All the News About Denver’s Best Residential Community Since 1960 • Volume 62, Issue No. 12 • December 2023
Finding Shelter
’Tis The Season
Northeast Denver To Host Majority Of People Coming Off The Streets In Mayor Mike Johnston’s House1000 Initiative By Cara DeGette GPHN Editor
The tradition of hanging electrical lights outdoors began more than a century ago right here in Denver. In 1914, electrician D.D. Sturgeon was looking for ways to cheer up his four-year-old son, who was ill. Sturgeon dipped some light bulbs in red and green paint and strung them on electrical wire on a pine tree outside his son’s window. Now, holiday colors light up City Hall downtown every year, and light shows can be seen all over the Mile High City. Photo by Reid Neureiter
Highlights, Lowlights And Political Resets. A Look Back At the Year As It Draws To A Close Compiled by Cara DeGette
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Path To City Hall Winds Through Park Hill It’s a fairly easy task to run for mayor of Denver. You’ve got to be 30 years old, a
Boulder Is Tackling Construction Waste. Denver, Are You Listening? Bighorn Rams Show Off For The Ladies In A Big Way
Help A Neighbor Out: A Guide For What And Where To Give
PAGES 12
Stampede For City Council The mayor’s race is not the only game in play. Several of Denver’s 13-member council are term-limited, including Chris Herndon, who has represented Park Hill for 12 years. Both at-large council seats are also in play. Nearly 50 people announce they are running for council seats citywide. The election is April 4, with a runoff in June. It’s a done deal that local politics will stay front and center for the foreseeable future.
It’s Baaaaack… Voters have consistently and overwhelmingly supported the city’s conservation easement on the 155-acre Park Hill Golf Course. But thanks to a persistent developer and his friends at City Hall, Denver will again be asked again to weigh in on the future of the property. It becomes one of the driving issues in this year’s election. However, when asked directly — Do you support the developer or do you support the easement? — many mayoral candidates just won’t say.
Inside This Issue
PAGE 11
After a campaign season that stretched through the first half of the year, Denver voters elected Mike Johnston to be its first new mayor in 12 years. Term limits also resulted in an overhaul of the city council. And voters again crushed efforts by Westside Investment Partners to try to build a massive development at the Park Hill Golf Course. The second half of the year has been dominated by school board politics — most notably clashes between parents groups and board member Auon’tai Anderson, as well as clashes between the school board president and Auon’tai Anderson. The upshot? Last month a slate of reformer candidates won seats on the school board. Anderson, who opted to not seek a second term on the school board, has decided to run instead for the legislature. Other news has dominated the local landscape. East High School was roiled by gun violence — first with March death of junior Luis Garcia, who was shot while he was sitting in his car in front of the school. Weeks later, student Austin Lyle shot and injured two administrators inside the school, and then fled to the mountains, where he died by suicide. The year 2023 has also seen much better moments and events. Here’s a look back on a year that will soon be in our rearview.
Looking For A New Mayor After 12 years as mayor, Michael B. Hancock is soon to be termlimited from office. The general consensus is the Queen City of the Plains’ crown is pretty tarnished. A record 5,818 people are homeless in Metro Denver — a fourth of them camping outside without access to toilets or showers or other basic needs. A postpandemic downtown has become a near ghost-town. Serious crime and vehicle theft is spiraling out of control. Working people can no longer afford to live here. The city can’t even figure out its new trash service. These are just a few issues on voters’ minds. Twentyfive people decide it’s their turn to run Colorado’s largest city.
February
continued on page 8
PAGE 5
GPHN Editor
January
qualified elector, and a resident of the city for two years. Living in Park Hill at some point in your lifetime isn’t a requirement. But — as highlighted in the January issue, dating back to 1959 every mayor has called Park Hill home at some point.
At one November council committee meeting. Cole Chandler, the mayor’s director of homelessness initiatives, said the city is actively seeking additional hotels and other sites. Chandler also said that in areas where the highest saturation has occurred (including Park Hill and northeast Denver), the city has “engaged the community deeply.” That comment drew a rebuke from Gilmore, who called such claims “not accurate.”
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2023 In Rearview
As Mayor Mike Johnston makes a mad dash toward his self-imposed finish line to find shelter for 1,000 unhoused people by the end of the year, northeast Denver and Park Hill have emerged as the destination for almost all of them. It hasn’t been a smooth ride for the new mayor or the rollout of his signature program to address the city’s homeless crisis. In recent weeks, members of the city council have publicly vented their frustration and distrust at Johnston and his administration. Councilwomen Stacie Gilmore and Flor Alvidrez have been particularly vocal. They’ve complained about a lack of transparency and accountability, mixed with chaos and confusion over which of the mayor’s chosen housing sites are moving forward, and which are on hold. They, and others, have expressed frustration, distrust and disgust at the way the mayor’s office has communicated — and not communicated — their plans for new housing sites. Denver’s point-in-time count this year showed 5,818 people experiencing homelessness, with 1,423 of them unsheltered and living on the streets. Johnston’s goal is to house 1,000 people and permanently close unsanctioned encampments by the end of 2023. At the end of November, 292 people have been housed, leaving the mayor with 708 people to shel-
ter to meet his year-end goal. The mayor has said that housing will be evenly distributed throughout the city — which has not happened. Instead, the majority of the planned sites are in economically disadvantaged areas, in and near Northeast Park Hill, which Gilmore and others say further concentrates poverty in already vulnerable neighborhoods. These are the announced sites in and near Park Hill (see the story sidebar on page 8 for details, as well as a list of additional existing facilities): • The DoubleTree: 4040 Quebec St. — 450 individuals (plus 75 during cold weather) • The Best Western: 4595 Quebec St. — 136 individuals (plus 75 during cold weather) • The Comfort Inn: 4685 Quebec St. (open since February): 138 families • The Stay Inn: 12033 E. 38th Ave. — 95 households
Rendering of the City Park Nature Play.
A Stream Will Run Through It After five years of planning and extensive outreach to residents, the $7.9 million City Park Nature Play project has broken ground. Just south of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in City Park, the Nature Play will include a replica of a mouncontinued on page 6
At the Library: What Did Park Hill Read This Year? We Love Our Advertisers. Check Out This Who’s Who List Of Superstars
Thank you for your support!
Upcoming GPHC Meetings Community meetings are conducted on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., except for July and December.
Meetings are held in person at 2823 Fairfax St. People can also attend via Zoom at greaterparkhill.org/join-us/community-meetings The next meeting is Jan. 4. at 6:30 p.m. There is no meeting in December
Open Book | opinion
Batman On The Bus A Lot Of Life Was Lived In 2023 By Anya Nitczynski For the GPHN
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When all the leaves have fallen off the trees, when snow starts to cover the ground, and the sun shines brighter than ever, it’s my cue to complain that the year went by so fast it’s scary. Well, here we are: the leaves have mostly fallen, our first snow arrived on a quiet Saturday morning, and it feels like the sun has a personal vendetta against me and my eyes. This year felt like the fastest one yet, and I almost don’t believe we’re at the end of it. To prove to myself and I will never you that it is indeed almost be not-glittery 2024, I’ve compiled a list of significant things that hapagain. pened this year to me and my peers. The first is one that I believe was overlooked by most. For the months of July and August, RTD was completely free for everyone and, starting in September remained free for anyone under 19. When I found out this was happening I literally jumped for joy and pranced around the streets of Denver, telling anyone who would listen. I ran the city with my newfound access to unlimited bus rides — I felt like Batman if he didn’t save people but instead rode the bus to the movie theater. Jokes aside, access to transportation like this makes a big impact on the entire population of Denver. My peers and I are still emerging from COVID and learning how to interact like real people instead of robots. Something as seemingly insignificant
Gardens And Verses Here are some seasonal tips for you and your garden for December: • Use burlap to protect fragile plants during the winter months, and wrap the trunks of young trees. • Check soil moisture levels and water your trees, shrubs and gardens as needed when temperatures stay above 45 degrees for several hours during the day. • Remove accumulated snow from plants and tree branches to prevent damage. • Clean bird baths and feeders every 1-2 weeks with a solution of 50/50 vinegar and water. • Sharpen and oil pruning tools, clean
who we are Editor: Cara Degette Manager: Brenda Morrison Ad Sales: Melissa Davis and Denise Fisher Art Director: Tommy Kubitsky
how to find Us Voicemail: 720-287-0442 Email: newspaper@greaterparkhill.org Address: 2823 Fairfax St. Denver, 80207 Website: greaterparkhill.org Facebook: facebook.com/greaterparkhillnews Twitter: @parkhillnews
contact us Story Tips and Letters to the Editor: Cara DeGette: 720-979-4385, editor@greaterparkhill.org Advertising information: Melissa Davis: ads@greaterparkhill.org Denise Fisher: sales_denise@greaterparkhill.org
Deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month Page 2
Anya Nitczynski is a junior at Denver School of the Arts. Her column appears monthly in these pages.
DECEMBER GARDEN TIPS
“The garden year has no beginning and no end.” — Elizabeth Lawrence
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/KtbxLvHDkBSjPNWtTcZZDfGBVXrGVwdVbV?projector=1&messagePartId=0.2
as free bus rides was a catalyst for a lot of life to be lived this summer. Another free resource that took my peers by storm was the tidal wave of chatbot AI systems that became accessible on what feels like every website and social media platform I can think of. In the first few weeks of ChatGPT, we used it mainly in a joking manner to test the waters of AI knowledge. A little later, I was hearing stories of students cheating on assignments with it left and right. It seemed like an easy out and a beacon of hope to some of my classmates, who were then quickly disappointed by the introduction of AI-checking software that is used on many of our assignments. This year, I also got to experience the best night of my whole life. I mean this with no exaggeration or hyperbole: this one night cast an ultraviolet glittery light over the whole year and I will never be not-glittery again. Yes, I am referring to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. The tour performed for just two nights in Denver this summer, but is still somehow brought up in almost every conversation I have or hear with my peers. I truly believe this to be the defining moment of the year for most girls my age — even if they didn’t attend. Okay, I’m finally ready to admit that this year is almost over. But that doesn’t mean I’m ready for the new one just yet.
1/1
spray equipment and store in a dry place until spring. • Decorate for the holidays with garland, wreaths, and evergreens.
Pinus ponderosa by Micki Amick
Save the Date! The 2024 Park Hill Garden Walk is June 9. To suggest local gardens or artists for upcoming garden walks or to volunteer, contact Patty Mead at prmead416@ gmail.com or Carla Finch at carla.j.finch@ gmail.com. The Greater Park Hill News is published by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC) on the 1st of each month. Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of GPHC. GPHC does not necessarily endorse the companies, products or services advertised in The Greater Park Hill News unless specifically stated. GPHC reserves the right to run any advertisement. Circulation is 13,000 and is distributed in the Park Hill Area by neighborhood volunteers. The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteerbased registered neighborhood organization that: promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill; provides resources, information and advocacy; and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation. 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.
