Volume 53, Issue No. 3
A Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Publication
March 2014
Saying Goodbye to Mr. Bandy, and to Smiley Smiley Middle School will be closing at the end of this school year after being in the Park Hill neighborhood since 1928. George Bandy – that’s Mr. Bandy to many – has been a social studies teacher at Smiley for the last 23 years. “I’ve spent half my life in this building,” he
notes. A recent conversation with him offers not just a history of Smiley but a peek into our neighborhood’s earlier times. Growing up, Mr. Bandy lived off of 19th and Monaco. He, his two younger brothers and their friends roamed the neighborhood streets on their bikes and played baseball in
Mr. Bandy in his classroom. Photo credit: Lynn Kalinauskas
City Park. They caught all the latest films at the movie theatre on Kearney and 22nd and they watched astronaut John Glenn and President Lyndon B. Johnson come down the official parade route on Monaco Parkway as they made their way from the Stapleton Airport to downtown Denver. He and his brothers all attended Smiley Middle School. “I am proud to say that I’m a product of Denver Public Schools,” he says. “I enjoyed Smiley as a student, but oh, it was so crowded back then.” In the ‘60s, he explains, so many students from the neighborhood attended the school that the district instituted “split sessions.” Students would attend school either from 6 a.m. to noon or from noon until 6 p.m. He chose the earlier school day, taking advantage of the afternoon to play sports. Though all three Bandy boys attended Smiley, they did not attend the same high school. Mr. Bandy went to George Washington for its sports program, and busing sent his bothers to Manual and East. While in high school, Mr. Bandy scored an afterschool job as a sweeper at Smiley. Little did he know that decades after cleaning the halls as a teenager he would be part of the teaching team that would see the last Smiley class graduate.
The sign to the girl’s gym – a throwback to pre-Title IX segregated gym classes.
schools Update
Lynn Kalinauskas
GPHC Education Chair
When tensions were high Busing, instituted in 1969 in Denver, aimed to end school segregation. With the memory of the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination still fresh, tensions in the schools continued on page 11
The Importance of Being There Challenging the Status Quo Essential, Not Always Easy Civic engagement that leads to a coalition of neighborhoods or opposition to a supersized playground in a park is an essential part of the governing process, say politicians, activists, and theorists. In Park Hill, community activism ranges from struggling to improve conditions for low paid workers to a program encouraging people to connect through walking. “Citizenship is an office, not an entitlement; it carries certain responsibilities and duties,” says Thad Tecza, professor emeritus in political science at the University of Colorado. “The notion of a ‘republic’ includes
the concept of a res publica or public space in which people can and should act in the name of the common good and detached from the pursuit of individual self-interest.” Metropolitan State University of Denver President Stephen Jordan says more succinctly: “The community always needs Dave Felice rabble rousers.” Activists continue their work despite at times being demeaned and dismissed by those in power. City Councilman Chris Nevitt, for example, once declared that park advocates represent “hysteria, extremism, and narrow parochial interests.” More recently, Councilman Albus Brooks described opponents of a huge playground attraction as “a bunch of protestors.” Longtime Park Hill resident Laura Avant, affiliated with the political group MoveOn, says she moved to the area “in search of an integrated neighborhood.” Avant says she has been voluntarily involved in political affairs since her mid-20’s, when she “encountered discrimination in housAction Plan © 2013, Brian Andreas, The Story People; Used With Permission ing, police attempts to
City Matters
Joining forces Following tradition, The Rev. Daniel Klawitter of Park Hill heads Denver’s InterFaith Worker Justice (IWJ) commission. Klawitter is a minister in the United Methodist Church, a denomination with a reputation for social involvement. He recently issued a statement of opposition to the secontinued on page 5
Breaking the ‘Monotony’ Between Birth and Death Community Activists Share Their Motivations “Why do I do it? Because it is the most interesting of all activities and it breaks the monotony between the two significant events in one’s life, i.e. birth and death.” Thad Tecza, professor emeritus in political science at the University of Colorado “You have to stay the course, do your homework, be informed, stand up for what you believe, and be willing to speak out.” Jay Rust, president of Neighbors and Friends of Cheesman Park “I cut my political teeth in the late 1960’s - participating in anti-war demonstrations, volunteering for quixotic political campaigns, [and] coming of age at a time when political action affected outcomes. I witnessed the successful efforts of a group
Protecting pets from marijuana and other toxic substances
Page 17
Summer Camp Guide: Get the kids ready for hot weather fun
Page 14
Inside This Issue
Page 8
March 2014
silence dissent, economic inequality at home, and an unnecessary and costly war abroad.” “We have to take ownership of how we want things to be,” says Jonathan Stalls of Park Hill, who has walked 3,000 miles cross country to meet ordinary people from Delaware to California. Stalls runs Walk2Connect, which features activities involving the social aspects of walking.
of environmentalists, led by a contrarian Colorado legislator – Dick Lamm – organize people across the state to say No! to the 1976 Olympic Games. I worked for Denver’s first Hispanic Mayor, Federico Peña, who despite being unpopular with the city’s political and business elite, transformed Denver from a low-profile mountain gateway into a diverse, eclectic urban hub.” Former Denver Councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt “One day while yelling at the TV, I figured I do not have the right to be upset if I do not get involved. I refuse to pass a corrupt system on to my children and am compelled to do what I can with my time and skills until it is fixed.” MoveOn activist Irene Clark
Springtime in the garden: Let the planning and planting begin
Next GPHC Meeting Thursday, March 6 at 6:30 p.m. 2823 Fairfax St., Denver
This newspaper is made possible through the support of our advertisers and members. If you are not already a member, please consider joining the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
This Month’s Featured Listings... Doing her part to change the world The Park Hill Library received this note and gift last month from 4-year old Maddie, to buy books for the library. Coming Soon 4855 E Atlantic Pl Remodeled 3 bed oversized garage Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858
5121 Meade St SOLD! $339,000 Jane McLaughlin 303-388-8392
Coming Soon 3 bed 2 bath Near Crestmoor Brick Ranch w/ basement Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922
From the Editor
You’ll probably notice a common theme at Smiley Middle School, and who will have running through the newspaper this month to adjust to a new routine after the school is – that is, the necessity of giving back to the “phased out” at the end of this school year. community. Even when it means challenging Thank you, Mr. Bandy, for your positive the status quo. Someinfluence on the countless times especially when it Park Hill students who have means challenging the been lucky enough to have Cara DeGette had you in class. status quo. To the point, don’t Whether it’s teaching kids complain if you don’t bother to show up. how to think, or going to battle for your Among other features, this month we neighborhood park, or speaking truth to learn about Mr. George Bandy, who has power in any one of a million ways, everyone spent nearly half his life teaching students should engage. No one gets a pass.
Editor’s Note
637 S Grape St SOLD! Represented Buyer Nina Kuhl/Steve LaPorta
2665 Dahlia St SOLD! $435,000 Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
1624 Magnolia St SOLD! Park Hill East Steve LaPorta 303-525-0640
From GPHC Chair LeAnn Anderson 2800 S University #69 SOLD! Cherry Hills III John Neu 303-378-4069
1670 S Arbutus Pl Under Contract Beautiful Lakewood Ranch Steve Laporta 303-525-0640
1378 Ogden St #12 SOLD! Renee McMichael 303-718-4131
At last years’ Greater Park Hill Community within Magnolia Street to Quebec street, Annual Meeting, Roberta Locke was voted in between 19th and 29th avenues) as the 2014 GPHC Chair. Shortly thereafter, • One At-Large representative, living anyRoberta experienced complications related where in Park Hill to a medical procedure. Although Roberta Several GPHC Committee Chairs also continues to improve and recover, she adneed to be filled, including a Health/Human vised the GPHC Co-Chair and Executive Services Chair, Human Relations Chair, and Committee that she will be unable to serve a Public Information Chair. as Chair. As last year’s GPHC Finally, delegate spots are Chair and current Co-Chair, also open within several Note from I have agreed to serve as the GPHC sponsor churches, in2014 Chair. Roberta graciouscluding: LEANN ANDERSON • Cure d’Ars Catholic Church ly agreed to continue to serve as the Fundraising Chair and • East Denver Church of God member of the GPHC Executive Committee. • Good Shepherd Baptist GPHC wishes Roberta the best in her re• King Baptist covery and looks forward to working with • Montview Presbyterian Church her in her Fundraising Chair and Executive • Park Hill Congregational Church Committee roles. • Park Hill United Methodist Church In addition to a new Chair-Elect, the If you are interested in learning more Greater Park Hill Community Board of Govabout being on the Board of Governors, or ernors is seeking committed Park Hill resiserving as a committee chair or delegate, dents to fill several vacancies. They include: attend a board meeting or two, introduce • District 1 (represents the geographic area yourself and get to know more about the orwithin Colorado Boulevard to Elm Street, ganization. The meetings are generally the north of 29th Avenue) first Thursday of each month beginning at • District 8 (represents the geographic area 6:30 p.m.; the next one is Thursday, March 6 within Niagara Street to Quebec Street, at the GPHC offices, 2823 Fairfax St. north of 29th Avenue) Hope to see you there. • District 9 (represents the geographic area
THE CHAIR
Coming Soon in Bible Park 1800 SF + 900 in basement $300,000 Roberta Locke and Kim Tighe
10853 Brooklawn Road SOLD! Highlands Ranch Renee McMichael 303-718-4131
12395 E Cedar Cir. SOLD! Represented Buyer Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
2nd Annual Park Hill Community Wide Garage Sale
Saturday, May 3, 2014 8:00 am to noon Free to participate but please register to be included on the online map by emailing gphcyardsale@ymail.com with your name, address and top 3 types of items you are selling. Questions, please contact your local Cherry Creek Properties agent.
Living With You...Working For You...
The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that: promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill; provides resources, information and advocacy; and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.
Cara DeGette Editor
Kim Tighe 720-840-9791
Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858
Roberta Locke 303-355-4492
Jane McLaughlin 303-829-6553
Melissa Davis Manager
Myra Thornton Advertising Sales
Tommy Kubitsky Graphic Design
The Greater Park Hill News is published by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC) on the 1st of each month. Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of GPHC. GPHC does not necessarily endorse the companies, products or services advertised in The Greater Park Hill News unless specifically stated. GPHC reserves the right to run any advertisement. Circulation is 14,000 and is distributed to homes and businesses in the Park Hill Area by neighborhood volunteers. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month.
Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922
Renee BurgerMcMichael 303-718-4131
John Neu 303-378-4069
Steve LaPorta 303-525-0640
303-713-9000
5655 Yosemite St Suite #109 Greenwood Village, Co 80111 www.CCPRE.com
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For story ideas and submissions or to comment on a story, contact Cara DeGette at editor@greaterparkhill.org. For advertising information, contact Myra Thornton at ads@greaterparkhill.org or 720-515-1579. 2823 Fairfax St. | Denver, CO 80207 | Voicemail: 720-287-0442 newspaper@greaterparkhill.org | Fax: 303-388-0910 greaterparkhill.org | facebook.com/greaterparkhillnews | @parkhillnews
The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
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The Bald Eagle has been the symbol of the United States of America since 1782. Hunting by humans and habitat destruction threatened the bald eagle population through the 1960s, and efforts have been made to restore the populations over the past three decades. Bald eagles can live up to 40 years in the wild. This beauty was spotted at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge north of Park Hill, one of more than 50 bald eagles that have congregated there in the past month. A group of eagles has many collective nouns, including an aerie, a convocation, a jubilee, a soar and a tower. Photo by Park Hill resident Mark Silverstein
Anastasia Williamson lives and works in Park Hill. She loves this neighborhood for its architectural and cultural diversity. That kind of expertise qualifies her as a true Park Hill resident expert. It’s why Anastasia ranks as one of Park Hill’s most successful Realtors. Clients know her expertise translates into top dollar for their properties.
Park Hill Album T JUS ED T LIS
LD SO Hip red brick story and a half bungalow. Open floorplan with formal living spaces, updated kitchen, full open basement. New roof, sewer line and carpet. 3 beds, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 1300 finished sq ft,. $374,900
Attention Potential Home Sellers — Inventory is Lower than it’s Been in Years. Thinking of Selling? Now is the Time!
IN LD SO AYS 5D
Classic brick bungalow. Open formal living and dining room, with French doors leading to a main floor office or family room. Maple & granite kitchen, private back yard. 4 beds, 3 baths, 2,400 finished sq ft. $429,000
Elegant David Weekley new build. This sunny 2-story home offers a gorgeous granite kitchen, and a professionally finished basement. 4 beds, 5 baths, two car attached garage, 3,800 finished sq ft. $888,000
Anastasia’s Park Hill SOLDS Speak for Themselves! 1649 Bellaire St. 4114 E. 19th Ave. 1612 Bellaire St. 1607 Bellaire St. 2595 Fairfax St. 1558 Clermont St. 1647 Clermont St. 2816 Dahlia St. 2383 Hudson St. 2821 Dahlia St. 2686 Dexter St. 2248 Holly St. 1901 Cherry St. 2556 Elm St. 2615 Elm St. 2611 Birch St. 2052 Krameria St. 2630 Glencoe St 2877 Cherry St
March 2014
2646 Birch St. 2679 Albion St. 1638 Clermont St. 2810 Bellaire St. 2605 Fairfax St. 2677 Ash St. 2560 Birch St. 2681 Cherry St. 2809 Birch St. 2514 Glencoe St. 2652 Fairfax St. 1688 Newport St. 2609 Eudora St. 2800 Birch St. 3060 Ash St. 2810 Olive St 1623 Bellaire St 2037 Krameria 3010 Cherry St
The Greater Park Hill News
2345 Clermont St. 2070 Birch St. 2229 Birch St. 1775 Monaco Pkwy. 4345 E. 16th Ave. 2680 Ash St. 2861 Birch St. 2854 Cherry St. 2091 Hudson St. 2645 Ash St. 2570 Bellaire St. 2616 Fairfax St. 4326 Batavia Place 2845 Cherry St 2947 Clermont St 3035 Bellaire 2670 Grape 2655 Elm St 1669 Newport
2817 Albion St. 2684 Fairfax St. 2894 Dexter St. 2855 Ash St. 2665 Forest St. 2530 Bellaire St. 2820 Birch St. 2614 Glencoe St. 2840 Clermont St. 1929 Bellaire St. 1915 Monaco Pkwy. 1544 Leyden St. 2920 Cherry St. 2621 Grape St 2576 Fairfax St 2581 Dahlia 2389 Cherry 2829 Clermon 2877 Cherry
4545 E. 29th Ave. 2530 Glencoe St. 2895 Birch St. 2955 Ivy St. 1610 Locust St. 2295 Eudora 3025 Albion 2668 Elm 2936 Albion 2389 Cherry 2654 Elm 2514 Glencoe St. 2065 Hudson St. 2845 Cherry St 1623 Bellaire St 2855 Dahlia 2825 Bellaire 2900 Ash 2894 Birch
er Undract t n Co Days in 4
Beautiful storybook red brick Tudor. Original character includes a barrel ceiling in the living room, tiled wood burning fireplace, period light fixtures and dark stained wood floors. 4 beds, 2 baths, 2 car garage, 2336 finished sq ft, $425,000
er Undract t n Co days in 7
Gorgeous Denver Square, steps to city park. Perfectly blends original character with modern updates. $130k in upgrades includes new roof and sewer line. 4 beds, 4 baths, 2,600 fin sq ft. 2-car detached garage. $624,500
Thinking about selling? Call me! ! LD
SO
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Community Announcements ver Beautiful/Denver Solid Waste Management, includes numerous free drop sites set up around the city for Denver residents and neighborhood groups to bring excess household debris and yard waste for disposal and recycling. Drop site locations will be announced in the April issue of GPHN. For more information contact Neddra Niblet at 303-446-3557 or neddra.niblet@denvergov.org.
What to Do About City Park Loop? SAVE THE DATE
2nd Annual Park Hill Community Garage Sale Have you registered for the 2nd Annual Park Hill Garage Sale on Saturday, May 3 from 8 a.m. to noon? This is a great way to purge unwanted household items and make some extra cash. Get your block involved and meet some neighbors. Register your garage sale by sending your name, address, email and top three items you are selling to GPHCyardsale@ymail. com Participants will be set up on the GPHC Garage Sale Google map and will be emailed garage sale information. This sale is sponsored by the Greater Park Hill Community and by Cherry Creek Property Realtors. After the sale, The Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado will pick up donations from your home starting at 12:30 p.m. Your donations of clothing and household items raise money to support programs and services to assist Coloradans with epilepsy. To have them pickup on Saturday, please call 303-428-5600 or register online at www.donatecolorado.org
The Great Denver Cleanup Spring is coming, and that means it’s time for some scrubbing. This year’s annual Great Denver Cleanup is Saturday, April 26, so start planning your neighborhood and block cleanups now. The event, sponsored by Keep Den-
The next city-sponsored meeting about how – and whether – the tabled City Park Loop project should move forward is Wednesday, March 12. The public meeting is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Bogey’s on the Park, at 26th & York streets. A free taco bar will be available. The $5 million project was initially envisioned to transform the Dustin Redd playground into a regional attraction and adventureland, but was put on hold after neighborhood groups – including Greater Park Hill Community – protested. (For more information, check out the article on the City Park Loop in the December issue of GPHN, at greaterparkhill.org). The city parks and recreation department is now seeking additional information and opinions before making a decision on how to proceed. Show up and make your opinions known.
Looking For Great Fathers Do you know an exceptional man who has gone above and beyond as a father or father figure? Perhaps the best dad, step-dad, husband, or even the best ex-husband who is a great father? If so, this is your opportunity to recognize him by nominating him for the Father Show Resource Program’s 2014 Father of the Year award. Nominations are being accepted through April 30, 2014, in the following categories: -- Father of the Year -- Military Father of the Year -- Single Father of the Year -- Young Father of the Year -- Grandfather of the Year -- Mentor of the Year Awards will be presented at the fifth annual Father of the Year awards luncheon and golf tournament on Saturday, June 14 at the Park Hill Gold Club at 4141 E. 35th Ave. For more
information or to submit your nomination(s), visit thefathershowrp.org. You can also contact Mike Thompson, president, The Father’s Show Resource Program, at 720-280-4793.
Call For All Smart Students Scholarship Awards are being offered from the Denver Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Scholarships are awarded annually to selected Denver Metro area African American female high school seniors. There is also a scholarship to be awarded to a graduating senior or adult (male or female) choosing to attend Colorado Technical University. This award will pay 50 percent of the recipient’s tuition. Applications are available at www. denverdeltas.org. The completed application packets must be postmarked no later than April 1.
Everyone Needs Health The deadline to sign up for health insurance under Connect For Health Colorado is March 31. Penalties may apply if you don’t have health insurance coverage by then. Depending on your circumstances and how well you can navigate the website, the sign-up process can be difficult. However, personalized one-on-one assistance is available at several nearby locations, including Central Presbyterian Church at 1660 Sherman St. Bus transportation is readily available from all over the metro area. Free in-person assistance is available Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the third Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You can also arrange for a special appointment if these times do not fit your schedule by calling 720-891-6994. Even if you have insurance, help spread the word to family and friends – health insurance coverage will be mandatory with very few exceptions.
Gallery. This exhibition at the DAM will bring together about 70 iconic artworks by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol, as well as one of Jackson Pollock’s finest drip paintings. Curated by Dean Sobel, director of CSM, the exhibition is drawn from the collection of the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, one of the most respected collections of 20th-century art in the country. A special ticket is required, which will give visitors admission to the exhibition at the DAM as well as the Clyfford Still exhibition “1959: The Albright-Knox Art Gallery Exhibition Recreated,” which runs through June 15. Tickets are available online at www.denverartmuseum. org, at the museum or by calling 720-913-0130.
Vintage Vegas … Casino Night! HOPE Center is celebrating 52 years with a “Vintage Vegas” … Million Lights of Hope, Casino Night annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 8, from 7:30 p.m. to midnight. HOPE Center provides an early childhood education program at 3400 Elizabeth St., and a vocational program to more than 30 adults with developmental disabilities at 3475 Holly St. Since 1962, the nonprofit has served 50,000plus children and families who have received education services. This year’s fundraiser is at the Sherman Event Center, 1770 Sherman St; Mistress of Ceremony is Gloria Neal, CBS4 Commentator and Special Assignment Reporter. General Admission is $75 per ticket, and VIP admission is $125 per ticket. For tickets contact HOPE Center at 303-388-4801 or order online through blacktie-colorado.com. Funds raised will be used for tuition assistance, school supplies, parent education, to help support children who live below federal poverty guidelines, and for staff development.
