Washington Park Profile 0819

AUGUST 2019

Digital and print community newspaper founded in 1978.

A PURRFECT STRETCH

AN APPLE A DAY What makes a community healthy?

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ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE Businesses struggle to stay alive as city develops

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FREE

Yoga promotes animal adoption P8

WHEELS ON THE BUS RTD looks to future of transportation

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2 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

Business Matters

By Kailyn Lamb | klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com Business Matters is a monthly column on the changing landscape of business and development in soutth 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.

DEVELOPMENT 625 Santa Fe Drive Site plans for the 600 block on Santa Fe Drive have been submitted to the city for a new condo project. The plans include several properties around the midway point of the block on the west side. If approved by the city, plans call for a five-story building with 117 units, as well as 121 parking spaces. The plans are currently under review.

The project is listed as “in progress” on the First Stone Development website. The site says the project will be mixed-use with approximately 11,000 square feet of real estate space. It also says there will be solar panels on the roof.

BUSINESS OPENINGS Twin Fin Poke Poke has been the latest food trend to take over Denver, and now fans have a new spot to grab a meal in University Hills. Twin Fin Poke opened in June at 2720 S. Colorado Blvd.

Poke is a raw fish-and-rice meal, which often includes toppings such as seaweed, cu-

cumber and avocado. According to the Twin Fin website, poke got its start from Hawaiian fisherman who would cut up the fish trimmings to eat as a snack.

Femme Fatale Intimates The lingerie and swimwear store opened at 26 Broadway in June. The store was originally located in Arvada. In a live Facebook video, owner Angel Macauley said her new location is larger and would be open six days a week.

Most stores on Broadway are closed on Mondays, she said, so she wanted to maintain the same business hours. Macauley also said she would host a grand opening for the store.

The store was formerly Starlet, a women’s clothing boutique, which closed in early June.

Starlet still has a location off of West 32nd Avenue.

Broadway in April, Huevos Tacos was quick to take its place. Huevos Tacos opened about a month later at 2160 S. Broadway. The restaurant serves breakfast food all day, and in addition to its selection of tacos — all of which have eggs — it has some classic breakfast selections such as Benedicts.

Morning Collective had been open in the location for two years. Zach Stock, the owner behind the former Morning Collective, is also behind Huevos Tacos.

CLOSINGS

Tatsu Izakaya A new sushi restaurant opened its doors in May in the University Park neighborhood.

Tatsu Izakaya is located at 2022 S. University Blvd.

An izakaya is a Japanese bar that serves foods to go with its drinks and cocktails. They are usually small and informal. Currently, Tatsu Izakaya serves beer and sake, and is working on a sake cocktail menu, according to its website.

In addition to sushi, the restaurant also offers a selection of ramen and rice bowls.

Huevos Tacos After Morning Collective closed on South

Remarkably Creative “Afraid you won’t stand out when writing an offer?”

They announced its closure on Facebook in early July.

“To our Campus Lounge Patrons, we thank you for your support as we tried to keep the Campus Lounge tradition alive,” they wrote.

“It’s with sad hearts that we announce that we have closed the doors.”

The Nickless family had a long history in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood: Dan Nickless’ father ran a butcher and grocery store on the block. For more information on the Nickless family opening the Campus Lounge, read our story at https://washparkprofile.com/stories/ carrying-on-a-legacy,274011.

For more information on the family-owned businesses on the Bonnie Brae business strip on University Boulevard, read our story at https://washparkprofile.com/stories/a-neatlittle-block,278851?.

CHANGES

Dan and Jeff Nickless stand below the famous Campus Lounge neon sign in this file photo.

The father and son reopened the neighborhood bar in October.

PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB Campus Lounge The Campus Lounge has once again shuttered. It is the third time the Bonnie Brae establishment has closed in the last three years.

Jim Wiste, who owned Campus Lounge for 40 years, sold the bar, at 701 S. University Blvd., in 2016. Denver restaurateur Dan Landes reopened in 2017, but closed the restaurant less than a year later. In October 2018, father-son duo Dan and Jeff Nickless decided to try their hand at reopening the Campus Lounge.

South Broadway Country Club The indoor golfing facility at 2265 S. Broadway is gearing up for a second location set to open this month.

South Broadway Country Club has golf simulators that allow players to keep up with their game in an indoor setting. People can rent out the simulators, which also give data on swings. The owner offers private golf lessons as well.

The new location in the Berkeley neighborhood will also offer private lessons. The business will open at 4200 Tennyson St. Morning Story An Egg and I franchise owner has decided to change gears and open restaurants of his own. Morning Story, 560 S. Holly St., opened last month after a quick construction turnaround to remodel the space.

Jim Gregory, owner of Morning Story, will offer alcoholic drinks on the menu, which he couldn’t before, he said. Morning Story will also source foods more locally, he added.

“We’re excited to put our own imprint on the entire experience,” he said.

Gregory and his restaurant team also owned an Egg and I in Arvada, which has also reopened as a Morning Story.

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Sample cups of the coconut chia bowl during an opening celebration at Morning Story in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood. The breakfast restaurant opened last month.

Washington Park Profile 3

August 2019

Denver Parks and Recreation recently opened the new basketball courts at Washington Park. The new courts, left, have two full courts, as well as seating and lighting. The old courts were smaller.

KAILYN LAMB

A

SLAM DUNK

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

After nearly six months on the sidelines, the new and improved basketball courts at Washington Park have opened.

The courts reopened on July 19, and had everything done except the paint striping. Michael Bouchard, the assistant director of design and construction for Denver Parks and Recreation, said that the concrete has to be fully cured first and that he expects painting to be done in early August.

Bouchard added that the park now has two full courts. The old ones were only one and a half court. Leftover boulders from the new

playground, which was installed last year, will provide seating for people around the courts.

The city also brought in LED lighting around the courts.

“That’s a new standard that we’re implementing and were able to do here,” Bouchard said.

“People have been waiting a long time for these.

The old courts were in pretty poor shape.”

Construction on the basketball court started in February, but the project was first identified during a master plan for Washington Park in 2011. New playgrounds and picnic spaces were also included in the plan. The city completed one new playground last year and is starting the public process for the playground on the north side of the park.

New basketball courts at Washington Park are open

As for the old courts, the city has plans for those as well, but needs to line up construction funds first, Bouchard said.

“We had always envisioned removing the old basketball courts and adding a little picnic area,” he said.

Because of the construction boom in Denver, it has become hard for the city to find competitive pricing for projects, Bouchard added.

Although Denver voters approved the 2A parks tax measure in November, Parks and Recreation already had a long list of deferred maintenance projects that some of those funds are going toward.

Denver City Council recently approved a deal to buy land in University Hills for $5

million for a new park. It was the first time the tax dollars from 2A were used. The measure adds a .25% sales tax in the City and County of Denver and is estimated to bring in $45 million per year.

One example of maintenance projects is a ditch south of the old basketball courts in Washington Park, Bouchard said. The ditch is starting to erode and the city has put some funding in place to start the design process on a project to keep that area intact.

Sometimes, the city will push project construction dates to try and find better prices.

“It’s changed on how we’re able to deliver projects,” he said. “It’s tough to get truly competitive pricing.”

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4 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

The University Park

Garden Girls

Two Brookdale Senior Living residents set out to beautify their outdoor space

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Mary Brady, left, and Betty Ridgway sit on a bench in the garden space they helped to put together at the Brookdale Senior Living Center in University Park. The women, who are 95 and 90 respectively, call themselves the Garden Girls.

PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

idden behind a small stone wall at the Brookdale Senior Living facility in University Park is an expansive lawn space. Brookdale residents often take walks on the looping paths, enjoying time outside and getting exercise in for the day.

A little hill sits on the west side of the lawn at 2020 S. Monroe St. A statue of St. Francis stands in a sunny area, and a green sign that reads “Stella’s Garden” can be seen close to the roses.

In her youth, 90-year-old Betty Ridgway was not a gardener. But when she saw the dirt beds on the top of the little hill three years ago, she knew that pops of color needed to be brought in to the area.

“I don’t know anything about gardening,” she joked, “except they look nice. I can’t name you all the flowers yet, but I have the roses down pat.”

For a senior citizen, a small hill can feel like a mountain. So Ridgway enlisted the help of her daughter and son-in-law. They bought flowers and grasses and planted them on the top of the hill. Soon, more people were sitting outside to enjoy the new space.

“It’s such a beautiful thing that Betty started,” fellow resident Mary Brady said. “It’s exceptionally nice for us, and it’s used a lot.”

This year, Brady joined in to help Ridgway plan for the garden. The 95-year-old was a frequent gardener in her home state of Illinois.

“I enjoyed gardening from morning `til night,” Brady said.

For Brady, the one drawback is she can’t make it up the hill to get her hands in the dirt herself.

Some roses were recently added to the garden space at Brookdale. In addition to the garden space, other seniors at the center have contributed by repairing benches along the walkway.

The two ladies call themselves the “Garden Girls,” and they’re already making plans for next year’s garden. On one side of the garden is a stretch of tall, decorative grasses with smaller flowers planted in front of them. As the path continues along the side of the hill, there are three rose bushes, which were a new addition to this year’s garden.

On their own walks through the lawn, Ridgway and Brady will often leave a bucket of water on a nearby bench, hinting that they want someone to take it up the hill to water the plants.

But the hill may soon be conquered, as the Garden Girls are considering adding steps to the garden space next year.

Ridgway named the garden after her mother, Stella, who also enjoyed spending time creating green spaces.

The Garden Girls have started to inspire other Brookdale residents to make their own improvements to the walking area. Soon, the benches along the side of the path had been repaired and received a fresh coat of paint.

The lawn space is often used by the living center for special events such as field days and barbecues.

The garden has created an area of comfort for the residents of the senior living center, Brady said.

Ridgway agreed: “It makes you feel good.”

Betty Ridgway wanted to add flowers to the yard space at Brookdale to create a peaceful area for the center’s residents to walk. She named the area Stella’s Garden after her mother.

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August 2019

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6 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

Baker district tour quenches curiosity Staff report

Historic Grant Avenue turns 100!!!

Come celebrate our 100th Birthday Party & 2nd Annual Green Chili Cook-Off Competition!

Saturday, September 28, 2019 • Tour the building • Music • Cake and drinks • Games • Green chili cookoff • And much more!

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216 South Grant Street For information call: 303-733-8940 www.HistoricGrantAve.org

The Historic Baker District once again will be opening its doors to the public this summer.

The annual Baker Home Tour on Aug. 24 features six homes of various architectural styles, a former theater-turned-distillery, a neighborhood church, and a Neo-Gothic school. Proceeds support the Baker Historic Neighborhood Association with a portion donated to DCIS at Fairmont and other community programs.

Denver’s historic heart is well known for the many mansions lining its streets. Many of the city’s famous architectural treasures survived modernization owing to preservation efforts — the Molly Brown House serving as the quintessential example.

However, these popular grand residences of Denver’s wealthy elite often overshadow the oftenlesser known but just as compelling stories behind the homes of the middle class at the turn of the century. This year’s tour casts a spotlight on these

more obscure gems and offers a rare glimpse into what life was like for the rest of us.

Baker witnessed its beginnings in 1872 when Denver expanded residential development southward to accommodate its swelling population. It is unique among Denver’s neighborhoods, boasting the largest concentration of Queen Anne Victorian homes in the city’s historic center.

Any passerby can quickly recognize this style by its ornate exteriors, fairytale turrets and decorative balconies. Several homes on the tour showcase these characteristic details, though examples of other architectural periods are also represented.

A featured home this year is a large Victorian mansion, which was completely renovated in early 2019.

Another classic home’s interior can be described as “living in art” given the owners’ hand crafted artistic embellishments throughout.

The tour lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $25 on the day of the tour. For tickets and information, go to bakerhometour.com.

The Historic Baker District will be holding a home tour on Aug. 24.

COURTESY OF HISTORIC BAKER DISTRICT

Event collects unused, unwanted paint Staff report Residents and business owners are invited to drop off all unwanted paint at the PaintCare recycling event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 24 at South High School, 1700 E. Louisiana Ave. in Denver.

House paints, stains, primers, sealers and clear-top coatings (varnish and shellac) are all

accepted at the event. Any amount of latex or oilbased paint will be accepted from households, but some businesses might face restrictions on the amount of oil-based paint they can turn in.

To register for a time to drop-off unwanted paint, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/ paint-drop-off-event-denver-south-highschool-tickets-64309188514. Businesses with questions can go to paintcare.org/CO

or call 855-PAINT09.

