Greater Park Hill News July 2023

Center Of The Universe

Welcome to 23rd And Dexter, The Heart Of Park Hill And World Travel Destination

Story and photos by Cara DeGette

GPHN Editor

When asked what’s new at the Park Hill Bookstore, Polly Wirtz shares a fascinating discovery.

With surprising regularity, Wirtz encounters people at the bookstore who report they are just passing through the neighborhood, popping in to pick up a good read on their way to the … airport.

These book browsers, says Wirtz, report driving from distant neighborhoods, even mountain towns. Their route is planned with a Park Hill stopover in mind.

Once they reach the short business block along 23rd Avenue between Cherry and Dexter, they are ready — often beyond ready — to get out of the car. Everything’s within reach: Send the kids over to Turtle Park to run around. Head to Honey Hill for a jolt of coffee and maybe a snack. Jaunt across the street to Spi-

continued on page 8

Guns To Roses

Denver Group Collects 35 Firearms In Park Hill To Repurpose Into Garden Tools

By Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN

“They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.”

Organizers behind a movement to turn guns into garden tools take that passage from the Book of Isaiah literally.

“We believe this is a commandment,” said volunteer Taylor Davenport-Hudson. “We take very seriously the swords-to-plowshares vision — that there won’t be violence in our communities.”

On June 10, some 53 volunteers from 16 different congregations gathered at Park Hill’s Cure d’Ars Catholic Church for a “Guns to Gardens” event.

Organizers had initially hoped between 50 and 100 firearms would be surrendered, but the final count was lower. In all, 35 unwanted firearms were turned in — four of which were assault-style weapons.

“Yes, we’ve dismantled more guns at our previous safe-surrender events,” said Davenport-Hudson. “But we have not had such a large proportion of semi-automatic

Are You Ready To Rumble?

Captain America is ready for you. But are you ready for Captain America? The original superhero is always a huge crowd-pleaser at the Park Hill 4th of July Parade as he rumbles down 23rd Avenue greeting fans and admirers along both sides of the street. He will be joined this year by more than 40 groups and organizations, including marching bands, equestrian teams, vintage cars, Star Wars characters and more. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and runs from Dexter Street to Krameria Street. Check out page 17 for additional info and images from last year’s parade.

by Reid Neureiter

and assault-style weapons surrendered like they were [at the June event]. We are especially celebrating that four assault-style weapons were dismantled.”

Guns to Gardens Denver (gunstogardensdenver.org) is part of a national movement, and has held other similar events in the metro area. The group points out that of an estimated 400 million guns in American homes, many are no longer wanted for a

range of reasons. A gun owner may have children or grandchildren in the home; a hunter or other gun owner may have reached an age where he or she no longer feels that they can safely handle weapons; a gun may have been returned to family by the police after it was used in a suicide or accident; there may be conflict in a family or there may a family member with a serious illness.

continued on page 11

“We are especially celebrating that four assault-style weapons were dismantled.”

— Taylor Davenport-Hudson

Deacon Clarence McDavid of Cure d’Ars Catholic Church in Park Hill celebrates the dismantling of 35 unwanted firearms through the Guns to Gardens safe surrender event on June 10. Photo courtesy Guns to Gardens

In the window at the Park Hill Bookstore.

Photo

park hill'S bOard-certified trent

OrthOdOntic SpecialiSt OrthOdOntic SpecialiSt

2206 Kearney St., 720-735-9800

www.nestmanortho.com

In Search Of A Legacy

Mayor Hancock Spent 12 Years Running Denver. How Will He Be Remembered?

By Cara DeGette GPHN Editor

Anyone else remember how Michael B. Hancock vowed to be Denver’s Education Mayor?

“As mayor, my vision is that every child, no matter where they live in Denver, will have access to quality schools in their neighborhood,” Hancock proclaimed during his 2011 campaign.

The promise was peculiar, and yes, dubious, given that the mayor of Denver has no oversight of Denver Public Schools. However, 12 years ago, polls showed the topic of education was foremost on voters’ minds. Education is what Hancock promised, and Hancock was the guy the voters picked.

Once in office Mayor Hancock elevated an outgoing DPS school board member, Theresa Peña, to a newly-created — if shortlived — role of Denver education czar. He rolled out his “Education Compact” — a “cradle-to-career effort” to make sure every single child in Denver would be successful. All that generated a lot of noise, and then … poof.

It’s been a long time since Hancock waxed on about his Education Compact. In 2023, DPS is a hot mess, run by a board that can generously be described as dysfunctional.

And this month, after three terms, Hancock is limping his way across the finish line, a departure that is oddly muted. Many of his constituents — heck, maybe even Hancock himself — appear relieved he is done. So, at his tenure’s end, what is his legacy? How will history remember Denver’s 45th mayor?

The past three years can’t have been easy, being in charge of a city through a pandemic. Some challenges have seemed almost insurmountable. Hancock inherited a homeless problem, and it has blossomed into a full-blown crisis. Skyrocketing housing costs are changing the character of the city and who gets to call it home. Gun violence and serious crime have spiraled.

To be sure, the mayor and the municipal government he runs can’t fix everything. But, when it comes to big projects, he is supposed to make sure the budgets don’t get blown sky high. Or not.

Consider these Hancock-era projects: DIA’s Great Hall Expansion, originally a $770 million project that soared to an astounding $2.2 billion. The 2016 airport

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

hotel and transit project started at $500 million and jumped to $719 million. The 2018 Platte to Park Hill stormwater drainage project carried a $173 million price tag, until it leaped to $298 million in less than a year. Last month Hancock hosted a party to celebrate the expansion of the Colorado Convention Center. That job was pitched at $104 million. Final cost: at least $233 million.

Let’s consider what Hancock could have done. He could have fostered more open and respectful communications with the people of Denver and its neighborhood leaders — and could have instructed his appointees to do the same. He might have had better success catering not just to who might end up living in Denver some day, but also the people who are already here.

Two years ago Hancock worked hard trying to get Denverites to approve his marquee project — a $190 million bond measure for a 10,000-seat arena at the National Western Center. Voters resoundingly rejected it. So there will be no Hancock Arena.

Some would say Hancock squandered his last year in office. The outgoing mayor’s crowning achievement could have been, well, let’s call it the Michael B. Hancock Regional Park. He could have imagined the Park Hill Golf Course property the perfect spot for a 155-acre park in northeast Denver — an area that needs some serious love and protection.

The mayor could have used his negotiating skills and bully pulpit to fight like hell to preserve the last open chunk of land in Denver, one that is already protected by a conservation easement. He could have instructed his parks director and city attorney to buy the property, using revenues from the sales tax for new parks and park improvements that voters approved in 2018 — during his tenure.

Instead, Hancock directed his administration to partner with Westside Investment Partners. He poured a year’s worth of city time and resources into planning a massive development project there. In April, the voters didn’t go along with him. They overwhelmingly opted to keep the easement, leaving the next move to the next mayor.

Goodbye and best of luck, Mr. Hancock. Maybe your legacy is, at least for now, a cautionary tale for the guy who’s coming in next.

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.

nestman, d.d.S., M.S.

Mayor Michael B. Hancock

Great Balls Of Fire

Looking at a male Western Tanager is like gazing at a flame, with its orange-red head, brilliant yellow body, and coal-black wings, back and tail. That vivid description is courtesy of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. These birds get their scarlet head feathers from a rare pigment that comes from the insects they like to eat. Western Tanagers like to hang out in conifer forests and open woods all over the West; this bird was photographed in a cottonwood tree at First Creek Trail northeast of Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.

a n nouncemen T s

A Jolt Of City Park Jazz

Hard to believe, but the free City Park Jazz concert series will already be halfway through its summer season by the time you read this. The cold and rainy June put a damper on many of the concerts, including at least one cancellation. Now that summer finally appears to be here, pack a picnic and ride or walk or otherwise get yourself over to the park on Sunday nights for the free concerts through Aug. 6 in City Park, just west of Park Hill.

The shows run from 6 to 8 p.m. All ages are welcome, and no RSVP is required. For more information or to volunteer, visit cityparkjazz.org.

Here’s the remaining lineup for this summer:

• July 2: Wellington Billings

• July 8: Chris Daniels and the Kings

• July 16: 4t h A nnual Brass Band E xtravaganza feat. Guerrilla Fanfare and Bourbon Brass Band

• July 23: Otis Taylor

• July 30: The Burroughs

• Aug. 6 – La Pompe Jazz

Dang That Sounds Good

Dang Ice Cream, in the Oneida Park Center, is also sponsoring free live music shows on Saturday nights throughout the summer. The shows run every Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the open area between Dang and Esters, on Oneida Street between 22nd and 23rd avenues.

Here’s the remaining lineup for this summer:

• July 8: Dawn Hunter (rock, country, pop)

• July 15: JoyCakes (jazz, modern covers)

• July 22: Jazz Hands (jazz)

• July 29: Megan T. Smith (country)

• Aug. 5: Carly Johnson (jazz)

• Aug. 12: R ichman Acoustic (classic rock, blues, country)

• Aug. 19: B anthom House (Irish, oldtime, bluegrass)

• Aug. 26: Kober & Sitero (Americana, folk, bluegrass)

• Sept. 2: D avid B ooker B and ( blues, dance, swing)

Meditation In Motion

It’s time to move. Your body, that is. Head over to City Park’s Thatcher Fountain every

fourth Saturday through October at 8 a.m. for some free Tai Chi and fitness walks. The events are also being held every Monday at 9 a.m. at Observatory Park near the University of Denver, if you are over in that neck of the woods.

