 450 croquet sessions.

A game of croquet with four players has two teams. The ﬁrst team plays with the blue and black balls, and the second plays with red and yellow. The players take one shot per turn, following a color sequence painted on the center peg of a croquet set. The goal is to get the ball through the hopes in order. The ﬁrst team to get to seven points wins. For more information on how to play, go to http://www.denvercroquetclub.com/ how-to-play/.

TO LEARN MORE To learn more about Jiminy Wicket, email info@ jiminywicket.org or go to www.jiminywicket. org.

Kathy Sommers celebrates with a student after making it through a croquet wicket. Sommers said she had not played croquet in 20 years and that it was nice to enjoy the game again. KAILYN LAMB Six years ago, Jiminy Wicket expanded to include the Through Hoops to Hope program, which brought in student volunteers from South High School to play inter-generational games. The program is now in a school in the United Kingdom, as well as several schools in Colorado. Creasey wants to expand Jiminy Wicket, as well as Through Hopes to Hope, throughout the U.S. and into more countries. He is hoping to raise funding to get the program into schools in Los Angeles, Boston and Chicago in the next year. Volunteers from New York Life, a national insurance company, help run the school program here in Denver. Joey Goldberg with New York Life volunteered during a middle school gym class with St. John Lutheran Church and School in January, and said he enjoys seeing the kids interact with the seniors from Brookdale Parkplace, an assisted living and memory care facility that participates in Jiminy Wicket. When they get a good shot, he added, the kids will give the seniors high-fives.

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“That dynamic is priceless,” Goldberg said. Kayleen Malone, a former gym teacher with the school, agreed. Interacting with seniors helps push kids out of their comfort zone, she said. Creasey also teaches the students the history of the game of croquet, as well as a little bit about Alzheimer’s and dementia, Malone said. The reason croquet works, Creasey said, is because of its simplicity. While in the intergenerational games he encourages students to connect with the seniors, he also said croquet is a game that doesn’t require a lot of talking. This can help ease people in who are unsure how to socialize with dementia patients. The interaction between students and seniors helps to prevent isolation and lonliness in the senior community, Creasey said. At the end of the gym class, Creasey has the participants talk about their “magic moment” in the game. Many of the St. John students said they enjoyed spending time with the seniors. Brookdale resident Kathy Sommers was all smiles during the game. “I had played this game maybe 20 years

The following schools participate in the Through Hoops to Hope program with Jiminy Wicket: • Thomas Jefferson High School, 3950 S. Holly St. in Denver. • St. John’s Lutheran Church and School, 1600 E. Exposition Ave. in Denver. • Graland Country Day School, 55 Clermont St. in Denver. • Charles Hay World School in Englewood. • Ralston Valley High School in Arvada. • Arapahoe High School in Centennial. • Boulder High School in Boulder, • Stargate Charter School in Thornton. Jiminy Wicket also does work with the Knoebel Institute for Healthy Aging at the University of Denver. ago,” she said. “It was wonderful to see it again.” Those smiles are what are most important to Creasey. “We’re in the business of making smiles across the generations,” he said. “The power of play makes people smile. I know we do it because it’s what I see every day.”

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Washington Park Profile 15

February 2019

Kathi Miracle, executive director at Alumia Institute, talks about the color coding to help members of the campus ﬁnd their way around. Alumia offers a wide range of therapies, including nutrition, music and art.

Daniel Asher, a well-known chef in the Denver area, tops food samples Dec. 18 at Alumia Institute, a therapy campus for those in the early stages of dementia, at 9800 E. Geddes Ave. Asher is the chef consultant for the campus and designed its nutritional plan. PHOTOS BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Linda Larkin, art therapist at Alumia Institute, holds up a book of easy-to-read advice and insights — based on research — for people or families who have received a dementia diagnosis.

Therapy campus targets dementia Alumia Institute to offer music, cognitive, nutritional methods in Centennial area By Ellis Arnold earnold@coloradocommunitymedia.com

A one-stop shop for those facing the early stages of dementia opened last month in the Centennial area. “There’s nothing like this in the state of Colorado from beginning to end: Our testing, therapeutic services, meals,” said Kathi Miracle, executive director at Alumia Institute. Dementia is a decline in ability to think, remember and reason, impacting a person’s daily life and activities. Alumia Institute opened at

9800 E. Geddes Ave. in the Centennial area in January, bringing a wide range of therapy to help slow the pace of cognitive decline. The 15,000-square-foot campus offers a social, daytime setting where members can participate in therapies involving art and music, physical activity, brain-training and computer games — and even eat a diet designed to help brain activity. “Every journey with dementia is different and we understand that,” Miracle said in a news release. “As our members’ needs change, so do their therapies. We are here to help guide, support and educate our members and their families.” People with early-stage dementia who are no longer working may be used to work hours, and Alumia is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, Miracle said. Therapies are provided from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including snacks and meals, the

release said. The campus environment allows members to remain living at home or in an independent living community, the release said. The campus system is designed with its members in mind: Room signs are color-coded to help members find where they’re going. Staff who oversee members will wear shirts with colors that help coordinate with their groups, Miracle said. A brain training room offers a program with computer games that help functions such as memory and navigation, and members also can access the program at home. Periodic evaluations will look at members’ brain activity progress. A music therapy room offers touch-screen tablets with headphones and a few instruments including a keyboard. And in the full kitchen and dining area, members can benefit from a nutritional plan by well-known area chef Daniel Asher, based on what’s called the

MIND diet — Mediterranean DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay — and findings in the diet-dementia field, the release said. Located near the Inverness area in unincorporated Arapahoe County — just outside Centennial — the campus is accessible from Interstate 25 and East Dry Creek Road. “It’s right in the heart of our demographic,” Rost said. It sits in an area of metro Denver that will allow the campus to reach many people with early-stage dementia, Rost said. Alumia’s therapy program, called Kynemics, addresses four areas — physical, cognitive, nutrition and social — aimed at stimulating brain function. It’s based on recent research, including the conclusion that it may be possible to prevent cognitive decline using a multi-pronged intervention for older, at-risk individuals, according to the news release.

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16 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

O C N E M A N L O F OTI M IN Washington Park dance company receives Mayor’s Award By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

n a small house off Emerson Street near Washington Park, a small group of dancers rehearse flamenco — a Spanish dance that celebrates a melting pot of cultures of southern Spain, accompanied by smooth guitar music and the swirl of colorful skirts and costumes. The living room space of the house has been converted into the dance studio of Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre. Walls on one side are lined with mirrors, so dancers can carefully watch their footwork while working on choreography. The other side is dedicated to musicians. The dance group’s founder and choreographer René Heredia can be found here, plucking away at his guitar along with a drummer, singer and second guitarist. Diane Lapierre, a principal dancer and executive director of Flamenco Fantasy, leads several dances during the rehearsal. Lapierre said she always loved to dance, but for her Flamenco is special. “When I found this art form, it really just spoke to me. I enjoyed it so much,” Lapierre said. “It’s just a visually stunning art from as well.” Lapierre, who also goes by her stage name, La Diana, has been dancing with Heredia for more than 20 years. She had studied ballet and jazz and, in 1996, joined her sister for her first beginner’s flamenco lesson in the house studio on Emerson. Since then, she has traveled throughout Colorado performing with Heredia and the rest of the company. SEE FLAMENCO, P17

Jessica Vansteenburg does a solo during rehearsal for Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre. Vansteenburg joined the company in 2014. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

TO LEARN MORE

René Heredia plays guitar during a rehearsal for the Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre. Heredia ﬁrst started the dance company in 1968.

country.”

In performances by the Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre, founder René Heredia said he wants people to learn something. Instead of just having dance pieces, Heredia also talks about the art form, calling performances a “concert master class.”

This month, Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre will be performing a Valentine’s Day show in Sedalia on Feb. 15 at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $80, and include a castle tour and meal.

“When I come out, I explain the number and what it is and where the origin comes from,” he said, adding that he also talks about “What’s the connection and correlation to the music in this

For more information on upcoming performances, go to http://reneheredia.com/performances/.

Washington Park Profile 17

February 2019

Flamenco

THE ART OF TEACHING

FROM PAGE 16

At the back of the studio is Heredia’s office, where he also teaches guitar lessons. The walls of the house are lined with photos spanning his career — playing music for famous flamenco dancers and performing for royalty and politicians around the globe. The Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre has been in Denver since 1968, when Heredia decided to make his permanent home here. The company moved into the Emerson studio space, 602 S. Emerson St., in 1974. Born in Granada, Spain, Heredia grew up in the gypsy culture, learning the world of flamenco from a young age. He began performing at age 10. Early in his career, Heredia said he would spend 10 to 12 hours a day practicing, adding that to do something that much, you really have to love it. He joked he was called the “godfather of René Heredia, center, shows Diane Lapierra and Carol Castor steps from the flamenco” when he first performed in choreography he created. Heredia plays the guitar during company performances, but Colorado. he also does all the choreography for the dances. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB “I planted flamenco here (in Denver), symbolic in gypsy culture, Heredia said. He likes to draw from the more traditional ‘cause when I came here there was only Dancers wear polka dots to symbolize the flamenco dances, which started in Spain folk music and jazz,” Heredia said. “It’s moon. Other symbolism comes from the in the late 1400s. Flamenco evolved from a part of me. I love playing the guitar, I love gypsy flag. mixture of four musical cultures: Castilian flamenco. It’s what I do, I’ve been doing it “The top of it is blue, the bottom of it is music from Spain, Arabic music, Sephardic all my life.” Jewish music and the gypsy music, Heredia green and in the middle there’s a spoked Last year, the dance company received wheel there, because gypsies used to travel said. the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Arts in wagon wheels,” he said. “The blue is the While the modern styles of flamenco and Culture, given annually to orgnanizasky and the green is the Earth. The moon have been innovative, Heredia said he tions or individuals making a lasting prefers the older traditions. Both the music is very important to the gypsies because at impact on the arts in Denver. and dancing of modern flamenco has start- night it’s the only light they had.” “I’ve put a lot of time and years into Accessories are also used in Heredia’s Denver, but it’s also rewarded me,” Heredia ed to incorporate other styles and genres. Costumes have also changed. On the danc- choreography. said. “All of this that I have here, I won it Handkerchiefs and fans wave along with ing side, Heredia said more acrobatics have with this wooden box and six strings.” the melody of the guitar. An important elebeen added. Sometimes dancers pause on Four years ago, Lapierre took over as exment of flamenco is also the collaboration the stage to catch their breath. ecutive director of Flamenco Fantasy. She between dancers and musicians, Lapierre “You break the aura of the dance when hopes to continue to promote Heredia’s arsaid. The heels on women’s shoes create a you do that, and I don’t agree with that,” tistic legacy and the history of flamenco in beat along with the music. Dancers also Denver. Learning from Heredia was a large he said. “They want to be innovative, but sometimes carry castanets, small, handthey’re not really creative.” part of the reason she enjoyed flamenco so held instruments also known as clackers, The challenge, he said, is to create somemuch, she said. which they use to create a rhythm as they “A lot of it is the history and the rhythms thing new within the traditional “circle of move their hands. flamenco.” and, quite frankly, a lot of it is René,” Lapi“You’re moving your body to the music, Women dancing the flamenco wear erre said. “The fact that we have somebody but you’re also making the music,” Lapierre like him in the community to learn from is long skirts and ruffled sleeves, along with said. “Whether that’s clapping or snapping, scarves and shawls. In performances, the amazing.” your feet, you are part of the rhythm and women will also wear hair ornaments such The music for Flamenco Fantasy, as well the music.” as roses. Polka dots on the dresses are very as all the dances, are created by Heredia.

René Heredia, founder of the Flamenco Fantasy Dance Theatre, offers dance lessons in the art form, as well as guitar lessons. Beginning dance lessons are on Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. at the studio, 602 S. Emerson St. Advanced lessons are on Saturdays from 3:30-5 p.m. Drop-in classes cost $25. All lessons are accompanied by a guitar. Guitar lessons are scheduled on an individual basis. Lessons are $30 for a half hour, or $60 for a full hour. For more information, go to http://reneheredia.com/gypsy-flamenco-lessons/. Heredia teaches and choreographs gypsy flamenco. He said that in both guitar and dance, people need to learn the basics steps first before they can improvise. “Spanish flamenco is more choreographed, in gypsy flamenco there’s more room for improvisation,” he said.

The traditional costuming is very important in ﬂamenco, René Heredia said. The polka dots on women’s dresses symbolize the moon in gypsy culture.