Modern Masters In Denver Opening March 2, the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum present Modern Masters: 20th Century Icons from the Albright-Knox Art
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The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
Outstanding Neighbor
Meeting Seconds
Community Activist Dave Felice Wins Award, Riffs on Failures, (Some) Success of City Government By Cara DeGette In February Park Hill’s own Dave Felice was heralded as the “Outstanding Delegate of 2013” by Denver’s Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation. The coalition represents approximately half of Denver’s 220 Registered Neighborhood Organizations. Felice was recognized for his work in the area of parks and recreation, and also his wide-ranging representation of neighborhood interests at government meetings. During the awards presentation, it was noted that, “Dave never hesitates to tell it like it is.” Felice, who writes the City Matters column for this newspaper and is an at-large member of the Greater Park Hill Community Board of Governors, is often critical of city government. He maintains that one of its biggest failures is that too often it operates in a vacuum, does not communicate its intentions with the citizens and prefers to operate in secret “as much as possible.”
Editor’s Note: The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the Feb. 6 Greater Park Hill Community monthly meeting. The next meeting, which is open to the public, is Thursday, March 6 beginning at 6:30 p.m., 2823 Fairfax St.
intelligent, hardworking people who care about their community who are being ignored, dismissed and denigrated. I would surround myself with experts on an issue, who are not just political allies or friends of political allies.
District 2 Police Report Officer Reyes Trujillo reported that, during the month of January the following crimes occurred in District 2: Eight burglaries; nine simple assaults; five aggravated assaults; four street robberies; two stolen cars; two criminal mischiefs to vehicles; and two sex assaults. In addition, 15 speeding tickets and 43 other traffic citations were issued. The non-emergency dispatch number for District 2 is 720-913-2000. Residents are reminded to reserve the 911 number for emergencies and crimes in progress.
GPHN: Can you be specific about ways people are being ignored? Felice: The City Park Loop is one big example where the interests of the neighborhood were not being heard. The issue of Xcel power poles being installed between Locust and Monaco is another example – where the utility company ignored the neighbors and installed what neighbors believe are ugly, tall power lines and reduce their property values, and the city government is not doing anything about it. Parking at City Park is an issue where city government is simply ignoring the issues of the neighborhood.
A Little Help Update Executive Director Paul Ramsey provided an update on the group’s efforts to organize in Park Hill. A Little Help is designed to connect neighbors, and encourage volunteers to help out older residents with chores, errands and maintenance to empower them to live in their homes independently. A Little Help is modeled after the Village-to-Village network, which began in Boston’s Beacon Hill. Information can be found at alittlehelp.org and in the news story about A Little Help in Park Hill in the January issue of GPHN: http://greaterparkhill.org/2014/01/02/alittle-help-in-park-hill/
Legislative Update: Rep. Beth McCann District 8 State Rep. Beth McCann outlined several bills she is sponsoring and working on this session. One addresses mental health and substance abuse, and is designed to consolidate processes and make it easier for people who need help. Abuse of prescription pain medications is currently a major problem in Colorado, as is a lack of long-term care psychiatric units. Another bill would prohibit lenders from foreclosing while parties are in loan modification negotiations. Another would set up a council to address human trafficking. In Colorado, young people in particular have been vulnerable to forced prostitution and forced labor. McCann is also working on bills to improve pediatric dental health benefits, prohibit tobacco sales to people under 21 years old, seek funding options for education and continue flood and wildfire recovery efforts. McCann can be reached at beth@ bethmccann.org
“Dave never hesitates to tell it like it is.”
GPHN: What gets you so motivated? Felice: There is a growing belief that representative democracy is not working as well as it should. What really got me going was in 2007, when the Anschutz Entertainment Group wanted to close off two-thirds of City Park and charge admission for a three-day music festival. I said to my wife, that is not right and someone needs to do something about it. And since no one was doing anything about it, it became me. That led to INC and plenty of other issues that we’re dealing with … like the plan to allow part of Hentzel Park to be developed, what to do about Interstate 70, selling alcohol in the parks, admission-based events in the parks, City Park Loop, marijuana regulation, I could go on. GPHN: What big action would you take if you were mayor of Park Hill? Felice: If I were mayor of Park Hill I wouldn’t take one big action, I’d concentrate on several little actions. The most important thing I would do is listen to the good,
GPHN: Has the city done anything
right in the last year? Felice: That’s a tough question. I’m trying to think. Um, if I say no that makes me sound like a nattering nabob of negativism, but I honestly can’t think of anything that prominently stands out. In my opinion some of the marijuana regulation has been done properly – not all of it but some of it. And it was probably appropriate to retract a proposal on disposable shopping bags because that proposal was not properly thought out, and not supported by the community or by businesses.
Residents Seeking Zoning Variance Rebecca Miller and Jim McKinney apprised the community of their so-far unsuccessful ef-
GPHN: What advice do you have for people who want to get involved in city issues but don’t know how? Felice: You can spend as much time as you want being involved. The key is, you’ve just got to find something you are interested in and show up. I think people generally have an obligation and responsibility to be involved at the level they can be involved. People who are not involved don’t have the prerogative to complain when things go wrong.
forts to secure a zoning variance. Primarily for security reasons, the couple wants to move the steps and enclose the porch of their home at 2303 Bellaire St. The city has approved moving the steps, but not the porch enclosure. The couple is seeking to secure support from the GPHC to appeal the decision.
Locust/Monaco Power Lines Park Hill resident Gully Stanford presented information about Xcel’s recent installation of two-story high power lines in the alley between Monaco and Locust between 25th and 26th streets. The affected property owners would like to have those lines buried. The Greater Park Hill Community agreed to write a letter to the City of Denver and Xcel requesting them to work in good faith with the neighbors to resolve the situation.
City Loop Update Board members Dave Felice and Louis Plachowski have agreed to serve as Park Hill representatives to participate in the ongoing City Loop review process. The City Loop project – initially a $5 million regional activity and play area in City Park – was temporarily put on hold amid the protests of surrounding neighbors. The city has agreed to work with the neighbors moving forward.
Committee Chair & Community Updates Education Committee Chair Lynn Kalinauskas reported that Northfield High School in Stapleton is scheduled to open in 2015. The new school is likely to impact enrollment at other nearby DPS high schools, including George Washington and Manual. Building Committee Chair Louis Plachowski reports he is getting estimates for roofing and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning at the GPHC building at 2823 Fairfax St. Zoning/Property Use Chair Bernadette Kelly reported that, following Dave Felice’s February GPHN article about planned changes to the city’s zoning code, two planned amendments were redacted for further public input. One amendment addresses minimum open space requirements for general development plans, and the other addresses appeals of final decisions on general development plan applications.
Executive Director Report Executive Director Robyn Fishman reported that the GPHC is pursuing a pilot program that continues to promote fresh produce donations to the Food Pantry.
Wolfe & Epperson Spring Into Your New Home
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2528 Birch St - Park Hill
$408,000 - New Price
Bungalow w/ open & bright floor plan on beautiful block. 2 +1 Beds plus Study & 1.5 baths. Features new bamboo floors, stained glass & heated sunroom. Great yard & deck w/ hot tub. Easy walk to 23rd Ave Shops.
2600 Monaco Pkwy - Park Hill SOLD
$595,000
Exquisite, Custom Ranch w/ 4 Main Floor Bedrooms & 3 Main Floor Baths Plus A Part Fin. Bsmt. w/ Family Room And Bdrm*Huge Rooms*Beautiful Woodwork*14,100 Sq. Ft. Lot. 3088 Sq. Ft. Finished.
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$229,950 Sale Pending
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Results matter, call us to help you sell your home!
WE Have Homes Coming Soon. Contact us today if you need assistance Buying or Selling in 2014!
