Volume 53, Issue No. 4
A Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Publication
April 2014
Traffic Spikes By At Least 40 Percent
Growth From Surrounding Neighborhoods Inspires Officials To Urge Ditching Cars For Mass Transit; Some Deem That ‘Solution’ Impractical By Cara DeGette Brian Rodeno is standing on the corner of 17th Avenue at Krameria Street. Cars stream down his residential street. One by one they slow down, long enough for drivers to make sure there is no oncoming traffic. All clear, they skip right through the stop sign – never mind stopping. When they do have to stop or risk getting T-boned by oncoming cars, they line up along Krameria four, five, six, seven deep. This is how it is on Krameria every day, including holidays. “Holy cow, this is a very narrow street that was never meant to carry that amount of traffic,” says Rodeno. Since 2010, city officials estimate a 40 percent increase in the overall traffic flowing through parts of Park Hill. On his 1800 block of Krameria, Rodeno puts that figure at a 75 percent spike. The development of Stapleton to the east and Lowry to the southeast, places Park Hill as an easy route downtown and to other points north and west. And, the redevelopment of the site of the former University Hospital to the south will add to the strain of traffic in Park Hill. The massive increase in traffic shouldn’t be a surprise. But, Rodeno and others maintain that Denver officials have not been diligent in preparing a comprehensive plan to direct and control increased traffic flows – and help alleviate traffic jams. “It astounds me that 30,000 people are going to be living [in Stapleton alone], and
we’ve never had this discussion of how people would get downtown,” he says. Rodeno’s street is one of only a few northsouth streets in Park Hill that directly crosses from the north side across Colfax to the south side. As a result, it has (unexpectedly, at least for Rodeno) become a collector street, bringing a steady stream of cars. Krameria now may be a collector but is still a two-lane residential street. People can still park in front of their homes, but the risk their cars will be hit has increased exponentially. If they park in their driveways, good luck being able to easily back out. Increased traffic negatively impacts property values and creates safety concerns. People, Rodeno points out, no longer spend time in their front yards, getting to know neighbors. He worries a child will get hit. “They have more or less made this a freeway,” says Barbara Redmond who, along with Rodeno detailed concerns during the Feb. 6 meeting of the GPHC. “This started out being all about me, but now I’m worried about the entire neighborhood,” Rodeno says. “This is coming to a 19th Avenue, or a 26th Avenue, near you.”
indeed responded. Four-way stops have recently been added to slow down traffic along Krameria. Signs that restrict right and left turns during high-traffic parts of the day have been added, as well as a sign that prohibits turning into the neighborhood from the McDonald’s on Colfax and Krameria. “It is true that the traffic has increased, by virtue of Krameria being one of the few through streets,” Susman said. “The ultimate solution to stop traffic would be to block it off, which the city will not do.” Susman, along with city traffic planners, maintains the only true solution is to get people out of their cars and use mass transit. “Two-thirds of Los Angeles is roadway devoted to cars and I wouldn’t want that for our city,” says Susman. Denver, she says, has a policy of not widening existing roads. “Our solution is [public] transit; it can’t be more parking spaces and building more roads. We need to make it so people will want to get on transit of some kind. “Denver is a booming place, the No. 1 destination for people ages 25 to 34,” she continues. “The younger generation tends to buy fewer cars,” and uses mass transit.
The ultimate solution
Look in the mirror
In his presentation, Rodeno complained that, with the exception of City Council President Mary Beth Susman and her staff, the city has been largely unresponsive to his requests for help. But, in an interview with the GPHN, Susman noted that, in her mind the city has
Greater Park Hill Community Board Secretary Bernadette Kelly says she and two other GPHC board members recently met with city traffic planners to talk about what can be done to address the flood of traffic into Park Hill. The city is in the process of figuring out
potential options to the clogged north-south Quebec Street arterial on the east side of Park Hill (see sidebar). However, Kelly says the group was told a comprehensive study is not in the cards, as the city does not study traffic by individual neighborhoods. Rather, the citywide focus is the goal to encourage people to walk more, ride their bikes more, and use mass transit. In other words, the response, Kelly said, was to “look in the mirror and change your whole behavior … stop driving your cars.” “I totally understand that as valid, but I don’t think it is realistic,” she said. “Between the time you start that change in behavior, to being successful, you still need to deal with the traffic.” continued on page 9
Ludlow Remembered: A Century of Shame At Least 18 Workers, Women, Children Cut Down in Grisly Massacre 100 Years Ago By Phil Goodstein This month marks 100 years of a slaughter that will long be remembered as a most dark day in Colorado. The standoff started seven months before. On Sept. 23, during a raging blizzard, 12,232 coal miners and their families went on strike in southern Colorado. Staging the walkout at the beginning of
the winter heating season, they protested the miserable way the state’s largest employer, the Rockefeller-owned Colorado Fuel & Iron (CF&I), had treated them. Not only were their wages extremely poor, but the workers, and their families, were forced to live in company towns, complete with the supervision of an omnipresent private security force. Most of all, CF&I bitterly combated unions. The company refused to allow the workers or
"Ruins of Ludlow," a view of the burned out village. Credit: Denver Public Library/Western History & Genealogy
Councilman Chris Herndon weighs in on a unified Park Hill
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Follow the cash: Tools to maneuver the political money maze
PAGE 4
April 2014
their representatives to have the slightest say about work and living conditions. Most of the strikers were immigrants. The Pueblo-based CF&I had recruited many of them in the wake of a previous strike in 1903–04. In addition to numerous men and women from southern and eastern Europe, there were a sizable number of Hispanics, some of whom were from Mexico. CF&I also brought in African-Americans from southern states. It cynically employed divide-and-conquer tactics to keep its workers from challenging the company’s complete dictatorship over their daily lives. At this time, the United Mine Workers (UMW) had made considerable advances in the East in gaining union recognition for the men who dug coal. The labor organization had also had some success in organizing workers in the northern Colorado coalfields around Lafayette, Boulder and Louisville. It knew that none of its contracts were secure as long as CF&I could undercut union employers. The Wall Street firm deliberately sold its coal for a loss in certain markets as a way of forcing union firms out of business. From the time the UMW launched the organizing campaign, CF&I was blunt. If the workers walked off their jobs, they would be evicted from the company towns. In re-
sponse, the union leased government lands in barren parts of the Front Range close to the coal mines. It proceeded to purchase camping equipment. In about 10 instant tent villages, the workers stayed for the duration of the strike—many had no other place to go.
Surviving a bitterly cold winter The supporters of the UMW showed an incredible fortitude. In response, CF&I beefed up its security force. It hired notorious gunmen of the Baldwin–Felts Detective Agency, an outfit that had previously shot down striking coal miners in West Virginia. The goons sought to intimidate striking workers while they escorted scabs into the mines. The workers fought back. Before long, violence flared through the strike zone. In response to company pleas, Gov. Elias Ammons mobilized the National Guard to keep peace in southern Colorado. He had won the statehouse in 1912 in an overwhelming Democratic sweep. His only hesitation about sending in the militia was the heavy costs it involved. The soldiers immediately demanded the disarming of the workers. No such constraints were placed on CF&I’s gunmen.
Park Hill Roots: It’s April, time to get your hands dirty
continued on page 8
NEXT GPHC MEETING Thursday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m. 2823 Fairfax St., Denver
This newspaper is made possible through the support of our advertisers and members. If you are not already a member, please consider joining the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
This Month’s Featured Listings...
Students from Colorado Academy under the direction of teacher Dani Meyers, helped sort and distribute food on Wed., March 5. credit Robyn Fishman
Coming Soon 3 bed 2 bath Near Crestmoor Brick Ranch w/ basement Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922
4855 E Atlantic Pl Under Contract Remodeled 3 bed Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858
5121 Meade St SOLD! $339,000 Jane McLaughlin 303-388-8392
1905 Niagara St 3 bedroom remodeled Tudor $465,000 Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
1786 Grape St Beautiful Mediterranean Over 6800 Finished SF/7750 SF Lot Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
3553 Fillmore St SOLD! Represented Buyer Renee McMichael 303-718-4131
Creative Ways to Give Back The volunteer-led Greater Park Hill Community does many things for our neighborhood, from staying abreast of zoning changes and lobbying on Park Hill’s behalf, to publishing the Greater Park Hill News. Perhaps most visible to many though are the services we provide via our Emergency Food Pantry. For the last year, the GPHC Emergency Food Pantry, at 2823 Fairfax St., has operated under new procedures for our “client choice” program, where clients are able to choose the foods they most prefer or need. During that time, we have served almost 800 families with a three-day supply of food, and an additional 55 families with a Thanksgiving basket and turkey to feed 206 people. The clients are gracious, sometimes uncomfortable about asking for help, but always appreciative that GPHC is there for them in their time of need. We treat each client with respect, and strive to give them personalized service. I am proud of what has been accomplished though this program with the help of very dedicated weekly volunteers. Our Pantry of course, could not exist without the support of our Park Hill neighbors and churches to supply the majority of our food. Last year, more than 14,000 pounds of food was donated locally, with our largest contributors being Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and Park Hill United Methodist Church. There are many individuals to thank as well, who have found some very creative ways to give back to GPHC.
Some examples: Sue Mountain-Morgan turned her birthday into a “food-raising” challenge. Rather than receiving presents, Sue encouraged giving to others. She has created an annual canned food drive at her workplace in Stapleton, and challenged other nearby offices as well to collect the most food in an annual battle she calls the “Food Fight.” A.F. Williams Family Medicine, Victory Couriers, and A Wild Smile Pediatric Dentistry together collected 1,299 cans for this year’s “Food Fight” (up from 942 cans EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR last year) that was shared among Greater Park Hill Emergency Pantry, The Agape Project, and Project Angel Heart/ Metro Care Ring. GPHC received more than 350 pounds of food from this drive. Thank you, Sue, for thinking of others! Lulu Fickres is another resident who asked for food donations in lieu of presents – for her 10th birthday. Her friends and neighbors responded, adding many cans to help stock our shelves. Brad Parks and sons Nathan and Aidan helped gather food from their neighbors on the 23rd to 28th blocks of Bellaire Street, for their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day food and toiletry drive in January. Thank you to the Parks’ neighbors who have participated in this great community event. Sean and Denon Moore of Cake Crumbs Bakery have always been strong supporters of GPHC. They began selling blue “Park Hill” T-shirts, with $2 from every sale go-
GPHC UPDATE
2800 S University #69 SOLD! Cherry Hills III John Neu 303-378-4069
Coming Soon in Cook Park 1800 SF + 900 in basement $300,000 Roberta Locke and Kim Tighe
1670 S Arbutus Pl SOLD! Beautiful Lakewood Ranch Steve Laporta 303-525-0640
Coming Soon from Steve LaPorta *220 and 226 S Pearl 3 beds, 2 baths, remodel *1718 Lafayette Street 4 beds, 3 bath, remodel *1201 Eudora 4 beds, 3 baths, remodel with very open contemporary floor plan, remodel We have buyer needs! Please call us if you have any of the following types of homes you are interested in selling: Ann Torgerson needs a home in Park Hill, a minimum of 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, up to $1,000,000 Kim Tighe needs smaller homes in the $400,000 price range Kim Tighe needs a Park Hill 2 story home 4 bedrooms and 3 baths up to $1,000,000 Roberta Locke needs a minimum 3 bedroom 2 bath home up to $450,000 Nina Kuhl needs a Park Hill 4 bed/4 bath home up to $1 million and 3 bed/3 bath up to $650K Please call us if you are thinking of selling. 2nd Annual Park Hill Community Wide Garage Sale
Saturday, May 3, 2014 8:00 am to noon Free to participate but please register to be included on the online map by emailing gphcyardsale@ymail.com with your name, address and top 3 types of items you are selling. Questions, please contact your local Cherry Creek Properties agent.
Living With You...Working For You...
Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858
Roberta Locke 303-355-4492
Jane McLaughlin 303-829-6553
continued on page 21
The 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.
Cara DeGette Editor
Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
ROBYN FISHMAN
Melissa Davis Manager
Myra Thornton Advertising Sales
Tommy Kubitsky Graphic Design
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 14,000 and is distributed to homes and businesses in the Park Hill Area by neighborhood volunteers. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month.
Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922
Renee BurgerMcMichael 303-718-4131
John Neu 303-378-4069
Steve LaPorta 303-525-0640
303-713-9000
5655 Yosemite St Suite #109 Greenwood Village, Co 80111 www.CCPRE.com
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For story ideas and submissions or to comment on a story, contact Cara DeGette at editor@greaterparkhill.org. For advertising information, contact Myra Thornton at ads@greaterparkhill.org or 720-515-1579. 2823 Fairfax St. | Denver, CO 80207 | Voicemail: 720-287-0442 newspaper@greaterparkhill.org | Fax: 303-388-0910 greaterparkhill.org | facebook.com/greaterparkhillnews | @parkhillnews
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
City Park Loop Shelved For Good
BIRDLAND
Plans To Move To a More ‘Welcoming’ Denver Neighborhood Cheered By Cara DeGette
Burns said she was encouraged that other parts of the city are being considered, and After months of criticism, the Denver suggested Green Valley Ranch and Montparks department has permanently halted bello to the northeast, or Harvey Park in plans to build a $5 million, 13-acre regional southwest Denver. “Let’s spread the wealth,” activity and play attraction – at least in City she said. Park. Matt Saks, who lives in Park Hill, says he Lauri Dannemiller, manager of the parks is happy that Denver abandoned City Park department, announced the city is taking for the loop, but says the experience left him its “Loop” project to an another yet-to-be “dissatisfied and wary of future proposals by identified area of Denver – one which she the parks department.” And, Saks and others described “shares our vision for re-imaginexpressed criticism over that it would take ing play and promoting a up to five years to make healthy, active lifestyle.” substantive improvements The decision, an- “It is clear to me that our goals to the existing playground. nounced at a March 22 for this project simply don’t “They have agreed that meeting at the zoo, was the Dustin Redd playfollowed by cheers from a align with the needs and wants ground is dangerous and crowd of about 150, many decaying, and so if that’s of this community.” of whom sported “Stop the case it’s logical to make -- Denver parks and recreation City Loop” stickers. An improvements right now,” director Lauri Dannemiller organized citizens group Saks said. “Is this punitive? of the same name has Yes.” been battling the plan for Denver City Councilmonths, saying the high-use regional atman Albus Brooks – who had been supporttraction would have a negative impact on ive of the Loop in City Park – says he is satsurrounding neighborhoods, and would isfied with the outcome, as it has raised the destroy the natural beauty of the park. profile of the project overall. In an interview “It is clear to me that our goals for this with the Greater Park Hill News, Brooks said project simply don’t align with the needs and he plans to “let the dust settle” and, perhaps wants of this community,” Dannemiller said at the end of summer begin pushing to idenin a prepared statement. tify funds to fast-track improvements at the The existing Dustin Redd playground at current playground. the park, which is in need of extensive im“The parks department deserves credit for provements, will receive “necessary safety stopping the project in City Park,” Brooks repairs” in the short term, Dannemiller said. said. Longer term, the equipment will need Read more about the original plans for City to be replaced. “We are looking at an overall Park Loop, including criticism over the city’s timeline of 3-5 more years for the existing process, in the December issue of the Greater playground,” she said. Park Hill News, online at greaterparkhill. City Park Loop opponent Carla Slatt org.
