46th Annual Home Tour & Street Fair Is Sept. 29, With Five Featured Houses And A Daylong Free Street Fair Staff Report For the GPHN
The Park Hill Home Tour & Street Fair returns for the 46th year on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
h A ppen I n gs
Stops include a 1911 mansion that has been completely renovated with original period pieces; a 1929 Tudor steeped in historical charm with modern renovations; a 1919
continued on page 13
Denver’s Annual Friendship Powwow Is Sept. 7
The 35th Annual Friendship Powwow is Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Denver Art Museum downtown. Music and dance performances run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Friendship Powwow is one of the DAM’s
Welcome Home
By Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN
Three years after Johnson & Wales students turned off the lights in their dormitories for the last time, the newest residents of the historical campus in southeast Park Hill are moving in to nowrenovated apartments.
Archway Communities, whose mission is to provide access to affordable housing, food security and supportive social services, has converted four of the former dorms on campus into 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments.
“Two of the buildings … were part of the original architecture of Colorado Women’s College, and the historical aspects are gorgeous,” says Georgeanne Barrett, Archway director of communications and philanthropy.
“We have not changed the facades at all, and we have not changed any of the historical elements inside the buildings at all.
So some of the units have beautiful stained glass windows, wooden archways and amazing brick walls, and it’s really cool.”
longest-running events, and is a celebration of the culture and creativity of Indigenous communities across Denver and the Front Range. The event features Native American dance competitions, jewelry making and other hands-on activities for the whole family. There are also prize drawings, as well as artist, food and vendor booths. Sept. 7 is also a free day at the DAM; so no general admission charge for visitors. For powwow and museum information call 720-865-5000 or check out denverartmuseum.org.
Rally For Peace
On Sept. 21
Join the International Peace Day Rally on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 3 p.m. on the west side of the state Capitol, at Colfax and Lincoln. Several interfaith groups are working together to support the rally, including members of the Mennonite Church and Church of the Brethren. Other groups, including environmentalists who are
committed to improving Planet Earth, will be there. The intention is to gather people from many backgrounds and opinions to celebrate a common desire to live in peace with one another. The rally will feature speakers, musicians and art.
All That Glitters May Be Gold
The Denver Woman’s Press Club’s annual Vintage Jewelry Sale is Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public is invited to come and browse through all the treasures. Treat yourself or pick up gifts from a huge selection of good jewelry, cheap jewelry, stylish and outdated, classic ornamentation and gaudy costume rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. The sale is at 1325 Logan St. All proceeds go to the DWPC scholarship Fund for promising writing and journalism students. More information is at 303-809-2790 or dwpconline.com/dwpc-jewelrysale-last-hurrah.
Clayton Block Party Sept. 7
Clayton Community Days is holding its final block party of the summer on Saturday, Sept. 7. The free family-friendly event runs from noon to 6 p.m. at 3840 York St., in the Clayton neighborhood just west of Park Hill and City Park. Clayton Community Days features live music, food, local vendors and free workshops. Two new murals will be unveiled. A complete schedule is at claytoncommunitydays.com.
continued on page 5
The gargoyle, on the facade of Founders Hall on the Mosaic Community Campus, will welcome its fourth generation of dwellers beginning this month. Photo by Cara DeGette continued on page 4
Scene from last year’s daylong Street Fair at Montview Boulevard and Forest Parkway. File photo by Cara DeGette
Dance competitions are held throughout the day. File photo courtesy of the Denver Art Museum
GPHN Wins 10 awards
on the environment and impacts of global warming.
The Greater Park Hill News has won 10 Colorado Press Association awards for work done in 2023 — eight of them first place winners. The statewide journalism awards were announced on Aug. 24.
The latest honors follow nine awards the Greater Park Hill News received in the Top of the Rockies regional journalism contest earlier this year.
Being recognized for excellence underscores our commitment to providing readers with impactful, compelling and interesting journalism. Congratulations to all the winners in this year’s contests.
Here are our latest awards: First Place Winners
Series or Sustained Coverage: The 2023 Denver Mayor’s Race by Cara DeGette and other contributors.
Still in its post-pandemic funk, 2023 was a pivotal election year in Denver. Homelessness has reached a crisis, the city is increasingly unaffordable and crime has spiked. Fully 17 candidates emerged to replace Michael B. Hancock. Dozens more were vying to win other city races.
We made the decision early to go all-in with sustained coverage of this critical election, providing readers with resources to make informed decisions.
We also placed high importance on an issue that directly impacted our readership: the controversial proposal, also on the ballot, to remove a city-owned conservation easement for massive development of the Park Hill Golf Course. Other news organizations followed our lead, making the issue a top focus of the election. (The developers, Westside Investment Partners, spent $1 million on their losing campaign.)
This entry reflects coverage from January through July, 2023, when a new mayor, Mike Johnston, was sworn in.
Serious Column Writing: Earth In Crisis by Tracey MacDermott
A selection of columns focusing
WHo We are
Editor: Cara DeGette
Manager: Brenda Morrison
Ad Sales: Melissa Davis and Denise Fisher
Art Director: Tommy Kubitsky
how to fIND US
Voicemail: 720-287-0442
Email: newspaper@greaterparkhill.org
Address: 2823 Fairfax St. Denver, 80207
Website: greaterparkhill.org
Facebook: facebook.com/greaterparkhillnews
Twitter: @parkhillnews
CoNtACt US
Story Tips and Letters to the Editor: Cara DeGette:
Advertising
Agriculture Story: American Icon by Reid Neureiter
The news story, with stunning photos, details successful conservation efforts bringing back wild bison from the brink of extinction.
Politics Reporting: The Golden Road To City Hall by Cara DeGette
This news story traced the strong connections that Denver mayors have had to Park Hill for decades.
Sports Story: Lisa! Lisa! Lisa by Reid Neureiter
Story and photos about East High School Athletic Trainer Lisa Smith, who for 19 years has kept the Angels soaring.
Feature Story: The Spooky Season by Rebecca Zimmerman, Cara DeGette, Tommy Kubitsky and Mark Silverstein Story and photos about Halloween in Park Hill, which is not just a day, but a grand, spine-tingling tradition.
Junior Journalist Story: A Year Of Lockdown by Anna Boyle and Elin Lawrence, with supporting columns by Anya Nitczynski and Madeleine Senger.
Anna Boyle and Elin Lawrence reflected on a year of living through deadly gun violence at East High School that mobilized students demanding their voices be heard.
Headline Writing: Lucas Clarke Has Just One Speed (and other headlines) by Cara DeGette.
2nd Place Winners
News Story: Finding Shelter by Cara DeGette
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s mad dash to move 1,000 unhoused people inside by the end of 2023 did not come without critics.
Serious Column Writing: A selection of columns by Cara DeGette about government and leadership.
Check out all of GPHN’s awardwinning stories, columns and photographs for work published in 2023 at this link: greaterparkhill.org/ newspaper-awards-2023.
The Greater Park Hill News is published by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC) on the 1st of each month. Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of GPHC. GPHC does not necessarily endorse the companies, products or services advertised in The Greater Park Hill News unless specifically stated. GPHC reserves the right to run any advertisement.
Circulation is 13,000 and is distributed in the Park Hill Area by neighborhood volunteers.
The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteerbased registered neighborhood organization that: promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill; provides resources, information and advocacy; and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.
All Hail The Grackle
Common Grackles sometimes get a bad rap. They can be noisy, raid the snacks at a patio party and squawk like the dickens. But they are highly intelligent, can recognize and remember individual humans and they also eat annoying wasps and crop-damaging insects. A flock of Grackles is called a “plague.” In the later summer through winter you can see them flying overhead to communal roosts. This Common Grackle was photographed in Belmar Park in Lakewood by Mark Silverstein.
MARCY EASTMAN
White Christian Nationalism: Threatening Our Rights + Beliefs
The Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities is offering three FREE public forums—live, virtual, and recorded for online streaming—to educate neighbors near and far about White Christian Nationalist history, values, political agenda, and threats to our individual rights. WCN has infiltrated elected officials, public policy, systems of justice and democracy, and it endangers our communities.
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church | Main Hall 1980 Dahlia Street | Denver, Colorado 80222
Friday, August 23, 7 p.m. • Friday September 27, 7 p.m. Saturday, October 26, 9 a.m.
www.Montview.org: Live • Virtual • Streaming • YouTube Forum series details:
• Friday, August 23, 7 to 9 p.m., Panel Discussion and Documentary features Rob Reiner’s God and Country; with local faith leaders: Terrance Carroll, Esq. (Ordained American Baptist and first African American Colorado House Speaker); Rabbi Adam Morris, Temple Micah, Denver; The Rev. Terri Hobart, St. Thomas Episcopal, and Rev. Dr. Valerie L. Jackson, Lead Pastor, Park Hill United Methodist Church. Please visit Montview.org to stream the film God and Country and view the panel discussion.
• Friday, September 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m., features guest speaker The Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson, Iliff School of Theology Center for Religion, Culture, and Politics
• Saturday, October 26, 9 to Noon, features guest speaker Dr. Jemar Tisby, historian and New York Times bestselling author of How to Fight Racism and The Color of Compromise Book signing details will be updated online.
This advertisement is funded by the Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities. A member list and further WCN background are at saintthomasdenver.org/white-christian-nationalism
fine kitchens and furniture
As the founder of Keating Woodworks, Geoffrey Keating designs and builds fine kitchens and furniture. He crafts by hand along with a team of talented craftspeople. In the past seventeen years, Keating’s work has been featured on the cover of American Craft, This Old House, and Architectural Digest Germany
Co ntact
We invite you to schedule an appointment to visit the studio and showroom (574) 904 * 9392 geoffrey@keatingwoodworks.com
In all, the community will house 154 families. People were scheduled to begin moving in by the end of August.
The apartments are designed for people whose incomes are between 30 and 60 percent below the Area Median Income (AMI). In Denver, that translates on the low end (30 percent) from a single person earning $27,390, to a family of five earning $42,270. On the high end (60 percent) are individuals earning $54,780, or a family of five earning $84,540.
The new apartments are coming online as Denver is in the midst of a severe affordable housing crunch.
For potential new tenants, Barrett says, the organization prioritized reaching out to people already living or staying close by in Park Hill, East Colfax and other nearby neighborhoods. All of the apartments slated for people living between 30-50 percent have been rented; the remaining available apartments are in the 60 percent AMI range, she said.