Physical inactivity is a pervasive issue in the United States, with serious consequences for health and well being. Older adults in particular are vulnerable to the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this problem, leaving many seniors isolated and lacking opportunities for physical activity. So come on over and get moving. All sessions will be led by degreed instructors and experienced presenters. For more information, contact Joseph.brady@du.edu.

The Mummy Is Coming For You This Summer

Denver Film and the Denver Museum of Nature and Science have joined forces on a Sci-Fi film series designed to entertain, scare, and inspire spirited discussion. Museum scientists will join with Vincent Piturro, English and Film professor at MSU Denver, to screen several classic science fiction films and lead discussions exploring where science and film meet. Here are a few of the featured showings this summer. Check out denverfilm.org/sci-fi-series/ for the full lineup and other details, including ticket prices.

Them! Wednesday, July 12 at the Sie Film Fest, 2510 E. Colfax Ave.

While investigating a series of mysterious deaths, Sgt. Ben Peterson (James Whitmore) finds a young girl (Sandy Descher) who is unable to speak.

Everything, Everywhere All At Once, Wednesday, July 19 at the Infinity Theater at Denver Museum of Nature & Science in City Park

Directed by Daniel Kwan a nd Daniel Scheinert, the film is a big-hearted sci-fi action adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman (Michelle Yeoh) who can’t seem to finish her taxes.

Nope, Wednesday, July 26 at the Infinity Theater at Denver Museum of Nature & Science in City Park

A man and his sister discover something sinister in the skies above their California horse ranch, while the owner of a nearby

theme park tries to profit from the mysterious, otherworldly phenomenon.

The Mummy, Wednesday Aug. 2 at the Infinity Theater at Denver Museum of Nature & Science in City Park

The Mummy is a rousing, suspenseful and horrifying epic about an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers in the Sahara Desert in 1925.

JAWS on the Rocks

If you haven’t been to a Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks Park & A mphitheatre, maybe t his is your summer. Film on the Rocks, sponsored by Denver Arts and Venues, has been around for 20 years. Below is the line-up for coming weeks. Check out the full lineup plus details and pricing at denverfilm.org/programs/film-on-therocks/.

Jaws — Thursday, July 6

Steven Spielberg’s classic thriller. When a young woman is killed by a shark while skinny-dipping near the New England tourist town of Amity Island, police chief Martin Brody wants to close the beaches, but the mayor overrules him, fearing that the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town. Mayhem ensues.

Top Gun Maverick — Monday, July 10

After more than 30 years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him.

Mamma Mia — Monday, July 24

ABBA fans unite and get ready to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the ultimate romantic-comedy musical. Donna (Meryl Streep), an independent hotelier in the Greek islands, is preparing for her daughter’s wedding with the help of two old friends.

SOS Pilot Project Underway

The Colorado Village Collaborative opened a Safe Outdoor Space in the parking lot of Park Hill United Methodist Church in 2021. Some neighbors pushed back, even

filing a lawsuit to try to stop the temporary camping site for people experiencing homelessness. Others responded by embracing the program, welcoming the temporary residents to the neighborhood. A group of Colorado-based academics who have studied homelessness and have worked in the field for many years are conducting a pilot project to better understand the reasons some people were opposed. Organizers are looking for 15-20 people in Park Hill to interview, focusing on those who expressed initial opposition to the project. Interested? Email the group at listeningparkhill@ gmail.com for additional info.

Jump On The Bus, Gus. Free Fares Are Back

For the months of July and August, Regional Transportation District is lifting all rates for all transit — that means anyone can take the bus, rail, Access-a-Ride and FlexRide for free.

The program, called Zero Fare for Better Air, takes place during Colorado’s highest ozone months. RTD first offered a free fare month last August, and reported that overall ridership increased by 22 percent between July and August — marking a 36 percent increase over the month of August the year before. In a survey, 72 percent of respondents indicated that they were likely or very likely to continue using RTD.

The free RTD program is being funded by a legislative grant program created by Colorado Senate Bill 22-180 in partnership with the Colorado Energy Office.

With a 19 percent labor vacancy rate, RTD is currently experiencing a substantial shortage of bus drivers and train operators. Still, officials say current services will be in place for the free months, and adjustments (i.e. adding rail cars to trains and extra buses) will be made based on increased demands.

Riders can plan their trips or research routes by visiting RTDs app Next Ride at app.rtd-denver.com/nextride). There, check out the trip planner, access schedules and sign up for service alerts. Next Ride also provides real-time vehicle information. Call 303-299-6000 during regular business hours with questions. Hours are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Some

Desert Dreams: Lowriders At The DAM

The Lowrider Show and Shine, at the Denver Art Museum takes place on July 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features lowriders, local vendors, food, music, and free all-day general admission to the museum. This family-friendly event coincides with the opening of Desert Rider: Dreaming in Motion, an exhibition that highlights how Southwestern Latinx and Indigenous artists express identity, pride, and a sense of community by transforming vehicles—such as lowriders and skateboards—associated with the Western U.S. The show is on display through Sept. 24 in the Hamilton Building’s Anschutz Gallery at 14th and Bannock Street downtown.

Mike Johnston wins Big

Denver’s New Mayor Announces Transition Team And Committees, Vows To End Homelessness In Four Years

By Cara DeGette GPHN Editor

On July 18, Mike Johnston will be mayor of Denver.

The former state senator, 48, beat former Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce CEO Kelly Brough i n the June 6 runoff — continuing the city’s 164year tradition of never electing a female mayor. Johnston won with 55 percent of the vote, to Brough’s 45 percent.

The final vote was decisive, but observers note that, with just a smidge more than a 31 percent turnout in the mayor’s race, Johnston’s victory — representing 17 percent support from all eligible voters — is not exactly a mandate. In the end, though, Johnston beat out 16 other candidates on the ballot in a campaign season that has stretched more than half a year.

cast their ballots in some Far Northeast neighborhood precincts. Parts of Montbello had only 14 percent turnout, and roughly 18-22 percent in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhoods. In Central Park, the highest turnout was a precinct that recorded 55 percent.

Citywide, the highest percentage of voters who cast ballots — by far — were people over 65 years old.

Denver votes

The June 6 runoff also included two city council races whose territory includes portions of Park Hill. In District 8, Shontel Lewis nudged out competitor Brad Revare 51-49. And in one of the most watched — and most expensive — races, Darrell Watson handily beat incumbent Candi CdeBaca with 61 percent of the vote.

Citywide voter turnout may have been unexceptional overall — at least compared to countries like Sweden and Turkey, where participation can climb to nearly 90 percent. However voter turnout in Park Hill ranked among the highest in Denver — which is common in most elections.

According to data from the city clerk and recorder, voters in South Park Hill ranged from 56-68 percent turnout and North Park Hill had a 42-62 percent turnout. Northeast Park Hill voters turned out in the 32-34 percent range.

By contrast, only 14 percent of registered voters

Three days after the runoff election, Johnston announced his team that will help him lead the transition as he builds a new administration. The committee, called Vibrant Denver, is being led by Ami Desai, a former educator and the chief operating officer of Gary Community Ventures, the foundation Johnston mostly recently headed. Committee co-chairs include former Denver Mayor Federico Peña and state Sen. Julie Gonzales. Downtown Denver Partnership CEO Kourtny Garrett, former Denver Post Editor Greg Moore, and Makisha Boothe, the founder of Sistahbiz Global Network, are also co-chairs. State Rep. Leslie Herod, who endorsed Johnston after her unsuccessful bid for mayor, will oversee Johnston’s inauguration.

A week later the mayor-elect announced 28 transition committees that will focus on specific areas — from arts and venues to children’s affairs to DIA to housing stability to parks and recreation to public health. Each committee is composed of two to three co-chairs and 10 to 25 members. The complete list is at VibrantDenver.com.

Johnston, who lives in Central Park, was last in office in 2014. He ran unsuccessful bids for governor and for the U.S. Senate, and has never worked or held office in municipal government. As mayor, he’ll oversee the largest city in Colorado, with more than 11,000 employees.

Cool Couple; Series #10 by Carlos Frésquez.

Photo courtesy of the artist

What Dreams Are Made Of by Nanibah Chacon. Photo courtesy of the artist

Denver’s Climate Champions

Highlighting The City’s True Heroes. Spoiler: Mayor Hancock Takes Credit, But Doesn’t Make Our Cut

By Tracey MacDermott

For the GPHN

Five years ago this month Mayor Michael Hancock announced Denver’s goal of transitioning to 100 percent renewable electricity. By that time 72 other cities were already leading on this issue. Denver was the ninth city in the state to make the announcement.

The next year, 2019, Glenwood Springs and Aspen successfully completed their goals to be powered by renewables. Hancock made a promise that all municipal buildings would be 100 percent renewable by 2025 and the whole city by 2030. There has been no recent update on the 2025 municipal building goal — which is less than two years away. In 2020, Denver reported that 42 percent of its electricity was supplied by renewable sources.

So we were a bit surprised — and more than a bit amused — when last month the United States Conference of Mayors awarded the lame-duck mayor a first place Climate Protection Award in the large city category. The award was for the city’s Climate Protection Fund, the 0.25% voter-approved sales tax dedicated to local climate action.