The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
Birdland | Mark Silverstein
Showy Elegance
With a glossy bright green head, white collar and chestnut-colored body, the Mallard is one of the most recognizable ducks in the world. In flight, you can see its blue-violet wing patches within thin white bars. Mallards are large ducks with hefty bodies, rounded heads and wide, flat bills. They are “dabbling ducks” — meaning as they float along in the water, they feed by tipping forward and grazing on underwater plants. They almost never dive down into the depths. This Mallard Duck was photographed at Bluff Lake just east of Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.
Anastasia Williamson lives and works in Park Hill. She love this neighborhood for its architectural and cultural diversity. That kind of expertise qualifies her as a true Park Hill resident expert. It's why Aanastasia ranks as one of Park Hill's most successful Realtors. Clients know her expertise translates into top dollar for their properties.
Park Hill Album
With every home I sell in Park Hill in 2023, I’ll make a contribution to the Greater Park Hill Community
SOLD ABOVE LIST PRICE
SOLD
SOLD ABOVE LIST PRICE
SOLD
FOR SALE
1634 Locust Street • $1,300,000
2860 Albion Street • $810,000
2944 Ash Street • $1,050,000
2671 Eudora Street • $772,000
1380 Xanthia Street • $495,000
4 Beds | 4 Baths | 3,404 SqFt Stately Colonial
4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,053 SqFt Pristine Cottage
3 Beds | 3 Baths | 3,632 SqFt Quintessential Two Story
Anastasia's Park Hill SOLDS Speak For Themselves! 2339 Monaco Pkwy 2621 Grape St 2308 Glencoe St 2601 Elm St 1649 Bellaire St 1648 Bellaire St 4512 E. 17th Ave 1775 Leyden St 3075 Clermont 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 2630 Glencoe St 2052 Krameria St 1755 Leyden Street
2884 Albion St 2967 Clermont 2886 Cherry 2646 Birch 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 2609 Eudora St 2800 Birch St 3060 Ash St 2810 Olive St 1623 Bellaire St 2037 Krameria St 2084 Forest St 1536 Clermont St 2224 Grape St 2345 Clermont St 2070 Birch St 2865 Albion 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 St 2389 Cherry St 2829 Clermont St 2960 Ash St 2556 Clermont St 2681 Cherry St 4545 E. 29th Ave 2530 Glencoe St 2895 Birch St 2955 Ivy St 1610 Locust St 2575 Clermont St 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 Pl 2845 Cherry St 2947 Clermont St 3035 Bellaire St 2670 Grape St 2655 Elm St 1418 Grape St 2680 Ash St 2271 Clermont St 2817 Albion St 2684 Fairfax St 2894 Dexter St 2855 Ash St 3010 Clermont St 2295 Eudora St 3025 Albion St 2668 Elm St 2936 Albion St 2389 Cherry St 2654 Elm St 2514 Glencoe St 2065 Hudson St 2845 Cherry St
1623 Bellaire St 2855 Dahlia St 2825 Bellaire St 2900 Ash St 2681 Clermont St 2829 Ash St 2251 Ash St 2877 Cherry St 2341 Ivy St 2847 Clermont St 3010 Cherry St 2665 Forest St 2517 Elm St 1669 Newport St 3045 Fairfax St 4660 E 16th Ave 2877 Cherry St 2971 Bellaire St 2531 Clermont St 2894 Birch St 2801 Dexter St 3593 Monaco St 2668 Birch St 2664 Cherry St 2032 Holly St 2819 Ivanhoe St
All properties listed were sold by Anastasia Williamson between 2001 - Present. Data source REColorado & Denver property assessors.
1637 Elm St 2679 Albion St 3610 Magnolia St 1775 Monaco Pkwy 2582 Bellaire St 2233 Holly St 2229 Birch St 2862 Ash St 1855 Cherry St 2637 Eudora St 2542 Ash St 2045 Krameria St 2500 Dahlia St 2943 Birch St 2875 Albion St 2511 Birch St 2349 Forest St 2990 Cherry St 2379 Elm St 2870 Eudora St 2632 Cherry St 1450 Albion St #303 1925 Monaco Pkwy 3050 Bellaire St 2849 Kearney St 1830 Monaco Pkwy
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PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT • PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT
PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT • PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT
PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT • PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT
PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT • PARK HILL'S RESIDENT EXPERT December 2023
The Greater Park Hill News
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Earth In Crisis | opinion
4TH ANNUAL
FIVE
POINTS
Y A D I L HO STROLL SATURDAY
DEC 9TH, 2-6PM
Waste No More
When It Comes To The Wrecking Ball, Boulder Does It Right By Tracey MacDermott
from landfills. Regarding the old hospital, that equates to saving 60.8 million pounds For the GPHN from ending up in the landfill. Instead, old The University of Colorado at Boulder concrete and brick was crushed on site to has been making national news this year. be used for the foundation for the new afCoach Prime, of course, and a spectacular fordable housing project that will be built smackdown of the No. 1-ranked LSU Tigers there. Some steel beams went into a helping by the women’s basketball team. While the to build a new fire station. main campus is in beautiful Boulder, CU This is a wonderful example of a circular athletics is not all that makes this Colorado economy, helping to reduce the shocking city a great place. In addition to outdoor rise of material consumption — which has activities, great food and local breweries, risen by over 65 percent globally. Boulder sets itself apart when it comes to By contrast, other Colorado communisaving the planet. ties — Denver, Fort Collins, Lakewood and More than a century ago the city purPitkin County to name a few — have some chased land to protect the Flatirons from form of waste diversion requirements. But being mined. It started building its bicycle none match Boulder’s efforts to deconstruct infrastructure in 1976 and held its first Bike and reuse construction materials. to Work Day the following year. Voters first Nationally, nearly 80 percent of brick, approved community waste reduction eftile, wood, drywall and shingles are not forts in 1994. The city has set target greenreused or recycled — they are sent to the house gas emission reduction landfill. In Denver, nearly half in line with the Kyoto Protocol, of the materials that currently established a pathway for 100 end up in the landfill come from Boulder’s percent clean energy — and is construction and demolition now leading the way on build- deconstruction projects. ing deconstruction. Our city’s Waste No More policy requires As first reported last month by that 75 percent policy requires that contractors The Colorado Sun, the old Boulseparate and recycle concrete, der Community Hospital, which of materials be asphalt, clean wood, scrap metal has been sitting empty for three diverted from and corrugated cardboard. years, has been undergoing susWhile Waste No More is a landfills. tainable deconstruction. What start, it does not go far enough. is sustainable deconstruction? There is no requirement that Boulder’s website defines this buildings be deconstructed, as the careful dismantling of a structure, thus preserving and allowing the reuse of typically in the opposite order it was conas much of the materials as possible. Evstructed, to salvage building materials for erything from doors, windows, flooring, reuse or recycling. insulation, lumber, trusses, plywood, cabiBoulder’s deconstruction policy requires nets, vanities, fixtures and brick could be that 75 percent of materials be diverted recycled — or donated to build out other
projects. Here in Denver, at least one company — Perks Deconstruction — is already doing this. A walk around our neighborhood clearly illustrates that Denver’s policies are not enough to encourage people to repurpose and save buildings. We have all seen the dreaded fence of doom around properties that are planned to be torn down. Our first choice should not be to demolish existing structures and put up a new one built out of all new materials. For now, deconstruction still costs more than bulldozing. But it is simply the right thing to do. Boulder’s policy to reduce the enormous waste in construction should be in all our cities — including Denver. I urge you to call Mayor Mike Johnston and urge him to adopt and implement a comprehensive deconstruction policy for Denver. It is morally wrong to pass on the consequences of our wasteful decisions to the next generation. Tracey MacDermott is an at-large member of the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., and immediate past chair. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017, and is currently the Statewide Co-Chair of the Climate Reality Project for the 100% Committed Campaign. She can be reached at traceymacdermott@ gmail.com.
Getting Creative Stumped On Funding Ideas? Check Out This Colorado Recycling Program By Mark Kuhl For the GPHN
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Way back in 2007 the state legislature passed the Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity Act (RREO), with the S KUH T’ goal of advancing recycling in Colorado. With ~$4million derived annuO RECYC ally from landfill tipping fees, this program grants funds to create or expand existing recycling programs for both public and private organizations. Many grants support compost programs, for example at Colorado State University and in the town of Ophir. Ska Brewing in Durango secured $200,000 to increase composting of beer waste (spent grain, hops, and yeast). The waste is sent to the Table-to-Farm compost facility, which also secured a grant to offer compost pickup service to Durango subscribers. Many recycling drop offs are funded by RREO grants, including those in Custer, Kiowa and Yuma counties. Evergreen High School students secured a grant for a plastics recycling program in which they generate 3D printer filament from recycled plastic. Keep this program in mind when you’re stumped on how to fund a good recycling idea for your community, workplace or school. Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling household items appear every month in these pages. A directory of his past columns for recycling everything from paint to Styrofoam to shoes is at greaterparkhill.org/sustainability/recyclingdirectory/. The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
At left, Bighorn rams rear up, readying to bash heads during the rut on Nov. 10 in Waterton Canyon. On the right, they crash into each other with up to 800 sounds of force.
Headbangers’ Ball Bighorn Rams Show Off For The Ladies In A Big Way Story and photos by Reid Neureiter For the GPHN
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep mating season — called the rut — begins in November and stretches through December. It’s the time during which the hills and valleys along the Front Range are punctuated by gunshot-like cracks as the Bighorn rams bash heads, asserting their dominance. The sound can be heard up to a mile away.
The rams can weigh up to 300 pounds, and their horns alone weigh up to 30 pounds. When their heads clash at upwards of 30 miles per hour, the collision can exert up to 800 pounds of force. For 10 months of the year, the rams live in bachelor groups, while the ewes and lambs congregate in separate herds. But in late October, as the weather turns colder and the ewes come into estrus, the rams come down from the high country seeking
female companionship. The rams will still gather together, but will push, shove, and kick each other (sometimes in the testicles) trying to provoke a fight, seemingly showing off for the ladies. One ram will walk determinedly in the opposite direction, almost as if taking paces in advance of a duel. Another ram will follow behind. The first will stop, turn, rear up on its hind legs and — BAM! – an enormous head-to-head collision results, sometimes causing chips of horn to shatter in the air. Then both animals freeze, as if dazed. A third ram may join the battle, taking a second shot at one of the first gladiators. This particular display was happening on Nov. 10 four miles up the gravel road
serving Waterton Canyon, just south of Chatfield Reservoir. Fascinated joggers and cyclists watched from just yards away, the rams seemingly oblivious to the humans. The road is closed to automobile traffic, and to protect the sheep, dogs are prohibited. The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep was designated the official animal of the State of Colorado in 1961. In addition to Waterton Canyon, herds can be seen in Big Thompson Canyon (between Loveland and Estes Park) and at the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. The National Park Service reports there are approximately 300 to 400 bighorn sheep near Rocky Mountain National Park, and can sometimes be seen in the Sheep Lakes area of the Park.
