Volume 52, Issue No. 8
A Greater Park Hill Community Hill, Inc. Publication
August 2013
Progress at the new Jack A. Vickers Club in the Nancy P. Anschutz Center in Northeast Park Hill now includes the planting of a Learning Garden with the support of the Kitchen Community and the help of future Club members. Gerie Grimes (co-chair of the HARP Steering Committee and Executive Director of the HOPE Center), Elena Vasconez (Director of the Women's Business Center at Mi Casa Resource Center), Terrance Roberts (founder and Executive Director of The Prodigal Son Initiative), Jason Torrez (Club Director at the Jack A. Vickers Boys & Girls Club), and Kimbal Musk (Chairman & CEO of The Kitchen Community) stand with future club members in front of the redevelopment.
Northeast Park Hill Kids Line Up, Ready For Their New Club By Laura Graham Boys & Girls Club
Since 2009, the Urban Land Conservancy (ULC) and the Holly Area Redevelopment Project (HARP) have been working tirelessly to convert the barren remnants of what was the Holly Shopping Center in Northeast Park Hill into an area that would revitalize the community once more. Through an incredible $5 million gift from the Anschutz Foundation, and partnerships around the community, this work is nearing completion.
This fall, work at the Nancy P. Anschutz Center will begin serving children and youth in the Northeast Park Hill community. The center will be home to the Jack A. Vickers Boys & Girls Club, offices for the anti-gang Prodigal Son Initiative, and a training center for the Mi Casa Resource Center. Tuesday, July 16, members from the Boys & Girls Clubs, Prodigal Son Initiative, and Mi Casa came together with youth from the community to plant the Club’s community garden. The garden, known as the Learning Garden, is one of 95 nationwide planted
by The Kitchen Community. The Kitchen Community, a 501c3 nonprofit, was established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of The Kitchen restaurants to connect kids to nutritious food by creating Learning Gardens in schools and community organizations across America. The Learning Garden will serve as an easy, affordable, scalable Club garden solution; it is an attractive outdoor classroom and experiential play space with edible vegetables. Learning Gardens are designed to be places Club kids will want to play and teachers want to teach, thereby helping to decrease childhood obesity, improve academic performance, and strengthen communities. “The building of this community center has livened the spirits of this community, and the area is on the uptake,” says Terrance Roberts, who serves as the Executive Director of the Prodigal Son Initiative, and was born and raised in the Northeast Park Hill community. “The kids in this community can’t decide where they are going to live and grow up, but now at least they have a place to go.”
Park Hill’s City Council representatives discuss recent proposals to tax recreational marijuana in Denver
Dine Out for GPHC (8/6 & 8/21) - See page 3 Dardanos 30th (8/18) - See page 11 NE Walk Fest (8/24) - See page 2 Tour de Park Hill Family Bike Ride (9/8) - See page 3 End of Summer DAYS Festival (9/8) - See page 3 Home Tour (9/22) - See page 4
Councilman Albus Brooks, District 8 In November, voters in the State of Colorado voted in favor of retail use of marijuana for those 21 and older. In District 8, it passed with 67% support. While I have my concerns on the passage of the bill and how this law will disproportionately affect young people in middle school and high school; it is now the law and we must allow room from this industry to grow and flourish just like any other business. Many have stated that we should put a heavy tax burden on this new industry so
more events, see page 20
Dardano’s School of Gymnastics celebrates 30 flippin’ years
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Page 11
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Inside This Issue
Senator Johnston’s Urban Leaders Summer Fellowship
For more information on the new Jack A. Vickers Boys & Girls Club, please contact Jason Torrez at JasonT@bgcmd.org.
Taxing Marijuana
Upcoming GPH Events
August 2013
The Jack A. Vickers Boys & Girls Club will begin accepting membership applications August 19. The new Club will have the capacity to serve 250 children from the community each day. “We’re transforming the community and people are enthusiastic about the safe, quality programs we will offer kids,” says Jason Torrez, who will serve as Club Director in the new space. “This Club gives us an incredible opportunity to work with youth in this community on a holistic basis. We are so grateful to everyone who played a role in getting this project off the ground, and we’re nearing a time when we’ll finally see this important work begin.” DeShawn, who lives minutes from the new Club and will be starting his Freshman year at East High School this fall is excited to sign up for membership. “This was a place no one wanted to come to,” he says. “Now, this is a place I can see myself coming to every day.”
the revenue generated can be utilized for new services. Frankly, it is not that easy and if this industry is overtaxed it will allow the black market to look a bit more attractive, which defeats the purpose of creating the law in the first place. We as lawmakers need to strike the right balance between tax revenue and maintaining a viable market. Below is an explanation of two tax proposals proposed for Denver: The state is proposing a 15% excise tax, which will be on wholesale transactions,
Biggest Park Hill 4th of July Parade Yet!
continued on page 5
Next GPHC Meeting
Thursday, August 1st at 6:30pm 2823 Fairfax St., Denver
This Month’s Featured Listings...
2354 Fairfax St Darling 4 bed, 3 bath...2 story! $515,000 Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
6135 Montview Blvd $699,000 4 Bed 3 Bath...Beautiful! Jody West 303-929-2242
7525 E 1st Place SOLD in under 1 week! $299,000 Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922
Participants in a Walk2Connect event explore Park Hill by foot. The inaugural NE Walk Fest, organized by Walk2Connect and the Stapleton Transportation Management Association, is a free event taking place from 9am-1pm on August 24 from Holly Square that promotes destination-oriented walking in Park Hill and Stapleton.
Charming Tudor on MV Blvd! 3 bedrooms/2 baths, 2300 finished square feet Roberta Locke 303-355-4492
4633 E 16th Ave 3 bed & 2 bath bungalow $349,900 Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858
2690 Hudson St 3 bedroom 2 bath 2156 SF $479,900 Steve LaPorta
1368 Downing St Studio Condo in Capital Hill $124,500 Nina Kuhl/Jesse Martinez
233 S. Birch Mid-century contemporary flair! 4 beds/4 baths $995,000 Roberta Locke 303-355-4492
Coming soon... 2325 Franklin St 2 Bed 1 Bath $240,000 Renee McMichael 303-718-4131
Winter Park Vacation Rental! $395 per night Jody West
Walk2Connect
2840 Eudora Wonderful ranch 3 beds/2 baths $340,000 Roberta Locke 303-355-4492
1624 Magnolia St 2000 SF Remodeled Ranch 3 bed 2 bath 9150 SF lot! Kim Tighe 720-840-9791 1900 Elm St Under Contract! John Neu 303-378-4069
2454 Tremont Pl SOLD! Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
2364 Albion St SOLD! Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858
Please be sure to visit us during this years Greater Park Hill Home Tour Sunday September 22nd. We will be sponsoring one of the many wonderful homes that will be open this year. Call Roberta, Kim or Nina for details or if you are interested in being a volunteer.
Living With You...Working For You...
Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858
The inaugural NE Walk Fest sets off from Holly Square on August 24 By Jonathon Stalls
5010 Bryant St Under Contract! Jane McLaughlin 303-388-8392 28 Spruce St SOLD! Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922
Promoting DestinationOriented Walking
Jane McLaughlin Roberta Locke John Neu 303-355-4492 303-378-4069 303-829-6553
Do you value improving neighborhood connection and safety, promoting healthier lifestyles and creating awareness for street improvements benefiting pedestrian accessibility? If so, please save the date for our quickly approaching NE Walk Fest: Saturday, August 24 from 9am to 1pm. The Stapleton Transportation Management Association and Walk2Connect have partnered to create a FREE event that promotes destination oriented walking behavior in Park Hill and Stapleton. We will be encouraging participants to walk a marked and well-supported 1.5 to 2 hour walking route moving through North Park Hill, North East Park Hill and into some of Stapleton. Participants are not required to walk the entire route and there will be plenty of options to cut the route short and loop back to the starting point. We believe that the NE Walk Fest will encourage increased walking behavior to and from local businesses, public service centers, public transportation stops and recreation centers. Our event will officially kick-off from
Holly Square in Northeast Park Hill (33rd and Holly). Check-in will open at 8am and walking will begin at 9am. We will have many scheduled and themed walking trips taking place throughout the day so please continue checking our website (newalkfest. com) and Facebook Page (NE Walk Fest) for updates. Some tentative themed walking trips are: Walk with City Councilmen Chris Herndon and Albus Brooks, Herbal Walk, Walk with a Local Historian, Architecture Walk and more. We will also have a fun chalk art program happening at Holly Square for the entirety of the event. All participants must register! You can do so by going to our registration page at newalkfest.com/register. We need volunteers! We’ll have bagels, coffee and free event t-shirts. Sign up at newalkfest.com/volunteer. Community organization or local business? Want to get involved? Please email Jonathon Stalls at: jonathon@walk2connect.com. Questions? Email Jonathon Stalls at: jonathon@walk2connect.com.
BRONCOS NFL FLAG FOOTBALL Boys & Girls Ages 5-12 Saturdays, Sep 7- Oct 26 Congress Park, Denver
Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922
Renee BurgerMcMichael 303-718-4131
Jody West 303-929-2242
Steve LaPorta 303-525-0640
303-713-9000
5655 Yosemite St Suite #109 Greenwood Village, Co 80111 Fax 303-713-9002
www.cherrycreekpropertiesllc.com
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The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
G P H C U P D AT E Robyn Fishman, Executive Director
Summer is a great time to live in Park Hill, with block parties, barbecues, and nearby City Park events to enjoy, or a chance to dine on the patio of our fantastic local restaurants. Thank you to Oblio’s Pizzeria for hosting our first “Dine Out for GPHC” event on July 17th, and thanks to everyone who supported us that night, or at Trattoria Stella on July 28th! These events are easy ways for you to support Greater Park Hill Community, while enjoying a delicious meal. A percentage of each diner’s tab will be donated to us when you say you are “Dining Out for GPHC”. Our August Dine Out events will be at Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q on Tuesday, August 6th, and Phoenician Kebob on Wednesday August 21st. Please join us! (see details in box below). You may have recently received a letter or semi-annual notice from GPHC’s Board Chair LeAnn Anderson & our Membership Committee, inviting you to join GPHC or asking you to renew your membership. Steady contributions are critical to our success. Thank you to everyone who has responded so far! Please return your membership forms with $25 or more (or what you feel you can afford), and please include your email address if you wish to receive our monthly e-newsletter version of the GPHC news. This is a great way to invest in your neighborhood, and to support the programs of GPHC, including our free monthly newspaper, community advocacy, and our Emergency Food Pantry. For more information on GPHC’s activities and our monthly community meeting agendas, please ‘like’ us on facebook.com/GPHCDenver, or go to www.greaterparkhill.org. We appreciate your support, so thank you! The GPHC Food Pantry has been re-opened for almost 6 months now, and is operating smoothly with the help of regular volunteers Becky Richardson and Pam Washington. Thanks to community donations, we’ve helped 230 Park Hill residents (more than 100 of whom are children or seniors) with an emergency three-day supply of food. We are seeing a lot of new clients, facing issues from sudden health crises to house fires. They appreciate your contributions to help them make ends meet, especially when the unexpected strikes. We are in need of financial donations to purchase items from Food Bank of the Rockies, and your donations of unopened, unexpired canned & boxed goods along with perishable items such as meat, dairy, and produce are also greatly appreciated. Donations may be brought to our office at 2823 Fairfax St., Monday through Thursday, 10AM-2PM, or please call 303-388-0918 in advance to arrange a drop off of perishables. Mostly, please help spread the word that the Pantry is available to any Park Hill resident with photo ID and proof of residency. We want to help as many people in need as we can- we even have pet food and diapers. The Pantry is open Wednesdays 10am-1pm, or by appointment.
