Washington Park Profile 0519

MAY 2019

Digital and print community newspaper founded in 1978.

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URBAN GETAWAY Summer fun on the South Platte River

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Impact of south Denver development

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PARTY POOP-ERS Geese leave too many calling cards

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2 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

Business Matters

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

Quiero Arepas The former Makan Malaysian Cafe space has been filled by Quiero Arepas, which makes Venezuelan-style sandwiches. Quiero Arepas also has a food truck and a food stall inside Avanti Food and Beverage. The location, 1859 S. Pearl St., opened last month.

Makan closed in December.

DEVELOPMENTS Denver Health On April 16, Denver Health held a ceremony to place the final beam on its new Outpatient Medical Center, estimated to open in 2020. Mayor Michael B. Hancock joined Denver Health CEO Robin Wittenstein, Turner Construction Construction executive Laura Prendergast, construction workers and hospital staff at the ceremony. People signed the beam before it was placed.

The beam completed the structure of the building, which will be seven stories and 293,000 square feet. The building will centralize numerous outpatient services under one roof and will include a day surgery center, expanded pharmacy operations, lab services and radiology, according to a news release from the Denver Department of Finance.

University of Denver The University of Denver held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new dorm building at the end of March, which is expected to open in the fall of 2020. The dorm will have 500 rooms and was part of planned development on campus.

Life Smart Carrie Dorr, founder and former CEO of Purre Barr, is opening a studio for her new venture Life Smart. Life Smart started as an online wellness subscription for women.

The website offers workouts and nutrition information as well as resources on personal growth and mental health.

Dorr’s website says a studio will be opening in December 2019 near the Whole Foods in West Washington Park at East Mississippi Avenue an South Pearl Street.

A construction worker signs the final beam in Denver Health’s new Outpatient Medical Center. The beam completed the structure for the seven-story building, which is estimated to be completed in 2020.

COURTESY OF DENVER DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE The building will be on the 2000 block of South High Street and will be named the Dimond Family Residential Village.

The Dimond Family Foundation donated $5 million to the university for the dorm, according to a DU news release. Navin and Rita Dimond own and operate hotels across

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For more information on the development on DU’s campus, go to https://washparkprofile.com/stories/project-aims-to-connectdu-community,263178.

Yeti The cooler brand will be opening a store at 3033 E. First Ave. in Cherry Creek North later this year. Yeti opened its first brick-andmortar store in Austin in 2017. The company is also based there. The Cherry Creek North store will be the only Yeti location in Denver.

Yeti also sells its products in outdoor stores such as REI and Cabela’s.

CLOSINGS

M L v

Colorado Center Developers from Lincoln Property Co. broke ground in late March on a new food hall project. Called Junction Gourmet Pavilion, the food hall will be at 2000 S. Colorado Blvd. It is listed as an upcoming amenity in the Colorado Center brochure for business spaces.

Junction Gourmet Pavilion will open early next year.

BUSINESS OPENINGS Molecule Effect Local coffee chain Molecule Effect is opening a third location at 300 S. Logan St. Molecule Effect is joining wing restaurant Fire on the Mountain in a multi-use development project. The first Molecule Effect opened in the Santa Fe Art District in 2014.

In addition to a full coffee and tea menu, Molecule Effect has a selection of beer and wine.

The coffee shop opened a second location near downtown in summer of last year inside the Nativ Hotel.

Molecule Effect’s Santa Fe location shows work from local artists.

Gates Deli & Grog Owners at Platt Park Brewery Co. will be opening a deli next door to its taproom on South Pearl Street. Gates Deli & Grog is set to open later this summer, according to a Facebook post from the brewery.

Platt Park Brewery is at 1875 S. Pearl St. Gates will offer sandwiches, soup and salad. The business will have two walk-up windows, one for customers on the sidewalk and the other inside the brewery taproom.

The Taproom window will also offer a selection of beer and wine.

Endorphin closed its yoga and barre on South Broadway. The studio was adjacent to this location, which focuses on cycling.

KAILYN LAMB Endorphin Endorphin closed one of its studios on South Broadway. The fitness chain had two studios on the same block, one for yoga and barre at 2700 S. Broadway, the other at 2738 S. Broadway, which offers cycling classes and high-intensity workouts.

The studio at 2700 S. Broadway closed in early April.

Morning Collective Morning Collective, a breakfast-and-brunch restaurant at 2160 S. Broadway, closed last month after nearly two years.

The restaurant hinted on its Facebook page that something new may be occupying the space.

“We are grateful for your support and are excited to bring you something new in May... keep an eye out,” the post read.

Washington Park Profile 3

May 2019

University Hills volunteers clean up at High Line Canal

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

A

PROTECTING A COMMUNITY

TREASURE

Michael Mersmann and his two children, Ellie and Dominic, pick up trash next to the High Line Canal. Mersmann said the cleanup was an opportunity to teach his children about volunteering in the community.

KAILYN LAMB

lthough high water levels in the canal prevented people from cleaning it out, that didn’t stop 57 volunteers from picking up 550 pounds of trash along a two-mile portion of the High Line Canal Trail.

Last month, the High Line Canal Conservancy hosted its first cleanup event of the season at Mamie D. Eisenhower Park in Denver, 4300 E. Dartmouth Ave., in the University Hills neighborhood.

Michelle Freeman, community outreach coordinator with the conservancy, is hoping to host more of these events to get people interested in the canal. As more people become interested, she believes community leaders will step in to organize their own cleanup events. The organization started with the University Hills neighborhood because the area has some of the nonprofit’s most dedicated volunteers.

“A clean area truly shows just how engaged a community is,” Freeman said. “We’re so excited to start off with them.”

The cleanup on April 6 started with Freeman and Josh Phillips, manager of community initiatives at the High Line Canal Conservancy, talking to volunteers about new projects that will be happening along the trails in Denver, as well as the importance of picking up trash.

Many residents that came to volunteer saw the benefits of a clean trail. Lyn Jenkins, who has lived in the area for eight years, said it was nice to come out and participate.

“It’s important to me to protect it,” she said of the trail and canal.

Several projects are lined up for the canal to improve storm water retention in the area, Phillips said. There will also be better wayfinding signage along the Denver portions of the trail and improved safety crossings near major streets.

Freeman told volunteers that even though they may not find large trash items, the small trash, such as cigarette butts and pieces of plastic, can often be the most harmful to the environment.

“Those are often the pieces that tend to be overlooked,” Freeman said.

Many volunteers brought their children, seeing it as an opportunity to teach them about community work.

Stephanie Font and her daughter Isa, 4, joined their neighbors Michael Mersmann with his two children, Ellie, 5, and Dominic, 2. Mersmann heard about the event through his wife, who has started getting invovled with the neighborhood association. He wanted to take his kids to show them what volunteering is about.

Font agreed.

“I just want her to get a sense of responsibility,” she said about her daughter, “and it’s a great opportunity to be able to get out here and help with the community.”

Further down the trail, Liam Avery was picking up trash with his mom, Stephanie. Liam, who is 9, said he was working on a service project for school, but that his family also walks the canal frequently. Cleaning trash from the trail was an opportunity to give back. If the area is free of trash, he said, it will be better for the animals.

“I like helping as much as I can,” Liam said.

“It’s such a wonderful place with so many diverse ecosystems.”

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4 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

Project overhauls safety along Santa Fe Drive City nears design completion for improvements to Iowa Avenue underpass

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

A bike route and pedestrian underpass near the Overland Park Golf Course will provide what residents say are some muchneeded safety improvements in the coming year as the city finalizes designs on the project.

The Department of Public Works held a public meeting last month for the Iowa Underpass project, which will not only make the sidewalk along Iowa Avenue accessible, but also will improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists using the D-18 bicycle route following Florida Avenue, which goes east-west along the north side of the golf course.

The improvements will widen sidewalks along Santa Fe Drive. There will be a buffer between the sidewalks and the street, providing cyclists and pedestrians with more safety from the street. Sidewalk plans go along Santa Fe Drive to Iowa Avenue, where there are new design plans for crossing the major street.

The stairs at the Iowa Avenue underpass will be removed to make the area accessible.

There will also be improved lighting along the sidewalks.

JB Block, a local bicyclist who has been taking this route for the past 10 years, is excited

The city of Denver recently held a public meeting on pedestrian and bicycle improvements on the Iowa underpass at Santa Fe Drive and Acoma Street. The new designs are meant to improve safety for people walking or biking that path, and to make them accessible for people with disabilities.

KAILYN LAMB

TO LEARN MORE For more information about the Iowa Underpass project, including design examples from the public meeting, go to bit.ly/IowaUnderpass.

Block, along with several other area residents, have been following the project since the city began doing outreach last year. The April 9 public meeting provided residents a look at designs, which are at 60 percent completion. The city expects to start the bid phase later this year, or early next year, with construction happening in 2020.

The project will cost approximately $5 million and was partially funded by the Denver Regional Council of Governments. The city is covering the rest of the cost.

Block also is excited about the proposed new pavement. Some of the asphalt along the D-18 route is dangerous to ride on. Other areas aren’t plowed in winter and are difficult to ride on, even on a bike with fat tires made for snow, Block said. The new sidewalks will have better drainage, according to the plans.

Block also pointed out that much of the Santa Fe Drive area doesn’t have sidewalks at all.

That is also a concern for Overland resident Helene Orr. For pedestrians, walking along and crossing Santa Fe can be dangerous with fast speeds and bad sidewalks.

Orr said she has talked to city officials during open house meetings about further safety improvements along Santa Fe, such as not allowing cars to turn right with a red light, or an area for pedestrians trying to cross the street.

The major street isolates the small neighborhood near the golf course from any amenities on the other side of Santa Fe. “You still gotta cross Santa Fe,” Orr said.

“We have no amenities over there. For us, this is huge.”

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Washington Park Profile 5

May 2019

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6 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

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The Greenway Foundation, a nonprofit focused on the South Platte River, offers summer camps in two locations: one in the river and the other in Cherry Creek. The camps are concentrated on river conservation and environmental learning. COURTESY PHOTO

Residents, teachers talk about the South Platte as urban nature

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

A

fter this seaon’s large amount of snowfall in the mountains, Ronnie Crawford is hoping the ice pack will melt off in just the right way to speed up the South Platte River and fill the banks a little more. If he wants to host the neighborhood tube float next month, conditions need to be just right.

“I really can’t say enough about the tubing thing,” Crawford said. “No body frowns about going tubing on the river.”

Crawford is known to friends as the “River Guy” because of his work with Denver Trout Unlimited, a local branch of the national nonprofit that works on conservation of streams and other waterways. He also belongs to the Overland Park Neighborhood Association and Denver InterNeighborhood Cooperation. In the latter two groups, Crawford often works on park space in Denver, particularly if it involves the South Platte.

The reason is simple, he said: “The river is for everybody.”

Along with Crawford’s neighborhood tube float, Denver Trout Unlimited and The Greenway Foundation, a nonprofit focused on the South Platte River, are hoping to spread that mantra through a number of projects that connect people to the river.

Denver Trout Unlimited concentrates on a small section of the river, which flows about 30 miles through Denver and into the Littleton area,

TO LEARN MORE The Greenway Foundation, a nonprofit focused on the South Platte River, holds summer camps for kids in first through fifth grade. It also offers leadership programming for kids in sixth through ninth grade.

For the younger kids, the South Platte River Environmental Eduation (SPREE) camps go from June 3 to Aug. 16. Parents can sign their kids up for individual weeks, or for the whole summer.

For more information, go to https://www.thegreenwayfoundation.org/summer-camps.html.

Crawford said. The organization raises money for different river projects, such as a feasibility study near the Carson Nature Center in Littleton several years ago. The study lead to Littleton and Arapahoe County working to change the flow of the river, which helped improve quality of life for animals and people using the South Platte for recreation, Crawford said.

“It’s very fishable now,” he said.

The organization also helped a teacher at Bromwell Elementary School in the Cherry Creek neighborhood launch a program where students hatched trout from eggs and watched them grow into young fish. Later this month, third-grade teacher Todd Johnson and his students will take

a field trip to the Carson Nature Center to release their fish.

This is Johnson’s first year having students care for trout. The students have between 60 and 70 trout in tanks in their classroom.

“If anything happens, they’re glued to the tank,” Johnson said. “It’s pretty entertaining.”

The students received the eggs in October. Next year, Johnson said he might start the program earlier so that students have more time with the fish in the classroom.