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Year in Rearview, continued from page 1 tain stream, courtesy of Denver’s historic City Ditch. The project is scheduled for completion late next year. Remembering Ms. Amy On Feb. 8, hundreds gather outside Park Hill Elementary School for a bubble ceremony and send-off for Ms. Amy Maes. The beloved, longtime kindergarten teacher died after a brief and unexpected illness — a loss that has a profound impact at the tight-knit school.
Westside Investment Partners’ gambit for a massive development plan on the Park Hill Golf Course by a near 2-1 margin. Westside spent at least $1 million on its failed campaign. The Two Left Standing Former State Sen. Mike Johnston and Kelly Brough, a former CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, emerge as top vote-getters in the crowded 17-candidate race for mayor. Neither won 50-plusone percent of the vote, meaning they advance to the June 6 runoff. Both candidates had supported Westside’s development plan for the golf course, but now want to preserve the conservation easement. Both say that as mayor, they would buy the 155acre parcel for a regional park.
Superstar Coaches At East East High Hockey coach John Kopperud is honored by Mile High Sports magazine as Colorado High School Coach of the Year, across all schools, all divisions, and all sports. Also in East High sports news, basketball coach Rudy Carey notches an 877th win, making him the winningest coach in Colorado high school history.
March
East High Roiled By Gun Violence Gun violence continues to roil East High School. Luis Garcia, a junior and varsity soccer player, dies after being shot in his car. Weeks later 17-year old Austin Lyle shoots and seriously wounds two administrators at the school. Lyle flees to the mountains, where he dies by suicide. Students and teachers descend on the Capitol, demanding lawmakers and DPS officials enact laws and policies to protect them.
Two More Left Standing Sarah Parady and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez emerge as the top two vote-getters in a crowded race for at-large council seats. They replace Robin Kniech and Debbie Ortega, who were term-limited from office.
East wins the basketball state championship. Senior Jack Greenwood hoists the trophy. Photo by Reid Neureiter
May
Pat Schroeder Remembered Former Denver Congresswoman Pat Schroeder dies at 82 in her Florida home. The pioneer for women’s rights, who inspired an entire generation of women to make their voices heard, is remembered for her brilliance, humor, and razor-sharp wit.
A Tough Year At East High In a GPHN exclusive, student journalists Anna Boyle and Elin Lawrence detail the rough year at East High, including repeated school lockdowns and gun violence. They highlight the fact that, in the 24 years since Columbine, 338,000 students in the United States have experienced gun violence at their schools. At East, they write, “When sitting in class, many students are no longer worried about their upcoming test, but whether or not they or their friend will be the next victim.”
Voters reject Park Hill Golf Course Plan In an Election Day blowout, voters reject
Oreo Cookie’s Big Adventure Betsy Snyder tells the classic Park Hill story about her newly-adopted puppy, Oreo Cookie. One day Oreo, a skittish pup
April
who is still traumatized from a life before Betsy, escaped from the yard. An hour later, and with the help of many, many neighbors and strangers just happening by, the dog was finally corralled and returned safely home. “Thank you, thank you, thank you to the neighborhood I have lived in for 67 years,” Betsy writes. Snowshoeing In May
About this time winter is supposed to taper off into spring. But this year someone forgot to explain that to winter. The cold, wet, snowy season persisted through May, and well into June. In Colorado’s High Country, deep snowpack provided all sorts of possibilities for adventurers, who were more than happy to stretch winter a little bit further.
June
You Can Call Him Mayor Johnston In the June 6 runoff election, Mike Johnston beats Kelly Brough 55-45, becoming the 46th mayor of Denver. Citywide, just 31 percent of eligible voters overall cast their votes in a runoff race. The largest percentage of voters who cast ballots — by far — were people 65 years and older. New Council Reps In Districts 8 & 9 In the District 8 city council race to replace term-limited Chris Herndon, Shontel Lewis nudges out competitor Brad Revare 51-49. And in one of the most watched — and most expensive — city council races in the city, Darrell Watson handily beats incumbent Candi CdeBaca in District 9 with 61 percent of the vote. A Walk Through The Gardens Upward of 700 people turn out to admire the landscaping of seven local gardens in Park Hill’s Annual Garden Walk. Thanks to a wet, cool spring, the gardens were lush and green and in full bloom.
July Guns To Garden Tools Nets 35 Weapons A “Guns to Garden Tools” event in Park Hill nets 35 unwanted guns, including four assault-style weapons. The sponsoring organization is part of a national movement that collects deadly weapons and and turns them into garden tools. May The 4th Be With You More than 40 g roups bri ng their floats, their costumes, their instruments and their mojo to Park Hill’s annual 4th of July Parade. Cheering throngs line both sides of 23rd Avenue, having a rowdy good time. Everybody On The Bus RTD’s free fare program — Zero Fare for Better Air — has returned. During July and August, everyone can ride the bus, light rail, Access-A-Ride and Flex-Ride for free. Advice For A New Mayor Columnist Anya Nitczynski offers some advice to Denver’s new mayor on how to improve the lives of young people. Summer outdoor movie nights, youth arts festivals and improving public transit would be a good start. Bison Are Not Fluffy Cows Photographer Reid Neureiter reminds readers that bison are not fluffy cows. In fact, when it comes to all large, unpredictable animals, it is recommended that you keep your distance, don’t harass them, and don’t become the latest goofball who spawns a viral video by trying for a bison selfie and getting gored instead. Let The Creators Create Park Hill-based artist Jack Price II completes a new mural on the basketball court at City of Axum Park. The mural is a tribute to Denver’s sister city of Axum, Ethiopia, and the resilience of the Tigray people there who have been targeted and displaced in that country’s three-year civil war.
Parent encounter at the “Angel Multiverse”themed after prom party at East High. Photo by Reid Neuriter Artist Jack Price II at work.
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December 2023
August
A Sewer Runs Through It When Park Hill-based photographer Mark Silverstein headed to the First Creek open space area in Green Valley Ranch, he was looking for a bird. Instead, he got a massive shock. Bulldozers had decimated the open space, wetlands and wildlife habitat as far as the eye could see, leaving a wide swath of desolation. Turns out that Denver had given permission to the City of Aurora to bulldoze through the open space for a major sewer line project. (One neighbor counted 322 stumps — all that was left of old-growth cottonwoods and other trees after the chainsaws came through.) In the first of an exclusive two-part series, Silverstein details the devastation of the project and the anger and sadness of unsuspecting neighbors who didn’t know it was coming. Two Years Late And Twice The Cost After two years of delays, the city’s McAuliffe Safe Routes To School project is finally underway. The price tag for the sidewalk and other improvements comes in in at $2.3 million — nearly twice the amount Denver officials initially quoted when they announced the project in 2021.
reaucratic pinball he encountered trying to nail down details of how Denver allowed Aurora to build a sewer project through what was supposed to be protected open space in Green Valley Ranch. In a nutshell, Aurora first approached Denver about the scheme in 2020. All the planning for the sewer project took place out of the public eye. There was no opportunity for neighborhood residents, birders, nature lovers, or other members of the public to be heard — not when it might have mattered, anyway. Readers React: ‘It Makes Me Sick’ Silverstein’s series inspires an outpouring of reactions from readers, mostly horrified. One Green Valley Ranch resident, Debbie Jackson, reported the wildlife has all but disappeared from the once-pristine oasis. “It makes me sick my taxes are paying for this destruction. My plea is if this type of ‘construction’ is planned in other natural areas that more consideration be given to either not proceeding with the project or carefully and strategically implementing it with conservation of natural habitat as the focus.” Librarians And Legends Pauline Robinson branch librarian Leslie Williams is honored with the Glenda “Rose” Stephens Leadership and Legacy Award at the Park Hill Pirates Day of Legends. Williams, who is also a longtime Greater Park Hill News columnist, is also currently overseeing a massive renovation of the library at 33rd and Holly Street.
October
Kurt Dennis Gets Fired McAuliffe International Middle School Principal Kurt Dennis, who had raised concerns about school security in a 9News interview, is fired. DPS Superintendent Alex Marrero claims the principal was fired for sharing private student information, not for going on TV. Parents, students and other supporters respond with fury. Dennis files a lawsuit against DPS. A group of parents launch a campaign to recall the school board.
September
No Chance To Be Heard In his second installment of the investigative series “A Sewer Runs Through It,” Mark Silverstein describes the game of bu-
A Spine-Tingling Tradition Rebecca Zimmerman takes us on an odyssey tour of Halloween in Park Hill, where the holiday is a grand, spinetingling tradition complete with ghost tales, unexplained specters, and full-sized candy bars. Can This Old House Be Saved? The grand old Renaissance Revival-style home has dominated the northeast corner of Montview Boulevard and Elm Street for 90 years. This fall, the all-too-familiar chainlink fence of doom was erected around the house, suggesting imminent
demolition. But not so fast. With a rich history of architecture and prominent past occupants, the house meets qualifications to preserve as a landmark. Several Park Hill residents file a notice of intent to potentially pursue protected designation for the home. One of them, Amy Harris, says: “Maybe we won’t be able to save this house, but we can at least take a stance on historic preservation and educate folks about the significance of the homes in our neighborhood.” Welcome To The Neighborhood The Home Tour and Street Fair, Park Hill’s signature event for 45 years, draws hundreds of lookyloos to check out five homes plus one recently renovated historic church. The featured homes represent an eclectic mix of architectural styles that showcase the diverse landscape of the neighborhood. They range from midcentury modern to Craftsman, and Tudor — including the oldest surviving home in Park Hill. Fall Fest At Axum Park The second annual Park Hill Fall Festival at Axum Pa rk featu res free hot dogs and chips, cookies, face painting, bubbles, games and good cheer. A good time is had by all.
November
School Board Elections John Youngquist, Marlene de la Rosa and Kimberlee Sia emerge victorious in their bids for the DPS Board of Education. Youngquist replaces the controversial Auon’tai Anderson, who opted to not seek reelection. The three were buoyed by an electorate fed up with the antics of a dysfunctional school board, as well as plenty of dark money boosting their campaigns.
Helen Wolcott’s Grand Finale Helen Wolcott, a longtime civil rights activist and neighborhood fixture, often says she just makes jewelry and trouble. For 50 years Wolcott has hosted twiceyearly art and crafts shows in her home. The extravaganzas began in the 1970s during the thick of the court battle over school integration, in which Park Hill was at the heart of the struggle. After a half century of shows, Wolcott calls final curtain. The November art show is her last. The Nine Who Dared In late October nine East High School buddies decide to walk the entire 50-mile stretch of Colfax in one day. It’s a feat they believe has not previously been done. And man, were they sore afterwards. “We finished at just about 11:30 p.m., and we all made it — barely,” reported Carson Lerner. “We were all hurting pretty bad by the end, but we pushed through.”