Flamboyant Pink Flamingo Flamingos get their famous pink coloring from the shrimp and other crustaceans that they eat. They are shy around humans, but in the wild are gregarious and historically have lived in large colonies of up to one million birds. They can live 30 years or more. The word “flamingo” comes from the Spanish word “flamenco” – like the fast and lively Spanish dance. A flock of flamingos is called a stand, or a flamboyance. Bonaire, in the Dutch Antilles and where this wild bird was photographed, is one of the few nesting places for pink flamingos. Photo by Park Hill resident Mark Silverstein
Anastasia Williamson lives and works in Park Hill. She loves this neighborhood for its architectural and cultural diversity. That kind of expertise qualifies her as a true Park Hill resident expert. It’s why Anastasia ranks as one of Park Hill’s most successful Realtors. Clients know her expertise translates into top dollar for their properties.
Park Hill Album FORE SAL
LD SO Hip red brick story and a half bungalow. Open floorplan with formal living spaces, updated kitchen, full open basement. New roof, sewer line and carpet. 3 beds, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1300 finished sq ft,. $374,900
Attention Potential Home Sellers — Inventory is Lower than it’s Been in Years. Thinking of Selling? Now is the Time!
IN LD SO AYS 5D
Classic brick bungalow. Open formal living and dining room, with French doors leading to a main floor office or family room. Maple & granite kitchen, private back yard. 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,400 finished sq ft. $405,000
Elegant David Weekley new build. This sunny 2-story home offers a gorgeous granite kitchen, and a professionally finished basement. 4 beds, 5 baths, two car attached garage, 3,800 finished sq ft. $888,000
Anastasia’s Park Hill SOLDS Speak for Themselves! 1649 Bellaire St. 4114 E. 19th Ave. 1612 Bellaire St. 1607 Bellaire St. 2595 Fairfax St. 1558 Clermont St. 1647 Clermont St. 2816 Dahlia St. 2383 Hudson St. 2821 Dahlia St. 2686 Dexter St. 2248 Holly St. 1901 Cherry St. 2556 Elm St. 2615 Elm St. 2611 Birch St. 2052 Krameria St. 2630 Glencoe St 2877 Cherry St
April 2014
2646 Birch St. 2679 Albion St. 1638 Clermont St. 2810 Bellaire St. 2605 Fairfax St. 2677 Ash St. 2560 Birch St. 2681 Cherry St. 2809 Birch St. 2514 Glencoe St. 2652 Fairfax St. 1688 Newport St. 2609 Eudora St. 2800 Birch St. 3060 Ash St. 2810 Olive St 1623 Bellaire St 2037 Krameria 3010 Cherry St
The Greater Park Hill News
2345 Clermont St. 2070 Birch St. 2229 Birch St. 1775 Monaco Pkwy. 4345 E. 16th Ave. 2680 Ash St. 2861 Birch St. 2854 Cherry St. 2091 Hudson St. 2645 Ash St. 2570 Bellaire St. 2616 Fairfax St. 4326 Batavia Place 2845 Cherry St 2947 Clermont St 3035 Bellaire 2670 Grape 2655 Elm St 1669 Newport
2817 Albion St. 2684 Fairfax St. 2894 Dexter St. 2855 Ash St. 2665 Forest St. 2530 Bellaire St. 2820 Birch St. 2614 Glencoe St. 2840 Clermont St. 1929 Bellaire St. 1915 Monaco Pkwy. 1544 Leyden St. 2920 Cherry St. 2621 Grape St 2576 Fairfax St 2581 Dahlia 2389 Cherry 2829 Clermon 2877 Cherry
4545 E. 29th Ave. 2530 Glencoe St. 2895 Birch St. 2955 Ivy St. 1610 Locust St. 2295 Eudora 3025 Albion 2668 Elm 2936 Albion 2389 Cherry 2654 Elm 2514 Glencoe St. 2065 Hudson St. 2845 Cherry St 1623 Bellaire St 2855 Dahlia 2825 Bellaire 2900 Ash 2894 Birch
IN LD SO AYS! 4D
Beautiful storybook red brick Tudor. Original character includes a barrel ceiling in the living room, tiled wood burning fireplace, period light fixtures and dark stained wood floors. 4 beds, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 2336 finished sq ft, $425,000
in 7 e LD SO s abov ! e day t pric lis Gorgeous Denver Square, steps to city park. Perfectly blends original character with modern updates. $130k in upgrades includes new roof and sewer line. 4 beds, 4 baths, 2,600 fin sq ft. 2-car detached garage. $624,500
Thinking about selling? Call me! ! LD
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Bringing Political Cash Into Focus Sunlight Tools Help Voters Maneuver the Money Maze By Nancy Watzman Election day may be several months off, but in the famously purple state of Colorado, the political money is already flowing. That’s because our swing state yet again is the site of fiercely competitive congressional races. Which means, yes, we’ll all be barraged with endless television, radio, you tube ads; political billboards; mailings; flyers – we know them when we see them. Many of these will say the ad is paid for by some group with an innocuous title like “Making a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow,” to borrow the name of comedian Stephen Colbert’s now defunct super PAC. But that doesn’t tell anybody who is really paying for them. The Sunlight Foundation (www.sunlightfoundation.com), a Washington, DC based nonprofit organization dedicated to government transparency, creates free Internet tools that help curious Coloradans and everyone else follow the money. Providing a trail is crucial as newsrooms shrink at the same time that the Supreme Court, via decisions such as Citizens United, has allowed more political money to flow underground. Thanks to such legal decisions, we can’t follow all of it to its source, but Sunlight gets you at least part of the way. For the tech neophytes, there are easyto-use websites where it’s possible to find information on everything from campaign contributions to political ad buys to political fundraisers. More advanced data mavens can download information on to spreadsheets; the highly gifted and talented (to borrow a Denver Public School term) can access APIs to fuel their own programming. Sunlight also offers several free apps for IOS and Android phones.
Colorado’s high-profile races For example: Sunlight’s Realtime Federal
Campaign Finance Tracker (http://realtime. influenceexplorer.com/) lets the user search for up-to-the-minute data on funding for federal political races. The faceoff between former state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, a Democrat, and Republican Congressman Michael Coffman in Colorado’s sixth district is one of the most watched in the nation. At the time of this report, the two candidates are neck-toneck in fundraising, having collected about $2 million apiece for their campaign coffers so far. The tracker shows Romanoff has a slight edge on cash on hand. Romanoff has also gotten some help from a Democratic super PAC, the House Majority PAC, which has already spent some $150,000 opposing Coffman. Meanwhile, incumbent Democrat Sen. Mark Udall will be facing some real competition now that U.S. House Rep. Cory Gardner has entered the race. Udall has raised more than $5 million, but Tea Party groups are already starting to spend money opposing him. Gardner’s first Senate campaign finance reports will be due at the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on April 15. However, by the close of 2013 he already had nearly $877,000 on hand in his congressional coffers, which he
can transfer over to his Senate campaign. Sometimes not all the money supporting a candidate is reported to the FEC, however. In mid-March, Americans for Prosperity launched an ad campaign criticizing Udall for supporting Obamacare. The ad was identical to one used in Louisiana, where Sen. Mary Landrieu is considered one of the more vulnerable Democratic incumbents this election cycle. The Denver Post reported that the group was spending some $1 million to air the ad in Denver and Colorado Springs. Backed by the billionaire Koch Brothers, Americans for Prosperity is organized as a nonprofit “social welfare” group, and therefore is not required to disclose its donors. Nor in this case has it reported these ad buys to the Federal Election Commission (FEC). Instead, the group calls them “non-candidate issue ads” on the contracts filed with Denver stations – which are possible to view using Sunlight’s Political Ad Sleuth (politicaladsleuth.com) tool. Sunlight gathers documents reported by television broadcast stations to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) detailing who is buying public airwaves for political advertisements. The forms are searchable and viewable by metro area. Volunteers help us fill in some of the gaps in the data. For example, last summer, when two Colorado state senators faced recall races inspired by their votes for gun control, Colorado Springs residents helped collect documents on ad buys filed at local broadcast stations. The FCC does not post Colorado Springs ad buy data because it is not considered a major media market. We also welcome help from people who can enter data from the ad buy documents into our online database – the instructions are on the website. The Ad Sleuth data show that Americans for Prosperity was active snatching up TV time in Denver last fall, when it opposed the education referendum, Amendment 66 as well as supporting a slate of conservative school board candidates. Of course not all the money flowing into the Amendment 66 battle came from those opposed to the amendment. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg contributed about $1 million to the official “Yes on 66” campaign, as did Bill and Melinda Gates. Despite this help, the amendment failed. To find this information, it’s necessary to search for it on Colorado’s campaign finance website. (http://www.sos.state.co.us/)
Party time in Park Hill If you’re curious where the Colorado delegation parties down to raise money for their campaigns and from whom, Sunlight’s Party Time website (www.politicalpartytime.org) can provide some clues. Sunlight collects fundraiser invitations from anonymous sources, posts them on the website, and also enters information from the invitations into a database so it is searchable. For example, last March, Colorado Rep.
Ed Perlmutter was feted by Ali Wolpert, a lobbyist for the Depository Trust and Clearing Company, at the Washington restaurant Cava Mezze. Perlmutter, a Democrat, sits on the House Financial Services Committee, clearly an important one for the group, which reported lobbying on legislation related to cybersecurity and swap regulation. The website Open Congress (www.opencongress.org) enables researchers to track legislation, including its sponsors, and other details. Open States (www.openstates.org) provides similar features for monitoring state legislation. Scout (scout.sunlightfoundation.com) allows anyone to set up email alerts to search for phrases that appear in federal or state legislation, federal regulations, or Congressional speeches. It’s also possible to set up an alert when a certain political committee files a report, such as the National Rifle Association or the AFL-CIO. Think Google alerts, but for politics. If you’re nosy about your neighbors, Open Secrets (www.opensecrets.org/indivs/) is the place to look up campaign contributions by people living in the Park Hill neighborhood. Simply plug in a zip code – say 80207 – and you’ll see a list of all the contributions from individual of more than $200. Note: this is not a Sunlight Foundation website, but comes from an organization we work with closely. In the 2012 elections, the 80207 zip code was the source of $204,000 in contributions from individuals, about double the amount of average contributions by zip code nationwide.
The best disinfectant Sunlight’s team of developers and journalists are always working together to come up with new ways to offer easy-todigest political data to the public. Follow the organization on Facebook, twitter (@ SunFoundation), or visit the website, www. sunlightfoundation.com, to keep up with the latest developments. As a nonprofit organization devoted to transparency, Sunlight is straightforward about its donors. To check the current list of funders, a mix of foundations and individuals, visit Sunlight’s web page. It’s going to be a long election season. In the Greater Park Hill News last month, local open government advocate Jeff Roberts wrote that “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” This saying from Justice Louis Brandeis is the inspiration for the Sunlight Foundation’s name. We strive to provide the tools for anybody and everybody to start scrubbing away. Park Hill resident Nancy Watzman is a consultant to the Sunlight Foundation, where she does investigative reporting on money and politics. She is the co-author of “Is That a Politician in Your Pocket? Washington on $2 million a Day,” (Wiley Books, 2004), and has written for such publications as the Washington Monthly, the New Republic, and Harper’s Magazine.