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18 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

special edition financial pages

Live your best retirement without a mortgage payment BY KATHY MUNI SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

If you have paid off your home and have no mortgage, you have done well and should feel proud of your accomplishment. It took faithfulness and sacrifice to achieve that mile marker. Your home is likely your greatest asset, and yet the money that is in the home, your housing wealth, is tied up with no way to access it unless you sell the home. However, most seniors want to stay in their home forever. Other seniors are well into retirement and have a monthly mortgage payment that, as the years go on, feels like it is strangling them. If you have a large monthly house payment and would like to eliminate it, then you can also use the wealth in your home

to eliminate your monthly mortgage payment. Many people are in the situation where they are “house-rich, and cashpoor.” They have paid off the house, but are not enjoying retirement due to the constraints of a fixed income. The equity in your home is YOUR money. Why not access it and put it to work for you? A Home Equity Conversion Mortgage converts some of your equity into Muni a usable asset – either as a lump sum of cash, a growing line of credit, a monthly income stream, or a combination of the three. At least one borrower must be 62 years old or older, and you need to have around 50% equity in your home, so if

you have a mortgage you can still tap into your housing wealth. Income and credit qualifications are adjusted to accommodate senior homeowners, and bruised credit is often no problem. The amount of equity you can draw is established by the age of the youngest borrower, the value of the property and what is owed. Substantial equity always remains in the home. This is your housing wealth. No one owns the home but you, and you will the property to your heirs who never inherit any debt. The proceeds of a reverse mortgage are not taxable like other investment accounts, and may be used for any purpose. Many people do a reverse mortgage to plan ahead to be sure that the surviving spouse will always be able to live in the home without a mort-

gage payment. For others, the line of credit provides a safety net and easy access to funds if-and-when needed. The guaranteed growth of around 5 percent y a year, compounding annually means a that there will often be a large sum of c money for use in the future to pay for h c home health care or anything else. The house you paid into for so long s can become an asset that pays you back u for the rest of your life. Call your local s Reverse Mortgage Specialist for the specifics of how this will benefit you. o You owe it to yourself and your family p to know your options so that you can l t live your best retirement. Editor’s Note: Kathy Muni is a reverse t m mortgage specialist with Silver Leaf c Mortgage in Centennial. You can contact her at (720) 485-4041, or eamil at 1 KathyM@SilverLeafeMortgages.com. m

c d a i Closing unnecessary accounts e In this day in age of identity theft- it’sb just not a good idea to keep unneces- p sary accounts opened. Keep it simple. i s Know where your money is. Consolidate accounts to ones you look at frequently so you can keep your eye on any suspicious activity. It just makes sense. Plus, most accounts charge fees to keep them open. Don’t pay unnecessary fees for accounts you don’t use.

Get financially healthy in 2019 – Define it, develop a plan and be disciplined BY NELISHA FIRESTONE SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, getting family finances under control is a big one. Whether you are retired and looking to stay on track, or managing a family and full household, there are plenty of areas to consider in putting finances on the right course. Prioritizing debt Not all debt is created equal. There’s good debt and bad debt. Good debt increases your net worth or has future value such as a home loan. If it doesn’t do that and you don’t

have cash to pay for it, it’s bad debt. Bad debt can get out of hand if not addressed. There are 2 schools of thought on prioritizing paying down bad debt. 1. Pay off highest interest debt first. This way you’re chipping away at the debt that’s costing you the most to finance. 2. Pay off lowest balances first. This gives you a sense of accomplishmentlike you’re making headway towards your goal to become debt free faster. IRA accounts (opening a new one and managing a current one) IRA’s are a great way to build a nest egg especially if you don’t have

an employer plan. The contribution limit for 2019 is increasing to $6,000 for people under age 50 and an extra $1,000 “catch up” contribution for those over 50 making their maximum contribution $7,000. Automatic savings plans The best savers are disciplined. To automate your savings is a great way to become a disciplined saver. Just like your 401K you can autosave in just about every type of account. Figure out what you can afford monthly and pay yourself first! If you don’t have it in your checking account, you’re likely to not spend it.

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Washington Park Profile 19

February 2019

special edition financial pages

Eliminate high-interest debt, do home improvements with a cash out refinance BY KATHY MUNI SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

“Our debt had been growing over the years as we financed three weddings and put multiple children through college. Being able to refinance our home and pay off the high-interest credit cards was a blessing. It not only simplified our financial lives, it saved us money!” ~ KC Many homeowners are in a similar situation. When they become aware of the high interest rates they are paying on personal debt such as car loans, credit cards, and student loans the interest rates can be much greater than doing a refinance of their home mortgage. The average interest rate for credit card debt at the end of 2018 was 16.71 percent while the average 30-year mortgage rate was 4.3 percent. The average American household carries about $16,000 in credit card debt, approaching $30,000 in car loans, and many 10’s of thousands of dollars in student loans. The savings in interest can be significant. The difference between the credit card debt (16.71 percent) and the average mortgage rate in the 4 percent is over 12 percent in savings. Doing a cash-out refi can help solve

PLAN FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Most people don’t know what they spend. Free personal finance software is available that will help you track your spending by interfacing with your bank accounts and credit cards. It will categorize your spending down

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

this problem of overwhelming debt. A refinance allows you to tap into the equity tied up in your home putting it to work for you. When you refinance and access some of your money, you may use it for any purpose. Many pay off debt, which means optimizing their finances. Others want to do upgrades to their home, take a vacation, buy an investment property or pay for a wedding. The choice is yours! Some of our clients save $100s and even $1,000s per month restructuring their debt by refinancing. If you are concerned that your mortto the penny to help you assess where you can cut some fat in the New Year. Saving for children’s college fund With college costs soaring- the sooner the better when it comes to saving for Jr’s college. Today, a 4-year degree at an in-state school will cost you between 25K-30K per year. Those costs are rising faster than inflation at 4 percent. Colo-

gage will start over at 30-years, we have programs that offer flex terms, so you can keep your current term. We can do just about any term between 10-30 years. If you want 23, 18 or 12 years, we can do it. If you currently have mortgage insurance, you may be able to eliminate that portion of your payment if your value has increased enough in the past few years. Refinancing is an easy process and can have the added benefit of boosting your credit score when all is said and done. If your cards are maxed out or are higher than the recommended 30 percent usage, paying them off with proceeds from a refinance can help your credit score. Also, if you have an FHA loan, refinancing has never been faster or easier with an FHA Streamline. You can lower your monthly mortgage payments - in some instances, even if you owe more than your home is worth. No appraisal is required, rates are low, and there is no income documentation required (W-2s and pay stubs). The benefit to you must be at least a 5 percent drop in your mortgage payment, and there are 15, 20, 25, and 30-year terms available, with Primary Residence and Non-owner Occupied properties

allowed. An FHA Streamline can lower your monthly mortgage payment as well as your interest rate. If you have not refinanced since HUD lowered the MIP in 2015, now is the time! You may also be able to refinance out of an FHA loan, if you qualify for a Conventional loan eliminating the mortgage insurance, assuming your home value has increased enough. The VA has a streamline process to lower your rate. You can also take advantage of this rising real estate market using a VA cash out refinance with a loan up to 100% of the current value. Interest rates are still at historical lows, but may be set to rise soon. Silver Leaf Mortgage is a broker, which means that we can seek out the very best options for you offered by a variety of lenders whether you are self-employed, or W2. Our loan officers have years of experience and will work closely with you to be sure that the refinance loan you select will best meet your needs. Editor’s Note: Kathy Muni is a reverse mortgage specialist with Silver Leaf Mortgage in Centennial. You can contact her at (720) 485-4041, or eamil at KathyM@SilverLeafeMortgages.com.

rado has made it easy to save in the state sponsored 529 plan at www.collegeinvest. org. The money you put into the 529 plan is also state tax deductible. Colorado is one of few states that doesn’t cap that deduction. So, your savings for college is working for you 2 ways.

without a plan is just a wish. If you document your goals you are 80 percent more likely to achieve them. Define it, develop a plan, and be disciplined. Editor’s Note: Nelisha Firestone is an LPL Financial Advisor for Properion Financial Advisors, located in Greenwood Village. Visit their website at www.prosperionfinancial.us.

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20 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

HOW TO START

YOUR OWN VEGETABLES

One way to start seeds in your home is to plant them in a cardboard egg carton. For egg cartons, as well as other recycled items used for planting, be sure to add drainage holes. COURTESY OF DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS

GUEST COLUMN Brien Darby

t’s time to look through seed catalogs and your favorite nurseries’ seed racks. When choosing varieties, stick with three criteria: 1. Don’t over plant; a crowded garden is an under performing garden. 2. Choose varieties with fewer days to maturity (80 or fewer for tomatoes, 100 or fewer for winter squash). 3. For maximum harvest, select a variety of cool- and warm-season vegetables. Next, determine which plants will be direct sown — the method in which seed is placed directly in the ground — and which seeds will be propagated inside and transplanted out later. Most seed packets will provide this information, but there are a few general rules to follow. Root crops (beets, carrots and radishes) are always direct sown. The same goes for quick-growing, cool-season greens like lettuce, spinach and arugula. Greens that will be harvested over a longer period, like chard, kale and collard greens, will grow better and larger if grown as transplants. The same is true for nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos and eggplants), basil, broccoli,

cabbage and cauliflower. The squash family, including melons, cucumbers and summer and winter squash, can either be direct sown or transplanted. Direct-sown squash are in danger of drying out or being eaten by wildlife, but squash transplants take up a lot of room in your propagation area. Lastly, the larger, warm-season seeds like beans and corn will grow better if direct sown. Knowing how many plants will be propagated indoors helps you design a grow space that fits your needs. This space will need consistent warmth — at least 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit — access to water, good airflow and supplemental lighting (12-14 hours of light per day). The two most affordable options for lighting are fluorescent grow lights and LEDs. The latter are more energy efficient but also more expensive. With either type, make sure that the light is a minimum distance of 2-4 inches from your seed trays. As the seedlings grow, you will need to raise the lights or lower the trays. Consider setting up an adjustable system. Seeds can be grown in a variety of pots. Nurserygrade seed trays will save the most space. Many recycled

items, including egg cartons and plastic food containers, can also be used, but remember to add drainage holes. More important than the container is the growing medium. A good germination mix contains peat moss and bark and, possibly, vermiculite, ground into very fine particles. It can be found at most nurseries. Seed trays should be kept consistently moist, but not left in standing water. Lastly, schedule your transplants so they are ready for planting when the weather allows. Most cool-season transplants will take five to six weeks to grow indoors and can be planted outside in early to mid-April. For warm-season transplants, plan on six to eight weeks for tomatoes, eight to 10 weeks for peppers and eggplants and four to five weeks for the squash family plants. Plant outside towards the end of May or past the danger of the last frost. Brien Darby is a senior horticulturist and manager of Urban Food Programs at the Denver Botanic Gardens. She can be reached at horticulture@denverbotanicgardens.org.