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Garnsey and Tate Win The Babbs Award Woody Garnsey and Penfield W. Tate III are named this year’s recipients of the Babbs Award for community service. Garnsey and Tate, both longtime Park Hillians, are praised for their efforts to From left, Woody Garnsey preserve the and Penfield Tate. conservation easement at the Park Hill Golf Course.
Proposition HH Fizzles, II Sizzles Colorado voters approve Proposition II, which allows the state to use nicotine tax money for universal preschool. But Proposition HH, the property tax reduction measure supported by Gov. Jared Polis, is soundly rejected. After the election Polis calls a press conference in which he picks up a bat and whacks at a glass case (break in case of emergency, get it?) and then an-
Thank you Park Hill for voting us
December 2023
nounces he is convening a special legislative session to address property tax relief.
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Homeless, continued from page 1
HaKala Family DentiStry Over a Decade of 5280 Top Dentist
Shortly before Thanksgiving, Gilmore resigned as the chair of the city council’s committee on Safety, Housing, Education & Homelessness, saying she no longer trusts the administration. Gilmore’s district encompasses the far northeast area of the city. Outside of northeast Denver, two microcommunities are under construction — including at 1375 Elati St. and 2301 S. Santa Fe Dr. Combined, the sites will house about 100 people. And, another former hotel on Hampden Avenue in southeast Denver is currently under consideration. It has about 200 rooms. Many people living in communities that will absorb the biggest impacts — especially in Northeast Park Hill and nearby Central Park — have also expressed frustration. Councilwoman Shontel Lewis, whose District 8 includes Northeast Park Hill, says she is not happy that the neighborhood is being forced to do the heavy lifting. But not pushing forward, she says, is not an option. “I’m concerned about the concentration of poverty,” Lewis said. “I am also concerned there are people who need shelter in our community and many are from our community and we need to do something about it. “People are losing their lives and their limbs. I don’t sleep at night, honestly, when I think about the people who are on
our streets as the weather gets colder and colder.” Meanwhile, as plans move ahead to open facilities in and around Park Hill, several proposed smaller projects in wealthier neighborhoods have been nixed. Those include micro-communities in southeast Denver at 1380 S. Birch St. and 5500 E. Yale Ave., and 1151 Bannock St in the Golden Triangle neighborhood south of downtown. City officials say the sites ended up having too many logistical challenges. At a November town hall meeting at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, Johnston said the Park Hill sites were picked in large part because of their proximity to transit, including light rail. However, the infrastructure in the area is challenging at best. Many sidewalks do not connect, for example, and some don’t exist. Members of the city council have also raised questions about whether the current plans for “wraparound services” — from mental health and medical services to job training — are realistic given the likely demands. Other questions over basics have been raised, including access to food. What impact will the increased pressures have on already overwhelmed neighborhood food banks? Others wondered whether the mayor plans to add additional police and public safety resources. “The most dangerous thing we can do in
2009 to 2023
Kate HaKala, DDS 425 S Cherry #100, Denver, CO 80246
303-321-8967
www.hakalafamilydentisty.com From left, the Comfort Inn, The Best Western (now called New Directions) and the DoubleTree. The former hotels on Quebec Street in Northeast Park Hill and Central Park are being converted to housing for people experiencing homelessness. Photos by Cara DeGette
The New Digs A Breakdown Of New And Existing Facilities In The Neighborhood
These former hotels in Park Hill and just beyond the neighborhood’s borders are included in Mayor Mike Johnston’s Housing1000 initiative. They include: The Best Western (now called New Directions): 4595 Quebec St.
Sandwiched between Interstate 70 and Interstate 270. For orientation, imagine the Sapp Bros. truck stop, with its huge neon coffee pot sign, on the west side of the road, and the exit to Northfield on the east side. The Best Western is near the Sapp Bros. on the west side. It will be operated by the Salvation Army. Threefourths of the rooms have kitchenettes, which makes converting them to apartments less costly. Until the apartments are fully converted, they will be used for non-congregate shelter (meaning private rooms). In addition to the private rooms, the hotel’s ballroom may be used as a weather overflow shelter. Capacity: 136 individuals plus 75 during cold weather = 211 people The DoubleTree: 4040 Quebec St.
For orientation, the former hotel is on the east side of Quebec Street next to Interstate 70. It’s north of railroad tracks that separate it from a Walmart and Home Depot. The facility will be operated by the Salvation Army. When it is up and running, it will serve as a 24/7 shelter with supportive services for up to 450 people in 289 units. The former ballroom may be used for weather overflow to shelter another 75 people. On Oct 31, the state’s Department of Local Affairs announced a $24 million grant to Denver for the DoubleTree to serve as the hub for Denver’s three-site Page 8
Navigation Campus to provide support services at this facility — not just housing. The other facilities that will be part of the Navigation Campus include the Best Western and the Stay Inn (see below). As of press time it is unclear how people in the other facilities will access services and how the “campus” will be connected. For example, though the Best Western is less than a half mile away, the hotels are separated by an interstate and the existing sidewalks do not connect. The third building — the Stay Inn — is more than three miles away and access is equally difficult. Capacity: 450 plus 75 sheltered during cold snaps = 525 people The Stay Inn: 12033 E. 38th Ave.
The city approved the purchase of the former hotel at 38th and Peoria Street in January for $9 million. Officials said they hoped to have the facility open and operating by the end of this year. In late November, however, the property remains fenced off, heavy equipment is on site and all the windows are boarded up. No operator has been announced for this facility, which still requires a rezoning. Capacity: Housing for 95 households Existing shelter and transitional housing programs in and around Park Hill:
• Comfort Inn: 4685 Quebec St. — next to the Best Western hotel, near Sapp Bros. truck stop. 138 families are currently living here. It is operated by the Salvation Army. • Fusion Studios: 3737 Quebec St. — 139 units of permanent housing with support services owned by Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. • Denver Rescue Mission: 4600 E. 48th Ave. — Men’s shelter, capacity 515 • Samaritan House: 4330 E. 48th Ave. — Women’s shelter, capacity 270 — Cara DeGette
The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
Sites in Northeast Denver 6 5
1 2 4
3
7
5. Denver Rescue Mission: 4600 E. 48th Ave. 6. Samaritan House: 4330 E. 48th Ave. 7. The Stay Inn: 12033 E. 38th Ave.
1. Comfort Inn: 4685 Quebec St. 2. The Best Western: 4595 Quebec St. 3. The DoubleTree: 4040 Quebec St. 4. Fusion Studios: 3737 Quebec St.
Map illustration: Tommy Kubitsky
Denver is what we’ve been doing the last 10 years,” Johnston said during the public meeting at the MLK, Jr. Recreation Center. “What we know is when we do put people into wraparound services and enforce rules, we have dramatically different outcomes.” Several neighbors said they absolutely support programs that provide more permanent homes and services — but they do not support concentrating poverty in one area. “I get that we need to do our fair share,” said one speaker. “But 900 units? That’s oversaturation. What we need to really talk about is, how are we fairly distributing this across the city? “We really need to think about the impact that this will have on this neighborhood that already has multiple issues for multiple generations.” But Councilwoman Lewis was unbowed. “We have to move forward. What’s in my heart and what’s important to me is not having people need food, [not losing] their lives and their limbs.”
The Mayor’s House1000 Plan Community Meeting Set For Dec. 7 in Park Hill Park Hill Congregational UCC is hosting an all-community meeting on Mayor Mike Johnston’s homeless initiative on Thursday, Dec. 7. Cole Chandler, the director of homelessness initiatives for the mayor’s office, is scheduled to discuss the city’s plans for sites in the neighborhood and elsewhere in Denver. A question & answer session will follow. The community meeting is from 7-8 p.m., and everyone is welcome. Park Hill Congregational UCC is at 2600 Leyden St.
Hope for a Weary World
Christmas at Montview Church
Your Neighborhood Market
Fresh. healthy. Delicious.
Gelato Bar • oven-FireD Pizza • seafooD and meat counters • Wine ooDles oF Grab ‘n Go • Desserts • aisles oF sPecialty proDucts
Advent Christmas Concert December 3 | 4pm
Service of Lessons & Carols December 17 | 8:30 & 11am
Love Unbound A Service of Remembrance December 11 | 7:00pm
Christmas Tea & Children’s Craft Fair December 17 | 9:30am
Christmas Eve 11am – 4th Advent Service with Choir Sanctuary & Livestream
6pm & 8pm – Candlelight Sanctuary & Livestream
2pm & 4pm – Family Service Sanctuary & Livestream
10pm – Candlelight with Choir Sanctuary
7:15pm – Witness to the Light @reallygreatsite Join us with a candle on Montview Boulevard
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
7 am –
daily9 pm
AT LOWRY
7059 E. Lowry Blvd.
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December 2023
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 9
11/13/23, 11:50 AM
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Announcements
File photo of handmade wooden dolls at Denver’s Christkindlmarket downtown.
Getting Festive
Park Hill Community Bookstore Denver’s Oldest Nonprofit Bookstore Serving Park Hill since 1971
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/QgrcJHsbkfmjPQcKjPQjRXdSvJZxwQNlqHb?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
Thousands of Books • Great Prices • Memberships Make Great Gifts
Mon–Fri 10-6 Sat 9-5 • Sun 11-3 4620 E. 23rd Avenue (at Dexter)
(303) 355-8508 parkhillbooks@gmail.com
parkhillbookstore.org
December Holiday Markets In And Around Denver Denver Christkindlmarket
Dairy Block Mistletoe Market
An authentic European market in downtown’s Civic Center Park between the Capitol and the Civic Center. Vendors sell home goods, honey, spices and clothing, as well as international products like German steins, glass-forged ornaments and alpaca wool apparel. Firepits, live music and St. Nikolaus and Krampus. Christkindlmarket is free to attend. More information is at christkindlmarketdenver.com.
The Saturdays and Sundays pop-up market is in the alleyway at the Dairy Block, 1800 Wazee St. More than a dozen vendors sell clothing, outdoor gear, wellness products, and more. Entertainment including the Grinch, caroling, holiday lights and food. The market is free to attend. More information at dairyblock.com/events.
Now through Dec. 23
1/1
Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10, Dec. 16-17
Artists on Santa Fe Now through Dec. 30
Artists on Santa Fe at 747 Santa Fe Drive is holding its 36th Annual Holiday Exhibition through Dec. 30, Two floors of artist studios with specialty handcrafted items including contemporary paintings, original prints, functional and sculptural ceramics and jewelry. Third Friday Artist Reception is Dec. 15 from 5-8:30 p.m. Check artistsonsantafe.com for daily hours of operation.