Dine Out For GPHC Eat at these local restaurants on the following evenings and a donation will be made to GPHC! Jim N’ Nicks BBQ Tuesday, August 6th, 5-9pm, Northfield (8264 E. 49th Ave)
Phoenician Kabob Wednesday, August 21st, 5-9pm 5709 E. Colfax Ave at Ivy
Join Us for a Bike Ride The Park Hill Family Bike Ride/Tour de Park Hill date has been changed to Sunday, September 8th and will now be ending at the End of Summer DAYS (Denver Area Youth Services) Fundraiser Event at 26th & Holly. Rides throughout Park Hill for a variety of ages and abilities will be happening all day on September 8th beginning at 11am. Call Jacqui Shumway at 303-744-7676 for more info, especially if you would like to lead one of the "Tours." The Park Hill Family Bike Ride is on Facebook.
Erin Vanderberg Editor
Bernadette Kelly 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.
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Beautiful Craftsman bungalow. Formal living spaces with classic character! Fireplace, built-ins, picture rails, crown moulding & a vintage clawfoot tub! 3 beds, 2 baths, detached 2-car garage, 2700 finished sq ft., $419,900
Hip bungalow with open living and dining room spaces. Classic character, 2 fireplaces, wood floors, crown moulding and built-ins. Updated kitchen and finished basement. 2 beds, 1.5 baths, 1 car garage, 2100 fin sq ft, $405,000
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Very special Spanish Mediterranean style home with a sunken living room, mosaic tile accented fireplace, French windows, coved ceilings, arches a d wood floors. A pure delight! 3 beds, 2 baths, 2-car garage, 1,857 finished sq ft . $425,000
Hip red brick Park Hill ranch located on a great block. Nice layout featuring an open living and dining room, wood floors, cove ceilings and a fireplace. 3 beds, 1 full bath, 1,050 sq ft. Ample yard to build a garage. $265,000
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Hip Park Hill ranch featuring coved ceilings, wood floors, and a fireplace. Modern kitchen and fully finished basement . 3 beds, 2 full baths, 1795 finished sq ft. Large back yard with plenty of room to add a garage! $ 329,900
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 2655 Elm St 2389 Cherry 2670 Grape
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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
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
Picture perfect bungalow! Formal living spaces featuring wood floors, fireplace with classic built-in bookshelves and a sunroom. Great updated kitchen, turn key. 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2158 finished sq. ft. $415,000
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
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
Attention Potential Home Sellers — Inventory is Lower
than it’s Been in Years. Thinking of Selling? Now is the Time!
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For story ideas and submissions or to comment on a story, contact Erin Vanderberg at editor@greaterparkhill.org For advertising information, contact ads@greaterparkhill.org or call: 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
August 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
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Turrets, expansive windows and soaring ceilings are just a few of the architectural features on this year’s 35th annual Home Tour and Street Fair on Sunday, September 22 (Credit: Roberta Locke)
Beautiful Homes and a Bustling Forest Parkway The 2013 Home Tour & Street Fair is September 22
By Roberta Locke and Kate Sultan The 35th Annual Park Hill Home Tour and Street Fair is just around the corner on Sunday, September 22. What better way to spend a lovely early autumn afternoon than strolling or biking through Park Hill to visit an interesting sampling of the wonderful homes that define us as one of the most architecturally diverse and beautiful neighborhoods in the city. Our homes this year include: historic homes designed by architectural geniuses, a turn of the (last) century Denver Square restored to pristine elegance, a pop-top so seamless it defies the term, a large Tudor that has embraced its kitchen and family room addition so completely you’d think it’s original, and a modest Tudor with such a phenomenal floor plan and kitchen renovation you’ll go home and begin knocking down walls! Or, you could stop at the Street Fair on Forest Parkway and find a contractor to help you do that. The Street Fair is bigger and better than ever. We have artists and authors, bakers and builders, counselors and colorists, dancers and dentists, fairies (gardens, that is) and flooring, hardware and herbals (oils, that is), illustrators and jewelers and knitters and LUNCH and masons and nurses and orthodontists and painters and plasterers and raptors and schools and t-shirts and vets and windows and more… This year we have the following new and
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returning vendors signed up for this year’s Street Fair. Please come out and support these folks who help keep our community strong and vibrant.
Vendors Ace on the Fax, Adirondack Masonry, Anne Sunderwirth, Argentenian Grill, Arising Hope, Bailiwick Press, Bath Planet, Bob Raglandl, Bombo Shaved Ice, Cake Crumbs, CO A&C Society, Chimney Jack, Crepes A Go Go, Dancing the Soul, Denver Energy Challenge, Dizzie Izzie, Dutch & Ollie Gardens, EarthLinks Colorado, EIS Gelato, Exempla Nurses/Midwives, GB3 Energy, Historic Denver, Historic Genie, KG Artistry, Latke Love, Lauren Ester Designs, L’il Libby’s Donuts, Lutomski Stained Glass, Maui Wowi, McAuliffe International School, Modern Bungalow, Montview Preschool, Nature’s Educators, Oblio’s Pizza, Park Hill Orthodontics, Park Hill United Methodist Church, Park Hill Vet, Patricia Barr Clarke, Paul Myrick, Paula Hudson Art, Peaceful Parenting, Phil Goodstein, PS Designs, Red Wagon Market, Renewal by Andersen, Rikki’s Tropicals, RM Design, Royal Crest Dairy, Sequana Naturals, Smith Family Chiropractor, St. Elizabeth’s School, Styria Bakery, Sweet Creations Prints, The Bike Depot, The Bungalow Craft, The Color Lab, The Wall Rebuilder, Timberleaf Construction, Toposcapes, Van Camps’ Quality Flooring, VCA Park Hill Animal Hospital, vonPhul Designs, and women4womenknitting4peace, Yatai Sushi.
A wine and beer garden and music on the Parkway complete this host of activities. All in all, it’s a wonderful day and is the largest fundraiser for Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. The Home Tour and Street Fair is organized and run by volunteers and 100% of the profits help to support GPHC sponsored activities and programs.
kimberlytighe@msn.com or Tannan Morris at tannandenver@aol.com. Kim and Tannan are out in the community doing outreach to help find the 100 or so volunteers that we need the day of the Home Tour and Street Fair. Volunteers receive a free ticket to the event and an invititation to the after party which is always a fabulous celebration.
Get involved
Tickets
Please contact Kate Sultan at krsultan@ comcast.net for more information on how to secure a booth space at the Street Fair – we have expanded our geography and may have some space available. There is still a short window of opportunity to advertise in our Home Tour brochure, which will reach some 1,500 people, at a very reasonable price. For information, please contact Jack Farrar at denverfarrar@ comcast.net. Our Silent Auction Acquisition Team is busily searching for and accepting items for the Silent Auction. Please contact Susan Barden at macdougaldog@msn.com, Paula Wales at pkwales@gmail.com or Lynn Maedel at lynnmaedel@cacmie.org. Nina Kuhl is coordinating the Kids Activities and can use help. You can reach Nina at kuhlnina@yahoo.com. Larry Sondergeroth is recruiting volunteers to staff the homes, help with set up and clean up and to sell tickets. He has sent out a Save the Date email but if you didn’t receive the email, please get in touch with Larry at larrysoldmyhome@aol.com, Kim Tighe at
Tickets will go on sale September 1st and will be available at the Park Hill Library, the Park Hill Bookstore, the GPHC office, King Soopers and greaterparkhill.org. Pre-event tickets are $15 for adults, $10 seniors (65+) and $5 children. Day-of tickets will be sold at either side of the Street Fair on Forest Parkway (Forest/Montview and Forest/19th Avenue). Day-of adult tickets will be $20; senior and children ticket prices will not change. An important note on tickets: Tickets will not be sold at any of the homes. Tickets purchased prior to the event must be presented at one of the Forest Parkway locations in exchange for an event bag, sponsored by Modern Bungalow, with booties, a brochure and other goodies. We’re excited to have Home Tour/Street Fair bags and want to thank Kate and Ed Sultan for their sponsorship.
Look for images and descriptions of the six participating Home Tour homes in the September issue.
The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
Councilman Brooks - District 8, Council President Mary Beth Susman - District 5, and Council President Pro-Tem Chris Herndon-District 11 march in the Park Hill 4th of July Parade. These Park Hill representatives will be voting on whether or not to add an additional city tax to recreational marijuana in Denver and at what rate. (Credit: Stevie Crecelius)
Taxing Marijuana, continued from page 1 and another 10% sales tax. These will be on the ballot as one question in November. The city will receive a share-back from the state sales tax that amounts to 15% of the 10% sales tax collected in Denver. For the city, I am proposing that we have the ability to tax up to 15% and will set a floor of 5% this year. I propose that the funds received from these taxes be spent in the following ways: regulation of the industry, enforcement within the industry and designating funds towards affordable housing, which is underserved in our city. Lastly, this is a new industry and we are shooting in the dark a bit because there is no baseline. However, we were very successful with the implementation of medical marijuana and I am confident we will have a smooth transition.
Council President Pro-Tem Chris Herndon, District 11 Like communities across the state, Denver is developing responsible regulations to implement Amendment 64 – approved by voters last November – which allows for the recreational use of marijuana by adults. Our guide throughout this process is our responsibility to the people of Denver. As we navigate these uncharted waters, we are primarily responsible for doing our best to ensure the continued safety and well-being of our citizens, especially our children. We are also entrusted with financial responsibilities, and we must be good stewards of our citizens’ money when considering issues with budgetary repercussions. In the context of legal, adult-use recreational marijuana, we have to make sure other city services are not reduced in the effort to fund responsible regulation of the industry. Any tax we impose on legal, recreational marijuana must cover the costs the city incurs associated with implementation. These potential costs include but are certainly not limited to: hiring additional employees at Excise & License, hiring additional hearing officers, and ensuring the Denver Police Department and Denver Fire Department have the training and resources they need to effectively carry out additional responsibilities.