Also this spring, the city announced that Hancock has been appointed to join an international task force on climate migration. What an interesting development — given this is hardly an issue that Hancock has, at least publicly, focused his attention.

OK, so clearly big-city mayors pat each

other on their backs all the time. But let’s get real — as in, this month let’s celebrate a few of Denver’s real climate champions.

The citizens of Denver

The real heroes of Denver’s Protection Fund (aka the “climate tax”) are the citizens of this city. Three years ago 62 percent of Denver voters passed the 2A climate tax. The tax was a direct result of earlier grassroots efforts led by activists from Resilient Denver.

Specifically, Ean Thomas Tafoya (more on Ean to follow), proposed a ballot measure in 2019 to tax energy use. Opposition from utilities halted its progress. Councilman Jolon Clark subsequently began working on a similar climate-friendly measure, but it was met with opposition from, you guessed it, Mayor Hancock. City Council agreed to halt the measure if Hancock would form a citizen task force on climate. Ultimately, the tax passed. Credit for passing the innovative measure belongs to activists including Tafoya, and the collective spirit of the citizens of Denver.

Ean Thomas Tafoya, climate activist

Tafoya ran this year for mayor of Denver. While unsuccessful, he focused on our most critical issue — climate change. His platform promoted climate and environmental justice, as well as housing, worker’s rights, and public health and safety. His own campaign logo included wind tur-

bines and the sun beaming over Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

For many years Tafoya’s been at the center of many initiatives leading to climate action in Denver. They include the citizenled Green Roof Initiative and Waste No More. After the passage of the Green Roof Initiative in 2018, Denver City Council revised the measure to allow builders more options to meet the requirements.

Denver’s Waste No More requires all Denver businesses, including apartment buildings, condos, restaurants, hotels, and sporting arenas, to provide compost and recycling pick-up services. It passed with 70 percent voter approval last November.

Tafoya’s other work included opposition to the I-70 expansion and fighting for protection from Suncor pollution for marginalized communities. As the state director for Green Latinos, he is leading the way for communities impacted from air pollution.

Woody Garnsey, Penfield Tate, SOS — and Candi CdeBaca

Woody Garnsey organized efforts to stop development of this open space, which is protected with a city-owned conservation easement. Garnsey maintained his focus on saving this 155 acres of land for future generations. He organized the Save Open Space team, which included former state Sen. Penfield Tate.

City Councilwoman Candi Cdebaca was a vocal supporter of SOS Denver, and in her commitment to preserve the conservation easement for Denver.

In April, Initiative 2 O was soundly defeated by voters. It was a resounding rejection of both Hancock’s and most of council’s support of Westside Investment Partners.

We were a bit surprised — and more than a bit amused — when last month the U.S. Conference of Mayors awarded the lame-duck mayor a first place Climate Protection Award.

In 2013, Mayor Hancock traded away open space in Hentzell Park in southeast Denver for a downtown office building. In 2018, the city approved a land swap of city land at 29th and Fairfax to HM Capitol for a small park in the middle of a new development project. It was a piece of land valued over $1 million — and taxpayers still had to shell out plenty in the end to build the promised “free” park.

In the last two years, Hancock put the weight of his entire city administration behind efforts to develop the Park Hill Golf Course land.

These are but a few examples of what kind of “parks advocate” he’s been as mayor.

Early on, longtime Park Hill resident

The work of Garnsey and SOS Denver creates an opportunity for Denver to protect open space, help our ozone and reduce the heat island effect — as well as providing a place for recreation for current Denver citizens and for future generations.

The list above is not all inclusive; many others deserve recognition as well. And Hancock? On the issue of climate justice, not so much. We owe much of that hard work to citizens who have led efforts not just on the examples listed here, but who also lead each day by individual actions. You too, can contribute by getting involved. We each have the capacity to become champions for our climate.

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.

Building Up Thanks To Voters, Denver Contractors Must Now Recycle And Reuse

By Mark Kuhl

For the GPHN

Dumpsters frequently come and go in our neighborhood — indeed throughout Denver — and they carry away lots of perfectly recyclable materials.

Currently nearly half of what gets hauled to the city landfill is construction materials.

Last November Denver voters passed the Waste No More ballot initiative to address this environmental insult of tossing valuable materials in the landfill. Starting this month contractors must submit a “recycling and reuse” plan to

the city prior to obtaining a commercial or residential permit for construction or demolition.

Materials that must be separated and recycled include concrete, asphalt, clean wood, scrap metal, and corrugated cardboard.

Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling household items appear every month in these pages. A directory of his past columns for recycling everything from paint to Styrofoam to shoes is at greaterparkhill.org/sustainability/recycling-directory/.

Advice for A New Mayor

Congrats On Your Win, Mike Johnston. But You Are Not Off The Hook With The Youth Of Denver.

By Anya Nitczynski For the GPHN

Mayor-elect Mike Johnston has spent a good portion of his career in the field of education. He’s taught high school English, worked as an education policy advisor, and he’s even been a principal. Because of his experience working with students, it’s been especially frustrating to see a lack of dialogue during election season about what can and should be done to improve the lives of youth in Denver.

Johnston clearly values the cultivation of young minds in our world. I hope he also values the opinions of those with said young minds — especially ones who write newspaper columns and are named Anya.

Congratulations on your win, Mr. Johnston. But, you are not off the hook with the youth of Denver. Here are a few ideas I have to improve the lives of young people across the Mile High City — especially during summer.

Not A fluffy Cow

The internet has been flooded lately with images and videos of national park visitors behaving badly near wildlife. While the close-callers have mostly lived to tell about it (and post the encounters on their feeds), it’s a good time to remind everyone that when it comes to wild animals, humans should proceed with caution.

Elk in Evergreen and Rocky Mountain National Park, moose in Grand and Summit counties, and bison at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge — while fascinating to watch — all deserve our respect. The National Park Service advises people, when viewing wildlife, to never approach animals. People should stay 100 yards away from predators such as bears and wolves, and at least 25 yards away from other animals, such as elk and bison. The “safest way” to view wildlife, says the park service, is from the safety of your car.

The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National

Wildlife Refuge, just a few miles north of Park Hill, is prime wildlife viewing, including a herd of bison. Visitors to the bison area on the Wildlife Drive have the opportunity to see the beasts unimpeded by any fencing, and safely from their cars. That means never leave the car when you’re in the bison area. As those numerous internet videos mentioned earlier have demonstrated, a seemingly docile bison can turn and charge in an instant. No, they are not fluffy cows.

Seemingly close-up photographs of the bison at Rocky Mountain Arsenal (like the one pictured here) are usually taken with high-powered telephoto lenses from the safety of a vehicle or from behind the high fence that surrounds the bison area. This image of a bison bull rubbing off his winter coat at Rocky Mountain Arsenal was taken with the equivalent of 560 mm lens (11 times magnification) through the fencing at the end of Wildlife Drive.

Don’t spawn the next viral video by harassing the wildlife and getting gored.

As we continue our post-pandemic return to “normal,” it is imperative more than ever that whatever formative years those in the youth population of Denver have left are spent fostering connection, growth and fun that was missed during the time of isolation. It is somewhat in the nature of teenagers to end up in places they aren’t necessarily supposed to be, but it’s also hard to find places to go and things to do that are welcoming to teens and encourage youth participation.

I believe it would be beneficial to create spaces and times specifically designated for younger age groups in public spaces.

I love the idea of city-sponsored outdoor movie nights, shown in parks during the

summertime. There are already some free movie nights around the city — but Denver has resources that could bolster them into the place to be on summer weekends.

It’s also important to support creative expression. How about establishing free youth arts festivals, where teens can show off work they’ve created and go to hear live music played by their peers? Having safe spaces and fun events delegated to younger populations doesn’t have to be overly complicated or expensive. The impact small efforts would make is huge. As far as bigger and longerterm projects go, it would be valuable for the city to, working with RTD, continue to focus on expanding public transportation. This would benefit all age groups, but younger people especially. Increasing connectivity across Denver and providing safe ways to travel around the city should absolutely be a priority. In recent years, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to multiple major cities around the country and world. In most places I’ve visited, public transit was a bigger part of general urban life and reached virtually every nook and cranny of the cities it was in. Public transportation in Denver doesn’t need to reach every nook and cranny — but expansion should be at the forefront of the conversation to improve Denver overall.

If you need some guidance on where to begin, start small. It’s as easy as keeping public pools open all day — not just in the afternoons.

Anya Nitczynski is a rising junior at Denver School of the Arts. Her column appears monthly in these pages.

It is somewhat in the nature of teenagers to end up in places they aren’t necessarily supposed to be.

Story and photo by Reid Neureiter For the GPHN

Business News, continued from page 1

nelli’s for a to-go sandwich for the airplane ride ahead. Pop into the bookstore, and find far better prices and a way better selection than anything at DIA.

“I swear that happens every time I’m in there,” says Wirtz, who recently finished a stint as treasurer of the city’s oldest nonprofit bookstore.

Other businesses round out the block. The Cherry Tomato has been an old-school Italian fixture for 26 years — even Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has stopped in for a bite. Two years ago the owners of Spinelli’s opened a liquor shop next door to t he market. Kyndred, a boutique store, opened in October.

If the Park Hill-to-the-airport stopovers really want full service, they can also drop off their dry cleaning at Park Hill Cleaners and Tailors and pop in for a quick teeth cleaning at Park Hill Dental Arts.