Cherry Creek Holiday Market
Now through Dec. 24 (except for Mondays)
105 Fillmore St. in Cherry Creek North The Holiday Market brings 40-plus popup vendors, featuring artisan gifts as well as traditional retailers. Festive displays light up the market on Saturday nights. The Holiday Market is free to attend. More information is at cherrycreekholidaymarket.com.
Holiday Makers Market In Arvada
Georgetown Christmas Market Dec. 2-3, Dec. 9-10
Georgetown’s annual Christmas Market is a Colorado tradition. Horse-drawn wagon rides, decorated storefronts, a Victorianrobed St. Nicholas greeting rosy-cheeked tots, and stalls feature handicrafts by local artisans. A giant lit-up tree, carolers and views of the surrounding mountains add to the classic mountain scene. For more info: historicgeorgetown.org/georgetownchristmas-market
Five Points Holiday Stroll
Saturday, Dec. 9 from 2-6 p.m.
Family-friendly activities and the sounds of the season in Five Points. Enjoy shopping, family fun and holiday cheer on Welton Street between Broadway and Downing! Photos with Santa, Christmas carolers, making ornaments and gingerbread houses, marshmallow roasting and more. Check out fivepointsbid.com/calendar-events for more.
Colfax Sip ’n’ Stroll
Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 3-7 p.m.
Weekends through Dec. 23
Olde Town Arvada transforms into a German-style outdoor holiday market with speciality gift stands spanning jewelry, candles, confections and more. More info at oldetownarvada.org.
Sponsored by the Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District. Several local boutiques participate in this coordinated event on Colfax between Eudora Street and Monaco Parkway. Specialty wines and holiday treats help fuel the festivities.
It’s not too late for with Page 10
The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
Giving Back
Spreading Help And Cheer
Interested in an Exercise and Weight Management Study?
A Resource Guide For What And Where To Give Many Denver families can use your help — this holiday season and all year. Thousands of our neighbors have faced evictions, have been living unsheltered and are struggling for basic services. Many others are spending their first holiday season in Colorado, arriving with little to nothing. So far just this year Denver has sheltered and supported 26,471 migrants from the southern border. Not sure where to donate? Here’s a list of resources. Special thanks to Alison Bresler, a Park Hill-based professional organizer and life coach, for her work compiling most of them. (Bresler’s company, Create Calm Lifestyle, is at create-calm.com.) African Community Center of Denver: acc-den.org/in-kind-donations
• Furnishings, kitchen items, linens • Contributions help refugees get a new start in Colorado ARC: arcthrift.com/donations
• Accepts most items, including clothing, shoes, books, toys, kitchen items, furniture, décor, electronics (excluding TVs), computers (excluding monitors), and household items • Pick up service Assistance League: assistanceleague.org
• Click “Find by Location” to find the chapter closest to you A Precious Child: apreciouschild.org/ take-action/donate-goods/
• Clothing, toys & books, home goods, baby essentials, hygiene products, bikes, school & art supplies, non-perishable food, car seats, vehicles Bikes Together: bikestogether.org/support
• Bikes, bike parts, bike accessories, office equipment, electronics City and County of Denver Migrant Support
Current needs: Winter clothing items including hoodies, shoes, hats, gloves and scarves. The city’s donation location is at the Richard T. Castro Human Services Center downtown. Please review the donation instructions, tips and maps at Denvergov.org/MigrantSupport. To schedule a donation drop off, call 303-514-0643. Colorado Coalition for the Homeless: coloradocoalition.org/donateitems
• Gently used clothing, toys, books, personal hygiene, household items, baby bottles, RTD tokens
bags, batteries, shoe boxes, sandwich bags, ping pong balls, cardboard tubes
Denver Rescue Mission: denverrescuemission. org/ways-to-give/give-items/
• Non-perishable food, furniture, clothing, household items, hygiene items Dress for Success: dressforsuccess.org/getinvolved/donation-drives/
• Business suits, blouses, slacks, skirts, dresses, blazers, jackets, work-appropriate shoes, jewelry, scarves, belts, handbags, accessories
Help researchers at CU Anschutz learn more about how morning and night time exercise affect the body.
• Unopened and unexpired toiletries • Unopened and unexpired baby items • New or gently used clothing • Health & wellness items • Household items • Non-perishable food
See if you qualify: • Adult between 18 and 55 years old • Generally healthy without diabetes and heart disease • Not currently exercising regularly • Body Mass Index between 25.0 and 40.0 kg/m2 • Are willing to be randomized to either morning or evening exercise • Live or work within 30 minutes of the Anschutz Medical Campus
The Gathering Place: tgpdenver.org/donate/ donate-new-and-used-items.html
Give Back Box: givebackbox.com/works
• Pack up your gently-used clothing in an old box, and print out a free label. Give Back Box will take care of the rest Goodwill: goodwillcolorado.org/donate/ material-donations/
• Old electronics, furniture, clothing, shoes, accessories, books, media, home décor, lamps, musical instruments, crafting supplies, appliances, games, sports & exercise equipment, tools, tools, garden/lawn care equipment, pet accessories, vehicles Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.: greaterparkhill.org/donate/
• Copy paper, coffee, canned goods for GPHC’s Emergency Food Pantry
Habitat for Humanity: habitatmetrodenver.org/ restore/donate/
• Furniture, appliances, cabinetry • Pick up service Third Way Center: thirdwaycenter.org/ furniture-and-goods-donations
Denver Dumb Friends League: ddfl.org/donation-center/
• Towels, blankets, paper towels, trash
timexstudy@cuanschutz.edu
Principle Investigator: Victoria A Catenacci, MD. Comirb Protocol # 21-3094
Vietnam Veterans of America: pickupplease.org/acceptable-donations/
The following organizations provide critical services to migrant and refugee communities in the Denver Metro area:
• Non-perishable food, clothing, hygiene products, household items
If you’re Interested in participating, please email
• Scroll to the bottom of the Support page for volunteer and donation needs
The Delores Project: thedeloresproject.org/ ways-to-give/current-needs
Denver Dream Center: denverdreamcenter.org/ programs/dream-closet-pantry
Scan to Apply
Urban Peak: urbanpeak.org/support #donate-more
Deja Blue: goodwillcolorado.org/shop/boutique/
• Serves all genders and all ages in supportive housing apartments
The criteria listed is only a partial list of all the requirements to participate in this research study. Only a clinical research staff member can determine eligibility.
• Household goods and furniture Salvation Army: salvationarmy.org • Pick up service available
• Clothing, household, toys, electronics, books, equipment, small furniture • Pick up service
• High-end/designer clothing
What will you recieve: • A 7-month monitored exercise program with support from an exercise specialist • A 13-month membership to the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Fitness Center • Assessment of body composition, metabolic rate, lab values, fitness, physical activity level and sleep • Behavioral support for exercise from an exercise specialist for 13 months. • Compensation provided
In order to enroll all participants must meet specific criteria.
• Project Worthmore (projectworthmore. org) • Lutheran Family Services (lfsrm.org). • The Central Park & Park Hill - Venezuelan Migrant Support Facebook page was created last month to connect families in Denver with goods and services.
History Lesson
Where The Bodies Are Buried Historian Phil Goodstein has a new book out: The Scenic History of Denver Cemeteries, which includes stories about many of the men and women who built the Mile High City. Goodstein, a Park Hill native, will talk about his new book and divulge a few spicy details about where bodies are buried in an author appearance at the Smiley Library in the Berkeley Park neighborhood at West 46th and Utica Street. The event is on Saturday, Jan. 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. It’s free and open to the public. The library’s namesake, William Henry Smiley, was born in Boston in 1854 and grew up an orphan. Landing in Denver, he became a beloved schoolteacher, longtime principal of East High School and DPS superintendent. Park Hill’s Smiley Junior High — now Smiley Campus and home to McAuliffe International School — is named for him. Smiley also played a major role creating the Denver Public Library system. — Photo by Cara DeGette
December 2023
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 11
At The Library
What Did Park Hill Read This Year? From Dog Man To Prince Harry’s Spare: Top 10 Lists Of The Most Popular Books Of 2023 By Leslie Williams Pauline Robinson Branch Librarian
As the year winds down, I wanted to share with you the top reads of the year between our two neighborhood libraries. Many thanks to our collection maintenance librarian and former Park Hill librarian, Monica, for pulling these lists together. And now, the drumroll, please… Here are the top 10 most popular books checked out at the Park Hill and Pauline Robinson branches in 2023 — either placed on hold or browsed in the library: • Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under The Sea by Dav Pilkey • Cat Kid Comic Club: On Purpose by Dav Pilkey • Big Nate: Nailed it! [Volume 28] by Lincoln Peirce • Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel. Book Six, Moon Rising by Tui Sutherland • The Babysitters Club: Jessi’s Secret Language [A graphic novel] by Chan Chau • The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
• The Babysitters Club: Good-bye Stacey, Good-bye by Gabriela Epstein • Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr • Captain Underpants And The Sensational Saga Of Sir Stinks-A-Lot: The Twelfth Epic Novel by Dav Pilkey • Dog Man Unleashed by Dav Pilkey And here are the top 10 most popular books that customers placed on hold at Park Hill and Pauline Robinson branch libraries and checked out when they arrived for them: • I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy • Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng • Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr • I Have Some Questions For You by Rebecca Makkai • The Holly: Five Bullets, One Gun, And The Struggle To Save An American Neighborhood by Julian Rubinstein • Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel • The Candy House by Jennifer Egan • Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under
The Sea by Dav Pilkey • The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave • Spare by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Have you or your family read any of these books? Visit our libraries for a copy now, and happy reading!
December Programs Park Hill Branch
Baby Storytimes | Thursdays, 10:30-11 a.m. Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers. Toddler Storytimes | Fridays, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. TAB | Tuesdays, Dec. 12 & Dec. 26, 4:305:30 p.m. Anyone 6th-12th grade is welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens. Writing Circle | Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Who are you writing for? Join our adult writing circle to hone your writing skills and share your work. Taste of Culture: Power of Language | Saturday, Dec. 2, 4-5 p.m. Join us for a community gathering where Chef Mohamad Alnouri will demonstrate how to prepare a traditional Syrian dish. Engage in conversation and learn how the power of language impacts daily interactions. Lunch catered by Jasmine Syrian Food will be provided. No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Dec. 9, 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an
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Gracie and Blue, Inc. Celebrate the Season Concert | Wednesday, Dec. 13, 4-5 p.m. Don & Gracie Batt play a variety of music, including jazz standards from the Great American Songbook as well as blues and Latin favorites. Sing along with seasonal favorites to celebrate the holidays. Connection of Loss: Part 3 of the Death Series | Saturday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Presented by LeAnn Hoye. LeeAnn is a nurse, physical therapist and a longtime meditator. As a mom who lost her daughter, she began understanding the intrinsic relationship of grief and living. She is the founder of Gracefully Beginning, and coaches parents and individuals through experiences of loss and into love. Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, Dec. 21, 4-5 p.m. We will explore a book or series every month and do activities and crafts related to what we read. Parents of young children need to attend with their child. This month: Come and play BINGO for BOOKS! Win books as you play BINGO, eat snacks and have fun. Everyone will go home with at least one book. Closed for Christmas | Monday, Dec. 25 — All Day All branches will be closed in observance of Christmas. Kwanzaa: Ujaama Cooperative Economics | Friday, Dec. 29, 3-4 p.m. Principle Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) will be presented.