In its fourth year, the program has nearly 175 drop-off sites in the state.

According to a news release, PaintCare recycled 654,476 gallons of unwanted, unused paint from residents and businesses across the state in 2018. The program has collected and processed more than 2.37 million gallons of paint since it began in 2015.

Presented by Nelisha Firestone and The Center for Relationship Education. For more information or to RSVP contact Sarah Wells at 303.793.3202 or sarah.wells@lpl.com

Washington Park Profile 7

August 2019

LIVING

HEALTHY IN DENVER

Experts weigh in on what makes a healthy community FOR MORE INFORMATION

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

W

hen people think of public health, a few thoughts naturally come to mind: doctors, good nutrition and getting exercise.

But defining a healthy community can be a difficult task, said Tristan Sanders, public health program manager with the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. Those three components are crucial to public health, but there’s also a lot more to it.

Every five years the city is required by law to conduct a Community Health Assessment, as well as a Community Health Improvement Plan. The last assessment was released in 2015, and the department is gearing up to collect data for a new version to be released early next year.

The report will likely look a little different this year, Sanders said.

While it will provide information based on the city as a whole, the department also wants to break down by neighborhood some of the factors that contribute to health.

Many statistics can vary drastically from one neighborhood to the next, Sanders said.

“It just depends on which things you’re looking at,” he said. “We organize a lot of our work around the built environment.”

Primary care physicians also look into people’s home environments when making a diagnosis or care plan for an individual patient, said Dr. Scott Joy, chief medical officer with HealthONE, a network of Colorado hospitals. He estimated that only 20% of a person’s health comes from seeing the doctor and creating a plan. The remaining 80% all comes from his or her living environment.

Not only do doctors consider what people are eating and how much exercise they get, they also want to know if patients have access to public space, grocery stores and transportation — even access to a good school and education can impact health. Mental health screenings and behavioral health are also a major component, Joy said.

“We’re asking patients if they’re socially isolated,” Joy said. “Behavioral health is a big focus for us.”

During the last health assessment, Denver City Council asked the Department of Public Health and Environment to release reports that broke down some of those statistics by council district. The reports looked at four factors — life expectancy, tobacco use, childhood obesity and mental health. The reports were released as part of the Be Healthy Denver program, in partnership with Denver Health.

Citywide, the data from 2014 found that life expectancy in

To see the council district reports done by the Denver Depeartment of Public Health and Environment in 2015, go to http://www.denverpublichealth. org/health-data-statistics/citycouncil-district.

For more information on Be Healthy Denver, which includes the 2014 Community Health Assessment, go to https://www. denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/be-healthy-denver.html.

For health data that is currently being compiled by the DDPHE, go to https://bit.ly/2GFmbYC.

Efrain Camas, right, plays basketball at Washington Park with his two sons, Fabian, pictured, and Efrain.

Experts say that one aspect of a healthy community is access to open spaces for exercise. KAILYN LAMB

“Denver parks are a huge opportunity for patients to get out and interact. We’ve got some really healthy citizens that inspire other people to get out and be healthier Dr. Scott Joy Denver was 78.6 years, 17% of Denverites were smokers, 16% of public school children were considered obese and 13% of residents had been diagnosed with depression. While some districts lined up with Denver’s average, others had higher rates of smoking or lower life expectancies.

This is where studying neighborhood statistics can help provide more insight into the data, Sanders said. In places like District 7, which includes Platt Park, Overland Park,

Ruby Hill, some neighborhoods have easy access to public parks, grocery stores and schools. But other areas in that district do not have the same access to stores or schools.

Even how safe you feel in your neighborhood can affect your health, Joy said. If people don’t feel safe enough to walk outside, that can hinder the amount of physical exercise they get.

Access to different programs can also help. The YMCA in Denver

offers a pre-diabetes prevention program, which has helped to lower the rate of people who are eventually diagnosed with diabetes.

“The best way studies have shown to prevent that is to work out for 30 minutes, five days a week,” Joy said. “You don’t need to make big changes to prevent chronic diseases like diabetes.”

Doctors have also looked into methods such as prescribing people physical exercise or other ways to promote healthy behavior outside

of doctor’s offices. Denver’s access to healthy parks across the city is another factor that helps keep obesity rates low, which in turn helps prevent some obesity-related illness such as heart disease, Joy said.

“Denver parks are a huge opportunity for patients to get out and interact,” Joy said. “We’ve got some really healthy citizens that inspire other people to get out and be healthier.”

The new Healthy Food for Denver Kids tax measure approved by voters in November will also have impacts on such factors as childhood obesity in the city. Sanders said that the Department of Public Health and Environment recently finished choosing city leaders for a commission in charge of distributing those funds. The tax measure added a .08% tax increase, or eight cents for every $100 spent. It is estimated to raise about $10 million annually.

In addition to bringing in healthy food programs, it will also help supplement nutrition education in schools.

“This is just a direct injection of funding for that individualized programming for healthy foods,” Sanders said. “It will be a huge impact and influx for healthy food for kids.”

Some data can already be found on the Department of Public Health and Environment’s website.

The department is consistently updating information on food access and tobacco use. Other secondary data can be found in 72 different neighborhood profiles.

Sanders is hopeful the city can take some of this data even further for the 2020 Community Health Assessment and make it more interactive for residents.

“The bottom line is,” Sanders said, “regardless if you’re the healthiest district, you could always be healthier.”

8 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

‘DOWNWARD FACING CAT’

IF YOU GO Jill Brown, community partnerships manager with the Denver Animal Shelter, said it’s best to RSVP for the Cats on Mats yoga class since the space is limited. The shelter usually caps the class around 30 participants.

Where: Denver Animal Shelter, 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. in Denver.

When: Wednesdays through Labor Day, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Cost: $20 suggested donation.

Brown said the Denver Animal Shelter also does puppy yoga pop-up events sometimes. To find more information on events at the shelter, including Cats on Mats, go to the event page at https://bit. ly/2M22sWu.

Hani Park, front, participates in a Cats on Mats yoga class at the Denver Animal Shelter. The shelter holds the classes during summer in the hopes of getting more kittens adopted.

KAILYN LAMB

Denver Animal Shelter uses yoga to boost cat adoptions

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

In the Community Room at the Denver Animal Shelter, a few suppressed giggles are heard in between Johanna Schumacher calling out different yoga poses. Tiny kittens are running through the legs of participants, who have different cat toys to try and get the animals to play with them.

Jill Brown, community partnerships manager at the shelter, said they have been running the Cats on Mats yoga class for the last four years. Some participants are there for a serious yoga class, while others come in jeans and are there to play with the kittens. The class, she added, is a “win-win” since it helps to socialize the animals and get them adopted more quickly.

“Kittens are in that social period, so they really kind of need that,” she said.

“It raises awareness to people about the health connection of interacting with animals.”

The shelter usually brings the group of kittens into the community room about an hour before the class starts so that the cats can learn to interact with each other first. The kittens in the classes are all available for adoption.

Denver Animal Shelter, 1241 W. Bayaud Ave., runs the classes during the summer when most cats are having their litters of kittens. The classes usually start around Memorial Day and run until Labor Day. While the class has grown over the last four years, Brown said the numbers usually dwindle toward the end of the summer as people get busy with back-toschool or summer vacations.

Brown added that if they still have lots of kittens, the shelter will sometimes extend their classes in the hopes of finding those kittens homes.

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GETTING A NEW PET One of the best pieces of advice that Jill Brown from the Denver Animal Shelter can give to people looking to adopt a new pet is to be open.

People frequently come in with a specific image in their minds of what kind of pet they want, she said. But sometimes, an animal’s personality might change that.

“There’s going to be a fit for you, it’s just figuring it out,” she said.

She also added that if people already have one pet in their home, they need to be aware of how that animal will interact with others. Families with young children will also fit better with different animals, Brown said.

The Denver Animal Shelter provides different resources, such as giving animals different behavior ratings to people can get an idea of how the new animal will interact with children or current pets. teer to teach the class. The classes are a $20 suggested donation, which helps to cover food and medical costs for the kittens at the shelter. As Schumacher walked through the maze of yoga mats, occasionally picking up a kitten to pet, she laughed and said it was the most fun yoga class she’d ever taught. She also adjusted the class to the theme, calling one posture “downward facing cat,” instead of its usual name, downward facing dog.

The class helps to get people physically to the shelter, and even if they don’t adopt one of the kittens roaming around in the yoga class, they may see other animals they like, Brown said.

Because cats are prolific breeders, Brown said there’s never a shortage of kittens. Cats also tend to stay in shelters longer than their canine counterparts.

“We have no shortage of kittens that need socializing and need to be adopted,” she said. “On the internet, cats are super popular. But it doesn’t always translate to them getting adopted as quickly.”

Washington Park Profile 9

August 2019

Event for youths marks launch of tickets for upcoming exhibit

e k i l ing

w a r D

o M

t ne

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Johnny, a student with Sophia Monstessori, looks up from his drawing at the Denver Art Museum.

Students aged 3-9 from the Washington Park school took a field trip to the museum to learn how to draw with pastels, and to learn about Impressionist artist Claude Monet.

PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

A group of students from the Hope Center in Clayton pose with their flowers at the Denver Art Museum.

Denver-area schools and day cares came to the Denver Art Museum to celebrate an upcoming exhibit which will feature around 120 paintings by Claude Monet.

Following a speech by Christoph Heinrich, director of the DAM, artist Anna Kay taught students from the Sophia Montessori Academy in Washington Park how to use pastels to draw. Staff from the Denver Botanic Gardens brought in a small bridge,

as well as pots filled with water lilies and other plants to recreate Monet’s famed bridge paintings. The event also included a stand with tissue paper where children could create their own flowers. The festivities were held in front of the DAM’s Hamilton Building, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway.

The June 25 event was the launch of ticket sales for the DAM’s Claude Monet:The Truth of Nature exhibit, which will open on Oct. 21. The exhibit was co-organized by the Museum Barberini in Potsdam, Germany. After the Denver exhibt closes in February, the Monet paintings will head to Museum Barberini.

The works will span Monet’s entire career, including the first painting he exhibited at the age of 18 in 1858, as well as a painting completed a few months before his death in 1926, according to a release announcing the exhibit from the DAM. Tickets are required for the Monet exhibit. Adult tickets are $27 and youth tickets for ages 6-18 are $5. For more information, go to www.denverartmuseum.org.

Eddie, a Sophia Montessori student, rubs his hands together after using red pastels at a Denver Art Museum event. On June 25, the museum held a Monet event where students drew with pastels or created tissue paper flowers.

Local artist Anna Kay, front, tells students from the Sophia Montessori Academy how to use their pastels to create drawings of a bridge and water lilies. Kay teaches drop-in drawing classes at the museum.

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10 Washington Park Profile

LOCAL

August 2019

VOICES

Protecting Denver’s vibrant business scene FROM THE EDITOR

Kailyn Lamb

W

e all have businesses we like to support because they have special meaning to us. For me, it’s a store filled with piles of books and board games.

Ever since I was little, Black and Read bookstore in Arvada has held a special place in my heart. Trips with my mom and stepdad meant looking through gaming books and dice. After the store expanded into the space next door, Black and Read filled it with all forms of music — CDs, vinyl and even a few eight-tracks. My dad would happily spend hours sorting through used CDs for his favorite artists.

Now, as an adult when I go to Black and Read, I spend time going through the overly stuffed bookshelves. I collect international cookbooks, and most of my collection has come from Black and Read.

I also found old copies of Ansel Adams books on photography there.

I love the store for its used-book smell. For the edgy newspaper and photo clippings taped to the register. But mostly, I love walking into the store and remembering what it was like to be a kid and being pleasantly overwhelmed by piles upon piles of books.

In this issue, you’ll find two stories on local businesses.

In one, we asked locals about their favorite neighborhood restaurants. We found that, while people do enjoy eating at those restaurants for the food, they also love going to them because they know their money is supporting someone living here in Denver.

What started as a fun story getting to know local

unsung restaurants quickly became a story on how residents band together to support their neighborhood businesses.

The other business story is part of our ongoing Growing Pains series. We wanted to ask these questions: How has development and construction in Denver impacted its local businesses? What happens to a neighborhood when those businesses close?

In recent months, Denver has started to see some of its legacy businesses teeter on the edge of closing.

Most recently, Tom’s Diner and the Bonnie Brae Tavern have both filed for non-historic status, which makes it easier for a building to be demolished.