Tenants include many people who are working minimum-wage and low-wage jobs, and who are just getting by. On the higher end of the scale, they may include teachers, postal workers, and others who struggle to pay the high cost of Denver’s market rate housing . Some have been living with family or friends, and possibly shelters — or aren’t earning enough to continue to pay market rate prices. Archway, Barrett says, has not received any pushback or complaints from people living in the surrounding neighborhood — which is not always the case when an affordable project moves in.
“Denver’s rising housing costs is something that people are really aware about,” she says. “I feel like people realize and understand. Teachers shouldn’t have to commute hours and hours to get to where they work.”
The Archway apartments are one segment of the Urban Land Conservancy’s vision for what is now called the Mosaic Community Campus.
The 25-acre campus originally opened as the Colorado Women’s College and was later home to the University of Denver Law School. Johnson & Wales, a Rhode Islandbased private college, opened its Denver campus in 2000 and closed in 2021, citing declining enrollment and the need to consolidate.
In addition to Archway, the campus is now home to St. Elizabeth’s School, the Denver School of the Arts and the Kitchen Network, a
shared kitchen that incubates specialty food businesses.
Two other dormitories — Triangolo Hall and Gaebe Hall — were purchased in 2021 by the Denver Housing Authority, also slated for affordable housing. However those two buildings — on the south side of campus — have since sat empty. A plan, unveiled last year, to use those dorms for temporary housing for Venezuelan newcomers, has since been tabled, according to Urban Land Conservancy Chief Operating Officer Aaron Martinez.
The four dorms that Archway Communities purchased are on the north side of campus — closest to Montview Boulevard and Quebec Street. Archway spent two years renovating the buildings, with the assistance of low-income housing credits and historic tax credits.
“Part of the original partnership with Archway and the Urban Land Conservancy was to maintain the history and culture and character of the campus,” says Barrett. “That definitely was important to us, but also from a preservation aspect it made it more cost effective and economic as an organization to be able to do an adaptive reuse of the inside and not have to touch the outside.
“So it was both for practical and historic reasons that we didn’t really want to touch the exterior.”
However, Archway did opt to change the names of their four buildings — all of them to reflect an official Colorado symbol. Here’s the breakdown:
• Founders Hall will now be Bighorn (as in Bighorn sheep, the state animal)
• Presidents Hall is now Lark (named after the state bird, the Lark Bunting)
• Johnson Hall has been renamed Yule (named after the state rock, Yule marble)
• Wales Hall is now Spruce (in honor of the state tree, the Blue Spruce)
Archway is planning a grand opening and community party on campus on Thursday, Oct. 24, with building tours beginning at 3 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Welcome Home, continued from page 1
In addition to a property manager, Archway provides on-site coordinators to help residents navigate everything from food needs to accessing public benefits. A community garden will be planted in what used to be the volleyball court; the former campus bookstore will be the new community meeting space.
Presidents Hall is one of four former dormitories that has been renovated to affordable apartments. It’s been renamed Lark, a nod to Colorado’s state bird, the Lark Bunting. Photo courtesy of Archway Communities
Viewing Common Ground
Saint Thomas Episcopal Church is holding a free screening of the critically acclaimed, star-studded documentary Common Ground on Sunday, Sept. 15. The 90-minute film will be shown at 4 p.m. in the community room at 2201 Dexter St. The film, starring Laura Dern, Rosario Dawson, Donald Glover and Woody Harrelson, details people working on the front lines of the food movement, including white, Black, and Indigenous farmers who are using more healthy, regenerative models of agriculture to balance the climate. Discussion and light snacks follow the film. RSVP on the church website at saintthomasdenver.org.
Seeds of Hope Sept. 6
Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA) is hosting a free opening reception on Friday, Sept. 6 of its new art exhibit, Seeds Of Hope. The interactive exhibit highlights climate change and human impact, and features the work of students ages 6 to 18. DAVA is at 1405 Florence St., one block south of Colfax Avenue in the Aurora Cultural Arts District. The opening reception is from 4 to 9 p.m. and will be on display through Nov. 18. The exhibition is free and open to the public Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit davarts.org.
Taste Of Mayfair Sept. 15
Taste of Mayfair is happening on Sunday, Sept. 15. The event is from noon to 7 p.m. at the Jersey Street
Shoppette on the 900 block of Jersey Street in the Mayfair neighborhood just south of Park Hill. The event is designed to support independent businesses in the Mayfair neighborhood, and includes food, libations, live music and arts and crafts. There is no charge for admittance.
What’s On The Ballot?
The group Indivisible 80238 is hosting a program on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to help voters learn about and understand the numerous issues on Colorado’s November ballot. The program, Be An Informed Voter, is from 4-5:30 p.m. in the Lowry neighborhood, at the Eisenhower Chapel, 293 Roslyn St. It is free and everyone is welcome. State Sen. Chris Hansen will be on hand to explain and answer questions about the ballot issues, several of which could have huge consequences for funding for public and higher education.
Open Studio Tour Oct. 19-20
The annual Park Hill Artists Open Studio Tour is happening Saturday and Sunday the weekend of Oct. 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ten studios and 23 artists will be participating this year. A variety of fine art and fine craft will be displayed including painting, blown glass, ceramic art, woodworking, jewelry, candles and soap. It’s a great chance to visit many Park Hill-based artists in their working spaces. Check out next month’s issue for details. Brochures with locations of participating artists will also be at the Art Garage, 6100 E. 23rd Ave.
JAAMM All Fall
The 17th season of the Neustadt Jewish Arts, Authors, Movies and Music Festival kicks off on Sept. 2 with an end-of-summer concert featuring musician Nani Vazana. The three-month festival features multiple events focused on arts and culture and culminates with a Nov. 14 presentation by author and speaker Aimee Ginsburg Bikel. Other planned events include a book sale, musical performances, film screenings and a fall family concert. The events will be held in various venues in and around Denver and ticket prices vary. Check out jccdenver.org/ jaamm for the complete schedule and ticket information.
Oct. 13 Fall Fest At Axum Park
The third annual Park Hill Community Fall Festival is Sunday, Oct. 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The free, familyfriendly event is at City of Axum Park, at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Birch Street and features free food, face painting, bubbles, games and more. The event celebrates the 275 volunteer blockworkers who deliver the Greater Park Hill News, connects neighbors with neighbors, and promotes a healthy community Everyone is welcome. The Fall Fest is presented by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc, and sponsored by Be Well, the AMP-athy Project and Denver Councilwoman Shontel Lewis. For more information call 303-388-0918.
Poster for the documentary Common Ground.
DAVA student working on pollinators. Photo courtesy of DAVA
Face painting and bubbles at last year’s Park Hill Fall Festival. File photo by Cara DeGette
Hot off The Press
Rain Or Shine, Sheldon Sidney Gets The News Out
by Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN
Sheldon Sidney is a true Park Hill girl. In her 39 years, she has lived in homes at 35th and Forest, at 40th and Albion, and at 35th and Bellaire. Sidney’s parents also grew up in the area — her dad attended Smith and Stedman elementary schools and graduated from East High School. Her mom, who grew up in the Clayton neighborhood, went to Manual.
Now she’s got a family of her own, including her husband Rick, three kids and dogs Mary Todd Lincoln (MTL) and Cosmo. Their three children are following in the Stedman tradition, but sadly the family has been priced out of actually living in neighborhood they love so much — at least for now.
But there’s no keeping Park Hill out of Sidney. In addition to being a Stedman mom, a year ago she became the delivery driver for the Greater Park Hill News. It’s a big job. Every month she is in charge of delivering bundles of newspapers — 13,000 in all — to businesses in and around the neighborhood.
She also drops off stacks of papers to 275 volunteer blockworkers, who then deliver the newspapers to their neighbors all over Park Hill. And, she does it in just a few days — remember, it’s a newspaper. That means you gotta move fast
So here’s a bit more about Sidney.
Greater Park Hill News: What is your best Park Hill story? Sheldon Sidney: This is a tough one because I have so many cherished memories of Park Hill. Honestly, I think it’s the memories and the deep connections my family has with the area that mean the most to me. I love that my kids have grown up walking the same paths my parents did, attending a school that provides them with a safe place to explore, a wonderful community to be part of, and a dual language edu-
cation — an experience I wish I had growing up. I cherish the constant reminders of where my journey to adulthood began at Machebeuf High School (now part of Blessed Sacrament), like the memories of overnight lock-ins, eating lunch on the front lawn and posing on the front steps for class and sports photos. There’s something indescribable about showing my kids the house where they were born or the familiar feeling I get when driving down a street from my past. I hope to keep creating these kinds of memories for years to come.
GPHN: You don’t actually live in Park Hill right now. What would it take for you to come back?
Sidney: We absolutely loved living in Park Hill and would have stayed for the foreseeable future, but the house we were renting became too small for our growing family, and we couldn’t afford to stay in the neighborhood. After the birth of our third child, we made the tough decision to move out of Park Hill. Although we no longer live in the neighborhood, we remain very active in the community, and Park Hill will always hold a special place in our hearts. We hope to return one day.
GPHN: Why do you deliver the Greater Park Hill News?
Sidney: After starting our family, I decided to become a full-time stayat-home mom. During that time, I also nannied for families in the neighborhood and took on various side gigs to help with finances and provide social interaction for my young children. However, when the pandemic hit, everything changed. With families working from home, remote learning, and a newborn to care for, my work opportunities became limited. I considered returning to my previous job as a medical receptionist, but the 9-5 schedule didn’t fit our needs, and working just to cover childcare costs didn’t make
sense for us. I stay active in Facebook and social media groups, always open to new opportunities. One day, I saw that the newspaper was looking for help delivering papers, and it seemed like a perfect fit. The job’s flexibility allows me to work around my family’s schedule, and I could even bring my toddler along. The rest is history.
GPHN: What’s your favorite feature or recent story in the newspaper, and why?
Sidney: We love holidays and spe-
cial-themed activities, so we always look forward to the various events and celebrations in the community.
GPHN: Tell us about an inspiring/uplifting/amusing episode that you’ve encountered since you started delivering the paper.