Pauline Robinson Branch
The Pauline Robinson branch at 33rd and Holly Street is offering limited services across the street at Hiawatha Davis Recreation Center while its facility is under renovation. Library services at the recreation center (3334 Holly St.) are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chromebooks are available for patrons to work on, as well as printing and copying services. A cart of free books and DVDs are also available. Digital navigator appointments are available on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Bookmobile is available on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Community Resource Navigator is available on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming programs, visit denverlibrary.org/events/upcoming, and select the facility you are planning to visit. The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave. It is currently closed for renovations. See listings above for current location and library services.
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The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
A disappointed and exhausted Angel squad holds the state runner-up trophy after losing on penalty kicks to Broomfield on Nov. 11.
East boys soccer co-captain and senior Theo Scott, on Nov. 11. Scott was later ejected from the game, but at the season’s end was named DPS Player of the Year. Coach Kirk Bast described Scott as the “heartbeat” of East soccer this year.
a single goal. It was more the same in the championship game against seventh-seeded Broomfield, with East’s defense absorbing repeated Broomfield assaults and only the occasional Angel counter-attack. A spectacular bicycle kick by Broomfield senior forward Marcus Von gave Broomfield the lead midway through the second half. But, just two minutes later, Angel senior co-captain Theo Scott equalized with a 24-yard thunderbolt free kick into the upper left corner of Broomfield’s goal. The 6’2” Scott, a towering presence in the center of East’s defense was later ejected after receiving a second yellow card for a rough tackle. East had to play the rest of regular time, plus the two sudden-death periods with only 10 men. “It is sad for any player to be given a second yellow card and removed from such an important game,” said Coach Kirk Bast. “Yet I have to give our young men a tremendous amount of credit to overcome such adversity and power through to fight to win until the end. Theo’s competitive spirit carried on through his teammates for the rest of the game which is a huge tribute to them and to the example
that Theo and other leaders set for this team.” Again and again, Broomfield penetrated East’s 18-yard box. Again and again, East repulsed the attacks. The Angels fans’ hearts sank when East committed a foul in the penalty area during the first overtime period. Broomfield’s Von, who had never before missed a penalty kick in a competitive match, stepped to the 12-yard mark and prepared to deliver a sudden-death blow. But, Von’s shot caromed off the crossbar. Despite Broomfield relentless attacks, the game was destined for the lottery of the penalty kick shootout. However, one can only play Russian roulette for so long before the luck runs out. With Scott unable to participate, Broomfield stopped two of East’s penalty kicks, giving Broomfield its 9th state title. East players were in tears on the sidelines, realizing they had come so close to a repeat, only to stumble at the very end. East finished the emotional 2022-23 season with a 15-5 record. DPS’s two-time defending 4A state champion Northfield, also lost their own state final match, losing 0-2 to Battle Mountain and finishing the season with a 19-1 record.
Heartbreaker East Boys Soccer Stumbles At The End Story and photos by Reid Neureiter For the GPHN
The East Angels came up short at the final hurdle in their effort to defend the 5A state soccer title. On Nov. 11 the team fell to the Broomfield Eagles on penalty kicks, after two 15-minute sudden-death overtime periods ended with the match tied at 1-1. Fourth-seeded East was on the back foot for much of the title game, with its defense bending, but not breaking. East had survived the Regis semifinal match four days earlier via penalty kicks with the match scoreless after regular and overtime. Senior co-captain goalkeeper Liam Sloan had come up big to stop a Regis penalty, allowing the Angels to progress to the final. Through the first four rounds of the playoffs, Sloan and the Angel defense had not allowed
HOME FOR
Wishing You Fun & Happiness This Holiday Season!
WINTER WANDERLAND EXPERIENCE
DENVER CHRISTKINDLMARKET
BLOSSOMS OF LIGHT
GRAND ILLUMINATION
Cherry Creek North | Through Dec. 24th
Denver Civic Center Park | Through Dec. 23rd
Denver Botanic Gardens | Through Jan. 7th
Union Station | Friday Dec. 24th
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
TRAIL OF LIGHTS
CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD
HOLIDAY LIGHTS MINI GOLF
Pikes Peak International Raceway | Through Dec. 31st
Gaylord Rockies Resort | Through Jan. 1st
Chatfield Farms | Through Jan. 1st
Adventure Golf and Raceway | Through Jan. 7th
LET’S WORK TOGETHER Natalie Hengel 440.552.9731 | Natalie.Hengel@TheAgencyRE.com THE AGENCY DENVER IS AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISEE OF THE AGENCY REAL ESTATE FRANCHISING, LLC.
December 2023
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 13
Thank you for your support!
Our advertisers make the Greater Park Hill News possible and enable us to provide this publication free of charge to the neighborhood. The businesses and organizations below have purchased a display ad in 2023. Please consider supporting them during the holiday season and the upcoming year. Thank you to all who have contributed. If you would like to contribute to the Greater Park Hill News, visit greaterparkhill.org/newspaper/support Category
Business name
Phone
Website
Category
Arts & Culture
Ceramics in the City
303-200-0461
ceramicsinthecity.com
Home Services Ireland's Finest Painting Co 303-512-8777
irelandsfinestinc.com
Arts & Culture
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
303-295-1759
cleoparkerdance.org
Home Services JR Painting
720-485-7207
jpabz04@gmail.com
Denver Center for the Performing Arts
303-893-4000
denvercenter.org
Home Services Kitchens & Baths by JR
720-485-7207
jpabz04@gmail.com
Dart Auto
303-562-1015
Home Services Magnolia Landscaping
303-242-6703
magnoliagreenlandscaping. com
Arts & Culture Arts & Culture Auto Auto
Jan Thomas, Author
Hotchkiss Auto Repair
bookshop.org 720-500-1909
dartauto.com
hotchkissauto.com
Campaigns
Brad For Denver
bradfordenver.com
Campaigns
Candi CdeBaca City Council Dist 9
CandiCdeBaca.com
Drum for Denver
drum4denver.com
Kwame for DPS
Campaigns Campaigns Campaigns Campaigns
Leslie Twaragowski For Council
Home Services Van Camps' Quality Floors 303-871-8377
hardwoodfloorsdenver.com
Legal Services Fuicelli & Lee
ColoradoInjuryLaw.com
Serena For Denver
serenafordenver.com
Campaigns
Tafoya For Mayor
eantafoya.com
shontelforcouncil.com
Campaigns
Tate for Council At Large
tateforcitycouncilatlarge.com
Campaigns
Terrence Roberts for Mayor
terrancerobertsformayor.com
Campaigns
Yes for Parks and Open Space
yesopenspace.org
Dining
Esters Neighborhood Pub
303-997-4173
estersdenver.com
Dining
Honey Hill Cafe
720-242-6048
honeyhillcafe.com
Dining Education
The Spicy Radish
watsonfordenver.com
720-605-9389
Bishop Machebeuf High School
Education
Denver Language School
Education
Denver Public Schools
Education
International School of Denver
Events
lngtbl.com thespicyradish.com machebeuf.org
303-557-0852, 303-777-0544
denverlanguageschool.org dpsk12.org
Bikes Together
Organization
City Park Alliance
cityparkalliance.org
Organization
Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District
colfaxmayfairbid.com
Organization
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)
chfainfo.com/tomorrow
Organization
Denver Waste Management
denvergov.org
Organization
Five Points BID
fivepointsbid.com
Organization Organization
raqc.org
Ceremony Barber Shop
303-568-9065
ceremonybarber.com
Pet Services
Founders Green Animal Hospital
720-769-8754
foundersgreen.com
Pet Services
Pet Services
Park Hill 4th of July Parade
parkhillparade.com
Events
Park Hill Art Festival
coloradoartshows.com
Events
Park Hill Home Tour
parkhillhometour.org
parkhillgardenwalk.org
listeningparkhill@gmail.com
Regional Air Quality Control 303-629-5450
Events
Park Hill Garden Walk
Mindset Shifters
jccdenver.org
Personal Care
Real Estate
Events
303-399-2660
Organization
gumpoppresents.com parkhillartclub.org
JCC Denver
bikestogether.org
Organization
Gum Pop Presents Park Hill Art Club
720-403-8757
Parent - Safety Advocacy Group (P-SAG)
Real Estate
Events
303-444-4444
Organization
Isdenver.org
303-340-3647
savatree.com/denvercolorado-tree-service-lawncare.html
leslieforcouncil.com
Campaigns
The Long Table Brewhouse 720-486-0927
720-628-6690
720-626-3696 720-276-5174
Sarah4Denver.com
Dining
Number One Housecleaning
kujawaconstruction.com
Home Services Superior House Cleaning
Sarah Parady For Denver
Watson for Denver
Home Services
303-324-6250
kwamefordenver.com
Campaigns
Campaigns
Home Services Kujawa Construction
Website
303-337-6200
lisafordenver.com
Shontel For Council
Phone
Home Services Savatree
Lisa Calderon for Denver
Campaigns
Business name
Dumb Friends League
facebook.com/groups/ east80206
303-751-5772
Park Hill Veterinary Medical 303-388-2255 Center Anastasia Williamson Kentwood City Chris Merman - Liv Sothebys
ddfl.org
parkhillvet.com
303-523-2037
AnastasiaRealtor.com
303-358-4294
cmerman@livsothebysrealty. com
Real Estate
Jaden Combs - Kentwood 303-324-1437 Combs Real Estate
www.combssellhomes.com
Real Estate
Jay Epperson /Judy Wofle303-886-6606 Compass
wolfeepperson.com
Real Estate
Keith Combs - Kentwood Combs Real Estate
720-218-9614
www.combssellhomes.com
303-218-8373
compass.com/agents/kimdavis/
Jimmy Johnson Tax Financial & Tax Services
303-331-8728
jjohnsontaxservice.com
Financial & Tax Kuhn Advisors
303-803-1016
KuhnAdvisors.com
Health
Aqua Marine Reiki
720-978-2085
Health
Hakala Family Dentistry
303-321-8967
hakalafamilydentistry.com
Health
Iris Pediatric Dentistry
720-465-7957
irispediatricdentistry.com
Health
Mayfair Vision Clinic
303-333-9898
visionsourcemayfairvisionclinic.com
Real Estate
Health
Nestman Orthodontics
720-735-9800
nestmanortho.com
Health
Oneida Park Dental Studio 303-531-1578
oneidaparkdentalstudio.com
Real Estate
Health
Park Hill Dental
303-377-8662
parkhilldental.com
Health
Park Hill Family Dental
303-377-3248
parkhillfamilydentistry.com/
Real Estate Real Estate Real Estate
Real Estate Faith
Kim Davis - Compass of Cherry Creek
Laura Hudgins - Compass 720-480-9692 NPRE Marcy Eastman - Compass 720-436-5494 Realty
compass.com/agents/laurahudgins marcyeastman.com
Mark Baker, Equity Colorado
720-257-1541
Shorewood Real Estate
303-756-2999
shorewood.com
The Agency
866-371-6468
theagencyre.com
303-355-1651
montview.org
Park Hill Community UCC
303-322-9122
parkhillucc.org
Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church
5280core.com
720-754-1000
Faith
CU Denver Anshcutz Medical Campus
rockymountain hospitalforchildren.com
Retail
Clark's Market
303-647-3500
clarksmarket.com
303-724-5000
cuanschutz.edu
Retail
Kyndred Shop
303-638-2070
kyndredshop.com
Retail
303-355-8508
parkhillbookstore.org
Home Services Auntie Money Broker
844-228- 6843
amfam.com/agents/colorado/ denver/marvin-hill
Park Hill Treasures
720-701-2644
parkhilltreasures.com
The Knotty Kids Salon
720-408-9361
Theknottykidssalon.com
Body In Motion
720-376-9037
Health Health Home Services
Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children
American Family Insurance 303-373-4030 Agency, Inc.