The proposed 5% tax on recreational marijuana would make the total amount of taxes on the substance roughly the same as taxes on cigarettes. As stewards of city funds, it is our responsibility to weigh all reasonable options and work with stakeholders to develop policies leading to the best possible outcomes. I will consider whether the city should have the ability to use recreational marijuana-generated tax funds to reinvest in sustaining or enhancing city services, much like the model at the state level where funds collected through the Colorado Lottery are used to support open space throughout the state. In carrying out our duties, we must keep in mind that good government is responsive to the changing needs of its community. With that in mind, my goal is to put in place responsible policies that do not unreasonably restrict the ability of the city to respond to the future needs of its citizens.
Council President Mary Beth Susman, District 5 In listening to various marijuana business owners, community groups, enforcement and medical personnel, we learned the enforcement of recreational marijuana regulations may require greater resources because of the extent of the anticipated market. I recognize that there is a fear that we might tax marijuana so high that we drive consumers to the black market. To study this I met with several economists regarding the tax tolerance for consumers related to underground markets. For example, how much is a person willing to pay for a medicinal drug in Mexico that is only available by prescription in the USA? What is the amount a consumer is willing to pay that would be worth the risk of doing something illegal or not knowing whether the ingredients are pure? The answer they gave me is that the amount one would pay to be legal and safe is rather high. Currently the sales tax rate on any item in the City & County of Denver is 3.62%. Denver collected $4.6 million in taxes on the sale of medical marijuana in 2012. With the introduction of recreational marijuana, portions of sales may transfer from medical
to recreational marijuana, but I anticipate that present revenues from the sale of marijuana both medical and recreational will remain the floor of expected tax revenue. The question is whether we should ask voters to allow us to raise the sales tax above 3.62% for recreational marijuana. Perhaps an additional tax on recreational marijuana of somewhere between 2.5% and 5% – resulting in a total tax rate between 6.12% and 8.62% for city taxes might be appropriate. The extra tax collected would be available for regulation, enforcement, education, and treatment associated with recreational marijuana. A Denver Post Poll on July 10th reported that 60.27% of respondents would be in favor of a 5% sales tax on recreational marijuana. Moreover, we may need to be open to the concept of providing ourselves a possible ceiling of a 15% tax should the enforcement and education needs have unanticipated expenses. The City Council committee on Amendment 64 has been discussing these and other issues with many stakeholders at their meetings and is deliberating several ordinance items including taxation.
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August 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 5
The full 2013 Urban Leaders Summer Fellowship group with Senator Mike Johnston on the steps of the Capitol. Fellows volunteering to gather signatures for the school finance reform initiative at City Park Jazz,. From left to right: Brandon Reed, Sana Naeem, Jennifer Jeffers, Ian Cohen, Marianna Singwi-Ferrono, Courtney Campbell, and Ellen Dobie.
Johnston’s Think Tank The Senator’s Urban Leaders Summer Fellowship program participants are generating the next big policy ideas while experiencing policy in practice By Erin Vanderberg Editor
Before he co-sponsored the school finance reform bill this session (see sidebar), Park Hill’s State Senator Mike Johnston had at his fingertips current research on education funding as well as developed policy ideas on the issue. This was made possible through the Senator’s Urban Leaders Summer Fellowship program, which brings together a policy-focused group of young adults, many of whom are former educators, to Denver for public policy experience under Johnston’s tutelage. Now in its third year, the Urban Leaders Summer Fellowship is currently hosting 28 young adults in an intensive, six-week policy and practice lesson in empowering underserved communities. Participants are paid a small stipend funded by partner organizations, for example the NY-based America Achieves. They live in sublets that they find on Craigslist or that the office helped to arrange, and dedicate half of their time to creating policy and half of their time to practicing policy. The high-level policy thinking takes place at the Senator’s office at 33rd and Hudson while the policy in practice comes through working in community organizations like the Denver School of Science and Technology and the Denver Office of Children’s Affairs. Six weeks is a short amount of time, so fellows are assigned a reading list prior to their arrival in an effort to get them up-tospeed on Colorado’s policy developments. In addition, local policy experts are available to provide ideas and serve as a resource to the fellows throughout the summer.
What is the School Finance Measure?
If enough signatures are gathered by the August 5th deadline, Initiative 22: Funding for Public Schools will be on November’s ballot. A vote in favor will: require a minimum of 43 percent of state tax revenue be set aside to pay for preschool through twelfth grade education; increase the state individual income tax rate from 4.63 to 5 percent on the first $75,000 of income, and to 5.9 percent on income over 75,000; and change the formula for allocating school funding, in part by changing how population is counted.
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The program is tweaked slightly every year. Last year, for instance, eight fellows with an interest in city-level policy went to Memphis to study under City Councilman Lee Harris, a friend of Johnston’s from Yale Law School. Of the 53 program alumni from the first two years of the program: 18 have either graduated from or begun attending law or policy school; 10 have accepted a fulltime policy position in education; 10 have remained in Denver; three applied for and were accepted into Harvard’s 2013 Doctorate of Educational Leadership Program; three are establishing education related non-profit organizations; two are becoming school leaders; and one is running for school board in Atlanta.
* * *
“Mike’s unique talent is surrounding himself with talented, committed and driven people,” said Leslie Colwell, Legislative Director for Johnston’s office who has managed the fellowship since its inception. “He always thinks policy is better when you have a lot of smart people helping to develop it.” Last summer, five summer fellows worked to craft a policy proposal which included ideas like changing the way students are counted and reforming the way the state and local share of school funding is calculated. After the fellows left in August, several stakeholders coalesced behind their proposal. Over the fall, the Colorado Children’s Campaign convened a Technical Advisory Group to assist Senator Johnston’s office and other stakeholders in translating the principles of the fellows’ work to the detailed policy level. Fellows were routinely consulted during this period to get their take on the translation of their proposal into bill language. This year, because the school finance reform ballot initiative is such a critical issue to the Senator’s office, education has been the main focus area for fellows, who are even volunteering to canvass and signaturegather in their free time for the experience of what it means to realize policy change. “When you’re working on education policy, the value of bringing in 28 practitioners, with their perspective and experience, is unrivaled,” said Colwell. For more information on the Urban Leaders Summer Fellowship, visit mikejohnston. org/get-involved or email urbanleaders@ mikejohnston.org.
The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
26th Avenue Festival on September 8 Benefits City’s Youth The End of Summer DAYS festival will be Denver Area Youth Services largest fundraiser this year By Rebecca Voll The first annual End of Summer DAYS Festival will fill the streets of Park Hill with live music, food and fun, all to benefit our community’s youth. Denver Area Youth Services (DAYS), a local non-profit that provides comprehensive human services to 2,000 children, youth, and families in the greater Denver area each year, will host this free community festival on September 8 from 12pm to 6pm on 26th Avenue from Holly to Glencoe. As music fills the late summer air, neighbors and friends can enjoy a wide variety of delicious foods, browse unique items from local artists and merchants, sip a brew in the beer garden, and let the kids have a ball in an activity zone just for them. DAYS chose Park Hill as the venue for the Festival because DAYS offers services within community, and the executive director and several staff members are Park Hill neighbors who knew how much the community loves its events and rallies together to support those in need. The End of Summer DAYS will be the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. “DAYS is unique and special because of the sheer magnitude of comprehensive human services it provides,” says Executive Director Noël d’Albertis. “It is an agency truly dedicated to promoting the quality of human life in the Denver Metropolitan area.” DAYS operates a residence for young mothers in Northeast Park Hill, among its many services. The musical line-up for the End of Summer DAYS Festival includes hometown rock and reggae favorites Project 3, boogie-woogie blues man Sammy Dee Morton, soulful Motown from Sugar Hi-5, and the danceable pop-fusion of The Symbols. All acts have a penchant for good causes, with distinct sounds to please a variety of musical tastes. Park Hill restaurant Oblio’s has generously
stepped up as a Festival sponsor, and Odell Brewing will provide tasty craft brews to adults in the beer garden. A variety of other styles of food are planned as well, from Argentinian fare to ice cream sandwiches, and the Festival still has room to include other local eateries who would like to provide their specialties at the event, to round out the feasting experience. Neighbors will have the opportunity to peruse and purchase artwork and merchandise from vendors at the event, with must-have items ranging from jewelry to LED-lit wall art to re-purposed license plate art. The downtown Hyatt Regency hotel is hosting a kids’ activity zone that will feature facepainting, a jumping castle, and other fun-filled family games and surprises. In addition to Oblio’s, Odell, and Hyatt Regency, early sponsors of the event are the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. and Mid America Bank. Sponsors of the End of Summer DAYS Festival make it financially possible for DAYS to continue to provide vital human services to youth in the community, including homebased family therapy services, foster care, parenting education, outpatient substance abuse treatment, sexual health education, community supervision, case management and mental health services. 26th Avenue will be closed from Holly to Glencoe so attendees can enjoy the festivities. Feedback from the neighbors in the immediate area who were notified in advance of the event, has been supportive and enthusiastic. The End of Summer DAYS still has space available for food vendors, merchants, businesses, community organizations, and event sponsors. Please contact Polly Washburn at pwashburn@denveryouth.org or go to www. denveryouth.org/events for more information.
Who: Denver Area Youth Services What: End of Summer Days Festival featuring food, live bands, merchants, a beer garden and activities for the kids Where: 26th Avenue from Glencoe to Holly When: September 8 from noon to 6pm Why: DAYS chose Park Hill as the venue for its largest fundraiser of the year because DAYS operates a residence for young mothers in Park Hill and many of the staff live in the neighborhood and know how much the Park Hill community loves events and rallies together to support those in need.
August 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
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community announcements OOPS! In an effort to extend information about Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., membership opportunities to more people, a recent mailing resulted in some duplication. The GPHC apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates your continued support!
SAVE TIME, FIND PRESCHOOLS ONLINE The Denver Preschool Program’s online Find a Preschool tool at dpp.org is a great place to search for Denver preschools. The Denver Preschool Program (DPP) is a sales tax-funded initiative that generates about $11 million annually to fund preschool tuition support for all Denver’s 4-year-olds, who – regardless of family income – are eligible for tuition support from DPP. You can find out how much your family can receive with DPP’s online Tuition Credit Calculator. All this and applications for DPP can be found at dpp.org.
NEW POLICE BOUNDARIES, PARK HILL STILL D2 In mid-July, the Denver Police Department reorganized under new districts in an effort to improve response and balance workloads. The new maps were created using data related to crime statistics. Park Hill remains in District 2, which has expanded south to 6th Avenue and to the northern section of Five Points.