The program is an opportunity to teach students about ecology and how things survive in Denver’s local river, Johnson said. The field trip will also include spending some time exploring the river and seeing what types of wildlife students can find that day because he wants his students to learn about the nature in their backyard.

The goal is that they become stewards of the land, he said. “We, as humans, can control what’s going on in our backyard.”

Like Johnson, Bekky Harkins, camp director with The Greenway Foundation, sees the South Platte as a teaching tool, as well as a place for fun.

The Greenway Foundation offers 10 weeks of summer camp at two locations, one on Cherry Creek near Confluence Park in north Denver and the other at Johnson-Habitat Park near East Alameda Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive.

Parents can sign their kids up for one week at a SEE RIVER, P7

Washington Park Profile 7

May 2019

River FROM PAGE 6

time or for multiple weeks, Harkins said. Kids learn about conservation and ecology through gold-panning activities, as well as games like predator and prey tag.

“The best part is sometimes the kids don’t even realize they’re learning,” Harkins said. “They start to discover and they start to learn about what is here.”

Finding a place of nature in the Denver urban environment is special, Harkins said. And Greenway’s camps are an opportunity to teach students about conservation, but also about how to enjoy nature and the world around them.

“There is nature in the city, you don’t have to go away to find it,” she said. “Getting that green time is healthy for everyone’s minds and bodies, especially young growing ones.”

Crawford agrees.

During his last float trip two summers ago, neighbors showed up to Crawford’s house at 7 a.m.

They filled 19 tubes with air and headed to the light rail. The group got into the Platte at the Carson Nature Center and drifted back toward the Overland neighborhood.

The river was low that year, and the water was moving at a slow 250 cubic feet per second and the float trip took longer than expected. But the group still had a great time.

“The traffic and everything is white noise — you don’t notice it when you’re on the river,” Crawford said. “I just smile thinking about it.”

“The traffic and everything is white noise — you don’t notice it when you’re on the river. I just smile thinking about it.”

Ronnie Crawford

In this August 2018 photo, Ronnie Crawford sits on a rock at Grant Frontier Park in Overland. He and his friend Jesse Walsh spent the morning fishing in the South Platte River.

KAILYN LAMB

Students from Todd Johnson’s class at Bromwell Elementary school hatched trout from eggs and will set them free in the South Platte River later this month. Johnson said he is teaching his third graders about ecology in the South Platte and the animals that live there.

COURTESY OF TODD JOHNSON

Two campers with The Greenway Foundation play with crawfish in the South Platte River. During summer camp, children learn about the different animals living in the river here in Denver.

COURTESY PHOTO

8 Washington Park Profile

com

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May 2019

The Birdsall store on South Broadway has a selection of plants as pots as well as garden furniture. Annie Huston said her customers there often use plants for decoration.

KAILYN LAMB

Gardening by design Wash Park resident oversees growing garden store business

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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SEE GARDENING, P9

Annie Huston, left, and her daughter Morgan co-own Birdsall & Co. a gardening store on South Broadway.

Annie first moved to Denver in 1989 and has lived near Washington Park ever since.

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Annie Huston has always had a love of plants.

Her father grew vegetables for the family in her native home of France. Her first date with her husband, a landscape architect, was to buy plants.

So when the Birdsall & Co. garden store on South Broadway was about to shutter in 2012, she stepped in. The owner of the store, which opened in 1988, had decided to retire. He initially wanted to close the store, but the Hustons offered to buy it.

“What I wanted to continue was the legacy of what Birdsall was in Denver,” said Huston, who lives in Washington Park. “I was not interested in renaming it or anything. I wanted that to continue.”

Huston, 59, now co-owns the store with her 30-year-old daughter, Morgan. The whole family, including Huston’s husband, Scott, and son, Owen, also work there. When the family first

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Washington Park Profile 9

May 2019

Furry Scurry takes over Wash Park for annual event Staff report The Denver Dumb Friends League will return to Washington Park once again for the 26th annual Furry Scurry.

Teams or individuals can register for the two-mile walk, the proceeds of which go to the Denver Dumb Friends League, a nonprofit animal shelter that serves thousands of

Gardening FROM PAGE 8

took over, Birdsall was part of Antique Row on South Broadway in Denver. In 2016, the Hustons decided to move the store nearly 13 blocks south to its current location, 2870 S. Broadway in Englewood. The space was larger, and had a parking lot, which was key for Huston. It also made loading large pots into the store easier.

“Broadway is really busy. We had to load in the street,” she said. “But we were sad to leave there — the Antique Row community is supportive.”

The family is looking to grow with more stores in different communities.

In March, the family opened a second location in Denver’s River North neighborhood at 3040 Blake St. Customers from Boulder and Colorado Springs have often said to Huston

homeless animals across the state. Registration is $50 per person or $25 for children 12 and under.

The Furry Scurry is on May 4. Day-of registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The fun run starts at 9 a.m., followed by the Furry Scurry walk at 9:15. The rest of the day is filled with demonstrations and competitions.

“Money raised helps us provide medical care

to sick and injured animals, behavior training that allows pets to be adopted more quickly, investigations of animal neglect and mistreatment and supports our overall mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering,” said Dr. Apryl Steele, president and CEO of Denver Dumb Friends League, in a news release.

For more information, go to furryscurry. org.

they want stores to service those areas, and she hopes to eventually accommodate them.

Huston has noticed a difference in the way customers in her two stores buy plants. The RiNo store is more dedicated to adventurous gardeners who want to know more about the plant itself. The store also offers education classes on gardening.

But because RiNo is also filled with people living in small apartments, the plants in that store are usually smaller in size, Huston said.

“In RiNo, a 10-inch plant is a huge plant.”

In Englewood, plants are often more decorative, Huston said.

Huston first moved the United States in 1989 to attend the University of Denver. She hasn’t moved far from the location since.

The Hustons also ran a landscape design business, Columbine Design, when they first took over Birdsall. But last year, Huston said they shut down that business to concentrate

on the stores. In addition to selling plants and pots, Birdsall also offers some garden furniture such as benches and fountains. Keeping their toes a little bit in the landscape design world, Huston said they also offer consulting to people about their garden space.

For her own garden, Huston prefers “nonfussy plants,” such as pileas, which is also called the Chinese money plant. She dislikes succulents because she has a tendency to overwater them.

She recently returned home to France to visit her 98-year-old father. While there, Huston had him write out his planting schedule for her, which is dictated by the moon. No matter where she was gardening, her father would always have advice for when to plant and when to harvest.

“It was not just hobby gardening — it was to feed the family,” she said. “He was right all the time.”

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10 Washington Park Profile

LOCAL

May 2019

VOICES

Ongoing series tackles how development affects our lives FROM THE EDITOR

Kailyn Lamb

D

enver has changed a lot from when I was a kid growing up here. Even just within the past five years since I finished college, the city has grown by leaps and bounds.

This growth is not new to anyone. It has been one of the biggest topics of discussion in recent years among residents and local politicians. Development.

Parking. Construction. A seemingly never-ending cycle.

This month, we kick off “Growing Pains” as an ongoing series that looks at how this development is affecting your neighborhoods and everyday life. The initial story looks at overall development and how it has impacted the lives of Denver residents. Going forward, the series will tackle topics such as housing, business and green spaces.

We can, most likely, agree that not all development is bad: Like people evolving over time, a city must grow and change to fit its needs.

I have fond memories of coming downtown from my hometown of Arvada for field trips to the Denver Art Museum or going to Coors Field for Rockies games. My stepdad used to work for the museum, so we would have family dinners at the Denver Diner to close out one of his shifts. I burned my hands many times on the sun-scorched bronze hippo statue across from the hippo enclosure inside the Denver Zoo. But if I wanted to try sushi as a kid, forget it.

Denver was a steak-and-potatoes town. Now, with more people moving into the city, Denver has adapted by adding more restaurants to fit the desires

S

Keeping up with the changing rules of the road GUEST COLUMN

Russ Eldore

H

ave you heard the rumor that driving a black car on Sundays in Denver will get you a ticket or even arrested?

Although this purported “law” is actually more of an urban legend, it points to just one of many common misconceptions about driving and raises a bigger question: When was the last time you actually refreshed your knowledge of current traffic laws?

New traffic laws are passed with a

A publication of

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frequency that most people probably don’t even realize, and it’s easy to forget about some of the smaller driving nuances you learned all those years ago in drivers ed class, too.

So, what can you do to ensure you’re up-to-speed with the latest rules of the road? Here are three tips for keeping pace with today’s regulations.

SEE ELDORE, P11

of its growing diverse population. There’s a booming brewery scene. People living in Denver want to support its small businesses.

The unemployment rate in Denver has been steadily going down. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in the Denver, Aurora and Broomfield area was 9.3 percent in February 2010. It fell to 6.1 percent in February 2014.

By February of 2018 it was down to 3.2 percent. This February it was at 3.1 percent.

Whole new neighborhoods have sprouted. In college, I interned at Out Front magazine in the River North neighborhood before it became RiNo. Driving up Walnut Street, surrounded by industrial SEE LAMB, P11

Spring has sprung in south Denver

pring has finally sprung in southeast Denver and residents are energized and excited to get outside to enjoy nature. District 4 is home to some truly wonderful outdoor amenities.

One of our favorites is the High Line Canal, which was constructed over a century ago as a way to bring water from the South Platte River to farms on the plains. Today, it is a 71-mile much-loved recreational trail that takes users through District 4’s Magna Carta Park, Eisenhower Park and Bible Park before crossing the Cherry Creek Trail and heading north. The trail crosses some pretty busy streets, which is why there are plans to build underpasses at Hampden Avenue and Colorado Boulevard, Yale Avenue and South Holly Street, and East Mississippi Avenue and Parker Road. These tunnels will make the trail much safer.

Other safety improvements are underway to make walking and biking safer, including improved crosswalks, pedestrian refuges and bike lanes.

Community members celebrated much-needed, wide sidewalks near the Yale Station and are looking forward to a new signal and crosswalk that will make it safer to walk to the station.

Plans to improve pedestrian and bike access to the Colorado Light Rail Station are also underway.

Situated between these two light-rail stations, the University Hills North neighborhood is undergoing a great

demographic shift.

With lots of dense new development, their population is expected to more than double, and they don’t have a park close by — which is why I’ve been working closely with the neighborhood and Denver Parks Kendra Black and Recreation to try to create a new park. The city is now under contract for a new two-acre park at 4301 E. Iliff Ave., which will replace the Groundcovers Greenhouse that is closing later this year.

Southeast Denver is also home to two golf courses. Designed by Donald Ross, the Wellshire Golf Course with its beautiful Tudor clubhouse, was built in 1926 as a private club. When the Great Depression hit, the owners sold it to the city. Today, it’s enjoyed by thousands of golfers each year as one of the area’s finest public courses. And, do you know that the High Line Canal flows through it?

Kennedy Golf Course, located in the far southeastern corner of Denver, just north of the Cherry Creek Dam, sits on land owned by the Army Corps

GUEST COLUMN

SEE BLACK, P11

JERRY HEALEY President

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

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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

May 2019

Lamb FROM PAGE 10

buildings, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Five years later, RiNo is the “it” neighborhood with several breweries, two food halls

and tons of restaurants.

But how do we manage growth to support people who have been living in this city for generations?

When I was working at the Summit Daily in the mountains, the running joke was that Colorado natives, like myself, did not exist.

We were called unicorns. It’s a

Eldore FROM PAGE 10

Check your ego at the (car) door Everyone thinks new drivers are the biggest danger on the road due to their lack of experience. However, one of the biggest dangers to experienced drivers is complacency and overconfidence.

For example, when I begin a new drivers’ education class I ask the parents in the room what color a yield sign is. It’s shocking to see how many parents will say a yield sign is yellow, when in actuality the yield sign is red and white and has been since the 1970s.

This is a lighthearted example that addresses a more serious issue — people often tune out their own faults, especially with driving.

Experienced and educated do not necessarily go hand and hand, and considering many people can’t even recall the correct color of a yield sign, it shows. Remember: Just because you’ve been driving for years doesn’t mean you don’t have something to learn, too.

Black FROM PAGE 10

of Engineers. In addition to its 27 holes, it offers foot golf (think soccer combined with golf), night golf, putt-putt and a huge driving range. Both courses host first tee for kids.

Eisenhower Park was named for Mamie Doud Eisenhower, who grew up in Denver before marrying Dwight D. Eisenhower.