Breaking news at Honey Hill Cafe Honey Hill Cafe had only been open for eight months when the pandemic hit. It was

just about the worst scenario imaginable for a restaurant. Owner Asal Danesh had envisioned a community gathering spot; her overnight reality became the equivalent of, no customers allowed.

But she and her team persevered. As the cafe approached its first anniversary in business, a handmade sign in the window thanked the neighborhood for ongoing support, and proclaimed, “We Can Do Hard Things.”

Three years later it’s hard to envision those bleak days. Honey Hill is undeniably a neighborhood hub. “I like the idea that everybody from this area has a place to walk to and it’s not overrun like the rest of Denver,” she says.

And, Danesh has some breaking news: On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Honey Hill will host its first pop-up flea market. Danesh is inviting local vendors who specialize in everything from custom jewelry to handmade planters and baby clothes, vintage vinyl and other one-of-a-kind treasures. She’s hoping other retail shops on the block will

join the fun. If it’s a success she plans to schedule additional markets. Spinelli’s is 29; time for a facelift.

It’s been nine years since Mary Ellen and Jerry Spinelli passed the baton — and the front door keys — of their iconic neighborhood market and specialty store to brothers John and Ted Moutzouris.

In a 2014 Greater Park Hill News feature, contributing writer (and former newspaper editor) Erin Vanderberg recounted Mary Ellen Spinelli’s first impression of the store that she and her husband bought 20 years earlier.

“Mary Ellen first saw the store on a Memorial Day weekend,” Vanderberg wrote. “It was oppressively hot inside — no blinds, no air conditioning, the scarce chocolate in stock melting on the shelves. Outside, there were bars on the window and a woman using the payphone out front to call the police to make a complaint about the owner. ‘I’m thinking to myself, Hello! What are we going to do here?’ Spinelli was quoted saying.

Hard work, luck, and a strong connection with the neighborhood transformed

the store into well, Spinelli’s. Since taking it over, the Moutzourises have kept the faith. This year Westword deemed Spinelli’s the best sandwich shop in town in its annual Best Of issue. And, the owners just completed a remodel, adding new shelving and displays designed to make it more open and friendly, s ays store manager Matt K ing. New specialty products have been added to the inventory.

“We’re very excited for our customers to come i n a nd check it out,” K ing says. “ They w ill have their minds blown.”

Two years ago, the Moutzourises expanded, opening a wine and liquor store. The shop is in the space previously occupied by Moss Pink Flora and Botanicals — which is thriving in its new spot on the south side of Colfax at Forest Street.

Kyndred spirits, and mysteries

The newest addition to the block is Kyndred, which opened in the former doggie spa space next to the liquor store on Oct 8. Kyndred is fi lled w ith home decor a nd g ifts — e verything from elegant living room, kitchen, bar and bath accessories to baby

Spinelli’s Cashier Genette P. N’diaye, behind the counter.

Spinelli’s Manager Matt King shows off the new displays.

Photos of Spinelli’s founders Jerry Spinelli (at top) and Mary Ellen Spinelli (with their son) still hang in the store.

gear and cards. It is owned by the married interior designer and home renovation team Kyndra and Larry Georgeson.

“Larry grew up in Park Hill and I relocated to Denver after college nearly 28 years ago, so this has always been our dream — to work together, build our brand and launch a retail location in one of our favorite neighborhoods,”

Kyndra Georgeson said.

W hich brings us back to the Park Hill Bookstore — the oldest kid on the block. The nonprofit book shop, with a membership model, opened in 1971. Over the years, it has also housed some sideline businesses, including possibly a bakery, and a potters’ studio in the upstairs loft — a space that is now bulging with mysteries.

Wirtz says that while renewals are down a bit, the store has recently expe-

rienced a surge of new memberships.

Wirtz chalks that up to “all the new families moving in, and new people are finding us — that’s my take anyway.” Also, other independent bookstores closed during the pandemic. “We’ve found that people are coming across town to see us and bringing [book] donations to us.”

John K rauss, t he current president of t he board of directors, says the bookstore is in the process of weaning itself from its Amazon addiction — that is, not listing as many of its books on the online retailer, which K rauss describes as rapacious for the fees and other costs of doing business.

“It’s kind of scary, because we are bucking a t rend,” K rauss says, noting many bookstores have come to rely on hitching to the Amazon sales train. Not

doing that, he says, means many of the books on the shelves are reserved for people who actually come and shop at the bookstore — most of whom embrace the concept of local and non-corporate. For K rauss, t hat i ndependence is v ital. It’s a sentiment shared by many on the block.

This is the second in a series highlighting happenings, historical insights and new developments in the several business blocks and districts in Park Hill. The focus last month was on the Oneida Park Center at 23rd Avenue and Oneida Street. (That story can be read at greaterparkhill.org/summerat-oneida-park/). Other blocks will be featured in the months ahead. To share your business news tips, email editor@ greaterparkhill.org.

Thank You To An Extraordinary Community

The Park Hill Garden Walk would like to extend a big heart-felt thank you to the businesses who sponsored the 2023 Park Hill Garden Walk. Their contributions make this event possible.

These businesses generously support the Park Hill community through their sponsorships, donations, community outreach and so much more. Please show your appreciation of these community partners by supporting them with your business in the future.

Kyndred co-owner Kyndra Georgeson.

Honey Hill Cafe owner Asal Danesh.

Helen Wolcott has a title for this photo: The Long And The Short Of It. Wolcott, left, is a longtime volunteer at the Park Hill Bookstore. She is pictured with Baillie Weil, who is also pitching in this summer at the bookstore. Weil is a rising sophomore and English major at Washington University in St. Louis.

The window in the liquor store next door to Spinelli’s is filled with classic and vintage bottles, including this decanter in the shape of Harry Hoffman Liquors — a long-ago downtown Denver institution.

Cues from My Grandmother

By Anika Dunn

For the GPHN

I’m writing to you today as a young adult concerned for my future as well as the future of the planet. It’s time to change the paradigm of our food system.

Young people like me are waking up to the toxic nature of the government funding of big agricultural companies whose whole premise is to grow genetically modified corn, soy and canola. These raw materials form the basis for processed “food-like substances” and feed for conventional livestock.

Here’s how I’d like our food system to look:

1. Our government needs to shift from subsidizing mono crops to investing in clusters of small family farms. These farms will grow fresh produce, raise organic free range chickens and grass fed livestock and produce organic dairy. They will feed surrounding communities.

2. We need to eliminate concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and feedlots, and ensure that cows eat only grass and hay.

3. Chickens should roam free behind the cattle to eat healthy bugs and prep the cow dung for manure to help replenish the soil.

4. The government needs to stop supporting the marketing of processed “food-like” substances to marginalized communities and encourage community gardens, backyard gardening and education on selecting healthy foods.

No missing parts

Dr. Annemarie Colbin was a true leader in the field of natural health. She had a PhD in holistic nutrition, wrote multiple highlyregarded books on the topic and founded the oldest natural food cookery school in America. She also happens to be my grandmother.

In her book 1986 book Food and Healing, Colbin defined seven criteria for healthy food selection: choosing holistic and nu-

tritious foods that are not only beneficial to humans but also support the Earth’s natural cycle.

Step one is to eat “whole foods,” as opposed to processed foods or food-like substances. A diet of whole foods has cooked or raw vegetables, fruits, whole grains and meats with all their edible parts. Whole foods have all the essential nutrients that the individual body needs, while also providing us with the life energy of the food itself. In many cultures, the whole animal is used; for example, a whole chicken can be cooked, then the bones, which contain collagen and minerals, can be made into stock.

Although they may taste satisfying, broken-down products like juices, sugar and other human-made foods lack many of the natural nutrients made for the body. So in order for them to be “healthful,” they are enriched with synthetic vitamins and minerals.

Colbin highlighted this point in a TEDx talk in Manhattan in 2013. “If any parts are missing, the body will know the difference and the complex system of food is ruptured. . . juice is not whole, sugar is not whole, white flour is not whole, that’s why when we eat those foods, they are not really satisfying — we always want something else.”

The second step is choosing “fresh, natural, real, organically grown” foods. Foods that are canned, frozen, and genetically modified do not have the same life energy and nutrients as foods that are fresh and natural — and pesticide-free.

Choosing to buy organic food is not only beneficial to humans but also supports the environment. When pesticides are used, it ruptures other living systems, contributing to climate change, damaging wildlife and the earth.

In sync with the Earth

Step three, healthy food should be “seasonal.” Summer foods such as fruits, salads, raw vegetables and lighter foods keep us cool, energized and in sync with the earth. Winter foods such as soups, stews and root vegetables warm up the body and keep us grounded during the cold season.

If you eat a tropical fruit salad in the middle of winter, the body prepares itself for warm weather and cools down, thus making the winter even colder. Same goes for eating a warm bowl of borscht during summertime. Because of its warming effect on the body, borscht is usually served on Christmas eve. That same warming effect can make us cranky and overheated in the summer.

The fourth criterion is that food should be “local.” Produce that travels long distances reduces freshness, nutritional value and doesn’t taste as satisfying. When we eat locally, it reduces the amount of fossil fuel used for transporting the product. One fifth of all carbon emissions come from the transportation of food. As noted in the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, “The average food item on a US grocery shelf has traveled farther than most families go on their annual vacations”.