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS The Denver Office of Economic Development (OED) has issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for projects to be funded in 2014. OED is soliciting proposals in three areas – housing, neighborhood development or services, and economic development. Proposals should be submitted online at denvergov.org/oed. OED is seeking exceptional projects and related services that make a positive impact on neighborhoods in a noticeable way. The NOFA makes available public funds that could be used by non-profit and for-profit providers to facilitate the development of viable urban neighborhoods by providing quality affordable housing, an enhanced living environment and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. The
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deadline to submit funding applications is Monday, August 5, 2013.
DENVER DAYS AUGUST 3-11 Mayor Michael B. Hancock’s Denver Days is a weeklong event in August dedicated to getting neighbors together through gatherings, service and activities. Neighborhoods are encouraged to host potlucks, block cleanups, paint a senior’s house, guided walks, and more. Denver Parks & Recreation is waiving the permit fee for reserving a park for Denver Days. Visit denvergov. org/denverdays for more information.
HUNGER FREE COLORADO’S FOOD TRUCK “Your Neighborhood Food Truck” is serving up access to computers and personal support to help local residents apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as well as offer referrals to nearby food pantries and other children and senior nutrition programs. On board, residents can receive one-on-one assistance with available food resources, complete SNAP applications and connect with other partnering agencies. Visit hungerfreecolorado.org for more information.
MAYOR’S DESIGN AWARDS The Denver Community Planning and Development department is seeking nominations for the annual Mayor’s Design Awards. The Mayor’s Design Awards honor projects throughout the city for excellence in architecture, design and place-making. The awards are presented to Denver homeowners, business owners, nonprofits, artists and others for their contribution to the public realm through innovative design projects. Nominations are due September 1, 2013. To nominate a project for the Mayor’s Design Awards and view past winners, please visit denvergov.org/mda.
ALLEY ART WANTED If you’ve installed or contributed to an interesting bit of art in an alley in northeast Denver, let Jack and Pam Farrar know soon. The Farrars will be judging the 6th annual Park Hill Alley Art Contest and awarding great prizes to the winners this October, including a custom piece by stained glass artist David Wilson. Other prizes will be donated by local merchants and institutions and the
winners will be written up in the Greater Park Hill News. Eligible art includes: natural art, such as gardens; person-made art such as paintings, sculptures or other types of installations behind residences; or art in public or quasi-public spaces. The art and/ or garden has to be clearly visible from the alley. You don’t need to contact us to be eligible (we’re already driving up and down alleys), but it will assure that your masterpiece is “appraised.” The following elements may boost your entry’s chances for fame: originality, humor, creative use of materials, color, irony, hidden meaning, weirdness, neighborhood collaboration, beautification, and nifty integration of natural and manmade stuff. The Farrars can be reached at 303-388-5204 or denverfarrar@comcast. net.
PROJECT GREER STREET’S INAUGURAL CLASS GRADUATES WITH DISTINCTION The students of the inaugural class of Project Greer Street have graduated from high school with distinction. The class members are Leonard Davis (East High School), Jaycee Floyd (East High School), Malik Taylor (Montbello High School), Mark Dean, Jr. (South High School), Anthony Sanford (East High School), Maurice Diawara (East High School), Jabari Holland (East High School), and Ashi Geberkidane (East High School). Together, the students were awarded more than $250,000.00 in scholarships and institutional grants. Project Greer Street, a ground-breaking educational enrichment program for African-American males, was launched by Park Hill residents Yvette Sally and Ronald Sally. For more information, email projectgreerstreet@gmail. com
HANCOCK’S STATE OF THE CITY Mayor Michael B. Hancock delivered his second State of the City Address in July at the Forney Museum of Transportation. “Construction and development are driving our economy forward, positioning Denver as the ideal place to start a business, build a
career and raise a family,” said Hancock. He noted that Denver added 15,000 jobs and 1,000 new businesses in the last year and that the city’s unemployment is down two points since 2011 and the housing market is one of the strongest in the nation. He also highlighted that Denver has eliminated its budget deficit and is restoring essential services cut during the recession, such as street paving, library hours and public safety. In addition, he highlighted: Measure 2A, new DIA flights, the My Denver Card, efforts made by the police department, rail developments, and his Denver Days initiative. The complete text of the speech is available at denvergov.org/mayor.
QUEBEC ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS Denver Public Works is hosting a public meeting to launch the Quebec Alternatives Analysis effort that will seek to improve multimodal mobility on Quebec Street in northeast Denver. The study will focus on identifying and implementing transportation solutions ranging from immediate actions to improvements phased over a maximum of 5-10 years. The first public meeting will introduce the purpose and process of the study and begin gathering input that will shape the study’s focus and decisions, and will take place from 5:30 to 7:30pm at the Colorado Free University Ballroom’s John Hand Theater, 7653 E. 1st Place on Wednesday, August 7th.
SAND CREEK RECEIVES REI GRANT FOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Denver Metro REI has bestowed $10,000 to the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Partnership (SCRGP) to expand their successful volunteer program. The SCRGP Neighborhood Partners Environmental Team (NPET) works in Commerce City, Denver, and Aurora along the Sand Creek Regional Greenway Trail. In 2012, nearly 600 volunteers worked for over 2800 hours, resulting in over $62,000 in labor and maintenance saved for the community. The grant will expand this very successful program in 20132014 by recruiting even more volunteers to participate in over 20 volunteer events throughout the year. To participate in the NPET, contact Katie Lampe at klampe@ sandcreekgreenway.org or 303.468.3262, or visit www.sandcreekgreenway.org.
send your community news to editor@greaterparkhill.org
The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
McAuliffe International School principal Kurt Dennis, right, welcomes a student on the first day of school. McAuliffe will move to the Smiley campus in 2014, which it will share with the phasing-out Smiley program and Venture Prep High School. (Contributed Photo)
Introducing McAuliffe International School By Kurt Dennis McAuliffe International School Principal
As the principal of McAuliffe International School, I have had the good fortune of working with many wonderful and supportive families in Northeast Denver this past school year. I am very grateful for their support and confidence in bringing our school to the historic Smiley campus in August of 2014. I am extremely excited about the many opportunities that the move to Smiley will offer our students and staff. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our school and share with you the plan for relocating to the Park Hill neighborhood. McAuliffe offers students a rigorous, well-rounded liberal arts education that emphasizes character education and international-mindedness. As an International Baccalaureate Candidate School, all McAuliffe students take full year courses in mathematics, language arts, social studies, science, engineering/technology, world languages (Spanish or French), the arts (visual art, drama, band, orchestra or choir) and physical education. In addition to our robust course offerings, students have the opportunity to participate in athletics, enrichment programming, service projects, field trips, and student leadership groups. DPS has granted McAuliffe innovative status, which means that we have a great deal of flexibility in budgeting, curricula, staffing and scheduling. Because our highest priority is to give our students as much time as possible with great teachers, we have a longer school day (8 hours vs. 7 hours) and school year (190 days vs. 172 days). As a new and growing school, we have been able to recruit and retain teachers and staff that are the best fit for our educational model and school community. The top priority for the administration and staff of both McAuliffe and Smiley Middle School is to provide our students with an excellent education over the course of the next nine months. We do not want the pending transition to negatively impact our students or their learning in any way. Our priority is always on student achieve-
ment, and we will take every necessary step to ensure that our students remain focused on their learning during both the physical move as well as the merging of schools in August 2014. In order to ensure our school and community’s successful transition over the course of the next school year, we must start working together now. Smiley Principal Gwen Victor, Venture Prep Principal Ken Burdette and I have been discussing how to best bring our learning communities together. In addition to creating an intentional transition plan, it is our hope that we can provide opportunities for our students to connect through athletics, the arts, and extracurricular activities well in advance of the move, so that when we are sharing the Smiley Campus in 2014, the seeds of a positive learning community will already have taken root. I have tremendous faith in our staff and students, and I know that McAuliffe’s academic, social and cultural transition to Smiley will be successful. I am also well aware of the challenges involved. The physical move and the necessary alterations to the facility to accommodate our programming will require a great deal of support, and this is where you can help. Our new foundation, Friends of McAuliffe at Smiley, is being formed as a 501(c)(3) to help fund improvements to the Smiley Campus. Over the course of the 2013-14 school year, we will be asking Northeast Denver residents and businesses to contribute to this effort with their time, labor, gifts-in-kind, or monetary donations. We will communicate these opportunities to the Park Hill and Stapleton communities via the Greater Park Hill News, The Front Porch, Park Hill Facebook, Stapleton Moms and the McAuliffe website. If you would like to receive more information about how you can help with our efforts to bring McAuliffe International School to the Smiley Campus in 2014, please contact our Community Liaison Cindy Eastman at cindy.s.eastman@gmail.com.
Demographic Information and Data About McAuliffe International School Total Number of Students for 2013-14 School Year
400: 47% from Stapleton and 40% from Park Hill
Diversity
60% White, 13% Hispanic, 11% African American, 4% Asian, 12% Mixed Race
Students Qualifying for Free or Reduced Lunch
22%
Percent of Students Scoring Proficient or Advanced 92% in Reading on DPS End of School Year Assessments 94% in Mathematics Total Number of Students When McAuliffe Moves to Smiley in 2014 August 2013
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The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
Above, Donyella, Larry and Gina Dardano in 1987. Inset, Phyllis, Larry, Donyella and Gina now.
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30 Flippin’ Years Dardano’s celebrates three decades on Kearney Street By Erin Vanderberg Editor
Since 1983, Dardano’s School of Gymnastics has operated as a family business from 2250 Kearney Street, serving over 170,000 kids along the way. This year, they’ll commemorate their anniversary with a block party-style event taking place August 18.
The family Long ago Dardano ancestors were Italian circus performers. These days, the Denver Dardanos consider themselves a gymnastics family. Owner Larry Dardano was a gymnast at North Denver High School in the mid 1960s. He attended CSU on a gymnastics scholarship. After college, he began teaching science at North High School while coaching the football and gymnastics teams at North and Manual high schools. Two of Larry’s daughters, Gina and Donyella, came up through the program, learning gymnastics as they learned to walk and spending the majority of their adolescence as competitive gymnasts. Today, Gina is the program director and head girls coach, and Donyella is the assistant office manager. Phyllis Dardano, Larry’s sister, was also a former gymnast at North High and has been the office manager and "Queen Bee" for 24 years. Her and Larry’s niece, Vita, also works in the office. Dardano’s employees are also considered family; the majority of the 24-person staff came up through the competitive team. Boys head coach Kevin McMurchie began training working at Dardano’s in 1991. Another coach, Scott Poindexter, was an athlete on Larry’s North High team and helped to build the gym in 1983.
Gymnastic pioneers In the 1970s, very few families had trampolines in their yards. But the Dardanos did at their house on 1901 Fairfax. Over the years, they have modified the equipment in the gym to keep up with the evolutions of the sport and new safety standards. “Balance beams were simply a polished plank of wood atop two metal posts, now the beams are wrapped in suede, minimally padded and have reflex spring to aid in tumbling on the beam,” said Gina. The Kearney Street location has expandAugust 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
ed from 6,000 square feet to 9,700 over the years to include a lobby, viewing areas, and a dance and martial arts studio.