District 4’s only recreation center is in Eisenhower Park. Built in the 1950s, this small neighborhood center has a wonderful outdoor pool and new outdoor pickleball courts.

Bible Park is my favorite park in all of Denver. The High Line Canal surrounds it on three sides like a protective, tree-lined moat.

The Goldsmith Gulch cuts through the center

phrase that carries down the western slope and into the city. So many people have moved to Colorad that meeting a native feels few and far between.

High prices are pushing residents out into the suburbs, moving further and further away from the city.

After moving back to Denver from

Turn autopilot off Have you ever driven to your destination and wondered how you actually got there?

Chances are you’ve been driving the same route to work or through your town for long enough for it to feel like second-nature. How quickly we can forget that we’re actually maneuvering large hunks of metal and plastic weighing an average of more than 4,000 pounds.

A car travels 90 feet per second at 60 miles per hour. In a little over three seconds, your car has traveled the length of a football field.

All it takes is three seconds — whether that be adjusting the radio, looking at a text or grabbing something from the backseat — to completely lose control.

No matter how comfortable you are behind the wheel, remember that it’s your responsibility to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Study like a student Let’s be honest: When is the last time you actually reviewed the latest traffic laws? It’s probably been a while — and you’re not

of it creating a beautiful natural area. No matter the weather, you’ll see people walking, running and enjoying its natural beauty. And, like many families, I’ve spent hours watching my own kids play soccer, football and baseball. There’s a little something for everyone in Bible Park, including southeast Denver’s best summertime event. South by Southeast is a community-created festival featuring live music, craft beer, food trucks, a pop-up dog park, family-friendly games, farmers’ market and more. Join me on Aug. 17 for our third annual festival, and enjoy springtime in Denver!

Kendra Black represents District 4 in the Denver City Council. District 4 covers southeast Denver, which includes the University Hills, Wellshire, Goldsmith neighborhoods and more. Black can be reached at kendra.black@ denvergov.org.

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the mountains, I was shocked to find new apartment developments in Arvada were just as expensive as ones in Denver. I frequently get calls from real estate call centers asking if I want to sell my house in Arvada — my dad’s house — which I don’t even own.

People are what make a city

alone. But, a quick refresher can go a long way in preventing an accident or even a ticket.

The Colorado Driver Handbook provides easy-to-comprehend updates on the latest traffic laws and new regulations. Not only does it detail the rules of the road, but it also details potential penalties you could be facing for breaking traffic laws.

Consider taking advantage of refresher courses that many drivers’ education facilities offer, or simply spend a few minutes every couple of months doing your own research on new and even older traffic laws to ensure you’re obeying all rules of the road.

great. People run the businesses here. They make up the community centers and teach Denver’s children.

Growing Pains will dive deeper into the world of development in Denver. In this series we can get a better picture of the residents who are living through — and dealing with — change every day.

While it’s easy for driving to feel like second nature at some point, these tips can certainly serve as a starting point to keep yourself alert and up-to-date with the latest driving laws. By taking the time to review the most current set of regulations, as well as those that you may have simply just forgotten about over time, you’re ensuring your safety and the safety of others around you.

Russ Eldore owns 911 Driving School in Westminster, a driving school franchise providing education programs for teens, adults and mature drivers. He can be reached at westminster@911drivingschool.com.

Find Out More Reasons Why Knee Pain Lasts Longer Than It Should - ATTENTION ACTIVE DENVER ADULTS! Help is coming your way if you are experiencing pain. Doctor of Physical Therapy, Brooke Olsen is planning a free, one-hour community educational event called “How to End Your Lingering Knee Pain to Live Your Most Active & Confident Life”.

It starts at 6:00PM on Thursday, May 23rd at The Physio Revolution in Denver, CO and is aimed at people who: • Suffer with knee pain when they stand, walk, run, or bike.

• Pain when they sit for long periods of time.

• Experience sharp or achey pain when going up or down the stairs.

• Experience their knees “giving out” or “acting up” frequently.

• Are afraid their pain will get worse if they don’t do anything about it Brooke said, “Knee pain is one of the biggest issues that can completely ruin people’s life. It can have people needing to lean on the shopping cart when they are walking through the supermarket. It can stop you from feeling comfortable in a short walk or force you to question going up or down the stairs. It can simply drain your freedom and independence if not addressed.”

But help doesn’t have to involve pills or surgery. The workshop will highlight the mistakes which stop people from healing, the 3 most common causes of knee pain, the best treatments and how to pick the right one. To secure a seat contact (720)-772-1133.

If you are an active adult with knee aches or pain that just won’t go away, this workshop is for you! Brooke will personally teach you how to get them to completely go away naturally WITHOUT resorting to medications, surgeries or injections. This is a FREE community educational event - There is no cost to attend - To keep it valuable, interactive, and fun, we’ve capped it to only 12 spots available.

Contact Brooke at (720)-772-1133 or claim your spot by going to Https://ThePhysioRevolution.Lpages.Co/KneeWorkshop Event Details: 6:00-7:00PM on Thursday, May 23rd at The Physio Revolution, 1224 S. Acoma St, Denver CO 80223.

12 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

G R O W I N G PAINS

One decision

‘can change an entire

neighborhood’

Residents, city officials talk about how development impacts the city residents the developer had filed for a variance to the zoning code to add five feet to the top of the building, which otherwise conformed to n the southeast corner of existing zoning requirements.

South Logan Street and Muñoz, a real estate lawyer who East Tennessee Avenue, in prepared a statement against the the middle of a neighproject, and her neighbors attended borhood of single-family homes, the Board of Adjustapartments and ABOUT THE SERIES ment for Zoning small businesses, is a rectangular, This month, we kick off an on- Appeals meeting in 15,750-square-foot going series called “Growing early February to protest. But Muñoz plot of land. A Pains” about the impact of 25-unit, two-story development and growth on said the board didn’t read her statement apartment buildDenver communities. This ing called Logan first installment provides an at the meeting and Square will rise overall look at development she felt like their voices weren’t heard. from the dirt. Blue citywide with a focus on Family Developsuch issues as displacement The board approved ment, the company and what Denver is doing to the zoning change and the project has building the project, meet challenges. Subseis just waiting on quent segments will explore moved forward.

Although the city constrution permits how development specififrom the city a staff cally affects neighborhoods, notifies residents on new zoning or other member said. business growth, housing adjustment applicaLauren Muñoz, affordability and the conwho lives nearby, is nection between construc- tions through direct mail, that notice dismayed. tion and the economy. If She and other you have a story about how “means nothing” if community memneighbors had no development has affected idea that kind of your life, email Editor Kailyn bers don’t have a fair say, Muñoz said. “A project could be Lamb at klamb@coloradodecision like this built in their neighcommunitymedia.com. can change an entire borhood, part of neighborhood.” which connects to the Interstate-25 overpass. They only learned of it, she said, when the city notified SEE DEVELOPMENT, P14

By Kailyn Lamb

klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

O

Last year, 12,000 apartment units were completed in the city of Denver, according to Robert Bradley with the CBRE. Most of those units are all in the luxury market.

Irene Aguilar talks about her new role fighting displacement

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Irene Aguilar has spent her life working in public service, although her roles in the community have changed over time.

Currently, she works as program director for a new effort started by Denver in

October — the Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Team (NEST). Since taking the job, Aguilar has traveled all over the city, often joking at speaking events that she needs to learn to say no more often.

NEST works to provide resources for low-income businesses and residents that may be at risk for displacement. Aguilar was offered the position after serving two terms as a state senator.

Aguilar Aguilar, 59, represented District 32, which includes parts of Den-

ver, for two terms from 2011 to January of this year. She was appointed to her first term by a vacancy committee to replace Sen. Chris Romer, who was running for mayor of Denver at the time.

After spending 22 years as a primary care physician at Denver Health, Aguilar said she was drawn to working in government after a commission was created to reform health care in the 2007-2008 session. Aguilar has a daughter who has developmental disabilities and wanted to learn more about how care was handled here versus how it was handled in countries around the world.

“I realized that Medicaid would be her

KAILYN LAMB

lifeline,” she said of her daughter’s health.

“I wanted to become an advocate for health care reform.”

As a physician she had also been working with patients with disabilities and advocating for health-related issues in the Latino population.

When she moved into her new role with NEST, she knew she wanted to look into housing stability and how that affects a person’s overall health. Having stability in income and housing is “essential to public health,” she said.

“In many ways,” Aguilar said, “what I’m doing is I’m still advocating for those same patients.”

Washington Park Profile 13

May 2019

G R O W I N G PAINS

‘Zoning is the catalyst for the plan’ Knowing your neighborhood’s zoning code gives you a window to development

WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD The city of Denver has several maps on its website that can help residents keep track of zoning or development projects in their area.

The zoning map, https://www.denvergov.org/Maps/map/zoning, is color-coded to show different zoning areas in the city. Clicking on the map will bring up an information box with that area’s zone.

People can then click on the zone to go to the city’s Planning and Development page for a definition of that zoning code, including its uses.

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia

Denver city councilmember Jolon Clark says the city is experiencing a multitude of use-by-right development. That means if a project fits within a property’s existing zoning code, developers can legally build there even if the neighborhood objects.

Although some developers will work with neighborhoods, others don’t. The projects also don’t come through city council for approval, said Clark, whose District 7 encompasses Baker, West Washington Park and Overland. They simply apply for building permits through the city.

Those kinds of projects are often a source of tension between developers and communities because of the lack of publiccomment, Clark said. “There is legally no way to stop what someone could do.”

But residents can get an idea of potential development by looking at zoning codes in their areas, said councilmember Wayne New, who represents District 10, which includes Capitol Hill, Uptown and Cherry Creek. Developers must follow the city’s zoning code, and if their projects don’t meet that code, they need city council’s approval for changes.

“What really creates action is the zoning,” New said. “That tells you what’s going to happen and how it’s going to happen. The zoning is the catalyst for the plan.”

The site development plan map, https://www.denvergov.org/Maps/ map/sitedevelopmentplans, shows plans for development projects that are under review or have been approved by city council. Brown parcels are approved projects and yellow ones are under review by the city. The map does not include single-family or duplex projects.

Following any zoning planning or changes in a neighborhood can help residents predict what type of developments might be happening there, said Denver City Councilmember Wayne New. The city also gives residents notifications on possible zoning changes in their area.

KAILYN LAMB Paul Kashmann, whose District 6 represents Washington Park, University and Virginia Village on city council, agreed, saying residents can get ahead of the issue byknowing the zoning in their area.

“The potential for development is considerably more than what’s on the ground now,” he said.

Much of the current construction in Cherry Creek, for instance, was planned through zoning changes, New said.

The city assessed the area to see how much development it could handle, New said.

Then Denver Planning and Development ap-

The proposed zone amendments map, https://www.denvergov.org/ Maps/map/proposedzonemapamendments, shows applications for zoning code change. Clicking on a parcel will bring up an information box that shows the current zoning code and the proposed change.

A full list of the city of Denver’s maps can be found at https://www. denvergov.org/Maps/search.

proved any zoning changes, which were then sent to city council for approval.

The city expected those projects would be built in a more staggered fashion, but development has instead occured more quickly, New said.

When those projects are completed, the square footage of residential and commercial buildings in Cherry Creek will nearly double, New said.

Zoning laws are meant to protect neighborhoods from high-rise buildings emerging in quiet blocks filled with single-family homes. But some residents

worry that’s not enough.

Denver Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation, which acts as a liaison between Denver residents and city officials, opposed the city’s Denveright plans. In a February letter to Mayor Michael B. Hancock, the organization said the plans didn’t do enough to address housing, homelessness and other development-related issues. City council held a vote on the some of the plans on April 22.

Both the Comprehensive Plan and Blueprint Denver were approved by city council votes.

A council hearing for the park plan will happen next month.

WHAT RESIDENTS THINK OF DENVER DEVELOPMENT GINNY PASSOTH Washington Park resident “I wonder if we’re getting to the saturation point with all the apartments going up.”

Passoth said she has been frustrated by all the luxury developments happening in the city, adding that many people have had to move to cheaper neighborhoods because of them. “I guess there’s just no incentives for developers to provide affordable housing.

BY KAILYN LAMB

BRYAN WILSON Virginia Village resident “It’s pretty rapid and it’s happened over the course of the last decade a lot faster than most cities. I support progress, and I support growth. But I can understand some folks that have been here much longer than I have where they have some hesitation about it.”