The fifth criterion is that food should be “in harmony with tradition.” What did your grandparents eat? Where was the food sourced? Colbin says it is important to incorporate foods that our ancestors ate because evolution has made our bodies more receptive to it. “There will never be a pill to replicate good old-fashioned home cooking,” she used to tell audiences.

Food for thought

The sixth criterion is “balance.” In order to have a healthy food balance you need to have the right amount of macro and micro nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements. As Colbin would say, “It is just as important to not eat too much as it is to not eat too little.”

Lastly, the seventh and most important criterion is that food should be “delicious.”

Delicious food ignites all the senses and brings joy and harmony to the eater.

By making policy changes like redirecting government subsidies and educating the public to make better decisions, we can

effectively change the food system. This is no small task; in fact, it requires a paradigm shift.

The main question we need to ask is this: If what we are doing is unhealthy for people and the planet, why are we doing it? A quote from the groundbreaking 2008 documentary Food, Inc. sums it up perfectly: “The industry doesn’t want you to know the truth about what you’re eating because if you knew, you might not want to eat it.”

I implore you, dear reader, to think about the possibility of change. You have the opportunity (three times a day, in fact) to be a part of history and help create a world where whole, fresh, seasonal, local, traditional, balanced and delicious food is the norm and boxed, ultra-processed food is a thing of the past. Let’s do this. Together.

The Puzzle of Community

Are you someone who both wants to help people who are without housing, and is concerned about how such programs impact our neighborhood?

If so, you’re who we’re looking for. Would you be willing to have an informal conversation with us, to explore under the surface, and build understanding of how the pieces of our complicated community puzzle fit together?

We believe that thoughtful and compassionate

people (like you) in one-on-one conversations can find the best approaches to growing caring communities.

Our group seeks to understand how neighbors in communities throughout Metro Denver can best respond to the needs of unhoused people. Our members include community volunteers, academics, ordained clergy, and people who themselves have been unhoused.

Anika Dunn with her grandmother, Dr. Annemarie Colbin in November, 2014. Colbin, an author and pioneer of the health food movement, was the founder of the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health And Culinary Arts. Photos courtesy of Anika Dunn

Anika Dunn is a 2023 graduate of East High School. She is taking a year off for work and travel and then plans on continuing her studies abroad.

Guns, continued from page 1

Metal chop saws are used to dismantle unwanted firearms in the parking lot at Cure d’Ars Catholic Church at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Dahlia Street. Photos courtesy Guns to Gardens

Leftover metal parts from this handgun will be forged into garden tools, art, and jewelry.

These garden tools and a necklace were made from gun parts by the Colorado Springs-based company RAWtools.

“For whatever reason, Guns to Gardens provides a way to dispose of unwanted guns without returning them to the gun marketplace, where they could be used for future harm,” according to organizers.

Cure d’Ars Catholic Church Deacon Clarence McDavid described the program as a responsible way to dispose of unwanted guns — and have those weapons of destruction turned into garden tools that are used for good. “Our church is concerned about the high level of gun violence in America and the harm that is being done through suicide, injuries, accidents and other gun violence,” he said.

At the June event, people were instructed to put their unloaded guns in the back seat or trunk of their cars or vans and drive them to the church’s parking lot in Northeast Park Hill. There, skilled personnel removed the firearms from vehicles and transferred them to a chop saw station, set up in the parking lot. The guns were

then cut into three pieces. Gun owners remained anonymous, and waited in their cars through the process.

Once dismantled, the guns are no longer legally guns, and the owners could then donate the leftover parts to be forged into garden tools.

A Colorado Springs organization, RAWtools, crafts the dismantled guns into garden tools and jewelry. (The company’s website is Rawtools.org.) Davenport-Hudson said garden troughs and garden mattocks (with a hoe on one side and a fork on the other) are the most common tools crafted from the dismantled guns.

Additional Guns to Garden events are being organized for September and December in Denver, and one in Lafayette in October, she said. In addition to Guns to Gardens Denver and RAWtools, the June program was sponsored by the Denver Office of Community Violence Solutions and Denver Health.

Ground-level ozone is invisible and the Front Range’s biggest air quality issue. Created from pollutants like car exhaust, ozone is a leading cause of respiratory problems.

Improving our air quality takes all of us, and there are many ways to help.

We encourage you to #JustSkipTwo car trips a week, mow your lawn after 5 p.m., don’t idle your car, telework a few days each week, and take the bus, bike, or walk.

Sign

SimpleStepsBetterAir.org

If you could see Colorado’s air, you would want to improve it.

Park Hill Treasures

Wins We Can Build On

While the results in my race are not what I hoped for, the goal in this election was to bring more progressive candidates to the table. And this has already happened, with Sarah Parady’s at-large win in April and with Shontel Lewis’s District 8 win. This was never about “Candi” — this was about building power for community, to shift the way that our city moves. More people are paying attention and getting involved across districts, and those are wins we can build on.

What will you find?

I see our work in this election cycle as very consequential. We had a net gain in our two progressive votes on council, we defeated a disastrous proposal to develop our last track of open space in already extremely gentrifying and green spacedeprived communities, and we brought a community candidate within less than 2 percentage points of being in a mayoral runoff.

I’m so grateful for our community, for everyone who poured their hearts and souls into this movement. I’m proud of what my team and I have accomplished over the last four years: We have been building the best world possible with what resources we have, and we have been fighting for what everybody deserves. Our wins happen daily, and no election will ever determine our worth or work ethic. We were serving District 9 before coming into office, and we will continue that work far beyond elected office.

Our real opponents, the faceless Denver power brokers and big-money interests, spent an unprecedented amount of money to buy back this city council seat — over $888,000, most of it from dark money independent expenditures spreading disin-

Do We Need To Save Downtown?

Downtown office buildings are half full. There are discussions of turning them into apartment houses. Estimates seem to suggest that conversion to residential will be prohibitively costly. Maybe newly-elected Mayor Mike Johnston can move some tiny houses in.

It would appear that the concept of putting all the offices downtown and building freeways wide enough to move hundreds of thousands of commuters to work is a recurring failure. When the freeways are full, forcing people to ride light rail, bus, taxi, bicycles, scooters to get downtown has failed. It doesn’t work. People can work at home. Information can be distributed via the web. It would be appear to be the human preference for their lives.

But, then again, we have the mantra of the real estate world, “location, location, location” to demand that we find a way to preserve downtown exactly as it was. Mayor-in-waiting Johnston has pledged to make the renewal of downtown the top of his concerns.

It’s not as if downtown has survived on its own. While many projects have been built and subsidized by your tax dollars, it should be a bit harder to spend money on a dysfunctional plan.

The Skyline Urban Renewal project required the destruction of a wide swath of downtown itself. The Skyline project was a mammoth failure, causing the widening of every highway in the metro area so the commuters could fill the vacant lots where premature demolition and fanciful plans had created a vast asphalt prairie. (Including bridges over downtown streets so Denverites could enjoy the same protection from our frigid winters and summer heat as Minneapolis had produced with its new bridges.) When slow development finally abolished the cheap parking lots, every building tried to include multi-story parking garages below the office- and streetlevel tourist shops.

The highways remained stuffed to the gills. Commuters rejected the mass transit. The pandemic showed people they could work from home.

Suddenly, time passed downtown. The only reason workers are required to return

formation and weaponizing misogyny and racism. They’ll be expecting a big return on that investment. While the overpowering misinformation and anonymity worked to confuse an exhausted electorate this time, we must be more vigilant than ever and demand transparency and openness from your newly elected officials now that the fox is guarding the henhouse.

I will not stop fighting along my community for a city that truly cares for all of its people, because District 9 and Denver are my heart, always.

Candi CdeBaca, Elyria/Swansea

Editor’s note: The author is currently the City Council representative for District 9, which as of this year includes parts of South and North Park Hill. She was defeated in the June 6 runoff election by Darrell Watson.

to the office is to keep the pre-leased real estate occupied. People found that they could find work options, which preferred people to work from home substantially to cut the cost of headquarters.

So, do we want to build a third convention center to lure tourists into the empty spaces in the neighborhood? Or should we tear down upper downtown to build the new football stadium? Or should we spend the money making our neighborhoods self-supporting and walkable and let downtown’s captains of the economy fend for themselves?

Or, is it our obligation to subsidize the heart of Colorado business with our money so we can be like other cities? While the people who can afford to purchase the policies say downtown is essential to the city’s survival, we might counter with the fact that neither Paris nor London seem to have our versions of downtown with cheekby-jowl high-rises,18-lane freeways and the homeless.

Just askin’?

Tom Morris, Cheesman Park

We love your letters, and give preference to those that address an issue that has been covered in the newspaper, or a topic that is Park Hill or Denver-specific. Send letters to editor@greaterparkhill.org, and include your full name, and the neighborhood in which you live. Deadlines are the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.

Candi CdeBaca

Tom Morris

AT THE JCC MIZEL ARTS AND CULTURE CENTER

J.D. Macfarlane

Remembered

Former Colorado Attorney General And Park Hill Fixture Blazed Trails For The Rule Of Law

By C.L. Harmer

For the GPHN

A Beacon. A conscience. A titan. Humble.

These praises helped paint a picture of John “J.D.” MacFarlane, the long-time Park Hill resident and public servant who was one of the state’s most influential politicians in the 1970s and ‘80s. The former Colorado Attorney General died on Feb. 16, and was celebrated at a public memorial service at the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center on June 9.