auntiemoneybroker.com
Home Services City Side Remodeling
303-722-1832
citysideremodeling.com
Home Services Denver Egress Window
720-626-4221
denveregresswindow.com
Home Services David Smith Windows Home Services Diane Gordon Design Home Services Gather & Spruce Home Services Havens Inspection LLC
720-550-2786 303-355-5666 720-990-5085 720-498-3612
Home Services High Country Construction 720-335-5629 Home Services Integrity Roofing Services
Page 14
720-261-3041
drsmith46@yahoo.com dianegordondesign.com gatherandspruce.com Havensinspects.com
highcountryconstruction.com
myintegrityusa.com
Retail Retail Retail Retail Fitness Fitness
Park Hill Community Bookstore Sirloin Rambler
The Shape of Wood Boys & Girls Club of Denver 303-892-9200
Fitness
Burn Baby Byrne
Fitness
Soccer Electric
303-927-7658
sirloinrambler.com
theshapeofwood.com bodyinmotiondc.com bgcmd.org starcycleride.com/studios/ denver/ soccerelectric.com
The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
Big Playoff Win For East Angels Football Finishes Season 9-3
Story and photos by Reid Neureiter For the GPHN
East High won its first fall football playoff game in more than 15 years, defeating the Mullen Mustangs 23-7 on Nov. 3 at All City Stadium. No. 13 seed East entered the playoffs with an 8-2 record, including an undefeated 5-0 in the 5A Metro North Conference. Mullen was 6-4 and was seeded No. 20. East won a game that was much closer than the final score. The Angels managed to stop Mullen’s dangerous offense with the exception of one first half touchdown. Junior running back Sean Campell led the Angels’ offensive ground assault with 19 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown, while East’s defense was dominant. Senior defensive lineman Elias Goss had three tackles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Senior Landon Holloway had 18 total tackles, and ferocious junior edge-rusher D.J. Crowe had three sacks, three passes defended, 12 total tackles and a safety which effectively ended the game. East’s football playoff run ended in the second round on Nov. 10 with a 24-41 loss to No. 4-seed Pine Creek. But in finishing the season with a 9-3 record, East is well positioned for success in the years to come. For the team’s achievements, Head Coach Stephen Ruempolhamer was named Coach of the Year in the 5A North Metro league.
East running back Sean Campbell rushes against Mullen on Nov. 3.
East head coach Stephen Ruempolhamer signals a first down against Mullen.
East defensive end Elias Goss recovers a fumble, for a touchdown against Mullen.
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December 2023
The Greater Park Hill News
Page 15
GPHC Command Central
Something To Celebrate Thanks To You, We Made Thanksgiving For 500 Families By Lori Midson Executive Director, GPHC, Inc.
For the better part of November our staff, coupled with a slew of fantastic volunteers, assembled, stocked, distributed and delivered more than 500 food-filled boxes and bags of Thanksgiving essentials to families in need. We gave out stuffing and potatoes, black-eyed peas, green beans and corn, cranberry sauce, broth and soup, yams and gravy, pumpkin pies and packets of hot chocolate, jars of spices, rolls and boxes of cornbread mix. We distributed loads of fresh vegetables, too. By the time we handed out our last box on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, we’d distributed approximately 10,000 pounds — that’s five tons — of food. Our Thanksgiving giveaway, which Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. has now hosted for 11 years, is a labor of love, and there are so, so many people who contribute to its success. To everyone who
hosted a food drive, donated gift cards, made financial contributions, packed and distributed boxes and bags, graced us with fresh pies, brought carts of Thanksgiving essentials to our office, and generously made jaunts to the grocery store to pick up a few extra items, thank you. All the jingle bells of gratitude for your time and everything you contributed to ensure those in need had a proper Thanksgiving meal. Your collective generosity helped us feed more than 1,100 individuals and families. That’s something to celebrate. And thank you, as always, to all our donors and volunteers for your memberships, financial contributions, in-kind donations and support of GPHC’s critical programs and initiatives. We couldn’t be us without all of you. The gift of love. The gift of peace. The gift of warmth and joy. On behalf of our board of directors, staff and volunteers, we wish you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays.
Essential Food Pantry Needs Visits to our food pantry have increased by 400 percent over last year, and our pantry shelves could use some love. If you’re at the grocery store, please consider donating a few items from the list below: • Canned fish, meat & Spam • Pasta sauce • Canned tomato sauce and tomato paste • Hearty soups and stews • Canned refried, kidney and pinto beans • Canned vegetables (Corn, green beans, spinach, mixed vegetables and peas) • Canned fruit • Cartons/boxes of potatoes • Salt, pepper and spices • Bags/boxes of rice and rice dinners • Instant coffee • Ground coffee • Shelf-stable milk • Cereal and oatmeal • Pancake, biscuit and cornbread mix
• Cake mixes • Shelf-stable packaged meals • Travel-size toiletries • Paper goods We accept food pantry donations between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and between noon and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Our office is at 2823 Fairfax St. We also accept donations by appointment. If you’d like to schedule a donation outside of our office hours, send an email to director@greaterparkhill.org, or call 303-388-0918. Please be mindful of expiration dates. Out of respect for our pantry families, we will not accept expired food items. And please do not leave donations outside our office door. Thank you for abiding by these guidelines. Please note that our food pantry and office will be closed for a holiday break between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2. Our office and pantry will reopen on Wednesday, Jan. 3.
become a GPHC Member greaterparkhill.org
Page 16
Groups, Businesses and Churches Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church City and County Denver Curtis Park Deli Dahlia Campus Farms and Gardens Denver Food Rescue Food Bank of the Rockies Greenway Community Gardens Knight Refrigerated Messiah Community Church Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church Oneida Street Neighbors Overture 9th & CO Park Hill Branch Library Park Hill Congregational UCC Park HIll Elementary School Park Hill United Church of Christ Park Hill United Methodist Church St. Thomas Episcopal Church Starbucks The Urban Farm
Families and Individuals Sylvia Aldena Janey and Harmon Alpert Surendra Amin Andy and Katie Gruel Annie and David Pratt Penny Ashley-Lawrence James Aubrey Cathy Bauchwitz Simon Blamires Sarah Booth Henry Bootz and Maria Flora Isabel Brown Jasmine Brubaker Traci Byrne Jennifer Calderone
Inga Calvin A Bruce Campbell Jennifer Cappeto Martha Carlson Christina and Dan Manzanares Christine and Daniel Allen Marc Chusid Emily Clark Peggy Cuciti Charlie Curlee Brenna Derritt Abigail Dice Anonymous Donors Erin Donovan Cheryl Dorris Diane and Wayne L DuBois Christine Dupont-Patz Jennifer Dyer Ellen Reath and Craig Maginness Anne & Joe Frank Florence Garbini Georgia and Woody Garnsey Brian Gersen Mary Gerwin Al Giardina Bobbi Gillis Princess Gray Lisa Haddox Amy Harris Matt Harrison Pamela Healy The Hendersons Kelly Hudson Jon and Janet Bowman Joncee and Glen Feakes Bill Juraschek Jules Kelty Blair Knicely Paul Kottke William Leo Lakers Barbara Larsen and Leo Riegel Bev Laughlin Patrick Lavin
Mary Jo Lorenz Natalie and Patrick Love Theresa Lower Jason Manegold Elaine Martin Matthew and Elizabeth Spohn Randy & Babette McQueen Lori Midson Brenda and Stefan Mokrohisky Chuck E Nelson Chris and Erin Nielsen Hilary O’Byrne Mark Onderdunk Patty Paul Aliza Porter Harper Antonia Rebellado Cathy Rock Mary Salsich Katherine Saltzman Maria Sandoval Linda Siderius Sarah Speicher Shannon Spezialy Mary Jo Starmer Christopher Stewart Wendi Torres Gloria Valdez Jane Wainwright Al and Ann Yates Debbie Zucker and Brian Field
Food Pantry Volunteers David Addor Bruce Campbell Emily Clark Claudia Fields Linda Lovell Bev Miller Betsy Post Mark Pressey Deb Rosenbaum Carole Robertson Heather Selph
Who We Are, What We Do The Board of Directors of GPHC, Inc. 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. The GPHC board is comprised of volunteer at-large representatives, as well as 10 district representatives. If you are interested in volunteering or serving on a committee, contact current GPHC Board Chair Shane Sutherland at chair@greaterparkhill.org for details. The following are current board members, and their best contacts. Many representatives prefer to be contacted through the main office, at 303-388-0918 or info@ greaterparkhill.org. The GPHC world headquarters is at 2823 Fairfax St. If you have an issue you’d like to discuss about the neighborhood, contact your board representative. For those board members who don’t have a phone or email contact listed, leave a message at the main GPHC number and it will be forwarded to your elected representative.