The participants Over 170,000 kids have participated in gymnastics at Dardano's over the past 30 years. “The one thing they all have in common is they all like to go upside down,” said Larry. Dardano’s course offerings have grown with the growing community, to include the young families. This fall, they will unveil a new class for crawlers. “We want to get the kids into gymnastics as soon as possible,” said Gina. “We used to begin classes at walking through the advanced levels, now we will now include even the tiniest of tumblers into our Parent Toddler curriculum.” From there, programming is grouped into the following categories: preschool, beginners, intermediate and advanced competitive team. Dardano's competitive teams square off in both men's and women's USA Gymnastics sanctioned events.
Their proudest achievements Larry and Gina list Dardano’s achievements of which they are most proud: “Sending several of our high level athletes to NCAA collegiate gymnastics programs; establishing relationships with the international gymnastics communities in London, France and Belgium and traveling to those countries for competitions; and seeing former members of our program bring their children to Dardano's. But the biggest achievement, she says, “is providing a fun gymnastics experience to so many children, and knowing that we, as a gym and coaches, are making a difference in the lives of everyone that is a part of our little neighborhood gym. So long as there are kids around to roll, flip, twist and bounce. . . there will definitely be another ‘30 flippin' years’ at Dardano's!” Dardano’s School of Gymnastics will commemorate their 30th anniversary with a block party-style celebration on Sunday, August 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2250 Kearney Street, featuring food trucks, bounce houses, games and giveaways. For more information, visit dardanosgymnastics.com. Page 11
Having New Eyes Five years ago, my family left Park Hill for what we thought would be a move to Mayberry: Little Rock, Arkansas. As we pulled away from our house on Albion, a car came speeding from the alley. The driver paused long enough to flip a middle finger salute. At the time, we considered it a sign that we made the right choice to relocate. Now, we are back, humbled. When we left we weren't happy. Some fellow Park Hillians have said that I wrote a letter to share those feelings. I don't have that anymore, but let me respond to what I probably said. Seven years ago my toddler's favorite place to play, the playground outside of what was then Perk Hill on Kearney Street, was being challenged, even though it was part of a boom for a block which four years earlier had been an economic desert. There was a
PETS: food and water (oral medication) exersizing, brushing litter pans, poop scoop
fabricated letter to my principal at East High School, claiming that I made my students “rebels” when I made the playground controversy a civic project for them. I was also just plain busy: I had just finished a term as a city education commissioner; the nonprofit, Women for Education, that I helped to create had completed its task of bringing early childhood education to the forefront; a class on the world's religions that I'd written for Denver Public Schools had a waiting list at East High School; I had introduced another organization with two friends, the Student Interfaith Peace Project, which taught teens about the world's most desperate conflict zone. A favorite
philanthropist, Noel Cunningham, had me working to highlight starvation in Ethiopia and the impact of "one." It was dizzying. I fed on it, but it also fed on me. I worked eighty-hour weeks and felt burned, burned out or both. I resented the lack of education funding and lack of serious consideration teachers were given. I saw dedicated folks working to the core, then blamed for what should be understood as societal and systemic shortcomings. So, when my husband was offered a promotion requiring a move to the place where I had grown up, it seemed right. We moved to Little Rock on July 3rd, 2008. I'll never forget the look on my husband's face that first day, just after he and our son returned from the lake behind our house with a box turtle. It felt like we were five minutes into the American Dream. I got a teaching job at Little Rock Central High School, the birthplace of American desegregation. We reconnected with some of my family. My husband was assured job security. But after the election, my husband lost his job. And so began what we consider the worst four years of our life. In our new home, I was exposed to a potentially fatal disease caused by mold on chicken manure. My son was bullied for, among other things, saying that Martin Luther King, Jr., was who he most wanted to meet. The principal of the school I taught in lectured me for teaching “feminism,” having shown a PowerPoint on the history of the Women's Movement. Arkansas was no
My Park hill Celeste Thurman Archer
longer my home, if it ever was. Marcel Proust said, "The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." For the first couple of years, I clung to Proust, willing myself to make it work there. Then I realized that there was a different message: we weren't in the right place. There are so many stories beyond chicken poop and school politics, we had made a mistake in moving. I felt a physical need to be back in Park Hill on Kearney Street eating ice cream and pizza. I wished for Monica from Bang Salon during haircuts. I missed our Albion neighbors, Elbert and Connie across the street and Miss Joyce on Ash who is like family. Sure, all the issues and politics are still here: contention on Kearney and less than pleasant meetings on school reform, but Park Hill is a strong community of neighbors. Being recognized at Eco Cleaners after four years; welcome home hugs at Oblio's and Grape Expectations; spare rooms offered by Park Hill neighbors Barb, Denney and Woo; classes with Mr. Marion at The Art Garage; and, falling right back into meaningful education reform without missing a beat – home is where the heart is, and we are fortunate to call Park Hill home. So, "crunch, crunch," I'm eating words. We've decided that last middle finger salute wasn't a push out but an admonition for leaving. Celeste Thurman Archer is now the developing director for a summer learning opportunity called the Colorado Governor's School. She can be reached at cogovschool@gmail.com.
Marge Gilbert's 95th INC Celebrates Gilbert celebrated birthday with a birthday cake and
On Saturday, July 27th, INC-ZAP
GPHC Chair LeAnn Anderson presents a birthday cake to longtime GPHC member Marge Gilbert on her 95th birthday party during a meeting of the Registered Neighborhood Organizations.
a card signed by all. It was much to her surprise, being her actual birthday, and she wondered who had divulged the info. She thanked everyone for celebrating her longevity but shared that she was most proud of her work with The Greater Park Hill News. There are 521 residential blocks in Park Hill and she personally enlisted Block Workers for all but 80 blocks of the neighborhood. The Block Workers are volunteers that deliver the newspaper to one or more assigned blocks. She really enjoyed meeting people who live in the neighborhood in her efforts to find Block Workers. She wishes that she could still do it, but doesn't have enough 'air' anymore. "But I still have enough [air] to talk." Thank you, Marge, for all you’ve done for the Park Hill community through the years. – GPHC Zoning Chair, Bernadette Kelly
Park Hill Parents Group Changes Leadership Paula Marinelli After nearly five years since it’s humble beginnings, the Park Hill Parents Community group on Meetup.com has grown to include over three hundred families from our neighborhood! The founder and lead organizer of the group, Jill McClure, has recently decided to return to Austin, TX, with her family. We would like to extend our thanks for her vision of creating community for parents of young children in Park Hill and for all of her hard work getting this group established. Many of you who have been active in our parent group know me, as I have been the assistant organizer for many years. I am happy to let you know that I will be taking Page 12
on the responsibility of leading this group. It has been a wonderful opportunity for my daughter and I to meet other families in our area and to build friendships. It is my hope that this group will be a resource for our community for many years to come! Park Hill Parents has been a success because we have been lucky to have many parents who have generously volunteered to open up heir homes to host events and who have put time and effort into planning events for the group. We are currently in need of parents who have an interest in helping this group to continue to grow and thrive. If you are not a member already and are interested in learning more about our group, please visit Park Hill Parents Community on Meetup.com The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
letters to the editor
Dog daycare, boarding, swimming, training and bath service.
Planners Propose Partially Subterranean I-70, July Issue “Righting a Wrong” I have been a resident in Northwest Denver all of my life. I remember how much we all protested the path of I-70 which cut through two of our parks and the Willis Case golf course. We all wanted it to go closer to the city limits, but the politicians of the day went with it anyway. Now, 60 years later, I rode my bike around Rocky Mountain Lake, Berkeley Park Lake and Sloan’s Lake. I would urge anyone who is against the relocation of I-70 to walk or ride the route I took this morning. The difference is dramatic. The bike and walk path at Berkeley Park Lake which has its northern boundary I-70 and the bike and walk path at Rocky Mountain Lake which has the highway cutting through on the northern boundary were almost deserted – there were no serious bikers or runners there. But at Sloan's Lake, the paths were crowded with bikers and walkers. Athletes avoid Berkeley and Rocky Mountain parks because of the polluted air they would breath from the highway. Whereas, the Sloan's Lake bike path was busy, not to mention the noise and the look of Sloan's Lake without the highway. The highway does indeed ruin both Rocky Mountain Park and Berkeley Park. Now we have an opportunity to correct a horrible mistake that was made 60 years ago and it makes sense to do so. Give these two parks back to the citizens who will use and enjoy them. Please, before you make a judgment about this issue, walk or bike the three parks and compare. Never before have we had this wonderful chance to right a wrong.
Big yard, big pool, big fun! Daycare starting at $9 a day and boarding starting at $22 a night
www.happydogdenver.com
303-331-1364
3939 Newport St. Denver CO 80207
Shirley Schley, 21st and Osceola
“A Temporary Situation at Best” It must be emphasized that the critical and overarching issues are human health, community cohesion and disproportionate adverse effects on minorities. These issues, especially air quality, were raised in the Environmental Impact Statement process but largely ignored. Indeed, they were raised in the 1960’s by impacted local I-70 citizens and those concerned with national transportation. Highways were rammed through low-income and minority areas with low property acquisition costs and low political strength. CDOT attempts to sidestep health impacts by limiting itself to “conformance” analysis, i.e. the question of whether projected air quality meet adopted standards? Sadly, there are no standards for many cancer-causing automotive emissions. Proper decisions must focus on people, giving priority to health, community cohesion and sustainability priority over car counts and construction costs. The northern corridor could be the best corridor for the future fast rail from DIA to Western Colorado now being planned by CDOT; automotive and rail traffic could share the right-of-way. Keeping traffic on I-70 is a temporary situation at best; in several decades it will again be fully congested and what will CDOT do then? Let’s move the main east-west traffic load off I-70 now. Albert G. Melcher, Captain Civil Engineer Corps USNR Retired, former CDOT Commissioner and member I-70 EIS Advisory Committee
BREATHE A LITTLE EASIER...
August 2013
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The Park Hill
4th of July
Parade
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The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
At the fourth annual Park Hill 4th of July Parade, a crowd estimated at over 2,000 people gathered. 600-plus participants marched, biked, drove and otherwise paraded down 23rd Street from Eudora to Kearney from 1pm to 2:30pm on Thursday, July 4. Paraders belonged to 50-plus registered groups of elected officials, community organizations, school marching bands, performance ensembles and families. To learn more about the parade, visit parkhillparade.org. (Photos by Stevie Crecelius)
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Park Hill
A Yearlong Geocaching Adventure Series from Alphabet Denver Author Kitty Migaki
The Greater Park Hill News is hosting its own geocaching game with the help of Kitty Migaki, local photographer and author of Alphabet Denver – a GPS Alphabet Hunt Book. Plot the coordinates, use the poem as a clue, and take a photo of yourself next to the letter. Then submit your photo by July 15 to editor@greaterparkhill.org and kitty@alphabetdenver. com and you will have your photo printed in the paper and receive your name in Alphabet Denver letters.