Sidney: I really enjoy getting out and about, spending time with friends, and meeting new people in the area. It always brightens my day when a neighbor greets me with a wave or a quick hello.
Interview and photos
Sheldon Sidney, gearing up to deliver bundles of Greater Park Hill News papers to blockworkers and businesses all over the neighborhood.
Sidney’s trusty assistant peers over the stacks from the back seat.
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is consulting the people of the Greater Denver Metro
on whether to lead a local trauma research study to investigate a blood clotting agent as a treatment for trauma patients who are
Bleeding out is the most common cause of preventable death after injury. Researchers at CU Anschutz are asking for community input on whether they should participate in an international study. The study will see if a blood clotting drug, given soon after arrival in the emergency department, can improve survival.
Kcentra® (or 4-factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrate) is a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug and is currently used to reverse the effects of medications given to “thin” the blood, for patients who experience bleeding and/or require surgery.
The Trauma and Prothrombin Complex Concentrate or TAP Trial will evaluate the effectiveness of Kcentra®, in addition to all standard care, in injured patients predicted to require a large volume blood transfusion. “There is evidence that Kcentra® may reduce the chance of dying in injured patients who are not on blood-thinning medications,” explains Dr. Michael Cripps, a trauma surgeon at the University of Colorado Department of Surgery.
“The standard treatment of injured patients who are bleeding involves the transfusion of different types of blood products, as well as the use of medications to help the blood clot better, along with surgery to stop the bleeding. But even with these treatments up to 30% of patients suffering from a serious traumatic injury die,” said Dr. Michael Cripps. “Finding a way to improve that survival rate is our highest priority here at CU Anschutz.”
Patients in this study will have suffered a serious and potentially life-threatening injury, causing significant blood loss, and requiring immediate lifesaving interventions. These types of injuries occur unexpectedly, and it will not be possible for most people to sign up to participate ahead of time. Most patients will be unconscious, unable to speak or hear, and too sick to consent to immediate treatment, or participation in the study. If the community feedback is positive and an independent review board (IRB) approves the study at CU Anschutz, then the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus will participate in this trial. Community members who do not want to participate can request a bracelet indicating this. If feasible, doctors will consent to patients who fit the study criteria. If consent is not feasible, patients who fit the criteria will be automatically enrolled without their individual consent if they are not wearing an opt-out bracelet.
The TAP trial will be conducted in about 120 leading trauma centers in several countries and will include 8,000 patients, making it the second-largest trauma trial ever conducted. The trial will begin between early 2023 and last until 2026, and is funded by CSL Behring, a global biotherapeutics leader which makes PCC.
“The results of this study have the potential to change the way trauma patients are treated,” said Dr. Michael Cripps. “If we can determine that Kcentra® is safe and effective for trauma patients, we can transform the standard of care for bleeding trauma patients and save thousands of lives.”
The researchers are asking for feedback from CU Anschutz community about this study to help determine whether the community wants us to participate in this study. Please consider completing a very brief anonymous survey hosted by the local study site To complete the anonymous survey on your thoughts about this exception from informed consent study, please go to: uab.edu/medicine/cis/tap-trial-at-colorado.
The Sizzling Season
By Tracey MacDermott
For the GPHN
This election season is already shaping up to make history — or herstory. There are many issues facing voters — from inflation and food prices to immigration and healthcare. All are critical, and how they rank in importance ranges greatly depending on political party.
And then there’s the climate crisis. If climate change has your mind buzzing, this election will be critical on how the United States may lead (or not) on solving our most important crisis — one in which future generations are counting on all of us to get right.
Let’s consider our options.
When he was in office, Donald Trump implemented his “America First Energy Plan” to expand fossil fuel production and uplift the coal industry — two industries tied to climate change.
In 2021, the New York Times reported that more than 100 environmental rules were reversed under Trump. These included protections of wildlife, weakening limits on planet-warming carbon dioxide emissions from cars and trucks, and removing protections from wetlands.
These were just a few. Trump’s Supreme Court appointments have issued rulings weakening the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to limit pollution in air and water, as well as reducing greenhouse gases (GHG).
Would a second Trump term be any different? He has already promised to repeal regulations that are intended to cut GHG’s and limit the government’s ability to fight climate change. Project 2025 — billed as a policy “wish list” for the next Republican president — would literally kill climate legislation, putting our planet on a path of peril. Both Project 2025 and Trump’s running mate call for opening up America’s “energy resources.”
Speaking of running mates, what about JD Vance? Safe to say he is fully on board with Trump’s rallying cry of “drill, baby, drill.” (Vance also has also got some interesting — putting it politely — positions on samesex marriage, guns and childless cat ladies.) Both Trump and Vance want to end the Inflation Reduction Act, a critical piece of bipartisan legislation considered one of the largest proclimate bills ever.
Vance sponsored Senate Bill 2962, the Drive American Act, which repeals federal tax credits for electric
vehicles and offers tax credits for gas-powered US made vehicles. The Front Range has suffered from dangerous ozone, pollution, and poor air quality. Encouraging tax credits to gas vehicles is not a solution for our bad air.
Now let’s consider Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.
Harris’ record on the climate, including going after polluters, began while she was district attorney and has continued throughout her political career. She created one of the first environmental justice units in the United States. While in the Senate, she was a co-sponsor of the Green New Deal. She delivered on a Greenhouse Reduction fund, which aids disadvantaged communities and helped champion the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
She has also been a stalwart advocate for disadvantaged communities, and a critic of policies that have created a history of environmental racism. At an appearance in Pennsylvania Harris was asked what the federal government can do to combat climate change. Her response, highlighting how climate change is a threat to us as a species, was on target. It’s no surprise her campaign has been endorsed by leading envi-
ronmental organizations. She also picked a running mate who is also a climate champion. Tim Walz was not always at the forefront of this crisis, however as governor of Minnesota has emerged as a leader and a true advocate for Mother Earth. He signed over 40 climate initiatives on Earth Day. Among many other pro-climate pieces of legislation, he signed the law requiring all power plants in his state to use 100 percent renewable energy by 2040. Walz, you could say, is a bundle of renewable energy.
November will be here soon. This campaign season is already a whirlwind. Do your research, act in the best interest of our planet — and please show up to vote.
Tracey MacDermott is an at-large board member of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017 and is the group’s Denver Metro Chapter Chair. She also chairs the Sustainability Committee for the Business and Professional Women of Colorado and the National Federation for Business and Professional Women. Email her at traceymacdermott@gmail.com
Where Batteries Go To Die
By Mark Kuhl For the GPHN
Call2Recycle is a comprehensive nationwide rechargeable battery recycling program funded by the nonprofit Rechargeable Battery Recycling Company. Since 1994 Call2Recycle has built a network of more than 30,000 battery drop-off locations, which can be found at their website Call2Recycle.org. The rechargeable battery drop-off that is closest to Park Hill is the Home Depot at 3870 Quebec St. Most other Home Depots and Lowes will also take your rechargeable batteries for recycling. Bring your dead single-
use alkaline batteries to Staples in Glendale, at 870 S. Colorado Blvd. Several years down the road when your eBike battery dies, check out Calll2Recycle as they’re collaborating with the industry to build out an eBike battery recycling program.
Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling household items appear every month in these pages. A directory of his past columns for recycling everything from paint to Styrofoam to shoes is at greaterparkhill.org/ sustainability/recycling-directory/.
old Computers And Paint, Be Gone!
Staff Report
For the GPHN
Get rid of your old electronics and paint on Sunday, Sept. 22. For free. Yes, for free.
PCs for People is hosting a free electronics recycling event, from noon to 4 p.m. Drop off your no-longer-wanted electronics at the parking lot of Park Hill United Methodist Church, at 5209 Montview Blvd. Everything from computers and accessories, home entertainment equipment, service and data centers, mobile devices, and office items will be accepted and recycled for free. (CRT TVs, household appliances, light bulbs and fixtures cannot be accepted.)
You are also welcome to drop off aluminum cans (preferably crushed). These will be taken to a recycler for cash. Proceeds will be used to fund
future green initiatives in Park Hill. Also on Sunday, Sept. 22, volunteers from Green Sheen will be driving around Park Hill picking up unused cans of paint (five gallons or less) at no charge. To schedule a residential pick-up, call Green Sheen at 720-854-8722.
Latex paint, oil paint, stains, shellacs, lacquers, sealers, varnishes, urethanes and textured coatings will all be accepted. Green Sheen cannot take aerosol paint, paint thinner, solvents, cleaning agents, drywall mud, roof tar or hazardous waste. Register to participate in either or both programs at least 48 hours in advance at tinyurl.com/RecycleYourIT. For more info text or call Jacqui Shumway at 303-725-7482. The event is sponsored by Park Hill UMC Green Team, and the Sustainability and Volunteers committees of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
2636 Fairfax Street
Homeowners: Maureen and Richard Pearson
Maureen and Richard Pearson moved into their 1929 Tudor home in 2022. Although it had been updated by the previous owners — and the Pearsons appreciated the blend of historic charm and modern updates — they embarked on a series of thoughtful renovations that better suited their lifestyle.
One of the couple’s first projects was tackling the main floor bathroom, which embraces a whimsical mermaid theme. This playful design brings a touch of enchantment to the space, making it a favorite spot in the house.
Equal deliberation was also given to maintaining the original woodwork trim around the doorways and windows, as well as the hardwood floors. The original wood-
4635 E. 18th Avenue
Homeowners: Andy and Katie Macfarlane
burning stove in the living room alcove is one of the most notable and unique elements to this era of home. The renovations resulted in a splendid designer kitchen, which is a chef’s dream in terms of its functionality and visually stunning elements, including an arch over the six-burner stove that mimics the home’s original details. The collection of brass cookware is accentuated by dark cabinets and beautiful glass backsplash.
The couple opened the kitchen to the dining room with another archway to create a seamless flow between the living room, dining room and kitchen. It’s a design component that adds a degree of expansiveness and old-world European elegance.
The hardwood floors throughout the main floor transition beautifully to check
Welcome to Andy and Katie Macfarlane’s delightful 1919 bungalow, beautifully transformed into a contemporary farmhouse situated on a lush one-half acre plot in the heart of Park Hill.
Their journey to create their ideal urban respite began in 2019 when they acquired additional land from a neighbor, a stroke of luck that evolved into an expansive yard for their three kids. The professionally landscaped oasis features areas for play, entertainment and relaxation; it’s no wonder the yard is their favorite year-round space.
