Issuu

All the News About Denver’s Best Residential Community Since 1961 • Volume 57, Issue No. 3 • March 2018

EDUCATION UPDATE | Lynn Kalinauskas

Park Hill Neighbors for Equity in Education Forms To Tackle The Big Issues

Araceli Velasquez Marks Seven Months In Sanctuary In Park Hill

PAGE 7 PAGE 12 PAGE 14 Photo by Lia Sharee Photography

ful and respectful. One could feel, in the large gym, the energy that was waiting to be channeled into potential solutions that would strengthen the neighborhood.

Self-interest and segregation The meeting opened with presentations by three featured speakers. Alan Gottlieb, the first speaker, owns a

Barnstorming Over Park Hill

Barnstorming, in which pilots performed loopthe-loops and acrobatic stunts like the one shown here, gained popularity during the Roaring 20s. During the post-World War I era, flying circuses were all the rage after thousands of surplus biplanes (called Jennys) were sold at bargain prices to private owners, helping to awaken America to civil aviation. Charles Lindbergh reportedly got his start as a barnstormer, and some of the most famous daredevils were women, including Katherine Stinson and BesPhoto credit: The Tom Noel Collection sie Coleman, an African-American woman who also fought segregation. This photo of a daring air feat was sent in by Park Hill architect Marc Applebaum. The shot was taken over Treat Hall at the former Colorado Women’s College (now Johnson & Wales) marking the far southeast boundaries of Park Hill. The view is to the southwest, showing Park Hill, Montclair and Aurora beyond.” Pretty much wide-open prairie land,” noted Applebaum. “Oneida Street and Montview are evident, as well as the historic residences. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Stanley School can be seen at 13th and Quebec.” Just a few years shy of 100 years later, the landscape has certainly changed dramatically – a reminder of the ramped up development that continues its onward (and upward) march. Colorado historians Stephen Leonard and Tom Noel provided additional insight. “The original Lowry Field was located near 48th and Dahlia in the 1920s. My guess is that the plane flew from there,” Leonard said. Noel says he originally got the photo from an old timer, now gone. – Cara DeGette

communications consulting firm and is co-founder of Chalkbeat, a national news nonprofit focused on PreK-12 education. He listed the many benefits of diversity, including a synergy that occurs when people from different backgrounds work together. He noted that the best colleges and the best employers look for people who are able to continued on page 10

PAGE 15

If, on the morning of Jan. 27, you didn’t make your way to McAuliffe to participate in the community meeting organized by Park Hill Neighbors for Equity in Education, you missed something big. This was by far the most positive discussion on education I’ve attended in a decade. PHNEE is a group of parents and community members who have organized to bring attention to the current state of segregation in Greater Park Hill schools. More than 150 people attended the meeting, which was headlined Park Hill Past to Present: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Just over half the attendees came from within the Greater Park Hill boundary. A fair number of people from other neighborhoods were also attracted, curious for information and hungry for authentic conversation. A handful of Denver Public Schools employees also came, including downtown administrators as well as principals and teachers from the neighborhood’s schools. Board members Jennifer Bacon and Carrie Olson, who both represent Park Hill, listened and participated. Although the discussions were about serious challenges in Park Hill and Denver’s educational landscape, the fact that such a crowd came together was in itself uplifting. Conversations were informative, insight-

PAGE 2

A Force To Be Reckoned With

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

18 Degrees And … Rugby

Springtime, Rockies Style: Extreme Skiing An Hour From Park Hill Support Democracy: Go To The Library

Future Of Park Hill Golf Course Uncertain: Meeting Set For March 10

UPCOMING GPHC MEETINGS Thursday, March 1 and Thursday, April 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 2823 Fairfax St. All are welcome to attend.