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Washington Park Profile 21

February 2019

Chariot ﬂames out

Chariot, a Fordowned microtransit company, stopped running its two Denver bus lines last month. The bus system offered routes around the University of Denver as well as one from Cherry Creek to Capitol Hill. COURTESY OF

By Clarke Reader clarke.reader@hotmail.com

Denver residents and University of Denver students, faculty and staff will have to find new ways to make the first or last mile transit connections following the announcement that urban transport company Chariot will be shutting down. “In the new world of mobility solutions, the wants and needs of customers and cities are changing rapidly,” wrote Erin First, a spokesperson of the San Francisco-based Chariot, in an email interview. “As those changes continue, it has become clear that the mobility services delivered by Chariot over the past five years will not be a sustainable solution going forward.” Chariot was a micro-transit company, which is like Uber and Lyft but has 14-passenger vehicles instead of cars, according to Stuart Anderson, executive director of Transportation Solutions Foundation. The foundation works on transportation management and options in the city. The Ford-owned company’s closure is a result of a lack of long-term sustainability, according to First. In addition to San Francisco and Denver, Chariot also offered routes

Micro-transit company shuts down two Denver lines

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

in numerous American such as Austin, Chicago and Seattle, as well as London, England. Chariot offered two programs in Denver: The first began running in July 2018 and provided routes for DU students, faculty and staff that would get them from the RTD light rail line to various campus buildings. The other began at the end of October and traveled between Cherry Creek and the Capitol Hill neighborhood. Service on these lines ended Jan. 27. DU started its year-long pilot program with Chariot to improve transportation around the campus, and as a way to cut down on usage of single-occupancy vehicles, ex-

plained James Rosner, associate vice chancellor for facilities, management and planning at DU. “We had something similar we were offering beforehand, but we wanted to use Chariot to see if there was a need on campus,” he said. “We found Chariot to be extremely successful and ridership was doubling every month.” About 1,100 people on campus signed up to use the program and monthly totals started with 600 rides in July but had grown to about 2,000 in October, according to Rosner’s data. He said the university had every intention of renewing the contract when it ended and was even considering

expanding service. “We were pretty disappointed and surprised when we got the call saying Chariot was closing down,” he said. “Now we’re scrambling a bit to find an alternative.” Denver has been looking for a micro-transit concept for several years, according to Mary Beth Susman, councilmember for District 5. When Ford purchased Chariot, it seemed like a good time to launch a pilot program. The Cherry Creek route was filling in a need for people working in the area, Anderson added. “Cherry Creek is one of the largest employment centers for lowerincome workers, mostly in the

retail, hospitality and service industries,” Anderson wrote in an email interview. “Employees struggle getting to and from Cherry Creek because it is too costly to park and transit is somewhat limited to the Speer-First Avenue-Leetsdale corridor with fewer services in other directions.” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock offered $250,000 from the “Smart City” funds for the six-month pilot program, and Cherry Creek stakeholders put in $57,000 for the pilot. According to data provided by Anderson, 730 people downloaded the Chariot app for this service and about 110 riders used the service at least occasionally. Anderson added Transportation Solutions is working with the city to find an alternative service to begin Feb. 1 and looking for other long-term programs to test out. The remaining funds can be returned to the city or be applied to one of the alternatives that is being considered. “Most people in Denver don’t go more than three or four miles a day, so we need to find convenient, inexpensive transit options for those first and last miles,” Susman said. “For now, we’re back to square one on this.”

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22 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

HEAR MY VOICE In the January issue, Colorado Community Media readers were introduced to several young people throughout the Denver metro area in a special section called Hear My Voice, reported by Taylore Todd. They shared their passions and

hopes for the future and why their voices should be heard. These young people, with varying backgrounds and expeiriences, face some of the nation’s most pressing challenges — racism, sexual identity, immigration and more. This is the

project’s final installment. The interviews have been edited for clarity and space. To see the full series, visit http://coloradocommunitymedia.com/hearmyvoice/.

‘We shouldn’t be working against each other’ Ben Yoshida Highlands Ranch

en Yoshida, 17, uses his Buddhist faith to strive to make the world a better place. Buddhism focuses on reaching a sense of peace and learning the meaning of life by following in the footsteps of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. A high school senior, he is an editor of his school magazine. His faith, he says, gives him hope and something to look forward to. He wants to attend college to study politics and business. If you knew me, you would know ... Being Buddhist “didn’t really shape my life until recently. I went to a camp over the summer in California that really changed my perspective. I wouldn’t say that my life really revolves around it or it’s the most important part of my life, but I’d say that it’s a community that I have friends in also — outside of school, outside of clubs. It’s just additional support, so it’s kind of cool. “I think it’s helped me be more openminded. I like to hear stories from everyone. It’s one of the reasons I still

Ben Yoshida like journalism, too, and still do it. I want to hear the stories of other people. I want to know. I want to be open to different perspectives. I think that being Buddhist has kind of helped me stay open to different possibilities, different options in my life in general. “I don’t hate anyone. One thing that I’m proud of is that I don’t really hold a grudge against anyone and I try to be as happy as possible all the time. I feel like I’m able to accomplish that

through Buddhism, but also through my everyday life. I feel that one of my strong suits is that I have been able to meet a lot of people and make a lot of connections. I guess Buddhism has helped me because I’ve met a whole different group of people who have similar ideas as me. I like to not hate people.” How I want to change the world “We’re all coming from different

points of view. We are all working towards a common goal, and we shouldn’t be working against each other. “I want to bring a sense of understanding to other people and to myself because no one is exactly the same … We don’t necessarily have to like what someone else thinks or even want to know it, but we should have a sense of understanding and compassion for their situation. We shouldn’t feel the need to dislike someone for what they think ... Everyone’s opinions should be valued. “I want to pursue business and politics as a career, although I’m not exactly sure yet. I also hope to travel internationally to experience different cultures. I want to make an impact environmentally by doing a lot of community service and helping with alternative energy sources.” Why my voice is important “I believe that it’s important for people to listen to young people because we offer a unique perspective from growing up with technology. Most people in our generation are very passionate: Our generation’s drive will not only benefit us but society as a whole.”

‘I’m hopeful that life gets better’ Chloe McNamee Denver

hloe McNamee, 17, a leader of Children’s Hospital Colorado’s Youth Advocacy Board, a group of 20 metro-area students who raise awareness and advocate for mental health, struggles with anxiety and depression. She also is an ambassador for the hospital and has testified to pass a bill that would increase suicide prevention training for professionals who work with youth. She lost her brother, who had bipolar disorder, to suicide. She says she has attempted suicide several times. She wants to become a clinical psychologist to help others the way she has been helped. If you knew me, you would know ... Her brother’s death by suicide “was a huge thing that really impacted me. But at the same time, it was like `I can’t just wallow in this sadness. I feel like I should do something about it.’ So my mom, actually, is on the adult board for the PMHI, which is the Pediatric Mental Health Institute, so she told me about this youth board. I wanted to be a part of that just because I want to help so that somebody else doesn’t have to go through that — or they have the resources so they don’t have to reach that point.

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Youth Advocacy Board works to raise awareness of and destigmatize mental health issues. https://www.childrenscolorado.org/doctors-and-departments/departments/psych/youth-action-board/ “I struggle with my own mental health stuff, which also makes me want to do more ... but I am getting to the point where I can function, which is good. It’s just a process. It’s not linear by any means. It’s hard, but I’m hopeful that life gets better.” Having a mental illness “has lead me to be more empathetic with other people and develop friendships that are deeper because we can talk about these things, and I’m more open with that. That’s a huge part of me — developing relationships with people and being able to connect on the emotional level, and understanding where they’re coming from when they’re dealing with hard stuff. Also, it’s just driven my passion for advocacy. I didn’t really have anything that I was super passionate about before, and now this is something I can really focus on — and it means a lot to me. I always want to do more with it.” How I want to change the world “In the ideal world, I would like to create more access for mental health

Chloe McNamee treatment just among different demographics of people because I know that there are a lot of barriers, especially if you don’t have money to pay for it. It’s expensive. It’s not offered in some places ... So I just want to increase access for everybody no matter what circumstance they’re in. I think that there are some racial barriers and stigmas within communities ... In any way I can, I just want to make it better for somebody. “Having a mental illness is not a choice. It’s hard to talk about, but we need to talk about it. If you ignore it, it’s not going to go away. You can’t just sweep it under the rug because that’s how it gets worse. Just reach out to somebody ... You can be helped, but

you have to take that step of asking for help. It’s hard for other people to know, so you need to advocate for yourself and express your own needs.”

Why my voice is important “I think our generation has a lot of different experiences than other generations. Especially with social media, we’re more aware of a lot of things because it’s so accessible. I think we have a different perspective. I also think that there are a lot of kids who are really invested in activism and just changing the way the world is ... I think that we have a lot to say and it’s challenging the social norms in a way that people haven’t done before.”

Washington Park Profile 23

February 2019

HEAR MY VOICE

‘You don’t know everybody’s story’ Vanessa Garcia Arvada

anessa Garcia, 23, was 15 years old when she gave birth to her son. She was “scared, disappointed ... in disbelief ” when she found out she was pregnant. She relied on Hope House, a nonprofit in Arvada, to help her take care of her son and herself, living in its residential program for about five months. Today, she works full-time and plans to attend college in Florida to study law. If you knew me, you would know ... “I was a baby having a baby. I was 15 when I had my son, so I was in ninth grade … Teen moms, when they have a child, they either mature or they don’t. With my case, I come from a very dysfunctional, abusive family. So I feel like when I had my son, when I found out I was having him, it was kind of like a fight-or-flight feeling for me because I didn’t have anybody to fall back on … He shaped me into wanting to be the best mom … I wanted to give him everything that I wasn’t provided with. It’s been an awesome Vanessa Garcia eight years. We’ve grown up together, after all. He’s like my best friend, but he’s my son. “The first thing that people do is judge. They judge. I just feel like they shouldn’t be so judgmental because they don’t know exactly what is going on or what happened. They don’t know if the mom has support or family. You don’t know everybody’s story. “I don’t think I would change anything because it’s made me who I am now ... I think the only thing I would have changed was to probably push myself more as to wanting to achieve my goals Vanessa Garcia and go after my goals. Like I said, I come from a very dysfunctional family. So having that voice in for a machine company, so they make your head 24/7 telling you that parts for different things people need. you’re never going to be this, you’re I handle all the administrative, so I never going to do that, that you aren’t handle the money, the bills, their data worth it, that stopped me from being entry, all of that. I definitely want to able to do a lot of things because I move up in the world, but as of now, never believed in myself. So now … I it’s cool. just go after what I want to do.” “My real dream is to become a homicide detective, but to make it more How I want to change the world realistic, I would work in a jail or be “I definitely want to be able to help a probation officer ... I just want to be out … with teen moms because I was able to help out in some way.” there at one point. I know it’s hard. It’s difficult — especially when you’re Why my voice is important a baby having a baby. I mean, can you “Everyone, regardless of age, is enimagine being 15 years old? You can’t titled to their own opinion. Everyone go out and have a job. There are age has a different situation, relatable or limits for everything … I definitely want to be able to help people the way not, but being a younger crowd, we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help I’ve been helped. when needed or just be heard. I guess “I’m moving to Florida, but I do it just doesn’t hurt anyone to hear us plan on going to college out there and out. Maybe they’ll learn a thing or studying law. That’s a goal of mine. two.” Right now, I work full-time. I work

‘Everyone has a different situation, relatable or not, but being a younger crowd, we shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when needed or just be heard.’

Mike Andrews

‘The only way to change is to listen’

Mike Andrews Denver

ike Andrews, 20, a volunteer coach at The Phoenix, a sober active community in Denver, began using meth and heroin when he was 13 years old, getting high with his mother. He got his GED before heading into recovery. He says he has been arrested and jailed about seven times. Almost two years ago, after a week into his six-month sentence, he realized he needed to make a change. He hasn’t touched a drug since, he says, and is intent on helping others. If you knew me, you would know ... “Using was pretty much the ultimate reason why I was arrested several times. I’m now labeled a multiconvicted violent felon, so there’s a huge overhang. I can’t have a normal job, so right now I work at a treatment center. “Using is also the only reason that I have become the person I am today. It’s the only reason I’ve had to work this hard to be as good of a person as I try to be. It’s influenced everything in my life. “I grew up in a home with addiction, so it’s always kind of been a part of my life. I got high with my mom. That kind of screwed my whole worldview. “My breaking point was the realization of how alone I was in the world. With all the ‘friends’ that I had made, none of them were real and nothing was real, essentially, which is really strange if you think about it. The last time I got locked up, I went into jail and I had a pair of pants, a pair of boots and a hoodie and two rings. I didn’t have a wallet. I didn’t have a phone. I didn’t have anyone to call. I didn’t have anywhere to go. “Having completely nothing and having to build myself back up was probably the hardest thing I’ve done in my life … It took me a solid six months of doing nothing but walking the streets all day long trying to find an ID, a job, a place to live and all these other things.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION The Phoenix is a sober active community that provides resources, support and community for addiction recovery. 2239 Champa St., Denver, 720-440-9175, https://thephoenix.org How I want to change the world “I’ve completely turned my life around, so I’m just trying to break the stigma behind how terrible addiction is. The whole ‘addiction is a choice thing’ irritates me so much … That’s absolute nonsense, so I’m trying to change that stigma as well. Nine out of 10 people don’t know that I was ever a drug user. Essentially, not everything is what it seems. “I think a lot of the perspective around addiction is that a lot of us are monsters and that we’re incapable of being helped, and that we’re just pretty much a lost cause. That’s definitely not true. The whole monster piece, that shapes the people in addiction, that shapes their view of themselves, because for a long time I fully believed I was a lost cause and that I was a monster, whatever you want to call it. “I work in a treatment facility, not only because that’s pretty much the only job I can get, but it’s nice to help other people — whether it’s just helping other addicts or getting the information out. I think both are equally relevant. Whether or not the information gets out, there still needs to be people there for other addicts. There still needs to be some type of support. Whether they do 12-step, whether they’re religious, whether they’re just doing their own thing, whatever that looks like for them, I’m always there to support whoever. That’s been my biggest mission for me because I had no help for a good while before I figured things out.” Why my voice is important “If we don’t listen to our youth then nothing will change. Young people die every day, whether it be from addiction or hate crimes, and it has to stop. The only way to change is to listen, so people need to start opening their ears and their minds.”