Wilson recently moved to Denver and works remotely. He picked the southeastern area of Denver because he wanted to find a place that had a garage.

He has noticed a higher cost of living than in his former home in the Midwest.

HELENE ORR Overland resident Often, Orr said, no recourse exists for neighborhoods trying to fight development projects.

Parking and traffic have also been an issue. Although the city keeps pushing for less parking to promote mass transit, Orr said people will likely still own cars.

One of her biggest concerns with development is the loss of trees. Trees help to improve air quality and lower the heat quotient, she said. Development in the Overland area has meant a loss of about 10 trees in her neighborhood.

Development has “been unchecked. It’s been reckless ... We’re not going to see as many birds. Really, it’s significant.”

14 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

G R O W I N G PAINS

Development FROM PAGE 12

Traffic among biggest challenges Development in Denver was a key campaign issue in the mayor and council races that will be decided May 7. The topic has been at the forefront of city discussion and resident concerns for many years, since the continuing population influx into the state has created a demand for housing and sparked a commercial boon.

The problems are well known: Expensive rents and home sales prices that make the city unaffordable for many, pushing them out to the suburbs or even out of state. Roadways that can’t accommodate increasing traffic congestion. A loss of lifestyle and green spaces.

What sometimes gets lost in the excitement to capitalize on growth, residents say, is exactly how development affects their daily lives and the character of their neighborhoods.

With projects such as Logan Square, residents are concerned about more than just a new building going up.

Muñoz and her neighbors also worry about an increase in traffic and the subsequent need for more parking. Logan Street crosses over I-25 and is often clogged with traffic, Muñoz said, making it difficult — and sometimes unsafe — to walk as a pedestrian in the area.

That issue is being felt citywide, said Councilmember Paul Kashmann, who represents District 6, which includes Washington Park, University and Virginia Village.

Developments often come with a catch-22, he said: The more parking you provide, the more you encourage people to travel by car.

More cars means more traffic in areas that have been traditionally more residential.

“Traffic’s big for every neighborhood,” Kashmann said. “With so many cars on the roads, and our arterials getting clogged up, they’re cutting through the neighborhoods.”

For the past several years, the city of Denver has been working on creating a way to better deal with traffic and growth. Denveright, a plan for growth and development is comprised of four sections: Comprehensive Plan 2040 looks at where the city overall will goin the next 20 years. Blueprint Denver specifically addresses land use and transportation. Both of these plans were approved by city council on April 22. The other two sections tackle park space and how to move people throughout the city through mass transit or trails.

The new Blueprint Denver version is an update to the one first adopted by the city in the early 2000s, following a growth period in the 1990s, said David Gaspers, Blueprint Denver’s project manager. The updated plan has a specific strategy of dealing with growth within Denver’s neighborhoods, such as keeping building development near transit centers and focusing on design quality to make sure projects fit the context of certain neighborhoods.

“We wanted to take a fresh look at how we wanted to be directing growth,” he said. “It was the right time to update the plan.”

Luxury overwhelms affordability More than 12,000 units were completed in Denver in 2018, said Robert Bratley, first vice president of capital markets with the CBRE in Denver, a nationwide real estate services and investment firm. A majority of the

Welders working on the inside of a building. With the population boom in Denver construction on new apartments is happening all over the city. Residents often have concerns about what the new density will do to parking and traffic in their neighborhoods.

KAILYN LAMB

ABOUT DENVERIGHT Denveright is the city’s plan for growth over the next 20 years. It is divided into four parts: Comprensive Plan 2040, Blueprint Denver, the Parks and Recreation Game Plan and Denver Moves: Transit Pedestrians and Trails. Both Comprensive Plan and Blueprint Denver were approved by city council on April 22.

For more information, go to https://www. denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denveright.html.

A map of Blueprint Denver, which shows areas of change, can be found at, https:// www.denvergov.org/Maps/map/blueprintdenver.

development projects sold last year — nearly 90 percent — were bought by out-of-state companies and individuals, Bratley added.

He believes developers will continue to build in Denver because prices are better than what companies are seeing on the coasts.

Building luxury units is how developers make money back on their projects, Bratley said. A high demand for those units means the city will continue to see more of those projects. The demand for affordability, however, also is pushing a new trend of micro-units that could help fill a “desperately needed” inventory of affordable units, he said. (Zumper, a website for rental home and apartment listings, says micro-units are typically about 350 square feet.)

“That’s going to continue in Denver for the foreseeable future,” Bratley said. “The affordability factor is coming back in.”

But rents listed in Apartment List, another website for rental listings, show at least one micro-unit complex isn’t advertising lower prices. The website says the average rent for a studio in Denver is $870 a month and for one-bedroom units $1,063. RiDE, a new

micro-apartment development in the River North neighborhood, is charging $1,249 for a 393-square-foot unit.

Cathy Alderman, vice president of communications and public policy for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, doesn’t see relief any time soon.

The federal government calculates area median income, or AMI, based on census data for geographic regions. According to the office of economic opportunity and development in Denver, the AMI for the Denver area is $63,000 for a one-person household and nearly $90,000 for a household of four.

For people making less than the AMI, housing is becoming difficult to find, Alderman said. Often,housing prices are forcing people to move out of the city they work in, Alderman said. For the homeless population, which at one point was growing at the same rate as the rest of Denver’s population, it’s even more difficult, she said.

“They don’t even have a shot at finding a place to live,” Alderman said.

Fighting displacement In October, the mayor’s office created a new team to combat displacement in the hopes of keeping more long-term residents in their homes. Irene Aguilar, a former state senator in Colorado, took the role of program director of the Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Team (NEST).

One of Aguilar’s key initial efforts is outreach with neighborhoods.

“Often,” she said, “people don’t even know what type of supports we provide.”

Those supports, which can be as simple as providing funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development for community projects, can be catered to what individuals or neighborhoods need, she said.

So far, the team’s efforts have focused on neighborhoods such as Park Hill in northeast Denver and Elyria Swansea that have already been impacted by displacement. Every three weeks, her team meets with other city departments that work with local businesses and housing to see where their resources are most needed.

The NEST team has helped local businesses work with the city’s Department of Public Health and Environment office to make sure they stay in compliance. Later this year, Aguilar said NEST will have the Office of Financial Empowerment provide a list of residents who did not pay property taxes.

NEST will use the list to do outreach and see if any of those residents need assistance.

“That may be a good proactive way to provide support to people to stay in the community,” she said.

Home sale prices also have spiked in recent years. Although some areas in Denver remain affordable for home sales, they are becoming more and more scarce, said Tom Snyder, a Realtor with Snyder Realty Team.

In Platt Park, where Snyder lives, recorded a single $1 million home sale in 2016, he said. Last year, that number increased to 11 home sales in that range or higher.

More housing projects are starting to move to south Denver because areas close to downtown are seeing a saturation point, Snyder said. In the next five years, Snyder hopes to see a shift in the market toward condos.

Condos can be a more affordable option for people looking to buy a home, but who can’t afford Denver prices.

“That’s going to have a very, I think, positive effect. I’d love to see a lot more condo stock,” Snyder said. “Part of what makes Denver not affordable is we have very limited single-family homes, we’re not creating more of that and, of course, those prices just keep going up and up and up.”

For her part, Aguilar pushed for people to accept the Denveright plans, even if they thought it wasn’t enough.

In her time in the state Senate from 201119, Aguilar said she learned that progress in government doesn’t happen overnight.

Denveright, at the least, gives neighborhoods the tools to push for better rules regarding development, she said. She also is hoping that NEST can begin looking more into the policy side of development.

It is, she said, a start in the right direction.

“For an idea to become a reality,” Aguilar said, “it takes a long time.”

Washington Park Profile 15

May 2019

A PURRFECT ARRANGEMENT

Catios allow cats to spend time outside in enclosed spaces

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

L

ance Harding is allergic to cats. But that hasn’t stopped the 25-year-old Washington Park entrepreneur from creating an enclosed outdoor cat patio that lets felines safely enjoy fresh air and get some exercise.

Called catios, the enclosures connect to an opening of the house, usually a window, so that the cat can get in and out. The catios can be as small or large as customers would like, and can have features such as ramps and scratch pads.

“They’re a catio, but they’re also a home addition,” Harding said. “People want to feel a part of it, too.”

Harding created Cat Topia with business partner, Sky Davis, in December. Harding got the idea for the business from a family friend who built Harding a catio.

So far, Harding has built 10 catios in the metro area, with more projects scheduled.

The largest was about 400 square feet, he said.

An architect helps design the enclosures, Harding said. Although Harding said they hire carpenters to build the catios, both he and Davis help in all phases of the projects: prefabrication, desing and building. Depending on the size, construction usually takes about two days. And they can be removed if a family moves. Price varies, but on average, Harding said catios cost about $2,500.

He plans to donate a portion of Cat Topia’s revenue to the Denver Dumb Friends League, a nonprofit animal shelter.

“I wanted to give back to a community,” Harding said. “We just paired up really well with our missions.”

Maia Brusseau, the Dumb Friends League public relations manager, said the organization is always looking for local businesses to partner with for fundraising and to participate in events. Cat Topia is part of two upcoming annual events, the Furry Scurry at Washington Park this month and the Catwalk event in July.

Having local businesses at events is a “win-win” for everyone, Brusseau said. The businesses get exposure to potential buyers and eventgoers can learn about products for their pets.

When people adopt cats from the Denver Dumb Friends League, the organization recommends that people keep their pets inside. Having a catio is a way to provide cats with exercise while still keeping them in an enclosed space, Brusseau said. The way catios are built can also give those cats the feeling of being outdoors in a safe way.

“They can not only get some exercise, but some mental stimulation,” Brusseau said.

“Some cats really crave to be outside.”

Harding grew up in Washington Park and attended Most Precious Blood Catholic School. After spending some time taking classes at the Art Institute, Harding decided to launch his first company, The Good Couch, which collects and sells used couches. The company shows them in two Denver warehouse locations.

Both The Good Couch and Cat Topia were ways to let Harding have the freedom to travel

A cat inside its catio space. The catios connect to the house, usually through a window as shown in this photo. The cats can then go in and out of the enclosure.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAT TOPIA as a photographer. Before he came back to Denver and started Cat Topia, Harding spent the summer traveling the world and taking pictures.

He still works with The Good Couch, although his business partner Nick Reichert runs most of the company. The Good Couch has now expanded to Tennessee and Georgia.

He believes catios will catch on, too.

“I saw a need, that cats needed this,” Harding said, “and that was more Lance Harding sits on a catio project. Harding started Cat important to me” than any Topia in December. The company builds outdoor enclosures, or allergy. catios, as a safe space for cats to play outside.

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16 Washington Park Profile

May 2019 Paid Political Advertisement

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Washington Park Profile 17

May 2019

Y

Bulbs: not just for spring anymore

ou may be familiar with the spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, crocus and daffodils. But what about bulbs that flower in the summer?

These heat-loving bulbs are a great way to give your garden color in the later part of the growing season. When your other perennial plants are busy setting seed and preparing for dormancy in fall, these plants are still going strong up until our first frost.

Unlike the spring bloomers that are planted in the GUEST fall, summer flowering bulbs COLUMN are planted in the spring Angie Andrade after the danger of frost is over, which is usually around mid-May for us in Denver. These plants are treated like annuals and will not survive our cold winter temperatures, but with a little extra work they can be saved from year to year. The bulbs can be dug up after the first frost that knocks out all the tender foliage and before the ground is too frozen to dig. The bulbs can then be stored in a cool dry place for the winter and replanted in the spring.

Very often the bulbs will multiply during the summer and can be divided to create more plants. This is a great way to get your money’s worth out of what can sometimes be a big investment.

Here are a few options that are easy to grow and that will wow your neighbors: Dahlias are at the top of my list because of the variety and beauty of their blooms. You can find dahlias in all shapes and sizes from the dinnerplate varieties, that are literally the size of a din-

ner plate, to the pompom varieties that look like perfectly round puff balls. The variety of colors is endless, and you are sure to find one that will match your tastes. Dahlias can grow quite tall and be somewhat brittle with the weight of their flowers, so it is important to stake them when they are small. I fall in love with dahlias every season, and they are definitely worth the extra work.

Cannas, or sometimes called Canna Lilies, are another great option for a garden bed or a container. Contrary to the name, Cannas are not related to lilies but closely related to ginger and banana families. This plant provides a great vertical element to your garden with its large tropicallooking leaves and brightly colored flowers.