‘There Is No Deal’

City Shelves Fairfax Land Swap, Cites Lack Of Public Process By Cara DeGette Editor, GPHN

Denver Parks and Recreation Director Happy Haynes has announced her department has backed away from supporting a controversial land swap between the city and a private developer for a pocket park on Fairfax Street. The proposed deal, which was crafted without public input, would have given developer Ben Maxwell of HM Capital the former Xcel Energy substation property on the west side of Fairfax between 28th and 29th avenues for future development. In exchange, Maxwell agreed to build a park on the east side of the street inside his blocklong residential and commercial project, called Park Hill Commons. During a Feb. 22 meeting at Stedman Elementary School, Haynes confirmed that the city did not follow correct procedure. “I want to apologize to the community for not following the same process we often do … to determine what the community needs and desires with regard to developing a park site,” said Haynes. “We put the cart before the horse.” The city obtained the former substation, which is about one-third of an acre, for $50,000 in 2016. Parks and Recreation deputy director Scott Gilmore announced plans for a modest park, possibly a dog park. Later that year, the developer met privately with Councilman Chris Herndon, whose district includes Park Hill. HM Capital offered to pay for and build the park as long as it was on the east side of the street, inside the development project. Gilmore has since maintained that it could be seven years or more before the city could afford to build the park in its original loca-

tion. For more than a year, both Gilmore and Herndon have appeared with the developer in public forums, expressing enthusiastic support for the deal. Asked during the Feb. 22 meeting whether the city’s support for the land swap was being rescinded, Haynes noted that she could not speak for Councilman Herndon. But, she underscored, “There is no deal.” Herndon, who was in attendance, did not address the group. He left shortly after Haynes finished speaking. Haynes’s comments came several weeks after the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. wrote to her and to Herndon, asking them to clarify the city’s plans. The letter also noted that the Park Hill Neighborhood Plan, which was adopted in 2000, specifies that, “Changes to parks and open space should be decided in a neighborhood forum.” “Our purpose is to ensure that the adjacent neighbors’ priorities and wishes for the features of a pocket park in their neighborhood are heard, documented, and published.” The letter, which was approved unanimously at the Feb. 1 GPHC community meeting was signed by 26 board members of the Registered Neighborhood Organization. (The full letter can be read at greaterparkhill.org.) GPHC has also hosted several community meetings to discuss developing the pocket park at its original proposed site on the west side of the street. Many longtime residents living nearby are African American and working class. Many have expressed concerns that they would not feel welcome in a park on the east side that would be surrounded by the developer’s upscale restaurants, retail shops and townhomes. continued on page 5

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Page 2

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FAITH IN ACTION | Sierra Fleenor

Seven Months In Sanctuary Araceli Velasquez Continues Her Fight Against Deportation Araceli Velasquez came to the United States in 2010 when she was 19 years old. She fled her home country of El Salvador out of fear for her life amidst gang violence and political unrest. In June of that year, 14 people were murdered on public buses in two separate incidences on the same day in the same city. The attacks were led by suspected gang members. Women’s lives are particularly vulnerable in El Salvador. “El Salvador has the highest rate of femicide in the world, and miscarriage is punishable by 30 years in prison,” according to the American Friends Service Committee petition on behalf of Velasquez. Since last August, Velasquez and her family have been in sanctuary at Park Hill United Methodist Church and Temple Micah, whose congregations share the building at Montview and Glencoe. From her makeshift apartment inside the building, Velasquez recently described leaving El Salvador. “Once I arrived at the border with the U.S., I was detained. And then in detention I learned I could apply for asylum because of the violence I was fleeing, so that’s what I did.” Velasquez was denied asylum, but stayed in the U.S. out of concern for her safety. When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) came to her home in 2016, Velasquez was pregnant with her youngest child. A lawyer helped her apply for and receive a stay of deportation, which expired last July. She was denied an extension and a month later, she entered sanctuary at Park Hill UMC and Temple Micah She is