Judy Wolfe & Jay Epperson 303.331.4524 I 303-331-4586 www.parkhillhomes.net March 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
Sold signs follow wherever we go! Page 5
Generosity at gphc
Greater Park Hill Community would like to thank the following people and groups for recent donations of food, in-kind gifts, and volunteer time, to benefit GPHC:
Save The Date:
The 2014 Park Hill
Garden Walk
Come join us again this year at our annual neighborhood tour on Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Welcome summer by enjoying 12 beautiful gardens. With the help of our generous and creative Park Hill gardeners we are planning a tour to inspire the agrarian spirit in all of us. Last year our Garden Walk was a great success. We sold 550 tickets and raised more than $9,000 for the Greater Park Hill Community, our best year ever. Ticket prices are still $15 if purchased the day of the tour, $12 for early purchase and $10 for seniors, 65+. A small amount of money that will go a long way and contributes to the things we value in our great neighborhood. Find us on Facebook and take a look at our blog, http://parkhillgardenwalk.blogspot.com/
• Best Friends Forever Pet Care • Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church • Keith Brown • Barbara Cavender • Anthony Durst • Jack Farrar • Ted & Lulu Fickes • B. Hardy • K. Harhai • T. Kissler • Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies of Grace #42, Cure D’Ars Catholic Church • Messiah Community Church • Sue Mountain-Morgan & “Food Fight 2014” participants A Wild Smile, A.F. Williams Family Medicine, and Victory Couriers • Becky Nemec • Marne Norquist • Brad, Nathan & Aidan Parks, and neighbors from 23rd-28th Bellaire • Park Hill’s Biggest Loser Group • Park Hill Branch Librarians & Patrons
• Park Hill Congregational Church • Park Hill United Methodist Church Dennis Pearl • Becky Richardson • Peggy Roberts • Laura Rogers • Vinita Tramble Shoals • Peggy Streit • Michelle Swenson ...and the many generous food and gift donors who wished to remain anonymous. Thank you! THANK YOU to our new & renewing GPHC Members and Donors for their recent contributions: Individual/Family Members (up to $49): • Judith Burke • Dennis D
Barbara Armendariz, Co Chair , Garden Walk Committee
Page 6
The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
People Have a Right To Know By Jeff Roberts “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.” Louis Brandeis wrote these famous words a century ago, before his appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court, to note the power of publicity as a cure for “social and industrial diseases” like the inequities fostered by the corporate monopolies of his time. Today all states have “sunshine laws,” a catchall term for statutes and regulations that require openness in government – rules meant to guarantee access to public records and proceedings. Justice Brandeis would probably approve: Shed light on the workings of government and society is better off. Transparency is such a popular concept now, it’s become something of a buzzword. Mayors, school boards, city councils, the president – public officials at every level boast of their transparency initiatives. Indeed, the Internet has made it possible for governments to easily share important information – budgets, agendas, minutes, databases – like never before. It’s a trend worth applauding. But not every bit of information regarded by the law as a public record is free of charge and easy to download. Far from it. And elected officials in some communities still conduct some public business behind closed doors. That’s why, about a year ago, a decision was made to greatly expand the mission of a little-known, 27-year-old organization devoted to open government in Colorado. The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition (CFOIC) is a nonpartisan alliance of media organizations, civic groups, First Amendment lawyers and individuals founded in 1987 by Jean Otto, a longtime editor at the
Rocky Mountain News. With a tiny budget, the CFOIC’s volunteers mostly sponsored community forums (usually at the Tattered Cover bookstore), presented awards to open-government champions and filed amicus curiae briefs in support of greater government transparency. The organization’s most notable accomplishment during that time is not a small one: Its persistent pleas helped persuade the state judicial branch to create online access to Colorado court records. But similar nonprofits in other states such as Florida and Virginia were doing a lot more – putting on seminars, developing online resources, reporting on issues and legislation, answering questions from citizens and journalists and playing the role of watchdog. Colorado needed the CFOIC to be more like them. Why? The CFOIC is rooted in the belief that a healthy democracy depends on the free
flow of information. To be engaged and to hold their elected officials accountable, citizens need to know what’s going on in their communities. They have a right to know. But it’s a right that shouldn’t be taken for granted. State Integrity, a project of The Center for Public Integrity, Global Integrity and Public Radio International, recently gave Colorado an “F” for public access to information. Coloradans have no way to administratively appeal denials of access. Unlike some other states, Colorado has no agency monitoring governments for possible violations of access-to-information laws. If a Coloradan is denied access, his or her only recourse is to sue. This is frustrating for residents such as Melody, who was denied information on how much employees of her local fire district are paid in salary and overtime. And Bill, who spent nearly $1,500 trying to show that his county commission was improperly meeting in secret. And Ruth, a state college professor who was billed $3,700 after requesting records from her employer. The ongoing transformation of the news industry makes it more important than ever to defend the laws that protect the accessibility of records and proceedings of government and the judiciary. The news media traditionally have played a vital role in defending these rights and using them to expose corruption, life-threatening problems or the need for policy reforms. But, as we know all too well in Denver, newsroom staffs have shrunk dramatically (or disappeared entirely) in recent years, as have news media budgets to wage costly legal battles against violations of opengovernment statutes. The CFOIC is committed to shoring up the news media’s efforts in defense of access to information by providing Colorado journal-
ists – and all residents – with a resource and partner. Our initiatives include a Freedom of Information hotline, supported by the state’s leading media-law attorneys, and seminars. One upcoming session is designed to coincide with the annual nationwide March Sunshine Week initiative, to promote public access to government information. The panel, “How to get your hands on records,” is March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at KUSA-TV, 500 Speer Blvd. It is free and open to the public Visit our website at www.coloradofoic. org for resources, news and original reporting and commentary on open-government issues and legislation. To keep up with new entries, “like” our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter (@CoFOIC) or sign up online for our emailed newsletter. We welcome new members and, of course, donations. You may already belong to a civic group that belongs to the CFOIC. Our growing membership includes (in addition to media organizations) the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, the Colorado Bar Association, Colorado Common Cause, Colorado Ethics Watch, the Independence Institute, the League of Women Voters of Colorado, the Public Relations Society of America and the Society of Professional Journalists. Members represent varied interests and political persuasions but share a common passion for government transparency. Park Hill resident Jeff Roberts is executive director of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. He was a reporter and editor at The Denver Post for 23 years and more recently was as a researcher, writer and web editor at the University of Denver’s Center for Colorado’s Economic Future. He can be reached at jroberts@coloradofoic.org.
City Matters, continued from page 1 cretive trade treaty known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Larry Ambrose, president of Denver’s Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation, emphasizes the value of local activism. “Thankfully, there are still civic minded, bright and altruistic people who recognize the importance of affecting local affairs first, and that only because of their involvement is a better world still a possibility,” says Ambrose. “Without them, the future would be bleak and, who knows what would run completely rampant.” Being an activist doesn’t necessarily mean being an adversary. “We have to acknowledge the results of doing something truly positive, as we try to deal with problems collaboratively whenever possible,” says Jay Rust, president of Neighbors and Friends of Cheesman Park. Rust has been working successfully with Denver Parks and Recreation recently on getting official designation of more city parks. “I am astounded at how bad things are and how much worse they will get if we do not do something,” says Denverite Irene Clark, another MoveOn activist. “To the vast majority of people reading this who are not [involved], why aren’t you?” “Call me stubborn – maybe stupid – but I have never believed, nor do I now, that power or the status quo is immutable,” says former City Councilwoman Susan Barnes-Gelt. “I believe we engage in civic life to be part of something bigger, more meaningful and lasting than what we might accomplish as an individual.”
What government can’t fix Cathy Donohue, another former City Councilwoman and veteran of nearly 30 years in city government, weighs in on her own continued commitment: “I’m a 75-year-old who still thinks the people of our world will continue to need someone to remind them that there are some issues too important to let the government fix it,” she says. “At this point, my focus is on bringing attention to the city mothers and fathers that selling parkland is a no-no.” “Citizen activism is always meaningful and powerful,” concurs current City Council President Mary Beth Susman of District 5. “I have been an activist myself for almost 30 years. When you are outspoken and passionate about something, there will usually be someone who is outspoken and passionate about the other thing. It is part of the process.”
Monaco Parkway Closed For Repairs, Reopens a Month Early The three-block stretch of northbound Monaco Parkway between 17th Avenue and Montview Boulevard was completely closed to traffic beginning the week of Feb. 3, while Denver Water installed a new underground vault and made other improvements. A company spokesman indicated that 120 residents “within sight or sound” of the project received hand-delivered notices about the closure. Denver Water also alerted Denver Public Schools, Regional Transportation District and Councilwoman Mary Beth Susman’s office of the project, and tweeted about it. The major arterial was originally to be closed until the end of March, but the work was completed a month early. Here are some shots of the work being done, including workers standing by in case their subterranean coworkers needed a hand. Photos by Mark Silverstein
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March 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 7
Summer Camp Guide Local Park Hill Summer Camps
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Art Garage | 6100 E 23rd Ave. 1-week half- or full-day classes for ages 3-12 beginning 6/9 at $210 and up. Includes ceramics, painting, textiles and mixed media. Info: artgaragedenver.com or 303-3772353. Bike Depot | 2825 Fairfax St. 2-week camps for ages 7-9 and 10-14 with classes running from 6/9 through 8/15 at $450. Advanced Bike Camp, Urban Riders and Sustainability Camp also available. Includes bike rides, bike maintenance and community building. This year the Bike Depot has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club, Denver Green School, and Sprout City Farms to provide more sessions of Bike Camp. Info: bikedepot.org or 303-393-1963. Cheyenne Fencing | 5818 E. Colfax Training camps include footwork, blade work, bouting, lessons, games and fun activities. Schedule, pricing and info: coloradofencing.com/camps.htm or 720-8384225. Dardano’s School of Gymnastics | 2250 Kearney St. Day, week or 4-week sessions for ages 3-5½ from 6/2-6/26 & 7/7-7/31. Call for pricing. Activities include gymnastics, games, arts & crafts and more. Each weeks’ activities focus on a different theme. Info: dardanosgym.com or 303-355-0080. Denver Museum of Nature and Science | 2001 Colorado Blvd. Daylong camps for grades K-6 and halfdays camps for ages 4-5 from $140 to $290. Campers journey throughout the museum and into City Park to experiment, create, build and learn. This year, summer camps will be held in the new Morgridge Family Exploration Center. Register online or call 303.370.6000 Info: dmns.org/summercamps or 303-370-6000. Denver Zoo | 2300 Steele St. Summer Safaris for ages pre-K through 8th grade from 6/2-8/4 at $155 and $275. Campers participate in hands-on activities, zoo exploration, animal encounters, crafts, games, stories and more. This year’s camp theme is Animals Around the World. Campers will travel from Colorado to Africa, South America, Antarctica and Asia. Registration is online only at denverzoo.org. Info: 720-337-1408 Heritage Camps for Adoptive Families | 2052 Elm St. 11 summer camps for families who have adopted internationally and domestically. The camps provide cultural activities and a supportive environment for the adoptive family, ages 3-18 and parents. Camps are held in different locations in Colorado on various dates throughout summer. $98$128/person. To register, 303-320-4234 or heritagecamps.org Park Hill Golf Course | 4141 E 35th Ave. Half- and full-day camps for junior golfers of all abilities. Schedule and pricing: parkhillgc.com or 303-333-5411 x32 or lscott@eaglegolf.com.
Summer in the Parks and Teen Adventures Comprehensive recreational programming: arts/crafts, active games, sports, aquatics, field trips and special events. Call community recreation at 720.865.0840, www.denvergov.org, community.rec@denvergov.org.