24 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

‘THIS IS WHERE OUR HEART IS’

History Colorado exhibit celebrates roots of the Ute tribes

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The Ute tribes were known for their bead work. As part of a research grant from the National Science Foundation, History Colorado is researching the STEM principles that the Ute Tribes used in their every day lives. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

at the museum show the ingenuity of the tribes, who used sap to waterproof baskets and math to lay out the designs of their bead work. One of the basket fragments on For thousands of years, the Ute tribes display at History Colorado dates back 7,000 lived off the land of the Rocky Mountains, traveling the region with the seasons, spend- years. “One of the things we’re highlighting ing winters in the valleys and warm summer in the exhibit is this idea that Ute people months in the high trails. Using their were also scientists,” Cook said. “They were knowledge and skills, the Utes were able to thinking about science and technology.” survive before modern sciences came to be. As part of the grant, History Colorado is Written on the Land, a new exhibit at Hisconducting STEM research with students tory Colorado, 1200 Broadway, highlights from the Ute tribes and learning about techthe Ute’s knowledge of math, botany and niques that have been passed down through even engineering. The exhibit was done in collaboration with three tribes: the Southern generations. The program will reach 128,000 individuals. Ute Indian Tribe, the Ute Mountain Beaded necklaces, clothes and Ute Tribe and the Ute Indian Tribe IF YOU GO baskets are just a few of the items of the Uintah and Ouray Reserva- History Colotion. rado is at 1200 that can be seen at Written on the Land, which follows the timeDenver resident Ernest House Broadway, Jr., a member of the Ute Mountain Denver. Written lines of the Ute people. It follows the tribes’ history in Colorado: Ute Tribe, was one of 30 consulin the Land through their early days in the tants from the three tribes to help is included in develop the exhibit. general admis- area, through violence when white settlers began restricting their An example of early skills is the sion. For more land and into the contemporary engineering tribes used to create the information, lives of its people today. wickiups the tribes used for shelter. visit www.hisHistory Colorado wanted to Throughout the Front Range, House torycolorado. help teach people more about said, about 300 wickiups made org/ the culture and lives of the state’s by the Utes are still standing. Ute earliest residents, Cook said. tribes were using what modern classrooms Cassandra Atencio, the Native American call STEM learning — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — long before Graves Protection and Repatriation Act coordinator for the Southern Ute Tribe, those terms existed. said seeing so much of her own family “We look at this example of the Utes as history on the museum walls has been her a way of always using a STEM principle to favorite part of the exhibit. She was happy thrive and survive,” House said. to see the collaboration between the tribes Exhibit director Liz Cook said that while and the museum. Highlighting the tribes creating Written on the Land, History Colorado received a five-year grant for $2 million as the first people in the Rocky Mountains has been especially important. from the National Science Foundation in 2016 to do more research on the tribes’ early technology. Some of the pieces on display SEE UTE, P25 By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Washington Park Profile 25

February 2019

Ute FROM PAGE 24

“This is where our heart is,” she said. “That culture needs to be known.” Written on the Land is on display at History Colorado as a long-term exhibit. The pieces in Denver are part of an extension from a community museum run by History Colorado in Montrose, the Ute Indian Museum. House said he hopes the exhibit will help tell the story of a people that still live in the Denver metro area, as well as on reservations. “History started before 1776,” he said. House was formerly executive director of the Colorado Commission of Indian Affairs. About 2 percent of the population identifies as American Indian, he said, or about 40,000 people in the Denver metro area. For House and Atencio, the hope is that the exhibit will help the future of the Ute tribes — inspiring youth to start something similar for their own tribes and generating in young Utes a feeling of pride in who they are. “The kids get to see themselves, then they can be proud of who they are,” Atencio said. “Maybe that feeling gets to grow.”

ART THROUGH TIME Some of the pieces on exhibit at Written on the Land can be placed on a timeline based on the art, exhibit director Liz Cook said. Certain colors in beadwork were more common than others during different time periods. How things were done can also date a piece. Quivers, for example, were painted as an older tradition, Cook said. Beads were introduced in the 1700s, which was when people also started making beaded quivers as well as belts, necklaces and more. The more contemporary beadwork will have iridescent beads and beads with different shades of one color.

Cassandra Atencio said much of her own family history is on the walls of the Written on the Land exhibit. She said the Rocky Mountain region is where the heart of the Ute people is.

Ernest House Jr., was one of 30 consultants from the Ute tribes that helped History Colorado put together the exhibit. He said wickiups, the housing structures that the Utes built, are an example of the tribes using STEM principles.

UTE INDIAN MUSEUM The Ute Indian Museum in Montrose ﬁrst opened in 1956. History Colorado recently worked with the community there to renovate the museum, which reopened last summer. Written on the Land is the Denver extension of that museum, with a majority of the items on display at 1200 Broadway coming from Montrose. Other items were temporarily donated to the museum by private collectors and families from the Ute tribes.

To have a museum solely dedicated to a speciﬁc tribe is rare, said Liz Cook, exhibit director of Written on the Land. Having the museum has built History Colorado’s ties with the Utes and helped bring the new exhibit to Denver. “The Ute people have felt connected to that place,” Cook said. Written on the Land “is really the fruition of that relationship.” To learn more about the Ute Indian Museum, visit www.historycolorado.org/ute-indian-museum.

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26 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

Marching with a new name, new focus Changes made after new leadership takes over the event women’s event By Casey Van Divier caseyvandivier@yahoo.com

s she helped coordinate the 2019 Womxn’s March in Denver, Regan Byrd noticed a trend among previous attendees. “Some folks were disenchanted from the first march to the second march, saying it didn’t feel like we built up on the momentum,” Byrd said. She added that participation dropped from 2017 to 2018. Womxn’s March Denver estimates that more than 180,000 attended the first march, while attendees at the second marched numbered in the tens of thousands. This year, however, the trend was reversed when a crowd of protesters gathered at Civic Center Park on Jan. 19. The protesters were dressed for the 30-degree weather and armed with the essentials: signs, Starbucks cups, and for a few, their dogs — some of whom had signs of their own. Colorado women came to the march hoping to make their voices heard by politicians — whether they were fighting for reproductive rights, climate-change awareness or for the rights of the LGBTQ community and women of color. This year’s Womxn’s March Denver drew

Ginny Sedneck stands on the sidewalk at East 13th Avenue, holding her signs as marchers turned the corner onto Broadway. The Womxn’s March held a pre-march rally before people followed a short route downtown to Civic Center Park, where there were post-march speakers and art events. PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB an estimated 80,000 attendees, according to march leadership team member Angela Astle. The event also received sponsorships and major donations from nearly 20 organizations. The name of the march — which previously had featured the word “women’s” — was new this year. Members of the leadership team decided to incorporate an x into the name to promote inclusivity. The Denver event got its start at the end of 2016. Colorado women Jessica Rogers, Cheetah McClellan and Karen Hinkel were inspired by the national march and came together to organize a local one. Though none of the three women had expe-

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Celia Gonzalez stands at the front of the Womxn’s March before it was set to start. Gonzalez came to the March with her mother to represent Indigenous voices.

rience organizing rallies, “toward the end of it, we figured it out,” Rogers said. “So many things got done by so many volunteers,” she said. “The hardest part was probably volunteer management — and that was managed by a volunteer.” The widespread enthusiasm for the march manifested in other ways, as well; Rogers said the women received more than $100,000 in online contributions for the 2017 march. As this amount exceeded the cost of the march, surplus funds were donated to various nonprofits. After two years of leading the charge in organizing the march, the three founders have taken a step back, with Rogers now serving as an adviser for the new leadership team. “We really helped get it off the ground, and this leadership team has a lot more professional experience in community organizing and communication,” she said. “That’s really the direction we all wanted it to go in.” Broader focus This is not the only way the march has changed since it began in 2017. The march, which was previously an LLC, restructured as a 501(c)(3) in 2018. “There’s the familiarity of `nonprofit’ and also the space to say we really are working for what’s coming next,” Astle said. Hoping to raise attendance and re-energize the movement, the team sought to build their organization around more than just the day of the march. “We can have multiple days of action and a multiyear plan for what we want to accomplish,” Byrd said. “We’re open to whatever we and the community want this to be.” The leadership team incorporated a number of changes in response to community input, such as a detailed site map and increased accessibility for those with limited mobility. The march in Denver was not the only one to see a name change. Seattle’s march, for example, also added an x to its name. In 2018, Colorado was the first state to allow gender nonconforming individuals to select an ‘x’ as their gender identifier on driver’s licenses and identification cards. Therefore, those organizing the march felt the x would be an appropriate symbol for inclusivity and intersectionality. “We knew that the march had not been as inclusive as it could have been at the beginning,” Byrd said. To change this, the leadership not only changed the name of the march but made an effort to include more diverse speakers and performers in the pre-rally and post-rally.

“It’s not just about one `ism,’” Byrd said. “It’s about racism and sexism and classism. We need to understand how to dismantle all of those.” “Being included and recognized in this just makes me feel I’m a part of something much bigger,” said Ty May Kranz, who gave a speech at the march. Kranz identifies as nonbinary and Latinx — with the `x’ standing in place of the `o’ in Latino. “I feel like there’s somewhere for me now,” Kranz said. The focus on inclusivity reflects an aspiration among leadership to affect as much positive change in the community as possible and to identify what that goal entails. “I think it’s really about trying to figure out what the Womxn’s Mach is best suited for. It’s still trying to find its personality,” Rogers said. She added that one of the ways the march has excelled has been in “achieving earnest community dialogue.” “We’re moving towards how this march can represent everything it can,” agreed leadership team member Brenda Herrera Moreno. ‘Everyone’s rights’ Certainly, those who came out to the march had this same broad focus on social and political issues. While the individuals all attended the march in the name of progress, the issues that inspired them to march varied from person to person. “We wanted to raise awareness for missing and murdered indigenous women,” said Denver resident Yolanda Begay. Begay, who attended the march with family and friends, was also interested in bringing to light the way pollution hurts the climate and setting a positive example for her children. Likewise, many marchers said they had come to march because of their daughters. Arvada resident Mindy Mohr, who has two daughters in their 20s, said one reason she marched was to make the country a better place for them. “Our country has swung so far toward the irresponsible and hateful, we see it’s time to move things back the other way,” she said. Others, like Littleton residents Chris and Kristen Sorrells, brought their children to the march. “I’m here so they grow up realizing that if they want to affect change, they’re able to,” Sorrells said of his three daughters, Addie, Harper and Hannah. “They have a voice and they should be heard,” he said. “It’s not just women who should be standing up for women’s rights. It should be all of us, and for everyone’s rights.”