WHO WE ARE Editor Cara DeGette Manager Melissa Davis Art Director Tommy Kubitsky

HOW TO FIND US Voicemail 720-287-0442 Email newspaper@greaterparkhill.org Website www.greaterparkhill.org Facebook facebook.com/greaterparkhillnews Twitter @parkhillnews

Ann Torgerson 303-522-5922

2052 Leyden St $1,150,000 Gorgeous 2 Story Ann Torgerson

Steve LaPorta 303-525-0640

Nina Kuhl 303-913-5858

Office: 303-858-8100

Araceli Velasquez with son Christopher, being blessed at a welcoming ceremony at Park Hill United Methodist/Temple Micah. Left to right are Pastor Nathan Adams, Pastor Angie Kotzmoyer and Rabbi Adam Morris. Photo courtesy AFSC

Story Tips and Letters to the Editor: Cara DeGette; 720-979-4385, editor@greaterparkhill.org Advertising information: ads@greaterparkhill.org Classified ads: Melissa Davis; 720-287-0442 (VM), newspaper@greaterparkhill.org Deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month

the only member of her family who is undocumented. Her three children are U.S. citizens and her husband Jorge currently has Temporary Protected Status -- though TPS for El Salvador has been scheduled to terminate in 2019. For Velasquez, sanctuary “means that I don’t have to be fearful that I’ll be separated from my family and that I can continue to fight my deportation in order to keep my family together.”

Fleeing political violence The New Sanctuary Movement, in which both Park Hill UMC and Temple Micah participate, has roots in the sanctuary movement of 1980s. Faith leaders and activists helped people immigrate from El Salvador and Guatemala to the U.S. to flee the political violence that the U.S. initially refused to recognize as human rights violations. Dating further back, the tradition of sanctuary can also be found in the Hebrew Bible and the Torah, though with a different application. Today, claiming sanctuary in a faith community means that the individual or family and the faith community decide to have a relationship that includes providing the person or people in sanctuary a place to live. Sanctuary relies on a 2011 memo from ICE that ensures that “enforcement actions do not occur at nor are focused on sensitive locations such as schools and churches.” The memo contains some exceptions. The current administration has adhered to a continued on page 4 The Greater Park Hill News is published by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC) on the 1st of each month. Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of GPHC. GPHC does not necessarily endorse the companies, products or services advertised in The Greater Park Hill News unless specifically stated. GPHC reserves the right to run any advertisement. Circulation is 14,000 and is distributed 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. See page 17 for more details.

The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

BIRDLAND | Mark Silverstein

Why is Mona smiling? She just sold a home with Roet Realty. Celebrating 10 years on Kearney Street in Park Hill.

Call it home.

Taking The Red-Eye Spotted Towhees look like large sparrows with thick, pointed beaks, short necks and round chunky bodies. They can live up to 11 years. Spotted Towhees can often be seen hopping around in the underbrush; this female was photographed in the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico by Park Hill resident Mark Silverstein.

5-Star Agent - 8-Year Award-Winner Emily Roet - 303.717.4216 Charm Gilmore - 303.548.5288 2247 Kearney St, Denver, CO 80207 303.862.8846 - www.RoetRealty.com

STOP BY AND ASK US ABOUT A FREE HOME EVALUATION.

Anastasia Williamson lives and works in Park Hill. She loves this neighborhood for its architectural and cultural diversity. That kind of expertise qualifies her as a true Park Hill resident expert. It’s why Anastasia ranks as one of Park Hill’s most successful Realtors. Clients know her expertise translates into top dollar for their properties.

With every home I sell in Park Hill in 2018, I'll make a contribution to the Greater Park Hill Community

Park Hill Snapshot Park Hill Year End Snapshot

2017

2016

% Change Month

Closed Sales Closed Sales Volume

329 $209,256,876

354 $205,402,813

-7.1% 1.9%

Average Sales Price Highest Price Sold Average Days on the Market

$636,039 $2,050,000

$580,234 $2,525,000 32

9.6% -18.8% -12.5%

Average Above Grade SqFt Average Total SqFt

1,578 2,446

1,511 2,368

4.4% 3.3%

Average Price Per SqFt (Above grade)

$421

$392

7.4%

Average Price Per SqFt (total)

$266

$249

6.8%

- Please Note! I have several highly qualified Buyers wanting to

buy in the Park Hill area. If you are considering selling, please call me!