Honorable Mentions Outside the Boundaries Altogether Outdoors | Denver, Boulder, Mountains Day and sleep-away camps for ages 5-16. Includes hiking, climbing, fishing, teambuilding, crafts, stories and camp songs. Pricing, schedules and info: aocamps. com or 720-249-2997. Bluff Lake | 3400 Havana Way Weekly camps for ages 6-12 from 6/167/25. Half and full-day options available at $175 and $240. This summer’s camps feature two themes: Pathfinders and Skywatchers. Pathfinders learn how to survive and thrive in nature, learn outdoor skills such as tracking, orienteering, map-making. Skywatchers will learn the secrets of Colorado’s summer weather. Info: Keith@BluffLake.org or 720708-4079 Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club | Various 1-week camps for players of all abilities ages 4-18. Designed and led by qualified technical staff and based on Colorado Rapids youth development curriculum. Schedule, info and pricing: rapidsyouthsoccer.org or 303399-5858. Denver Montclair International School | 206 Red Cross Way 1-week camps for ages 3-13 from 6/98/8. Language camps in French, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish; Sport Camps such as basketball, tennis, golf, and soccer; and variety camps including photo safari, roaming ranger, inspired art, circus and Off Broadway. Full schedule, pricing and info: dmischool.com or 303-340-3647. Mizel Museum | 400 S Kearney St. Creative Journeys summer day camps cover science, comedy, technology, creativity, animals. Ages 3 to 14. For pricing, schedules and info: mizelmuseum.org or 303-749-5017. ACTASANA Acting Studio and Theatre I 1491 South Holly St. Offers summer acting camps in 2-week intervals from 6/98/15. Camps are for ages 3-19. Program builds relationships, self- confidence, and imaginations. Each session culminates in a live performance for parents and friends. Call 720-638-2612 or ACTASANA. com. Aurora Dance Arts I Various Locations Sessions include Fairy Tale Princess, Lil’ Kids Hip Hop Camp, Michael Jackson Dance, Cartoon Fun, All Styles Dance, Teen Hip Hop, Poms/Cheerleading, Ballet Intensive for Nutcracker auditions and more. For ages 4-18. Camps begin week of 6/16. auroragov.org/dance, 303.326.8308
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The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
Test Less, Learn More Letter to the Editor Bridging the Achievement Gap Dear Editor, Colorado Governor’s School would like to thank Greater Park Hill News for the fantastic article in the February issue about our inaugural program. On the day the paper went to press, we received some good news that we would like to share with our Park Hill neighbors. Colorado Governor’s School will be hosted by and be a part of what CU Denver has to offer. Having CGS in the heart of our capital, on a growing and thriving campus is a remarkable boost for our program, as we work to catch up to the 52 other programs around the country that have been in operation over 50 years. On March 6 CGS will be hosting an event that we are certain our Park Hill neighbors will want to know about. It will be at Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library, 2401 Welton St., and is a panel discussion titled, “10 Years Later: Is the Achievement Gap Bridged?” The moderator for the day is long time Park Hillian Happy Haynes, president of Denver Public Schools Board of Education. Panelists are Chris Herndon, Denver City Council, Dis-
trict 11; Kevin Patterson, deputy chief of staff to the Governor; Landri Taylor, Denver Public Schools Board of Education, District 4; Adrian Miller, Executive Director, Colorado Council of Churches; Dr. Nate Easley, Executive Director, Denver Scholarship Fund; Chris Pacheco, Director, Office of Pre-College Outreach and Engagement, CU Boulder; and, Rico Munn, Superintendent of Schools, Aurora. It is a lunchtime event at 11:30 a.m. Lunch is provided with your registration. You can register by sending your information and a $35 check to PEBC - CO Governor’s School, 2335 Hudson Street, Denver, CO, 80207. Space is limited. Should Park Hillians already have questions for the panel, they can be sent to cogovschool@gmail.com. Colorado Governor’s School is thankful to have started their statewide work in our great neighborhood! We hope you’ll like us on Facebook and continue to follow the progress. If you know of sophomores and/or juniors who you think would be good candidates for the program, let us know. Application deadline has been extended to March 3. Celeste T. Archer, Director Colorado Governor’s School
Because of these serious problems, four states, including Minnesota, never signed up; nine states, including Indiana and Pennsylvania, have withdrawn from these tests; and another four states are considering withdrawing. President Obama has said, “One thing I never want to see happen are schools that are just teaching to the test because then you are not learning about the world.” But in Colorado, because of the draconian provisions in SB-191, this is exactly what is happening. Our lawmakers never observe schools at work, never actually take the tests that they mandate, or ever see the appalling negative effects these tests have on children. In the rush for Race to the Top funds, our legislature has lost sight of the goals of public education. We have heard enough empty rhetoric about 21st Century college and career readiness. “Test-taker” is not a marketable skill. It is time for our lawmakers to realize that schools should be testing less and teaching more. Don Batt taught English in the Cherry Creek School District for 23 years and retired last June from Grandview High School. He’s a resident of Park Hill.
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Each school year, students have about 185 days of class. Each day is precious, for every day students should be learning. Yet each year, more and more time is spent preparing for or taking standardized tests. Colorado proposes to implement the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) tests, a national battery of tests, in 2015, which will expand state testing even more. But the idea that testing is a remedy for students’ lack of knowledge flies in the face of logic. There is no causal relationship between testing and learning. In fact, an argument can be made that the more students are tested, the less time they have to learn. PARCC has spread because corporations that sell tests and test materials see schools as an endless cash cow, and the more tests schools administer, the larger the profit. According to the Associated Press, in 2011, Colorado spent over $20 million on testing. This year in Colorado, the Joint Budget Committee is proposing a $3.4 million increase to fund the addition of 11th-grade math and English tests. This proposal is an effective example of how ill considered this rush to assess has been. Eleventh grade is when students are applying to colleges. They take SAT and ACT tests, for which their teachers spend considerable time reviewing. In addition, many students take Advanced Placement exams for multiple subjects. Again, AP teachers spend hours of instructional time administering practice tests. Add to this burden the proposed PARCC tests, and we have a junior year filled with empty content. This is a time students develop intellectually and should be given more challenging and complex material, not taught how to think like a test designer. In other grades, instead of creating effective lessons, teachers spend countless hours redesigning assessments so they resemble state tests. Some administrators’ primary task is to coordinate the giving of tests. Substitutes are hired so teachers can proctor tests. But these are only the costs in resources. There are also long range costs to our children’s learning. Standardized tests distort curricula when they are used to rate schools and teachers, purposes for which they were never de-
signed. As a consequence, schools reduce instruction to just answering multiple-choice questions rather than the real business of learning and developing critical thinking. A Harvard study, underwritten by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, found that “… heavily weighing a single measure may incentivize teachers to focus too narrowly . . .” And the RAND corporation concluded that the validity of these tests are suspect due to “… teachers’ instructional focus on test-preparation strategies in lieu of better teaching of the underlying content.”
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“We Thrive on Adventure”
New Neighborhood Group Focused on City Park By Holly Joyce and Hank Bootz City Park Fans And Neighbors is a newly formed Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) and an advocacy group for the stewardship of City Park. The newly created organization joins the four existing neighborhood associations surrounding City Park. The group formally registered on Jan. 28. Organizers believe a more comprehensive involvement with City Park is warranted, and want to present more positive support of the park. Although Greater Park Hill Community is one of the oldest RNO’s in Denver, residents determined City Park needed a coalition of neighbor groups. “I am excited that we now have an RNO dedicated solely to City Park” says President Pro Tem John VanSciver. “Any resident, business owner, or property owner within the City Park Fans And Neighbors boundaries will be able to join.” Nancy Francis, a founding member, says the organization uses the models at Washington and Cheesman Parks. “By forming, we bring all of City Park’s neighbors together to protect and support the park we share.” Denver has 260 other registered RNOs, which represent residents and work cooperatively to make their neighborhood a better place to live. By ordinance, RNOs get notices of official city actions. Some have asked, “Why another RNO?” since several already surround City Park. The concept grew out of concern for recent developments within City Park and a realization that the park is a precious and vital part of urban lives of all of its neighbors. The organization will provide unwavering community-based oversight, critical at a time when city density increases and parks provide a communal refuge for well-being. Last fall, a letter published in this newspaper opposed City Loop, a proposal by Mayor Michael B. Hancock and the Denver Parks and Recreation Department to develop a 13-acre, $5 million “regional attraction” on the western side of City Park. The letter-writers received many supportive e-mails.
Concerned neighbors subsequently launched an informational web site, StopCityLoop.org and started a petition to halt the project. The four neighborhood associations bordering the park adopted a resolution calling for further evaluation and neighborhood input. These same colleagues realized the time had come for a RNO dedicated to City Park, known as “the crown jewel” of the city’s park system and site of the second largest Martin Luther King, Jr. monument in the country, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and Denver Zoo. “Our organization strongly supports ‘kidsized’ playgrounds for those 10 and under,” says VanSciver. “City Park neighbors should feel it is ‘their park,’ and be allowed to be involved before major changes are implemented. We definitely need to avoid more pavement!” Organizers seek neighborhood involvement to help it focus on some of the tough issues of park management and oversight. These include special events, activities and recreation management, limiting commercialization, safety, and wildlife protection. The organization will also work to maintain irreplaceable green space and the classical character of City Park, preserve its historical heritage, and sustain its many structures, monuments, and landscapes. Following a lawsuit contesting the transfer of nine acres of Hampden Heights North Park to the school district, other Denverites see a need to protect parks from a wide range of developments and internal city forces that threaten their natural spaces. The founders of the neighborhood organization follow Cindy Johnstone and Washington Park area residents who, in 2006, observed increased pressures upon their park from reduced budgets and more and larger events. Realizing the park requires special care, support and attention beyond traditional RNOs, the group formed FANS (Friends and Neighbors) of Washington Park. Cheesman Park has a similar RNO, dedicated to preserving traditional park values.
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The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
Mr. Bandy, continued from page 1 were high. Mr. Bandy remembers witnessing violent altercations at school and having the school hallways patrolled by police officers with their dogs. He can’t help laughing when he notes, “Parents today can get so upset when school closes for a snow day. Back then, schools were closed for weeks at a time.” In 1976, Mr. Bandy graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a double major in history and physical education. He taught PE in Commerce City for a short while and then worked as a bar manager in the hospitality industry. Marriage and family nudged him back into teaching. While working as a substitute teacher at Smiley, the principal, Beth Selva, liking what she saw, offered him a position in the social studies department. “There were seven social studies teachers back then,” he says. “Now, I am the social studies department!” Martha Rodriguez, then a secretary at Smiley remembers, “From that first day, I knew he was a first class gentleman. George not only showed caring for his students, but showed respect and in turn that is what he has received. George goes out of his way to show he really cares about people. His mother lived and worked in Park Hill and, boy, George would be doing things for his mother, his wife, kids, family both immediate and work family.”
‘Like eating at Grandma’s’ I asked Mr. Bandy to talk about the changes that have taken place at Smiley. “Back then Smiley had shop classes in the basement,” he says. After Title IX passed in 1972, boys and girls no longer had segregated gym classes. He shows me a sign on the first floor, indicating the girls’ gym – a lone remnant of those times. Fearing some pushback from the current lunchroom staff, Mr. Bandy longingly remembers his lunch period as a student. “The food used to be all homemade. We had pies and cakes and freshly baked bread. It was like eating at Grandma’s! A slice of pie was 10¢, a carton of milk 3¢ and my mother gave me a dollar every day for lunch. After school, I’d go to the little shopping area on Kearney, between 22nd and 23rd – to a store called Candyland – and used the leftover money to buy penny-candy.” Though he did not say so to me, he has told his students that he sometimes re-sold that candy to his friends for a slight profit! On the day I visited Mr. Bandy’s class, the kids had been learning about the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, part of the 8th grade curriculum. He had invited his longtime friend, Sgt. Bothwell from the Denver
March 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
Police Department. Focusing on the 4th Amendment – the right to privacy – Bothwell explained how search and seizures are implemented in real life. Students learned about reasonable suspicion, probable cause, Miranda rights and search warrants. It was an animated hour during which students learned how the Constitution translates into applicable protocols and practices.