Another longtime bar, Shelby’s Bar & Grill, closed SEE LAMB, P11

Porthos: the councildog of District 10

H

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Keep Park Hill green The Park Hill Golf Course provides 155 acres of green, open space in our Denver community. That’s 155 acres of clean air and water, greater sustainability, potential recreation, placemaking, communitybuilding, protected habitat and history. As a golf course, the space isn’t viable given the usership numbers, but as a public park and dedicated openspace, this land will continue to support a thriving community

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

and add to our long history of outdoorsmanship and good stewardship of our public lands.

The Denver City Council has a decision to make about the future of Park Hill Golf Course that will shape this neighborhood and the trajectory of our city for a generation. Keep Park Hill green and defend our city in a park!

Erik Clarke Goldsmith neighborhood, Denver

i, I’m Porthos, Denver City Council’s first Councildog. I work with Chris Hinds in District 10 to make sure our neighborhoods are represented.

I couldn’t be more excited — was that a squirrel?! I mean, I couldn’t be more excited to serve you.

I walked, while Chris rolled, on a platform of what’s good for dogs is probably good for people, too. The kinds of dog- and peoplehappy neighborhoods I want to help you build are ones where you can walk (or roll) to get to just about anything you might need within 20 minutes. Things you might need?

Parks, restaurants, services, work, groceries and so much more.

Twenty-minute communities are a lot like what we used to have in Denver just a few decades back. These communities are places where we get to smell (visit is what Chris calls it) all sorts of neato people that live near us because people are out and about instead of sitting in their cars. I know Chris has rolled up his sleeves and is already getting started.

Chris was sworn in on the City and County Building’s front porch on July 15. It was hot outside and I was a good boy during all that talking. By the end of the week we had set up some furniture, computers and a water bowl – the basics we need to start diving into issues affecting District 10.

Who are the “we” I mention? Well, you now have three council aides — who all live in D10 — to help serve all the people who live here! Each aide will help Chris cover legislative issues, constituent concerns and com-

GUEST COLUMN

munity building from around District 10.

Congress Park and Cheesman Park are served by Galia Halpern.

Not only does she live there, but also she’s visited most of the homes in those neighborhoods many times to help get Chris elected. I love that Galia has an art history education, has lived in Councildog other countries includPorthos ing Italy and doesn’t own a car.

Teresa St. Peter covers Cherry Creek, Country Club and Belcaro. You may remember her in Councilwoman Jeanne Robb’s office. She’s lived in D10 for 20 years and can’t stay away from municipal issues. She’s worked off and on for City Council since 2003. Chris says she’s a land-use geek.

Liz Zukowski is your lead on all things in Capitol Hill, Uptown, Speer and Civic Center.

She has worked for the city for several years already, and she’s now getting the chance to serve the neighborhood in which she lives.

She enjoys skiing, biking and camping with her boyfriend and two dogs, Sansa and David Bowie.

I’ll let Chris write our Life on Capitol Hill article next time, but I think you should help him by telling him what kinds of things SEE PORTHOS, P11

JERRY HEALEY President

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant

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KAILYN LAMB Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

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Deadline 5 p.m. on the 20th of each month for the following month’s paper.

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Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Profile.

We welcome letters to the editor. Please Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Washington Park Profile 11

August 2019

A

Diving into water gardening

re you looking for a way to dip your toes into the world of water gardening before jumping in head first?

A container water garden is the perfect solution. These miniature ponds can provide all of the components of a large-scale water feature – aquatic plants, moving water, fish and the ability to draw wildlife – on a smaller and less laborious scale.

Containers designed to hold water – often referred to as water bowls – are glazed inside and out, have no drainage holes and come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Plastic liners can be added to other vessels such as half whiskey barrels to hold water. When choosing a container, consider the size of the space it will be placed in, the type of plants you want to grow, whether fish will be added, and if a fountain will be used. If you plan to add fish, make sure the container does not contain copper as this is toxic to fish.

Aquatic plants can be divided into four groups based on growth habits: floating, submerged, floating-leaved and marginal. Floating plants such as Water Lettuce (Pistia stratioides) and Fairy Moss (Azolla carolineana) have leaves that float on the water’s surface and roots that trail in the water beneath them. They are excellent for filtering and shading the water.

Eel Grass (Vallisneria americana) and Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata) are examples of submerged plants that grow with their roots and leaves completely beneath the surface. These plants oxygenate the water and feed on excess nutrients, which in turn reduces algae growth.

Floating-leaved aquatic plants include waterlilies (Nymphaea spp.) and Water Hawthorne (Aponogeton distachyos). Growing with their roots anchored in the soil underwater and their

Lamb FROM PAGE 10

in June after 40 years in business. Shelby’s location first opened as the Pink Lady bar, and the building had been standing since 1906. The property is set to be demolished later this year for new condo construction.

For Tom’s, the story is not quite over.

Neighbors applied for historic status for the building, which would make it very difficult for a building to be demolished.

The Landmark Preservation Commission with the city unanimously decided last month to move the application forward to council, something that rarely happens when a building owner is opposed.

Bonnie Brae Tavern’s application for non-historic status moved forward without opposition.

Local businesses not only help the fabric of Denver’s economy, but help to create community. Many local businesses owners help in community events or fundraise for

Porthos

leaves floating on the surface, they also shade the water and provide protection for fish from predators.

Marginal aquatics grow in shallow water or boggy soil at the pond’s edge and include hardy species such as Water Iris (Iris virginica, Iris versicolor, Iris louisiana), and Pickerel Plant (Pontederia cordata), as well as tropical species such as Taro (Colocasia hybrids) and Umbrella Palm (Cyperus alternifolius). These plants feed on nutrients in the water and provide habitat for frogs and insects like dragonflies to lay their eggs.

Two primary methods are used to plant water bowls. The first is to add a heavy clay loam to the container. Soil mixes with light materials like peat and perlite should be avoided as these will float to the surface. Plant a marginal or floatingleaved plant directly into the soil and fill the container with water.

A second method is to fill the container with water and place individually potted marginal, submerged and floating-leaved plants inside, leaving space for fish as well as floating plants. A small fountain can be added if the container is placed near an electrical outlet where a submersible pump can be used. If fish are added, opt for small varieties such as goldfish or minnows and avoid large species including koi, which will quickly outgrow a container. A good rule of thumb is to add one inch of fish per gallon of water.

Water bowls are fairly easy to maintain.

Regular tasks include fertilizing marginal and floating-leaved plants monthly during the growing season with an aquatic plant fertilizer (submerged and floating plants feed on nutrients

GUEST COLUMN Tamara Kilbane

different causes.

Some businesses, such as the Whittier Cafe at 1710 E. 25th Ave., transcend neighborhood boundaries. They carry cultural significance for minority groups, such as Denver’s black community in the case of the Whittier Cafe. Local businesses, in the words of Whittier’s owner, Millete Birhanemaskel, create a “place of healing.”

Openings and closings are a natural cycle of business. But some residents fear the big boom of development will kill the mom-and-pop stores that make Denver, Denver.

One thing I’ve learned in writing for Colorado Community Media is that Denverites love to support their local businesses. In our Growing Pains series this month, I met with people devising different solutions to bring in more customers in spite of large construction projects. It gives me hope that Denver will not become a land of chains, and that the vibrant landscape of local business will survive a little longer.

FROM PAGE 10

We’re really excited to get to know you.

Chris says no sniffing allowed, so why don’t you give D10 a call at 720-337-7710 or visit www.Denvergov.org/District10?

you want to know about D10. What’s your biggest concern about your neighborhood?

What the heck does a city councilperson do all day? What are Denver’s agencies and what do they do? Bestest dog toys ever?

Denver Councilmember Chris Hinds represents District 10. The district covers north central Denver, including Capitol Hill, Congress Park and Cherry Creek. He can be reached at chris.hinds@denvergov.org.

in the water), removing spent leaves and blooms and monitoring for mosquito larvae. Products such as mosquito bits, which contain beneficial bacteria that feed on these larvae, can be added monthly. If algae growth is a problem, algaecides that are safe for fish and plants can be added weekly to maintain water clarity.

Winter care includes draining the container to prevent expanding ice from causing it to crack. Hardy plants can be brought into a garage where they will not freeze solid and should also be kept from drying out. Tropical marginal plants can be moved inside to a sunny room or simply treated as annuals and purchased again the following year. It is important to note that aquatic plants and non-native fish should never be added to natural waterways. Goldfish can be kept in an aquarium indoors through the winter months.

Tamara Kilbane is the curator of Aquatic Collections with the Denver Botanic Gardens. She can be reached at horticulture@ denverbotanicgardens.org.

Container gardening is not restricted to plants and herbs. People can also create water gardens for their homes and outdoor gardens with the right type of pot.

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12 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

G R O W I N G PAINS

‘We’ll become another generic city’ Local businesses find ways to stay afloat during construction boom

o a

m t k

By Kailyn Lamb t klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com s r outh Broadway is no stranger to n development and change.

Over the past several years, whole c t stretches of the street have been s under construction as bike lanes, housing r projects and businesses have been added to the lineup. But the history of South Broadway’s c revitalization goes back decades and now, in a growing Denver, business owners are looking i o to distinguish themselves from the pack. w The Metro Denver Local Development Corporation (MDLDC) has been behind South Broadway’s growth since it first started B more than 40 years ago. a The MDLDC, which extends along South m Broadway from Second Avenue to East s Ohio Avenue, was first launched in 1978.

Neighborhood activists and business owners banded together to form the nonprofit, which v n largely got its start by planting trees and t beautifying the South Broadway area. j “Our largest asset is the trees,” said AnTh thony Gengaro, noting that MDLDC has f about 400 trees on its area of Broadway.

U Beautification is still largely the organization’s primary responsibility, said Gengaro, the corporation’s president and CEO. By cre- r ating a walkable area, more people are willing f h to frequent South Broadway businesses. b But about four years ago, the MDLDC w added another task: the creation of a new a brand. As development continues, not only on South Broadway, but also up the corridor a and into other areas of Denver, Gengaro said a it was important for the nonprofit’s coverage t area to put its name out there.

N w SEE GROWTH, P13 c i t p s

S

Millete Birhanemaskel counts change for a customer at the Whittier Cafe. Birhanemaskel opened the cafe five years ago. It is a hub for Whittier residents, as well as members of the black community in Denver and activists.

PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

ABOUT THE SERIES The fourth installment of “Growing Pains,” a series exploring development and growth in Denver communities, continues this month with a look how local businesses are impacted by growth. The first segment in May focused on development citywide and such issues as displacement and what Denver is doing to meet those challenges, followed by the second piece on how development impacts neighborhoods. The third piece focused on housing costs and affordability in the city. The final installment will explore the connection between construction and the economy. If you have a story about how development has affected your life, email Editor Kailyn Lamb at klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

c t s

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5 o s f s

c Th t A

i G i i Famous Pizza closed at the end of August 2018 on South Broadway. The restaurant had been there for more than 40 years.

Th c m d

Washington Park Profile 13

August 2019

G R O W I N G PAINS

Growth FROM PAGE 12

“There’s so much new development coming online,” he said. “There’s going to be a change as those neighborhoods become more dense.”

Denver’s booming growth has stirred up a multitude of issues, from affordable housing to equitable neighborhood planning.But a key one — and an emotional one — resides in the birth-and-death life cycle of business that sees longtime places close because of rising rents and construction that hurts revenue. But new businesses also are welcome: They can create excitement in a neighborhood. Often, they fill unmet community needs such as small markets in a food desert or an ethnic restaurant that reflects Denver’s international communities.

And businesses along South Broadway and in Cherry Creek find themselves in the middle of it all, needing to adjust, rebrand or find new ways to bring people into their stores.

Building more business Although the construction can be a burden at the time, better walkability and more apartments in an area can also mean more people shopping in the future.

Brian Phetteplace, director of economic development with the Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District, said that within the last year six large construction projects just wrapped up in the small shopping area.

The Cherry Creek North district extendds from First Avenue to Third Avenue and from University Boulevard to Steele Street.

During construction, pedestrian traffic remained fairly steady, Phetteplace said. The fact that Cherry Creek was already walkable helped keep those numbers up, he added. The business district recently relaunched its brand with a new logo. Creating a stronger brand and hosting local events such as sidewalk sales and the upcoming Cherry Creek North Food and Wine, are some of the things the organization is doing to boost numbers as well.

People spend the most time in Cherry Creek North on the weekend with some heavier weekday traffic during the lunch hour, according to Phetteplace. The district recently installed sensors to help track pedestrian traffic, Phetteplace said. Now that construction projects are over, he’s hopeful more people will start to come out.