The most significant transformation occurred in 2023. Andy, leveraging his architectural background, began envisioning and designing their dream home with the goal of whisking the contemporary farmhouse style with the bungalow’s existing appeal. With a focus on crafting inviting and functional spaces conducive to entertaining, the renovation included a second story addition, a wrap-around porch, enlarging the kitchen and remodeling the basement. The project took approximately 18 months to complete.
The dining room flaunts the home’s original crown molding, which is now complemented by elegant wainscoting, while the living room’s coffered ceiling reflects the home’s early
print-stained wood in the kitchen and pantry, adding a touch of fancifulness and charm. Two standout elements are an impressive antique kitchen island and a built-in ban-
20th-century roots. Former main floor bedrooms were repurposed into a spacious butler’s pantry, and the original tiny galley kitchen was transformed into a culinary marvel, complete with two islands.
To meet the practical needs of a growing family, the Macfarlanes extended the exterior walls to create an additional main floor bedroom and a must-have mudroom. The primary bedroom suite, remodeled in 2019, offers a luxurious retreat with an ensuite bathroom. The second-story addition boasts vaulted ceilings, creating light and spaciousness, coupled with beams wrapped in repurposed barn wood dating to the late 1800s. The addition also includes a family room and two ensuite bedrooms/baths, providing ample space for everyone.
Exuding an exemplary blend of historic beauty and modern amenities, the Macfarlanes created a home in harmony with the neighborhood’s character while updating it to reflect today’s expectations.
quette in the dining room. The culmination of the Pearson’s projects resulted in a gorgeous sanctuary that’s an absolute dream home
Park Hill Home toUR 2024
Five Spectacular Homes To Be Featured In The 46th Annual Neighborhood Event Home Descriptions by Blair Taylor, Mary Salsich and Lori Midson Renderings by Marc Applebaum Photos by Cara DeGette
This year’s Park Hill Home Tour and Street Fair is Sunday, Sept. 29. Five homes are on this year’s tour, showcasing historic charm, modern updates and exquisite details. Here is a sneak preview of the homes on the tour. (Tickets are available at parkhillhometour. org. Check out page 13 for more information about the Home Tour and daylong free Street Fair.)
2009 Hudson Street
Homeowner: Howard Hilliard
Renovating former Denver mayor Richard Batterton’s 1911 Arts and Crafts mansion took five years of meticulous and historically informed renovation and restoration planning to bring it back to the grace of the early 20th century.
As you approach the large blonde brick residence, you’re met with large pine trees that bookend this massive property. The front door, resurrected from an 1890s Connecticut home, is crafted from quarter-sawn oak and beveled glass and punctuated with a hand-hammered doorknob. Guests are greeted with a sitting room walled with a symphony of quarter-sawn oak cabinetry surrounding a fireplace dotted with handmade Motawi art tiles.
Owner Howard Hilliard rescued and repurposed a pew from the nowdemolished Park Hill Orthodox Presbyterian Church to create a built-in sitting area. The custom-framed artwork is hung using original picture rails.
The sizable living room, bedecked with high ceilings, oak columns and large arched windows, is a multipurpose space that accommodates large gatherings and doubles as a theater room, complete with blackout blinds and stadium lighting, for movie screenings.
Hilliard’s kitchen, while updated with discreetly integrated modern appliances, maintains a vintage feel and is adjoined to a butler’s pantry (with glass-fronted upper cabinets). The formal dining room showcases historic Bradbury wallpaper framed by oak chair-rail battens.
The second-floor conservatory is notable for its vaulted ceiling ringed with a Bradbury wallpaper frieze. An additional loft area, accessible by a vintage Putnam rolling ladder refurbished from an Upstate New York telephone exchange, is magnificent. A William Morris-designed tapestry spanning the length of the room depicts woodland animals reminiscent of Sherwood Forest.
Throughout the mansion, Howard’s extraordinary attention to detail is evident. From the turnof-the-century Van Erp copper, mica chandelier and sconce reproductions to historic stained-glass transoms and ceiling lights and period-appropriate artwork and décor, this home is a sight to behold.
1776 Leyden Street
Homeowners: Kallista Hammer and Peter Junek
This beautifully designed, one-of-a-kind “Pink House” is encapsulated in elegance and grandeur, beginning with the home’s eye-catching Italian Renaissance Revival architecture.
Inspired by Jacques Benedict, the newly-built home’s exterior is characterized by its pink stucco and symmetrical proportions, arched windows and doorways and prominent roofline.
A blue-hued foyer welcomes guests to the home, while velvet curtains create ambient historical opulence and artwork pays homage to the owners’ King Charles spaniels. A sweeping living room ballyhoos high ceilings adorned with a hand-carved wooden mirror and magnificent chandelier. The grand staircase is carpeted with a custom-designed bird runner and displays a wrought iron balustrade.
The dining room, designed to host lavish dinners, showcases a long wooden dining table, crystal chandelier and adjacent butler pantry. Many of the walls throughout the home are embellished with striking wallpaper embossed with palm leaves or tigers, a nod to the Far East.
2037 Krameria Street
Homeowners: Sheri Jacobs and Jonathan Blackburn
Homeowners Sheri Jacobs and Jonathan Blackburn modified their 1920s Tudor, keeping its historic details while adding space and present-day amenities. Their renovation journey began in 2023 and concluded in a stunning open concept living space that retains the essence of its original architecture.
The couple completely renovated the main floor. The original vestibule and fireplace alcove walls were eliminated to make the fireplace a centerpiece of the living room. Additional walls were removed to expand the primary gathering space into a massive living, dining and kitchen area.
The grand expanse now features an inviting, kitchen (the heart of the home) designed for both a dedicated cook and creative woodworker. The kitchen boasts custom walnut cabinetry, hand-painted backsplash tiles and a built-in coffee bar — all designed and built by Jonathan. The hand-painted tiles bordering the fireplace add a touch of artistry and continuity to the home’s redesign.
The original primary bedroom on the main floor was repurposed into a dual office and guest room with a custom-made Murphy bed. Jacobs and Blackburn also carved out space for a powder room with eye-candy wallpaper, selected with the help of their interior designer.
They added a second floor, including a new master suite and a second bedroom/workout room. The primary bath features heated floors and an enormous built-in closet that spans the entire width of the house.
Throughout the home, the homeowners preserved and emulated the original arched details from the front door, adding period-specific elements including push-button light switches covered with Mission-style plates. The homeowners love that these details honor the home’s history while enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
The walls, graced with professional wildlife photography by Sheri, showcase stunning images from Africa, Antarctica, Costa Rica and Colorado. Each piece adds a personal and global touch, stamping this home with personality.
Modern conveniences, coupled with Renaissance aesthetics, outfit the kitchen. Along with quartz countertops, custom-built cabinets and a large central island, the kitchen’s focal point is the pair of pantry doors. They were hand carved in Jaipur, India from mango wood and overlaid with hand-hammered brass.
The primary bedroom, painted pink, is bolstered by a large five-piece bathroom that runs the length of the home and includes a sitting area with plush armchairs and built-in shelves displaying an array of books.
Meticulously chosen furnishings and artwork reflect the elegance and craftsmanship of the Renaissance period. Upholstery and draperies favor velvet, while the home’s gilded fixtures, tapestry material and sculptural artwork add to the home’s opulence and culturally refined style.
In essence, this awe-inspiring home seamlessly blends historical significance with contemporary design, resulting in a luxurious and evocative living environment inspired by the art and architecture of Renaissance Italy.
we Stand United against Hate
White Christian Nationalism Is A Threat To Our Democracy. Join The Colorado Coalition Of Faith Communities To Learn More
By The Rev. Terri Hobart and The Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities
In response to the divisiveness and misinformation that is spreading during this election season, the Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities is compelled to renounce the message of White Christian Nationalism and reaffirm the Christian values of love, peace and inclusion, as well as justice and dignity for all.
We believe that every person — regardless of the color of their skin, where they were born, the language they speak, or whom they love — is created in the image of God. Our faith calls us to embrace diversity, welcome the stranger, care for the marginalized, and work tirelessly for a just and inclusive society where all people can thrive. We know that diversity makes us stronger.
color, women, LBGTQ+ community, those of other faith traditions, as well as those who do not belong to a faith community.
White Christian Nationalists believe that white, Anglo, Protestant men should be the power center of America’s cultural identity and political leadership. Their beliefs are contrary to the Christian values of love and inclusivity.
Our Coalition of Faith Communities believes in a pluralistic democracy, where the inherent rights of all should be recognized. We call all Americans to join in protecting and enforcing the separation of church and state.
We believe that every person — regardless of the color of their skin, where they were born, the language they speak, or whom they love — is created in the image of God.
This fall, the Coalition is offering three public forums — live, virtual, and all of them recorded — to educate neighbors near and far about the history, values, political agenda, and threats by White Christian Nationalism to our individual rights.
by a Denver theologian with expertise in religion, politics, and rhetoric, and a talk by a New York Times bestselling historian and author of How to Fight Racism and The Color of Compromise
The first event was held on Aug. 23. The remaining two events will be held in the Main Hall of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church at 1980 Dahlia St., and will be accessible online at Montview.org. All of the events are free.
• The Aug. 23 event was a screening of Rob Reiner’s documentary God and Country, followed by a panel discussion with these local faith leaders: Terrance Carroll, Esq., Rabbi Adam Morris, The Rev. Terri Hobart and Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson. (Visit Montview.org to stream the film God and Country and watch a recording of the forum.)
The three forums are co-sponsored by Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Park Hill United Methodist Church, Park Hill Congregational UCC, Temple Micah, The Denver Presbytery, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, Colorado; The Episcopal Church of Colorado; Together Colorado, Colorado Council of Churches, United Church of Christ, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and Episcopal Church of the Holy Redeemer.
For a list of Coalition members, a fact sheet, and countering the threat of White Christian Nationalism, visit tinyurl.com/WCN-Facts.
Together, let us stand united in our faith and commitment to justice, working towards a society that reflects the true teachings of Jesus: love, inclusivity, and respecting the dignity of all.