Washington Park Profile 27

February 2019

HIT THE SLOPES

WITHOUT

GOING BROKE Knowing how to save money can take some sting out of skiing

A skier skis through the powder at Loveland Ski Resort. COURTESY OF DUSTIN SCHAFER

By Nick Puckett npuckett@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Vail and Beaver Creek resorts recently announced their day passes jumped to $209 per day at the door, a new all-time high, serving as a reminder that a day on the slopes is anything but cheap. Frequent skiers and riders can curb the steep day pass prices by purchasing seasonlong passes through Epic or Ikon. Those passes provide unlimited access to a number of big resorts, but are only available at the beginning or early in the season. For the casual skier, taking a day trip up to the mountains can get expensive fast. There’s the day pass, with face values of anywhere from $150 to $200, along with rentals, gear, food and transportation. But a day on the slopes doesn’t have to break the bank. For keen ski shoppers, September is the time to buy. It’s typically the point in the year when season passes are at their cheapest and a slew of sales on gear and clothing are underway across the metro area, including Ski Rex at Epic Mountain Gear stores and the Powder Daze Sale in various Christy Sports stores across the Front Range. But there are still ways you can save on skiing, even midway through the season. January is “learn to ski and ride month” at most resorts, and deals can be found for beginning skiers. Finding a lessons package may be the best option for getting the most bang for your buck. Some resorts offer a package of a lift ticket, rentals and gear and instruction for cheaper than what each would cost separately. Knowing where to go can help you get the most out of your ski day. Brittany Smith, with the Colorado Mountain Club, a nonprofit organization that educates people on outdoor recreation, said pre-planning is the best way to save money. But also finding some lesscrowded resorts can end up saving you a lot of money. “Ski resorts almost penalize you for your sponetaity,” Smith said. “They’re making you pay the most if you come last minute, but they give you a break if you pre-plan. Pre-plan at least a week ahead of time, if not more. “Your ski day is about what you make it to be, and I think that’s important.” Here are some tips on ways to save and ski: Passes Chris Linsmayer, public affairs director for Colorado Ski Country USA, a nonprofit trade

organization representing 23 ski and snowboard resorts, said the key to saving money for a day of skiing or riding is planning. “The earlier you are purchasing tickets or purchasing rentals or purchasing lodging, the more money you’re going to save,” Linsmayer said. “It’s about knowing what you want to do.” But what about those Friday afternoon impulses to get some powder, or a sudden blizzard that promises a couple inches of the fresh stuff ? Finding day passes under $100 can be tricky, especially is you’re looking at some of the larger juggernaut resorts. Colorado Ski Country USA has a list on its website, ColoradoSki. com, of some of the lesser-known spots in the state that are good for a solid day of skiing — fittingly listed under the tab “Gems.” Liftopia.com is a good source to find discounted tickets for up to 50 percent off day passes. Local shops like King Soopers, Christy Sports and Colorado Ski and Golf can offer discounts on day passes as well. Gear/renting The best deals on gear can be found late in the summer at various mega sales like Ski-Rex or Powder Daze near the end of summer. Brianna Lee, social media and reputation manager with Christy Sports, recommends finding shops that are willing to sell demo gear at a discount once it’s been lightly used for a couple seasons. In that case, Lee said, you just have to ask around. For infrequent or inexperienced skiers, Linsmayer recommends buying your own boots, which makes it easier to try out different types of skis or boards. When it comes to renting, Lee agrees booking early is the way to go. And where you rent can also make a huge different in your budget. “Even renting at a Christy Sports in Denver versus in the mountains will save a few bucks,” Lee said. “Generally, renting in resort areas — even if it’s not from the resort — will be more expensive.” For kids Encouraging kids to ski is huge for the industry, Lee said, so there are tons of ways to save on kids’ tickets. Christy Sports offers a Kids Bundle of season rentals and a season pass with some resort partners, and kids under 12 get free rentals with a four-day adult ski rental. Several areas offer free skiing for kids as well, when accompanied by an adult pass. Colorado Ski Country offers a Fifth Grade

Passport program, which provides three days of skiing at 22 ski areas — 66 days of total skiing or riding — for free. There is also a sixth-grade program that is $125 for four days of skiing. Both program registration deadlines are the end of January. Transportation Interstate 70 is famous for its miles-long bumper-to-bumper traffic during ski season. Sitting through traffic can be the most dreadful part of a ski day, one that wastes time and money. Smith recommends seeking out

mountains off I-70, or ones closer to the Front Range, to avoid this problem. “Finding places that are not on I-70 can be saving in itself,” Smith said. Smith recommended visiting goI70.com for information on traffic and transit options for people who don’t want to drive themselves. SkiCarpool.com is a ride-sharing message board for people looking to save money on the trip up, while making a few friends in the process. SkiCarpool is a nonprofit organization facilitating rides up to the mountains in Colorado.

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28 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

Virginia Village to hold election Neighborhood group is coming back after dissolving last year Staff Report The Virginia Village Ellis Community Association (VVECA) is picking up the pieces after officially dissolving in November last year. Councilmember Paul Kashmann, who represents the neighborhood, and the Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), organized an event Jan. 16 to help community members come up with a plan to elect new officials to the organization.

Attendees of the meeting voted to hold an election Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. at Ellis Elementary School, 1651 S. Dahlia St. Nominations for officials will come from the floor at the meeting. The group also decided that each nominee would get two minutes to speak. The votes are to be tallied on secret paper ballots. For questions or updates on the VVECA election, email virginiavillagerno@gmail.com. Open positions include: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and director-atlarge. Registered Neighborhood Organizations, such as the VVECA, are made up of residents of certain areas of the city. Those organizations work with city council members on projects and can give input on ordinances. The VVECA is located in southeast Denver, just

south of Glendale. The INC represents citizens across the city of Denver. George Mayl, president of the INC, offered to bring in four executive officers to help facilitate an impartial ballot collection. The VVECA sent out an email on the dissolution of the organization to subscribers on Nov. 19. The email included an attached explanation from its vice president Mick Cerbo. He said the organization did not have enough elected officials to run meetings, which is a requirement of the Denver Municipal Code. The email also said that per the VVECA bylaws, the remaining $144.18 in its bank account was donated to a local nonprofit. For more information on the dissolution of the VVECA, read the Washington Park Profile story from the December issue: http://wash-

WHAT IS AN RNO? Registered Neighborhood Organizations, or RNOs, act as liasons between neighborhood residents and city ofﬁcials. The city of Denver has eligibility rules set in its municipal code for RNOs. The organizations must hold no less than one meeting per year with at least 12 people in attendance, for example. The city keeps a list of active RNOs on the Community Planning and Development page of the website. For the full list, as well as more information on these organizations, visit: bit. ly/1Vk0Aac. parkprofile.com/stories/neighborhood-organizations-send-out-plea-for-leadership,274010?

Grant helps homeless women start again Staff Report Last month, The Denver Foundation awarded a $20,000 grant to Volunteers of America in support of the Irving Street Women’s Resi-

dence, which serves 25 formerly homeless women, according to a news release. The program at Irving Street, located in the Westwood neighborhood in west Denver, helps chronically homeless women with

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disabilities or mental health issues. Some are also victims of domestic violence. Women are allowed to stay in the home as long as they need, the release said. The space allows the residents to care for themselves in a supportive community environment. “We are so grateful to have the support of organizations like The Denver Foundation, who enable so many women to rebuild their lives and find their forever home,” said

Courtney Fischer, the Irving Street Women’s Residence Program coordinator, in the release. “We look forward to continuing our mission to serve those women most in need in Denver through this upcoming year.” In 2017, the program at the Irving Street Women’s Residence served 63 women. Staff from Volunteers of American help the women set goals to rebuild their lives and eventually find a home of their own.

Washington Park Profile 29

February 2019

After nearly a decade of offering self defense, interest still increasing

‘WOMEN ARE

especially

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

or nearly 10 years, Sgt. Noel Ikeda with the Denver Police Department has been teaching women the skills they need to protect themselves in the event of an assault. But for Ikeda, it’s also about teaching women to embrace the strength they’ve always had. “Women are especially powerful,” he said. “My hope is that they’re empowered — they’re empowered with the fact that they’re confident, that they know that they are powerful.” In 2010, Police Chief Paul Pazen, who was a lieutenant with District 1 in northwest Denver at the time, came to Ikeda with the idea to offer free self-defense classes for women. Ikeda has more than 20 years of experience teaching martial arts and is certified to teach Krav Maga, a form of martial art he teaches at the Denver Police Academy. The Denver police started the classes, Ikeda said assaults against women were increasing, and DPD wanted to help provide women with a way to defend themselves. Since then, Ikeda said the class has become an “ever-evolving” staple for the police department. What started as a two-hour class became four hours with classroom time on crime prevention and learning different Krav Maga techniques. Over time, the police department also began offering more classes — from one class per quarter to six a year. Since 2010, between 3,000 and 4,000 women have taken the class, Ikeda said. In 2018, 1,000 women participated, an increase from 650 the year before, a growing interest that Ikeda attributes to the #MeToo movement. Classes have been filling up quickly, he said. Now, the class is offered for free, once a month, for Denver residents. The five-hour class starts with a 90-minute presentation talking about crime statistics and what women can do to prevent becoming a victim of an assault. Often, lone women are first targeted for crimes such as robbery, and the perpetrator sees an opportunity for rape or sexual assault, Ikeda said. He recommended people don’t leave personal information in their cars or walk by themselves in dark alleys. Even simple things like changing your daily routine can prevent people from being the target of a crime, he said. Paying attention to your surroundings, as well as listening to your

SELF DEFENSE TIPS

POWERFUL’

TO LEARN MORE For more information on the classes, follow the Denver Police Department on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/denverpolice/. Participants learn self defense moves in a class taught by the Denver Police Department. The department has been offering the classes since 2010. COURTESY OF DENVER POLICE DEPARTMENT instinct, is also key. The remainder of the class is spent on the mat, learning some of the techniques taught to recruits at the Denver Police Academy. Ikeda added that the classes have been fluid, adding specific types of moves after getting feedback from women who have taken the class. “Any evals we get, we are always listening,” Ikeda said. “We always want to improve these particular classes.” Throughout his years of teaching the class, Ikeda has had an important sidekick join him — his 18-year-old daughter. Ikeda, who has 32 years of martial arts experience, started teaching his daughter martial arts when she was 7. She started volunteering at the DPD classes five years ago at 13. Bringing his daughter along helped show women their own strengths. “I’m 6 feet tall. What is a 6-foot-tall Asian male going to teach (these women) in self

defense?” he said. “But when you look at my daughter, who’s maybe 5 feet 5 inches, maybe 120 pounds, and she’s yelling and screaming, they look at her and they say `If she can do it, I can do it.’ ” Part of his motivation for teaching the class was to help his daughter learn about empowerment and to show her that women are also strong and capable of fighting back. He hopes that women will pass on their knowledge from the class. As a child, Ikeda came from an immigrant family who spoke Japanese and eventually learned English. Learning martial arts helped teach him confidence, he said. Teaching the self-defense class with the DPD is one way he can pay it forward. “Martial arts and self-defense has provided me with a tremendous amount of benefits and I just want to pass that on,” Ikeda said. “The confidence that comes out of a class, that’s rewarding in and of itself.”

The department announces the classes on that page. DPD also puts class information on Twitter and NextDoor. The classes are being held in different recreation centers throughout Denver during the year.

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30 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

Things to Do Submit calendar listings on our website, coloradocommunitymedia.com, go to the Calendar tab and click “Submit an Event.” Priority is given to non-proﬁts, low- or no-cost events and locations within our distribution map. Next Issue Deadline: Thursday, Feb. 14

EVENTS League of Women Voters Denver Presents: Understanding the Denver Public Schools Budget 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4. Tracie Rainey, director of Colorado School Finance Project, will present background on the complexity of school budgets and speciﬁcs on the workings of the DPS budget. Montview Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St., McCollum Room lwvdenver.org Spark! 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 In partnership with the Colorado chapter of the SPARK! Alzheimer’s Association, Denver Botanic Gardens offers an opportunity for participants with mild memory loss to enjoy hands-on garden related projects. The SPARK program integrates the participants multiple senses to inspire creativity and engagement. Free, registration required. One registration includes participant and their care provider. 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Meet Meriwether Lewis 6 and 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 Enactor Brian “Fox” Ellis brings Meriwether Lewis to life with stories drawn from the journals of Lewis and Clark. Tickets: adult: $15 member, $18 adult nonmember • junior: $10 member, $13 nonmembers. 303-370-6000 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Ricketson Auditorium 2001 Colorado Blvd. dmns.org Beginning Rocky Mountain Gardening 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 Learn the skills necessary to become an enthusiastic gardener. Annuals, perennials and vegetables are discussed, along with trees and shrubs that thrive in our climate, elevation and varying soils. Plant selection, planting and troubleshooting is discussed. $90, $80 member 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra Featuring vocalist Robert Johnson 6:30 and 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra plays Dazzle Jazz at Baur’s with music from their Invitation CD and new selections from their Stevie Wonder Project. Additionally Robert Johnson will sing “I’ve Got News for You” and the Clayton - Hamilton Orchestra arrangement of Joe Cocker’s “You Are So Beautiful.” Tickets are $25 303-839-5100. Dazzle at Baur’s,

1512 Curtis St. dazzledenver.com Garden Guru Tour 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7 Come enjoy the Gardens in the company of an expert. The February tour features orchids. $17, $15 member 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org The Art of Pressed Flowers 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 9 Learn the best ﬂowers to grow and how to press for optimal color, durability and longevity. Handout and all materials provided. $55, $50 member 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Drop Red Gorgeous Fashion Show 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 The event will include a heart-healthy brunch and a fashion show featuring models who have been personally affected by heart diseases and stroke. Attendees are encouraged to take charge of their heart health and be inspired by the stories of the models. This event is free, but RSVPs are required at www.heart. org/denverfashionshow and total attendance will be capped. Wellshire Event Center, 3333 S. Colorado Blvd. Darwin Day Celebration 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 Aron Ra will speak on evolution from Darwin’s Tree of Life to the Phylogeny Explorer Project. Where do you ﬁt in? Secular Hub at the Walnut Room. Hub members: $12 in advance, $15 door. Non-members: $20 in advance, $25 door. Walnut Room, 3131 Walnut St. secularhub.org Stories on Stage presents “Intro to Ethics 101” 1:30 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10 With ethical dilemmas crowding the headlines, the time is right for Stories on Stage to present “Intro to Ethics 101.” Single tickets are $15 - $28. For more information,

303-494-0523 Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Dr. storiesonstage.org Guided Sitting Meditation: Loving What Is 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 Meditate on the four qualities of love: maitri (loving kindness), karuna (compassion), mudita (joy) and upeksha (equanimity). $18, $15 member 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org League of Women Voters Denver Presents: Drinks and Dialogue with Beth McCann 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 Beth McCann, Denver District Attorney since January 2017, will join us for conversation in a casual atmosphere at the Irish Snug. Come for drinks, fun and Q&A. The Irish Snug, lwvdenver. org Save the Last Dance: A Story of North American Grassland Grouse 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 Award-winning photographer Noppadol Paothong is striving to rescue grassland grouse from the brink of extinction by showing the world what it stands to lose if these species are allowed to disappear forever. Tickets: $12 Museum, Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, or Audubon member, $15 nonmember • Book sale & signing 303-370-6000 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Phipps Theater 2001 Colorado Blvd. dmns.org Sex in the Sea 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb.