Development in Cherry Creek has also recently brought in several big name businesses to the shopping district, such as an Amazon store and Yeti coolers.

“The construction and the new space is proving to be an attraction,” Phetteplace said.

On top of those big names, Phetteplace said 50% of Cherry Creek North’s businesses are owned by women, and 70% are considered small businesses. The district promotes those factors to attract more customers, Phetteplace said.

Similar to Cherry Creek, the MDLDC has created a new brand for its shopping area: The Heart of Broadway. The name came from the intersection of Broadway and Ellsworth Avenue, which is the 000 block on both sides.

The revitalization started by the MDLDC in the early 1980s has had some downfalls, Gengaro said. The area now needs to balance its up-and-coming status with sustaining existing businesses.

“This was a blighted area and kind of seedy.

These initial efforts a very long time ago have come full circle,” he said. “Back then (development was) what we needed, now it’s what we don’t want.”

Construction projects can sometimes disrupt local businesses with loud noise, or by taking up sidewalk and parking spaces. Places like Cherry Creek North have been using events to try and draw more people into the area to frequent their businesses.

PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

Some businesses have had to leave the area because of rising rents and property taxes, Gengaro said.

Famous Pizza, which closed in August 2018, is one example. But not all business turnover is bad, Gengaro said. Although the area was sad to see a long-term staple like Famous Pizza go after 43 years in the neighborhood, it was replaced by Voodoo Doughnuts which opened in June. Gengaro said the company has already been working to create a presence in the community, such as participating in the upcoming Halloween Parade.

The Heart of Broadway will also help to potentially leverage funding for projects along the street, Gengaro said. Areas like River North and Colfax are receiving more city attention for revitalization projects right now because those areas are currently going through changes.

“We’re not necessarily the most squeaky wheel in the city,” Gengaro said. “These areas need to be revitalized, and in the city’s eye we’re kind of already revitalized and that’s what we did.”

Losing history While construction impacts can squeeze the budgets of some Denver businesses, others are being completely erased.

Small legacy businesses, such as Shelby’s Bar and Grill, are being exchanged for new office buildings or housing projects. Shelby’s, which was located at 519 18th St., was a single-story building originally built in 1906. Although it started as a funeral parlor, the building spent most of its life as a local bar.

Antelope Real Estate, the building’s former owner, sold the property in March 2018, according to city records. Over the next several months demolition plans kept being pushed back before Shelby’s finally closed its doors in June of this year.

Bars and restaurants are often the target of new development because many are in one- or two-story buildings, said Tom Noel, a professor and associate chair with the history department at the University of Colorado in Denver.

“Any time you have a boom there’s always more of a threat,” Noel said of the risk to businesses.

Aside from the businesses themselves, Noel added that many older buildings in Denver have historical significance. He jokes that his doctorate is in Colorado bars since he has written a few books on the subject, which

Although there has been a lot of construction in Cherry Creek North, Brian Phetteplace said the district’s pedestrian traffic has remained steady. Phetteplace is the director of economic development for the Cherry Creek North Business District. included information on Shelby’s. One area he pointed out that has historical significance is a stretch of buildings on Larimer Street in the Lower Downtown neighborhood that used to be part of skid row, or buildings on Market Street that were formerly brothels during Denver’s earliest days.

Many of the “the old-time favorite bars are gone,” Noel said, and without those businesses, Denver begins to lose what makes it unique.

“We’ll become another generic city,” he said.

The city’s landmark ordinance helps provide some buildings a layer of protection. Exterior alterations on historic buildings need to be approved, and once a building is protected it becomes extremely difficult to demolish.

Larimer Square is an example of how the landmark ordinance helped prevent development, Noel said.

Initial plans from Urban Villages wanted to demolish a historic building and add two taller buildings. Residents and preservation organizations such as Historic Denver opposed the project. Now, Urban Villages is working with the community to create plans that keep the historic character of Larimer Square. Finalized plans will need to go through the landmark preservation office.

“That’s been one way to try to counter growth,” Noel said. “Thanks to the landmark ordinance, we do have some protection.”

But at the same time, Noel worries the city

might not be doing enough. It is very rare for the Landmark Preservation Commission to recommend historic status on a building when an owner opposes it.

That was the case with Bonnie Brae Tavern, owned by the Dire family since 1934.

Earlier this year, the family filed for nonhistoric status for the building, which makes it easier to demolish. The application went through unopposed. Although no development plans have been announced for the building, the non-historic application allows for plans to be submitted withing the next five years.

The Dire family did not respond to a request for comment on their business.

The business cycle The birth and death of businesses will happen no matter what, Gengaro said.

But the goal of the MDLDC and its partner organizations, such as the South Broadway Merchants Association and surrounding neighborhood organizations, is to try and “defend” the ones that exist in their area. He’s also hopeful the city and those organizations can start to balance development and density in an equitable way so that everyone does well.

“We want to bring people to our businesses and keep our businesses thriving,” he said. “We also want to protect the scale, size and type of businesses. We created a destination.”

14 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

G R O W I N G PAINS

‘You don’t have to erase us’ Local businesses like Whittier Cafe are more than a neighborhood coffee joint

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

M

ost neighborhoods have a local coffee shop or a favorite restaurant. But some businesses transcend geographic boundaries because of a service or value they provide to the community.

The Whittier Cafe, a coffee shop in the neighborhood of the same name at 1710 E. 25th Ave., has quickly become one of those businesses. The five-year-old shop is owned by Millete Birhanemaskel, who consciously chose the Whittier neighborhood for its cultural history in Denver.

In the 1930s, when Denver used redlining to segregate neighborhoods between black and white families, Whittier was one of the first neighborhoods in the city where black people could buy homes. As Denver has started to grow, Birhanemaskel said she has begun to see black-owned businesses close. The black community is also starting to move out of the neighborhood, she said.

Denver’s black community needs those busi-

Millete Birhanemaskel stands behind the counter of the Whittier Cafe. Birhanemaskel said that development doesn’t need to erase locally owned businesses as a city grows.

KAILYN LAMB

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Washington Park Profile 15

August 2019

G R O W I N G PAINS

Denver seeks applicants for project funding Staff Report The Denver Economic Development and Opportunity office announced last month it is accepting applications for funding for neighborhood services projects.

Projects that are awarded funds must be ready to implement services in the first quarter of 2020. The office is looking to fund projects with several focuses,

Whittier FROM PAGE 14

nesses to survive, she said: They become a refuge, a place where the community can see and be with people who look like them.

“We’ve kind of become the anchor,” Birhanemaskel said of the coffee shop.

Earlier this year, Birhanemaskel’s landlord, the Mohamad Ahmad Jodeh Trust, put her building up for sale. It has since gone under contract. Birhanemaskel is in a five-year lease, which gives her some protection, she said. She has also retained a lawyer to help her keep in contact with the landlord. No plans for the building have been announced yet. Birhanemaskel said she wished the landlord had included her in the conversation about the sale.

“I don’t have an interest in stopping development or stopping growth or stopping improvement,” she said on the potential sale.

according to a news release from Denver Economic Development and Opportunity.

Project categories are: • Nonprofit organizing for community capacity building to impact neighborhood revitalization; • Economic development: business assistance for financial empowerment; • Youth and adult services focused on increasing self-sufficiency, including

literacy, independent living skills and job training; • Economic development: technical assistance for cooperative business models; and • Outreach efforts to promote available forms of assistance for economic development, employment, housing services and technical assistance.

The city is giving priority consideration

to applicants with projects in neighborhoods such as East Colfax, Elyria Swansea, Globeville and other northeast Denver locations. The projects will be funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant.

Applications are due Aug. 16 at 4 p.m.

For more information, go to Denvergov. org/economicdevelopment.

“You can develop this space and still include us.”

Life on Capitol Hill could not find contact information on the Mohamad Ahmad Jodeh Trust.

Birhanemaskel works in real estate as her side business. She said the feeling in Denver right now is to scrape and start fresh, which means that a lot of older businesses get left behind or have to close as a result.

“I feel like the belief is, in order to improve something, you’ve gotta erase what’s there,” she said. “You don’t have to erase us. We don’t have to be carnage in that process.”

In addition to being a safe haven for black culture, the Whittier Cafe has become a place where Denver’ activists meet.

“There’s aren’t many spaces left where you can do that,” Birhanemaskel said. “I think Hooked on Colfax is still a great spot where a lot of activists go, but Purple Door has shut down. It’s kind of a nightmare that we’re losing all these spaces where people can organize.”

Activism is in Birhanemaskel’s blood. Her father was the governor during the Ethiopian Civil War. As he worked to build a resistance, her family was pushed into Sudan. Birhanemaskel was born in a refugee camp there.

Eventually, her father was jailed. When the United Nations offered to relocate him to a new country, he picked Colorado because he already had a friend here.

On the local level, the Whittier Cafe hosted a fundraiser in 2015 for the family of Jessica Hernandez, a 17-year-old girl who was shot and killed by Denver Police.

Hernandez was behind the wheel of a stolen car when she was shot. The city later paid a $1 million settlement to her family in 2017, and reversed its policy allowing police officers to shoot at fleeing cars. The city also stopped allowing the police department to release the criminal history of shooting victims.

Birhanemaskel agreed to host the event in 2015 after a different coffee shop refused, saying they didn’t want the activists there.

Since then, she said activists consider the cafe to be a home base when talking about progressive candidates or violence in the community.

“This seems to be the space where everyone comes to organize, which I think is kind of a beautiful, natural organic thing that happened,” she said.

Birhanemaskel said she’s concerned for what will happen when minority-owned businesses start to close down. Where will those people go to find members of their own communities?

Neighborhood businesses also force people to interact with people in ways that they might not normally. They meet people and get to know them, she said. When the news broke that her business might have to move when the building sold, the community responded, hoping to protect the Whittier Cafe. Birhanemaskel said it showed what love in a community business can mean.

“It is a place of healing,” she said. “It’s more than just the product.”

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16 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

RTD’s 50-year history builds path to future CEO says transit district considering new ways to get people where they need to go

By Clarke Reader Special to Colorado Community Media

A lot can happen in 50 years, and that is definitely the case in the world of transit. In the Denver area, the Regional Transpiration District — which launched in 1969 — has seen its share of new technologies, groundbreaking ideas, unrealized dreams and work still to be done.

But a half-century of offering mass transit options to the metro area is no small feat — one RTD is celebrating all through this year.

We connected with Dave Genova, general manager and CEO of RTD, to discuss RTD’s past, its current achievements and its future challenges.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Genova Tell me about the 50th year of RTD — how is RTD marking the occasion?

We started in February by rolling out a life-size 50th-anniversary logo event at Denver Union Station. We also have updated all RTD templates to reflect the 50-year logo. Additionally, RTD celebrated on its actual anniversary on July 1 by holding rider appreciation events in each of the transit agency’s 15 districts to thank the public for riding with us over the past five decades. RTD officially celebrated its 50th anniversary on Friday, July 12, with a party on Wynkoop Plaza in front of Union Station. The event featured RTD information, food trucks, music, a program with speakers and other family-friendly activities. And there will be more to come as the year continues.

How has transit changed in Denver since RTD first started?

When RTD first started, there were several different transit agencies operating in the Denver-Boulder area. On Sept. 7, 1973, voters in what was then the seven-county district authorized RTD to issue $425 million in revenue bonds backed by a half-percent sales tax. With that money, RTD began buying up the aging municipal bus systems that served Denver and its suburbs, such as Denver Metro Transit, Evergreen Transit, Northglenn Suburban and the

Elizabeth Bonney signs the 50th anniversary bus parked at Union Station in Denver. The Regional Transportation District celebrated the anniversary with food trucks, live music and information booths downtown.

PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB Longmont Mini. In 1994, RTD opened its first light rail line; in 2016 it opened its first bus rapid transit line and commuter rail line. This year, we launched the 61AV, an autonomous vehicle pilot program and FlexRide, an ondemand shared bus service where passengers have the ability to book a trip online. RTD has transformed transportation for the Denver metro region.

What, if any, were some predicted transportation changes that never came about?

RTD reviewed a variety of transportation options and one that comes to mind is Personal Rapid Transit, which was similar to the then-popular attraction at Disneyland. In fact, consultants to RTD suggested Denver could be a test ground for Personal Rapid Transit.

A 100-mile system of mostly elevated, “fixed guideways” was sketched in which driverless vehicles holding a maximum of 12 people would deliver passengers all around the metro area. Early dreams included an underground subway segment downtown.