“As attorney general, he attracted an incredibly talented team, recruited diverse lawyers, and appointed some of the first women to serve in senior positions at the department – including Jean Dubofsky a nd Mary Mullarkey, who went on to serve as Colorado Supreme Court Justices,” said current Attorney General Phil Weiser.

Born in Pueblo on October 4, 1933, MacFarlane represented Pueblo in the Colorado General Assembly for two terms. He served as AG from 1975 to 1983, where he made a mark by ending the longtime practice of hiring lawyers with outside private practices, and built the modern Colorado Department of Law. He was later appointed Denver Manager of Safety.

“J.D. delegated work and assumed that it would be done well,” said Dubofsky, who served as MacFarlane’s deputy attorney general. “That was especially important for young women like me. That he thought I was capable and could be trusted to do a good job I attributed to Janet [his wife] and to his sister, who were both lawyers. He had

seen some of the challenges that they had to overcome.”

MacFarlane is survived by Janet, his wife of 60 years, his three children, Jennifer, John, and Andrew, and seven grandchildren. The family requests that donations be made to the J.D. MacFarlane Endowed Scholarship Fund at CU Law School, established to provide scholarships to law students who demonstrate a commitment to public service.

Editor’s note: Park Hill’s Jack Farrar conducted a delightful, free-ranging interview with J.D. and Janet MacFarlane in the January, 2019 issue of the newspaper. Among the topics covered: MacFarlane’s thoughts on the I-70 widening project, the City Park and Park Hill golf courses, the state of the US Supreme Court, and the time J.D. chafed then-Gov. Dick Lamm’s sensibilities by parking his beat-up 1952 Chevy at the Capitol, blocking the governor’s view. The interview is online at greaterparkhill.org/jd-macfarlane-j-d/.

Janet and J.D. MacFarlane, in their garden and at their Park Hill home, circa 2019. File photos

A Splendid Day

The 2023 Park Hill Garden Walk was a cool, refreshing affair. Temperatures stayed in the mid-60s for the June 11 event, with no rain. Upward of 700 people turned out to meander through seven featured gardens in Park Hill and Mayfair,. Nineteen artists displayed their work. The gardens were lush and green and in full bloom, thanks to the bounty of moisture Mother Nature has provided this year. Photos by Cara DeGette, except where indicated

The 2023 Park Hill Garden Walk committee — the power group that made it all happen. Back row, left to right: Paula Marinelli, Kate Blanas, Carla Finch and Victoria Piscotti. Middle row: Megan McQuinn and Christine Davidson. Front row: Sarah Scott, Patty Mead, Micki Amick and Jean Ercolani. Photo courtesy of Sarah Scott

Gardener John Desmond.

Gardeners Ron Davis and Kyle Kimmal.

Volunteers Regina Friend and Judy Wolfe.

Gardener Valissa Tsoucaris.

Volunteer Susan Riederer.

Sculptor James Dixon, in the garden at 3000 Holly St.

Volunteers Marion Powers and Stephanie Ceccato.

A steady stream of looky-loos buzzed through the gardens.

Grace Young and Harper Wick, both 11, set up a lemonade stand with homemade goodies on the sidewalk outside the house of featured gardeners Kyle Kimmal and Ron Davis. Kimmal also happens to be the girls’ English teacher — advertised as their “faaaaverite teacher.” Young and Wick sold out early, and donated one-third of their profits to Mr. Kyle to buy books for his students next year (their hands down favorite is the fantasy series Keeper of the Lost Cities). The haul? $120 in donations. That is a lot of Mallowmelts.

From left, volunteers Nora Funk, Caren Hutchinson and Mary Salsich.

Gardener Kyle Kimmal, with Grace Young and Harper Wick.

Garden aficionado Josh McClauss and Miles, 3, with volunteer Susan Riederer.

Artist Vanessa Martin.

Artist Amy Martin, working en plain air.

aT T he lIB rary

Our Beautiful world

Finding Your Voice And Your Best Self At Project Worthmore’s Together Tuesdays

By Rachel Reddick Park Hill Librarian

At the library, we’re lucky enough to encounter people every day who are different from ourselves. We learn new things all the time and by default, grow our understanding of the world.

Most of us have been struggling these past few years. COVID-19, political protests and disruptions to everyday routines have forced many of us to reexamine what we value in our lives and why we hold the beliefs we do. Working with the library has always been appealing to me in large part because it’s a vocation that embraces the differences within us while building up community.

Denver Public Library is a big fan of an organization called Project Worthmore. which helps refugees in Colorado find a place in our communities. The organization helps with job placement, language classes, healthy and low-cost food, and navigating public assistance. Their clients come from places all over the world for many different reasons. Languages spoken by participants include Swahili, Dari, French, Spanish, Burmese, Pulaar, and many, many more.

who seems to pick up languages the way I pick up favorite authors. Activities included word games, group songs, one-on-one conversations, and greeting exchanges.

Anyone, kids included, can participate. The fun takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at Project Worthmore’s headquarters at 1666 Elmira St., east of Park Hill. Class sizes can range from small intimate groups to large boisterous assemblies. I highly recommend it as an experience that nudges one out of their comfort zone while reminding them of how big and diverse the world is. You can find out more about Project Worthmore and ways you can participate with them on their website, projectworthmore. org/.

Communities succeed when every person within them is given the opportunity to grow into their best selves. Together Tuesdays are a wonderful opportunity to exercise this idea. So is the program the Park Hill branch is hosting on July 15: Speaking Up: Refugees Advocating for Change (details at right).

The last few years have showcased our ability to act and react as part of a larger community, for better or for worse. If you’re feeling a little blue, a little lonely, or a little

Toddler Storytimes | Fridays, 10:15-10:45 a.m., repeated at 11-11:30 a.m.

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. Please only attend one session a day to allow others a chance to participate.

Magic the Gathering Club | Fridays, 4:305:30 p.m.

A teen run Magic the Gathering Club for other teens.

Writing Circle | Thursdays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Who are you writing for? Join our circle to hone your writing skills and share your work.

Intro to Breaking| Wednesday, July 5, 3-4 p.m.

The Bboy Factory Dance Studio will be will be leading this introduction to Hip Hop dance including agility, rhythm and coordination.

Early Literacy Art Exploration| Wednesday, July 7, 10:30-1130 a.m.

Enjoy art with your child and help them develop fine motor skills and curiosity using a wide variety of materials. Geared towards 6 month to 5 year olds who love to get messy with art.

Beyond Babble with Project Worthmore | Wednesday, July 7, 1:30-3 p.m.

Beyond Babble is the first step for anyone interested in volunteering at Project Worthmore and playing a role to support refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and other English Language Learners. For many new residents, English Skills are a critical tool for empowerment and access. As an English speaker, you have the potential to be a powerful resource. The training in celebration of World Refugee Day is interactive and immersive, so come prepared for some surprises! Please register online.

TAB | Tuesdays, July 11 & July 25, 4:305:30 p.m.

Anyone 6th-12th grade are welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens.

Tea Time Travels | Wednesday, July 14, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

Bring back the days of sharing vacation pictures on the big screen. Listen to neighbors travel tales while sipping tea and having a nosh. Sign up to share by emailing sgelwickknight@denverlirbrary or stop by.

Speaking Up: Refugees Advocating for Change | Saturday, July 15, 2-3:15 p.m.

Hearing the lived experience of members of the refugee community is a powerful experience. Speakers from the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau (corefugeeconnect.org/speakers/) will share their experience and how we can join them advocating for refugees’ rights, dignity, and well-being both here and abroad. The speakers’ bureau creates connection and understanding

Screening and Discussion | Thursday, July 15, 4-5 p.m.

In honor of World Refugee Day, join us for an in-person film screening and discussion of The Staging Post (2017). This documentary follows three Afghan Hazara refugees who start a school, inspiring a refugee education revolution. Light refreshments provided.

Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, July 20, 4-5 p.m.

We have changed the format of our monthly book club to a monthly book celebration for kids in kindergarten through 5th grades. 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 we will be exploring Fairy Tales by creating some alternative ways to help fairy tale characters solve their problems. Think of another way for Jack to get down the beanstalk and how to help Rapunzel escape her tower.)

No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, July 22, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between.

Faerie Magic Show | Tuesday, July 25, 3-4 p.m.

The Summer Faerie, aka Erica Sodos Magical Enchantress, is emerging from the heat of summer to share her magic with you. Come be enchanted in this super fun magic show, filled with abundant audience participation and fascinating stories from Faerieland.

Pauline Robinson Branch

Abstract Rock Art I Tuesday, July 11, 11 a.m.-noon

This class allows students to explore rock art and collage by creating a painting with a whimsical cat theme.

Flying Cockatiel Craft I Tuesday, July 18, 11 a.m.-noon

Enjoy the craft-making process by drawing and painting a paper cockatiel with wings that simulate flight.

Cool Science Experiments I Tuesday, July 25, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of science experiments using cornstarch, water, ice and liquid nitrogen.

Take Note: Our Drop-in Tech Help is taking a break this month. Check back on Wednesdays in August.

Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave., and the Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming pro-

If you’re feeling a little blue, a little lonely, or a little stuck, try interacting with someone different than you.