14 Dr. Marah Hardt will uniquely connect the sustainability of the oceans with the inventive sex acts of marine life, as she shares stories of elaborate mating rituals of armored lobsters, giant right whales engaging in lively threesomes, and full moon sex parties of groupers. Hardt is the author of the book “Sex in the Sea.” Tickets: $20 member, $25 nonmember • Cash bar • Book sale & signing • Ages 21+ 303-370-6000 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. dmns.org

New Gardener Boot Camp 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 Get started on the right foot this year with all of our best beginner classes, carefully designed to equip you with all the tools needed to master that garden once and for all. This series occurs on two evenings, two boot camp classes will be covered each evening. Topics are Garden Planning 101, Soils 101, Beginning Vegetable Gardening and Annuals and Perennials for Color in the Garden. $80, $60 member, lunch is included 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Delicious Vegetarian Cooking Class 10 a.m to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 Discover the scrumptious side of international vegetarian cuisine! Start with a savory salad and continue with a butternut squash curry, a spicy cashew veggie stir fry, a pesto and roasted veggie pizza and end with a sweet. Recipes and full meal included. $60, $55 member 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org If Music Be the Food of Love, Play On 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16 Join the Denver Pops Orchestra for our a romantic evening of music at our annual Valentine’s concert. This year’s theme is “If Music be the Food of Love, Play On.” Tickets $20 Adult, $15 Senior, $10 Child (12 & Under). Central Presbyterian Church, 1600 Sherman St. denverpopsorchestra.org Children’s Workshops: Junior Surgeons • Grades 2 & 3 Cutting Edge • Grades 4 through 6 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 Observe and perform dissections to ﬁnd out how the human body functions. Dissect sheep hearts and lungs, eyes, brains and frogs. Examine real bones, listen to your own heartbeat and more! Tickets: $60 junior member, $70 child/junior nonmember 303-370-6000 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. dmns.org Stay Up with the Stars 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17 Stay up late with us as all the stargazers in the family explore the incredible Colorado night sky. Tickets: adult: $20 member, $25 nonmember • junior: $15 member, $20 nonmember 303-370-6000 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. dmns.org League of Women Voters Denver Presents: Colorado Demographic Trends 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 Elizabeth Garner, State Demographer in Colorado Department of Local Affairs, will sort through all the raw data and historical patterns SEE THINGS TO DO, P31

Washington Park Profile 31

February 2019

Things to Do FROM PAGE 30

to make sense of the numbers, the polls, and predictions. Montview Presbyterian Church, McCollum Room, 1980 Dahlia St. lwvdenver.org Planning a Medicinal Plant Garden 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 A home garden can be both beautiful and useful. This class offers advice on growing medicinal plants and culinary herbs in the garden. Learn about a variety of herbs that thrive in the unpredictable Colorado climate. Learn how to grow these plants and receive tips on harvesting and uses in cooking, cleaning and medicinal remedies. $34, $29 member 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Science Lounge: Sugar, Sugar 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21 Enjoy a mind-expanding experience with cocktails and entertainment the third Thursday of the month. For ages 21 and up. This month, bring your sweetie and prepare your taste buds for some sweet, sweet science! Experiment with some of your favorite candy and learn how sugars affect the human body. From sucrose to glucose, this is one sweet night worth bouncing off the walls for. Tickets: $13 member, $15 nonmember 303-370-6000 Denver Museum of Nature & Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd. dmns.org Wish Night: Share the Power of a Wish, benefitting Make-A-Wish® Colorado 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22 Experience the power of a wish for Colorado children battling critical illnesses. Music and dance performances by local wish kids as well as cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions. Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, 650 15th St. colorado.wish.org Great Perennial Grasses 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 Lauren Springer Ogden discusses both adapted exotic and native North American grasses and shows inspirational examples of their incorporation in garden settings. $31, $26 member 720-865-3500 Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org

Black History Live Tour Meet Maya Angelou portrayed by Becky Stone 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 This living history portrayal will give insight into how Dr. Angelou wrote, and why, and reflect on her philosophy of life, which included a strong belief in the power of words. 303-894-7951 Denver Public Library, Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch Library, 1498, N. Irving St., Community Room coloradohumanities.org A Little Ballerina Tea Party 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23 Tickets for the mini-performances at the Pinnacle Performing Arts Center and Cleo Parker Robinson Theatre are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets to the ballet with the Little Ballerina Tea Party are $25 for adults and $20 for children. 303-945-4388 Pinnacle Performing Arts Center, 1001 W. 84th Ave. balletariel.org Comedy with Roger Mondays 10 p.m. 303-320-9200 Lion’s Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. www.lionslairco.com/events Baker Historic Neighborhood Association General Meeting 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month. As always, we will hear from our Community Resource Officer from Denver Police and learn about different items impacting Baker. Come a little early to socialize and meet some fellow Bakerties. Hirschfeld Tower, 333 W. Ellsworth Ave. bakerneighborhood.org East Evans Business Association Meeting Meets every 4th Tuesday This meeting provides a great opportunity for local businesses to meet, network and raise awareness of what’s happening on the East Evans corridor. 303-671-6639 2055 S. Oneida St. Chamberlin Observatory Public Night Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 p.m. All public nights start with an informative, multimedia astronomy presentation. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for kids and is payable online via PayPal. Reservations are recommended, as nights sell out. Times vary by season. Observatory Park 2930 E. Warren Ave. denverastro.org/das/public-nights

Why Not Wednesday Wednesdays 4 p.m. We open wines that most stores wouldn’t dare to open. Whether it’s grand cru champagne, cult cabernet or an amazing bottle of Amarone. Find out what the wine of the week is on our website! 303-282-5103 Pearl Wine Company, 1886 S. Pearl St. pearlwinecompany.com Friends and Neighbors (FANS) of Washington Park 6 p.m., second Wednesday of each month Meetings typically include a brief overview of the latest park news and often feature a guest speaker. Check out the website for the topic of the month. Washington Park Dos Chappell Bath House, 600 S. Marion Parkway fanswashingtonpark.org Denver GOP First Friday Breakfast First Friday of the

month 7 a.m. Great speakers and conservative camaraderie. This months speakers are Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams and Denver Clerk & Recorder. Please RSVP and order breakfast to support Pete’s. 303-782-9555 Pete’s Greek Town Cafe 2910 E. Colfax Ave. www.denvergop.org

Orchid Showcase Through Feb. 17 This annual exhibit presents hundreds of colorful orchid blooms in the Orangery and Marnie’s Pavilion. Common and rare species are featured, some even so special they must remain behind the greenhouse glass. Denver Botanic Gardens 1007 York St. botanicgardens.org Stampede Public Tours Occurs every day through May 19 In this daily 45-minute tour, see how animals have captivated artists throughout history in “Stampede: Animals in Art.” Discover and consider the role animals play through themes such as personal connections with animals, how animal materials have been used in art, how animals are used to tell stories or represent political ideas, and how artists use animals in imaginative ways. No reservations necessary. Meet on level 1 of the Hamilton Building. 720-865-5000 Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverartmuseum.org/calendar/stampedepublic-tours

House District 2 Democratic Party Meeting Third Saturday of the month Monthly meeting covering business/topics at hand. 303-830-8242 Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. www.denverdemocrats.org

ART Germinal Stage: Harold Pinter’s “The Collection” and “The Room” 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 2. Classic one-acts by the Nobel Laureate! 303-455-7108 John Hand Theater 7653 E. First Place “The Parks” exhibit by Topher Straus at Niza Knoll Gallery: Through Feb. 16 Artist Topher Straus chose to use the vast National Park system, established 150 years ago, as a blueprint for his unconventional representational landscapes featured in a new exhibit. Niza Knoll Gallery 915 Santa Fe Dr. nizaknollgallery.com

DaVinci X – The Machines & You Exhibition Hours:Monday Closed for Groups and Private Events, Tuesday through Saturday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday – Noon till 5 p.m. Guided Tour Times – (Subject to Docent Availability) 1 p.m. Weekdays 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Weekends The DaVinci Machines Exhibition displaying hand-crafted inventions built from Leonardo’s 500 year old designs brought to life. DaVinci X Exhibition, Located on the 2nd Floor of the Denver Pavilions – Suite 268 Take Escalator to 2nd Floor Next to Henry’s Tavern at 16th and Welton Check Mall Directories As Well discoverdavinci.com Clyfford Still Museum Free Day Last Friday of every month In appreciation supporters of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SFCD), and in the spirit of community engagement, the Museum offers free admission on the last Friday of every month. 720-354-4880 Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St. clyffordstillmuseum.org SEE THINGS TO DO, P32

32 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

Things to Do

Denver Laughter Club Meets every Monday except major holidays at St. Barnabas Church. 11:45 a.m. All are welcome, free, no jokes just laughter for no reason, with Chi Kung warmups, pure joy!! Call Meredee for more info. 303-877-9086 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 1280 Vine St. denverlaughs.com

FROM PAGE 31

CLASSES, LECTURES, FORUMS Tibetan Buddhist Meditation Sundays 9:30 a.m. Learn both Tibetan and rhythmic English chants and brief silent meditations. Led by members of Yeshe Nyingpo Denver, a chapter of the Dudjom Tersar and aligned with the Dalai Lama. 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Sunday Open House and Meditation Sundays 10 a.m. A relaxed and informal Open House in the community room includes information about activities and meditation followed by a discussion and opportunity to meet others. Meditation instruction is available. Shambhala Meditation Center of Denver, 2305 S. Syracuse Way, Ste. 214 denver.shambhala.org Meditation and Kirtan Sundays 4 p.m. Leave your troubles behind and practice meditation and Kirtan every Sunday. Childcare provided. For more info call Ed. 720-810-9071 854 Pearl St., Denver

Learn to Code Meetup Mondays, 6 p.m. An open house/study group for anyone, at any level, with any interest in computer programming. No prior knowledge/ future commitment needed. 720-865-1706 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway meetup.com/learntocodedenver

303-813-9551 KMC Colorado Capitol Hill, 1081 Marion St. meditationincolorado.org

303-710-2250 Denver Turnverein Event Center, 1570 Clarkson St. tangocolorado.org/lessons

Tech Help Appointments Tuesdays 1 p.m. Get personalized technology assistance and instruction on your own device or a public computer. Call your library for available times and schedule your own appointment. Tuesdays, we have 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. appointments. 720-865-0135 Ross-Broadway Branch Library, 33 E. Bayaud Ave. www.denverlibrary.org

Tuesday Night Blues Tuesdays 7 p.m. intermediate, 8 p.m. advanced. Classes $5, Dance 8:30 p.m., $8 ($10-12 with Live Band) 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com UNNA Monthly Meeting Second Tuesday of the month Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness and Healing, 2122 S. Lafayette St. unna.shutterﬂy.com

Words of Wisdom Tuesdays 2 p.m. One word can say it all. Join us as we explore a key word from each week’s parsha and discover inspiration and guidance for our life’s journey. 303-316-6412 The Jewish Experience Center, 399 S. Monaco Pkwy.