The Rev. Terri Hobart is Rector at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Park Hill. The Rev. Dr. Valerie Jackson is Lead Pastor of Park Hill United Methodist Church. This op/ed was signed by 38 other clergy and members of the Colorado Coalition of Faith Communities.
W hite Christian Nationalism is a political ideology that distorts gospel teachings to promote a political agenda. The values espoused by White Christian Nationalists are an affront to the teachings of Jesus and a threat to our democracy, people on the margins, immigrants, people of
Each forum addresses how White Christian Nationalism has infiltrated elected officials, public policy, systems of justice and democracy, and how it endangers our communities. The series includes a documentary and panel discussion, a presentation
• Friday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. — Guest speaker is The Rev. Dr. Amanda Henderson of the Iliff School of Theology Center for Religion, Culture and Politics.
• Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon — Guest speaker is author and historian Dr. Jemar Tisby.
Editor’s note: We welcome guest opinion columns, as well as letters to the editor, and give preference to those that address current issues and topics that are Park Hill or Denverspecific. Submissions should be sent to editor@greaterparkhill. org. Deadlines are the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.
Your neighbor with vast experience buying & selling historic Park Hill properties. Simply scan the QR code and receive a FREE home value analysis!
Rev. Terri HobartRev. Dr. Valerie Jackson
bungalow transformed into a large contemporary farmhouse; a 1920s Tudor modernized with custom touches; and a new home that has been crafted to capture the elegance and grandeur of the Italian Renaissance period.
Ticket-holders gain access to visit and tour the featured homes, and see the creativity of the owners and designers on display.
See pages 10-11 for photos, renderings and sneak previews of the featured homes on this year’s tour.
Tickets are $30 in advance for
adults and $25 in advance for seniors (65-plus). Prices for all tickets increase to $35 on the day of. Proceeds from the sales support the programs, initiatives and work of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., a registered neighborhood organization. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit parkhillhometour.org. You can also purchase tickets at the following local businesses: Cake Crumbs, Spinelli’s Market, Mayfair Liquors and Torpedo Coffee.
Also on Sept. 29, the daylong free Park Hill Street Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. along the parkway at Forest and Montview. Stop by to say hey to your neighbors, grab a bite from one of the many food trucks and have a cold, refreshing beverage.
There more than 80 booths — artisans selling their wares and local groups highlighting the work they are doing.
There are plenty of activities for kids, and live music all day. The always-popular sustainability zone includes multiple planet-loving experts who highlight various ways people can reduce their ecological footprint — from beekeeping to composting, bicycling to public transit.
Visit Stanley —
Face painting in progress at last year’s Street Fair. File photo by Cara DeGette
racing across america
6 Days, 6 Hours, 43 Minutes. Cyclists Lucas Clarke And Colin O’Brady Tag-Team Their Way To A World Record
By Reid Neureiter For the GPHN
Many eyes were on Paris last month watching astonishing feats of Olympic athleticism.
But earlier this summer, Park Hill cyclist Lucas Clarke was focused on another life goal: breaking a world record with his childhood friend, Colin O’Brady. The two men targeted a cycling record—to be the fastest two-person team to ride bicycles across the United States, from the Pacific to the Atlantic — in the famous Race Across America (RAAM).
Beating the world record meant riding more than 3,000 miles in just over six days, 24 hours a day, in a tag-team struggle, with one man riding while the other was sleeping and eating. The effort took a year of intensive physical and mental training. Not to mention, planning, balancing jobs, family schedules and all the other life priorities.
Clarke’s latest feat comes a year after he won two separate extra-
grueling gravel bicycle races — the 200-mile Unbound Gravel and the 142-mile Steamboat Gravel Race.
O’Brady is an endurance athlete and two-time Everest summiteer. The two have been friends since first grade in Portland, Oregon. They called their team “Sub-6” –with the goal of covering the course in under six days. The race started around the time of the summer solstice in mid-June, to maximize the hours of daylight for the endurance athletes.
Clarke spoke to the Greater Park Hill News about his world-record ride.
NE DENVER'S ORIGINAL INDOOR ROCK
CLIMBING CRAG
CLIMBING, YOGA, AND FITNESS FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY!
Greater Park Hill News: Exactly how far was the RAAM race, from where to where?
Lucas Clarke: The race has been going on for 43 years. It starts in Oceanside, California and this year it ended in Atlantic City, New Jersey — 3,064 miles covering 13 states and cutting across the country diagonally.
GPHN: You have said that the effort involved a whole team of people supporting you. How did it work?
LC: We had a crew of 15 people total, including Colin and myself. The main roles were; drivers, navigators, physical therapists/chiropractors, photographer/videographer, RV support, and our race director/ coach. The team was spread across three different vehicles: a 33-foot RV that served as our race HQ and sleeping quarters for the crew, and two 15-passenger vans that we heavily modified, adding beds, hanging organizers, coolers, etc. The vans directly followed each rider when we were riding, keeping us safe as well as providing moral support.
GPHN: Describe the actual logistics of the record-setting effort.
LC: From rider pacing to transitions to crew care, food, and nutrition, it is a rolling circus of problemsolving, with everyone on the team pitching in to have a successful race. Colin and I had shifts ranging in time from 90 minutes to two hours depending on terrain, possible transition points, weather, and pace.
GPHN: What is the calorie intake/ fueling required for such an effort?
LC: A lot of our calorie intake was happening on the bike — bottles with carb and electrolyte combinations, gels, and bars. Then when we were in the vans we would be eating small “meals” to stay consistent with consuming solid foods, like small burritos, PB&J sandwiches, rice and pasta. We were also drinking protein shakes and the vitamin-rich super greens drink, AG1.
GPHN: What were the most difficult points and what particular big (or biggest) challenge did you have to overcome? Weather? Wind? Temperatures? Trucks?
LC: Oh man, there were so many little things to overcome, from the van getting a flat tire to 110-degree
temps in eastern California and Western Arizona to the 25-30 mph crosswinds in Eastern Colorado and all of Kansas. We also were riding on some very sketchy roads/highways with 18-wheelers buzzing the follow van and us as riders, dodging debris in the road, potholes at night, and animals running in front of us. I bunny-hopped a possum at one point. We were joking around that Race Across America is 3,064 miles and there were 3,064 problems/obstacles to overcome to get this world record.
GPHN: Were there particular locations or parts of the country that were particularly memorable for you?
LC: One of the incredible things about Race Across America is you get to see and experience so many beautiful parts of our country. Monument Valley at sunset absolutely blew my mind. It felt like a magical, out-of-body experience. I also had one morning riding into the sunrise in Kansas that embodied the beauty of the American West for me. There was corn for as far as the eye could see, not a single car on the road except for us, and a massive threemile long double stacked train slowly making its way to a grain silo in the distance, the sky lit up in purple, orange and red as the sun crested the horizon. It was unbelievable.
GPHN: Your aspirational goal was under six days, which you almost accomplished. But you got the record. Exactly how long did the journey take and what was your average speed?
LC: Yes, our primary goal was to break the record, which we did. Our time was six days, six hours and 43 minutes. We averaged 20.33 mph and the previous record average was 19.85 mph. We broke the record by roughly five hours, so when we finished the previous record holders from 2019 would have been 120 miles behind us.
GPHN: What kind of reception did you get from folks as you crossed the country? Did people know what you were doing?
LC: We have a great network of sponsors, friends, family and social media followers. During race week, Ali, our video/photo wizard
Lucas Clarke (right) and Colin O’Brady celebrate after crossing the RAAM finish line in Atlantic City. Photo by Ali Rogers
was posting videos and photos at a breakneck pace, which amplified our reach. We got thousands of people reaching out and hundreds of thousands of people following along. It was so uplifting to read comments from friends as well as strangers sending us positive vibes as we raced across America.
GPHN: Was there ever a point where you thought “this is just too hard” and considered giving up?
LC: There were many moments where the journey was tough but I never felt like I wanted to give up. There were moments where I wanted to stop riding for a short period of time but then I realized, I only needed to ride 30 or 40 more minutes, and then my shift was done and Colin would take over. We decided before the race that no matter what, no matter how hard it got we were never giving up, we were riding for each other, we were riding for our
team, we were riding for the friends and family that had supported us over the last year and for our sponsors and supporters.
GPHN: Describe the feeling you and Colin shared as you crossed the finish line in Atlantic City.
LC: It was a moment of pure joy, fulfillment, and accomplishment. We rode into the arms of the whole crew, screamed, cried, hugged, and looked in each other’s eyes. We did it! We are world record holders. It was an incredible feeling that I will carry for the rest of my life.
I would also like to add a huge “thank you” to my wife Lindsay, my kids and my family for believing in me and allowing me the time and space to pursue this adventure and make this world record a reality.
Note: Last year’s story about Lucas Clarke’s gravel-racing cycling wins can be read at greaterparkhill.org/lucasclarke-has-just-one-speed.
or visit isdenver.org to register for our open house November 12!
Lucas Clarke crosses the desert southwest on the way to breaking the two-person record for crossing the United States. Photo by Ali Rogers
THE URBAN FARM PRESENTS
OCTOBER 5, 2024
o pen Book | op I n I on Hits and misses
The Summer Olympics In Paris Was Filled With Triumphs And Inspiration — And A Few
By Anya Nitczynski For the GPHN
Bellyflops
I am a normal-amount-of-patriotic a vast majority of the time, but there are two exceptions.
The first is the annual Park Hill Fourth of July parade (you probably purchased lemonade from me along the parade route at some point over the years). The second is the Olympics. When one of these two exceptions occurs, I am Uncle Sam. I am Betsy Ross. I am George Washington leading our troops across the Delaware River.
So naturally, this year’s Paris Olympics saw me at my most patriotic, as well as my most competitive. Here is my non-comprehensive list of hits and misses from the 2024 summer Olympics.
HIT: Winning
The 35-medal disparity between the United States’ overall medal count of 126 and runner-up China’s total medal count of 91 is almost ridiculous.
MISS: Losing
Every time that I remember not everybody from every country can win a medal, my heart sinks a little bit.
HIT: Heartwarming Moments
The best parts of the Olympics come with some sort of triumphant story and a fantastic role model. The performance of Simone Biles after having to drop out of the last Olympics and her honesty about what went into making that tough
decision, the dominance of Katie Ledecky in the water, paired with her humble attitude, and Sha’carri Richardson’s unapologetic determination and skill will inspire young people for generations to come.