R
39˚ 45’ 30.3084 -104˚ 55’ 57.3954 After looking near and far, long time driving in my car. After looking up and down, finally the R is to be found. After the search my thirst must quench. I think I will sit here on this bench!
S
39˚ 45’ 4.1178 -104˚ 55’ 59.7612 Slippery, Sliddy S Sits Shyly outSide an “S” named Shop. Sad S. Never So much aS a taSte of the Sumptuous, Satisfying, Sandwiches inSide!
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Generosity at gphc GPHC would like to thank the following people and groups for recent donations: • AARP - 995 Queen City Chapter • Blessed Sacrament Church • Kealey Family • Monroe Organic Farms & Leslie Miller • Oblio’s Pizzeria • Park Hill Library patrons • Park Hill United Methodist Church • Louis Plachowski & Bridget Walsh of denverwelcomehome.com
• Becky Richardson • Stella Trattoria Colfax • Temple Micah • Barb Vossler • Pam Washington • Food donors who wished to remain anonymous, and all those who participated in “Dine Out for Park Hill” on July 17th at Oblio’s and July 28th at Stella Trattoria
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The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
As If We Planned to Stay
Denver is located in a semiarid steppe climatic region. Rain is sporadic and total annual rainfall varies between 10 and 20 inches. Given the scarcity of water, we and many other communities engage in some water practices that would be challenging to justify to a visitor from another planet: On the one hand: We’ve built a complex and impressive system of water-collecting and water-distributing infrastructure with
erly Creek. Six hours later, Mother Nature sent high water which replaced the trash we had just picked up with “new trash.” On the same weekend I had a chance to view my newly purchased book, WorldChanging: A User’s Guide for the 21st Century, published in 2011. Consider this very different water paradigm, as spelled out in that book. “We need urban infrastructure that allows us to live in harmony with the natural systems that sustain us – we need to start thinking of the whole planet as home… It is time, to paraphrase writer Wallace Stegner, to live on this planet as if we planned to stay.” Mother Nature’s streams provide a number of “services” simultaneously. Streams collect and distribute water over short and long distances. Streams enhance and maintain water quality. Steams nourish riparian vegetation and wildlife; they accommodate flood and drought. Streams are scenic wonders; home to recreational and educational opportunities. Streams serve as transportation corridors and create a sense of place. If we were to mimic Mother Nature, we would consider more daylighting of Westerly Creek. Progress is being made from 23rd to 17th avenues, with a new bridge at Montview Boulevard, and also from 13th to 11th avenues, at the New Freedom Park. The flooding potential at 14th Avenue remains an area of concern.
creek Restoration walks brian hyde tunnels to move water intent on flowing to the Pacific Ocean under 14,000-foot peaks to our side of the Continental Divide, a reservoir requiring the relocation of an entire town, and an army of lawyers and engineers to protect “our water.” With that expensive imported water, we grow many grasses, trees, vegetables and flowers not native to semiarid steppes. On the other hand: When it rains hard, we ask an agency called “Wastewater Management” to chase the offending stormwater underground or “away” as quickly and invisibly as possible. When historic drainageways, clearly defined by topography and geology, had the temerity to locate themselves in the path of our Jeffersonian grid-inspired street network, our predecessors put some of those creeks and gulches in buried pipes and covered them with roadways, airport runways and supermarket parking lots. On a recent morning, I joined other volunteers in a monthly creek cleanup on West-
An expert in floodplain management and stream restoration, Brian wants your feedback at westerly_connect_brian@ comcast. net or 720-939-6039.
ThreeWeekKitchens.com
DebraToney.com
The Name Game
Writing inspiration is Fictional Characters: Biscuit Winch sometimes hard to come by Woodrow Waddlesworth Simba (The Lion King) and hot summer days do not Beastiewinks Smeagol (Lord of the Rings) help. As I was contemplating Cats: Rambo (Rambo) my August article, I didn’t Batman (Batman) Ozzie Pawsbourne want to write about the same Gandalf (Lord of the Rings) Mr. Meowgi old thing – not that those pet Murderface health topics are not impor- Totally Different: Fuglee tant, but sometimes you need Bunny Going to Chang Scruffernutter Corporal Cuddles Cat Masterson Spam Tape W. Orm Louisiana Purchase Kung Fu Kitty Door Stop Speedbump Midnight Friar Princess Kevin something fresh. Fizzgig Toot Sweet A search for a particular Funny Face McT Frisky Mccracken patient in our database led Hand Over Fist Mittens Ninja me to names. I’m not able Sir Oswald Wigglesworth to use my favorites from our And, not to be outdone, own records, but here is a col- Veterinary Pet Insurance al- Thug Master K. lection from Trupanion™ Pet ways lists their Top 50 Wacky Col Mustard Insurance. Pet Names for dogs and cats And, of course, there’s annually – I’ve gone with the Celebrities: Tardar Sauce, also famously first 20. Tiny Elvis known as Grumpy Cat, and Dogs Sir Elizabeth Taylor Colonel Meow. Both have Bill Cosby large followings on the inAlmost-A-Dog Bobcat Dylan ternet and Twitter (@RealFranco Furter Corgi Feldman GrumpyCat and @colonel_ Stinkie Mcstinkerson meow if you want to become Sir Seamus McPoop Food & Drinks: a follower). Audrey Shepburn French Fry Creative naming of pets is Dewey Decimell Agent Jack Daniels a great expression of both the Knuckles Capone Skittles pet’s and the owner’s personBeagle Lugosi Dr. Lola Pickles ality. If you have a pet with Shooter Mclovin Oatmeal an unusual name or a favorite Uzi Duzi Du that you’ve seen, please post Historical: Sir Chomps-A-Lot it on our Facebook page at Jedi Mind Trick Caesar facebook.com/ParkHillVet Baron Von Furrypants Isis to add to our collection. Dexteronimous Prime Buddha Beanfart Zeus Dr. Margot can be reached at Swarles Barkley Gaia parkhillvet.com. Afro Thunder
Park Hill VET dr. Margot VAhrenwald
August 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 17
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City Council Emphasizes Bicycle and Pedestrian Movement
“I must admit that I am totally fickle. When I drive my car, I hate all bicyclists and pedestrians. When I walk, I hate all motorists and bicyclists. When I ride my bike, I hate all motorists and pedestrians.” – Thad Tecza, CU professor and transportation activist
A high level of interest in “finding better options for moving people around” has led to making bicycle and pedestrian safety and infrastructure the main Denver city council priority for 2014, according to District 1 Councilwoman Susan Shepherd. “The city was built to favor automobile uses,” says Shepherd. “But now the public is clamoring for additional and improved bike and pedestrian infrastructure.” Shepherd says, “[Council] needs to gather
is a call for significant restraints on cars in favor of bikes, like dedicating particular streets as ‘bike only’ or allowing bikes to violate traffic laws, you will see opposition form pretty quickly.” District 1, in northwest Denver, is what Shepherd calls an “urban core neighborhood.” She says it makes sense to look at infrastructure improvements there because many people need safe bicycle access to downtown. “We’ve got a fairly good network of sidewalks, but many are in disrepair, the same situation you have in Park Hill,” said Shepherd. “People would use options if they were safer.” Denver historian Phil Goodstein, an ardent bicyclist and walker, is critical of efforts so far to help pedestrians and bike riders. “The more the city claims to help, the worse the situation appears to become.” An example, says Goodstein, is the elimination of the “Barnes Dance” method of diagonal pedestrian crossings downtown in 2011.
City Matters
Dave Felice
input from all sources and see what people would support. If this is important, we need to have a realistic conversation about where the money comes from.” She points out that bike and pedestrian accidents were higher in the first quarter of this year than all of last year and adds that Denverites place increased emphasis on health and economic benefits of alternative transportation. She expects three months to a year before a definite plan can be put in place. According to a statement from City Council which expressed the priority, multiple agencies would be involved in infrastructure investment that would: · accelerate implementation of the Denver Moves plan; · hire additional bike planners; · construct protected commuter bike lanes; · provide safe walkways and bike paths along major streets to schools; and · implement engineering strategies to prevent “hit-and-run” accidents at intersections citywide.
Popular support for early efforts There is little, if any, organized or vocal opposition to the council priority. At this point people are either supportive or ambivalent, said University of Colorado political science professor Thad Tecza, who is active in city transportation issues. “Other than the bike trails coming out of the lottery money, [infrastructure] hasn’t required a significant financial investment and hasn’t inflicted any significant pain on other groups,” said Tecza. However, Tecza anticipates potential road blocks to alternative transportation. “I would expect that as the movement grows and there
Paths to success Shepherd cites Boston as an example of multi-modal transportation success. “It’s a model of an urban environment that is not dependent on automobile. Boston was developed as a ‘walkable’ city. Western cities, such as Denver, were developed around cars.” Boston also has an extensive public transportation system, including a subway which connects to suburban trains. In Massachusetts, the law requiring motorists to yield to pedestrians is strictly observed and enforced. Personal behavior and education are also important elements, says Shepherd. “All users of the right of way are responsible. We need proper, but not heavy-handed, enforcement of rules. Sometimes, it’s proper to give bicycles and pedestrians an advantage.” Shepherd points out that Public Works has only one person, Emily Snyder, working on bicycle matters. The budget is only $2M per year for infrastructure. “At that rate, we can only do 10 miles per year of improvements and it would take 50 years to get to where we want to be.” “Currently, sidewalk repair is the responsibility of individual homeowners,” says INC President Larry Ambrose, whose organization has had a long history supporting alternative ways of funding sidewalk construction and improvements. “INC’s sidewalk maven, Mary Myers, passed away just recently. She worked tirelessly to bring this issue to the forefront.” “One idea is to levy a fee to replace or install sidewalks,” says Shepherd. Other ideas include an alternative transportation tax or a bond initiative. GPHC Board Member Dave Felice can be reached at gelato321@aol.com.
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Superior House Cleaning Services Page 18
The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
Eight years ago, my garden bed was filled with rock. Now, after implementing Xeriscape, I have a garden with year-round interest.