Shazam! And Other Tools to Use For a complete list of Sunlight’s internet tools, visit sunlightfoundation.com/tools/ Influence Explorer. (www.influenceexplorer.com) This one-stop shop website lets users look up federal and state campaign contributions, federal lobbying data, and some contract and regulatory information. AdHawk. This free mobile app works like Shazam for political ads: hold your phone up to the TV when a political ad is playing, and the app will recognize the ad and give you information about what groups are behind it. Docket Wrench. (http://docketwrench.sunlightfoundation.com/) Investigate who is commenting on the federal rulemaking process. The website groups comments with similar language so it’s possible to figure out what groups are running letter writing campaigns. Recently, for example, Docket Wrench helped show that some 100,000 comments filed in favor of the controversial Keystone pipeline came via a public relations firm run by Mary Cheney, daughter of Dick Cheney. Follow Congress. Sunlight’s congress mobile apps let users take a pocket guide to members of congress on their phones. Follow their bills, explore votes, contact congressional offices and more. Politwoops. (http://politwoops.sunlightfoundation.com/) collects deleted tweets by U.S. politicians, often revealing gaffes. For example, a number of politicians deleted tweets they posted that made derogatory jokes about Attorney General Eric Holder when he recently fell ill. Page 4
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
Changes Coming To A School Near You What Choices Do We Really Have?
ever, measuring a teacher’s success in In a recent communication, Denver Public Schools Superintendent the classroom by student test scores is Tom Boasberg stated, “Visit most any not a sound policy. First and foremost classroom today, and it’s likely to look not all students come to school with the very different than the classroom of 20 same experiences and abilities. or 30 years ago when many of us were Studies have shown that test score rein school.” sults reflect a student’s socio-economic I agree with the superintendent, background. Children with more opthough probably not for the same portunities to learn at an early age have reasons. higher test scores and better academic During a recent visit at an elementagrowth. ry school, all students were assembled It is laudable to want every child, no in the gym. They were drilled by an DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg, left, and his predecessor, matter the zip code, to have access to exuberant principal and asked what Michael Bennet, who is now a U.S. Senator. an excellent school. Yet, not acknowledging the effects of the growing rate to do and not to do during TCAP, the of child poverty in Colorado does not imyearly Colorado-wide assessments that are prove the overall education of our citizens. mandated in public institutions. According to Kids Count, 224,000 children As a child I never had to memorize a LYNN KALINAUSKAS lived in poverty in Colorado in 2012. As pro-testing mantra. Things have indeed GPHC Education Chair more and more funds are allocated to rechanged. forms and testing, the core issue – poverty Dramatically altered landscape – is overlooked and students continue to fall dent Bush and pushed forward by PresiFollowing in the footsteps of DPS’ former through the cracks. dent Obama’s Race to the Top policy, the superintendent Michael Bennet who was a Test scores give the district the weapon reform movement advocates better measurproponent of educational reforms, Superinand the power needed to shut down schools able outcomes for students, teachers, and tendent Boasberg has instituted a number and transform them into “better performschools. The measuring tools being used of changes in the district that have dramatiing schools.” But the results are mixed and are high-stakes tests (CSAP, TCAP and next cally altered the landscape of public educalead to many failures, disproportionately year PARCC). tion in Denver. disenfranchising poor communities over It is reasonable to want to know how Following a national movement started and over. children are performing and how schools with No Child Left Behind under PresiIn Park Hill in recent years, three school are preparing them for their futures. How-
SCHOOLS UPDATE
MEETING SECONDS Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the March 6 Greater Park Hill Community monthly meeting. The next meeting, which is open to the public, is Thursday, April 3 beginning at 6:30 p.m., 2823 Fairfax St.
District 2 Police Report Officer Reyes Trujillo reported that two suspects have been arrested in cases involving 12 burglaries in South Park Hill and east of Montclair Boulevard. Officer Trujillo also distributed a graffiti vandalism removal form that residents should use to accept or decline City of Denver free removal services. (The form is available at the GPHC website at greaterparkhill.org.) The non-emergency dispatch number for District 2 is 720-913-2000. Residents are reminded to reserve the 911 number for emergencies and crimes in progress. Also, Officer Trujillo noted that the Seniors’ Resources Center provides resources to seniors for help around the house. Call 303-235-6952 or email him at ltrujillo@ srcaging.org.
4th of July Parade Update Justin Bresler provided an update for the annual Greater Park Hill 4th of July Parade. The parade route is along 23rd Avenue from
Colorado Boulevard to Kearney Street. Organizers are seeking volunteers, sponsors, and participants, including a marching band. If you would like to participate, please contact Bresler at ParkHillParade@gmail.com.
East Rail Line to DIA Halfway Complete Joshua Solis noted the East Rail Line to DIA – called the Eagle Project – is 52 percent completed. All projects (East Rail Line, Northwest Rail Line and Gold Line) are scheduled to be open for service in 2016. The nearest stops to Park Hill are 42nd and Jackson Street, (just west of Colorado Boulevard) and Smith Road and Central Park Boulevard (near the Stapleton Wal-Mart). Fares have not yet been determined. During peak hours, it will run every 15 minutes. Additional details are at Rtd-fastracks.com.
Juneteenth Music Festival Jason McCarl provided an update to the upcoming Juneteenth Music Festival. Last year’s festival drew 20,000 participants and included 150 vendors. More people are expected to attend this year. Organizers plan to go green this year, including composting, recycling and using “green” vendors.
Walk 2 Connect Jonathon Stalls, of Walk 2 Connect, described his efforts to create social walking events and programs in Park Hill. Sunrise walks are currently happening from 7 to 8 a.m. every Tuesday, starting at Adagio Bakery at 23rd and Dexter streets. The walks are open to anyone who wants to join.
Healthy Food Update Dana Miller of the Denver Sustainable Food Policy Council detailed current efforts to change the city’s zoning code to allow Denver residents to sell produce they grow in their yards. In addition, Miller is working to partner with neighborhood groups, including the GPHC, on a program called Produce for Pantries, in which home grown produce can be donated and distributed via emergency food pantries, including in Park Hill.
Bistro Barbés Coming to Park Hill Jon Robbins, owner of Bistro Barbés, will be opening a French-style bistro at the site of the former Pary’s on 28th, at 5021 E. 28th Ave. The menu will include organic and local food as available. The bistro will have about 26 seats. Robbins plans to start with dinner only, with a Sunday brunch service possibly added later. Patrons will be encouraged to park along Fairfax Street, where currently operating businesses are closed in the evening.
programs have failed in the Smiley building: Envision Schools Colorado, Venture Prep Middle School and Smiley Middle School. On March 12, Alyssa Whitehead-Bust, DPS Chief of Innovation and Reform, stated in a congressional testimony to the Education & The Workforce Committee that, “We have closed 20 schools across governance types in the past five years; 10 of those 20 were charter schools because they were not meeting our accountability expectations.” That is a bad track record for a district that opens and shutters schools at record speed. Another case in point is Manual High School, which has been going through reforms since 2006 and is again in a state of crisis. None of the reforms enacted there by the district have produced significantly better test scores. When a community is in constant “reform mode,” it does not have the stability to be sustainable.
Winners and losers Based on competition, education reforms assume that the strong will outlive the weak. Thus, there must be winners and losers. Such status is predicated on mandated testing and a system that does not elevate struggling schools but instead continues to continued on page 16
Committee Chair & Community Updates Kate Sultan noted that the Home Tour Committee is waiting for the Bronco’s schedule to be published in April before finalizing the September Home Tour/Street Fair. Ryan Hunter, chair of the GPHC Community Grants Committee, provided an update on the work being done to pursue grants for various community projects in Park Hill. Education Committee Chair Lynn Kalinauskas provided an update on the proposed SEED High School, and the status of the new high school in Stapleton. Board member Louis Plachowski provided an update on the proposed City Park Loop project. As one of two GPHC representatives on the project, Plachowski noted that anyone can attend the meetings, but only designated Registered Neighborhood Organization stakeholders are allowed to speak. He said that city parks and recreation officials indicated that they will soon present a new plan for City Park Loop, or announce that they are not proceeding with the project.
Executive Director Report Executive Director Robyn Fishman noted new office hours for the Greater Park Hill Community office at 2823 Fairfax St. are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
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The Greater Park Hill News
Sold signs follow wherever we go! Page 5
Pictured above from the left: Girl Scouts Fiona Goe, Aspen Reeves, Fiona Shore, and Morgan Ward. Troop members not pictured: Lucy Francone, Jane Kealey, Lily Lowe, Ellie McWhirter, Piper Molins, Hayley Redecker, Waverly Reeves, and Tess Widler.
Sweet Home Town Heroes By Kristin Coulter Thanks to cookie customers of Girl Scout Troop 3573’s 15 members were able to deliver cookies around Park Hill last month. It was part of the Girl Scout cookie donation “Home Town Heroes” program, which allows cookie customers to buy cookies and donate them to a troop’s charity rather than take them home. It is a calorie-free option for customers who want to support a troop but don’t want to be tempted by the delicious cookies. In addition to the 150 boxes of cookies donated to Greater Park Hill Community’s emergency food pantry, this year the troop received enough donations to also support other charitable groups around Park Hill. The Park Hill–based 5th and 6th grade troop members provided the staff at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church at 1920 Dahlia St., with a case of cookies. The church allows the troop to use its meeting rooms, free of charge, for troop gatherings twice a month and has done so for many years.
In addition the girls plan to take donated cookies to the Forest Street Compassionate Care Center, at 3345 Forest St. Last year the girls earned their Bronze Award, the highest Girl Scout award this age of Girl Scout can earn, by doing a project at the center. The troop members have not forgotten the experience, and wish to return. While at the center the girls made friends with residents and learned about Alzheimers’ disease and effects that medications have on patients. It turns out that Alzheimers’ medications tend to lower a patient’s blood temperature, making them cold. To make the residents more comfortable the girls made lap blankets to help them stay warm. According to troop leaders Kristin Coulter and Laura Charlier, “the cookie season isn’t really about selling cookies. It is about decision making, goal setting, money management, people skills and business ethics. The girls learn these skills and take great pride in being able to give back to the community. They know that Girl Scout cookies make people smile and that is a great gift.”
GPHC is seeking an Executive Director Candidates should have a strong development background that will continue to grow the organization. Candidates must have an Associate’s degree plus two years of prior executive director or management experience, or equivalent. Candidates must also have strong organizational skills, a broad understanding of City processes, and the ability to coordinate multi-faceted programs and manage diverse volunteers. Greater Park Hill resident preferred but not required. This is an exempt, part-time position, Monday – Thursday, 9:00 – 3:00 PM. Salary: up to $24,000 To learn more about GPHC and to view the full Executive Director job description, please visit the GPHC website http://greaterparkhill.org/ Qualified candidates are welcome to send a cover letter and a resume to chair@greaterparkhill. org by Friday, April 18.
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The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
Ride Into Spring with The Bike Depot Nonprofit Spoke Shop Celebrates Six Years In Park Hill By Ryan Schutz Most Park Hill residents know The Bike Depot as a bike shop on 28th and Fairfax where you can get a good deal on a tune-up or a refurbished bike, but it is much more than that. The Park Hill Bike Depot is a volunteerdriven nonprofit organization that has promoted and supported bike riding in Park Hill since 2008. The Depot has recycled more than 5,000 bicycles and provided nearly 3,000 bikes to people through programs that promote bike safety, self-sufficiency, and volunteerism in the community. Putting bikes into the hands of people who need them and giving riders the confidence to keep their bikes rolling is at the heart of what The Bike Depot does in Park Hill. The Depot meets its mission first and foremost by providing access to low cost,
Cycle Tip of the Month Check your tire pressure before every ride. Underinflated tires wear out quickly, are prone to flats, and make your bike feel sluggish. If you do add air to your tires, don’t just inflate them to the maximum pressure. High tire pressure can result in a rough ride and poor traction. Find the sweet spot by inflating your tires to 80 percent of the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire.
April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
high quality bikes and bike service through the retail store. Bikes for sale at The Bike Depot are donated by the public, refurbished by professional bike mechanics, and sold for one-third to one-half of their original price. Proceeds from bike sales and bike service are reinvested into the community through the shop’s programs. People who cannot or choose not to buy a bike from The Bike Depot can receive a donated bike through the Earn-a-Bike and Bike Rodeo programs. Kids can earn a bike through Bike Rodeos, where they are given a basic bike safety course along with their refurbished bike. Bike Rodeo graduates can trade up for a bigger bike when they outgrow their old one. The Earn-a-Bike program allows adults to earn their wheels by attending a training on basic bike safety and maintenance, volunteering for three hours with any of The Bike Depot’s 26 nonprofit partners, and participating in a three-hour session to refurbish their earned bike with the guidance of skilled volunteer mechanics. It is a fun and educational experience that gives participants a strong sense of ownership for their bike and the confidence to take care of it. All earned bikes come with a helmet and lock to keep bikes and riders safe. The Bike Depot also seeks to build community around biking through events and education. Summer Bike Camp is in its third year of offering two-week sessions in which kids ages 7-14 can have fun riding bikes, learning about bike mechanics, and developing leadership skills through daily activities. This year The Depot is able to offer more Bike Camp sessions through partnerships with The Denver Green School and
The Bike Depot has recycled more than 5,000 bicycles, and provided people with nearly 3,000 bikes during its six years in Park Hill. Photo by Theo Stroomer
Boys and Girls Club of Metro Denver. Adults can join the fun on a bike ride or at any of The Depot’s classes, which range from basic bike mechanics to advanced bike touring. Also look for special events like the upcoming Park Hill Garden Ride on Saturday, June 14, where The Bike Depot will be offering free bike rentals and a guided ride to Park Hill Garden Walk participants. Park Hill residents can support The Bike Depot’s efforts through a variety of volunteer opportunities, by donating a bike to be refurbished, or by simply shopping at The Depot. Volunteers are given a basic orientation and opportunities for advanced training along with a benefits program that offers discounts and social perks. Bike donations, and donations of any kind, are tax deductible and fuel The Depot’s mission to make Park Hill a healthier, happier place to ride your bike.
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Ryan Schutz is the executive director of The Bike Depot. He can be reached at info@ thebikedepot.org.
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Ludlow, continued from page 1
4000 Holly Street Park Hill Stapleton/Lowry
Even so, the presence of the National Guard temporarily led to a stalemate. The workers and their families remained in the miserable tent colonies through the extremely snowy, bitterly cold winter of 1913–14. As they shivered on strike duty during which they hoped nothing would happen, many of the members of the National Guard complained about the assignment. They had signed up to defend the country, not to serve as the private army for a Rockefeller-owned corporation. In response to their laments, Gov. Ammons ruled that they could get out of the service if they found a replacement soldier. Most had no trouble doing so: In their place the National Guard readily enlisted gunmen who were already in the pay of CF&I.