MISS: Blah Blah Blah
Hear me as a fellow opinion-haver, X users, as I plead for you to quiet down on the nonsensical discourse before I lose my mind. A small number of people blowing things out of proportion and running with unchecked facts all the way to the presses ended up crowding my social media feed over the course of the games. I could barely hear my heartwarming moments over all the fuss about nonexistent transgender boxers and disrespecting a no-longerexistent monarchy. Isn’t the point of the Olympics that politics are set aside for the sake of fun and sportsmanship? Buying into these stories snuffs the Olympic flame. This is a symptom of a much larger problem in the world of truth.
HIT: The Overall Games
While fake facts and the concept of people having to lose dampened my spirits occasionally, it is important for worldwide audiences to see the kind of unity that only sporting can bring to the global stage. I love to feel inspired. I love to be the winner. I love America.
Anya Nitczynski is a senior at Denver School of the Arts. Her column appears regularly in these pages.
Phil Goodstein’s Denver
Historian, author and Park Hill native Phil Goodstein is hosting a number of his always-informative, sometimesshocking Denver walking tours in September. Goodstein will also be at the Park Hill Street Fair on Sunday, Sept. 29 at Montview and Forest Parkway. He can be reached at philgoodstein@gmail. com, 303-333-1095.
Golden Hill
ticipants may tip the guide as they wish.
Rose Hill
Sunday, September 15, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Rose Hill, at 62nd Avenue and Oneida Street in the middle of Commerce City, is Denver’s oldest active Jewish burial grounds. Gather to the north of the administration building next to the main entrance. Cost is $20 per person. The Ghosts of Cheesman Park
Sunday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
A seemingly forgotten traditional Jewish cemetery, Golden Hill, is at the south corner of West Colfax and Union Street. The walk gathers at the gazebo. Cost is $20 per person.
Globeville
Saturday, Sept. 14, noon–1 p.m.
Gather by the swimming pool in Argo Park on 47th Avenue between Logan and Pennsylvania streets. This is a free tour. Par-
Sunday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Cheesman Park used to be a cemetery. Come find out where the bodies were buried. Meet at the entrance at 9th Avenue and Race Street. Cost is $20 per person.
Mount Olivet
Saturday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. The main entrance to the cemetery is west of Youngfield Street on West 44th Avenue. Meet in front of the Madonna Mausoleum, the first structure to the north of the parking lot. Cost is $20 per person.
Historian and Park Hill native Phil Goodstein. File photo
things Your Vet wants You to Know: Part I
Don’t Look To Dr. Google. Regular Check-Ups And Good Oral Health Care Are Key For Pets
By Margot K Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ For the GPHN
There are things that every pet owner should know in order to take the best care of their pet/s. All are pretty common sense — but that sometimes flies out the window when you are worrying about your pet, or you go down the Google, TikTok or Insta rabbit hole.
Regular Veterinary Visits Are Crucial
Based on age and/or health status, every dog or cat needs to see their veterinarian for an exam every six to 12 months. Aging pets or those with chronic health concerns should be seen every six months while younger, healthier pets can be seen annually. A lot of us think “my pet seems just fine and doesn’t need to see a vet unless they are sick.”
Nature doesn’t work that way and small, unseen issues can rapidly turn into an expensive health crisis. A regular schedule of examinations not only keeps a pet current on preventive care needs but allows early or earlier detection of illness or disease. Having data such as blood work, urine screening and fecal testing when a pet is healthy gives a baseline for what is normal and when things are changing from age or illness.
Oral Health Care Is Essential
Oral examinations and professional dental cleanings along with daily home oral care are essential to keeping the body healthy. Maintaining good oral health includes brushing and other strategies to help prevent periodontal disease, which can lead to painful and pricey treatment if left unchecked. In a perfect world our cats and dogs would have thumbs and brush their own teeth as frequently as we humans do. Bad breath, gingivitis and brown tartar on teeth are not normal – think of the standard for human smiles, it should apply to the pets in our care. Early acclimation to home oral care and regular cleanings truly add years of health and longevity for pets.
Dr. Google Doesn’t Know It All
Fake pet news, marketing too good to be true and other misinformation abounds on the internet. That doesn’t mean all online resources are bad, but your veterinarian’s long years of education and expertise built on the many nuances of individual pets’ health care and diseases should be valued over a TikTok or Reddit post.
Research prior to a veterinary visit is wonderful and your veterinarian should discuss with you, but also check for what “vetted” resources might be noted in the clinic or on the practice website. With the growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and the knowledge that AI is only as good as the information fed into it as well as risk of AI hallucinations, trust that your veterinarian along with some solid online resources are going to be much safer than a social media “influencer’s” favorite home remedy or product push.
A few well-vetted resources are listed below. Next month we’ll have more things that every veterinarian wishes their clients knew for the health of their pets.
Resources
• Your Vet Wants You to Know podcast: yourvetwantsyoutoknow. com
• Veterinary Partner: veterinarypartner.vin.com
• Cornell Vet Health
For Dogs: vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/ riney-canine-health-center/caninehealth-information
For Cats: vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/ cornell-feline-health-center
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit www.parkhillvet.com.
who we Are, what we Do
The Board of Directors of GPHC, Inc.
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill, provides resources, information and advocacy, and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.
If you have an issue you’d like to discuss about the neighborhood, reach out to your board representative (listed at right). Unless indicated, representatives can be contacted via the main office, at 303-388-0918 or info@greaterparkhill.org.
GPHC world headquarters is 2823 Fairfax St.
If you are interested in volunteering or serving on a committee, contact current GPHC Board Chair Shane Sutherland at chair@greaterparkhill.org.
• Board Chair Shane Sutherland
• Secretary Bernadette Kelly
• Treasurer Heather Shockey
• District 1 Amy Harris
• District 2 Brenda Morrison
• District 3 Heather Shockey
• District 4 Currently vacant
• District 5 Sophie Milam
• District 6 Phebe Lassiter
• District 7 Jon Bowman
• District 8 Nam Henderson
• District 9 Doug Schuler
• District 10 Colette Carey
• At Large Maria Flora
• At Large Shanta Harrison
• At Large Tracey MacDermott
• At Large Laurel Mohr
• At Large Louis Plachowski: lplachowski@gmail.com
• At-Large Leslie Twarogowski
• Youth Chair Rick Medrick
• Blessed Sacrament James Groves
• Park Hill UMC Jacqui Shumway
The challenges facing today’s retirees are unique. Higher inflation, skyrocketing healthcare costs, longer life expectancies, and complex Social Security rules all make much of the conventional retirement wisdom of the past obsolete. In this new era, it’s crucial that you take a fresh look at the challenges ahead and create a comprehensive plan to address them.
For 30 years, we’ve been working with people like you to address the challenges of the transition from accumulating their nest egg to using it to support their retirement lifestyle. Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
The Bugs of Summer
The Front Range summer started out buggier then it’s been in several years. That windfall delighted amateur entomologists and other buglovers — not to mention the birds that feast on the little critters. But then the soaring temperatures of late June and early July settled in, sending many species of bugs burrowing
underground to escape the heat. (This behavior is called estivating, and it’s the opposite of hibernation.)
Notably remaining were the grasshoppers, who don’t mind the climate change-fueled heat. Colorado has over 100 species of hoppers, and the August landscape was full of them.
Photographs by Mark Silverstein
Euchaetes Caterpillar, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge
Spurge Hawkmoth Caterpillar, Bluff Lake
Praying Mantis, Park Hill
Banded-wing Fly, Bluff Lake
Bee Fly, Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Lady Beetle, Belmar Park, Lakewood
Western Honeybee, Bluff Lake
Sunflower Beetle, Bluff Lake
Red-femured Milkweed Borer, Park Hill
Widow Skimmer, Sawhill Ponds, Boulder County
Punctured Tiger Beetle, Bluff Lake
Western Leaf-footed Bug, Park Hill
Marauder Robber Fly, RM Arsenal
Buffalo Treehopper, Rocky Mountain Arsenal
Memiria Grasshopper, Bluff Lake
Carolina Grasshopper, Greenway Park
Pale Green Assassin Bug, Park Hill
our Busiest Season
Volunteers Are The Backbone Of Our Operations. Come Join Us.
By Lori Midson Executive Director, GPHC, Inc.
It’s our busiest (read: craziest) time of year at Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC). We’re eyeballdeep in planning our 46th Annual Home Tour and Street Fair happening on Sunday, Sept. 29, as well as our October annual meeting and board elections (Oct. 3) and the Park Hill Fall Festival (Oct. 13).
The Home Tour and Street Fair — GPHC’s largest fundraiser of the year — supports the organization’s general operations, no-cost community food programs, sustainability efforts and neighborhood initiatives. It takes a genuine force to organize this event and if there’s one thing that’s in really high demand, it’s volunteers.
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Bags of white rice
• Bags/boxes of instant mashed potatoes
• Pasta and rice mixes
• Canned refried, kidney, pinto, baked and white beans
• Bags of dried beans
• Dried pasta (all kinds)
• Pasta sauce
• Canned ravioli
• Canned fruit
• Canned fish and Spam
• Canned corn, mixed vegetables
a nd green beans
• Canned chili, soups and stews
• Instant coffee packets
• Small can openers
• Toilet paper and paper towels
• Reusable bags
We have dozens of volunteer positions, including featured home docents and ticket sellers, street fair setup and teardown crews, sustainability teams, attendance trackers, wine and beer servers, attendee greeters and more. All in all, it takes more than 100 Home Tour and Street Fair volunteers to plan, organize and pull off this feat. Volunteers are the backbone of this event; we can’t do it without you.
If you’re interested in participating in the Home Tour and Street Fair, connecting with your neighbors and having a ton of fun along the way, please consider volunteering (and recruit your friends and family to join you). If you sign up for a shift (or two), you’ll receive complimentary previews of the five magnificent homes on this year’s tour, as well as an invitation to our pre-event appreciation party at Long Table Brewhouse, where you’ll be treated to terrific beers as well as pizza from our friends at Sexy Pizza. There are major perks to volunteering!
To learn more and to sign up for a shift, go to parkhillhometour.org/ volunteer/.