Hearing him teach Mr. Bandy brings much to his classroom but he has given more to Smiley students than a solid social studies education. I have seen him on the field and in the gym, cheering for the kids, calling their names out and supporting them. Judy Hay, Smiley’s math stalwart for 20 years, says, “George coached the boys basketball team for many years at Smiley. His practices competed with my after school Math Tutoring. Many times parents would ask me if their students should play basketball. I always said yes, no matter how much I wanted the students in tutoring, because I believed and believe that the time spent with George would be of the greatest possible value to the students.” Tragically, Mr. Bandy lost his oldest son in August, 2012. As the Smiley community mourned with him at the service on a Friday, they saw him in class the next Monday for the first day of school. “I need these kids now as much as they need me,” he told me then. Standing over six feet tall, Mr. Bandy towers above his students and his voice resonates in the corridors. Rodriguez says, “Now I am retired and am fortunate to live across from Smiley and am happy to say that on a nice day, with the windows open at my house and his classroom, I recognize George’s voice teaching. I don’t mind his outside voice inside. He makes sure he is heard.” His voice is loud but his manner is kind and welcoming. He tells me how a group of students – my son included – like to have lunch in his classroom. “They eat, socialize, and play games. It’s all right with me,” he says. Smiley’s two-year phase-out has created a tight-knit community among the teachers and students who have stayed on during the tumult. Mr. Bandy has taught hundreds, if not thousands, of Park Hill students. He is now teaching the children of some of his earliest students, and still has much to share. He plans to continue teaching at another school in the fall.
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The Drainage Divides of Montclair Creek Last month I invoked the names of Thomas Jefferson and Major John Wesley Powell in trying to answer two questions: 1) How did we get in the position of streams needing restoration? 2) Who got us there? Congress rejected Powell’s proposal that drainage divides should be the organizing land use principle in the west. Instead they chose Cartesian (or Jeffersonian) boundaries drawn along arbitrary lines (rectilinear surveys). What would implementing Powell’s proposal have looked like? What would the superimposition of that proposal on the current land use pattern look like? First, what is a drainage divide? I’ll ignore Albert Einstein’s thoughts regarding Sir Isaac Newton’s theory of gravitation. Let’s accept that water flows downhill, starting from the highest elevation at which it hits the ground, either as rain or as snow. A watershed is a geographic area where all water flowing downhill departs through a common, shared exit point, the lowest location in the watershed. Watersheds are defined by connecting every high point to the next, linking all of the highest ridges that send water down to the shared low point. The connected “highest ridges” are the drainage divides. The Eisenhower Tunnel crosses under the Continental Divide between the Atlantic and Pacific watersheds. Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass cross that same divide. Monument Hill (on I-25 south of Denver towards Colorado Springs) crosses the South Platte River – Arkansas River divide. No matter how big or small they may be, watersheds are all defined by drainage divides. The map above shows some drainage divides in east Denver, (extending approximately from Washington Street east to Havana Street, and from Hampden Avenue north almost to I-70). In particular, note the four watersheds numbered 1 through 4: 1. Montclair Creek 2. Westerly Creek 3. Goldsmith Gulch 4. Harvard Gulch In watersheds 2 through 4, local activist groups are working with local governments
and other entities to pursue stream restoration. Some of the high points defining the southwest boundary of the Montclair Creek watershed are: Fairmount Cemetery, Monaco Street in front of George Washington High School, the sundial at Cranmer Park, the top of the Botanic Gardens, and the west side of East High School. On the northeast boundary think of: Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard just east of Colorado Boulevard, Montview Boulevard at Forest Parkway, Colfax Avenue just of Monaco, 6th Avenue Parkway two blocks east of Quebec, Bayaud at Quebec, and Fairmount Cemetery. In John Wesley Powell’s world, drain-
restoring our watersheds brian hyde
age divide lines would be more pertinent than rectilinear street alignments. They would, in fact, significantly dictate alternative alignments for many streets. Instead, right now, many important streets and intersections are located within the 100-year floodplain of Montclair Creek and its two major branches. In Powell’s world, drainage divides would guide the location of commercial establishments, schools, and hospitals. There are at present numerous shops, schools and hospitals in the 100-year floodplain of Montclair Creek, as mapped by engineering consultants retained by Denver city government a few years ago. Next month: How might drainage divides have guided the location of parks and open space before buildout of the Montclair Creek watershed? What could be changed in the future? Brian Hyde is an expert in floodplain management and stream restoration. He wants your feedback at westerly_connect_brian@ comcast.net or 720-939-6039. The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
Rules to Live By
In keeping with this spirit of ensuring government monitoring information fairness, laws have been enacted that affect That’s to make sure that all creditworthy not only people like me whose business inconsumers have an equal and fair opportuvolves the lending of money, but also you nity to get credit. when you seek to borrow money. I bring this These restrictions apply to all crediup since most people, I believe, are unaware tors such as banks, credit unions, finance of the rules and their procompanies and department tected rights when it comes stores that offer their own to applying for a loan. credit cards. They generally Who is impacted? People cover consumer loans and who belong to a specific sex, which are secured by Neil Funsch loans have a certain age, are of a a primary residence. particular race or national The specific prohibited origin, are married, unmardiscrimination bases inried or separated, have a color to their skin clude race, color, religion, national origin, or belong to any religion. If you have any of handicap, familial status, sex, age, marital these characteristics you fall under what is status and receipt of public assistance. termed a “protected group” and cannot be Since these factors cannot be used in the discriminated against. Surprised? credit evaluation process, I cannot ask them Yet, there was a time when, until the while gathering information on which to 1970s, there were many examples of unfair base my credit decision. But as a mortgage lending in America: lender the government wants to make sure Real estate handbooks of the 1930s that I am not discriminating on prohibited ranked races and nationalities with respect bases. to their beneficial effect on land values I am therefore required to ask for “govAppraisers were instructed to report raernment monitoring purposes” your sex, cial and ethnic characteristics (coding) to national origin and race. If you don’t want lenders to tell me I will have to guess based upon Female heads of households could not my observation and your surname. Alobtain a mortgage without a male co-signer though this requirement seems to conMarried women could not obtain credit tradict the prohibition against requesting in their own names certain pieces of information, it is only to Revolving credit accounts were automatibe collected by us for the government and cally revoked when customers reached the is not to be used in order to evaluate the age of 65 application. In response, Fair Lending Laws have been One item I can never ask about is your instituted. They include the Federal Housplans to have children, so when I don’t ask ing Act (FHA) in 1968, followed by the it’s not because I don’t care! Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974. The So there’s a lot at stake when you inquire purpose is to: about a loan. Maybe you’ll be in a position to say … You can’t ask me that! Make it unlawful for a financial institution to discourage anyone from applying Neil Funsch has been a mortgage broker for for a loan 18 years, the last four in Park Hill. He can Discriminate on a prohibited basis against be reached at 303-229-2684 or neil.funsch@ any loan applicant gmail.com. When required, you must collect specific
At Home
Where great futures take root. Venture Prep is a Denver charter high school with a lofty goal– to ensure that each and every student succeeds academically, develops character, and leaves with a college-bound or career-driven mindset. We’re enrolling students NOW for the 2014 - 2015 school year. Come meet us! • Pizza with the Principal 5:30 pm at the school - Tuesday, April 8th • It’s 2nd Round of Choice! - It is not too late to become a Venture Prep scholar! Call us at 303-893-0805 for more information.
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I’m an urban food activist. I’m an advocate for health. I am FasTracks. I am RTD. Food’s in my DNA. My grandmother had a backyard garden and canned enough food to feed her family year-round. From her, I learned the value of hard work and wholesome meals. Today, I work with local farmers to put organic produce on tables. Educating people about healthy eating and active living across Denver is my mission, just like it’s RTD’s mission to grow the city’s transit network. I ride bus and rail and I’m all for better mobility—and better greens. – Beverly Grant, Owner of Mo’ Betta Green MarketPlace in Five Points
RTD FasTracks is one of the largest transit expansion programs in the nation. FasTracks is adding more rail, improved bus service, more parking, and new transit hubs to make your transportation options even better.
March 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
rtd-denver.com Page 13
Home, A Dangerous Place for Pets Home … such a good place to be as the snow goes and the wind blows. Or is it? There are more pet dangers around the house than you might think. Don’t want to scare you; just want to prepare you to protect your pets. And, unintentional toxin ingestion can lead to a very sick pet with, on average, a veterinary bill of $500 or more for treatment. From Dr. Stephen Sheldon, a veterinarian in Gypsum, Colorado, comes a wonderful warning against a not-new but growing home toxicity issue for pets in our state,
and flu medications, antidepressants, vitamins, diet pills, anti-cancer drugs, tobacco products, detergents, insecticides, disinfectants, bleach, rodent bait, liquid potpourri and paint thinners. And, if your pet ingests a known or unknown medication, don’t hesitate to call your vet or one of the pet poison hotlines for assistance. Also lurking around the house are numerous objects that can be swallowed by pets, but then not passed – leading to the need for surgical removal. A few things that we’ve removed from recent patients, both canine and feline, included a plastic Polly Pocket doll dress, socks, underwear, a baby bottle nipple and the filling of a dog bed. Other easy-toeat items include balls, buttons, coins, batteries, rubber bands, yarn, dental floss and plastic wrap. A home-cooked meal or treat is wonderful, but some ingredients can cause significant issues for a pet if eaten. Keep the following away from your pets: chocolate, macadamia nuts, avocados, tea leaves, and raw yeast dough. And, while we all show our pets love with food treats, avoid rich, fatty tastes to avoid problems from either end. March is Pet Poisoning Prevention month. So as you are spring cleaning, put all those dangerous items up and out of reach of your special friends. While not a replacement for speaking with your veterinarian or a poison control service, consider visiting your app store today for the new Red Cross Pet First Aid App – it could be the best 99 cents you ever spent on your pet or pets with information on poisoning, first aid and some general health care pointers.
Park Hill VET
dr. Margot VAhrenwald
“Let me give you a word of advice: stash your stash, guard your Ganja and hide your hemp. Store it high and out of reach.” With the growing trend of legalization of medical marijuana and Colorado’s passage in favor of recreational marijuana dispensaries, the pet population – particularly dogs – is much more at risk of marijuana ingestion than ever before. The Pet Poison Hotline, one of the largest pet hotlines, reported a 200 percent increase in the number of marijuana-associated calls over the past five years, and area veterinary emergency hospitals all report similar case increases. The introduction of a huge variety of edible products makes it ever easier for an accidental ingestion. Aside from pot, other drugs and medications are also common causes of pet poisonings. The number one reported cause of reported cases from ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center annually is always human medications. The list is long, but all of the following should be out of reach for pets: ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, cold
Stash your stash, guard your Ganja and hide your hemp.