Caladiums are a great option to brighten up a shady garden. Caladiums rarely flower and are grown for their brilliant foliage of red, pink, chartreuse and green. Be on the lookout for the new sun-tolerant varieties.

If you want to get a jump on the season, all of these plants can get started inside before they are planted in the garden. They all need nutrient rich soil and like to stay moist, but never soggy for risk of the tubers rotting. It’s really that easy to grow summer blooming bulbs and you will be rewarded with a beautiful display of flowers and foliage.

The Gardens’ Spring Plant Sale at Denver Botanic Gardens on May 10-11 has a diverse variety of summer bulbs!

Angie Andrade is a senior horticulturist with the Denver Botanic Gardens. She can be reached at horticulture@denverbotanicgardens.org.

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18 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

DUCK, DUCK, GOOSE POOP Large goose populations cause problems with turf, park water migrate out of state,” wrote Cyndi Karvaski, the marketing and media relations representative for Denver Parks and Recreation, in an email. n a sunny day in Denver, parks But estimates from district supervisor overflow with residents enjoying Kendra Cross for the Animal and Plant the outdoors. But more and more Health Inspection Service division of the people also are finding themselves U.S. Department of Agriculture show about co-existing with the large amounts of geese 44,000 mating pairs along the Front Range. who call the parks home — and the slimy, Canada geese require three conditions to green poop they leave in their stead. establish residency — safety, food sources Following the creation of the Migraand mobility. City and Washington parks tory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, many Denver provide all three of these in abundance. parks, including Washington Park and City Canada geese need open bodies of water to Park, began experiencing an overabundance of Canada protect themselves from predators, as geese. The U.S. Department of the well as access to closely cropped turf Interior drafted the legislation to protect grasses and open fields for predator an endangered migratory species of sight lines and landing strips.

Canada geese — not The geese the resident ones. population began That distinction that has become the its noticeable rise in the late 1990s, when crux of a dispute surrounding the climate changes including drought waterfowl: Conflicts involving wildlife A goose has a stretch while eating out in the and rising temperatures left Denver’s and people seem field at Washington Park. turf lawns relatively to elicit passionate clear of snow cover and park lakes free of and spirited opinions from both sides of the ice, research shows. Before that, Denver was issue. primarily a flyway stopover for migrating “I have lived in South City Park for 30 geese. years and I believe the geese have a right “In the past few years there has been an to be here,” said Bonita Lahey. “They are increased interest and effort in the Denver protected by international law.” metro area to reduce and control goose David Scarbeary, also a 30-year resident numbers,” said Jim Gammonly, an avian of City Park South, finds the volume of research section leader for the Colorado goose excrement unacceptable. He laments cleaning goose poop from his dog, as well as Department of Natural Resources. “Hazing and egg-oiling efforts by property owners himself. He also feels the geese are responcontinues, but there is an increased desire to sible for the lawn erosion on the banks of be more aggressive about lethal control.”

Ferril Lake in City Park.

Oiling involves coating nest eggs with “The east shore of the lake between common household cooking oils to block the lake and park road was fully dead, no air passages, preventing the embryo from grass, noxious spiky weeds had taken over,” developing. Hazing, using dogs or other Scarbeary said. “Overgrazing by geese and noise makers, disturbs the geese’s sense of then the bulk of their poop had killed most security in the hopes it will move on from of the grass.” a location. Such tools include the use of a Canada geese are prodigious consumers remote-controlled robot referred to as a of cultivated turf lawns. And where there is Goosinator, which simulates a predator. foraging, there is defecation. Lots of defecaBut Vicki Vargas-Madrid, Denver Parks tion. Geese poop every 20 seconds, dropping Wildlife administrator, said the method is 1 1/2 to 3 pounds of feces a day, according not foolproof. to Colorado Fish and Wildlife, the Audubon “A hazed flock might return to the same Society and other stakeholders. spot in as little as an hour, or by the next Just how many geese are creating large day,” she said. amounts of waste is also up for debate.

“As many as 20,000 Canada geese are residents of the Front Range and no longer SEE GEESE, P21

By Joe Carabello

Special to Colorado Community Media

O

Alli, who declined to give her last name, feeds the geese in Washington Park last month.

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William Johnson with his son Chase feed the geese by Grasmere Lake in Washington Park on a Saturday in April.

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Washington Park Profile 19

May 2019

Staff members with disabilities show their skills Owner fights to sustain business at her two restaurants, which has been declining

TO LEARN MORE To learn more about Pizzability and Brewability, call 303.598.0809 or send an email to pizzabilityco@gmail.com.

Laradon, a nonprofit that aids individuals with disabilities in the Denver community, is always looking for new employers who would like to provide work opportunities for individuals in the community with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Roth said.

By Casey Van Divier Special to Colorado Community Media

When Andy Ngovanduc describes his job at Pizzability, he makes his workday sound ideal.

“We just chill and hang out, and we eat the whole day long,” he said. “It’s kind of fun.”

The 21-year-old Denver resident, who has autism, is one of roughly 25 employees at the Cherry Creek restaurant at 250 Steele St. Since opening the restaurant last December, businesswoman Tiffany Fixter has dedicated herself to building a staff of energetic, hardworking individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Fixter, 35, also owns the Brewability Lab at

Tony Saponaro, left, and Andy Ngovanduc behind the counter at Pizzability. CASEY VAN DIVIER

To get involved with the foundation or to learn more, visit laradon.org.

12455 E. 39th Ave., a brewery with the same goal that opened in 2016.

When Ngovanduc was first hired in January, he worked one hour per week as Fixter showed him the ropes and helped him adjust to being an employee. Fixter now schedules him to work 15 hours per week between the two stores.

“Our goal is to show the public what’s possible and showcase the abilities that my staff has,” she said.

But, after a positive start, Fixter now feels she’s in a fight to keep her businesses alive.

Pizzability and Brewability attracted a fair amount of customers at first, she said, in part

because of mainstream media covering the stores and videos going viral online. However, the number of customers has started to decline as online conversation about the businesses has faded.

Spreading the word about her businesses has become difficult, she said, now that she must oversee two stores instead of one.

“There’re days that we’re selling one slice,” she said. “We just need customers.”

Finances have been further complicated now that Fixter must move Brewability to a new location.

Mark Polatsek, who manages the property, said the brewery is being removed from its lease because it is a retail business and he feels it does not fit in with other tenants of the property, which is an industrial park.

Despite the challenges, Fixter said she’s prepared to do whatever it takes to help the employees and customers who inspired her to start her businesses.

SEE PIZZABILITY, P21

Denver recognized for environmental building design Staff report The U.S. Green Building Council certified the city of Denver as LEED platinum, a designation only given to a handful of cities, according to a news release.

LEED for Cities, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, helps cities measure goals toward sustainable building.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the work that Denver is doing to push our city forward in addressing

the real issues of climate change and working toward a more affordable, reliable and sustainable future in everything from energy and transportation to education and health,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said in the news release. “Being certified Platinum in

the USGBC’s LEED for Cities program is one more step we’re taking as a city to affect change at the local level and support greater equity for our residents and neighborhoods.”

Denver is the 11th community worldwide to be awarded the plati-

num designation, according to the release. Denver was rated based on several factors, including the city’s Climate Action Plan, goals to reduce emissions and mobility data.

For more information on LEED certification, go to new.usgbc.org/.

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20 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

New bill defines community schools DPS sees improvement after initiative, Daniels Fund Scholars announced Staff report Gov. Polis signs Community School Bill On April 8, Gov. Jared Polis signed SB 19-102, or the Community Schools Bill, into law. The bill defines a community school and allows public schools to include in its innovation plan that it will operate as a community school.

Community schools offer a range of services to students and parents that address some of the challenges they face outside of the classroom. They strengthen students, support parents and build up neighborhoods by aligning schools with community resources through strategic partnerships, according to a news release from the Colo-

rado Education Association.

“While some Colorado school districts are threatening to turn over the public education of our children to national, for-profit companies, this law gives power to local people who want a better path forward to meet the diverse needs of the students they know and hold dear,” said Amie Baca-Oehlert, high school counselor and president of the Colorado Education Association, in the release. “Community Schools are a phenomenal opportunity for all stakeholders to engage and find local solutions that will support students, families and educators.”

Denver Public Schools already runs a handful of innovation schools in the district, according to its website. For more information on the types of schools in DPS, go to https://portfolio.dpsk12.org/dpsfamily-of-schools.

For more information on SB 19-102, go to http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb19-102.

The bill was sponsored by Sen. Rachel

Zenzinger and State Rep. Brianna Titone, both Democrats representing Jefferson County.

DPS sees boost in student achievement after 2011 initiative In 2011, DPS started a six-year initiative with new “principal pipelines.” The program implemented rigorous leader standards, high-quality preservice preparation, selective hiring and placement, and on-the-job support and evaluation for its principals, according to a district news release. The initiative cost $85 million for all six participating districts and was funded by the Wallace Foundation. DPS received $12.5 million of that.

A new RAND Corporation report shows that all six districts participating in the initiative, including DPS, saw improvements.

Schools with newly placed principals in pipeline districts outperformed comparison schools by 6.22 percentile points in reading and 2.87 percentile points in math, the release said.

RAND is a nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization. For more information on the study, go to https://www.rand. org/pubs/research_reports/RR2666.html.

The district hired 176 new principals through this initiative, 63 percent of which are still working in DPS today.

Daniels Fund awards scholarships to 218 students Last month, the Daniels Fund announced the 218 recipients of its annual scholarship from among 1,850 applicants from Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Of the recipients, 134 were from Colorado, a news release from the foundation said. A list of Daniels Fund Scholars can be found at, DanielsFund.org/2019DanielsScholars.

The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation. It first began offering the scholarships in 2000 and has since awarded $188 million to more than 4,000 students, including the ones from this year.

City seeking people for healthy food commission Staff report Denver is asking residents to apply for 11 spots on a commission for healthy food in schools. The commission was included

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Washington Park Profile 21

May 2019

Pizzability FROM PAGE 19

Uplifting community Intent on creating a positive dining experience for customers with disabilities, Fixter has undergone a variety of inclusive endeavors, such as enhancing ADA accessibility, adding braille to written materials and providing weighted utensils for those with limited mobility.

Fixter also spends every workday at one of the two stores, from opening to closing.

“She takes a lot on just so we can be here,” said Tony Saponaro, 28, who works at both restaurants.

For Saponaro, who has a developmental disability and is hearing impaired, these jobs have provided an uplifting community he has

Geese FROM PAGE 18

More geese, more problems Canada geese know no boundaries, leaving dense swaths of feces on lawns, sidewalks, roads, trails, plazas and playgrounds.

The volume and mess from the defecation have discouraged some Denver citizens from using the parks.

“Without any publicity, we gathered nearly 1,500 signatures from an online petition urging the city to address our concerns about the overabundance of Canada geese in Washington Park,” said Steve Spirn, who works with a grassroots organization Citi-

never experienced in another job.

“I’ve been around very abusive employers before, at things that no one in their right mind would stay at,” he said. “But it’s the best I had at the time.”

He heard about Brewability from a friend’s parents, who suggested he apply for a position there.

“I just wanted a good person managing me who cared about my safety and cared that I was happy,” he said. “I met Tiffany and I’m like, `I don’t care how hard it is. I like my boss.’ ” “We make sure we’re here to support them,” Fixter said. “I’m still their boss, but there’s that extra level because of what we’re doing.”

Determined to help her employees build life skills, she said she rarely views a challenge as too difficult for them.

“Most people would never consider handing them a butcher knife, but we do,” she

said. “We have safety measures in place that prevent them from getting injured.”

In addition to developing a long list of cooking and cleaning skills, Ngovanduc and Saponaro have forged friendships with coworkers and customers.

“There’s a lot of cool people that come here,” Saponaro said. “Because of the environment we’re at, every once in a while, you just get lucky sometimes.”

Becoming part of the team To build her team of employees, Fixter utilizes several methods, including receiving referrals from the parents of prospective workers and partnering with organizations.

One such organization is Laradon, a Denver nonprofit that assists individuals with disabilities as they pursue educational and employment opportunities.

According to Alison Roth, Laradon’s communications manager, the organization serves nearly 7,000 children and adults every year.

“We really like to focus on each individual’s personal goal,” she said.

Through Laradon, several individuals sent in video resumes to Pizzability, where they now work in groups of five every Thursday and Friday.

“They absolutely love it,” Roth said. “This is really good training for them.”