Food Pantry: What We Need Most
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.’s food pantry shelves consistently run low on staples. When you’re at the grocery store, please consider picking up a few items from the following list to donate:
Weekend space rental for workshops, pop-ups, gatherings, events.
Non-expired (please be mindful of expiration dates) food donations are accepted between 8:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. Non-expired donations can also be dropped off in the bins inside Mayfair Liquors (at 13th and Krameria) and the Park Hill Library (at Montview and Dexter) during their normal business hours. Food pantry needs are updated as needed on our website: greaterparkhill.org/food-programs/ emergency-food-pantry/.
Become A Member Of GPHC, Inc.
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. is a membership-based registered neighborhood organization, and the more members we have, the bolder and more persuasive our collective voice becomes. To renew your membership — or to become a member — sign up at greaterparkhill.org/ join-us/become-a-member/ or drop off a check (and say hello) at our office, at 2823 Fairfax St. We look forward to serving you as a valued member, listening to your ideas and input and working collaboratively on projects, programs and issues.
Thank you, as always, to our current members, donors and volunteers for your kindness, in-kind and financial contributions, involvement and dedication to the neighborhood. You are deeply appreciated.
The following organizations and individuals donated to and volunteered with Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. last month:
Businesses, Churches and Groups
Cure D’Ars Catholic Church
Curtis Park Deli
Dahlia Campus Farms and Gardens
Denver Children’s Home Garden
Denver Food Rescue
Food Bank of the Rockies
Greenway Garden
Mayfair Liquors
Messiah Community Church
Oneida Park Dental Studio
Oneida Street Neighbors
Park Hill Branch Library
Park Hill United Church of Christ
Park Hill United Methodist Church
Park Hill Urban Gardens
St. Thomas Episcopal Church
The Urban Farm
Trader Joe’s
2200 block of Ivy Street
UHAUL International
Individuals and Families
Anonymous Donors
Sylvia Aldena
Janey and Harmon Alpert
Penny Ashley-Lawrence
Dede Barry
Barbara Berryman
Liz Besiot
Bill Bettag
Dennis T. Boucher
Betsy Boudreau
Jennifer Calderone
Inga Calvin
Marwan Charara
Charlie & Jean Curlee
Danielle Dwyer
Colin Deihl and Dina
Clark
Erin Donovan
Duane and Jean Gall
Ellen Reath and Craig
Maginness
Daniel Esquibel
Eli Ferguson
Sonja Foss
Frank and Jan Tapy
Anne & Joe Frank
Yvonne Franklin
Bobbi Gillis
Princess Gray
Lisa Haddox
Christine Hager
Amy Harris
Duke & Pam Hartman
Timothy Hermann
Paula Hoffman
Huntington-Toribara
Family
Shirley (Sam) Johnson
Will and Marcia Johnson
JP and Susan Young
Bill Juraschek
Michael Kirkpatrick
Lana and James Cordes
Edward Lapine
Natalie and Patrick Love
Matthew and Elizabeth Spohn
Chandra McLaughlin
Jennifer Mone
Harriet Mullaney
Kristy Murphy
Roberta Murray
Jolene Mutchler
Genette N’Diaye
Chris and Erin Nielsen
Glenna O’Neal
Patrick Caldwell and Mary
Kay Myers
Bradley Patton
Kate Percival
Allison Ramirez
Whitney Raymer
Kurt Reisser
Nora Rimando
Robert and Joan Root
Darcy Rock
Mary Salsich
Heather Selph
MK Smith
Sarah Speicher
Mary Jo Starmer
Christopher Stewart
John Storb
Jane Wainwright
Laura Waligorski
Deborah Wangerin
Nancy & Tim Weil
Nikki Wiederaenders
Judy Wiesner
Sue Wofford
Olivia Wright
Karen Zallars
Food Pantry Volunteers
Andrew Hartman
Ann Salamy
Audrey Diamontopoulis
Betsy Post
Bruce Campbell
Carol Flank
Carole Robertson
Carrol Rhead
Claudia Fields
David Addor
Deb Rosenbaum
Heather Selph
Linda Davis
Mark Pressey
Michael Kirkpatrick
Paula Marinelli
Princess Gray
Ursula Boldt
Newspaper bundlers
Hank Bootz
Martha Douglas
Maria Flora
Laurel Mohr
Mary Salsich
Brian Shaw
the opportunity to Learn
You Are Never Too Old To Stop Feeding Your Curiosity
By Suzanne Gelwick-Knight Park Hill Branch Librarian
As we head into September, most of the area schools have already begun their school year. Students and teachers are starting to settle into their routines and the classroom learning has begun.
For me, this September marks the first time in 22 years that I haven’t had a stake in the back-to-school fervor. As of June, both of my children have graduated from college, and I now find myself being nostalgic about those chaotic days leading up to and then the first few weeks of my children beginning their new school year.
I clearly remember my children starting elementary school and their excited eagerness to be in school for the first time. That was quickly followed by the drama of middle school, and the act of choosing class schedules combined with the onslaught of hormones. Next, the trepidation of finally being in high school and the social aspect of homecoming dances, football games and offcampus lunches. Lastly, college and a whole new level of learning expectations, along with acquiring skills needed to be an adult in an unsettled world.
Admittedly, one thing I do not miss about this time of year is the pouring over the school supplies ads for the best prices on crayons, erasers, lunchboxes, backpacks, and pencils. And then the hunt for the ever-elusive college ruled 100-page composition book, requested by the one high school teacher who hasn’t updated their supply list since 1986. Even supplies for college classes can be costly and difficult to obtain. Believe me, I love a new pencil as much as anyone, but the stress of finding specific writing utensils, notebooks, or folders, is something I am glad to be past.
When I think about this time of the year and ask myself why I have such strong feelings about it, the answer is simple: for me back-to-school is equated with learning. The opportunity to learn.
There is a saying “learn something new every day.” While I might not adhere to that, I do firmly believe in the idea that one is never too old to
learn. There are several studies and articles that support this idea.
One such article from the July 2019 Scientific American discusses a study where older adults were given the opportunity to take classes over a three-month period, after which their cognitive abilities were tested. The results fully support the theory that learning new things “may improve…cognitive functioning considerably.”
I know not everyone has the same feelings about learning new things. You have to be willing to get out of your comfort zone, and not be afraid to make mistakes. However, learning can be achieved in a lot of different ways — it’s not all textbooks, notes and tests.
Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing a bird on your walk you’ve never seen before and deciding you want to know more about the bird. Or you’re heading on vacation and want to know about the place you’re visiting. So, what may seem as simple satisfying an in-the-moment curiosity, is actually learning. This is where the library can help. Books on birds: we have them. Travel guides: we have those too. Want to walk through local parks with horticulturalists because you want to know more about the plants in your neighborhood? We have opportunities to do that as well.
The library offers so many ways to learn, both formal and informal. There are instructed writing workshops, as well as peer-run writing group meet-ups. We have a wonderful QiGong instructor who visits two of our branches each month.
With your library card you can learn a new language through Mango, an online app. Also available online is Craftsy, which offers access to over 1,000 instructional videos related to gardening, drawing and photography and more. Want to become a film buff? We offer two different types of film clubs. Just pick-up one of our monthly Engage catalogs to see the wide variety of offerings.
I do acknowledge that there are lots of parents out there who are still in the midst of the school-days haze. If you are the parent of a child who may need extra support at school, we have resources to help. There are
options for online homework assistance, you can make appointments for in-person one-on-one student research help, and a myriad of other ways the library can support you and your child.
Basically, if you want to learn something new or want to support those in your life who are in school but you’re not sure where to start, we can help.
Now that I am headed into this new phase of life — the so-called empty nest stage — I am looking for ways to continue to learn. Maybe I’ll revisit some old hobbies, or take on a new one. I do know that whatever I do, from now on September will still be connected to the idea of learning, but now it will be more focused on my interests. I might even find for myself some new sparkly pencils.
September Programs
Pauline Robinson Branch
The Pauline Robinson Branch library is currently closed for renovations. While construction is underway, limited library services are being offered at Hiawatha Davis, Jr. Recreation Center at 3334 Holly St. Services are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Chromebooks are available for public use, as well as printing and copying.
• A cart of free fiction books for all ages and DVDs is available for browsing.
• Bookmobile is on Wednesdays f rom 1 to 2:30 p.m.
• Community Resource Navigators a re available Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. by appointment. Call 720335-2847 to schedule an appointment.
Park Hill Branch
Baby Storytimes | Thursdays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Toddler Storytimes | Fridays 10:15-10:45 a.m.
kids in kindergarten* though 5th grade. This month’s theme is backto-school. Decorate a pencil bag and celebrate the start of school.
*Parents of young children need to attend with their child.
Discover the various types of birds of prey found all over the world, what it takes to care for a bird of prey, and learn how Nature’s Educators is permitted to keep raptors.
Teen Advisory Board | September 3 and Sept. 17, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Anyone 6th-12th grade are welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.
Writing Circle 2.0 | Thursdays, Sept. 12 and 26, 1:30-3 p.m.
Join our supportive community of writers to hone your skills, feel inspired, and motivate yourself and others. All levels and styles of writers are welcome at this informal workshop. Refreshments provided. No registration required.
Cancer Café | Monday, Sept. 9, 2-3:30 p.m.
This peer group is for anyone postdiagnosis, whether in treatment or in remission. Family members and caregivers are welcome. Compassion and confidentiality, please. Medical advice and treatment options are not the focus. Join us for open-minded listening and soft-hearted sharing.
Death Café | Monday, Sept. 23, 2-3:30 p.m.
Death Café is an international movement that invites people to gather, normalize conversations around death — to make the most of LIFE. This is not a grief support group or counseling session. Respect for all views is a priority.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want, attend whenever you can.
Qi Gong | Wednesday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.12:15 p.m.
Qi Gong is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes called “meditation in motion,” it includes slow, dance-like movements to improve breathing, reduce stress, and gently move the body. CityYou: Foster and Kinship Care | Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1-3 p.m.
Learn more about how Denver Human Services Foster and Kinship Care partners with foster parents, and get your questions answered about becoming a foster parent.
Advance Directives help your loved ones and health providers understand your health-related wishes when you cannot speak for yourself. Topics covered include: Who needs to have an Executed Advanced Directive and why? How often should you update an Advance Directive?
Advance Directives Signing Party | Saturday, Sept. 28, 2-3:30 p.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.