SEE RTD, P31

RTD celebrated its 50th anniversary with an event at Union Station on July 12. People were able to sign a bus decorated with a special anniversary decal.

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Washington Park Profile 17

August 2019

Phillip Wingfield, left, dances with his wife Patti Parkis at the 2018 Cherry Creek North Food and Wine event. Last year was the 10th anniversary of the event.

KAILYN LAMB

Cherry Creek North restaurants unite for event Staff Report The 11th annual Cherry Creek North Food and Wine returns this month, with 19 of the area’s local restaurants participating.

The festival allows people to sample items from the menus of Cherry Creek’s restaurants and then vote on their favorites. Wine and liquor selections are also available at the event,

d n o c Se l a u n An

as well as live music.

Last year’s winners included Departure Restaurant + Lounge taking best in show and Piatti winning best dessert. True Food Kitchen won best table decor and Narrative, in the Jacquard Hotel and Rooftop, won the people’s choice award. Departure closed in March.

Cherry Creek Food and Wine will be held

on Aug. 17, at 6 p.m. The event is held on the Fillmore Plaza, which is between East First and Second avenues on Fillmore. General admission tickets are $85 and include a commemorative wine glass. Designated driver tickets are $45.

For more information, and for a full list of participating restaurants, go to https://bit. ly/30PL3Eu.

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Vendors Needed | Interested in selling your handmade crafts??

Contact Event Producer Thelma Grimes at tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com All applications must be approved to participate

18 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

Denver swears in one woman shouting for the city to “stop the sweeps,” reffering to police sweeps of homeless camps, while Hancock uring the One was being sworn in. She was Denver inauguration event, elected officials escorted off the property by Denver police officers. stressed bringing all Former mayoral candidate residents together as the city Kalyn Rose Heffernan was continues to grow, highlightalso protesting at the event. ing homelessness, wages and She carried a sign that read affordability as issues to tackle “everybody’s got a right to live.” in the immediate future.

Heffernan, along with other City council president and protesters at the event, called District 7 Councilmember for Denver to end the homeJolon Clark opened the event, less camping ban. which included invocations After city officials from religious leaders were sworn in, Hanin Denver, as well MORE cock took the stage for as an inauguration his inaugural address. address from Mayor ONLINE He also touched on Michael B. Hancock. homelessness in the The theme of the Last month we event was centered wrote profiles city, as well as the national political climate around One Denver, on counciland Clark said members that and immigration. The speech focused on the everyone was there represent to celebrate the newly districts in our future of Denver, inelected officials who coverage area. cluding mental health, parks and affordable represent the voices of Look online housing, as well as all the city’s residents. this month for profiles on growth and develop“This is your ment.

Denver’s two building, put here by “We came to make at-large counthe people of Denver a city where each cilmembers: for their democracy Robin Kniech neighborhood can to work,” Clark said. become complete, and Deborah “There is no better with libraries and Ortega. place to be today for parks, with good our municipal officers schools, with plenty of to take their oath to serve the mobility options, and no residents of this great city.” shortage of affordable housJudge Theresa Spahn swore ing,” Hancock said. “We hold in councilmembers, Hancock, true that growth should be the city auditor and the clerk directed to where it makes and recorder at the event on sense, while empowering July 15 at the City and County our neighborhoods to have building, 1437 Bannock St. a greater say in what affects Former Denver Mayor Welthe character and design of lington Webb and Gov. Jared their community.”

Polis attended the inauguraFor a full video of the inaution. guration event, go to https:// Around a dozen protestors youtu.be/g8Pr3OUexp4. also attended the event, with

By Kailyn Lamb

new officials

klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

D

From left, Chris Hinds, Robin Kniech and Deborah Ortega are all sworn in to the Denver City Council. Kniech and Ortega are both at-large members of the council, while Hinds represents District 10.

PHOTOS BY KAILYN LAMB

A protester shouts during Mayor Michael B. Hancock’s inauguration speech. She was calling for an end to police sweeps of homeless camps before she was escorted off the property by Denver police officers.

Paul Lopez looks at his daughter, Nayeli, who stood with him as he was being sworn in as the new clerk and recorder.

Lopez formerly represented District 3 on city council, but was termed out this year.

Ruby De Leon, left and Debbie Maslov protested the recent culling of Canada Geese during the inauguration event. The city of Denver recently rounded up more than 1,600 geese in order to control the population in Denver parks.

Mayor Michael B. Hancock gave his inauguration speech on the steps of the City and County building in Denver. Former Mayor Wellington Webb and Governor Jared Polis both attended.

Kim Murdock, left, and Steve Bender protested the culling of Denver’s geese populations during the inauguration ceremony on July 15.

Washington Park Profile 19

August 2019

Junior League of Denver releases sixth cookbook ‘Centennial Celebrations’ features more than 200 recipes Staff report “Centennial Celebrations,” the newly released cookbook in the Junior League of Denver’s collection, includes more than 200 recipes for every season and occasion.

Packed with the flavors of the Centennial state and honoring the league’s 100th anniversary, “Centennial Celebrations” includes more than 200 recipes for every season and occasion, according to a news release. The cookbook is the sixth in the league’s collection.

“Centennial Celebrations is a treasure trove of recipes that truly reflects how people cook today,” Mary Beth McErlane, the chair of the cookbook committee, said in the news release.

“Hosting a game day party? The cookbook contains delicious recipes that are easy to throw together with just a few ingredients. Looking for something a little fancier for an anniversary or a special holiday meal? Centennial Celebrations has that too.”

The book also includes menus and entertaining tips to inspire you to cook, connect and celebrate Colorado style.

The Junior League of Denver’s cookbooks have been a Denver staple since “Colorado Cache” was released in 1978. The league has sold more than 2.1 million books to date, raising

JUNIOR LEAGUE COOKBOOKS Junior League of Denver cookbooks and release years • Colorado Cache, 1978 • Crème de Colorado, 1987 • Colorado Collage, 1995 • Colorado Colore, 2002 • Colorado Classique, 2009 • Centennial Celebrations, 2019 nearly $7 million to support the community.

The league is known for creating cookbooks that feature unique triple-tested recipes, as well as recipe photos and Colorado landscape photography, the release said.

Proceeds support the league’s mission to empower women to become civic community leaders and its community efforts around early childhood education. The Junior League is known for providing trained volunteers to the Denver community through its Done in a Day program, as well as its newest community initiative, Leaders United in Volunteer Service, a league-wide day of service each fall.

Visit JLD.org to see where you can purchase “Centennial Celebrations” and the five other cookbooks, as well as learn more about the Junior League of Denver’s mission and community work.

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20 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

Eat l i ke a

LOCAL Unsung restaurants are loved by Denver residents and restaurateurs

By Brynn Svenningsen and Kailyn Lamb

W

Special to Colorado Community Media

e recently stopped by Washington Park, City Park, and Civic Center Eats to ask visitors about their favorite hole-in-thewall and local restaurants. Rather than ask for suggestions on famous restaurants, we asked for their favorite unsung restaurants.

Whether it’s a place down the block, or a one-of-a-kind concept across the city, locals appreciated the staples that have served new and longtime Denverites.

In these interviews with locals, we realized it was often the experience at these local restaurants that kept them coming back. While good food may have drawn them through the door, it was the relationships they developed with owners, chefs and staff that kept them coming back time and time again.

When talking about local restaurants, it’s hard to forget the local restaurateurs who create them. With their insight into the industry, and years of experience, we wondered about their favorite places to eat. The restaurateurs listed below have each contributed to the Denver food scene in new and unique ways — and have found their own unsung spots that treat them like locals.

Locals Randy Crupper has lived in and out of Washington Park since he was a teenager.

Crupper shared that he appreciates the uniqueness of local places in contrast to the experience of eating at large chains. Crupper mentioned both The Washington Park Grille and Reivers Bar and Grill as some of his favorites.

Reivers Bar and Grill has been located on South Gaylord Street since it opened in 1977.

It is known for serving dinner and drinks in the restaurant’s homey interior and lively outside patio.

“I’ve been hanging out there since I was a

Jeff Osaka

Roger Letzig, left, and Jon Knepp. teenager,” Crupper said of the Washington Park Grille. Crupper shared that he often enjoys a beer at the bar while he waits for his takeout. The Grille is one of Washington Park’s staples known for being an Italian grill with a contemporary American twist.

“The homey kind of places never get old,” Crupper said.

At Civic Center Eats, a large gathering of food trucks downtown in the center of Civic Center Park, Diane Herron, a Westminster resident, shared her favorite spot to eat when she’s in the city. Proto’s Pizza, a locally owned restaurant chain with locations in and outside of Denver. Herron specifically likes the location on 15th street in the Lower Highlands neighborhood.

“It’s different and fun and friendly,” Herron said. Herron shared that Proto’s Pizza, in addition to other local restaurants, help local neighborhoods and adds to their unique charm. “They’re locals. It helps the community, it helps the economy.”

While waiting for her friend at Civic Center Eats, Madyson Schmida, a resident of the Speer neighborhood, shared her favorite restaurants for an authentic dining experience.

Schmida has been exploring the Denver food scene with friends through monthly dinners at a new local restaurant each month.

“I like authenticity. I like things that are more unique and original,” Schmida said.

El Taco De Mexico, located in the Santa Fe Arts District and one of Schmids go-to local spots, has been serving authentic Mexican food since it opened in 1985.

Additionally, Schmida mentioned the Candlelight Tavern, a neighborhood tavern that offers food, bar games and an open-arm

COURTESY PHOT0

Madyson Schmida

KAILYN LAMB

attitude from their staff and regulars. “They have a really great cheeseburger basket. It’s one of my favorites,” Schmida said.

At Civic Center Eats, Roger Letzig of Aurora and Jon Knepp of Arvada shared their favorite spots that they always go to when they are downtown for work. When eating in Denver, they said they look for restaurants that offer variety.

“Otherwise you just get stuck in a rut,” Letzig said.

One of the spots they like to visit is D’Corazon,a locally owned restaurant on Blake Street in the Lower Downtown neighborhood. The traditional Mexican restaurant is known for its traditional cuisine in a modern updated locale. With the restaurant’s tagline reading “Best Mexican food in LoDo… Period,” it’s clear that D’Corazon means business.

“It’s just an amazing place for carnitas,” Knepp said of D’Corazon.

Five on Black, a Brazilian grill, has become one of Letzig’s favorites. Just as Letzig looks for variety, Five on Black delivers with a menu that aims to serve something new in healthy and tasty ways.

“You’re dealing with somebody who lives in the same place that you do,” Letzig added.

Restaurateurs living in Denver have created restaurant experiences and food that caters to the palettes of their customers. These local restaurants know “what it means to be a Denverite.”

Restaurateurs “You can expect to see the same friendly faces cooking and serving your food on every visit,” Josh Wolkon said of Curtis Park’s La Pasadita Inn. Located in central Denver,

KAILYN LAMB

Josh Wolkon

where Uptown meets Five Points, La Pasadita Inn was described by Wolkon as “hidden in plain sight.”

For Wolkon, the top-notch fajitas were the reason he first stepped into the restaurant, and the burritos, green chile and salsa have always kept him coming back.

“A great and authentic Uptown familyowned Mexican spot,” Wolkon said.

As the owner of Secret Sauce Food & Beverage — which includes Ace, Vesta, Steuben’s Uptown and Steuben’s Arvada — Wolkons is familiar with the Denver food scene. As a veteran of the scene, opening his first restaurant when he was 25, Wolkon knows what makes local restaurants different from chains.

“Neighborhood restaurants become more than just a restaurant. They engrain themselves in the fabric of the community,” Wolkon said, adding that local restaurants and their staff have a genuine approach and passion for what they do. “You can usually count on your neighborhood joint to be open during a snowstorm or have a bartender work as a personal therapist to the community.”

Some of Wolkon’s other favorites include Domo, Melita’s, and Guido’s Pizza.

Andrea Frizzi is owner and chef of Il Posto, Vero Boulder and Vero located inside Denver Central Market.

“There are two restaurants that I love the most in this city – Sushi Sasa and Table Six,” Frizzi said.

“For Sushi Sasa, I feel like the sushi counter is my own little hole in the wall,” Frizzi said.

He describes the dining experience at Sushi SEE RESTAURANTS, P21

COURTESY PHOT0

Washington Park Profile 21

August 2019

Restaurants FROM PAGE 20

Sasa as intimate and friendly. His favorites are the Monkfish Liver and the Salmon Tartare roll. “I’ve made friends with the owners and employees, and they’ve become like family to me.”