Belly Dancing Classes Classes held most Mondays, 7 p.m. beginners, 8 p.m. advanced. Classes $10 drop-in — Cafe not open 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com

West Coast Swing Classes Wednesdays, 7 p.m. beginner/intermediate, 8 p.m. advanced. Classes $8 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Denver Socrates Cafe Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. Join a group that “seek truth by their own lights.” No regular attendance or preparation required. Speak your own mind, then take turns playing Socrates by asking questions. 303-861-1447 Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway meetup.com/Denver-Socrates-Cafe

Argentine Tango, Practice and Lessons Every Tuesday 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Tango Colorado hosts these low cost Tango lessons, followed by a practice session where dancers can polish the steps they learned, interact with other students and advanced dancers and improve their skills. WASHINGTON PARK ACTIVE/SOLD SEE THINGS TO DO, P33 2008 2018 ACTIVE/SOLD WASHINGTON PARK

Meditation at Noon Tuesdays, 12 p.m. Take 30 minutes to connect to your heart, cultivate inner peace and happiness, and clarify your intention for the day, free.

2008 - 2018

PREPARE TO BE AMAZED The low inventory all year combined with the increase in prices meant that 2018 was another year of a strong Seller’s market in Washington Park. While we were hearing news reports of a slowing market in much of the country, especially in the high end, we saw 17 sales in East Washington Park over $2,000,000 for a 70% increase from the prior year. AMAZING! For the first time ever, we had 3 sales in West Washington Park that topped $2,000,000. AMAZING! In addition, the property values in East Wash Park, reached a milestone. The median price in that area exceeded $1,000,000 for the first time ever. AMAZING! 2018 was the 7th year in a row of a Seller’s market. According to the National Association of Realtors, the definition of a Seller’s Market is less than a 6 month supply of inventory. We have not exceeded a 6 month supply since 2011. AMAZING! Managing a bidding war for a seller or getting a buyer’s offer accepted over others is something that takes knowledge and experience. The 38+ years of experience found at The Bridge Team can mean additional profits for Sellers and savings for Buyers. Your call to The Bridge Team at 303-331-4589 for any of your real estate questions will be warmly received.

Shelley Bridge - The Bridge Team

Broker/Co-Owner 303.981.4560 cell | 303.331.4562 direct shelley@denverhomeshere.com www.DenverHomesHere.com Become our fan: facebook.com/theBridgeTeam

250

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

200 200

# OF HOMES # OF HOMES

Start by looking at the 2018 supply and demand chart. The supply in 2018 was even lower than 2017 and the lowest in the last 10 years shown here. This resulted in less than a 30 day supply for much of the year and increases in both the median price and median price per square foot of between 4% and 12%. AMAZING!

WASHINGTON PARK ACTIVE/SOLD 2008 - 2018

250

150 150

100 100

50 50

0 0

MONTH MONTH

ACTIVE

SOLD

ACTIVE

SOLD

WASHINGTON PARK SOLD HOMES JANUARY - DECEMBER 2018 WASHINGTON PARK SOLD MARKET REPORT SUMMARY JANUARY-DECEMBER 2018

SALES PRICE 0 -199,999 200 - 299,999 300 - 399,999 400 - 499,999 500 - 599,999 600 - 699 999 700 - 799,999 800 - 899,999 900 - 999,999 1 mil. - 1.99 mil. over 2 million TOTAL SOLD AVG PRICE/SQ FT HIGH PRICE/SQ FT LOW PRICE/SQ FT % CHANGE MEDIAN PRICE/SQ FT

% CHANGE

MEDIAN SALE PRICE

% CHANGE

East Side

UNIVERSITY (West side only) 2018 2017 2016

2015

1 4 1

1 1 2 1

0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

6 541.6 602.8 481.8 30% 541.8 48%

1 3

5 416.8 585.8 298.2 0% 366.5 -4%

West Side YORK-MARION

5 416.8 529.8 350.1 10% 380.8 -4%

DOWNING-OGDEN

2018

2017

2016

2015

2018

3 9 25 22 15 57 17 148 593.2 1006.4 328.0 10% 581.8 9%

2 5 19 25 21 14 48 10 144 540.6 795.1 233.9 4% 535.2 4%

4 6 12 27 28 20 8 55 12 172 522.2 1000.9 282.8 5% 515.1 5%

3 7 21 19 18 14 5 48 5 140 495.6 853.5 232.5 15% 491.6 16%

1 1 4 9 6 7 5 7 3 43 529.8 797.9 343.9 9% 490.6 4%

12%

16%

EMERSON-SHERMAN

2017

2016

2015

2018

1 9 7 8 7 2 8

1 5 13 14 7 6 4 5

3 9 7 9 12 3 2 4

42 486.7 663.2 294.5 7% 470.6 5%

55 455.2 810.2 234.6 4% 448.4 8%

49 439.0 639.3 277.6 17% 415.8 11%

LINCOLN

2016 2 12 18 47 42 34 18 6 2

2015

7 13 16 36 26 17 17 5 5

2017 1 3 11 25 39 37 15 13 3 3

142 474.2 792.7 224.7 9% 463.2 9%

150 436.0 705.6 229.0 9% 425.3 10%

181 399.9 737.2 184.4 7% 387.9 10%

173 374.3 639.7 208.2 9% 371.7 10%

10%

11 36 41 39 22 15 6 2 1

2018

2017

2016

2015

6 2 2 2

1 5 7 1 2

4 3 6 2

5 4 2 4 1

15 355.0 488.5 249.2 21% 334.4 13%

16 294.5 385.2 217.5 17% 296.7 27%

12 357.6 590.9 270.1 0% 335.6 -7%

17 356.5 467.6 257.5 0% 362.3 8%

-4%

542,450 528,500 505,000 1,008,625 897,500 850,000 807,000 825,000 764,500 660,000 663,000 597,450 575,000 522,750 497,250 411,367 430,000 404,500 390,421

15%

17%

16%

20%

Based on information from Metrolist, Inc on January 16, 2019 Note. This representation is based in whole or in part on content supplied by Metrolist, Inc. Metrolist, Inc does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Content maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the ma market. Prepared by The Bridge Team - 303-331-4589

Washington Park Profile 33

February 2019

Things to Do FROM PAGE 32

Wednesday Nights Open Stage Wednesdays, 9 p.m. Open Stage for musicians, comics & magicians. Free, sign up with Host 303-294-9258 Mercury Cafe, 2199 California St. mercurycafe.com Thursday Evening Meditation Thursdays 7 p.m. Free to the public - all are welcome. Dharma teachings on Buddhist principles by Tibetan meditation master Chhoje Rinpoche, followed by meditation instruction. Padmasambhava Meditation Center, 1900 S. Cook St. padmasambhavameditationcenter.org Daybreak Toastmasters Fridays, 7:00 a.m. Cat got your tongue? Public speaking and more. Call Bob after 6 p.m. 720-308-9090 State of Colorado Centennial Building, 1313 Sherman St., 2nd ﬂoor daybreaktoastmasters.org Hard Times Meditation Fridays, 2:30 p.m. Going through a tough time? Developing mindfulness can often help us ﬁnd new resiliency. Join professional instructor Nancy Nielsen for a supportive mindfulness meditation class that’s free and open to all. 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway

Happiness Hour Fridays 5:00 p.m. A short talk and guided relaxing meditation to help increase a peaceful good heart. It is an ideal way to unwind after work and recharge for a great evening ahead. Free. 303-813-9551 KMC Colorado Downtown, 1336 Glenarm Place meditationincolorado.org

KIDSTUFF All Ages Open Lab Sundays 1:00 p.m. Have a project you want to work on as a family? Want to learn more about Photoshop, 3D printing or anything else in the lab? Come on in! Family open lab is all ages, but no unaccompanied adults or kids under 10, please! 720-865-1706 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Tattered Tales Storytime Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. Young children are invited for a half hour of stories and fun, with a different topic each week. Free. 303-322-1965, ext. 2731 Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. tatteredcover.com Slime Club Tuesdays 4:00 p.m. Join us to make slime, have snacks and help us rename this weekly event that will happen every Tuesday. Ideal for ages 8-12.

720-865-0940 Virginia Village Branch Library, 1500 S. Dahlia St. www.denverlibrary.org/events Toddler Storytime Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. In the Berger Children’s Pavilion, Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program. Free. 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Art Works! Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. Preschool Art for ages 3 – 5. We’ll read a book or two and little artists will make a simple craft or experiment with different materials in open-ended art 720-865-0955 Ross-University Hills Branch Library, 4310 E. Amherst Ave. www.denverlibrary.org All Ages Storytime Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. 720-865-0135 Ross-Broadway Branch Library, 33 E. Bayaud Ave. denverlibrary.org

Girls Who Code Wednesdays 4 p.m. An afterschool program for girls in middle and high school to learn computer science in a collaborative, engaging and intensive manner, working with women who work in technology ﬁelds. Learn Python, build websites, create games and more, free. 720-865-1706 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway http://denverlibrary.org/ idealab Eazy Gaming Wednesdays 4 p.m. Play great video games on a Wii, N64 and PS4. Ideal for ages 6-18. 720-865-0160 Byers Branch Library, 675 Santa Fe Dr. www.denverlibrary.org/events Toddler Play & Explore Thursdays 11:30 a.m. Enjoy unstructured play and social time for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivers. Enjoy books, music, and a variety of developmentally appropriate toys in our warm and inviting play space. 720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org

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Remodels • Finished Basements Additions • New Construction

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34 Washington Park Profile

Things to Do FROM PAGE 33

Imagination Station Thursdays, 3 p.m. Join us for a drop-in playtime on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 3-5:30 p.m. Children ages 6 months to 5 years are welcome. Caregivers must remain in the room with their children. 720-865-0220 Decker Branch Library, 1501 S. Logan St. www.denverlibrary.org LEGO Time Thursdays 4:00 p.m. Kids, join us to hang out with other Lego® lovers for some freebuilding time. We supply the blocks; you supply the creativity. Ages 4 & up. And, no...you don’t get to take the Legos® home, but you may return to build on another day! 720-865-0955 Ross-University Hills Branch Library, 4310 E. Amherst Ave. www.denverlibrary.org/events

February 2019 Code Club Saturdays 1:00 p.m. Meet every Saturday to learn how to code! With a demonstration at 1 p.m. and then time to work on a project. Ages 10-19. 720-865-1706 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway teens.denverlibrary.org Teen Open Lab Interested in recording music or editing videos? Want to use the 3D printer or learn about Arduino? Want to learn how to make a video games? Ready to sew or paint a masterpiece? Just want to hang out and play games? Drop-in, for teens 12-19, free. 720-865-1706 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway teens.denverlibrary.org

OUTREACH Nicotine Anonymous Sundays 12:30 p.m. A fellowship of men and women helping each other to live our lives free of nicotine. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 915 E. Ninth Ave. http://nicotine-anonymous. Nar-Anon Sundays 6:45 p.m. A twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts to help themselves cope. First Unitarian Church,

1400 Lafayette St. nar-anon.org Grant Street Reach Mondays 8:00 a.m. Providing meals at no cost to its clients and it is sustained by committed and compassionate volunteers. 303-839-1432 St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St. grantstreetreach.org Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Mondays 7:00 p.m. Through shared experience and mutual support, join a meeting to help each other to recover from the disease of food addiction. 303-775-8062 Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway foodaddicts.org Home for the Heart AL-ANON Mondays - Group Al-Anon Adult Children of Alcoholics. Tuesday through Thursday - Group Al-Anon. Fridays - Group Al-Anon (Meditation the ﬁrst 10 minutes). Room 114, In lower level. Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway al-anon-co.org Historic Preservation Committee Meeting Mondays 7:00 p.m. This Historic Preservation Committee is responsible for numerous historic districts as well as individually designated homes and buildings. Join us each month to learn what is happening in your neighborhood and to add to your voice. Castle Marne, 1572 Race St.