• Board Chair Shane Sutherland: chair@greaterparkhill.org • Secretary and Zoning/Property Use Chair Bernadette Kelly • Treasurer Heather Shockey • District 1 Amy Harris • District 2 Brenda Morrison • District 3 Heather Shockey • District 4 Currently vacant • District 5 Sophie Milam • District 6 Phebe Lassiter • District 7 Jon Bowman • District 8 Nam Henderson • District 9 Doug Schuler • District 10 Colette Carey • At Large Maria Flora • At Large Shanta Harrison • At Large Tracey MacDermott • At Large Laurel Mohr • At Large Louis Plachowski: lplachowski@gmail.com • At-Large Leslie Twarogowski • Youth Services Chair Rick Medrick • Blessed Sacrament Rep. James Groves • Park Hill United Methodist Rep. Jacqui Shumway
The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
Sunflowers represent long life, lasting happiness and good fortune — a good way to finish out the year. More than a dozen types of insects cozy up to sunflowers, including beetles, weevils, moths — and this Sunflower Seed Maggot. Believe it or not there are three different species of Sunflower Maggots. This little fruit fly, a Neotephritis finales, is about a quarter-inch long, with a wingspan of about 3⁄8-inch wide. She was photographed this summer at Bluff Lake east of Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.
Annual Membership
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Registration
Bugland | Mark Silverstein
2823 Fairfax Street, Denver, CO 80207 • 303-388-0918 • greaterparkhill.org
Complete this form for new membership registration or renewal. You can also register/renew online at greaterparkhill.org/donate Your Name: Household Name: Business Name (if registering business membership): Address: Email: Phone: Individual/Household Memberships:
Business Memberships (Include listing on web directory):
[ ] Individual or Family ($35) [ ] Sponsoring ($100) [ ] Non-Profit ($150) [ ] Other $____ [ ] Business ($250) Any amount your budget allows is deeply appreciated
Would you like to make an additional Please make donation to support our programs? checks payable [ ] Greater Park Hill News $____ [ ] Food Programs $____ [ ] General Programs / Operations $____
to Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. is a 501(c)(3). Our tax ID number is 84-6049695. You will receive an acknowledgment and tax receipt. Members receive our monthly email communication. GPHC will not sell/release your information for any purposes and you may opt out at any time.
Park Hill Vet
Bone For The Holidays Gifts For Dogs And Cats (And Their Humans) By Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ For the GPHN
Trying to come up with a few gifts for the pets or pet lovers on your list? Here are a few recommendations from our veterinary elves, who have been delving through the many best gift lists for pets for 2023. Do loud toys’ squeaks and squawks cause you stress? How about a green gator, purple elephant or silly skunk toy that only your dog can hear? Hear Doggy pup pals can be found on amazon.com and chewy. com for $13 each. Hydration on the go for your dog is easier with the Springer Pets Flip Dog Travel Bottle (springerpets.com or amazon.com, $28 for 20 oz.). The bottle comes in multiple sizes and colors and the flappable cap makes a spill-proof bowl. For pet owners, why not personalize socks with their beloved pet’s face from divvyupsocks. com? Up to three adorable faces can go on each pair; it’s recommended to size up so that their features are not distorted by stretch. Or you can get everything personalized at poochprints.com — from socks and mugs to blankets and stickers. Cats go bananas for catnip toys, and many options are available at your local pet stores, at esty.com or on amazon. com. But some kitties may enjoy a comforting snuggle with a Petstages Purr Pillow Soothing Plush ($7 via amazon.com). Napping should be cozy and warm. The Furhaven ThermaNAP Self-Warming bed for cats and small dogs is an electricity-free option that reflects a pet’s body heat to create a warm sleep surface (also amazon.com, $13). During the dark winter afternoons and nights, a perDecember 2023
sonalized reflective collar and leash from Orvis can help increase visibility. They cost $40 at orvis.com. Want to treat your pet monthly? BarkBox for pups (from $35/month at barkbox. com) or KatNipBox for felines (from $19-33 at amazon.com or katnipbox.com) bring a customizable goodies and toys to your pet/s on a regular schedule. Want something to satisfy a cat lover’s craving for art in a beautiful coffee table book? Check out Cats: Photographs 1942-2018 by photographer Walter Chandoha, (amazon.com, $50). Honoring and investigating the special bond between humans and dogs is Dog’s Best Friend: The Story of an Unbreakable Bond by New York Times Bestselling author Simon Garfield. Fashion always makes a statement if you and your dog want to dress in matching winter sweater styles. Check out Dog Threads at goodthomas.com for lots of cozy options, from nordic sweaters to Feliz Navi Dog pullovers or even Spring-ready BBQ shirts with jungle parrots and more. This one is for all the dog walkers: Rechargeable hand warmers to keep frigid fingers at bay during those cold winter walks (amazon.com, $33). There are so many possibilities one tiny article cannot cover all the choices. Find many, many more fun, funny and useful offerings in every price range imaginable by googling gift guides for pets. At its core, it is our love and bond with our pet/s that makes life wonderful. May each and every one of us enjoy a wonderful holiday season with these special fur friends.
The Greater Park Hill News
The challenges facing today’s retirees are unique. Higher inflation, skyrocketing healthcare costs, longer life expectancies, and complex Social Security rules all make much of the conventional retirement wisdom of the past obsolete. In this new era, it’s crucial that you take a fresh look at the challenges ahead and create a comprehensive plan to address them. For 30 years, we’ve been working with people like you to address the challenges of the transition from accumulating their nest egg to using it to support their retirement lifestyle. Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit www. parkhillvet.com. Page 17
Greater Park Hill Resources Active Minds
The organization’s mission is to expand lives and minds by providing outstanding educational programs. Check out free lectures on topics ranging from music to history, current events to foreign affairs. A schedule of upcoming events is at activeminds.com
Art Garage
6100 E. 23rd Ave., artgaragedenver.com, 303-377-2353. The Art Garage is a nonprofit visual art community center whose mission is to offer arts-based programs that inspire, empower and promote creative self-expression by people of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels. Check out ArtGarageDenver.com for details.
Blunders and Beers
Blunders and Beers is a Park Hill Chess Club that meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Longtable Brewhouse, 2895 Fairfax St., beginning at 6 p.m. All skill levels are welcome. Bring a board if you have one.
Denver Police District 2
3921 Holly St., 2.Dist@denvergov.org, non-emergency number is 720-913-1000. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
Denver Public Schools
dpsk12.org Check the website for resources and updates. Call the helpline at 720-423-3054 for support in many languages.
Faith Community
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. Contact individual places of worship for information about their current state of operations.
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.
2823 Fairfax St., greaterparkhill.org, 303388-0918 The GPHC neighborhood association community meetings are conducted virtually and in person on the first Thursday of the month, except for December and July. The next meeting is Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6:30 p.m. at 2823 Fairfax St. Check greaterparkhill.org/join-us/community-meetings/ for information on how to participate in person and online.
Libraries
denverlibrary.org See the “At the Library” feature in this month’s issue for updates and resources offered by the Park Hill and Pauline Robinson branch libraries.
Northeast Park Hill Coalition
The Northeast Park Hill Coalition hosts its monthly meeting the second Thursdays of the month. Location varies. Check the group’s Facebook page @ Northeast Park Hill Coalition for updates.
One World Singers
One World Singers holds rehearsals every Thursday at 7 p.m. at St. Thomas Church, 22nd Avenue and Dexter Street. Everyone is welcome. Email Sandy at owsmanager@ yahoo.com or go to OneWorldSingers.org for more information.
Park Hill Community Bookstore
Established in 1971. Denver’s oldest nonprofit bookstore. Used and new books. 4620 E. 23rd Avenue. 303-355-8508. Members and volunteers get discounts and book credits. Check parkhillbookstore.org for current hours of operation.
Sie Filmcenter
2510 E. Colfax, denverfilm.org, 303-5953456. Check the website for updates and information about its Virtual Cinema.
Submit your neighborhood events and resources to editor@greaterparkhill.org Deadlines are the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue.
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The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023
GPHN Classifieds ELECTRICIAN
in older homes, though we fix houses of every age. Dan and Laura Pino 303-6981057
GUTTERS
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1-Turn Electrical Contractor, Senior discount; bonded and insured. Jason, 720-275-8299
ROOFING
Gutter Cleaning, repairs, and replacement. Gutter Cleaning prices start at $150 – House, Garage, Porches, and walks. 303-907-9223 skmehaffey@gmail.com
SKI & SNOWBOARD CARE
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www.centralparkskiboardtuning.com Ski and snowboard waxing and tuning. Free pickup and delivery to residence. Visit website or text Brett 303-929-7294
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PAINTING
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TUCKPOINTING
Over 25 years of experience. Fully insured. Mortar color and brick matching, broken brick replacement, cement chimney crown replacement. 12 years Chicago union experience. Mr. Chimney and Home Masonry Repair. Call Chuck Bahnsen 303-948-7999
Interior and exterior painting. Prep, power washing, professional. Owned and operated by Park Hill resident with over 20 years of experience. Free estimate. JR Painting 720-485-7207 or jpabz04@ gmail.com
WINDOWS
Double-hung window RESTORATION includes replacing sash cords (ropes) and removal of excess paint on wood and metal plus lubrication for smooth opening and closing. 40-year resident of PH. Contact David - 720-550-2786
Painting: Interior, exterior, small jobs welcome; sheetrock repairs and texture. 303-907-9223/ skmehaffey@gmail.com
PLASTER REPAIR
THE WALL REBUILDERS Interior plaster (and drywall) repair. We repair cracks, holes, crumbling walls, etc. Specializing
InteRIoR & exteRIoR 720-485-7207 PaIntIng
Prep, power washing, professional. Owned and operated by Park Hill resident with over 20 years experience • Free estimate • Senior citizen and veteran discount. JR Painting
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Window and Gutter Cleaning. Call Bob at Twin Pines Window Cleaning, 303 329 8205
To advertise in the Classifieds contact Brenda Morrison newspaper@greaterparkhill.org 720-287-0442 (voicemail)
the deadline for submitting a classified ad is the 15th of every month
MAYFAIR VISION CLINIC
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Dr. Janice I. Jarret 1336 Leyden
Across from Safeway
303.333.9898
Twenty years of experience working with Denver’s classic homes Numerous Park Hill references Design and Renovation Specialists
720-338-0748
www.CitySideRemodeling.com
HOUSE CLEANING
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Deep & Detail-Oriented Cleaning • Offices/Homes/ Apartments/Airbnb • Move-in/Move-out • Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products (upon request) • Magnificent References
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The Greater Park Hill News
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Page 19
Happy Holidays!
DEntAl
On the Market 1815 Dahlia St.
$799,000 On the Market 738 S. Grape St.
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Dr. thomas Croghan warmly welcomes Dr. Jason Chapman as the dentist taking over patient care at Park Hill Dental
Dr. Jason Chapman DDS
303.377.8662 4624 East 23rd Ave., Denver
Celebrate the Holidays with a Little Regifting.
RECYCLE YOUR HOLIDAY LIGHTS
RECYCLE YOUR TREE
Dropoff Locations & Times
Dropoff Locations & Times:
Dec. 1-31, 2023
Denvergov.org/LightRecycle
Page 20
Jan. 2-31, 2024
DenverGov.org/Treecycle
The Greater Park Hill News
December 2023