Another of Frizzi’s favorites is Table Six, known for American comfort food in the Congress Park neighborhood.

“The duck there is one of my favorite dishes, and also they execute their pasta dishes so well – and you know I’m a tough judge when it comes to pasta,” Frizzi said.

Additionally, Frizzi shared that Table Six feels like the American version of his restaurant in the River North neighborhood, Il Posto. This has made it feel a little homier every time he goes.

“My culinary style is all about the complicated simplicity of food, wine and life,” Frizzi said.

Jeff Osaka is owner and chef of Osaka Ramen, Sushi-Rama, 12@Madison and the newly reopened Empire Restaurant & Lounge in Louisville.

“My family and I love to go to Superstar,” Osaka said. Superstar is located in Athmar Park, a local restaurant serving Asian cuisine.

Osaka praised Superstar for its extensive menu and consistency.

“They’re great for Dim Sum or when we usually go, for Sunday dinner … and anything we order is very tasty and consistent,” Osaka said.

Osaka’s restaurants focus on family-friendly dining experiences with the four locations of Sushi-Rama, a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, being the favorite of parents and children alike. Osaka Ramen is his take on a traditional ramen shop with heavy influences from the Japanese comfort food he grew up eating. Dishes like “My Wife’s Donuts” and others on the menu are a nod to his family members.

Osaka’s 12@Madiosn restaurant, located in the Congress Park neighborhood, offers diners a changing monthly menu and globally inspired cuisine.

“12@Madison is a take on an earlier concept that used to be in the Ballpark Neighborhood, Twelve Restaurant

Andrea Frizzii

… When we moved to the Congress Park Neighborhood, we took the same approach with food but now offer it in a small plate format,” Osaka said of his restaurant. “This gives you the ability to sample more things, and literally taste your way around the world!”

Frank Bonanno is the chef behind Bonanno Concepts, which includes Denver Milk Market, Vesper Lounge, Luca and Mizuna. Bonanno is also the host of Rocky mountain PBS’s Chef Driven, a local program offering a glimpse into the culinary world.

For Bonanno, there are many hole-in-thewall spots that he loves in Denver.

“I would say for my Mexican fix, El Taco de México, that is my go-to place,” Bonanno said, adding that the restaurant used to serve out of a trailer. It now has a brick-and-mortar location that seats about 20 people. “I’ll go get 12 smothered chile rellenos burritos.”

Additionally, Bonanno mentioned Mr. Luckys, a sandwich shop, known for its gourmet sub sandwiches, and Don’s Lounge, for drinks after work. As a longtime restaurateur of the Denver area, Bonanno said local restaurants serve good food and a better atmosphere.

“I would say in Denver, New Saigon…It’s a real hole in the wall,” Bonanno said. “Their Vietnamese food is some of the best that I’ve ever had. Not a lot of people seem to know about it or go to it — if you blink you’ll miss it when you drive by.”

With Bonanno’s insight into the food scene, we asked what local restaurants mean to him.

“I think Mr. Luckys and Don’s, they are where we work so it’s super easy to get to and I really believe that’s the way that dining is going,” he said. “It’s really all about neighborhoods.”

AUGUST

Latin Beats: Sonidos de las Américas

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Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 conducted by Brett Mitchell OCT 4-6 FRI-SAT 7:30 ■ SUN 1:00

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22 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

New library program allows people to use bike repair kits

By Bruce Goldberg Special to Colorado Community Media

The bike repair stand in front of the Denver Central Library is a busy place.

Cyclists make unplanned stops to fix a flat tire, adjust equipment and make minor repairs, then resume riding.

“It definitely gets used every day,” said Hana Zittel, the library’s community engagement and outreach coordinator.

People probably don’t think of the library when their bikes need repair.

But the library made it more inviting by starting to lend bike-repair kits to riders – who must have a library card – on a trial basis last year to gauge interest. The result? This year, the library system has made it possible for riders to check out bike-repair kits at all of its 26 branches.

More than 50 people checked out the kits during the 2018 trial, held at seven branches, including the central one downtown, with a total cost of $1,500.

And this year, nearly 100 riders have borrowed the kits.

The Denver Community Active Living Coalition, a program of the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment(DDPHE), created the bike-repair program. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment funded it. DDPHE got enough funding to expand the program to all 26 library branches this year.

“We’re also working with libraries to hold events this summer to train users and residents on how to fix a flat tire,”

TO LEARN MORE For more information on the bike-repair program and the “Library of Things” at the Denver Public Library, go to https:// www.denverlibrary.org/library-things.

Can’t figure out what book to read next?

Librarians at the Denver Public can also help create individualized reading lists for library card holders. For more information, go to https://www.denverlibrary.org/ reads.

said Kayla Gilbert, Built Environment Equity Program manager at DDPHE. “While we provided a lot of the startup funding, our goal is to create a program that will live longer than our funding.”

Community Active Living Coalition seeks to provide “equitable access to safe, vibrant places to walk, bike, take transit and play,” and though the number of bicyclists is growing, some people may avoid the sport because they know little about basic maintenance or fixing a flat tire. So the coalition approached Denver Public Library to join the program. With all those branches, the library system reaches a lot of people.

“The library is a community safe haven and resource,” Zittel said. “If a bicycle repair is needed, we can be a resource for that.”

One reason Community Active Living Coalition is involved is because it sees bicycling “as a growing part of Denver’s

commitment to sustainability, community health and safe streets.”

The bike repair kits include a bike stand, tire patches, wrenches, tireremoving tool and an air pump to re-inflate tires. Users also have access to illustrated instructions written in English and Spanish.

To further promote cycling, Community Active Living Coalition has enlisted help from such organizations as Trips for Kids Denver Metro, Bikes Together and Bicycle Colorado, which have trained Denver Public Library staffers to help cyclists who may not be familiar with bike maintenance.

Think libraries are just for books?

Zittel points out the free bike-repair kits are but one of several services the library offers that don’t involve books.

Those services fall under the Library of Things umbrella, and examples include: • You can check out a Chrome book to use in the library (at all branches).

• You can obtain state park passes and a family activity backpack, good for one week, which give access to all 42 state parks.

• Check out museum and cultural attraction passes to such places as the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, History Colorado, Molly Brown House and Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as a behind-the-scenes tour of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

“One of our most popular things is to check out a WiFi hot spot for highspeed Internet that you can use for three weeks,” Zittel said.

Several city offices have partnered together to create bike repair kits that can be used by the public.

The kits include basic tools to help with tune ups and flat tires.

COURTESY OF DENVER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Washington Park Profile 23

August 2019

Residents torn on roundups of geese The culling of goose populations in Denver parks has stirred up controversy

By Joe Carabello Special to Colorado Community Media

Tension between animal-rights defenders and the City of Denver rose to a crescendo following pre-dawn roundups of Canada geese at City Park and Washington Park in early July.

The Canada geese population in city parks with lakes or ponds has long been a point of contention between park users who consider them a nuisance, largely because of their droppings on sidewalks, and those who defend their presence.

The geese are in their annual molting period, when they lose their flight feathers for about six weeks. This allows authorities, using small water craft, to herd them from the water where they seek refuge at night, directing them into a holding pen on the bank. From there, they were placed in crates and taken to an undisclosed meat processing plant, where the waterfowl will be processed for either community food pantries or donated to animal rescue organizations, according to a news release issued by the city.

“I’m saddened by the heartless, sadistic actions taken by those in power,” said Malerie Bleich, a resident of Stapleton who uses both parks. “For officials to secretly, under the cover of darkness, cause such unspeakable and irreparable harm to these beautiful geese and their precious families is nothing short of manipulative abuse of their office.”

Bleich attended a protest rally at Washington

FOR MORE INFORMATION Canada geese are considered a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. However, municipalities can cull the birds if issued a special permit.

Depredation permits are issued to municipalities like Denver by a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The permit is effective until Dec. 31, 2019, authorizing the removal of 2,200 geese.

Denver rounded up 1,662 geese, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Park on July 6, organized by a grassroots organization dubbing itself Canada Geese Protection Colorado.

But Walt Heidenfelder, a Washington Park resident, supports the city’s decision to cull the flocks.

“Many of us who live near Washington Park enjoy the many visitors who share the park, especially families with kids and expectant moms getting their exercise. Unfortunately all of us have been betrayed by a band of visitors with no respect for the park,” he wrote in an email.

“By the thousands they’ve come to eat the grass, poop, pollute the water and drive out song birds and other small food competitors. Every day they add a thousand pounds of excrement to an ever-increasing cesspool of droppings.”

Carole Woodall, led the rally and called for the resignation of top Denver Parks and Recreation officials who authorized the culling, “Without public announcement – that is a point of outrage. Ostensibly when we were asleep.”

She also expressed a sentiment that this controversy is: “a question of whose park this is.”

Scott Gilmore, deputy director of Denver Parks, issued a news release explaining his office’s decision. It states that Denver Parks has been wrestling with controlling the number of

Canada geese, estimated at 5,000 resident geese, for 15 years. During migration seasons, this number can quadruple. His office frequently receives complaints from park users about the excrement littering grounds— to the extent that it has discouraged some people from using these parks.

Justin Marceau, a University of Denver law school professor and Washington Park resident, addressed the rally as well. He urged the city to hold public forums before making decisions like culling geese.

The decision to conduct the roundup allegedly without due notice to Denver residents was a major theme throughout the discourse at the protest.

The parks will also continue to be a destination for geese populations, and many residents wondered what would happen the next time parks are overrun by geese. There was concern that the city would continue to cull geese.

“Harming defenseless animals saddens me; it changed the flavor of the park,” said Lisa Kassoff, a Washington Park resident who attended the protest. “It’s people who scare me, not the geese.”

Animal rights group files federal suit

By Joe Carabello Special to Colorado Community Media

A new player has entered the fray surrounding the City of Denver’s Canada geese roundup in early July. Friends of Animals, an organization founded in 1957, filed suit against several federal agencies, claiming these agencies violated the National Environmental Policy Act by authorizing the distribution of goose meat for human consumption. The suit claims a current analysis to determine the meat’s safety for human consumption was not made.

The defendants in the case, filed in U.S. District Court on July 23, include Martin Lowney, state director of Colorado Wildlife Services; the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

“We are opposed to the killing of the geese and believe that non-lethal alternatives need to be used,” wrote Michael Harris, an attorney with Friends of Animals.

The suit also claims that the most recent study conducted by the USDA on behalf of Denver’s Canada geese management plan was in 2013.

But according to Cyndi Karvaski, a spokesperson for Denver Parks & Recreation, the last such meeting was June 11, 2019.

One recipient of the meat, commu-

nity food bank Metro Caring, is happy to have it. According to Judith Ackerman, a spokesperson for the nonprofit, they were confident with the city’s assurance that the USDA determined the meat safe for human consumption. The Plaintiff claimed the meat was contaminated from chemicals applied to the bluegrass lawns which are the staple of the geese diet.

Ackerman stated that Metro Caring was a “choice” shopping facility for those in need, so consumption of a variety of dishes prepared with goose meat was voluntary. She said the overall response from its shoppers was positive.

Ackerman emphasized the food bank’s mission was fulfilling the needs of hungry families whose goal is to simply put healthy food on their tables. Metro Caring routinely offers tastings for their customers, so the offer of goose-meat inspired recipes was not out of the ordinary.

Metro Caring received support from those in the community who appreciated their disclosure of the meat’s origin as well as the organization’s willingness to utilize what otherwise might have gone to waste, Ackerman said. She also stated that the decision to cull was not theirs.

Officials for the USDA were not available for comment on the case.

For resources on Canada geese from the Department of Agriculture, go to https:// bit.ly/2LWSd5w.

For more information on Canada Geese Protection Colorado, visit Facebook at www. facebook.com/groups/460853844694438/.

At a meeting for the East Washington Park Neighborhood Association on July 9, District 6 Councilman Paul Kashmann assured neighbors and about 12 members of Canada Goose Protection Denver that the city was finished culling this year, and said it was unlikely the city would carry out culling going forward. He acknowledged that a small roundup was deployed earlier that day at Garfield Park in southwest Denver.

“We have not done a good job of managing the flocks,” Kashmann said at the meeting.

But the news release from the parks and recreation department summarized its efforts to manage the flocks without employing lethal methods, which were considered the last alternative. It cites 15 years of various tactics, including hazing, egg oiling to prevent hatchings and environmental changes to the banks of the lakes and ponds. Urban parks play a vital role in supporting the physical and environmental health of the city and its residents, according to the release.