‘They fired at anybody trying to flee’ Now that the militia was essentially the private army of the mine owners, violence once more escalated. Attacks by the soldiers destroyed some of the tent colonies. Still, the workers stayed on strike. CF&I, in response to union offers to accept arbitration, stated there was nothing to negotiate. By April, only two militia companies remained in the strike zone—that was all the deeply indebted state could afford. Both were filled with professional soldiers and avowed haters of labor. Still, the workers held firm. Their main quarters were Ludlow. This was the colony of approximately 1,000 workers and their families located near a railroad crossing about halfway between Walsenburg and Trinidad. As a measure of self-defense, the miners had dug bunkers under some of the tents. That was where women and children were to go for safety if the militia attacked. Random beatings and arrests of strikers were common. Local law enforcement officials were at one with CF&I in fighting the union and the strike. The workers took it as a moral victory that they had survived the winter on Greek Easter, Sunday, April 19, 1914. Amidst their festivities, soldiers arrived. They claimed the workers were holding a kidnapped boy. If the residents did not turn him over the next day, they promised retribution. This was the situation on the morning of April 20, 1914. The National Guard prepared to attack Ludlow. First they arrested and murdered Louis Tikas, the UMW camp leader. Soon gunshots rang out. The workers, as part of their defense plans, sought to fold off the soldiers by heading to the hills where, though completely outgunned, they held off the attack for most of the day. Out of ammunition, the workers retreated in the late afternoon. The National Guard thereupon invaded Ludlow. After looting the settlement, the troopers poured kerosene on the tents and set them afire. Using machine guns, they fired at anybody trying to flee. Only the arrival of a freight train, blocking the soldiers from the camp at a crucial moment, limited their slaughter.
men – simply disappeared. Whether they escaped, left, or were killed is unknown. In the wake of the ruins, searchers found the bodies of two women and 11 children suffocated to death in an underground bunker. On its discovery, the workers literally went on the warpath, attacking and destroying mines and CF&I property through southern Colorado. The National Guard was completely helpless in the face of the revolt. In consequence, President Woodrow Wilson had to send in federal troops to quell the disorder. He had previously mobilized them to attack on Mexico to crush that country’s revolution. The aftermath of Ludlow prevented the president from engaging in that adventure. The strike lingered on until December when the union, and the workers, conceded defeat. Not until the 1930s, amidst the massive organizing drive of the New Deal, did the UMW gain recognition for coal miners in southern Colorado. The union and virtually all backers of labor well remembered Ludlow. To make sure nobody else forgot it, around 1934 the Colorado Labor Historical Committee commissioned a Park Hill resident, Barron B. Beshoar of 2342 Elm St., to write the pioneering account of Ludlow, Out of the Depths. An instant classic that was repeatedly reprinted, it still quickly disappears from used bookstores. Beshoar, a founder of the Denver Newspaper Guild, went on to be a foremost reporter for Time-Life. After stints in New York and Los Angeles, he later moved to the Montclair neighborhood. He was living in Montrose by the time of his death in 1987. His passion is still obvious in Out of the Depths on the centennial of the shame of Ludlow. Author Phil Goodstein grew up in Park Hill. He treats the Ludlow Massacre in his book on early Denver, Denver from the Bottom Up: From Sand Creek to Ludlow. His Park Hill Promise is a thorough overview of the origins and evolution of greater Park Hill. Both volumes are available at the Park Hill Bookstore. Goodstein also leads walking tours of Denver neighborhoods: See sidebar for a schedule of April tours, including Park Hill.
Making sure no one forgets At least 18 children, women and men were killed at Ludlow. No final tally could ever be done, as many people – particularly single
The Ludlow memorial at the site of the slaughter. Photo by Phil Goodstein.
April Schedule: Denver Neighborhood Tours by Phil Goodstein Sunday, April 6: Clements Park/Old East Denver, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Gather at the fountain in Benedict Fountain Park at the northwest corner of 20th Avenue and Pennsylvania Street. The area will be included in Goodstein’s forthcoming volume, Curtis Park, Five Points, and Beyond: Exploring Old East Denver. Tour is $10. Sunday, April 13: Central Park Hill, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet at the flagpole in front of Smiley School, along the east side of Holly Street between 25th and 26th avenues. This is a distinguished area covered in Goodstein’s Park Hill Promise. Cost is $10. With a copy of the book (suggested retail of $29.95), the price is $30. Saturday, April 19: Park Club Place, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet at the real estate office of Leonard Leonard & Associates, 420 Downing St., 303/744–6200. Cost is $10. Saturday, April 26: Hilltop, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet at the sundial in Cranmer Park near the equivalent of Second Avenue and Cherry Street. Enter the park at either First Avenue or Third Avenue at Clermont Street. There is a deck in the center of the park topped by a huge sundial. (Clermont is five blocks east of Colorado Boulevard.) Cost is $10. Page 8
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
Traffic, continued from page 1
Like Cars Through the Hourglass… Quebec Street Traffic Continues to Confound Denver Public Works’ calls it the “Quebec Alternatives Analysis.” Many people who have to drive on Quebec Street loosely translate this as: “Is the city ever going to fix this mess so I can either drive on it, ride on it, or walk along it without worrying I will die?” Here is the problem: Quebec Street runs north-south along the far eastern boundary line of Park Hill. Since Lowry Air Force Base and Stapleton neighborhoods were developed, Quebec Street is now a major traffic artery. South of 6th Avenue, and north of 23rd Avenue, the road is wide. Between them, the road narrows to two lanes in places. Cars back up for blocks in both directions. The hourglass – as Denver City Council President Mary Beth Susman calls it – creates “a terrible logjam.” Last year Denver Public Works launched its latest study to determine the future of Quebec Street. Results and recommendations are expected to be completed this month or in May, according to city officials. One option – to widen it – is not likely, Susman said in an interview with GPHN. First, she believes “if we made it easier for cars, we would just be inviting more cars.” Another problem with the widening option is the expense. “Many years ago people said the city should buy the properties along Quebec to widen the street, but the city doesn’t have the money and will never have the money,” Susman says. “We would have to buy all four business corners of Colfax and all homes from 6th to 23rd -- that would cost millions of millions of dollars.” And forget about burying Quebec Street. That would cost $1 billion. Here are the alternatives Denver Public Works is considering in the Quebec Alternatives Analysis – in their words, edited for space. (all options can be fully reviewed at denvergov.org/Portals/736/documents/Alternatives%20Overview.pdf) 1. No Action: Do nothing. 2. Transportation Systems Management (TSM): This addresses operational improvements to Quebec Street by modifying the signal timing at intersections to improve traffic flow. This alterna-
April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
tive would not provide any physical improvements to the infrastructure of Quebec Street or its intersections. Denver will continually maintain the existing signal systems to optimize performance; therefore, TSM is an assumed part of all other alternatives. 3. Reconfigure Quebec: This would entail upgrading intersections and improving sidewalk connectivity along the corridor. Right-of-way width would remain the same, except at intersections where additional land for transit stops, intersection capacity, and/or the construction of sidewalk and curb ramp improvements would be needed. 4. One-Way Couplet: This would create a one-way couplet utilizing Quebec for southbound traffic and Syracuse, four blocks to the east, for northbound traffic. Reconfiguration of east-west streets connecting the entry and exit points of the couplet may be required. Bike lanes and bus routes would be shifted to the one-way operation, and parking on Syracuse would be impacted. 5. Directional Priority: Right-of-way width would remain the same, except at intersections where additional transit stop, intersection capacity, and sidewalk and curb ramp improvements would be built. Quebec and Syracuse would remain two-way streets, but enhancements would increase capacity to favor southbound travel on Quebec and northbound travel on Syracuse. 6. Widen Quebec: This would involve widening Quebec Street to the east side of the existing roadway. Extensive property acquisition would be required, including private residential and park parcels. Since this alternative does not meet the study’s determined Purpose and Need that prioritizes consideration of near-term solutions that can be implemented in 5-10 years, the Project Team recommends elimination of this Quebec widening option. The city is currently seeking validation of this decision from the Quebec task force and the general public. -- Cara DeGette
Another Park Hill resident, who asked to remain unnamed, says, “This is not a new issue … it’s been around a looooong time.” “Currently the city keeps repeating the solution; get people to stop driving. Where’s the city’s comprehensive plan to drive that behavior? Where’s the City’s comprehensive plan to entice people to stop driving? Where’s the City’s comprehensive plan to allow people to get out of their cars? “Without a comprehensive mass transit system in place that allows people to get from point A to their final destination, it’s not going to happen.“ People, Kelly noted, will not stop driving their cars and start using mass transit until taking mass transit takes less time than driving. For example, she says it makes no sense for her to consider light rail, because it wouldn’t take her anywhere near her house.
• Encouraging shared cars (like Car2Go and the Lyft cars). • Determining ways to increase RTD service to anticipate riders – rather than responding to demand as is current policy.
The last mile Susman concedes the problem of what she calls “the sticky problem of the last mile” – that is, how to get people from their homes to mass transit, and from the mass transit stop to their final destination. The closest light rail connection to Park Hill is the north line to Denver International Airport, and won’t be completed until 2016. Even then, the closest stops will be at Colorado Boulevard and 40th Avenue to the west, and, to the east near the Stapleton Wal-Mart. Susman, who represents the southernmost portion of Park Hill, as well as the Hilltop and Montclair neighborhoods to the south, suggested several potential options: • Circulars (like the small buses currently used to shuttle DIA passengers to and from their cars) that travel around the neighborhood and deliver people to and from mass transit stations.
Barbara Redmond and Brian Rodeno have been seeking relief from a spike in traffic in front of their homes on Krameria Street north of Colfax. Photos by Mark Silverstein
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COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Park Hill Easter Egg Hunt Goes Big League
Tattered Cover Icon to Speak on Future of Indy Bookstores Joyce Meskis, owner of Tattered Cover, one of the most successful independent bookstores in the United States, will give her take on the future of independent bookstores in the United States. The speech is a fundraiser for the Park Hill Community Bookstore, and will be Friday, May 16 at Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St. The Park Hill Bookstore, founded in May of 1971, is at 23rd and Dexter streets, and offers a wide range of new and used books. It is the only nonprofit, member-operated bookstore in the metro area. The Tattered Cover also opened in May of 1971, with two employees, and now has storefronts in Lower Downtown, Highlands Ranch, Capitol Hill, and at Denver International Airport. Meskis is an icon among independent bookstore owners, past president of the American Booksellers Association and a fierce defender of the First Amendment. In 2000, the Colorado Supreme Court upheld her position that Tattered Cover had no obligation to release book purchase information to law enforcement authorities pursuing charges against a drug dealer. The case established a strong legal precedent. Tickets are $20 and can be picked up at the Park Hill Bookstore seven days a week. For information and hours call 303355-8508.
Last year’s Easter Egg Hunt at Rene & Nathan Moore’s house at 1660 Holly Street was such a smashing success they are not only doing it again – they are pulling out the stops. “I have about 5,000 eggs this year – we are going big!” reports Rene. Last year 150 children showed up, and again, all Park Hill kids are welcome. The Hunt begins at 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 13. If the weather is does not cooperate, the Easter Egg Hunt will be rescheduled to Saturday, April 19. In addition to the egg hunt, there will be entertainment, face painting, and other treats.
From Tuesday, April 29 to Thursday, May 1, East Senior Drama Projects will be at the East Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Senior Theatre Students will perform original one-act plays. This is the culminating project for graduating theatre students. For more information: Mel Duggan- melody_duggan@dpsk12.org or 720-423-8338.
Get Ready For Carnival The Annual Montview Carnival fundraiser is Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Among the festivities: food, fun, games and prizes with live music, a cakewalk, horse-drawn wagon rides and train rides. The carnival, at 1980 Dahlia St. benefits Montview Community Preschool and Kindergarten. Tickets are $7 in advance, $9 at the door. Free to children under 2 years old. Advance tickets are available at the school. Call 303-322-7296 for more info.
April East High School Events The POP Show runs Thursday, April 17 through Saturday, April 19, at 7 p.m. at East High Auditorium. For tickets: William Taylor 720-423-8422 or william_taylor@dpsk12.org.
Naturally Loved owner Aly Warren’s daughter, Luna.
Naturally Loved Moves To Park Hill After four years in Stapleton, Naturally Loved, a store committed to organic parenting, has relocated to Park Hill, at 2895A Fairfax, next to Eis Gelato and Café. The store is holding a grand re-opening celebration on Saturday April 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with music, gelato, face painting, giveaways, a photo booth and more. “I was looking for a store front that was smaller in space but still close to old and new clientele, and something with a bit of character,” says owner Aly Warren. “Park Hill residents have always been loyal and wonderful customers at Naturally Loved and the move to the neighborhood seemed like a no-brainer. Not to mention that my five-year-old told me that it was the best business move ever to relocate by an ice cream shop. Can’t argue with that.” Warren promotes her store as an organic parenting “hub,” where parents can connect, share experiences, look for resources and find Eco-friendly baby products, including organic clothes, wooden toys, and homeopathic remedies for teething and colic. In addition, Naturally Loved conducts classes for parents and toddlers, including Baby and Me yoga, TOT yoga, and infant massage. A full listing of classes and hours of operation are at the store website, www.naturallylovedbaby.com.
A Million Ways To Walk The 2nd Annual NE Walk Fest happening on Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The free community walking event will officially kick-off from the Pauline Robinson Library at 9 a.m. at 33rd and Holly streets. This year’s NE Walk Fest will feature 30-plus themed walking trips guided by knowledgeable and experienced hosts around the area. Trips include a Walk with City Councilman Albus Brooks, Local Historical Walks, Urban Garden Walks, Urban Herb Walks, Literary & Writing Walks, Bluff Lake and Sand Creek Regional Greenway Walks, and more. Goodie bags, prize giveaways, community tables, chalk art, area walkability demonstrations, and other familyfriendly activities will be held throughout the day. The NE Walk Fest was created to inspire increased cross-neighborhood walking behavior and pedestrian safety awareness throughout the Stapleton Area Transportation Management’s service areas, including Stapleton, Park Hill, East Montclair, and northwest Aurora neighborhoods. “Walking is one of the best things we can do for our mental, emotional, and physical health,” according to Jonathon Stalls, Founder of Walk2Connect. “The more people we have walking our neighborhoods, the safer they are. This festival is a one-day demonstration to help us all connect to our most inherent form of transit while also better understanding the many street and intersection barriers that can make walking difficult and unsafe.” Visit NEWalkFest.com,‘NE Walk Fest’ on Facebook for details. Contact Stalls at jonathon@walk2connect.com.