Based on information from REcolorado®, Inc. for the period 1/1/2016 through 12/31/2017. Not all properties were listed and/or sold by Kentwood Real Estate. This representation is based in whole or in part on content supplied by REcolorado®, Inc. REcolorado®, Inc. does not guarantee nor is it in any way responsible for its accuracy. Content maintained by REcolorado®, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Neither listing broker(s) nor Kentwood Real Estate shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless.

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March 2018

2646 Birch St. 2679 Albion St. 1638 Clermont St. 2810 Bellaire St. 2605 Fairfax St. 2677 Ash St. 2560 Birch St. 2681 Cherry St. 2809 Birch St. 2514 Glencoe St. 2652 Fairfax St. 1688 Newport St. 2609 Eudora St. 2800 Birch St. 3060 Ash St. 2810 Olive St 1623 Bellaire St 2037 Krameria 2084 Forest 1536 Clermont 2582 Bellaire St 2886 Cherry St

2345 Clermont St. 2070 Birch St. 2229 Birch St. 1775 Monaco Pkwy. 4345 E. 16th Ave. 2680 Ash St. 2861 Birch St. 2854 Cherry St. 2091 Hudson St. 2645 Ash St. 2570 Bellaire St. 2616 Fairfax St. 4326 Batavia Place 2845 Cherry St. 2947 Clermont St. 3035 Bellaire St. 2670 Grape St. 2655 Elm St. 1418 Grape St. 2680 Ash St. 2271 Clermont St 2223 Holly St.

The Greater Park Hill News

2817 Albion St. 2684 Fairfax St. 2894 Dexter St. 2855 Ash St. 2665 Forest St. 2530 Bellaire St. 2820 Birch St. 2614 Glencoe St. 2840 Clermont St. 1929 Bellaire St. 1915 Monaco Pkwy. 1544 Leyden St. 2920 Cherry St. 2621 Grape St 2576 Fairfax St 2581 Dahlia 2389 Cherry 2829 Clermont 2960 Ash 2556 Clermont 2681 Cherry

4545 E. 29th Ave. 2530 Glencoe St. 2895 Birch St. 2955 Ivy St. 1610 Locust St. 2295 Eudora 3025 Albion 2668 Elm 2936 Albion 2389 Cherry 2654 Elm 2514 Glencoe St. 2065 Hudson St. 2845 Cherry St 1623 Bellaire St 2855 Dahlia 2825 Bellaire 2900 Ash 2681 Clermont 2829 Ash St 2251 Ash St

2877 Cherry St 2341 Ivy St 2847 Clermont 3010 Cherry St 2861 Albion St 3010 Clermont 1669 Newport 3045 Fairfax 4660 E 16th Ave 2877 Cherry 2971 Bellaire 2531 Clermont 2894 Birch 2801 Dexter 3593 Monaco 2668 Birch St 2664 Cherry St 2032 Holly St 2819 Ivanhoe 1637 Elm 3610 Magnolia St

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303-523-2037

Page 3

YOU NEED US. WE NEED YOU.

Sanctuary, continued from page 2

Read Us. Follow Us. Advertise with Us. Support Free Press.

‘What needs to get done?

Page 4

policy of not entering these locations, but ICE agents have been known to appear near sensitive locations, including schools. While there is precedent for claiming and providing sanctuary, there is no law keeping ICE agents from entering faith communities to carry out deportation actions. Thus, providing sanctuary is considered an act of civil disobedience.