Making music at a recent Together Tuesdays event. Photo by Jamie Laurie/Project Worthmore

Getting Rowdy On The 4th

More than 40 groups and organizations will be marching in the 13th annual Park Hill 4th of July Parade. Join thousands of your closest pals and neighbors to cheer on the marching bands, equestrian teams and dancers, vintage fire trucks and sports cars, costumed Star Wars characters, politicians, martial arts demonstration groups and many more.

The 4th of July parade — the largest in Denver — begins at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 4 at 23rd Avenue a nd Dexter Street a nd r uns to K rameria Street. Here’s how it works: bring blankets, lawn chairs, along with a picnic and your sun hat, pick a spot along the route and get ready to watch all your favorites march by. Before, during and after the parade, many area businesses will be also open.

The Park Hill Parade is an event of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc, and is supported 100 percent by generous donations. Title sponsors this year are Nestman Orthodontics, Dardano’s School of Gymnastics, FaithBridge and the Urban Cookie. Premier sponsors are CollegeXroads, Twinkle Together/Music Together, i9 Sports, Denver Zoo, Spinelli’s Market and Honey Hill Café. Other sponsors i nclude Dee & Steve Ciancio Realty, Paws ‘ n Play/ Ciji’s Natural Pet Food, Park Hill Treasures, Denver Beer Co. and Clair Family Dentistry. These photos from last year’s 4th of July Parade were taken by Reid Neureiter.

own

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) understands the importance of growing, supporting, and celebrating stronger communities.

We provide valuable resources to prepare you for the most important investments in your life—your home and your future. We appreciate the opportunity to get to know you.

www.chfainfo.com/tomorrow

Road Tripping Summer In Colorado Is Finally Here. Check Out These National Parks And Notable Historic Sites

The National Park Service oversees hundreds of designated national parks, historic sites, trails, monuments and recreation areas throughout the United States. The following is a list of those in Colorado. Many of them are open all year but are particularly accessible in the summertime and make for great day or multi-day car trips from Park Hill. Maps and other information can

be found at the national parks website, at nps. gov/state/co/index.htm.

Amache — National Historic Site Amache, near Granada, Colo. This was one of 10 incarceration sites established by the War Relocation Authority during World War II to unjustly incarcerate Japanese Americans.

Bent’s Old Fort — National Historic Site

Features a reconstructed 1840s adobe fur trading post on the mountain branch of the Santa Fe Trail where traders, trappers, travelers, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes came together in peaceful terms for trade.

Black Canyon Of The Gunnison — National Park

The Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Montrose exposes you to some of the steepest cliffs, oldest rock, and craggiest spires in North America. Over two million years, the Gunnison River has carved out this vertical wilderness of rock, water, and sky.

California — National Historic Trail

Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. (Runs through the following states: CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY)

Colorado — National Monument

Colorado National Monument in Fruita preserves one of the grand landscapes of the American West.

Curecanti — National Recreation Area

Curecanti National Recreation Area in Gunnison is a series of three reservoirs along the once wild Gunnison River.

Dinosaur — National Monument

In Dinosaur, Colo. and Vernal, Utah. Dinosaurs once roamed here. Their fantastic remains are still visibly embedded in the rocks.

Florissant — National Monument

Beneath a grassy mountain valley in central Colorado lies one of the richest and most diverse fossil deposits in the world.

Great Sand Dunes — National Park and Preserve

In the San Luis Valley southwest of Denver. The tallest dunes in North America are the centerpiece in a diverse landscape of grasslands, wetlands, forests, alpine lakes, and tundra.

Hovenweep — National Monument

In Cortez, Colo. and Blanding, Utah, Hovenweep includes six prehistoric villages built between A.D. 1200 and 1300.

Mesa Verde — National Park

For over 700 years, the Ancestral Pueblo people built thriving communities on the mesas and in the cliffs of Mesa Verde, near what is now the towns of Cortez and Mancos, Colo. Today, the park protects the rich cultural heritage of 26 tribes and offers visitors a spectacular window into the past.

Old Spanish — National Historic Trail

Follow the routes of mule pack trains across the Southwest on the Old Spanish National Historic Trail between Santa Fe, New Mexico, and Los Angeles, California. (Runs through the following states: AZ, CA, CO, NV, NM, UT)

Pony Express — National Historic Trail

This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of eastwest communications before the telegraph. (Various States including CA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY)

Rocky Mountain - National Park

70 miles northwest of Denver, Rocky Mountain National Park’s 415 square miles (265,807 acres) encompasses a spectacular range of mountain environments.

Sand Creek Massacre - National Historic Site

The Sand Creek Massacre site i n K iowa C ounty: profound, symbolic, spiritual, controversial.

Santa Fe — National Historic Trail

This trail was a main wagon line between western Missouri and Santa Fe, NM. (Runs through t he following states: CO, KS, MO, NM, OK)

Yucca House — National Monument

Yucca House National Monument in Cortez preserves a large unexcavated pueblo with a stunning setting in Montezuma Valley, nestled between Mesa Verde and Ute Mountain.

— Compiled by Cara DeGette, file photos by Reid Neureiter

Bugland | Mark Silverstein

Sting Like A Bee

Sit, franco furter, Sit!

From Knuckles Capone To Ozzie Pawsbourne: When It Comes To Naming Our Best Pals, Us Humans Get Creative

By Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJ

For the GPHN

Writing inspiration is sometimes hard to come by and hot summer days do not help. As I was contemplating this month’s column, I didn’t want to write about the same old t hing – not t hat pet health topics a re not important, but sometimes you need something fresh.

A search for a particular patient in our database led me to names. I’m not able to use my favorites from our own records, but here is a collection of unique, fun — and real — names for pets courtesy of Trupanion™ Pet Insurance.

Celebrities

Tiny Elvis

Sir Elizabeth Taylor

Bill Cosby

Bobcat Dylan

Corgi Feldman

Food & Drinks

French Fry

Agent Jack Daniels

Skittles

Dr. Lola Pickles

Oatmeal

Historical Caesar Isis

Buddha Zeus

Gaia

Fictional Characters

Simba (The Lion King)

Smeagol (Lord of the Rings)

Rambo (Rambo)

Batman (Batman)

Gandalf (Lord of the Rings)

Totally Different

Bunny Going to Chang

Midnight Friar

Fizzgig

Funny Face McT

Hand Over Fist

Not to be outdone, Veterinary Pet Insurance always lists their Top 50 Wacky Pet Names for dogs a nd c ats a nnually – I’ve gone with the first 20, but you can find the long list at the link at the end of the article:

Dogs

Almost-A-Dog

Franco Furter

Stinkie Mcstinkerson

Sir Seamus McPoop

Audrey Hepburn

Jedi Mind Trick

Baron Von Furry-pants

Dexteronimous Prime

Beanfart

Swarles Barkley

Afro Thunder

Biscuit Winch

Woodrow Waddlesworth

Beastiewinks

Dewey Decimell

Knuckles Capone

Beagle Lugosi

Shooter Mclovin

Uzi Duzi Du

Sir Chomps-A-Lot

Cats

Ozzie Pawsbourne

Mr. Meowgi

Murderface

Fuglee

Scruffernutter

Corporal Cuddles

Cat Masterson

Spam

Tape W. Orm

Louisiana Purchase

Kung Fu Kitty Door Stop

Speedbump

Princess Kevin

Toot Sweet

Frisky McCracken

Mittens Ninja

Sir Oswald Wigglesworth

Thug Master K. Col. Mustard

And, of course, there’s Tardar Sauce, also famously known as Grumpy Cat, and Colonel Meow. Both have large followings on the internet and Twitter (@RealGrumpyCat and @colonel_meow if you want to become a follower).

For more great names, check out this link: tinyurl.com/GreatPetNames

Creative naming of pets is a great expression of both the pet’s and the owner’s personality. If you have a pet with an unusual name or a favorite that you’ve seen, please post it on our Facebook page, @ ParkHillVet. We will gladly add it to our collection.

Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit parkhillvet.com

The Pale Green Assassin Bug is one of nearly 200 species in North America. The bugs in this genus, Zelus luridus, are beneficial predators, and eat all manner of pest insects including boll weevils, leafhoppers and moth caterpillars. And how’s this for some carnage? They ooze a sticky substance on their legs that they use to catch dinner. Once they’ve got their prey in their clutches, they use their beaks like straws to consume the insides. When an Assassin Bug bites a human, it can be quite painful, like a bee sting, but far from deadly. This Pale Green Assassin Bug was photographed in Park Hill by Mark Silverstein. Marvin

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.

Good Times Ahead

Summer Event Season Is In Full Swing In Park Hill

By Lori Midson Executive Director, GPHC, Inc.

Say what you will about the buckets of rain Mother Nature has poured from the sky over the last month, but all that moisture made for one spectacular Garden Walk.

Eight homes in Park Hill and Mayfair participated in this year’s Garden Walk, and the landscapes were flush with blooms, topiary, pollinators, ambient lighting, fountains, sculptures and lawns that made us green with envy. A huge shoutout to our terrific Garden Walk committee, who spent months making this annual event a huge success. I’d also like to extend gratitude to the artists and volunteers, generous homeowners who put their gardens on display for all to enjoy and our wonderful event sponsors.

Hot off the heels of the Garden Walk is our 4th of July parade, which cruises down 23rd Avenue. The July parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and stretches from Dexter Street to Krameria Street. There a re v iewing a reas a long the route on the north and south sides of 23rd Avenue — bring blankets, a picnic and lawn chairs. And, hopefully, the weather will call for sunscreen as opposed to an umbrella.