Moderation Management Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. Weekly meetings for problem (vs. chronic) drinkers who want to reduce their intake of alcohol. Email: denver@moderation.org. First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. moderation.org Joy AL-ANON Tuesdays 8:00 p.m. Al-Anon’s Purpose is to help friends and families of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. In the Roberts Building, Room 103. Saint John’s Cathedral, 1350 Washington St. al-anon-co.org LifeRing Secular Recovery Meeting Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. A network of people who support one another in living free of alcohol and other non-medically indicated addictive drugs. 303-875-5088 First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. liferingcolorado.org Marijuana Anonymous Wednesdays 6:30 p.m. A fellowship of people who share experience, strength and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction. Unity Church on the Hill, 1555 Race St. http://marijuana-anonymous.org

Washington Park Profile 35

February 2019

‘Wizard of Oz’ premieres in Colorado Ballet shows L. Frank Baum tale from 1900 is adapted for classical dance By Sonya Ellingboe sellingboe@coloradocommunitymedia.com

As a forward to his original “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” published in May 1900, L. Frank Baum wrote: “A time for a newer set of wonder tales ... without stereotypic genie, dwarf and fairies ... together with all the horrible and blood curdling incidents created by the authors to put a fearsome moral to every tale ... Modern education includes morality, therefore the modern child seeks only entertainment in its wonder tales and gladly dispenses with all disagreeable incidents.” Baum’s thoughts are a good lead into thinking about his wonderful storytelling more than a century later. From Feb. 1 to 10, the Colorado Ballet will present a new classical ballet, “Wizard of Oz,” based on Baum’s stories, at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in the Denver Center for the Performing Arts downtown. (Baum published 14 Oz books.) A concept floated by famous choreographer Septime Webre (presently artistic director of the Hong Kong Ballet, formerly with the Washington National Ballet) led to Colorado Ballet’s collaboration with the Kansas City Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet to bring those Oz characters dancing along the Yellow Brick Road again. Gil Boggs, Colorado Ballet artistic director, observed that “a company of our size might be able

February 9–17

to contribute to the creation of a new full-length work every 20 years ... this is an extremely exciting time for Colorado Ballet to be part of something so special and extraordinary ...” American composer/violinist Matthew Pierce, who has found his groove in composing scores for ballet companies, was commissioned to create a score, and a team from across the nation was assembled to create the additional stage magic. Liz Vandal designed costumes; set and lighting design were developed by Michael Raiford and Trad Burns; and puppeteer Nicholas Mahon added his skills to the new production, while video and projection skills of Aaron Rhyne round out a package. The resulting production package, owned by the three companies, can in the future generate revenues as it is rented to other ballet companies who are looking for new material. Colorado Ballet hosts its annual gala on Feb. 7 in the Land of Oz, with cocktails along the Yellow Brick Road, an auction and meal in the Emerald City. Attendees will be invited to click their heels together in dancing on the Ellie stage. Call for tickets. The 10 performances are grouped on weekends and tickets cost $30 to $155. Some dates are sold out, so advance reservations are in order, to avoid the prospect of a dismayed little dancer, dressed up in her special outfit, being told “No seats are available.” Or a grownup wonder tale fan! The season continues with two additional productions: • March 8-10: “Tour de Force,” featuring Colorado Ballet, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and Wonderbound at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. • April 5-14 “Ballet Masterworks” at Ellie Caulkins Opera House.

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Cast members in Colorado Ballet’s “Wizard of Oz,” running through Feb. 10. COURTESY PHOTO

IF YOU GO “Wizard of Oz,” presented by the Colorado Ballet, showing at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Denver. Dates and times: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9; 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3, 10; 2 p.m. Feb. 2, 3, 9, 10. Call 303-8378888, ext. 2 or visit coloradoballet.org. Prices: $35 to $155. (Colorado Ballet asks that you buy tickets directly from them.)

36 Washington Park Profile

February 2019

RECRUITMENT www.ColoradoCommunityCareers.com

Medical billing and coding According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the industry for medical records and health information technicians continues to grow. The industry is expected to grow by more than 13 percent by the year 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. According to 2017 numbers, the median salary for medical records and health information technicians is $31,180 per year, averaging about $18.83 an hour.

According to BLS, medical records and health information technicians, commonly referred to as health information technicians, organize and manage health information data. They ensure that the information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and

to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. Medical biller and coders play an important role in the health care industry. They are the ones to create a connection between providers, patients and insurance companies. Those working in the industry might perform the following duties: • Reading and analyzing patient records • Determining the correct codes for

patient records • Using codes to bill insurance providers • Working with physicians and assistants • Tracking patient data • Managing coded information • Respecting patient confidentiality and information security

In-home health care Home health aides and personal care aides are a growing industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the in-home care industry is expected to grow by more than 41 percent between now and 2026, much faster than the national average. Both home health aides and personal care aides often help older adults who need assistances. Patients might have disabilities, chronic illness, cognitive impairment, or need assistance with daily living activities. These duties may include giving medication, checking vital signs and working under the direction of a qualified nurse or healthcare practitioner. Some of the tasks performed include: • Assisting clients in their daily per-

sonal tasks, including bathing and dressing • Housekeeping, such as laundry, washing dishes and vacuuming • Help to organize a client’s schedule and plan appointments • Arrange transportation to doctor’s offices or other outings • Shop for groceries and prepare meals to meet a client’s dietary specifications • Keep clients engaged in their social networks and communities • The median annual wage for home health aides was $23,210 in May 2017. • The median annual wage for personal care aides was $23,100 in May 2017.

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Washington Park Profile 37

February 2019

Many veterans ‘Still Coming Home’ Writing workshop leads to book of veterans’ stories By Casey Van Divier caseyvandivier@yahoo.com

When a dozen or so Denver veterans joined a writing workshop in 2017, they had no idea they would be reading their work to hundreds of community members just a year later — and that they would be published, too. In August 2018, the Denver Veterans Writing Workshop published 13 participants’ work in the workshop’s first anthology, “Still Coming Home.” All contributors were regular participants in the workshop, started by author and veteran Jason Arment in 2015 after finding there were no consistent writing workshops for veterans in Denver. Arment quickly realized one of his biggest challenges would be spreading the word about the group. “For people who want to get stuff started with veterans, it’s ridiculously hard to get the word out,” he said, adding that most organizations offering veteran services are extremely busy. “All these places are maxed out as far as what they can do,” he said. “There’s no organization I can call to say `disseminate this information.’ ” Advertising fell to Arment, and he accepted the challenge, putting thousands of flyers up around town. He also reached out to other writers, as well as Colorado Humanities’ Center for the Book. The center supported the workshop, which regularly attracts 10 to 15 participants each month, as part of its mission to connect local veterans with the humanities. “We asked veterans what we could help them change, and they confirmed that their difficulty was coming home,” said Colorado Humanities’ Josephine Jones, director of programs and Center for the Book. “And they said if people could hear their stories and know them as individuals, it would help.” Colorado Humanities invited Arment to submit writers’ work to appear in an anthology, which the organization assisted in publishing. One title, countless stories For many of the writers, the anthology was their first experience publishing work, just as the workshop was their first experience sharing their work with anyone. “I’ve actually written poetry all my life. I’ve just never shown it to anyone until then,”

said veteran Michael McAndrew, who wrote several of the poems in the anthology. “I guess if I had any goal, it was just to meet other veterans,” he said. “I wanted to hear what they had to say and say something myself.” While most of the group members have served in the military, the workshop welcomes any local writers. One such writer, Crisosto Apache, simply wanted to be around other writers. Apache has never served in the military; however, one of his favorite parts of the workshop is having the opportunity to hear from the veterans in his community. “I’m so appreciative, because I’m sitting in a group people who have served in the military,” he said. “It’s nice to listen to their experiences.” He particularly values his co-members’ military experience, as it often brings helpful insight into his work. His pieces — which are based on his experience as a Native American and member of the LGBTQ community — play a role in his effort to resolve his feelings about past events. This is something his fellow group members understand well, he said. “Still Coming Home” includes essays, poetry and fiction. Each piece ties into the title of the book, which was decided upon by the contributors and the book’s editors, Arment, Steven Dunn and Bethany Strout. The theme applies to each contributor’s work in different ways. Luke Martinez, for example, is a veteran and genealogist whose work focuses on his ancestor who fought in the Civil War. He said he appreciates the way the title applies to his co-members’ modern day pieces as well as his historically based story. “Even though we’re 150 years after the Civil War, people are still coming home,” he said. “People still continue to serve and come home after their service experience in all these different conflicts.” For McAndrew, his writing is a way to understand the significance of key moments during his deployment — from a simple meal to the moment he saw a man throw his wedding ring into the ocean. “It’s reflecting on what that moment meant to me then,” he said, “but also what it means to me now.” For those who contributed to the first anthology, the workshop now represents an opportunity to continue growing in a craft they all enjoy. “We’ve made some writers out of people who didn’t realize they were writers, and now they do,” Arment said. “And we’ve definitely pushed veteran issues forward in ways that just weren’t happening.”

Michael McAndrew reads one of his poems to guests gathered for a reading of the anthology. CASEY VAN DIVIER

TO LEARN MORE The Denver Veterans Writing Workshop meets at 3 p.m. on the third Sunday of every month at the Lighthouse Writers Workshop, 1515 Race St., Denver. Over the next few months, Colorado Humanities, which helped publish the workshop’s ﬁrst anthology “Still Coming Home,” has planned various events at which veterans will read their work at locations throughout the Denver metro area. You can ﬁnd a schedule at coloradohumanities.org. You can also obtain a free copy of the book by emailing info@coloradohumanities.org or by attending one of the events. For more information, go to coloradohumanities.org/content/veterans-writing.

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February 2019

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Washington Park Profile 39

February 2019

City unveils system for clearing pot convictions Mayor says effort is intended to correct ‘social injustices’ By Kathleen Foody Associated Press

Denver has become the latest city in the nation to take steps to eliminate low-level marijuana convictions in places where the drug is now legal, acknowledging the barriers that such offenses pose to minority, low-income and other people. Denver officials said Colorado law doesn’t allow them to go as far as some other cities and states in automatically dismissing or pardoning convictions. Instead, on Jan. 9, they unveiled a program allowing thousands of people to avoid costly legal action by filling out an online form or attending an event to start the process with help from city officials. Such efforts across the country are intended to help repair problems that strict enforcement of marijuana laws caused in finding jobs and housing. “This is about equity for our communities of color and individuals who were disproportionately impacted by low-level marijuana convictions that are no longer crimes in

“This is about equity for our communities of color and individuals who were disproportionately impacted by low-level marijuana convictions that are no longer crimes in Colorado.” Michael Hancock, Denver mayor

Colorado,” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said. “Overturning these convictions is part of Denver’s multi-pronged approach to correct the social injustices caused by the war on drugs.” Colorado was among the first states to broadly allow the sale and adult use of marijuana, but cities elsewhere have led the way on automatic expungement of past convictions. Seattle, San Francisco and some prosecutors in New York City last year rolled out programs to toss hundreds of marijuana convictions, saying now-legal activity should no longer block people

from getting jobs or finding housing. States also have sought solutions to the problem. Washington state’s governor announced this month that he would pardon thousands of people convicted of marijuana possession, and Michigan’s governor has said she would consider a similar approach. California has a new law requiring the state Department of Justice to provide lists of marijuana convictions eligible for erasure or reduction to local prosecutors. Colorado currently allows people to petition courts to remove marijuana offenses, including posses-

sion, from their records. Advocates have criticized that approach because it puts the onus on people with convictions and can become expensive and time-consuming. The new program still requires people to take the first step toward clearing their records, either by filling out an online form or attending an event. The Denver district attorney or city attorney will then seek court approval for the convictions to be eliminated and follow up with state agencies to make sure records used by employers, landlords and others during background checks have been updated.

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Denver District Attorney Beth McCann called the effort a matter of “justice and fairness.” Based on a review of digitized court records between 2001 and 2013, Denver officials have estimated 10,000 convictions could be eligible. Advocacy groups that work with people hamstrung by old marijuana convictions welcomed the change and hope it will lead to more sweeping action by Democrats who now control the Legislature. A past conviction “is a jacket that you wear the rest of your life,” said Rudy Gonzales, executive director of Servicios de la Raza. The nonprofit group focuses on Denver’s immigrant and refugee communities and has hosted events giving people free access to attorneys for advice on clearing convictions. Gonzales said even minor drug convictions keep people from working in well-paying industries, improving their credit and finding housing. He called Denver’s program “a start” that can be expanded and improved over time. Most people will not be required to pay anything to have their convictions eliminated. The Marijuana Industry Group that represents growers, sellers and other sector businesses is helping cover court fees.

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40 Washington Park Profile

February 2019