Kids Game Club | 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, Drop-in 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Are you looking for something fun after school? Drop by to play games in a fun, relaxed environment. Ideal for ages 5-12.
Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, Sept. 19, 4-5 p.m.
A monthly book celebration for
Sign your Advance Directives forms, and get them notarized on the spot in a celebratory atmosphere that congratulates the community on completing this important task.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave.
The hunt for the perfect pencil never ends. Photo by Suzanne Gelwick-Knight
Far off The Beaten Path
Rattlesnake Arches Is Colorado’s Stunning Secret Story and photos by
Reid Neureiter
For the GPHN
Nearly everyone knows about the beautiful natural stone arches in Arches National Park, outside of Moab, Utah. Fewer people know that Colorado has its own magnificent collection of natural stone arches — 35 of them.
Collectively they are called the Rattlesnake Arches, and all are within one square mile of each other.
They are in the McInnis Canyons Conservation Area, on the Western Slope just southwest of Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. It is the second largest collection of stone arches outside of Arches in Utah.
There are two ways to view the Rattlesnake Arches. The “Lower Trail” circles the bottom of the narrow mesa where the arches have formed. This route allows hikers to walk under and look up at the stun-
taking lots of water, wearing a hat and sunscreen for protection. It’s not a good plan to take this path in the height of the summer heat, as there is no water source available and little shade.
The other method is via an eightmile one way dirt and gravel road reached from the Rimrock Drive in Colorado National Monument. The last two miles of the road are particularly rocky and steep and those without a high clearance 4WD may choose to park and walk to the start of the Upper Trailhead.
Despite the difficulty of getting to the Rattlesnake Aches, the payoff of breathtaking views is great. These magnificent formations can be experienced in relative solitude, without the massive crowds often encountered in Utah’s national parks.
The 123,739-acre McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area was originally known as Colorado Canyons National Conservation Area. It was established in October, 2000 and renamed in honor of former Congressman Scott McInnis on Jan. 1, 2005.
ning red sandstone formations — including the aptly-named Hole in the Bridge Arch and the 120 foot-high, 40-foot-wide Rattlesnake Arch.
A second, “Upper Trail” climbs the mesa allowing hikers to experience the arches from above. The intrepid can even walk across some of the arches. In March, Conde-Nast Traveler named the six-mile trek covering the Lower and Upper trails as one of the top 20 hikes in Colorado. The magazine described it as “literally off the beaten path,” and emphasized that “the views are completely worth it.”
There are two ways to access Rattlesnake Arches, neither of which is easy. The first involves a tough 14mile round-trip hike starting from the Pollock Bench Trailhead near Fruita. Guidebooks recommend good route-finding on this trail,
More detailed information on finding the Rattlesnake Arches is at visitgrandjunction.com/blog/post/ how-to-find-the-amazing-arches-ofrattlesnake-canyon.
Admiring the Rattlesnake Arch in the McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area in western Colorado.
Rattlesnake Arch as seen from above.
Rattlesnake Arches trail near Grand Junction, in western Colorado.
gA r dens And Verses
September tips
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have rose.”
— Abraham Lincoln
• Reduce watering so plants can begin their hardening-off process in preparation for dormancy.
• Direct-seed fall-season crops including lettuce, spinach, radishes, Swiss chard, kale and arugula.
• Pinch off new yellow tomato flowers since these blossoms won’t have time to mature; the plant will then focus on ripening existing fruit.
• Continue to harvest crops, and watch for frost in the forecast.
• A dry summer is conducive to powdery mildew; remove and destroy seriously infected plants to prevent spread next season.
• Aerate your lawn, fertilize, add seed, and control weeds to give you a beautiful green yard next spring.
• Amend soil with organic compost or manure.
• Shop for flower bulbs.
• Collect seed pods of plants you w ish to propagate or share at seed exchanges.
Monthly garden tips are submitted by Park Hill Garden Walk organizer Kate Blanas. The Garden Walk, held every June, includes tours of some of the neighborhood’s most interesting and beautiful gardens. To suggest gardens or artists that could be featured, contact Paula Marinelli at paulagardenwalk@gmail.com.
Common Ground Screening
On Sunday, Sept. 15 Saint Thomas Episcopal Church will host a free screening of the star-studded documentary Common Ground (commongroundfilm.org) at 4 p.m. in their community room at 2201 Dexter St. The film explores unjust practices in the current farm system and farmers who are utilizing regenerative models of agriculture to balance the climate. Please RSVP at saintthomasdenver.org. Check out Happenings on page 5 for more about the documentary.
Active Minds
Free lectures on topics ranging from music to history, current events to foreign affairs, including in and near Park Hill. A schedule of upcoming events is at activeminds.com
Art Garage
6100 E. 23rd Ave., artgaragedenver. com, 303-377-2353. The Art Garage offers arts-based programs that inspire, empower and promote creative self-expression by people of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. Check out ArtGarageDenver. com for details.
Blunders and Beers
A Park Hill Chess Club that meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Longtable Brewhouse, 2895 Fairfax St., beginning at 6 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Bring a board if you have one.
Denver Police District 2 3921 Holly St., 2.Dist@denvergov.org, non-emergency number is 720-913-1000. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1. Denver Public Schools dpsk12.org
Check the website for resources and updates. Call the helpline at 720-423-3054 for support in many languages.
Donations Resources
Check out our online list of organizations who accept donations — everything from clothes and furniture to bikes and baby essentials. greaterparkhill.org/ spreading-the-love/
Faith Community greaterparkhill.org/faith
Greater Park Hill is home to over 30 places of worship. Contact places of worship via the link above for information about their current state of operations.
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. 2823 Fairfax St., greaterparkhill.org, 303-388-0918
See the “At the Library” feature on page 20 for updates and resources offered by the Park Hill and Pauline Robinson branch libraries.
Northeast Park Hill Coalition
The Northeast Park Hill Coalition hosts monthly meetings the second Thursdays of the month. Location varies. Check the group’s Facebook page @ Northeast Park Hill Coalition for updates.
One Park Hill YOUTH Theatre Collective
For all Park Hill Youth ages 13-18 who are interested in collaboratively creating theater for positive change. Meets Saturdays from 3:30-5 p.m. beginning Sept. 14 at 2825 Fairfax St. (Home of Denver Elite Dance). For info contact ophtheatre4change@gmail.com.
One World Singers
A choral group that performs music from diverse cultures and traditions. Rehearsals every Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Church, 22nd and Dexter. Email Sandy at owsmanager@yahoo.com or go to OneWorldSingers.org for more information.
Park Hill Community Bookstore
Established in 1971. Denver’s oldest nonprofit bookstore. Used and new books. 4620 E. 23rd Avenue. 303-355- 8508. Members and volunteers get discounts and book credits. Check parkhillbookstore.org for current hours of operation.
Park Hill Peloton
A recreational group of road cyclists that roll from Park Hill once or twice a week. Check the current status of their rides on the Park Hill Peloton Facebook page.
Sie Filmcenter 2510 E. Colfax, denverfilm.org, 303595-3456.
Free Zoom Tai Chi Free Beginner Tai Chi Zoom Classes every Friday at 9 a.m. Call 303-744-766 or register online at TaiChiDenver.com.
The next community meeting is Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at 2823 Fairfax St. Check greaterparkhill.org/join-us/ community-meetings/ for info on how to participate. The annual meeting and election of officers is Thursday, Oct. 3.
Libraries denverlibrary.org
Walk2Connect
www.walk2connect.com
Park Hill Sunrise Walking Trips happen every Tuesday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Meet in front of Honey Hill Cafe at 23rd & Dexter Street for a casual, conversational-paced community walk. Everyone is welcome.
Submit your neighborhood events and resources to editor@greaterparkhill.org Deadlines are the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue.
gphn c l A s s I f I eds
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
26 YR Licensed General Contractor in South Park Hill and Lead-Based Paint Abatement Firm, All Phases of Remodeling. Small jobs OK! Mold and Mildew Remediation, Power Spray Denver Dust, Off Exteriors, Call Mark-303-921-3161, pikerprojects@gmail.com – All Remodeling, usabatement@yahoo.com – LeadBased Paint
GUTTERS
Gutter Cleaning, repairs, and replacement. Gutter Cleaning prices start at $150 – House, Garage, Porches, and walks. 303-907-9223/skmehaffey@ gmail.com
Interior and exterior painting. Prep, power washing, professional. Owned and operated by Park Hill resident with over 20 years of experience. Free estimate. JR Painting 720-485-7207 or jpabz04@gmail.com
Painting: Interior, exterior, small jobs welcome; sheetrock repairs and texture. 303-907-9223/ skmehaffey@gmail.com
ROOFING
Roofing: Repairs, Inspections, Flashings, Hail Damage, and reroofing licensed, bonded, and insured. Gutter replacement and cleaning. 303-9079223/ skmehaffey@gmail.com
SKI & SNOWBOARD CARE
www.centralparkskiboardtuning.com
Ski and snowboard waxing and tuning. Free pickup and delivery to residence. Visit website or text Brett 303-929-7294
TREE TRIMMING
Tree trimming and trash removal. General yard work and clean up. Gutter cleaning. Please call 303-429-0380
TUCKPOINTING
Over 25 years of experience. Fully insured. Mortar color and brick matching, broken brick replacement, cement chimney crown replacement. 12 years Chicago union experience. Mr. Chimney and Home Masonry Repair. Call Chuck Bahnsen 303-948-7999
WINDOWS
Complete wood window restoration. Custom wood storm windows and screens. General painting, restoration and handyman services for your charming old home. Contact Matt 479-8718140
Window and Gutter Cleaning. First Floor Only. Call Bob at Twin Pines Window Cleaning, 303 329 8205
Double-hung window RESTORATION includes replacing sash cords (ropes) and removal of excess paint on wood and metal plus lubrication for smooth opening and closing. 40-year resident of PH. Contact David - 720-550-2786
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Reading Volunteers needed to share reading with students during school hours. Grades: kindergarten through 8th grade. One hour a week. Strong volunteer community. Very fun! Contact: Pil2011@partnersinliteracy.org.
To advertise in the Classifieds contact newspaper@greaterparkhill.org 720-287-0442 (voicemail). the deadline for submission is the 15th of every month