10% winter pruning discount offered from November 1st through March 31st Please contact our office for a free estimate
(Credit: Marne Norquist)
XERISCAPE 101 Xeriscaping is a logical, sustainable and beautiful way to makeover your landscape into a healthy, vibrant, water-smart growing space. During this especially dry summer, I have had the opportunity to assist many eager people in implementing xeric gardens. These folks are enthused and excited to transform their space to a place that creates joy and ease, not frustration and resentment. There are many misconceptions about xeriscaping. For one, it is not called “zero”-scape, as I overhear often (pinching myself not to correct the innocent stranger). Likewise, it is not a garden filled with cactus, yucca and
rie clay and harsh environ). Yes, yucca and cactus can be displayed beautifully, but so can many flowering perennials, shrubs and trees. Considering that we are in a semi-arid climate, we have quite an amazing selection. Even though flowering dogwoods and magnolias, Japanese maples, hydrangeas, yews, boxwoods, viburnums and hundreds of perennials thrive here, using native species or climate-adapted plants – for which there are hundreds of varieties – reduces the need for pesticides, as they are more pest and disease resistant. Granted, we may have to manipulate the microclimate so that we can get something to grow, but that can be done with a mindful approach. Efficient water usage doesn’t mean giving up or changing your lifestyle. It means reducing water wasted through proper irrigation and finding ways to achieve aesthetically pleasing landscapes without excess water. You will notice a significant decrease in weeds in a xeric garden. This is due to healthy soil, mulch and drip irrigation. You’ll also see brighter and more proficient blooms, and your water usage will decrease significantly. While implementing a xeric garden certainly doesn’t happen overnight, it is an investment in your landscape - and thus, your comfort and your property value. When landscapes and gardens are designed to function synergistically and the natural resources are used mindfully, a harmonious ecosystem arises. Let harmony reign!
Park Hill roots
marne norquist
rock. And, it is not a “no-maintenance” garden. Xeriscape is a seven-step method of implementing mindful, water-efficient, lowmaintenance and sustainable gardens. It is where natural beauty meets functionality.
There are seven principles of Xeriscape: 1 – Plan and design for water conservation 2 – Improve the soil (till compost in the soil approximately 6 – 12”) 3 – Limit turf area or select alternatives 4 – Irrigate efficiently (drip irrigation is ideal, as it directs water directly to the root zone) 5 – Select appropriate plant material and hydrozone plants 6 – Mulch - to reduce evaporation 7 – Maintain - weed and fertilize regularly A great time, energy and research has gone into finding plants that thrive in Colorado’s unpredictable climate (and Denver’s prai-
A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professional horticulturist who cultivates her own plot on Dexter street, where gardens and two kids grow. She can be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com.
AUGUST GARDEN TIPS • Divide spring-blooming perennials now, if necessary • Fertilize roses for the last time this season • Continue to monitor the moisture level of all recently planted trees, shrubs and perennials • Reduce watering of trees, shrubs and perennials to prepare them for winter • Keep harvesting herbs. Cut whole stems for drying. Many can be frozen or used to flavor vinegars (which make a great gift) • Plant spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens and leaf lettuce. Harvest tender leaves for salads in the fall, then over-winter for early spring greens
August 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 19
E v e n t s Li s ti n g BLUFF LAKE NATURE CENTER
blufflake.org Fireside Chats every other Thursday through August 22 from 6:30-8pm are followed by marshmallow roast, $1 suggested donation. August 8–Going Batty by Morrison Nature Center and August 22–Dino-mite presented by Dinosaur Ridge.
COLORADO FRESH MARKETS
DENVER POLICE DISTRICT 2
3921 Holly St. 2.Dist@denvergov.org 720-913-1000 Commander Calo hosts the District 2 Community Advisory Board’s (2CAB) monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday (August 22) of every month at 6pm in the D2 Police Station Community Room.
coloradofreshmarkets.com Cherry Creek Fresh Market, 1st and University: Saturdays through October 26 from 8am1pm and Wednesdays from June 19-September 25 from 9am-1pm. City Park Esplanade Fresh Market, Colfax and Columbine: Sundays through October 27 from 9am-1pm. Stapleton Farmers Market, 29th and Roslyn: Sundays, June 16-October 13 from 8:30am-12:30pm
DENVER ZOO
CULTIVATE FESTIVAL
DINE OUT FOR GPHC
chipotle.com/cultivate The one-day festival on Saturday, August 17 from 11am-7pm will include cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, live music, food artisans and other activities emphasizing fresh and affordable food made with sustainable ingredients.
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE
dmns.org, 303-370-6000 Science Lounge: “Science on the Rocks” features geology and rock ‘n’ roll on August 15 at 6:30pm.
denverzoo.org Help name the Zoo’s new official ice cream flavor created by Boulder Ice Cream and sponsored by Frontier Airlines at the Ice Cream Social from 6:30 to 9pm on Saturday, August 10. Free rides on the Conservation Carousel and Pioneer Train are just a few of the fun activities planned for this family night out. Eat at these local restaurants on the following evenings and a donation will be made to GPHC: Jim N’ Nicks BBQ on Tuesday, August 6th, 5-9pm, Stapleton Northfield Mall (8264 E. 49th Ave.), 303-371-1566 or jimnnicks.com. Phoenician Kabob on Wednesday, August 21st, 5-9pm, 5709 E. Colfax Ave at Ivy, 303355-7213 or pkabob.com.
ELECTRONICS RECYCLING
denvergov.org/ecorally, 720-913-1311 Recycle your electronics at the Mile High Electronics Recycling Event at Sports Authority Field on Sunday, August 11. Past Denver Broncos players and cheerleaders will be at the event. Appointment only: denvergov.org/ ecorally.
GREATER PARK HILL COMMUNITY, INC.
2823 Fairfax St., greaterparkhill.org, 303-388-0918 The GPHC holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursdays of the month. The next meeting is Thursday, August 1, at 6:30pm.
HOLLY AREA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT (HARP)
NORTHEAST PARK HILL COALITION
D2 Police Station, 3921 Holly St., Michele Wheeler, 720-837-5492 The NEPHC hosts its monthly meeting on the second Thursdays of the month (August 8) at 6pm.
NORTHEAST WALK FEST
newalkfest.com The NE Walk Fest will be a FREE, fun and inspiring day of walking the Park Hill and Stapleton neighborhoods on Saturday, August 24th from 9am-1pm. The event serves to promote destination-oriented walking activity and pedestrian safety along a marked and supported 4-mile route. Kick-off event at Holly Square at 9am.
PARK HILL BRANCH LIBRARY 4705 Montview Blvd., 720-865-0250 See Library on next page for events
PARK HILL CRUISERS
Find them on Facebook Monthly rides this spring, summer and fall, making stops at local watering holes, and adding destinations at host rider homes in Park Hill in an effort to build new friendships and get to know our neighborhood better.
PARK HILL FAMILY BIKE RIDES
Find them on Facebook GPHC and the Bike Depot host the Park Hill Family Bike Rides. Save the date for the next rides of the year: Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, October 26 (Hallowheels). Event begins at 3:30pm at 28th and Fairfax with a bike rodeo and safety demonstration. The 4-5pm bike ride explores a new area of Park Hill. The event concludes at Oblio’s Pizza for $5 AYCE slices from 5-6pm.
PARK HILL HOME TOUR & STREET FAIR
greaterparkhill.org, parkhillstreetfair.com, 303-388-0918 The Park Hill Home Tour and Street Fair will take place Sunday, September 22. See Home Tour on page 4 for more information.
PARK HILL NEW PARENTS GROUP
meetup.com/Park-Hill-New-Parents-Group Park Hill parents group offers playdates, outings, Dad’s Night Out and Mommy Book Club.
HOPE Center, 3475 Holly St. HARP holds second Monday (August 12) monthly meeting at the HOPE Center from 6:15-7:30pm. RSVP required to lsullivan@ denverfoundation.org.
PARK HILL PELOTON
NORTHEAST DENVER PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
PAULINE ROBINSON BRANCH LIBRARY
2600 Leyden, kdot62@comcast.net, 303-329-8950 Parents of children with a variety of special needs of all ages support and nurture one another as we share resources and ideas. Third or fourth Friday from 9:30-11:30am.
parkhillpeloton.org or find them on Facebook A recreational road riding group that rolls from Park Hill once or twice per week. Join the mailing list for ride and area event information.
5575 E. 33rd Ave., 720-865-0290 Computer Basics: Mon. 5:30pm. Learn the basics in these 1.5 hour sessions. Classes are free, registration and 8-week commitment required. Preschool Storytime: Wed. 10:30am1pm. Stories, songs, and fun for 3-6 year-olds with an adult. Crafts, board and video games, performances, and more for children in grades K-12.
PROJECT SUNSHINE
facebook.com/projectsunshinedenver, 303-321-5231 Community input sought during regular monthly potlucks on third Tuesdays (August 20) of the month at 6:30pm on effort to build a worker cooperative grocery store at 35th and Albion.
Page 20
SCIENTIFIC & CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT FREE DAYS
scfd.org Denver Art Museum: August 3, September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7. Denver Botanic Gardens: August 27, October 7, November 2. Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield: November 1. Denver Museum of Nature and Science: August 11, August 19, September 8, October 6, December 9. Denver Zoo: November 4, November 15, November 21.
SIE FILMCENTER
2510 E. Colfax, denverfilm.org/filmcenter The final Raise the Roof party atop the Sie FilmCenter takes place August 15 with Ark Life, Shady Elders, and comedian Jordan Doll. Doors at 6pm, music at 7pm. Free event features BOGO movie ticket and food for sale.
SWEET WILLIAM MARKET
Founders Green, 29th & Syracuse, sweetwilliammarket.com Every last Saturday through September: July 27, August 31 and September 28.
TAI CHI PROJECT
taichiproj@earthlink.net, 303-744-7676 Tai Chi classes Thursday mornings at 7-7:45am planned in conjunction with DMNS.
TEMPLE MICAH
2600 Leyden St., micahdenver.org, 303-388-4239 x1 Mishpacha: Parent orientation for 2013-14 session of family education program is Thursday, August 22 at 7pm. Program will include experiential family-learning activities and weekend family retreat. Religious School: August registration for Hebrew and Judaic studies for K-bar/bat mitzvah age beginning Sunday, September 8 at 9am. Picnic at PHUMC: Potluck Picnic on Saturday, August 24 from 5-7 p.m. to peruse the space where Temple Micah is preparing to move. High Holy Days: All are welcome for Selichot, Saturday, August 31; Erev Rosh Hashanah, Wednesday, Sept. 4; Rosh Hashanah, Thursday, Sept. 5; Shabbat Shuvah Hike, Saturday, Sept. 7; Kol Nidre, Friday, Sept. 13; and Yom Kippur Services, Saturday, Sept. 14.
UNITY ON THE AVENUE
4670 E. 17th Avenue, unityontheavenue.org, 303-322-3901 Laughter Yoga: Now enrolling for free Laugher Yoga, summer and fall classes, Mondays 7am, 8am or 9am. Email your 1st & 2nd class time preference choice to kohlmanhealth@aol.com. CPR Training: Saturday, August 3 at 11:30 a.m., potluck follows. Love offering. Free Meditation Workshop: Saturday, August 31 at 11:30am followed by vegetarian lunch. Presented by Science of Spirituality.