The Great Denver Cleanup If it’s Saturday, April 26, it must be the Great Denver Cleanup. Are you and your block ready? Collection trucks will be set up around the city of Denver for residents and neighbor-
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Hunger, Faith & Food Summit Join community organizers, urban farmers, nutritionists and chefs on Tuesday, April 29 for the third annual Hunger, Faith & Food Summit at Saint John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 1350 Washington St., from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Lynne Butler of Metro CareRing will deliver a short keynote address, accompanied by photos and a participant from the acclaimed “Hunger Through My Lens” project, sponsored by Hunger Free Colorado. A wide range of breakout sessions will be offered, covering three areas — growing food (gardens and landscapes), preparing food (kitchens), and sharing food (community solutions). Participants will meet with and learn from a range of local notables, A zero-waste potluck dinner begins at 5:30 pm in Dagwell Hall. RSVP for the summit at sjcathedral.org/ hungerfaithfoodsummit
Earth Day at Bluff Lake
Storybooks on Stage Stories on Stage is performing a show for children and families called “Storybooks on Stage.” The show is April 12 at 10:30 a.m. at the Denver School of the Arts, 7111 Montview Blvd. The show features professional actors performing great children’s literature geared towards elementary school-aged kids, and stories, songs and poems. The lineup includes storytellers Gabriella Cavallero, John Jurcheck, Misha Johnson and Anthony Powell. Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under, and $10 for teens and adults. For information and tickets, www.storiesonstage.org or call 303494-0523.
hood groups to bring their excess household debris, including couches, mattresses, appliances without Freon, yard waste and more for free disposal and recycling. No televisions or electronics can be accepted. Find drop site locations and a list of acceptable and nonacceptable items by calling 3-1-1. The annual roundup is sponsored by Keep Denver Beautiful and Solid Waste Management.
On April 27, Bluff Lake Nature Center will be hosting “Raptor Day” in honor of Earth Day, replete with live birds of prey and a presentation from Nature’s Educators. This family-friendly event will feature a raptor costume parade for the kids, raptor ID sites, and more. Bluff Lake, the protected open space northeast of Park Hill, is also hosting its second annual Race for Open Space April 13. This year’s race will feature expanded running options, including a 5K, 10K and half-marathon. Check blufflake.org for details, including registration information.
Be a Donor, Save a Life Bonfils is sponsoring a marrow and blood drive at the Central Park Recreation Center on Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center is at 9651 E Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. To become a member of the marrow donor registry, make a monetary contribution or get information by walking-in that day. Blood donors can also schedule an appointment with the Bonfils Appointment Center at (303) 3632300 or online to bonfils.org. For more information, contact Lizzette Sauque, lizzette_sauque@bonfils.org or (303) 363-2351.
Learn About Lowry The Lowry Speaker Series presents Jack Stokes Ballard, John Bond and George Paxton, Coauthors of “Lowry Air Force Base” on Tuesday, April 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Eisenhower Chapel, 293 Roslyn Street. Admission is free; no reservations are necessary. The Colorado authors will discuss highlights of the base’s history.
Love and Logic Parenting Workshops In observation of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Denver Human Services is offering free sessions as part of a statewide campaign to help kids thrive. Caretakers are encouraged to attend one or all sessions and are asked to RSVP to 720-944-6005 or Karen.Kindblade@ denvergov.org as space is limited. The sessions will be at Denver Human Services, 3815 Steele St. Childcare and snacks will be provided at each session. • Session 1: What is Love and Logic? How to put an end to arguments with your child; Tuesday, April 1 • Session 2: How to handle tantrums and time out for young children at home and in public; Tuesday, April 8 • Session 3: Getting your child to bed without a hassle and potty training; Tuesday, April 15 • Session 4: Big misbehavior has big consequences and how to get kids to learn from their choices; Tuesday, April 22 • Session 5: What to do when your kids drain your energy?; Tuesday, April 29
Get Smart About Money Money Smart Week is April 5-12 and is designed to provide free resources about how to better manage your personal finances and plan for the future. Money Smart Week is a public awareness campaign involving businesses, financial institutions, schools, libraries, nonprofits and government agencies. There are programs planned throughout the Denver Metro Area during the week of April 5 designed for all demographics and income levels, covering all facets of personal finance – from establishing a budget to first-time home buying to estate planning. Go to www.moneysmartweek.org for a complete schedule.
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
Does It Have To Be Painful? Is it really difficult to get a mortgage loan these days? The answer is both yes and no, dependtions in loan products, the requirements ing. On what? Well, a number of things. are as follows: For income you need to It is easier to start by stepping back and prove two years of employment. For a wage considering what is important from the earner, that requires either W2s or 1099s lender’s point of view? They are concerned and a year-to-date paystub. For those who about three things: are self-employed, two years of tax returns Your ability to pay back the are required. Because of loan, which is determined by past fraud in the form of income. dummy documents or Your willingness to pay fake tax returns, no loan back the loan, as measured by NEIL FUNSCH is now funded without a your credit score. transcript of the tax reThe quality of the collateral turn from the IRS matchsecuring the loan, as established by the aping the submitted documents. praisal. The other major adjustment has to do That’s really all there is to it. Once we with the documentation of assets. This is appreciate that perspective we understand especially important in “sourcing” the down why they require the paperwork they will payment on a purchase. Depending on the ask for. loan program’s guidelines, there is a certain Some people may be asking, haven’t percentage of money that needs to show up things changed since the meltdown in order at the closing table. to tighten things up? Aren’t there all sorts of It is important to prove that this money unreasonable additional paperwork that is (the down payment) did not come from an required now? The answer is that now those interested party. Which can be understood, three concerns of the lender will have to be as this applies to anyone who is making verified with full documentation. money from the transaction – i.e. the seller, To illustrate, there is one type of loan that realtor or lender, who might supply money has completely disappeared. The stated inso that they can make a commission or sell come loan. These were originally designed the home. If the down payment is an allowto allow credit-worthy self-employed borable gift or money from the buyer’s assets it rowers to qualify for loans despite the fact needs to be traced back to its source. If the that their tax returns had been designed source is the buyer then they must supply to minimize their taxable income. These two months bank or investment statements borrowers did not have to prove their inshowing it as their funds. A gift will also be come but had to have high credit scores of traced back to the gifter’s account showing above 740 and lots of money in the bank. it being withdrawn. How much money? They had to prove they The new wrinkle here is that in the wake had reserves in the minimum of six times of 9/11, there is an increased scrutiny and the monthly income they stated they were alertness for laundered money. Yes, I guess making. They were also restricted to a lower terrorists buy houses sometimes. So any percentage of the home’s value. This loan large deposits in any of these accounts limit, expressed as a loan to value ratio, was that are not payroll or transfers have to usually set at a maximum 80 percent of the be sourced as well, with the proof of what appraisal evaluation. they are. Usually deposit slips and cancelled The problems arose when lenders began checks are required. to loosen these safeguards. Minimum credit People who have stashes of cash and want scores gradually dropped to around 600. to deposit it to use as a down payment are Cash reserve requirements shrank to only out of luck. Likewise if you get a check from twice the monthly stated income and loan someone who is paying back a personal to values shot all the way to 100 percent filoan, you will have to verify the transaction nancing in some cases. All a borrower had with a signed note. If you sell something to to prove with just a CPA letter was that they raise cash you will need a bill of sale. There had been self-employed for two years. There are no exceptions on this. were also many loans done without an apNeil Funsch has been a mortgage broker for praisal. No more! 18 years, the last four in Park Hill. He can Now, all income, assets and home values be reached at 303-229-2684 or neil.funsch@ must be verified. Generally speaking, since gmail.com. there are so many variations and excep-
AT HOME
Park Hill Community Garage Sale Set For May 3 Have you registered for the community-wide garage sale on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to noon? This is a great way to purge unwanted household items and make some extra cash. Get your block involved and meet some neighbors. Register your home by sending your name, address, email and top three items you are selling to GPHCyardsale@ymail. com. Participants will be setup on the GPHC Garage Sale Google map. New this year is our garage sale headquarters at 5400 Montview Blvd., at the corner of Montview Boulevard and Grape Street. Obtain a list of homes participating on the sale, make change or just say hello. After the sale, The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado will pick up donations from April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
your home starting at 1 p.m. Your donations of clothing and household items raise money to support programs and services to assist Coloradans with epilepsy. To have them pick up on Saturday, please call 303-428-5600 or register online at www.donatecolorado.org. To ensure your donations are going to the right organization, please put your items on your porch or lawn and mark it with “Epilepsy Foundation.” Don’t have anything to sell? Then enjoy a Saturday morning exploring Park Hill while shopping for some great deals. Homes participating in the garage sale will be posted at http:// gphcyardsale.com. This event is sponsored by the Greater Park Hill Community and your local real estate agents from Cherry Creek Properties LLC. Page 11
GENEROSITY AT GPHC
Greater Park Hill Community would like to thank the following people and groups for recent donations of food, in-kind gifts, and volunteer time, to benefit GPHC:
This garden at 1830/1834 Colorado Blvd, was the featured garden from last year’s Park Hill Garden Walk. Credit: Rick Morales-Brewick
The 2014 Park Hill
Garden Walk
Come join us this year at our annual neighborhood tour on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Welcome in summer by enjoying 12 beautiful gardens. With the help of our generous and creative Park Hill gardeners we are planning a tour to inspire the agrarian spirit in all of us. So you would rather ride than walk to the gardens this year? Great news! For a small membership donation The Bike Depot at 2825 Fairfax St. will have bikes available to rent from 11 a.m. through 4 p.m. You can pick up a bike on the day of the tour or to guarantee availability call ahead at 303-393-1963. Locks will be provided as well. How fun to enjoy the day in the sun, biking through our great neighborhood and stopping at wonderful gardens along the way. Last year our Garden Walk was a great success. We sold 550 tickets and raised more than $9,000 for Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. – our best year ever. Ticket prices are once again $15 if purchased the day of the tour, $12 for early purchase and $10 for seniors, 65+. It’s a small amount of money that goes a long way, and contributes to the things we value in our great neighborhood.
Find us on Facebook and take a look at our blog, http://parkhillgardenwalk.blogspot.com/ Barbara Armendariz, Co Chair , Garden Walk Committee
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• ACS Lift/Trader Joe’s • Adrienne Abel • Rita Ausler • Dede Barry • Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church • Keith Brown • Barbara Cavender • Cake Crumbs- Sean & Denon Moore, & Cake Crumbs customers • Colorado Academy students and teacher Dani Meyers • Jack Farrar • Claudia Fields • Girl Scout Troop #3573 (Kristin Coulter, Leader) • Greater Park Hill News Blockworkers • Barbara Hoffman • Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies of Grace #42, Cure D’Ars Catholic Church (Gaylene Harris) • Elisabeth Lawrence • Ann K. Long • Kevin Napue • Park Hill Branch librarians & patrons • Park Hill United Methodist Church • Dennis Pearl • Mathilde Reimer • Becky Richardson • Peggy Roberts • Jess & Dona Tolan • Vinita Tramble Shoals • Peggy Streit • Pamela Washington
... and the many generous donors who wished to remain anonymous. Thank you! THANK YOU to our new & renewing GPHC Members and Donors for their recent contributions: Individual/Family Members (up to $49): • Paul & Julie Brown • Judith Burke • Veronica D’Annibale • Dennis Dougherty • Jane A. Hultin • Lynn Kalinauskas & Trevor Williams • Chris, Sharon & Mallie Kermiet • Saeed Khazaie & Kristy Lyons • Dennis & Linda Royer • Patricia Taylor Business or Sustaining Members ($50-$99): • Becky Buckley • Dee & Steve Ciancio • Pamela & Jack Farrar • David Gauthier • High Country Guitar, Paul Murin • Tony & Janet Livaudais • Ellen Reath • Ryan Winters
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
Redrawn Map Makes Park Hill Whole By Councilman Christopher Herndon At least once every 10 years, the Denver City Council must redraw its district boundaries based on the latest U.S. Census data. According to the Denver Charter, the city is to be evenly divided into 11 council districts to honor the principle of “one personone vote.” Other rules dictate that each district must: be as compact as possible; contain contiguous land area; contain whole election precincts; and Denver Councilman Christopher have boundaries established Herndon currently represents District 11, which includes by ordinance. the northeastern section of The Denver City Council Park Hill, as well as Stapleton, established new council dis- Montbello and Green Valley trict boundaries on April 30, Ranch. 2011. The new map will be effective for purposes of the 2015 municiWhen we began the redistricting process, pal election. the City Attorney briefed council members In May 2015, residents of Green Valley on the specific requirements to which we Ranch, Parkfield, and most of Montbello needed to adhere, including ensuring that will elect a new representative to the new each district contain approximately 55,000 Denver City Council District 11. I will people with a 5% margin of error. Part of continue to represent Northeast Park Hill our guidance was to try to use naturally to Denver International Airport until middefined borders such as obvious thoroughJuly 2015 when the new council members fares, highways, and rivers. are sworn in. I will run for re-election in In looking at the population change in Far the new District 8, which includes a small Northeast Denver, it was immediately eviportion of Montbello, all of Stapleton, and dent that the landscape of our district was all of Park Hill. going to change dramatically. Lines were Between the 2000 census and the 2010 going to shift. Of all the maps produced census, Denver’s population grew by more during the redistricting process, each sigthan 45,000 people, roughly 35,000 of whom nificantly changed how Northeast Denver relocated to Council District 11. is represented on City Council.