Dr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet. com
Resources • ASPCA Animal Poison Control – 888.426.4435 ($65 consultation fee may be applied) • Pet Poison Helpline – 800.213.6680 ($39 incident fee) • Red Cross Pet First Aid App – $0.99, available in both iTunes and Android for mobile devices. For more information, visit www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/pet-first-aid-app
TAKE A CLOSER LOOK
Are your investments clearly aligned with your financial objectives? Let’s sit down together and review your current plan. I may be able to suggest an approach that could help you make more progress toward your goals, and my thoughtful, unbiased guidance can help you refocus your investment portfolio. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Randy Leslie ▪ Wealth Advisor 14143 Denver West Parkway ▪ Suite 510 ▪ Golden, CO (720) 305-9745 ▪ randy.leslie@lpl.com http://leslie.coloradofinancialpartners.com Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.
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The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
Park Hill Landmark Structures:
Park Hill Landmark Districts:
1. Dr. Margaret Long House – 2070 Colorado Blvd. 2. St. Thomas Episcopal Church – 22nd and Dexter 3. Park Hill Library – Montview and Dexter 4. Park Hill Elementary – 19th and Elm 5. Kappler-Cannon-Fieger Home – 19th and Kearney 6. Treat Hall – Johnson and Wales University Campus
• 17th Avenue from Colorado Boulevard to Monaco Parkway • Montview Boulevard from Colorado Boulevard to Monaco Parkway • Forest Parkway from 17th Avenue to Montview Boulevard • Monaco Parkway from 1st Avenue to Montview Boulevard
Landmark Structures And Districts: Modernizing The Design Guidelines Landmark preservation is a component cess of revamping the design guidelines for of the City of Denver Department of Comlandmark structures and districts. The LPC munity Planning and Development. The reviews designs for any exterior work to a Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) property that is a designated historic strucconsists of nine appointed nonture or in a historic district. The compensated members that serve design guidelines contain infora three-year term. Landmark staff mation on preservation, addicoordinates with the commission Bernadette Kelly tions, new construction, site and to carry out the mission of the landscape design, and signage. Denver Landmark Ordinance of 1967 to The current guidelines were written in protect and enhance Denver’s structures and 1995 and are deemed difficult to navigate, districts that are of historic, architectural lack illustration and do not incorporate reand/or geographic significance. cent advances in building technology and Last fall, the department began the prosustainable design. Landmark has outlined
Z&P 500
This photo of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, at 22nd and Dexter streets, was taken sometime between 1910 and 1920.
their purpose for updating the design guidelines per the following: Provide property owners with clear information on historic design review processes, expectations and parameters; Encourage “solutions-oriented” approaches to planning additions and new construction, through user-friendly illustrations and examples that stimulate creative design solutions; Re-focus design review efforts around the preservation of character-defining features of landmarks and districts; Address and expand areas that current guidelines shed little light on, including sustainability and weatherization, signage, commercial buildings, building maintenance, new construction, demolitions, and additions. Landmark held a public workshop on Dec. 9 for input from Denver residents, neighborhood groups, architects, developers and the community at large. Landmark
gave an overview of the project at the workshop. They have published a summary of the meeting and posters highlighting participant input on the subjects of new infill, pop-tops, windows, rear additions and retaining walls. Some general comments were that additions and new construction projects should use materials and be of a form and size that is sympathetic to the character of the structure or district. However, participants shared the desire for flexibility when it comes to energy efficiency measures such as window replacement or installing solar panels. Further opportunity for public input will be available at a second public workshop in March (see timeline below).
Design Guideline Update Timeline: • Draft versions of Chapters 1 and 2 were presented to the LPC at its regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 4. • Public Workshop to be held Wednesday, March 26, at 6 p.m. at East High School • The LPC will hold a public hearing on the updated design guidelines in May 2014. • LPC is slated to adopt the final updated document in June 2014. Visit the Landmark Preservation and Design Guidelines Update pages at denvergov.org to learn more or to sign up for Landmark e-news.
Windows & Doors
Credit: Denver Public Library/ Western History & Genealogy
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March 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 15
at t h e Lib r a r y
Bears in the Library A familiar sight and sound to all of us at the Park Hill Library is a young child running with arms outstretched, squealing, “BEAR!” before tumbling into the soft and forgiving fur of our library bears, Bart and Chester.
Q. So, how did you two bears come to live at the library? Bart: I moved here almost two years ago when my former roommate and retired library employee Annie said I could. Chester came from the same home just a few months ago. Q: What do you do after the library closes? Chester: We love to read books to one another. We also play with the magnetic letters on the librarian’s desk and the literacy bin toys. Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a library bear? Bart: Having kids read and talk to us. Q: Chester, you are new to the Park Hill Branch Library. What would you like children to know about you? Chester: I like to live up on the shelves, and I love to come down and play and read with the children. Library bears never bite. Q: Who is your favorite bear in literature and why? Bart: Paddington Bear is my third cousin once removed. I love reading about his adventures. Chester: Winnie-the-Pooh is my hero! He is an expert on all my favorite things – friendship and snacks!
Park Hill Branch Events All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
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All ages are welcome for this storytime. We may do a craft, play musical instruments, or have some fun with the parachute. No registration required. Book Babies: Early Walkers | Thursdays at 11:15 a.m. Stories, action songs, and rhymes developed to meet the needs of babies on the move and their caregivers. Playtime and socialization immediately follow the program. No registration required. Tales for Twos | Fridays at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a storytime for two-year-olds and their caregivers. We share books, sing songs, and provide movement activities. No registration required. Book Babies: Pre-Walkers | Fridays at 11:15 a.m. Stories, Rhymes, and lap songs developed to meet the needs of infants and their caregivers. Playtime and socialization immediately follow the program. No registration required. Pajama Storytime | Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Join us for the Park Hill Branch Library’s PJ storytime. Stories, songs, and fun for all ages. Come in your pajamas! Stuffed animals and blankies welcome. No registration required. Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesday, March 11, 6 p.m. and Tuesday, March 25, 6 p.m. Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan library events and projects at the Park Hill Library, talk about your favorite books, and make your opinion count. Join us for twice monthly meetings.
Chester and Bart reading at Park Hill Library. Photo by staff member and artist Leah Netsky
A Night at the Awards! | Friday, March 14, 5:30 p.m. An After-Hours Extravaganza for teens grades 6-12. Join us for a night of Karaoke, Video Games, and an Awards Ceremony. Pizza and snacks included, dressing up is strongly encouraged but not required. Registration and a permission slip are required. Genre Chat Book Club | Thursday, March 20, 3:30 p.m. A book club for grades 2-3. We will explore a variety of book genres, and participate in discussions, crafts, and activities related to the story. This month we will read I Survived: The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906 by Lauren Tarshis. Registration is suggested but not required. Call 720-865-0250 or visit the library to sign up. Builders’ Club | Saturday, March 22, 1 p.m. Whether you are working on something for the LEGO building contest on April 12 at the library or not, building with friends is fun. Bring things you are building to work on or play with the library’s LEGOs here. No registration required. Teen Book Club | Wednesday, March 26, 4:30 p.m. A reading group for teens in grades 6-12 that meets to talk about books, eat snacks, play games, and have some laughs. This month we’ll be discussing Fat Vampire by Adam Rex. Registration suggested but not required. Mo Willems Day | Saturday, March 29, 2:30 p.m.
Celebrate Elephant & Piggie, Pigeon, Big Frog and Mo’s other characters by playing games, making crafts, and much more. No registration required.
Pauline Robinson Branch Events eBooks 101 Monday, March 3 | 6-8 p.m. Download popular eBooks Free from the Denver Public Library! Learn how to find, check out, download, and transfer eBooks and audio eBooks to any device. If you have a device and/or laptop, please bring them to class. After School Is Cool After School is Cool (ASIC) Monday through Friday 4:15-5:15 p.m. In March, ASIC will continue with Monday Madness and Friday Fun - both include various crafts, Legos, and games. Abrakadoodle will lead the youth in art projects on Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, Captain Vic will be our visiting to experiment with different Science projects. This month will have our craft day on Thursdays. Family Storytime Saturday March 15 | 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Stories, songs and fun for children and their parents or caregivers. For all ages bring the entire family. Pauline Robinson Book Club Saturday March 22 | noon - 2:00 p.m. Celebrating our 15th year, the Robinson Library Book Club’s March Selection is Sail by James Patterson; drop-ins are welcome.
The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
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) [ ] New member
___ Sponsoring Member ($100/year) ___ Patron ($250/year) ___ Other [ ] Membership renewal
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: ___________________________________________________________ Sketch Credit: Marne Norquist
Mail to: GPHC, 2823 Fairfax Street, Denver CO 80207
March In the Garden, Time To Start Dreaming www.GreaterParkHill.org Ah, yes. March – the wet, warm and muddy season. Winter officially leaves us this month and we welcome the heavy spring moisture that our gardens are sure to appreciate. Pansies are blooming, daffodils are happily posing toward the sunshine and even early tulips grace the landscape. Spring color is a refreshing sign that the gardens do endure the arctic temperatures, offering
ideas. Circles and lines will do. No need to be intimidated. Ideally, hardscapes are installed first. Next, the bed lines are created with a highquality edging product (Note: plastic is not recommended, as its quality is poor and cracking occurs with the extreme temperatures). Once beds are defined, a soil amendment is a must. It is not only preferable, but recommended by Denver Water that 4 cubic yards of compost per 1,000 square feet are tilled at least 6” into the existing soil. Amendments are a relatively cheap and easy means of marne norquist guaranteeing that your plants will be happy and thrive. their bright and happy colors. Once the soil is near-perfect, planting March is the ideal month to assess the can begin. Typically, trees and shrubs are installed first, as they are the foundation and aesthetic of your garden. Does your landhierarchy to the beds. After those, ornamenscape look organized and well-thought tal grasses and perennials can be planted. out? Would the garden benefit from some structural elements, like evergreens, ornaIf you purchase perennials in April, harden mental grasses or sculptural pieces? There them off before planting them. (Hardening is still snow on the ground, which allows off is a practice commonly used to acclimate ample opportunity to showcase the organithe plant to the cool temperatures.) The final zation (or, lack thereof) in the garden. Pertouch, is, of course, mulch. I recommend the haps, you are contemplating where exactly darkest, smallest brown bark mulch you can to locate your veggie garden. Or, better yet, find (mini-bark pebbles is the trade name). transforming the needless, functionless, Mulch not only insulates the plant’s roots, and helps alleviate weeds, but presents the maintenance- mongering Kentucky bluefinishing touch of a complete landscape. grass area into a xeriscape garden or brick Whatever you decide to do, realize that patio. Whatever your ideas, now is the time implementing the project can take place to discern the implementation process. over weeks, months or even years. BeginA design or simply a loose layout is always ning now, in this fresh month of March, take a good place to start. Before you begin, look note of what you want in your yard and befor ideas in magazines, on Pinterest or by gin the transformation process, even if that simply walking around our beautiful neighmeans drawing circles and lines. borhood. You can draw something as simple as a bubble diagram, which indicates what A native of Park Hill, Marne is a professionfunctions will be used in various parts of al horticulturalist and garden designer who the space. Technical skills need not apply. cultivates her own plot on Dexter Street, Drawing to scale definitely helps, but is not where gardens and two kids grow. She can necessary. Go ahead - grab a pencil and a be reached at marnenorquist@gmail.com. sheet of paper and begin doodling your
Park Hill roots
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MARCH TIPS • Soil Amendment: Add a 2” layer of compost over the soil and shovel turn the soil about 6” deep. Soil is ready to be worked if it is thawed, not soggy. Soil amendments are a continual process. Annual amendments are ideal. • Plant pansies in containers or beds. Monitor regularly to make sure they are getting enough water. • Continue to mindfully prune your trees and shrubs, one branch at a time. • Resist the temptation of the balmy days to plant anything that may be damaged by frost. Blizzards and freezing temperatures can still occur. • Hand-rake the lawn lightly to promote air movement to the roots. • Mid-March: Sow your pepper, eggplant, broccoli, cabbage and lettuce seeds indoors for transplanting to the garden in early May.