ZUMBA IN PARK HILL
Park Hill United Methodist Church, 720-4363899, kfarmer@milehighfitness.com Classes weekdays from 9-10am. First class free. $7 drop-ins, $39 for 6 class punch card. Submit your neighborhood events to editor@ greaterparkhill.org.
Submit your neighborhood events to editor@greaterparkhill.org
The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
Diaries, Pirates and Star Wars, Oh My! By Tara Bannon Williamson Senior Librarian
The summer might be almost over, but the fun at the library never ends! Be sure to stop by and get prizes from the Summer Reading program for babies through next year’s High School Seniors by August 10. Even though the Summer Reading program is ending, we will be hosting the following fun events just around the corner! Join us for the Park Hill Branch Library’s new Pajama Storytime on Wednesdays at 6:30pm with stories, songs, and fun for all ages. Come in your pajamas and feel free to bring your stuffed animals and blankies! We are excited to try this new time slot to make storytime accessible to parents and caregivers who are unable to attend our morning sessions. On Friday, August 9 at 3pm we will be having a Diary Day Event. We will be celebrating the popular diary books (such as Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries, Stick Dog and Ellie McDoodle) with fun activities and crafts. In September, we will be celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day with a swashbuckling event for all ages. In October, we are looking forward to our 2nd annual Star Wars Reads Day event. These events celebrate reading and provide what literacy lingo terms “Print Motivation” and promote children being actively involved and interested in selecting what they read. Bring your family and have fun together while creating lifelong memories in a literacy-rich environment!
cialization immediately follow the program. No registration is required.
Tales for Twos Fridays at 10:30am Join us for a storytime just for two-yearolds and their caregiver. We will share books, sing songs, and provide movement activities. No registration is required.
Book Babies: Pre-Walkers Fridays at 11:15am Stories, rhymes, and lap songs developed to meet the needs of infants and their caregivers. Playtime and socialization immediately follow the program. No registration is required.
Pajama Storytime Wednesdays at 6:30pm Join us for the Park Hill Branch Library’s new PJ storytime! Stories, songs, and fun for all ages. Come in your pajamas! Stuffed animals and blankies welcome! No registration is required.
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) Tuesday, 8/13 6-7:30pm: 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 the second Tuesday of each month.
Genre Chat Book Club
Thursdays at 10:30am All ages are welcome for this storytime! We may do a craft, play musical instruments, or have some fun with the parachute! No registration is required.
Thursday, 8/15 3:00pm: 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 Babe: the Gallant Pig by Dick King-Smith. Registration is suggested but not required. Call 720-865-0250 or visit the library to sign up.
Book Babies: Early Walkers
Diary Day
Thursdays at 11:15am Stories, action songs, and rhymes developed to meet the needs of babies on the move and their caregivers. Playtime and so-
Friday, 8/9 3-4:30pm: Celebrate the popular diary books with fun activities and crafts. No registration is required.
All Ages Storytime
August 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
Keep your neighborhood strong! Join Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. We have a variety of memberships. All memberships are tax deductible. ___ Individual or Family ($25/year) ___ Business or Sustaining ($50/year) ___ Sponsoring Member ($100/year) ___ Patron ($250/year) ___ Other 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
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Faith Communit y 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.
Agape Christian Church
Ministerios Pentecostales
Bethsaida Temple Christian Center
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
3050 Monaco Pkwy 303-296-2454
3930 E 37th Ave 303-388-7317 bethsaidatemple.org
Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church 4900 Montview Blvd 303-355-7361 parish.blessedsacrament.net
Center of Light
2528 Clermont St 720-384-3001 denver.centersoflight.org
Christ the King Missionary Baptist Church
1980 Dahlia St, 303-355-1651 montview.org
New Hope Baptist Church 3701 Colorado Blvd 303-322-5200 newhopedenver.org
Denver Park Hill Seventh-Day Adventist Church 3385 Albion St 303-333-5089 denverparkhillsda.org
Park Hill Congregational Church
2390 Olive St 303-355-5556
2600 Leyden St 303-322-9122 parkhillchurch.org
Cure d’Ars Catholic Church
Park Hill Presbyterian Church
3201 Dahlia St, 303-322-1119
East Denver Church of Christ 3500 Forest St, 303-322-2677
East Denver Church of God
3411 Albion St 303-399-8312 parkhillpresbyterian.org
Park Hill United Methodist Church
6430 MLK Jr Blvd 303-333-5911
5209 E Montview Blvd 303-322-1867 phumc.com
Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Debreselam Medhanealem Church
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church
5152 E 17th Ave 303-333-4766 denvermedhanealem.org
Gethsemane Trinity Temple
2586 Colorado Blvd, 303-388-2304
Good Shepherd Baptist Church 2814 Ivy St 303-322-3369 goodshepherdbaptist.com
Greater Mt. Olive Baptist Church 4821 E 38th Ave 303-333-3325
Graham Multicultural Church 33rd and Elm 303-393-1333
House of Joy Miracle Deliverance Church 3082 Leyden St 303-388-9060 denverhouseofjoy.com
King Baptist Church 3370 Ivy St 303-388-3248 kingbaptist.org
Loving Saints Christian Fellowship Zion Senior Center 5150 E 33rd Ave 303-377-2762
Messiah Community Church ELCA 1750 Colorado Blvd 303-355-4471 messiahdenver.org
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3888 Forest St, 720-941-8433
6100 Smith Road 303-355-0353
Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church 3301 Leyden St 303-322-5983
Shorter Community A.M.E. Church 3100 Richard Allen Ct 303-320-1712 shorterame.org
Solomon’s Temple Missionary Baptist 3000 Holly St 303-377-2249
St. Thomas Episcopal Church 2205 Dexter St, 303-388-4395 saintthomasdenver.org
Temple Micah
2600 Leyden St, 303-388-4239 micahdenver.org
Union Baptist Church 4801 MLK Blvd 303-320-0911
Unity on the Avenue 4670 E 17th Ave 303-322-3901 unityontheavenue.org
Zion Temple Pentecostal Apostolic Church 1600 Syracuse Street 303-355-0588 ztministries.org
To add or update a listing, contact the editor@greaterparkhill.org.
The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013
Greater Park Hill News Classifieds Roofing Residential reroofing and repairs, 17 years experience, licensed, bonded, and insured. Gutter replacement and cleaning. www.accurateroofingandmasonry.com. Call Shawn 303-907-9223. Specializing in Park Hill. Haag Certified Roofing Inspectors, Licensed Insurance Adjuster/ Claim Specialist. Master Elite Contractor. BBB A+. Licensed & Insured. Call 303-421-ROOF (7663) For Free Roof Inspection.
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 303-883-9030. Repair or Replace: Faucets, Toilets, Sinks, Vanity, Dishwashers, Water Heater, Broken Pipes, Spigot/Hosebib, Drain Cleaning, Disposals etc. Sprinkler Start-Up/Repair/Installation. Swamp Cooler Start-Up/Repair. Call West Tech (720)298-0880 FREE INSTANT QUOTE Brugman Plumbing. I arrive on time, I do it right, I don’t price gouge, Larry 303-935-6348.
Landscaping GREATSCAPES: Landscape design and construction, family owned and operated. Outdoor living spaces, xeriscaping, flagstone, sod, irrigation, retaining walls, millwork, pergolas, trellises, planters and more. Outstanding references. Jeff 303-322-5613. Spend the summer enjoying your gardens rather than working in them. We will design and plan, plant, rototill, maintain. Maintenance agreements available. 303-941-9432.www. citygardeningdenver.com Aeration – Sod – Fertilizer – Power Rake – Lawn Mowing – Rototilling – Hauling – Fence
August 2013
The Greater Park Hill News
Repair and Build – Stump Removal – Lawn Mower Repair – Weed Control – Small Trees Removed. Free estimates: 720-327-9911.
moval service. Estate clean up, eviction clean up, construction debris, etc. Call Ruben today 720-434-8042.
Home Remodeling
Painting
LICENSED GENERAL CONTRACTOR IN PARK HILL! Custom kitchens and baths. All stages of remodeling. Windows, doors, painting, brick, roofing, gutters, fence, decks, and more! Licensed Lead-Based Paint Abatement Firm. Mold & Mildew Remediation. CALL MARK at (303)9213161 OR usabatement@yahoo.com
McNamara’s Painting. Interior/exterior painting, texture, drywall finish, stain, powerwash. Working in Park Hill for over 10 years. Free Estimates. Call Bill McNamara 303-503-0589 or 303-617-0983.
Handyman Park Hill neighbor. Plaster/drywall repair, painting, shower grab bars, safety handrails and minor electrical repair, to name a few. John Beltz helps you stay safe and happy in your home. Bonded & insured. Honey Do Right Home Repair, LLC. Call-text: 720-998-4526 or honeydoright@gmail.com. Handyman/Contractor-Licensed, Insured, Residential, Commercial. All Maintenance items. J&K Enterprises 303-921-3398. No job too small.
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
Masonry Services Brick, Stone, Concrete, restoration, tuck pointing, chimney’s, retaining walls, city sidewalks. licensed, bonded, and insured. www.thebrickandstoneguy.com References. Call Shawn 303-907-9223
Hauling
A-TEAM PAINTING is a company you can count on for all your painting needs. Over 15 years’ experience. Call Derrick Noel 303-7106094.
Piano Lessons Piano/Keyboard Lessons: Offering personalized instruction for children & adults- all ages, reasonable rates. Call or email Kay Ambrose 303-355-0349 kayamb88@yahoo.com.
Volunteers Needed Needed: Reading Volunteers to share oneone-one reading with students at the Odyssey School or Venture Prep Middle School for the 2013-2014 academic year. If interested, email Julie at Julie@PartnersinLiteracy.org.
Denver Botanic Gardens is looking for volunteers to be part of its Docent Program. For more information call 720-865-3609.
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
GPHC Wish List Donations 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 or director@greaterparkhill.org if you can help with any of the following: • Gift cards or discount coupons for office supply, grocery, hardware, or home stores • 4 or 6 ft. folding tables • Donations of fresh & canned fruit, fresh veggies, dairy & eggs • A library style small rolling cart • Donations toward exterior lighting and a new awning at 2823 Fairfax • Frames for 9 x 13 posters • A sturdy utility shelf, 3-4ft. wide by 1-2ft. deep • Volunteering: Gardeners to help maintain our pantry garden, Blockworkers to deliver the Greater Park Hill News, Home Tour street fair volunteers for Sept. 22nd
To advertise in the Classifieds, contact
Bernadette Kelly
720-287-0442
newspaper@greaterparkhill.org the deadline for submitting a classified ad is the 20th of every month
Cut Rate Hauling- A trash, clutter, and junk re-
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The Greater Park Hill News
August 2013