“The parks were built for the people,” Gilmore said. “They weren’t built for Canada geese.”

Hannah Vanderhorst, West Washington Park resident, said she understood that the action was taken to help balance out the ecosystem in parks.

“Just as deer hunting is a necessity, this aligns similarly. I would hope that the geese are euthanized in a humane manner that allows their meat to be processed in a way that is healthy for consumption for our vulnerable members of society,” she wrote in an email. “I think this is a creative approach to several issues in the Denver community and should be looked at with a broad lens.”

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August 2019

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Washington Park Profile 25

August 2019

City to continue looking at common-consumption license License would allow people to carry alcohol within established areas

TO LEARN MORE To keep up to date on this initiative visit the City of Denver website at denvergov.org and sign up for the “Liquor License News and Bulletins” under the “Business Licensing Center” part of the website.

By Nancy Profera Special to Colorado Community Media

Possibly as soon as 2020 it may be legal for Denverites to carry open, alcoholic beverages from one liquor-licensed business to the next within established “entertainment district” boundaries set in the city.

This common-consumption area initiative has been studied by Denver Excise & Licenses, business representatives, the Downtown Denver Partnership, neighborhood groups and the public over the last few years, following a 2011 state statute authorizing local jurisdictions to license common consumption of alcohol.

From 2013 to 2016, various concepts of how this might work in Denver were drafted by the city. None of these have advanced to Denver City Council for a vote, though. Meanwhile, other cities in the state have adopted commonconsumption initiatives including Aurora, Central City, Glendale, Greeley and Telluride.

Eric Escuderol, director of communications of Denver Excise and Licenses, said in an email that a “full presentation” of a proposed liquor common-consumption pilot program will soon go before the city council’s Business, Arts, Workforce and Aviation Services committee.

“If approved, the implementation of the license would not be effective until at least early 2020,” said Escuderol.

The initiative would start as a five-year pilot program with no limit on the number of licenses issued, he said. He added that the Dairy

The city of Denver has been looking into creating licenses for social consumption areas with alcohol. The Stanley Marketplace food hall in Aurora has a shared license, which allows people to carry drinks throughout the building.

PHOTO BY NANCY PROFERA Block alley downtown is a potential area where Denver’s proposed common consumption rules could work.

Stanley Marketplace in Aurora is an example of a site licensed for common consumption.

About 12 on-site businesses share a common consumption-area license. This allows patrons to walk with their open containers of alcohol from one business to the next. The area is known as the Westerly Creek Entertainment District and runs along the Stanley property boundary at 2501 Dallas St. “Common consumption has been a great success at Stanley,” said Bryant Palmer, chief storyteller at Stanley. “Our visitors love being able to carry adult beverages throughout the marketplace, particularly while they shop at our

collection of local boutiques.”

The city of Denver has been working toward creating a common-consumption license of its own for a while. In 2017, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock requested that Denver Excise & Licenses renew its work to create a new license category for alcohol common-consumption areas.

In 2018, the concept progressed among meetings with various city departments and through feedback from the public during hearings.

At present, the city continues to work on a draft of the ordinance. As proposed by the city, these common-consumption areas may form as “kiosks or separate rooms in a larger, enclosed space, some may be located in an alleyway shut off to traffic, and some may connect to several freestanding businesses.”

Christine O’Connor, a resident of Denver since 1981,an attorney and one of two co-chairs of Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), questions the origins of the push by the city for common consumption and wonders if the general public is even aware of the initiative.

“This new license category was not based on requests from neighbors,but based on input from businesses and the liquor industry. I’m concerned people do not know this is happening,” she said. “I am also concerned that the new license category may have unintended consequences for neighborhoods located in proximity to these entertainment districts.”

O’Connor added that INC had several opportunities for input over the past three months and hopes the city has incorporated its suggestions in the new draft. These include limiting the pilot program to two years instead of five, limiting common consumption area ordinances to enclosed spaces, and that evidence of support from those who live in the neighborhood being considered must be submitted during the licensure process. “This is absolutely key,” said O’Connor.

Unlike special events licenses, which are already allowed in Denver, the commonconsumption license allows existing liquorlicensed establishments to sell alcohol that may be consumed outside of the establishment’s licensed premises. Special event licenses are also temporary.

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August 2019

Things to Do Mexico. Tickets for this performance are available two weeks prior to the event at the Colorado Symphony Box Office and online through print-at-home method. Tickets are limited to 8 per household.

All seating is general admission and a ticket does not guarantee a seat.

Boettcher Concert Hall 1000 14th St. No. 15. coloradosymphony.org

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, Aug. 22.

EVENTS Save the Ales: Our Water Our Beer Our Future 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 8 Raise a glass at Save the Ales beer festival while raising funds to protect, conserve, and ensure a future with clean water for all Coloradans and the breweries we love.

General Admission - $35 VIP- $80 Designated Driver - $15 Mile High Station 2027 W. Colfax Ave. conservationco.org/savetheales Veterans Free Monthly NonNarcotic Care Pop Up Clinic 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10 Healing Warriors Program (HWP) offers free non-narcotic clinic therapy for pain and PTS on the 2nd Saturday of the month in Denver at VFW Post 1 for all service members and spouse/ partner/parent. Therapies include Acupuncture, CranioSacral Therapy and Healing Touch Therapy. Please bring proof of military service, i.e. DD214 or military ID. VFW Post 1, 841 Santa Fe Drive healingwarriorsprogram.org Realtor Allie Kirby Begins Gals Who Give Denver Chapter 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 Denver Realtor Allie Kirby, of New Era Group -- Your Castle Real Estate, founded Gals Who Give with former Denver Broncos Cheerleader teammate Angela Wood, a group of local women who are passionate about creating a meaningful impact in their communities through collaboration with other women.

720-432-4866 Bigby’s Folly 3563 Wazee St. alliekirby.com Bad in Bed Live Aug. 15 - 17 Bad in Bed Live is a jawdropping, original stage show by Shelby Simpson, author of “We’re All Bad in Bed.” Inspired by the book, Bad in Bed Live chronicles awkward and true tales of comical “bedroom fails” delivered in Simpson’s signature, hilariously-cringeworthy style; stitched together by segues of R-rated ‘90s rap; and set off

Lecture: For Beginners Art Collecting And American Fashion Museums 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 Denver fashion designer Maggie Burns and J. Paul Getty Museum educated Emzy Veazy III present this double lecture. Free to the public.

Large Meeting Room Upstairs, Ross-University Hills Branch Public Library 4310 E.Amherst Ave. by some of the region’s top dancers.

Guests will be encouraged to dance and sing along.

Tickets: $35 Byron Theatre Newman Center for the Performing Arts, University of Denver 2344 E. Iliff Ave. BadinBed.live Mary Fahl 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 17 Mary Fahl is an expressive, emotional singer/songwriter who first achieved fame as lead singer and co-founder of the mid-1990s NYCbased Folk-Chamber Pop group October Project. The hallmark of their sound was Mary Fahl’s aweinspiring power vocals over gorgeous melodies played with passion and sophistication.

303-366-0007 Soiled Dove 401 E First Ave. soileddove.com México en el Corazón 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21 The Mexican Cultural Center in partnership with Alliance Sports Association, Museo de las Americas, and the Colorado Symphony Association are thrilled to present the “México en el Corazón”, a beautiful and exciting, free community concert showcasing the traditional dance and music from

Hill area on the 4th Saturday of the month.

303-321-7571 Natural Grocers 1433 N. Washington St. info@lwvdenver.org.

CLASSES, LECTURES, FORUMS

“YOU ARE HERE … photographic typology” 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29 Running through November 8, these typographical photographs featuring shifting shapes, colors and repeating patterns of built environments will be on display through Denver Arts Week.

Lobby gallery 1801 California St. artsbrookfield.com/event/YouAreHere

Sunday Open Meditation 1st Sunday of the month.

The Center is open to the public for “drop-in” meditation and contemplative practices, 10 a.m.noon. Meditation instruction, 10:30 a.m., Padmasambhava Meditation Center, 1900 S. Cook St. padmasambhavameditationcenter. org

Yoga for All Sundays 10 a.m.

Free or donation. Multi-generational and multi-ability class.

720-244-8252 Washington Street Community Center 809 S. Washington St.

Park People by Nathan Sawaya Through Aug. 27, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Republic Plaza presents Park People, an interactive art installation by the globally recognized LEGO® artist Nathan Sawaya in downtown Denver.

Republic Plaza 1801 California St. artsbrookfield.com/event/parkpeople-by-nathan-sawaya/

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

Free Paint Recycling Event 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24 In 2015, PaintCare’s Colorado program was launched and since then more than 2.37 million gallons of paint have been recycled at nearly 175 drop-off sites throughout the state.

Denver South High School 1700 E Louisiana Ave. paintcare.org

Chamberlin Observatory Public Night Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:30 p.m.

All public nights start with an informative, multi-media 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

League of Women Voters of Denver 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 24 A new meeting unit for Denver League members is in the process of being established in the Capitol

Why Not Wednesday Wednesdays 4 p.m.

We open wines that most stores wouldn’t dare to open.

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

English Learning Center Monday-Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. & Wednesday and Thursday 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The English Learning Center, the Evanston Center for Spiritual Wholeness & Healing at 2122 S. Lafayette St., offers affordable day and evening English classes.

For more enrollment info. call 303420-0172, or contact elcdenver@ gmail.com 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 Tuesdays 6 p.m.

Leave your troubles behind and practice meditation and Kirtan every Tuesday. For more info call Ed. 720-810-9071 854 Pearl St., Denver Denver Laughter Club Meets every Monday except major holidays at Cheesman Park. Noon to 1 p.m., weather permitting.

Call Vicki for more info.

720-480-5421 Cheesman Park 1900 E. 11th Ave. denverlaughs.com SEE THINGS TO DO, P27

Washington Park Profile 27

August 2019

Things to Do FROM PAGE 26

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 Community Technology Center DPL Central Library 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway meetup.com/learntocodedenver 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 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.

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

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.

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

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 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-SocratesCafe 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 (live or video) followed by meditation instruction.

Padmasambhava Meditation Center, 1900 S. Cook St. padmasambhavameditationcenter.org SEE THINGS TO DO, P29

Hand Crafted Designs in Silver Silver Jewelry Repair

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Tue-Sat, 12-6:00pm or by appointment sowilollc@gmail.com sowiloartisanjewelry.com

28 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

Free

to the Public

D F C

7 S 1 d

H F G

2019

Second AnnualWomen’s Health and Beauty Expo Saturday, October 5, 2019 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Belmar Shopping Center • 464 S. Teller St., Lakewood Presented by Colorado Community Media in coordination with Belmar Shopping Center

The Women’s Health and Beauty Expo includes:

• Entertainment and food • Health Education • Fashion • Beauty

Get e d u and i cated -Alte nformed rnativ in:

-Men e medicin tal e, -Weig health -Phys ht loss ical And M health ore

• Accupuncture • Mental Health services • Chiropractics • Fitness • Gifts & More!

Thank you to our sponsors!

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We are looking for additional Sponsors and Vendors!

Contact your Event Producer Thelma Grimes at tgrimes@coloradocommunitymedia.com www.coloradocommunitymedia.com/womens-health-expo/

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Washington Park Profile 29

August 2019

Things to Do FROM PAGE 27

Daybreak Toastmasters Fridays, 7 a.m.

Cat got your tongue? Public speaking and more. Call Bob after 6 p.m. Now meeting on the second floor of the building.

720-308-9090 State of Colorado Centennial Building, 1313 Sherman St. 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 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 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 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/events 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 Drive 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

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 Code Club Saturdays 1 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 at 2 p.m., with new topics every month. 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 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 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).

Trinity United Methodist Church 1820 Broadway al-anon-co.org Historic Preservation Committee Meeting Wednesday, Aug. 7th at 5:30 p.m.

This Historic Preservation Committee is responsible for numerous historic districts as well as individually designated homes and buildings.

1290 N. Williams St.

FALL SESSION SEPT 3-OCT 27

Drop-In Snack and Craft!

Thursdays 3 p.m.

Join us for a fun craft and yummy snack every Thursday! All ages. No registration. While supplies last.

720-865-0220 Eugene Field Branch Library, 810 S. University Blvd. www.denverlibrary.org/events 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 p.m.