To advertise call 720-515-1579 March 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 17
Events Listings ART GARAGE 6100 E 23rd Ave., artgaragedenver.com, 303377-2353 Visit the Art Garage for free maps listing locations and times of studio events.
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE 2001 Colorado Blvd., dmns.org, 303-370-6000
DENVER SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 7111 Montview Blvd. dsapresents.org Costs for most performances are: $10 Students & Seniors - $ 12 Adults
DENVER POLICE DISTRICT 2 3921 Holly St., 2.Dist@denvergov.org, 720913-1000 Commander Calo hosts the District 2 Community Advisory Board’s (2CAB) monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. in the D2 Police Station Community Room.
Find them on Facebook Occasional warm-weather rides make stops at local watering holes and host rider homes in Park Hill.
PARK HILL FAMILY BIKE RIDES Find them on Facebook Family-friendly rides taking place in the warmweather months.
PARK HILL NEW PARENTS GROUP meetup.com/Park-Hill-Parents Park Hill parents group offers playdates, outings, Dad’s Night Out and Mommy Book Club.
PARK HILL PELOTON parkhillpeloton.org or find them on Facebook A recreational group of road cyclists that roll from Park Hill once or twice a week.
PROJECT SUNSHINE
dpsk12.org/expo
DENVER ZOO
SACRED i YOGA
2300 Steele St., denverzoo.org, 720-337-1400
2212 Kearney, mysacredi.com, 303-355-5856
FAITH COMMUNITY
SCIENTIFIC & CULTURAL FACILITIES DISTRICT FREE DAYS
greaterparkhill.org/faith Greater Park Hill’s faith community, home to over 30 places of worship in just four square miles, is as diverse and robust as the neighborhood itself. The GPHN maintains a list of Park Hill’s places of worship at the website above.
Greater Park Hill Community 2823 Fairfax St., greaterparkhill.org, 303-3880918 The GPHC holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursdays of the month. The next regular community meeting of the GPHC will take place Thursday, March. 6, at 6:30pm at the GPHC offices.
HOLLY AREA REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT (HARP) HOPE Center, 3475 Holly St. HARP holds second Monday monthly meeting at the HOPE Center from 6:15-7:30pm. RSVP required to lsullivan@denverfoundation.org.
LIBRARIES denverlibrary.org See At the Library in this month’s issue for events at the Park Hill and Pauline Robinson Branch Libraries.
MOMTIME AT MONTVIEW montviewmomtime.wordpress.com MomTime will focus on topics related to parenting, life balance, personal care and community service. Meets the 1st, 3rd and 5th Fridays of each month in Room 305 at Montview Presbyterian, 1980 Dahlia St., from 9:15-11:15am. Breakfast and childcare provided.
MUSIC JAM charlespatrick08@yahoo.com New music jam forming in Park Hill. Blues, folk, rock? Meet once a week, twice a month or monthly? Email ideas to the above address with Music in the subject line.
NORTHEAST DENVER PARENT SUPPORT GROUP 2600 Leyden, kdot62@comcast.net, 303-3298950 Parents of children with a variety of special needs of all ages support and nurture one another, and share resources and ideas. Third or fourth Friday from 9:30-11:30am.
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PARK HILL CRUISERS
sunshinefoodproject.org, 303-321-5231 The group is working to realize a cooperatively-owned grocery at 35th and Albion.
DENVER PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Excludes Shutters and Drapes. Some restrictions apply. Expires: 3/31/14
The NEPHC hosts its monthly meeting on the second Thursdays of the month at 6pm.
NORTHEAST PARK HILL COALITION D2 Police Station, 3921 Holly St., Michele Wheeler, 720-837-5492
Check out scfd.org
SERTOMA CLUB 303-370-0932 The Greater Park Hill Sertoma Club holds a breakfast meeting every first and third Saturday morning at 8am at the District 2 Police Station, 3921 Holly Street.
SHARE DENVER sharedenver.com, 2829 Fairfax St.
SIE FILMCENTER 2510 E. Colfax, denverfilm.org, 303-595-3456
TAI CHI PROJECT taichiproj@earthlink.net, 303-744-7676 Tai Chi classes Thursday mornings in City Park at 7-7:45am planned in conjunction with DMNS.
Tattered Cover Travel Lovers Book Club The book club meets the 2nd Monday of each month at the Tattered Cover at 2526 E. Colfax Ave.
VENTURE PREP 2540 Holly Street, ventureprep.org, 303-8930805
WALK2CONNECT www.walk2connect.com Park Hill Sunrise Walking Trips set off every Tuesday morning from Adagio Baking Company at 23rd and Dexter at 7 a.m. Walks are about one hour long, just under 3 miles, and family and dog friendly. For more information, email jonathon@walk2connect.com or call 303-908-0076.
ZUMBA IN PARK HILL Park Hill United Methodist Church, kfarmer@ milehighfitness.com, 720-436-3899 Classes Saturdays from 9-10am. First class free, $7 drop-ins, $39 for 6-class punch card.
Submit your neighborhood events to editor@ greaterparkhill.org
The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014
GPHN 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.
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. Plumbing & Sprinklers 10% off. Repair or replace: toilets, faucets, water heater, disposal, drain cleaning, ice maker, sprinkler, broken pipes: westernplumbing.com 720-298-0880 VAIL PLUMBING & HEATING - The Older Home Specialist. Repair, service, remodel. Hot Water Heat. Licensed, insured, guaranteed. 303-329-6042
Handyman
Honey Do Right Home Repair, LLC. Park Hill Resident, John Betlz, wants you safe and happy. Painting, wall repair, grab bars, hand rails, loud door bells, minor electrical. Bonded Insured. Call Text 720-998-4526 honeydoright@ gmail.com Handyman/Contractor-Licensed, Insured, Residential, Commercial. All Maintenance items. J&K Enterprises 303-921-3398. No job too small. Affordable Home Maintenance and Repairs. Reliable with 30 years experience in carpentry, tile, electrical, plumbing, drywall, painting, etc. No job too small. Mayfair resident. Jerry 720-287-9809
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
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. Oustanding references. Jeff 303-322-5613. Your gardens will flourish. We do design, planning, installation, maintenance, restoration, rototilling, sprinkler repair, vacation care,
and more. Maintenance agreements available. 303-941-9432. www.citygardeningdenver.com
Life Insurance Term, Whole, Indexed Universal and Living Benefits. Don’t wait till it’s too late! Apply Now. Resident Agent delivers quotes promptly. Awesome Old Fashioned SERVICE. 303-668-2154 email: kohlmanhealth@aol.com
Wills & Trusts The State has a plan for your home, your assets, and your children if you die without a Will in place. What’s your plan? Call Lawrence 303-668-2154, Your Park Hill Neighbor.
Volunteer Denver Botanic Gardens seeks volunteers! Opportunities for docents, ambassadors and more for our urban oasis and the exhibition Chilhuly. Call 720-865-3609 today. No gardening expertise needed!
Music Lessons Drum lessons – guaranteed results, East Side Drums. 303-320-0514.
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
D.M.Gonz6@gmail.com
Superior House Cleaning Services
Photography Need quality, prompt and reasonably priced photos of your event, products or real estate for sale, gift books, blogs, Facebook, etc.? Call Dale Ralph Photography at 720-484-6422.
GPHC Wish List Donations to GPHC of needed In-Kind gifts and talents help us offset expenses to serve the community more efficiently. Please contact Robyn Fishman at 303-388-0918 if you can help with any of the following: • A 3-5 ft. short ladder/very sturdy step stool • Unexpired canned fruit, canned chicken, ham, or beef stew; fresh or frozen dairy, bread, produce, meat; toiletries, toilet paper and pet food for our Emergency Food pantry • 4 or 6 ft. folding tables • Laminating sheets or a laminating machine • Gift cards or discounts for grocery stores, Target, office supply stores • Label maker and supplies • Peel and stick shelf liner/contact paper Volunteers needed: Food Pantry distribution help on Wednesdays, food sorters, Blockworkers to deliver the Greater Park Hill News, help to clean up and/or plant our GPHC food pantry garden, gardeners willing to include their homes on the 2014 Garden Walk on June 14. Thanks!
www.saintthomasdenver.org
303-388-4395
2201 Dexter Street, Denver
St. Thomas welcomes All to our historic Denver landmark
To advertise in the Classifieds, contact
Melissa Davis 720-287-0442 newspaper@greaterparkhill.org the deadline for submitting a classified ad is the 15th of every month
March 2014
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 19
Your experts in plumbing & heating ing.com b m u l p y k o blues r money-saving t o g t s u Ju you need load yo to Down the next time help. coupon bing or hvac plum
303-421-2161
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Award Winning “Father/Daughter” Duo Selling Park Hill Homes Since 1978
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The Greater Park Hill News
March 2014