Vendor registrations are now open for our 45th annual Home Tour and Street Fair, the biggest fundraiser of the year to benefit the work we do at Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. The event is slated for Sunday, Oct.1, and we’re looking for all

kinds of vendors for the street fair: food trucks, crafters, artisans, nonprofits, local small businesses, florists, jewelry makers, designers, health and wellness professionals, stationery designers, bath-and-beauty product merchants, plant retailers and more. More than 2,500 attendees gather at the Street Fair, giving vendors a tremendous amount of visibility. Sign up early to ensure you get your preferred booth placement.

We’ve also created several sponsorship opportunities (including in-kind) to suit various interests and objectives. Check them out at parkhillhometour.org/sponsor/. Your support provides exceptional brand visibility, networking opportunities and the chance to highlight your commitment to strengthening our community.

Our seasonal farm stand is now in full swing. The farm stand is open every Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. all summer long. Stop by for some fresh, free produce, generously donated from Denver Farm Rescue and The Urban Farm. Do you have a surplus of produce in your own home garden?

We’ll take it! Our objective is to encourage sharing among neighbors and reduce food waste in the process.

As always, a huge thank you to our financial and in-kind donors, special event committees and food pantry volunteers. We are immensely appreciative of your time, generosity and support.

Thank you to the following groups and people who made recent donations to GPHC, Inc.

Churches and Organizations

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

Cake Crumbs Bakery and Cafe

CIV Real Estate

Cure D’Ars Catholic Church

Dahlia Campus Farms and Gardens

Denver Food Rescue

Mayfair Liquors

Oneida Street Neighbors

Park Hill Branch Library

Park Hill United Methodist Church

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

Starbucks

Individuals and Households

Annie and David Pratt

Penny Ashley-Lawrence

Clayton Bartczak

Cathy Bauchwitz

Simon Blamires

Ellen Brown and Terry

Haussler

Abby Burton

Jennifer Calderone

Inga Calvin

Christine and Daniel Allen

Christine and Tim Dea

Steve and Bernice Donohoue

Duane and Jean Gall

Ellen Reath and Craig

Maginness

Carla Finch

Sarah Foster

Anne & Joe Frank

Bobbi Gillis

Princess Gray

Amy Harris

Stuart Hayden

Adrienne Hill

Kathleen Hoebel

Arline Hull

Julie Husson

Bill Juraschek

Robb Kolstad

Olga Kolva

Kristin Hoagland and Jericho

Dorsey

Meghan LaPorte-Trujillo

Debra Lentz

Kate Liebens

Lola and Arlen Hershberger

Matthew and Elizabeth

Spohn

Matt Meadors

Miles Brennan and Yvonne

Bokelman

Tracey MacDermott

Mike Bufton

Diane Minor

Harriet Mullaney

Christina Naff

Nicholas and Teresa Nossaman

Chris and Erin Nielsen

Joyce and Larry Nielsen

Glenna O’Neal

Carolyn Pauls

Maureen Pearson

Mark Pressey

Samantha Lehni Reeves

Linda Rice

Mary Salsich

Barbara Sharp

Heather Shulman

Lynn & Rich Shults

Dana Smith

Mary Jo Starmer

Christopher Stewart

Sue Bruner and Gordon Pedersen

Blair Taylor

Kelly Tobin

Wendi Torres

Sally Walker

Paula Washenberger

Laura White

Suzanne White

Linda Wooten

Guy and Susan Wroble

Vanessa Zimmerman

Debbie Zucker and Brian Field

Garden Walk Committee

Patty Mead

Paula Marinelli

Carla Finch

Kate Blanas

Jean Ercolani

Megan McQuinn

Micki Amick

Sarah Scott

Christen Davidson

Victoria Piscotti

Food Pantry/Farm Stand

Volunteers

Deb Rosenbaum

Noni Horwitz

Linda Lovell

David Addor

Emily Clark

Beverly Miller

Carol Flank

Betsy Post

Carrol Rhead

Heather Shulman

Claudia Fields

essential food Pantry Needs

Between January and June of this year, visits to our food pantry increased by more than 500 percent compared to last year, and our food shelves need some love. If you’re at the grocery store, please consider donating a few items from the list below, or shop directly from our Amazon food pantry needs list: tinyurl.com/GPHCAmazon

• Boxes of dry cereal

• Oatmeal

• Bags of white rice

• Packages/boxes of mashed potatoes

• Ramen

• Cans of tomatoes, tomato sauce and tomato paste

• Canned corn

• Canned green beans

• Canned mixed vegetables

• Canned fruit (peaches, pineapple, mandarin oranges and mixed fruit)

• Jarred pasta sauce

• Canned tuna and salmon

• Canned corned beef hash

• Cans of hearty soups and stew

• Bottles of juice

• Hygiene products/toiletries

We accept food and toiletry donations between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and between noon and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. We also accept donations by appointment. If you’d like to schedule a donation outside of our office hours, please email director@greaterparkhill.org, or call 303-388-0918. Out of respect for our clients, we kindly ask that you only donate items that have not expired. And please do not leave donations outside our office door. Thank you for your understanding.

who we Are, what we Do

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.

• 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

This map shows the 10 district boundaries of GPHC, Inc. Six at-large representatives also serve on the board of the Registered Neighborhood Organization.

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.

• 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

Let The Creators Create

A new mural on the basketball court at City of Axum Park is designed to honor the resilience and strength of the Tigray people in Ethiopia, who have been targeted and displaced in the three-year-old bloody civil war.

The installation, titled Let the Creators Create, is also a tribute to the bond shared between Denver and its sister city of Axum, Ethiopia, says Vincent Owens of Park Hill Financial District.

Owens and Park Hill-based artist Jack Price II are the driving forces for the just-completed mural at t he park, at Martin Luther K ing, Jr. B oulevard and Cherry Street. The mural is an artistic impression of an Ethiopian king flanked by Tigrayan flags. Funding for the project came from a Denver Arts and Venue P.S. You Are Here grant.

“We aim to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the people of Tigray and express our solidarity during their difficult times,” says Price. “We hope this mural serves as a symbol of hope and unity for all who visit City of Axum Park.”

– Photos by Cara DeGette

Vincent Owens, of Park Hill Financial District, standing next to the rendering of the finished product.

Artist Jack Price Join Our Team! Help Get The Word Out! Local news keeps communities vibrant and connected. The Greater Park Hill News depends on our readers to bundle and deliver the paper to neighbors. Volunteer opportunities average just 20 minutes a month. Contact: newspaper@greaterparkhill.org or call 720-287-0442

II at work.

g r ea T e r p a rk hI ll r e sources

Active Minds

Active Minds has transformed itself during the pandemic from a live, in-person series of lectures to a web experience. Check out free lectures on topics ranging from music to history, current events to foreign affairs. A complete 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.

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 community meeting is Thursday, Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m. The in-person meeting is at 2823 Fairfax St., and also accessible

CONCReTe

Concrete work and repair. Driveway, patios, and sidewalks. Small jobs are welcome. 25 years experience. Free estimates. 303-4290380

eLeCTRICIAN

1-Turn Electrical Contractor, Senior discount; bonded and insured. Jason, 720-275-8299

hOUSe CLeANING SeRVICe

Weekly/Bi-Weekly Cleaning. 10 years experience; Call 303-828-8387; Minerva Sanchez & Lety Valenzuela. Best time to call: Monday-Friday, 7 AM – 2:00 PM.

MASONRY SeRVICeS

Masonry Services- Brick, Stone, Concrete, restoration, tuckpointing, chimneys, retaining walls, city sidewalks. Licensed, bonded, and insured. www.thebrickandstoneguy.com References. Call Shawn 303-907-9223

PAINTING

PREMIER PAINT WORKS since 1993. Denver’s Residential Paint Specialists. Int/Ext Neat, conscientious craftsmanship by polite, respectful, honest & fully insured crew, impeccable references. Call or text John at 720-849-3921.

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 720485-7207 or jpabz04@gmail.com

PLASTeR RePAIR

THE WALL REBUILDERS Interior plaster (and drywall) repair. We repair cracks, holes, crumbling walls, etc. Specializing in older homes, though we fix houses of every age. Dan and Laura Pino 303-698-1057

ReNTAL INSPeCTIONS

For landlords looking to get their rental license. Email jon@havensinspects.com or call 720-498-3612

ROOfING

Residential reroofing and repairs, 17 years experience, licensed, bonded, and insured. Gutter replacement and cleaning. Call Shawn 303-907-9223

SKI & SNOwBOARD CARe

Affordable ski and snowboard waxing and tuning. Providing pickup and delivery to your residence. TEXT Brett 303-550-6166 centralparkskiboardtuning.com

TRee TRIMMING

Tree trimming and trash removal. General yard work and clean up. Gutter cleaning. Please call 303-429-0380

TUTORING

Elementary/Middle School Math Support –Veteran teacher, professional license, flexible with location and scheduling, love partnering with families and students! Call/text Seth 720-770-0218

TUCKPOINTING

Over 25 years of experience. Fully insured. Mortar color and brick matching, broken brick replacement, cement chimney crown replacement. 12 years Chicago union experience. Mr. Chimney and Home Masonry Repair. Call Chuck Bahnsen 303-948-7999

wINDOwS

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