Fixter encourages anyone interested in working at the restaurant to come with a great attitude and be prepared to work hard.

“I’m looking for people who are over 21, are outgoing and are willing to do a little bit of everything,” she said.

Saponaro offered similar advice.

“I think if you’re willing to work hard and you’re willing to accept challenges,” he said, “it’s the right place for you.”

zens to Restore the Parks (CRP).

It’s more than just goose poop causing problems. Geese are traffic hazards when they cross streets, Spirn said. There are health concerns from pathogens and bacteria in their feces.

Gammonly noted that health concerns are not significant, but people with CRP disagree. CRP found research from institutions like Cornell University and Ohio State University that warn of waterfowl-borne bacteria leading to infectious diseases in humans. Researchers also found unusually high levels of such pathogens as coliform in Canada geese-infested reservoirs that supply drinking water.

One variable all parties agree on is the damage caused by goose excrement in water:

The increase in nitrogen to the water of Denver Parks lakes and ponds encourages robust algae growth, robbing the water of the oxygen required to sustain a healthy fish and aquatic population.

Complicating the decision-making and administrative oversight of managing Canada geese is the labyrinth of federal, state and local agencies involved. Ultimately, the U.S. Department of the Interior regulates policies of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife division, which mandates regional, state and local policy.

Through it, a division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture assesses flock damage.

It, in turn, authorizes the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to oversee local management policies. If non-lethal logistics have been exhausted without results, the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife will consider authorizing a depredation permit, which allows people to euthanize the birds.

Citizens to Restore the Parks offered assistance to the city, submitting strategy proposing the formation of a group of volunteers, but it has not been accepted. According to Spirin, city officials haven’t shown interest in pursuing his organization’s proposal.

The officials with Parks and Recreation say they are still finalizing their plan for dealing with geese this year.

“Our office of Natural Resources Wildlife Program has not yet finalized our goose management program for 2019,” Karvaski said. “There is no permit at this time that allows cities/counties/municipalities to lethally control Canada geese.”

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22 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

Cinco de Mayo celebrates history, culture Denver is home to one of the largest festivals in the country

MAKE YOUR PLANS Stop by the Cinco De Mayo Festival at Civic Center Park, 101 W. 14th Ave, from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. May 4 and 5. A parade starts at 11 a.m. May 4, followed

by Chihuahua races at 2 p.m. On May 5, a taco eating contest begins at 2 p.m. Both days feature music, food, rides and games.

By Alex DeWind

A GLIMPSE OF HISTORY

adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Margaritas. Sombreros. Cervezas.

Tequila.

Across cities and college campuses in the United States, these tend to be the staples of Cinco de Mayo.

Popular Mexican American restaurants and rooftop bars in the Denver metro area typically overflow on this party holiday.

This year Cinco de Mayo, the fifth of May, falls on a Sunday. Aside from the fun it brings, the holiday is rich with history, a celebration of triumph and culture.

For Andrea Barela — who heads the largest two-day Cinco de Mayo celebration in the state, held May 4 and 5 this year — it’s a weekend for cultures to blend. In today’s political climate, she explains, that can otherwise be a challenge.

“With the turmoil and racism our country is experiencing, this is the weekend we forget all of that and come together as a community to celebrate,” said Barela, the president of NEWSED Community Development, which promotes economic success of underserved populations in the Denver metro area. “These are cultural events, they are significant and they should be maintained.”

History Cinco de Mayo — sometimes mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day — is celebrated by a population of residents in the Mexican state of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City.

The day honors May 5, 1862, when the Mexican Army defeated

Cinco De Mayo — or the fifth of May — is an annual celebration honoring the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Traditions in the state of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City, include military parades, recreations of the battle and other festive events.

Cinco De Mayo is not a federal holiday, so for many Mexicans it’s just like any other day.

In the 1960s, Mexican-American activists — who identified with the indigenous Mexicans who defeated European invaders in the 1862 battle — raised awareness of the holiday, the History Channel reports. Today in the United States, especially in areas with large Mexican-American populations, the holiday marks a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

Source: www.history.com

Denver’s annual Cinco de Mayo Festival celebrates Mexican culture and heritage. “Our culture,” said Andrea Barela, who heads the festival, “is beautiful.”

COURTESY PHOTO European invaders at the Battle of Puebla. The triumph was unexpected — Texas-born General Ignacio Zaragoza led the outnumbered and poorly supplied Mexicans, according

to the History Channel. Nonetheless they triumphed and maintained their land.

Cinco de Mayo traditions in Puebla include military parades,

recreations of the battle and other festive events.

But because it isn’t a federal holiday, Cinco de Mayo is just like any other day for many Mexicans.

“Puebla is actually the only place in Mexico that celebrates this day,” said Highlands Ranch resident Lola Wiarco Dweck, who is of Mexican heritage, adding, “and in the U.S., it’s a holiday that’s observed more by Mexican-Americans and Americans than Mexicans.”

Dweck was raised in California. Growing up, her family didn’t celebrate the holiday but she did perform ballet folklórico at some Cinco de Mayo festivals in Los Angeles, she said.

Today Dweck, a professional chef, celebrates by making foods that commemorate the colors of the Mexican flag: red, white and green, and cooking mole poblano, one of Puebla’s best-known dishes.

“It’s definitely become more mainstream, although I don’t think many Americans know the significance of the holiday,” Dweck said of Cinco de Mayo. “To those who celebrate, it’s a reason to get together, eat Mexican food, and drink beer and tequila.”

A celebration of culture In the 1960s, Mexican-American activists — who identified with the indigenous Mexicans who defeated the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla — raised awareness of the holiday, the History Channel reports. In areas with large Mexican-American populations, the holiday would mark a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage.

In 1987, Denver’s first Cinco de Mayo festival took place in the La Alma-Lincoln Park SEE CINCO DE MAYO, P23

CORRECTION:

We made a mistake. Together Denver placed an advertisement in the April edition of the Washington Park Profile which incorrectly identified the organization Together Colorado as the sponsor of the ad.

Together Denver paid for the ad. Together Denver is not affiliated with Together Colorado. We apologize for the error.

Paid for by Together Denver

Washington Park Profile 23

May 2019

Meet your neighbor: The ‘This history needs to be saved’: Working to return 1892 theater to former glory

By Casey Van Divier

Elitch Theatre Colorado native Michael Bliss has been heavily involved in restoring the Elitch Theatre since 2016 and has organized its programming since 2018.

TO HELP AND LEARN MORE To donate to the restoration effort or learn more about the history of the Historic Elitch Theatre, visit historicelitchtheatre.org.

For more information on the theatre’s Children’s Day International Film Festival, visit etfest.com/filmfestival.

Special to Colorado Community Media

Years before Michael Bliss started working at the Historic Elitch Theatre, he somehow had a feeling he would end up there.

The first time he realized that, he was taking a walk through the Elitch Gardens Carousel Pavilion. When Bliss looked across the lawn, he saw a bright gold sign that read “THEATRE”—a well-known component of the distinctly green, old-fashioned building that has been a part of Elitch Gardens for more than a century.

“I just put it out there — I thought, `I would like to be part of this theater,’ ” Bliss said.

Sure enough, his thought became a reality years later when, by chance, he was introduced

Cinco de Mayo FROM PAGE 22

neighborhood, off Santa Fe Drive.

Until recently, nearly 90 percent of the neighborhood’s population was Hispanic,

to Tracy Frickey during an event. At the time, Frickey was president of the Historic Elitch Gardens Theatre Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the theater.

By 2016, Bliss had joined the nonprofit’s board of directors. He was hired as executive program director in 2018.

Mary Elitch, the businesswoman who founded Elitch Gardens with her husband John in 1890, added the theater at 4655 W. 37th Ave. in 1892.

Since then, the building has hosted renowned names in entertainment and the arts,

CASEY VAN DIVIER

SEE ELITCH THEATRE, P25

according to Barela, whose mother helped start the festival.

“It really started as a street event made to highlight the Santa Fe corridor and the west Denver neighborhood, to boost economic development,” Barela said. “It became very popular very quickly.”

It became so popular that it outgrew

its original location and moved to Civic Center Park, near the Colorado Capitol in downtown Denver. One of the largest in the nation, Denver’s Cinco de Mayo festival attracts about 400,000 people a year, depending on the weather.

The two-day extravaganza features three stages — one with bands from Mexico, one

with local bands and one featuring dancers — more than 200 vendors, a parade, Chihuahua races, kids’ activities, folklórico dancers and a low-rider car show — what Barela calls a Chicano tradition.

“It’s so cultural,” Barela said of the festival, “that it’s like visiting Mexico in the city of Denver for a weekend.”

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24 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

Symphony looks to stay in Denver for new home Initial agreement promises about $16.7 million toward new concert space

By Clarke Reader Special to Colorado Community Media

During the spring and summer months, the Colorado Symphony is as likely to be rehearsing a Brahms concert as it is to be working on the score to a Harry Potter film or boning up on some Tenacious D tunes.

That’s what happens when an orchestra becomes very, very good at what it does. And audiences are noticing.

“We’re doing what Colorado’s orchestra should be doing. We’re not passive because we understand the gift the community gives us,” said Tony Pierce, chief artistic officer with the symphony. “Our main charge is to ensure there’s a future for live symphonic music here. And if that means we have to be creative and challenge ourselves, we’re ready to do it.”

Whatever the symphony is doing seems to be working, and the city wants to ensure it stays in Denver. In February, the city announced it would begin planning to replace Boettcher Concert Hall, the space the symphony currently calls home. Additionally, the symphony can look for another residence, so long as it remains inside Denver city limits.

An initial agreement between the city and the symphony also allows the symphony to consider setting up shop at the site of its current office building at 1245 Champa St. “So much time has gone by, Boettcher is practically at risk of blowing down. It’d be cheaper to tear it down and build out a new hall,” said Jerry Kern, CEO of the symphony.

“Right now, we’ve zeroed in on what would be required at a new concert hall beyond the auditorium itself. We’re close to having very definitive numbers about what it’s likely to cost.”

While there currently isn’t an agreement to build a new hall, this is an important first step in the process. As part of the initial

The Colorado Symphony performs at Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver. The symphony is in talks with the city to find a new performance space or rebuild Boettcher.

PHOTO BY BRANDON MARSHALL

agreement, Denver agreed to contribute about $16.7 million to the project as long as the symphony remains in the city limits.

Funds will come from the Better Denver Bond program. The symphony will have to launch a capital campaign to raise the rest of the money for the project.

According to Brian Kitts, director of marketing and business development in the City and County of Denver’s arts and venues department, the city is finishing up feasibility and potential use studies associated with remodeling the DCPA, independently of the work Boettcher would need.

“We hope that this will be done later this summer and some decisions regarding next steps can be made after that,” Kitts said.

The symphony was formed in 1990 after the Denver Symphony went into bankruptcy, and there have been several attempts in ensuing years to find a more state-of-the-art home. Funding has been a key component

throughout these processes, and Kern said that beginning in late 2011 until current times, the symphony has eliminated about $2 million in negative surplus and has been surplus-positive the last four years.

Part of that increase is a result of the many ways the symphony has evolved to expand its audience. In addition to playing along to popular film scores like Harry Potter, Mary Poppins and Star Wars, Pierce said the Colorado Symphony has become one of the go-to musical groups for pop artists looking to create a unique concert experience. Artists like The Flaming Lips, Gregory Alan Isakov and “Weird Al” Yankovic have all worked with the symphony.

But it’s still vitally important the symphony remains tied to the community, especially through education.

“We need to make sure people are given access to a live symphonic experience. If we’re not providing that, no one is,” Pierce

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said. “We do seven public benefit concerts a year, including Martin Luther King Jr., Latin beats and we’ll be returning to Civic Center Park on July 3 for a big patriotic, traditional show.”

Conversations are underway with developers and land owners on properties that might be a good fit for the symphony, with the aim of finalizing a site by June 30.

Kern said there’s a lot of excitement about the possibilities of a new home — and what that will mean to performers and audiences.

“Right now, the way our lease with the city is structured, there are limits on what we can do. In a new home we could expand the nature of our repertoire and use the space the way other orchestras do,” he said.

“People are beginning to realize what a great orchestra and community treasure the symphony is. Everyone in the organization T and community should be proud. I am.”

1

Washington Park Profile 25

May 2019

Elitch Theatre FROM PAGE 23

such as Grace Kelly and Mickey Rooney, Bliss said. However, the building has deteriorated over the years and has not engaged in regular programming since 1991.