April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
I saw the changes as an opportunity to unify communities. In looking at the current map, I noticed that several neighborhoods were divided. Park Hill is a perfect example. Park Hill has historically been represented by multiple council members. I saw that as difficult to navigate for residents looking for help on an issue. Under the status quo, if a Park Hill resident wants something done at the local level, they first have to study a map or call multiple council offices to figure out who their council member is. I think communities should know who their council member is, and if we can make that process easier for them we should try to do so. Across the City and County of Denver, there were times when it wasn’t possible to
keep neighborhoods in one council district. For instance, Green Valley Ranch, Parkfield and Montbello combined are home to more than 60,000 people. That cannot be one council district because it’s above the size threshold. Thus, the western portion of Montbello had to be put into a different district. The majority of council members supported my philosophy of keeping neighborhoods intact, and I’m glad that the map I designed - one that kept Park Hill whole - was the one approved by Denver City Council. No matter where you live, North or South Park Hill, beginning in mid-2015 you will be represented by the same person on City Council. For the first time in recent history, Park Hill will be kept whole.
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The ‘Fear of Missing Out’ Factor Special Events With Minimal Disruption Require Balance As special events get larger at locations worldwide, people are talking about the FOMO factor. FOMO is “Fear of Missing Out” and comes into particular focus fol-
asking residents what kind of events they want, instead of trying to accommodate all requests from promoters. “It’s crazy to think that the city can support everything the promoters propose. We need to determine what the people really want, what the community will support and be excited about,” he says. “The Capitol Hill People’s Fair is a great example. It got bigger because people wanted to go and participate. People needed an outlet for artistic endeavors and the People’s Fair provided that. People’s Fair is one of the best events of its size in the country, but it takes a lot of work.” Those attending the public meetings suggested a limit on profit-making events. There is also strong support for full cost recovery and protection of city property. “Money-making events are not bad,” says Morreale. “But Historic 7th Avenue is not a special events venue. And to a lesser extent, neither are parks. These are spaces paid for with tax money and we have to acknowledge that special events are outside of the original intent of these public spaces.” City officials declined to respond when residents repeatedly asked why events are staged if the city doesn’t make any money. Parks and Recreation Finance Director Fred Weiss previously told the Greater Park Hill News that the city cannot speak in terms of “profit,” but is limited to “cost recovery.” Weiss had a prominent role in developing the policy and setting fees on park events, which do not have to be open to the pubic and can charge participants to enter. City Council recently overruled the cost recovery fees set by Weiss for business operations in parks, sometimes called “stroller moms.” Council members indicated the fees were too high to encourage the activity. “Fred Weiss is a thoughtful, conscientious person,” says Morreale. “He is a good person to be asking how to get to the bottom of doing this. It can be done. But event organizers have to be responsible to the people and the surrounding area.” According to Morreale, staging a concert in a defined space is easier than events in public spaces. “Anybody can book a confined space like Red Rocks Amphitheater. But we (concert organizers) have to be thoughtful and responsible to do the rest. There are many steps to making an event safe, secure, and enjoyable. It literally involves a cast of thousands.” Publicly, city officials also dismiss suggestions for a dedicated, permanent festival facility as a location for large activities. Advocates of a festival park point to places such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Roskilde, near Copenhagen in Denmark, where hundreds of thousands of people attend special events and concerts every year. Even South By Southwest has a semi-dedicated facility, at Zilker Park in downtown Austin.
CITY MATTERS
DAVE FELICE
Renovaaon
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lowing the recent massive South By Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas. For event promoters, Fear of Missing Out means maximizing profit by encouraging attendance. For participants, FOMO means deciding if an event is worthwhile or just an activity in which they engage because many other people attend. For the city, FOMO might mean not hosting an event that could bring purported prestige or collateral revenue. For the community at large, FOMO is either the opportunity for a desirable activity or the inevitable disruption of special events. In Denver, city officials claim they are bombarded with requests for special events such as marathons, street fairs, famers’ markets, music festivals, and all manner of burgeoning special events. Katy Strascina now heads the Special Events office with the task of coordinating the activities of 17 city agencies involved in special events planning and coordination. During three recent public meetings to discuss Special Events and Planning (SEAP), many Denver residents expressed dismay over the impact of large and growing activities, especially in parks and residential neighborhoods. About 200 vocal and sometimes angry people made it clear they weren’t willing to accept former Mayor John Hickenlooper’s assessment that “putting up with some disruption is the price people pay for living close to a park.” These are really complicated questions and there are no easy answers,” says former concert promoter Jesse Morreale in exclusive comments for Greater Park Hill News. “Just ask anyone who has staged a large wedding reception.” Asking if an event is too large is the wrong question, says Morreale. “An activity should be sized to the level the audience will support. You don’t book a club band in an arena and vice versa.” One Denverite who attended South By Southwest this year put it another way: “The event has to deliver value at the scale of the activity. The value starts to decrease when attending the event is more trouble than it’s worth.” This year SXSW presented 2300 performances on 111 stages, up from the 1987 original 177 acts on 15 stages. In addition, there were hundreds of conference activities. Morreale says Denver officials should be
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
This segment of the Montclair Creek riparian corridor – which you may recognize as the Safeway gas station at 14th and Krameria Street, and looking west up 14th Avenue – needs some Watershed Love. These photos were taken after a downpour in summer of 2012. Photos by Mark Silverstein
Floodplains Are for Floods It was the summer of 1991. The state agency where I worked had just hosted the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) national conference. In my Park Hill yard, one of the attendees, Alan Wald with the State of Washington Department of Ecology, was describing to me an education and awareness program they had put together about flood risk and wise floodplain management. Then he stated their simple, but profound, slogan, “Floodplains Are for Floods.” He did not say, “Floodplains are for: • Houses and apartment buildings • Grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and auto repair facilities • Hospitals and churches; • Extremely busy streets and highway intersections, stretches of historic U.S. highways, or city zoos; As a footnote or an afterthought, for floods, if there’s any space left.“ I’ve never forgotten that moment. In part because yes, one of each of the above land uses exist in the floodplain of Montclair Creek -- including the Denver Zoo. Denver’s recent Storm Drainage Master Plan says, regarding facilities that existed at the time of the plan’s adoption, that the amount of floodwater set by the city’s current drainage criteria, the “initial storm (2-year recurrence for residential areas and 5-year recurrence for commercial/industrial areas), cannot be fully conveyed within pipes or dedicated drainage channels.” The master plan goes on to say that the “current system is generally undersized except for major drainage ways (e.g. South Platte River, … Harvard Gulch)…” Let’s examine the case for treating Mont-
April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
clair Creek as a “major drainage way” instead of as a system of pipes and some “local ponding areas.” Below are important statistics about three streams in Denver whose floodplains were first mapped about 35 years ago, and all of which have subsequently been regulated and managed as major drainage ways. The same information is included for Montclair Creek, as well. All three other streams are the subjects of
RESTORING OUR WATERSHEDS BRIAN HYDE
ongoing stream restoration efforts. Last month I asked how implementing Major John Wesley Powell’s proposal about watersheds and drainage divides might look. I submit that it would look much like the open space networks at Stapleton and Lowry (Westerly Creek), which are soon going to be even better, and like the best portions of the open space networks on Goldsmith Gulch and Harvard Gulch. I also submit that Montclair Creek is worthy of at least a little bit of the same Watershed Love. Next month – What might that Watershed Love look like? Brian Hyde is an expert in floodplain management and stream restoration. He wants your feedback at westerly_connect_brian@ comcast.net or 720-939-6039.
Where the Water Flows Stream & Location
Drainage Area (sq. mi.)
2-Year Flow (cfs)
5-Year Flow (cfs)
Goldsmith Gulch (below I-225) 3.5 600 1900 (mouth) 8.0 1040 3880 Harvard Gulch (Colo. Blvd.) 1.9 (Logan St.) 6.3 (mouth) 7.7 Westerly Creek (11th Ave.) 10.8 210 343 (flood control dams upstream) (Montview Blvd.) 11.7 805 1542 (same note) (mouth) 16.6 1110 2223 (same note) Park Hill Branch of Montclair Creek (Niagara & Severn Ave.) 0.2 88 171 (Dahlia & 16th Ave.) 1.3 268 542 Hale Pkwy Branch of Montclair Creek (Monaco Pkwy & Cedar Ave.) 0.6 83 164 (flood detention upstream) (Colo. Blvd & 12th Ave.) 3.2 617 1184 (same note) Montclair Creek (upstream of Ferril Lake at City Park) 5.6 1091 2097 (same note)
10-Year Flow (cfs)
100-Year Flow (cfs)
-
2750 5310
1340 3360 3600 (1400 over land + 2200 in culvert at Logan)
1900 4860 5350 (3150 over land + 2200 in culvert at Logan)
398
865
1831
4844
2629
6859
-
509 1901
-
564
-
3861
-
7061
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School Update, continued from page 5 weaken them until they can be easily destroyed. In order to find space for mushrooming new schools, DPS has systematically tagged certain schools for closure. The district creates instability in these schools and then targets them until they implode. Schools like Manual and Smiley have had multiple principals in just a few years. The principal at Smith Elementary has been successful there but is now being moved to Columbine Elementary, creating havoc at two schools. Every year DPS puts out a “Call for Quality Schools” that seeks applications for new schools. Most proposals are accepted. All are charter, innovation or performance schools. These models are predicated on the school having a degree of independence from district rules. DPS is steadily outsourcing its educational mission to Education Management Organizations (charter management) or to innovation or performance schools where the district has little involvement in how the schools are run. By doing so, DPS is stating that it can no longer be trusted to make the best curricular, human resource, budgetary or management decisions for taxpayer schools. Instead it is putting together a menu of services (such as payroll, cafeteria, transportation) that it offers the schools under its purview.
lines, implementation of new technologies, standardized testing is big business with a constant flow of new students that need to be assessed. Contracts with companies like McGraw-Hill Education and Pearson run in the millions and sometimes billions while budgets to local schools are being slashed yearly.
Big money in education
Advocating for all children
Educational reforms have been named “corporate” because they follow a corporate competition model whereby strong schools are expected to replace weak ones and strong teachers replace the ineffective ones. The capitalist model, however, assumes that everyone has the same capability of participating in the “market.” Children and their parents, however, do not all start this race on par nor can they participate in the race with the same supports, be it transportation, access to the internet, extended family, etc. The district will state that their performance measurements take this into account but they simply do not compensate for the advantages that economic stability and comfort afford. The term corporate reform also refers to the many corporations that have “invested” in this educational model. At the national level, policy is backed with funds from Bill Gates and other philanthropists. By allocating money to nonprofits, departments of education, school districts, foundations, institutions and businesses, they have underwritten the Common Core. In Colorado, the organization Colorado Succeeds, whose membership is a conglomerate of businesses, has received $400,000 from the Gates Foundation to lobby for more reforms, more teacher evaluations, and more measurable outcomes. The Colorado Legacy Foundation received more than $6 million for teacher evaluation systems and DPS has received more than $26 million in grants from the Gates Foundation. These are but a drop in the education reform bucket. Why put all this money into reform? Because education is big business. Alleviating the effects of poverty does not reap profits for corporations. From curriculum materials, pre-testing and testing materials, guide-
As parents, we have been left with an inability to plan our children’s K-12 education because schools are under attack. The drug of choice, to convince us of the need for school overhauls, is test scores. The district and the Colorado Department of Education go to great lengths to publicize schools’ performance records. We seek them, tirelessly figuring out how a school is faring, comparing it to other scores from other schools. We are addicted to test scores. With an ineffective union, teachers are at the mercy of Senate Bill 10-191 that ties them down to their test scores. Principals thrive or fail based on the color-coded performance of their schools. Taxpayers who fund and send their children to Denver’s public schools are the only ones who have power to enact change. First we must recognize that the testing industry is the blood supply of educational reforms. Without standardized testing, the reforms have nowhere to go. By playing into the popularity game of choice and color coded schools, the puppeteers place us exactly where they want us, fighting over some schools while neglecting others. For a nation that has grown and blossomed because of independence of thinking, creative solution and drive, this is a killer, creating common children for the testing and corporate pipeline. We need to advocate for all children, for school systems, both national and local, which support learning and creativity. Our children will then be ready for a more than “college or career” – they will be ready to build their own futures.
Testing – and more – to go online Test-driven reforms require systems that can organize and analyze the data. Paralleling the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, is a tracking system to measure students’ abilities from Pre-K through college. This is why, starting next year with the implementation of PARCC assessments and the Common Core, students will be tested online. What data will be collected is still murky but it will go far beyond test results. Dan Domagala, Chief Information Officer for the Colorado Department of Education, presented a plan for interconnected data, tracking students and their educators starting at the Pre-K level and linking that information to K-12 schools, social services, the department of corrections, higher education and finally labor. It would behoove parents to be vigilant about the fine line between technology and privacy, between “enhancing performance” and Big Brother.
Lynn Kalinauskas is Chair of the Education Committee for the Greater Park Hill Community.