A period of discernment A year ago, members from Park Hill UMC, Temple Micah, and other local faith communities attended an interfaith meeting on the topic of sanctuary hosted by Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition. Afterward, Park Hill UMC and Temple Micah each entered a period of discernment about their capacities to offer sanctuary, and what they would need to be able to host someone at their building. Steve Holz-Russell, co-chair of the Park Hill UMC trustees and a coordinator of the sanctuary taskforce, recalled starting the conversation practically. Their first priorities were identifying an appropriate space to house someone and “educating our community on what sanctuary is.” The two faith communities also considered how they would connect and work together to support someone in sanctuary. Once the initial conversations were completed, the process moved relatively quickly. “Compared to other things we’ve done as a church, [deciding to become a sanctuary site] went lightning fast,” said Holz-Russell. The church took a vote in June of 2017 in which more than 80 percent of the congregation voted in favor of sanctuary. Those who did not vote in favor voiced concerns about logistics and possible retaliation from the authorities and others who might want to do the faith community harm. Three candidates were interviewed to see if they wanted to claim sanctuary at Park Hill UMC and Temple Micah. “Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition brought Araceli to us, but Araceli chose us,” said Holz-Russell. Velasquez and her family moved in shortly after her interview. The apartment where the family would be living was still not complete. For about five weeks, they stayed in the youth room until remodeling was completed. The two faith communities have worked together to make Velasquez and her family comfortable and cared for. UMC lead pastor, Rev. Nathan Adams, describes the ongoing work as very pragmatic. Community members, he says, have been asking themselves, “What needs to get done and who can do it?” Temple Micah Rabbi Adam Morris agrees. From his perspective, the two faith communities have found that “we’re doing good and we’re pursuing justice and compassion, but the other great part has been … deepening our relationship.” Another unforeseen outcome of housing Velasquez in sanctuary has been the upswell of support from the broader community. More than 90 regular volunteers give their time as either door monitors or overnight volunteers. These volunteers have come from within the church and temple, the broader neighborhood and throughout Denver. Rev. Peg Newell, volunteer coordinator for sanctuary, provides support to others, and makes sure that those who are pitching in have Velasquez’s best interests in mind. ICE is known for conducting raids early in the morning or late at night. Park Hill UMC and Temple Micah have protocols in place should agents show up at their building. “That’s one of the principle reasons to have somebody [volunteer], especially at night when the cameras might be off and people might not be paying attention, to make sure that there’s somebody here who can act an intermediary, and provide visibility and shed light on those actions, should they occur,” said Holz-Russell. “We had a scare where ICE went to Jorge’s place of work,” said Rev. Angie Kotzmoyer, associate pastor. Holz-Russell received the call from Velasquez saying she thought ICE

These photos of Araceli Velasquez and her family were taken inside the church. In the top photo, from left, Jorge, Jr. Jorge, Kevin, Araceli, Christopher. Photos at top and bottom left were taken by Ric Urrutia. All others courtesy of American Friends Service Committee.

was on their way. Recalling that frightening day, HolzRussell said, “I called everybody.” “And everybody came,” said Rev. Adams. Within a half an hour, nearly 20 people had gathered to bear witness and provide support. The raid never materialized, but the memory of that scare has not faded.

Imagining a world without sanctuary Sanctuary has given Velasquez the ability to keep her family together, but it has also shown her that change is possible. “I really believe that if more churches had the experience that Temple Micah, Park Hill [UMC] and I have had, where we learn to trust one another and share with one another deeply, that that would change the politics and the laws that we have,” she said. Park Hill UMC and its church board are considering sponsoring legislation around shifts in immigration policy, as well as declaring support for those living in sanctuary in Colorado. Rev. Adams knows that providing sanctuary and considering legislation is just the beginning.