Hoping to put on events in the theater once again, Bliss and his colleagues are working to raise the money to restore the historical landmark and obtain a permanent occupancy permit.

Volunteers have already implemented the first two phases of restoration efforts, which were first conceived in 2002. Completed in 2014, they addressed the theater’s exterior as well as safety components of its interior.

However, a windstorm in April 2018 that inflicted damage to the property hampered further efforts.

According to Bliss, the damage was severe: the flagpole fell off the top of the theater, a portion of the roof was dented by debris and a piece of metal crashed onto an awning, knocking it off the building.

“It was a huge speedbump,” he said. “This has been our biggest setback.”

Bliss and other volunteers have spent the past year repairing these damages, which will ultimately cost more than $1 million to fix.

Though he hopes the theater will open its doors in 2020, he is unsure when repairs and renovations will be completed.

Frickey — who continued to volunteer after stepping down from the presidency — added that repairs must be completed before volunteers can draft plans for the final restoration phases.

Once the building has been repaired, the city will help pay for an analysis that will inform future construction plans, she said.

“We’ve never had the money to get those plans,” she said, “so this will really benefit us.”

Engaging children with the arts Meanwhile, the theater continues to engage in fundraising efforts, not only to finance construction but also to fund programming.

Its programs currently take place in locations elsewhere in the city, which have been provided by Denver-based arts organizations,including Denver Open Media, Art from Ashes and the Bug Theatre.

As long as the nonprofit must borrow these spaces, Frickey said, the price of rent will add to total programming costs. She added that the board would prefer not to raise these extra funds by charging for their programs, many of which are free.

“We really want to be able to offer our programs free to underserved children,” she said.

Despite the fact that the programs are waiting for a permanent home, Bliss has made sure the theater’s efforts to engage children with the arts endure.

He views that goal as a continuation of the legacy established by Mary Elitch, who was highly motivated to teach children the arts and would hold a weekly Children’s Day that often included singing, dancing and botany lessons.

“By the early 1900s, more than 3,000 children were coming weekly to Children’s Day,” Bliss said.

That’s why Bliss wants to host at least 3,000 children at the theater’s 2019 Children’s Day International Film Festival, which will take place in September at the Bug Theatre.

Through this event, the Historic Elitch Theatre collaborates with the International Youth Silent Film Festival to accept silent film submissions created by children and families all over the world.

“We’ve received submissions from China, Australia, India, Qatar,” Bliss said. “We’ve gone global.”

In addition to Children’s Day, Bliss continues to organize regular programming. These events include open mic nights, which take place at 6 p.m. every third Friday at Denver Open Media, 700 Kalamath St. The Elitch Theatre Academy also pro-

vides numerous opportunities for Colorado residents to develop their creativity through workshops that cover topics across the arts.

Information on upcoming workshops, which vary in time and location, is posted on etfest. com.

The theater offers something for everyone, Bliss said, and provides a learning experience for “children of all ages — even adult children.”

“Our goal is to bring families together and to bring the arts back into our theater,” he said.

“We really want to make the theater a cultural hub again — the legacy is so important, and this history needs to be saved.”

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26 Washington Park Profile

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, May 16.

EVENTS The Furry Scurry 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 4 at Washington Park, Kentucky & Franklin.

The Furry Scurry is a 2 mile dogfriendly walk and fun run benefitting homeless pets and horses at the Dumb Friends League. furryscurry.org Family Tree’s 26th Annual Celebration of Achievement 6 p.m. Thursday, May 9 at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, 2001 Colorado Blvd.

This event raises critical funds to support vital programs and services for people impacted by child abuse, domestic violence and homelessness in the Denver metro area.

TheFamilyTree.org/Events, the Facebook event or by contacting Tami Mawhir at tmawhir@thefamilytree.org 2019 Rocky Mountain Pinball Showdown and Gameroom Expo 11 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, May 27.

At this event play a huge game list and variety of themes in pinball machines and classic arcade video games -- No quarters needed. Play, buy, sell, mod, repair, tournament, education, meetup, and have fun. Price: $35/ day adult; $18/day kids 7-12; kids 6 and under free.

Denver Marriott Tech Center 4900 S. Syracuse St. pinballshowdown.com Yoga for All Sundays 10 a.m.

Free or donation.

Multi-generational and multiability class.

720-2448252 Washington Street Community Center 809 S. Washington St.

May 2019

Things to Do Comedy with Roger Mondays 10 p.m.

303-320-9200 Lion’s Lair, 2022 E. Colfax Ave. lionslairco.com/events Baker Historic Neighborhood Association General Meeting 6:30 p.m., second Tuesday of the month.

As always, we will hear from our Community Resource Officer from Denver Police and learn about different items impacting Baker.

Come a little early to socialize and meet some fellow Bakerties.

Hirschfeld Tower, 333 W. Ellsworth Ave. bakerneighborhood.org East Evans Business Association Meeting Meets every 4th Tuesday This meeting provides a great opportunity for local businesses to meet, network and raise awareness of what’s happening on the East Evans corridor.

303-671-6639 Panorama Building, 2055 S. Oneida St. 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 Why Not Wednesday Wednesdays 4 p.m.

We open wines that most stores wouldn’t dare to open. Whether it’s grand cru champagne, cult cabernet or an amazing bottle of Amarone. Find out what the wine of the week is on our website!

303-282-5103 Pearl Wine Company, 1886 S. Pearl St. pearlwinecompany.com

Friends and Neighbors (FANS) of Washington Park 6 p.m., second Wednesday of each month Meetings typically include a brief overview of the latest park news and often feature a guest speaker.

Check out the website for the topic of the month.

Washington Park Dos Chappell Bath House, 600 S. Marion Parkway fanswashingtonpark.org Denver GOP First Friday Breakfast First Friday of the month 8 a.m.

Great speakers and conservative camaraderie. Please RSVP and order breakfast to support Pete’s.

303-782-9555 Pete’s Greek Town Cafe 2910 E. Colfax Ave. www.denvergop.org House District 2 Democratic Party Meeting Third Saturday of the month Monthly meeting covering business/topics at hand.

303-830-8242 Washington Street Community Center, 809 S. Washington St. www.denverdemocrats.org

ART Stampede Public Tours Occurs every day through May 19 In this daily 45-minute tour, see how animals have captivated artists throughout history in “Stampede: Animals in Art.” Discover and consider the role animals play through themes such as personal connections with animals, how animal materials have been used in art, how animals are used to tell stories or represent political ideas, and how artists use animals in imaginative ways. No reservations necessary. Meet on level 1 of the Hamilton Building. 720-865-5000 Denver Art Museum, 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverartmuseum.org

DaVinci X – The Machines & You Exhibition Hours:Monday Closed for Groups and Private Events, Tuesday through Saturday – 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday – Noon till 5 p.m.

Guided Tour Times – (Subject to Docent Availability) 1 p.m. Weekdays 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Weekends The DaVinci Machines Exhibition displaying hand-crafted inventions built from Leonardo’s 500 year old designs brought to life.

DaVinci X Exhibition, Located on the 2nd Floor of the Denver Pavilions – Suite 268 Take Escalator to 2nd Floor Next to Henry’s Tavern at 16th and Welton Check Mall Directories As Well discoverdavinci.com Clyfford Still Museum Free Day Wednesday, May 22 In appreciation of supporters of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SFCD), and in the spirit of community engagement, the Museum offers free admission once per month. Friday admission is $5 from 5-8 p.m.

720-354-4880 Clyfford Still Museum, 1250 Bannock St. clyffordstillmuseum.org

CLASSES, LECTURES, FORUMS Sunday Open Meditation 1st Sunday of the month.

Free to the public - all welcome. 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 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, located at 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 St. Barnabas Church.

11:45 a.m.

Call Meredee for more info.

303-877-9086 St. Barnabas Episcopal Church 1280 Vine St. denverlaughs.com 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 Pkwy.

SEE THINGS TO DO, P27

Washington Park Profile 27

May 2019

Things to Do FROM PAGE 26

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-Socrates-Cafe 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 Daybreak Toastmasters Fridays, 7:00 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 5:00 p.m.

A short talk and guided relaxing meditation to help increase a peaceful good heart. It is an ideal way to unwind after work and recharge for a great evening ahead. Free.

303-813-9551 KMC Colorado Downtown, 1336 Glenarm Place meditationincolorado.org

KIDSTUFF All Ages Open Lab Sundays 1:00 p.m.

Have a project you want to work on as a family? Want to learn more about Photoshop, 3D printing or anything else in the lab? Come on in! Family open lab is all ages, but no unaccompanied adults or kids under 10, please!

720-865-1706 ideaLAB in Community Technology Center of DPL Central library, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Tattered Tales Storytime Tuesdays 10:30 a.m.

Young children are invited for a half hour of stories and fun, with a different topic each week. Free.

303-322-1965, ext. 2731 Tattered Cover, 2526 E. Colfax Ave. tatteredcover.com SEE THINGS TO DO, P28

Nuestra Soledad & El Jolgorio Dinner One Night In Oaxaca

June 20, 2019 Cocktail Reception at 6:30pm, Dinner at 7pm. $7500 per person (not including tip or gratuity).

Hosted by Chef Silvia Andaya & Asis Cortes, 6th Generation Mezcalero.

RESERVATIONS MANDATORY: 303.778.1294

Please note, to accommodate the high demand for this event, seating will be communal with other agave-loving guests!

Welcome Cocktail and Course Pairing Cocktails to be determined.

First Course - Aguachile de Mariscos

Shrimp, Scallops, Octopus, Cucumbers, Jicama and Papaya.

Second Course -Tlacoyo de Flor de Calabaza

Corn Masa, Pumpkin Flowers, Black Beans and Cheese.

Third Course - Mixiotes de Costilla Beef Ribs, Guajillo-Ancho Sauce.

Fourth Course - Pato Confitado Duck Confit, Parsnip Puree, Olive Relish.

Fifth Course - Enchilada de Chocolate

Chocolate Tortilla, Vanilla Ice Cream, Berries Sauce.

Hand Crafted Designs in Silver Silver Jewelry Repair

1221 S. Pearl St. Denver Between Louisiana & Buchtel

303-548-5467

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

303.778.1294 AdelitasCO.com • PalenqueMezcaleria.com 1294 S. Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80210

28 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

Things to Do

720-865-0160 Byers Branch Library, 675 Santa Fe Dr. www.denverlibrary.org/events

FROM PAGE 27

Slime Club Tuesdays 4:00 p.m.

Join us to make slime, have snacks and help us rename this weekly event that will happen every Tuesday. Ideal for ages 8-12.

720-865-0940 Virginia Village Branch Library, 1500 S. Dahlia St. www.denverlibrary.org/events Toddler Storytime Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.

In the Berger Children’s Pavilion, Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. Craft activity immediately follows the program. Free.

720-865-1111 Denver Public Library: Central branch, 10 W. 14th Ave. Parkway denverlibrary.org Art Works!

Wednesdays 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Art for ages 3 – 5. We’ll read a book or two and little artists will make a simple craft or experiment with different materials in open-ended art 720-865-0955 Ross-University Hills Branch Library, 4310 E. Amherst Ave. www.denverlibrary.org/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 4:00 p.m.

Play great video games on a Wii, N64 and PS4.

Ideal for ages 6-18.

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 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 4:00 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 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 1:00 p.m.

Meet every Saturday to learn how to code!

With a demonstration at 1 p.m. and then time to work on a project 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. 9th Ave. http://nicotineanonymous.

Nar-Anon Sundays 6:45 p.m.

A twelve step support group for families and friends of addicts to help themselves cope.

First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. nar-anon.org Grant Street Reach Mondays 8:00 a.m.

Providing meals at no cost to its clients and it is sustained by committed and compassionate volunteers.

303-839-1432 St. Paul Lutheran and Roman Catholic Community of Faith, 1600 Grant St. grantstreetreach.org Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous Mondays 7:00 p.m.

Through shared experience and mutual support, join a meeting to help each other to recover from the disease of food addiction.

303-775-8062 Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway foodaddicts.org Home for the Heart AL-ANON Mondays - Group Al-Anon Adult Children of Al-

coholics. Tuesday through Thursday - Group Al-Anon. Fridays - Group Al-Anon (Meditation the first 10 minutes).

Room 114, In lower level. Trinity United Methodist Church, 1820 Broadway al-anon-co.org Historic Preservation Committee Meeting Mondays 7:00 p.m.