Porsche • Vokswagen • Audi • BMW • Mini
4801 Monaco St., Denver CO 80022
303-296-1188
www.dartauto.com
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The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
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Neighborhood kids gather dirt from my garden. In 2012 the National Wildlife Federation issued a report about the benefits of dirt. "Some of the research is showing that there is something in dirt that actually triggers serotonin, which makes kids more happy, more relaxed, and also some of the studies are showing that that helps them perform better in school," said the Federation’s Meri Margaret Deoudes. Photo by Marne Norquist
Getting Your Hands Dirty April is here. Spring has sprung. The woodpeckers are pecking, doves are cooing and baby birds are hatching. The bulbs are blooming, tree blossoms are beginning to dot the landscape and the kids are playing outside. The days are mild, the earth is muddy and the dogs are tracking in mud. Finally, gardening season is upon us. Gardening with kids is a great way to be
the seeds - gently, water the garden - gently. Gardening reminds me how powerful gentility is. Gardening teaches kids patience. When a seed is sown, it may take a few days to germinate (think: lettuce, peas, peppers, spinach, zinnias). Or, it may take a week. It teaches them the cycles of the seasons and the days. Connecting to the earth gives them perspective. Slowly, they come to understand that certain fruits and vegetables are only available during certain times of the year. They really understand the deliciousness of MARNE NORQUIST growing their own food. Somehow, it tastes better – sweeter than if we had outside, get creative with them and let them purchased it from the grocery. The flower do what they do best: play. There is always bouquets are that much more beautiful than the store bought one (even a “winter bousomething magical and fun in the garden. quet”). A natural, inherit magnetic attraction exTending to the garden with the kids allows ists between children and the earth, whether it’s playing in the muck or watching a seed us to bond with them. We don’t talk gardens transform to a flower. Gardening with all the whole time. We talk about school and age kids offers an outlet - a sense of groundwhat we’re going to be for Halloween (yes, ing - in a world that is dominated by screens. in April) and dolls and football. We are conYour garden need not be perfect. My kids necting. We are getting our hands dirty and have their own gardens. Each has about 60 our clothes wet and we are tracking mud in square feet that they can do what they please. the house. We are shaping their memories Generally, however, all of our veggies are in and creating profound (albeit unconscious) habits (patience, respect, gentility). the same bed. We share that responsibility Don’t get me wrong, they lose interest and together by reminding each other to tend to forget about the garden. But, I remind them them. In their gardens, they till the earth, and bring them back - back to center, back sprinkle (kid-friendly, fast-germinating) outside, back to earth. seeds, tend to it by watering and weeding and even add painted rocks – or whatever A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professionthey wish – to it to make it uniquely theirs. al horticulturalist and garden designer who Granted, I guide them, letting them know cultivates her own plot on Dexter Street, what steps are to be taken and allow them to where gardens and two kids grow. She can do those steps. Aerate the soil – gently, sow be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.
PARK HILL ROOTS
APRIL TIPS • Ink in the Park Hill Garden Walk for Saturday, June 14, and be sure to bring your kiddos! • Mornings and evenings are the best time to install plants (be sure to water them as well). • Begin your edibles - sow cool season veggies like lettuce, spinach and chard. • Prune roses back about 12-24” from the ground. Remove dead canes. When active growth appears, begin fertilizing the roses. Mile High Rose Food is recommended. • Fertilize turf and garden areas according to directions on the package. • Divide summer and fall blooming perennials and place them into their new locations. • After the spring cleanup is finished, apply a mulch application. Mulch helps insolate the roots, keep moisture in the ground and offers a finished look and feel. • Begin weeding. This will help keep the weeds under control throughout the season. • Keep birdfeeders stocked, as there is still not enough natural resources available yet. • Take heed: Soak freshly-cut daffodils and tulips in lukewarm water for one-half hour before arranging them with other cut flowers. Freshly cut, they emit a substance that is toxic to other flowers. Page 18
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
HAPPY MEAL CHALLENGE How much food can you make for the price of one McDonald’s Happy Meal? How about for a whole family? Pair these Millet Sliders (or your own variation) with your favorite slaws, salads and sides to make a truly delicious, nutritious and affordable Happy Meal and share your results. How much did it cost? How many people did you feed? How long did it take? How did the taste compare? How does the nutrition compare? How did you feel afterward? Take photos and/or write a brief summary of your adventures and email it to info@sunshinefoodproject.org or send it to the Sunshine Food Project at 3435 Albion St., Denver, CO 80207. Results will be published on our website at http:// www.sunshinefoodproject.org/ and winners will receive a free gift.
Millet Sliders
Credit: Colorado State University Extension
April Harvest: Millet By Aleece Raw Did you know that Colorado grows more millet than any other state in the country? We’re responsible for more than half of the U.S. millet supply, actually. Millet is a super grain. It’s a staple food for people throughout the world, while in the U.S. it is used primarily for birdseed. It’s beginning to gain popularity though, as a high-protein, gluten-free grain option – similar to quinoa, but a fraction of the cost. A flexible and highly affordable option for people looking to incorporate gluten-free into their diets, millet can be purchased at natural grocery stores for $1 to $2 per pound. Unlike most other grains, this versatile, gluten-free grain is alkaline, which makes it easy to digest and helps balance the body’s natural tendency towards acidity. Millet is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, making it a great solution for those looking to add more fiber to their diet. It’s also loaded with B vitamins and important minerals like phosphorous and magnesium. Millet plants are not only adapted to poor, droughty, and infertile soils, but they are also more reliable under these conditions than most other grain crops. Now I know why we grow more millet in Colorado than any other state in the country. We’ll test our first millet crop this year and would love to share tips and techniques. Have you grown
millet? Give us a shout and share your thoughts. Like all grains, rinse millet thoroughly before cooking and pick through it to remove any dirt or debris that you may find. After rinsing, add one part millet to two-and-ahalf parts boiling water or broth. After the liquid has returned to a boil, turn down the heat, cover and simmer for about 25 minutes. The texture of millet cooked this way will be fluffy like rice. If you want the millet to have a more mashed potato like consistency, just add more water and cook longer. Millet has a gelatinous quality so the more water you use, the heavier and stickier it will be. Next time you are looking for an alternative to rice or potatoes, try millet instead. Cooked millet can also be served as a breakfast porridge to which you can add your favorite nuts and fruits. Ground millet flour can be added to bread and muffin recipes. Toss cooked and chilled millet with your favorite chopped vegetables and chicken or baked tofu cubes. Add your favorite dressing and voilá ..... an easy to prepare, delicious meal. We especially like millet as a base for veggie burgers and encourage you to try out a new recipe this year in our Happy Meal Challenge. Aleece Raw is executive director of the Sunshine Food Project.
Especially wonderful as a base served with chives and fresh salsa or other flavorful dressings or dips. Feel free to experiment and zest up the base recipe with your favorite spices and herbs like cumin, sage, red pepper flakes, etc. Makes 8-12 sliders What you need: - 2 cups mushrooms (any variety), chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon tamari (or soy sauce or
liquid amino acids) - 1 cup millet - 2 cups water - 2 cups or 1 can cooked pinto beans - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, split - Sea salt and pepper to taste How to make it: Combine mushrooms, olive oil and tamari in a bowl and toss until mushrooms are well covered. Set aside to marinate while cooking millet. To cook millet, combine millet and water in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Heat to boiling, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until millet is fluffy and water is absorbed. Stir once or twice, adding additional water as needed to prevent sticking or burning. Combine mushrooms, millet, beans, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a food processor. Perform in batches as needed. Salt and pepper to taste. Form patties and place on a parchment-lined baking tray. Note: you can also individually wrap and refrigerate or freeze the patties at this point to eat later. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush the remaining sesame oil on top of each burger and bake for about 20 minutes, until patties are firm. Serve with your favorite toppings. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. To reheat, sautee in olive oil over medium heat for 5-10 minutes.
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April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 19
AT T H E L I B R A R Y
Books For The Bard By Leslie Williams Pauline Robinson Branch
Denver Public Library, including the Pauline Robinson and Park Hill branches, is proud to be one of 2,300 bookstores and libraries across America supporting World Book Night 2014. On April 23 — Shakespeare’s birthday – 25,000 volunteers from Kodiak to Key West will give away half a million free books in more than 6,000 towns and cities across America. Pauline Robinson Branch Library serves as a community base for local givers, receiving the books that they will be giving out and providing useful resources.
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We will also be hosting a reception for our local givers at the Central Library on April 21 at 6 p.m. At that time, the givers get to meet us and each other, and local media is welcome to attend and meet the givers as well. If you are interested in what we will be reading check out the 2014 WBN Book List with ISBNs at denverlibrary.org, and be sure to like us on facebook. www.facebook.com/ denverpubliclibrary Here’s a list of events happening at your libraries in April:
will be visiting on April 9, 10, and 24. This month our craft days are April 16, 17, 23 and 30. Activities start at 4:15 p.m. Family Storytime Stories ~ Music ~ Fun April 19 at 11 a.m. For all ages - bring the entire family! Pauline Robinson Book Club Celebrating our 15th year, the Robinson Library Book Club’s April Selection is Watchers by Dean Koontz; drop-ins are welcome on Saturday, April 26 at 12 noon.
Park Hill Branch Library
All Ages Storytime Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. All ages are welcome for this storytime. We may do a craft, play musical instruments, or have some fun with the parachute. No registration required. Pauline Book Babies: Early Robinson Walkers Branch Library Thursdays at 11:15 Denver Public Library a.m. 2014 Lego Building Stories, action Contest songs, and rhymes developed to meet the Theme: Building needs of babies on the Books move and their careChoose a favorite book Who is helping give out half a million free givers. and make a Lego design books across America on April 23rd? I am. Playtime and socialbased on a scene, characization immediately follow the program. No ter, or even the cover of the book. There are registration required. several different categories. Pick up an entry from and more information at Park Hill and Tales for Twos Pauline Robinson branch libraries. Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Entries will be accepted April 1 through Join us for a storytime just for 2-year-olds April 7. and their caregivers. We will share books, Each participating location will select a sing songs, and provide movement activiwinner by April 12. ties. No registration required. After School is Cool Book Babies: Pre-Walkers Come join us for more fun activities in Fridays at 11:15 a.m. April. ASIC will continue with Monday Stories, Rhymes, and lap songs developed Madness and Friday Fun – both include to meet the needs of infants and their carevarious crafts, Legos, and games. Sticky givers. Playtime and socialization immediFingers will lead youth in cooking projects ately follow the program. No registration on Tuesdays. The Denver Botanic Gardens required.
Pajama Storytime Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Park Hill Branch Library’s PJ storytime. Stories, songs, and fun for all ages. Come in your pajamas. Stuffed animals and blankies welcome! No registration required. Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Tuesday, April 8, 6 p.m., and Tuesday, April 22, 6 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan library events and projects at the Park Hill Library, talk about your favorite books, and make your opinion count! Join us for twice monthly meetings. LEGO Day Saturday, April 12, 2:30 p.m. Join us as the Park Hill Library to celebrate the completion of the Denver Public Library’s LEGO building contest with crafts and activities, featuring these colorful blocks! Doors Open Denver Saturday, April 12 The 10th anniversary of Doors Open Denver will be held on April 12 and 13. The Denver Architectural Foundation annually presents this free two-day event of tours in and around Denver’s most interesting buildings. Genre Chat Book Club Thursday, April 17, 3:30 p.m. A book club for grades 2-3. We will explore a variety of book genres, and participate in discussions, crafts, and activities related to the story. This month we will read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. Registration is suggested but not required. Call 720-865-0250 or visit the library to sign up. Teen Book Club Wednesday, April 23, 4:30 p.m. A reading group for teens in grades 6-12 that meets to talk about books, eat snacks, play games, and have some laughs. Bring your friends. This month we’ll be discussing Battle Royale by Koshun Takami. Registration is suggested but not required.
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
The Bugs Around Us Preventive medicine from a veterinary perspective can sometimes be envisioned as a battlefield – from a parasite view that is. Our pets bring such wonderful things to our lives: entertainment, exercise and unconditional love to name a few. But, they are also can bring an entourage of internal and external parasites. If the thought of parasites makes your skin crawl, join the club. Then take a deep breath and remember that these critters are not typically targeting us, but are freeloaders on our pets. First, the bombardiers of summer, mosquitos, will be arriving soon. We are lucky in Colorado that we’re not as terribly assaulted by mosquitos as other areas of the country,
topical freeloaders such as fleas and ticks. Another bonus of being a Colorado pet is that we don’t have a lot of these pests affecting us, but know that they are here. But if traveling inside or outside our state or if an out-of-state visitor arrives, there are great topical treatment and preventive products from your veterinarian. One unpleasant visitor that we’ve been seeing a bit more of lately is called walking dandruff or Cheyletiella. This mite causes itchy, flaky skin for a variety of species, including dogs. It can be easily passed from an infected animal, but the mites and their eggs also can survive days to weeks in bedding or other accessible areas. Now the last and perhaps grossest parasite paradise – poop! Poop or feces is the end product of digestion, but it’s also a great means of transit for intestinal parasites. Some of these riders are what we call worms – hookworms, roundworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Others are single celled organisms such as Giardia or Coccidia or yeast. Many parasites find their way into our furry family members via oral-fecal contamination – visiting the dog park, hiking, camping and much more. And, cats are not immune, even if indoors; more than 15 percent of the potting soil mixes contain roundworm eggs – and even indoor kitties like playing in dirt. One could write enough to fill all the pages of the Greater Park Hill News about individual parasites and how they’ve persisted, adapted and even flourished in our pets and our environment. However, we don’t want readers to be too creeped out. For more information and for the best treatment and prevention options for your pets, call or visit your veterinarian.
PARK HILL VET
DR. MARGOT VAHRENWALD
but they are here and carry heartworms. Heartworm microfilariae are the life stage carried by mosquitos that infect our dogs and cats with a bite. The most insidious part is that then the larval stages that come next take six to seven months before they can be detected with a heartworm test. The best preventive care against heartworm is a once monthly oral or topical preventative after a negative heartworm test in dogs – additionally, they are getting protected against intestinal parasites, more on them later. Cats can also get heartworm via mosquitos, but at much lower rates than dogs and, additionally, are harder to diagnose due to the very small number of worms carried. For your outdoor kitty, consider applying a once monthly topical preventative. For indoor kitties, it’s not a bad idea to apply preventative. Other creepy pet friends include the
Dr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet. com
KEEP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD STRONG! Join Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
We have a variety of memberships. All memberships are tax deductible. ___ Sponsoring Member ($100/year) ___ Patron ($250/year) ___ Other [ ] Membership renewal
___ Individual or Family ($25/year) ___ Business or Sustaining ($50/year) [ ] New member
If these membership levels are not suitable, GPHC will gratefully accept a donation for membership dues at a level that is comfortable for you and your family. Name: __________________________________________________________ Business name:___________________________________________________ Address & Zip:____________________________________________________ Phone:_______________________(work) ________________________(home) Email: ___________________________________________________________
Mail to: GPHC, 2823 Fairfax Street, Denver CO 80207
RayMac Appliance Repair Park Hill Resident - Raymond MacDonald
GPHC Update, continued from page 2 ing to GPHC. We’ve just received a check for $176 from T-shirt sales so far. Thank you, Cake Crumbs customers for your support! If you’d like to purchase a shirt, stop by Cake Crumbs at 2216 Kearney St. Lastly, the Girl Scouts of Troop #3573 solicited donations of cookies to our food pantry from generous local donors who were willing to buy an extra box to help those in need. The Troop brought GPHC 150 boxes of various cookies to distribute, to pantry families who may not ordinarily be able to afford desserts. Volunteer students from Colorado Academy helped us process and distribute other recent donations as part of a service project. We are appreciative of everyone who has helped contribute to the success of GPHC, but I challenge you: what occasion can you turn in to your own food drive? Our pantry is still desperately in need of canned fruit – pears, peaches, applesauce etc. We also need canned ham, chicken, and beef stews for protein. We have freezer space for meat, bread, and dairy. We can take donations anytime Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.