Kids, join us to hang out with other Lego® lovers for some free-building time. We supply the blocks; you supply the creativity. Ages

REGISTRATION & MORE INFO AT

SWALLOWHILLMUSIC.ORG

30 Washington Park Profile CALL KAREN TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! 303-566-4091 MISC. NOTICES

August 2019

Service Directory APARTMENTS 1100ft2 Furnished 2-bdrm

Run a 25 word ad for $27 a month Call Karen 303-566-4091 or email kearhart@ coloradocommunitymedia.com to place your ad Deadline is January 18th for the February Issue

basement apartment Wash Park $1,500/mo + utilities.

Quiet, no smoking/drugs, common entrance, owner has pets, no additional pets please.

CALL 303-777-1009

FARM & AGRICULTURE

STORAGE/WAREHOUSE

FARM PRODUCTS & PRODUCE

GARAGE SPACES FOR RENT UNIVERSITY & EVANS 9’x19’, $150/MO. Call 303-948-1717 or Paul, 720-331-3611.

Grain Finished Buffalo quartered, halves and whole

719-771-8742

TRANSPORTATION

MERCHANDISE SERVICES MISCELLANEOUS 16 Gallon Aquarium 3 Wheel Adult Trike Make Offer 720-259-7188

WANTED TO BUY WANT TO PURCHASE Minerals and other oil/gas interests.

Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

REAL ESTATE RENTALS APARTMENTS Furnished room rental

with attached bathroom.

Wash Park. Victorian ambience. $800/mo. Quiet, no smoking/drugs, common entrance, owner has pets, no additional pets please.

CALL 303-777-1009

BRICK BRICKFIX 303-667-6247 No job too small! We specialize in Brick Restoration, Tuck Pointing and accurate color matching. Angie’s List Approved. Quality Work Guaranteed.

Free Estimates. Email: stevedwyerbrickfixx@gmail.com.

Over 20 Years Experience .

CARPENTRY HOME RENOVATION EXPERTS New framing, remodel, kitchens, bathrooms, drywall repair, decks, patios, fences. Free estimates. Reasonable rates. JDB Enterprises. Call Dale, 303748-7202.

LIVING SPACE Transform your space Educated Carpenter/Craftsman

Specializing in everything from woodwork and trim to Historic Restoration; Cabinet Installation and General Lite Construction, deck & deck repair. 30+ years’ experience.

References and Photos available

Larry 970-712-9767

ADVERTISE IN THE MARKETPLACE PLEASE CALL KAREN AT 303-566-4091

DRYWALL THE WALL REBUILDER Cracks? Holes? Ugly texture? We fix any kind of damage in any age home.

Plaster (and Drywall) Repair/Remodel www.wallrebuilder.com Laura and Dan Pino 303-698-1057 Free Estimates.

WALL & CEILING REPAIRS Skimming, patching, drywall finishing & texture, ceiling & wall repair due to water damage. Call Tom, 720-5307586.

ELECTRICIANS

B&W Electric, LLC

Licensed and Insured.

Residential or Commercial Ask about our Senior Citizen and/or Veteran discounts.

Call (720) 925-1241 FLOORING HARDWOOD FLOORS Refinish, install, repair, all phases of your flooring. Owner operated. Start to finish bathroom & kitchen remodeling.

Property repair. See us @ www.rutherfordconstruction.biz. Ph. 720-434-8922

HANDYMAN Handyman Service Tile, Plumbing, Finish Projects Miscellaneous Repairs Small Jobs OK 303-345-4046 HOME REPAIRS & REMODELING Household repairs, remodeling projects, drywall, floor & wall tile, interior trim, plumbing repairs, vinyl installation, locks, caulking, cabinets, countertops, bathroom remodels, basements, new faucets, garbage disposals, wall patching, texturing, interior painting & much more! Top quality. Reasonable rates. Call Mike at 303-5872610.

JEWELRY SOWILO ARTISAN JEWELRY Hand crafted designs in silver. Custom design, silver jewelry restoration and repair. 1221 S. Pearl St. 303-548-5467.

Tuesday - Saturday 12:00pm-6:00pm. sowilollc@gmail.com.

LAWN/GARDEN SERVICES CLEAN-UPS/ YARD MAINTENANCE/ SNOW REMOVAL Hauling and yard clean-up. Longtime Baker neighborhood resident; 30 yrs. exp. Insured, references. Free estimates. Call Lou R. Varlaro, 303-8681539.

GREENCREST LANDSCAPING Specializing in lawn removal and resodding. No job too small. Call Bill at 303-722-5923 Ask about Astro Turf.

JOE MARINO Personal Landscaping & Garden Service @ $50 an hour. Yard & garden maintenance, preparation, cleanup (weeding, bush trimming, etc). Yearround service. 303-961-1495. Mornings Home Number 303-621-1121.

Local ads, coupons & deals are just one click away!

CHECK IT OUT AT:

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

LAWN/GARDEN SERVICES LANDSCAPING We offer design, installation and maintenance. Specializing in residential landscapes. The Green Fuse offers a full spectrum of services provided by a landscape architect and master gardener. Advanced knowledge of Colorado plant material and xeriscaping. Call 303-507-4772 for free estimate. Visit: greenfuselandscape.com.

PROFESSIONAL OUTDOOR SERVICES Evergreens, shrubs & trees; planted, trimmed, removed. Aeration; sprinkler repair; Gardens; natural rock or block walls; Sod & rock installed/removed; Fence repair. Snow Removal! Lic. & Ins. Dick, 303-783-9000.

ROSS TREE COMPANY 40 years of caring for trees in the Washington Park neighborhood. Pruning, planting, large tree removal, deep root watering, fertilizing and insect control. 303-871-9121 www.rosstree.net

MOVING/STORAGE GATE CITY MOVING Local home & office moving. We’re competent, fast, and in the neighborhood. Rates: $108/hr., 2 men and moving van. Inquire about statewide moves. 306 Washington St. 303-7448692.

ORGANIZING SERVICES PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER Are you moving soon?

Have you moved into a new home and now feeling overwhelmed by your boxes? WOW! Organized! LLC will help you unpack and get organized in your new home. Free initial consultation.Call Claudia to get organized today. 720.273.5693.

Claudia@WowOrganized.com, www.WowOrganized.com

PAINTING BAUER PRO-PAINTING EST. 1996 We use only the highest quality materials from prep to paint. Drywall, plaster repair, replace damaged wood. A+ rating with BBB. Insured. 303-733-2870 or bauerpropainting@gmail.com.

PLUMBING

Handy Man Screwed up your plumbing?

Drain Clearing & Plumbing Repair • Garbage disposal • Leaking pipe • Water Heater • Sump pumps

Call Dirty Jobs 720-308-6696

Over 35 yrs experience• Free Estimates www.askdirtyjobs.com

MR. PLUMBER Licensed Master Plumber of 28 yrs.

Top Quality work & personalized service at reasonable prices! Call Jeff 303-523-6652. Credit cards OK. MrPlumberDenver.com

VAIL PLUMBING & HEATING The Older Home Specialist. Service: repair & remodeling; gas logs. Evaporative Coolers. Quality work. Licensed, insured, guaranteed. MC/VISA accepted. 303-329-6042.

SPRINKLERS

Sprinkler Solutions Professional Installations & Repairs Sod Installations

SAVE MONEY AND WATER Fast, friendly service Lifetime Warranty!

All Work Guaranteed!

www.sprinklersolutionscolorado.com

303-523-5859 TILE JAMES TILE SERVICE

Walls Floors Backsplashes and more With prices that won't break the bank 20 years exp. Licensed/Insured From custom to simple No job too big or small!

Please call for FREE ESTIMATE:

720-298-7284

PET CARE & SERVICES PET SITTING PLUS Loving care for your pets; security for your home, protecting what matters most to you since 2002 . Cat care specialists. Bonded/insured/references.

Kate: 303-981-6471 or milehicat@hotmail.com.

WINDOWS

Double hung window RESTORATION includes replacing sash cords, removal of excess paint on wood and metal, plus lubrication. Also restore metal casement windows.

David 720-550-2786.

Buy Local!

Washington Park Profile 31

August 2019

RTD FROM PAGE 16

What would you say the focus of RTD should be for the next 50 years?

RTD is embarking on the process of reimagining RTD through our Transportation Transformation work which will kick off in July. RTD strives to continue to keep its finger on the pulse of the citizens in the Denver metro area, offering new services to better meet the needs of our tech-savvy and rapidly growing population. We will be developing the mobility plan for the future of the Denver metro region.

The Denver metro area has obviously seen some massive growth in recent years. Has ridership grown at a similar rate?

We have been experiencing increased ridership on commuter rail, bus rapid transit, and so far this year on our fixed route bus network. Nationally, ridership has declined across the country mainly on bus services.

There are a variety of reasons: more people are working from home and they are using transit less and using their cars more and automobile access is better than ever before.

RTD will be spending the next two years looking at all of the services we provide and how we can improve them through our Transportation Transformation initiative.

That will help us determine what we can do to draw more people back to our services.

What are some big changes happening to popular routes as population changes and grows?

We assess all our services three times a year

to ensure that we are providing the most efficient service that meets the needs of the community.

One of our most popular bus routes, the 15/15L, which has about 24,000 boardings a day, is getting a makeover right now. Updates include enhanced shelters with lighting and security cameras, queue bypass lanes, transit signal priority and bus bulbs that will improve traffic flow on East Colfax. Also, we recently completed a bus rapid transit study to see what transit corridors might be viable options for that service in the future.

This year we are also embarking on a comprehensive analysis of our system, which will allow us to take a big-picture look at all our service and how we can make improvements to the system to

accommodate the changing needs of the region. There will be an extensive community engagement process as part of the analysis which will be important in determining how we move forward.

Editor’s note: For more information on the Colfax transit update, read our article at https://lifeoncaphill.com/stories/revisingcolfaxs-blueprint,270843.

In what ways is RTD hoping to improve over the next 50 years?

RTD hopes to continue collaborating with stakeholders, communities, businesses and regional leaders to innovate and integrate our services and continue to adapt to what our riders and non-riders desire.

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of transportation in the metro area?

I’m excited about all the new technology that is making it easier for people to use our services. We have our partnership with Uber that allows passengers to purchase tickets in the Uber app; we also have a partnership with Lyft where folks can see our services in their app; we have our transit watch app that allows people to report any suspicious or unsafe activities seamlessly and easily.

We are also excited about our 61AV route at 61st and Pena Station along the University of Colorado A Line, exploring autonomous vehicles; as well as our FlexRide microtransit service — an on-demand service where people can connect their first and last mile from select transit stations.

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SIXTH AVENUE BEAUTY SALON Catering to “Senior Citizens” STILL OFFERING THE SAME GREAT FULL SERVICE & STYLISTS

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925 S. Niagara St., #430 303-777-5341

306 Washinton 303-744-8692

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Bringing Color to Denver To keep our wonderful painters busy in the winter months we are offering

20% OFF labor on all interior jobs performed in

December - April 2019

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(303) 512-8777

irelandsfinestinc.com

We background check and drug test all our painters!

32 Washington Park Profile

August 2019

FROZEN FACTORY Staff report

visiting artist: Dawn Williams Boyd Each session, we bring in notable visiting artists to talk about their art and life and how they fit into the world. Dawn’s work in fiber reflects her interest in history and African American citizens, women’s identity, sexuality and politics.

ARTIST TALK — $5 August 23, 6-7:30PM WORKSHOP — $300 August 24 & 25, 10AM-4PM Visit ASLD.org for more info, to register, and to see our fall lineup of Visiting Artists.

200 Grant St. • Denver 303-778-6990 • ASLD.org

Over the Fourth of July weekend, Little Man Ice Cream opened its new Denver factory on West Colfax Avenue.

The factory, 4411 W. Colfax Ave., has been under construction for the last five years, but Little Man began making ice cream there last July. The space has a retail counter were customers can order flights of ice cream with various toppings. Little Man will also sell pints and ice cream cakes at the location.

Ted Shultz, the architect for the project said he was inspired by seeing ice cream machines spin to mix ingredients together. He added that he used the theme of revolution throughout the factory, which has windows into the kitchen area so customers can see the ice cream being made. There is a seating area and a small upstairs landing which features a kid space with a slide.

Owner and founder of Little Man, Paul Tamburello, said that he wanted the factory on West Colfax because he was born in the neighborhood and wanted to create a community space there.

The factory can be rented out for special events.

Alana Vilela, the general manager of the factory location of Little Man Ice Cream, rolls ice cream in sprinkles. Vilela said the new factory location will feature flavors created by employees.

PHOTO BY KAILYN LAMB