This Historic Preservation Committee is responsible for numerous historic districts as well as individually designated homes and buildings. Join us each month to learn what is happening in your neighborhood and to add to your voice.

Castle Marne, 1201 Williams St. Moderation Management Tuesdays 6:30 p.m.

Weekly meetings for problem (vs. chronic) drinkers who want to reduce their intake of alcohol. Email: denver@moderation.org.

First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. moderation.org Joy AL-ANON Tuesdays 8:00 p.m.

Al-Anon’s Purpose is to help friends and families of alcoholics recover from the effects of living with the problem drinking of a relative or friend. In the Roberts Building, Room 103.

Saint John’s Cathedral, 1350 Washington St. al-anon-co.org LifeRing Secular Recovery Meeting Wednesdays 6:00 p.m.

A network of people who support one another in living free of alcohol and other non-medically indicated addictive drugs.

303-875-5088 First Unitarian Church, 1400 Lafayette St. liferingcolorado.org Marijuana Anonymous Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.

A fellowship of people who share experience, strength and hope with each other that we may solve our common problem and help others to recover from marijuana addiction.

Unity Church on the Hill, 1555 Race St. http://marijuana-anonymous.org

FREE Support with Binge Eating Challenges Thursdays 6:00 p.m.

This support group is ideal for individuals at least 18 years old who are struggling with a binge type eating disorder. All groups are free of charge. We hold confidential groups facilitated by specialists to allow you to gain the support you need.

The Eating Disorder Foundation, 1901 E. 20th Ave. eatingdisorderfoundation.org

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Full Service Veterinary Care in the Comfort of Your Home Serving metro Denver since 1985 Dr. Sherri Folkestad • DVM (Sherri Somerville)

303-904-1989 | www.housecallvetservice.com

Washington Park Profile 29

May 2019

www.ColoradoCommunityCareers.com

To Advertise call Ann-Marie 303.566.4070

ameyn@coloradocommunitymedia.com

To Advertise on this page or for more information contact Ann Marie at 303.566.4070 AMeyn@coloradocommunitymedia.com Check us out online at www.ColoradoCommunityCareers.com

Grow Your Future!

Wind Crest is Hiring All Positions Wind Crest is a continuing care retirement community developed and managed by Erickson Living in Highlands Ranch.

Wind Crest continues to grow—which means more residents to serve.

Tuesday, April 30, 2019 9:00am to 1:00pm 3235 Mill Vista Road, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 The community provides a vibrant lifestyle to seniors with abundant amenities, complimented with integrated healthcare and wellness.

When you consider all that Erickson Living has to offer, it’s no wonder our team members are proud to call our organization their second home.

Erickson Living. Careers built for success.

Erickson Living is a respected provider of senior living with campus-style retirement communities nationwide. We’re looking for passionate people like you to lead our organization into the future. If you want to go places in your career and feel inspired by what you do, join our award-winning team.

Visit jobs.ericksonliving.com for current job openings.

e Offer: Crest W d in W t A ses on bonu & PTO • Sign s t fi Bene • Great Schedules le ent • Flexib stic Environm es ia s us • Enthu e referral bon e y t • Emplo eimbursemen r n io it u • T

Call Erika at (303)876-8422 with any questions!

APPLY ONLINE AT: WWW.ERICKSONLIVING.COM

30 Washington Park Profile

May 2019

Service Directory

CALL KAREN TO PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! 303-566-4091

Classifieds

SERVICES

DRYWALL

BRICK

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.

ANNOUNCEMENTS MISC. NOTICES 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

SENIORS THE WISDOM OF ELDERHOOD For men and women over 65. Using impromptu writing as a tool, join a group of your peers and explore your life's meaningful moments. Professional facilitator. 240-432-4080 www.elderhoodwisdom.org

CAREERS FARM & AGRICULTURE FARM PRODUCTS & PRODUCE

BRICK SPECIALISTS & TUCKPOINT RESTORATION Complete Chimney Restoration. Original Brick Replacement. Tuckpoint Restoration. Accurate Color Match.

Foundation Restoration. Father & Son, 40 Yrs. Exp. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured. Residential/Commercial. Customer References. James, 303-8756111.

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.

Grain Finished Buffalo quartered, halves and whole

719-771-8742

LIVING SPACE

GARAGE & ESTATE SALES

Transform your space Educated Carpenter/Craftsman

MERCHANDISE

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

WANTED TO BUY

Larry 970-712-9767

WANT TO PURCHASE Minerals and other oil/gas interests.

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

CHIMNEY

PETS REAL ESTATE RENTALS

BRICK SPECIALISTS & TUCKPOINT RESTORATION Complete Chimney Restoration. Original Brick Replacement. Tuckpoint Restoration. Accurate Color Match.

Foundation Restoration. Father & Son, 40 Yrs. Exp. Licensed, Bonded, and Insured. Residential/Commercial. Customer References. James, 303-8756111.

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

HIT THE DECK RESTORATION Deck sanding, staining/ sealing, and minor repairs. Also, hardwood floor deep cleaning.

Call Mark at 303-968-4454 HitTheDeckRestoration.com

Buy Local!

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.

HOUSE CLEANING EXCEPTIONAL HOUSE CLEANING #1, Inc. Email: exceptionalhousecleaning@gmail.com Website: ehcdenver.com. Since 1997.

Licensed-insured-Bonded. Weekly, BiWeekly, 3-Week, Monthly, Move-In, Move-Out. Free estimates Tom Nguyen: Office & Cell: 303-349-3153.

HOUSE CLEANING

ORGANIZING SERVICES

Looking for a few houses

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER Are you preparing to move in the coming months? WOW! Organized!

LLC will help you prepare for your move and save you money.

Free consultation.

Call Claudia Winkler to get organized today. 720.273.5693, Claudia@WowOrganized.com, www.WowOrganized.com

to add to my Business. If you want your Home Sparkling Clean give me a ring.

Do My Own Cleanin! 720-298-6423

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.

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

Time to Garden!

Design, consultation and installation for small space residential and commercial properties. Specializing in water-smart and native plants for over 18 years. Contact Diane dlsgardendesigns@gmail.com.

303.733.5004.

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.

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.

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.

PLUMBING

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. Hot Water Heat. Quality work. Licensed, insured, guaranteed. MC/VISA accepted. 303-329-6042.

SEASONAL

SHARPENING Knives – Scissors – Yard Tools, etc.

No saw blades. Call for free estimate.

Paul Burns, 303-750-8750.

SPRINKLERS

SPRINKLER SOLUTIONS COLORADO In business since 1998. Professional installations & repairs, lifetime warranty!

Save money, water & time! Fast friendly service, www.sprinklersolutionscolorado.com, 303-523-5859, joehendricks1@msn.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.

Local Deals are one click away!

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Washington Park Profile 31

May 2019

Schools address students’ needs after closure

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

After a threat caused schools around the Front Range to close for a day, Denver Public Schools and mental health providers turned their focus to the needs of students.

DPS joined other districts across the state and closed its schools on April 17, following a perceived threat from 18-year-old Florida resident Sol Pais, who the FBI reported was “infatuated” with the April 20, 1999 Columbine High School shooting. Following a manhunt, Pais was found dead by suicide near Mount Evans that same day, law enforcement officials reported.

Principals and administrators with DPS spent the closure holding conferences on how to address student mental health needs, said Ellen Kelty, the district’s director of student equity and opportunity.

The district also compiled materials from

the National Association of School Psychology, which provided tips to parents on how to talk to their children about school shootings. The information was posted on the main page of the DPS website and available in several languages.

Emily Garcia, program manager for schoolbased services at the Mental Health Center of Denver, a network of service centers and programming focusing on mental well-being, said it is important to let your kids know they have a safe place to talk. With younger children, the best practice is to find out how much they already know and to address any feelings such as fear and confusion.

“We have to give credit to the kids that they do often understand more than we think,” she said.

“If we aren’t being available to them, they may hear it from somewhere else.”

Kelty said that the district had prepared some of the materials before the threat happened, but the closure pushed schools to prepare for students

troubled by the event.

“Anniversaries of traumatic events are hard for people,” she said. “Unfortunately we needed it more than we would have hoped.”

This year marked the 20th anniversary of the Columbine shooting. Law enforcement officials later reported that Pais, found near Mount Evans, likely killed herself on April 15, authorities from the Clear Creek Sheriff ’s Department said. In a news conference after investigators found Pais’ body, FBI Special Agent Dean Phillips declined to comment on her mental health or social media activity.

The week of the closure, DPS worked with the Denver Police Department, which increased patrols near schools. Division Chief of Patrol Ron Thomas said the police department looks at all threats to schools and uses its intelligence team to determine if they are credible.

DPD’s intelligence team vets threats by looking at the location of the person as well as if he or she

has the means to carry out a particular threat.

“We pay very close attention to anniversary dates,” Thomas said.

DPS reopened schools April 18, but DPD continued its increased patrols throughout the week. Thomas said he felt comfortable with the safety plans put in place by police officers as well as security at DPS. The district works hard to make sure schools are safe, Kelty said. “We really have a lot of protocols in place to make sure that happens.”

Reopening schools can also help with student mental health, Garcia said. A regular routine is healthy for children. Since children often spend a lot of time in schools, parents also want to make sure their children feel safe there.

Although there were many unknowns on the day of the closure, Garcia said it’s important to return to a routine in situations like this.

“We don’t want to do more harm by causing anxiety about a place that is safe,” she said.

LGBTQ center changes name to reflect community Staff report The GLBT Community Center of Colorado changed its name in late March to The Center on Colfax to better reflect the community it serves, according to a news release.

The Center has been serving the LGBTQ community in Colorado since it opened in

1976 as the Gay Community Center of Colorado. It now serves 52,000 people annually, the release said.

“As we have evolved over the years, we’ve made changes to include everyone we serve and those who contribute to our vibrant community, including women, bisexual people and transgender individuals,” said The Center’s

CEO Debra Pollock in the release. “Our new name is intended to welcome all members of the community as our offerings continue to grow.”

The center offers programming for people of all ages. Rainbow Alley serves LGBTQ youth in Denver, while SAGE of the Rockies is meant for older adults. The Center also of-

fers a program for transgender people, as well as legal referrals, human resource consulting and training. The Center runs Denver PrideFest every year, and the proceeds from the event go toward programming at the organization.

For more information on The Center, go to lgbtqcolorado.org.

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32 Washington Park Profile

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Jillian Allison, director of Center for Colorado Women’s History, cuts the ribbon at the opening on March 21, 2018. At the end of March, the Center opened a new exhibit, Women/Work/Justice.

COURTESY OF CENTER FOR COLORADO WOMEN’S HISTORY

New exhibit celebrates Colorado women

By Kailyn Lamb klamb@coloradocommunitymedia.com

To celebrate its one-year anniversary, the Center for Colorado Women’s History opened Women/Work/Justice, a new exhibit highlighting the work of women who made change in the state.

The exhibit doesn’t just focus just on women in politics, center director Jillian Allison said. It also looks at some of the untold stories from workers and women who fought for change. She hopes these stories will be inspiring for the people who walk in the doors of the museum, which first opened in the Byers-Evans House Museum, 1310 Bannock St., in March of last year.

“We wanted to take time to focus on the ways women impacted their community outside of the polling place,” she said. “I hope that

we can sort of show that change is within our grasp, that these things are not impossible.”

The exhibit features seven stories featuring women, including the Laundry Girls Law of 1912, which ensured that women were only working eight-hour work days. The women’s stories are lined up on plaques in the lobby of Byers-Evans. People who attend the museum start in that room before going on tours of the house. The gallery space is free to visit.

Tours of the house are $8 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under.

Tours also highlight the group of women who lived in the Byers-Evans house and their contributions to Denver, Allison said.

The Evans family lived in the home for 92 years, Allison said, adding that the family donated the house to become a museum. The family also donated almost everything inside the house.

The museum is run by History Colorado.

Ann Evans lived in the house for 40 years and helped to found the Denver Art Museum and was the first woman president of the library commission.

“Part of the reason to do it here is that there were so many inspirational women who lived in this house and, also, untold stories,” Allison said. “The women who worked in this house also have really interesting stories to explore.”

Exhibits at the Center for Colorado Women’s History also tie in to events, Allison said. The museum will be hosting a talk on equal pay for women. In 2020, the museum will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

Women/Work/Justice will be on display at the Center for Colorado Women’s History until March 1, 2020.

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