“We see a neighbor in Araceli and her family that are in need,” he said. “I think God is providing volunteers, people who are interested and care about this, to make it possible. So, we gotta do it. We gotta put our faith into action.” Both leadership from Park Hill UMC and from Temple Micah sited theological reasons for their sanctuary work. “God didn’t create the borders that we so strongly want to protect out of fear,” Rev. Kotzmoyer said. “We should be helping people who are being threatened for their livelihood because of the borders we created.” Ultimately, the hopes of Velasquz and of Park Hill UMC and Temple Micah are the same: That Velasquez and her family will be able to return to their own home. Furthermore, said Rev. Adams, “we really want to live in a place where the idea of sanctuary isn’t even needed.” So far more than 3,900 people have signed a petition in support of keeping the family together in the U.S. To learn more, visit www.sanctuaryphumc-micah.com. The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

23 AND DEXTER| JACK FARRAR RD

No Deal, cont. from page 1

SirKirven

“A park is a place that, in my view, brings people together and helps define the neighborhood,” Haynes said. Her hope, she said, is for a park that will honor the diverse community that has been in the neighborhood for generations, as well as be welcoming to newcomers. Several people in attendance wondered whether HM Capital would support both a park on the west side of the street and also open space inside its development. The developer’s park – with water features, a climbing wall, a grassy area and flanked on two sides by restaurants with patios – has been part of the original design since Maxwell first unveiled the plans nearly a year and a half ago. “Ben [Maxwell] could come out a big hero on this,” said Denise Washington, who has been working with neighbors to design the park on the west side of Fairfax, at the site of the former Xcel station. After the meeting, Maxwell said if the land swap does not go through, he will not build a park or open space in his development. Instead, he will build out the entire block. “I am more than frustrated and sad it has gone this way,” he said. The next day, HM Capital published a social media survey on a neighborhood Facebook page, urging people to fill out a survey expressing support for the entire development project. The first phase, to include 21 townhomes, broke ground in late February. Expected completion for the first phase, Maxwell said, is next year. The city parks and recreation department has scheduled three additional meetings seeking public input for the park. Dates will be Tuesday, March 13, Tuesday, April 3 and Tuesday, April 17. All begin at 5:30 p.m. and all will be at Stedman Elementary School, at 2930 Dexter St.

SirKirven - yes, that is his name - is a very soft-spoken, polite young man. He has lived in Park Hill his whole life, and attended Stedman Elementary and Smiley Junior High. He is now a senior at East High School. He hopes to go to a college where he can learn art therapy, probably at Metro. When I asked him to write down who he would like to be sitting next to, he doesn’t hesitate. Jesus. Why Jesus? “He’s tight,” answers SirKirven. “I look up to him.” What question would he ask Jesus? “I would have so many questions. I guess I would ask him, ‘How do I find the courage to do everyday things, to get through the day.’ ” SirKirven says this almost wearily, way too weary for his age. He is inspired by the Bible. “I’ve read all of the New Testament. My favorite book is Psalms.” If he could change one thing in the world what would it be? “I would do something about poverty. There’s a lot to do about poverty, but somehow we won’t do it.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Par for the Course

Nearly every day I drive down 23rd Street or 26th. I cry or cry out as I see the devastation of the fenced-in City Park Golf Course. The lovely trees now on their side, chopped down. The geese had to move out of the way for men with their giant Tonka Toys. Digging here. Piling up there. Scattering the sawdust remains. Sally Ortiz, Park Hill

Tribute To An Outstanding Woman

The January feature story “Matriarch of Elm Street” was an excellent and well-deserved tribute to an outstanding woman! I am proud to call Ophelia Mejia my friend and former neighbor. Thanks to Jack Farrar for writing the article, and Park Hill News for publishing it, along with family pictures.

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Editor’s Note: 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. Join the conversation and make your voices heard. 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.