April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
to 2:30 p.m., and we appreciate your creative support. This summer, GPHC will be expanding our efforts to provide fresh produce through the “Produce for Pantries” program. As you plan and cultivate your gardens this spring and summer, we encourage you to plant an extra row for an area food pantry, including GPHC, or at least know that we are a resource if you find yourself with a plethora of zucchini or tomatoes and you don’t want extras to go to waste. We’ll be publishing more about this program in the coming months – stay tuned, and thank you to those who supported our emergency pantry with fresh produce and dairy last year. Finally, I encourage you to get involved with GPHC as one of Denver’s oldest and largest registered neighborhood organizations. Meetings are held on the 1st Thursday of each month, except July and December. Please attend and consider volunteering to get involved with issues that will have an impact on our neighborhood. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant Park Hill Community. Happy Spring!
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RESOURCES and EVENTS ART GARAGE 6100 E 23rd Ave., artgaragedenver.com, 303377-2353 Visit the Art Garage for free maps listing locations and times of studio events.
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE 2001 Colorado Blvd., dmns.org, 303-370-6000
DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 7111 Montview Blvd. dsapresents.org Costs for most performances are: $10 Students & Seniors - $ 12 Adults
DENVER POLICE DISTRICT 2 3921 Holly St., 2.Dist@denvergov.org, 720913-1000 Commander Calo hosts the District 2 Community Advisory Board’s (2CAB) monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. in the D2 Police Station Community Room.
The NEPHC hosts its monthly meeting on the second Thursdays of the month at 6pm.
PARK HILL CRUISERS Find them on Facebook Occasional warm-weather rides make stops at local watering holes and host rider homes in Park Hill.
PARK HILL FAMILY BIKE RIDES Find them on Facebook Family-friendly rides taking place in the warmweather months.
PARK HILL NEW PARENTS GROUP meetup.com/Park-Hill-Parents Park Hill parents group offers playdates, outings, Dad’s Night Out and Mommy Book Club.
PARK HILL PELOTON parkhillpeloton.org or find them on Facebook A recreational group of road cyclists that roll from Park Hill once or twice a week.
PROJECT SUNSHINE
dpsk12.org/expo
sunshinefoodproject.org, 303-321-5231 The group is working to realize a cooperatively-owned grocery at 35th and Albion.
DENVER ZOO
SACRED i YOGA
2300 Steele St., denverzoo.org, 720-337-1400
2212 Kearney, mysacredi.com, 303-355-5856
FAITH COMMUNITY
SCIENTIFIC & CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT FREE DAYS
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
greaterparkhill.org/faith Greater Park Hill’s faith community, home to over 30 places of worship in just four square miles, is as diverse and robust as the neighborhood itself. The GPHN maintains a list of Park Hill’s places of worship at the website above.
GPHC 2823 Fairfax St., greaterparkhill.org, 303-3880918 The GPHC holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursdays of the month. The next regular community meeting of the GPHC will take place Thursday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the GPHC offices.
HOLLY AREA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT (HARP) HOPE Center, 3475 Holly St. HARP holds second Monday monthly meeting at the HOPE Center from 6:15-7:30pm. RSVP required to lsullivan@denverfoundation.org.
LIBRARIES denverlibrary.org See At the Library in this month’s issue for events at the Park Hill and Pauline Robinson Branch Libraries.
MOMTIME AT MONTVIEW montviewmomtime.wordpress.com MomTime will focus on topics related to parenting, life balance, personal care and community service. Meets the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month in Room 305 at Montview Presbyterian, 1980 Dahlia St., from 9:15-11:15am. Breakfast and childcare provided.
MUSIC JAM charlespatrick08@yahoo.com New music jam forming in Park Hill. Blues, folk, rock? Meet once a week, twice a month or monthly? Email ideas to the above address with Music in the subject line.
NORTHEAST DENVER PARENT SUPPORT GROUP 2600 Leyden, kdot62@comcast.net, 303-3298950 Parents of children with a variety of special needs of all ages support and nurture one another, and share resources and ideas. Third or fourth Friday from 9:30-11:30am.
NORTHEAST PARK HILL COALITION D2 Police Station, 3921 Holly St., Michele Wheeler, 720-837-5492
Check out scfd.org
SERTOMA CLUB 303-370-0932 The Greater Park Hill Sertoma Club holds a breakfast meeting every first and third Saturday morning at 8am at the District 2 Police Station, 3921 Holly Street.
SHARE DENVER sharedenver.com, 2829 Fairfax St.
SIE FILMCENTER 2510 E. Colfax, denverfilm.org, 303-595-3456
TAI CHI PROJECT taichiproj@earthlink.net, 303-744-7676 Tai Chi classes Thursday mornings in City Park at 7-7:45am planned in conjunction with DMNS.
Tattered Cover Travel Lovers Book Club The book club meets the 2nd Monday of each month at the Tattered Cover at 2526 E. Colfax Ave.
VENTURE PREP 2540 Holly Street, ventureprep.org, 303-8930805
WALK2CONNECT www.walk2connect.com Park Hill Sunrise Walking Trips set off every Tuesday morning from Adagio Baking Company at 23rd and Dexter at 7 a.m. Walks are about one hour long, just under 3 miles, and family and dog friendly. For more information, email jonathon@walk2connect.com or call 303-908-0076.
ZUMBA IN PARK HILL Park Hill United Methodist Church, kfarmer@ milehighfitness.com, 720-436-3899 Classes Saturdays from 9-10am. First class free, $7 drop-ins, $39 for 6-class punch card.
Submit your neighborhood events to editor@ greaterparkhill.org
Excludes Shutters and Drapes. Some restrictions apply. Expires: 4/30/14
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The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014
GPHN CLASSIFIEDS BUSINESS CAPITAL Capital Available For Business, Commercial, Free & Clear Property, Venture Capital, $75,000 & Up. Call 720-297-2690. Or email: suncommercialcap@aol.com
CHILD CARE
PART TIME “Playschool for Toddlers”. A MUST SEE! Holly and Cherry Creek Drive. (Limit 3. Ages 1-3. W-T-F. 7:45am-5:45pm.) Where “fun” and “learning” hold hands every day. Bylingual (Portuguese), licensed, experienced with excellent references. For further information: ontheball4u@aol.com
ELECTRICAL
RAY’S ELECTRICAL SERVICE. 14 Years in Park Hill. Quality work. Reasonable rates. Friendly, neat, reliable. Plenty of references. 30 years experience. Licensed and insured. 720-350-8282
FINANCE COUNSELING
Mi Casa’s Innovation Lab in Northeast Park Hill has partnered up with mpowered, a local nonprofit that specializes in individual coaching, debt management plans, credit check-ups, and bankruptcy counseling. The mpowered finance coach, Olga Salazar, has started offering 1-on-1 sessions every 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of the month, between 1pm and 5pm, located at the Vickers Boys & Girls Club, 3399 Holly St., Denver, CO 80207. Call today to sign up for your free appointment by calling 303478-7801. Sessions are booking up quickly, so please call soon!
FOR RENT
2400 sf of shared office space for lease in the heart of Park Hill. Great for non-profit or faithbased organizations looking for collaborative opportunity. 2600 Leyden St. – Park Hill Congregational Church. If interested, please contactl Erinn Torres, 303-385-8675 etorres@ broadstreetllc.net
HANDYMAN
Honey Do Right Home Repair, LLC. Park Hill Resident, John Betlz, wants you safe and happy. Painting, wall repair, grab bars, hand rails, loud door bells, minor electrical. Bonded Insured. Call Text 720-998-4526 honeydoright@ gmail.com. Handyman/Contractor-Licensed, Insured, Residential, Commercial. All Maintenance items. J&K Enterprises 303-921-3398. No job too small. Affordable Home Maintenance and Repairs. Reliable with 30 years experience in carpentry, tile, electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, etc. No job too small. Mayfair resident. Jerry 720-287-9809
LANDSCAP ING GREATSCAPES: Landscape design and construction, family owned and operated. Outdoor living spaces, xeriscaping, flagstone, sod, irrigation, retaining walls, millwork, pergolas, trellises, planters and more. Oustanding references. Jeff 303-322-5613. Your gardens will flourish. We do design, planning, installation, maintenance, restoration, rototilling, sprinkler repair, vacation care, and more. Maintenance agreements available. 303-941-9432. www.citygardeningdenver.com Aeration – Sod – Fertilizer – Power Rake – Lawn mowing – Rototilling – Hauling – Fence repair and build – Stump Removal – Small Trees Removed – Shrubbery Care – Lawn Mover Repair – Weed Control 720-327-9911
LIFE INSURANCE
Term, Whole, Indexed Universal and Living Benefits. Don’t wait till it’s too late! Apply Now. Resident Agent delivers quotes promptly. Awesome Old Fashioned SERVICE. 303-668-2154 email: kohlmanhealth@aol.com
MASONRY SERVICES
Brick, Stone, Concrete, restoration, tuck pointing, chimneys, retaining walls, city sidewalks. licensed, bonded, and insured. www.thebrickandstoneguy.com References. Call Shawn 303-907-9223
great w/kids. Plenty of local references available. paul@highcountryguitar.com / 303-4590146
PAINTING
Painting by K Paint – We listen to the customer. Outstanding Park Hill references for 12 years. Drywall, deck and fence repairs. Interior Exterior painting. Call Ian Kernan or email kpaint. ian@gmail.com to schedule an estimate. 720296-2192
PHOTOGRAPHY
Need quality, prompt and reasonably priced photos of your event, products or real estate for sale, gift books, blogs, Facebook, etc.? Call Dale Ralph Photography at 720-484-6422.
PLUMBING
JH Edwards Plumbing & Heating. Large or small jobs, quality work at fair prices. From repairs to remodeling, bath, kitchen upgrades, & problem solving. Lic & insured. Jim 303-8839030. Plumbing & Sprinklers 10% off. Repair or replace: toilets, faucets, water heater, disposal, drain cleaning, ice maker, sprinkler, broken pipes: westtechplumbinging.com 720-2980880 VAIL PLUMBING & HEATING - The Older Home Specialist. Repair, service, remodel. Hot Water Heat. Licensed, insured, guaranteed. 303-329-6042 Residential reroofing and repairs, 17 years experience, licensed, bonded, and insured. Gutter replacement and cleaning. www.accurateroofingandmasonry.com. Call Shawn 303-907-9223.
VOLUNTEER
Denver Botanic Gardens seeks volunteers! Opportunities for docents, ambassadors and more for our urban oasis and the exhibition Chilhuly. Call 720-865-3609 today. No gardening expertise needed!
WILLS & TRUSTS
The State has a plan for your home, your assets, and your children if you die without a Will in place. What’s your plan? Call Lawrence 303-668-2154, Your Park Hill Neighbor.
GPHC WISH LIST
Greater Park Hill Community Wish List. Donations to GPHC of needed In-Kind gifts and talents help us offset expenses to serve the community more efficiently. Please contact Robyn Fishman at 303-388-0918 if you can help with any of the following: Donations of needed in-kind gifts and talents help us to offset expenses to serve the community more efficiently. Please contact Robyn Fishman at 303-388-0918 or director@greaterparkhill.org if you can help with any of the following: • Unexpired canned fruit, canned chicken, ham, or beef stew; fresh or frozen dairy, bread, produce, meat; toiletries, toilet paper and pet food for our Emergency Food Pantry. • A 3-5 ft. short ladder/very sturdy step stool • 4’ or 6’ folding tables • Laminating sheets or a laminating machine • Gift cards or discounts for grocery stores, Target, office supply stores • Label maker and supplies Volunteers needed: help to repair our greenhouse, to clean up and/or plant our GPHC food pantry garden, blockworkers to deliver the Greater Park Hill News, neighbors willing to include their gardens on the 2014 Garden Walk on June 14 or homeowners willing to put their homes on the Park Hill Home Tour in late September.
To advertise in the Classifieds, contact Melissa Davis 720-287-0442
newspaper@greaterparkhill.org
Drum lessons – guaranteed results, East Side Drums. 303-320-0514.
the deadline for submitting a classified ad is the 15th of every month
April 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
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303-421-2161
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Jesse Lanyon, 4th Generation Owner Blue Sky Plumbing and Heating
WE BELIEVE IN SOLAR ENERGY. IN A BIG WAY. IN THE RIGHT WAY. Xcel Energy believes that solar energy is a big part of a clean energy future. But to bring the greatest benefits of solar to the greatest number of people, we have to do it right. Using the same dedication to renewable energy that made us the number one wind utility in the nation, Xcel Energy is working to develop and support large-scale solar projects that deliver clean, renewable solar energy at a lower cost. A clean energy future to build on. A strong energy grid to depend on. Xcel Energy believes our customers deserve both.
xcelenergy.com/ResponsibleSolar 13-XCLOOS-00573-D_SOLAR_RightWay_10.25x7.75_FNL.indd 1
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© 2014 Xcel Energy Inc.
1/31/14 9:55 AM
The Greater Park Hill News
April 2014