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The Greater Park Hill News

Sold signs follow wherever we go! Page 5

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS Éirinn Go Brách

Irish and honorary Irish Coloradans are invited to celebrate the wearing o’ the green in downtown Denver at the largest St. Paddy’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi. This year St. Patrick’s Day is on Saturday, March 17, meaning the parade falls on the same day Irish descendants around the world celebrate their patron saint. The parade theme is “Tribute to Irish Heritage,” and will step off at 9:30 a.m. from the corner of 19th and Wynkoop in Downtown Denver. The route continues along 17th to Blake Street, marching east to end at 27th and Blake in the Coors Field parking lot. More than 10,000 marchers and 200 entrants will join in the parade, including pipe bands, step dancers, floats, police, fire and emergency service agencies, military members, equestrians, charity groups, marching bands, businesses and dignitaries. Grand Marshal is Kelly Brough, president and CEO of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the parade, visit denverstpatricksdayparade.com.

Check Out The Action In Our Backyard

Two Neighborhood Climate Action forums are scheduled for Friday, March 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 10, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The forums, sponsored by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., will bring local experts on the science of climate change who will bring insights from a global to regional perspective and help participants envision what meaningful climate action looks like in our neighborhood. Friday night’s presentation will be followed on Saturday morning to brainstorm and prioritize climate action projects and create action plans that will help take us from vision to reality. The forums are free and at the GPHC office, at 2823 Fairfax St. Refreshments will be provided. For more, check out facebook.com/ events/2118295208499331/.

Garden In A Box

Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. is holding a Seed Starting Workshop on Tuesday, March 6 from 6 to 7 p.m. The workshop, Garden in a Box, is designed to help local gardeners learn about starting seeds indoors to stretch the growing season. Instructions, seeds and other materials will be on hand, and there will be giveaways. The free workshop is at the GPHC office, at 2823 Fairfax St. For more information, check out facebook.com/events/210601946156282/

Blueprint Denver: Creating a Complete City

The City of Denver is hosting a series of workshops in March discuss potential strategies for land use and transportation in Park Hill and citywide. The workshop focusing on the geographic area of City Council District 8 – which includes all of Park Hill and Stapleton – is March 15, from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at DSST Stapleton High School, 2000 Valentia St. It is free and open to the public. The workshop follows an initial Blueprint Denver planning effort. According to a press release from the city, “planners are working on a new approach to managing land use in [Denver]. The new concept acknowledges that all places in our city are constantly evolving in pursuit of becoming complete in their own way — not just through enabling or limiting development, but through qualityof-life infrastructure like safe sidewalks, housing options, transit access, parks and open space. Diversity, affordability and good urban design/architecture are key to complete neighborhoods as well.” The process involves moving “beyond Denver’s ‘areas of change’ and ‘areas of stability’ model, established in 2002. Food, childcare and Spanish interpretation will be provided. A sign language interpreter or CART servicPage 6

es will be provided upon request. Contact signlanguageservices@ denvergov.org three business days before the meeting. For other public accommodation requests, contact disabilityaccess@denvergov.org. For more information, check out denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/ denveright/news/2018/blueprint-complete-city-workshops.html

Youth Get The Mayor’s Ear

Mayor Michael B. Hancock is seeking applicants to join his Youth Commission to advise city leaders on policies, programs and opportunities that have an impact on the lives of young people in our communities. Youth commissioners must be Denver residents and in high school for the 2018 - 2019 school year. Applications are being accepted through March 11. Learn more and apply now at denvergov. org/mayorsyouthcommission.

#DenverPublicArt30

Denver Arts & Venues invites Denverites to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of Denver Public Art, which sets aside 1 percent of every municipal capital improvement project over $1 million for the creation of public art. Denver residents and visitors are invited to share photos and videos through social media using the hashtag #DenverPublicArt30. The social media campaign encourages people to focus on 15 themes, two per month. Thirty photographs from these posts will be displayed at the end of the year at Buell Theatre downtown. Favorites will be selected by Denver Arts & Venues staff and Denver artists. All submissions will be highlighted on PublicArtDenver.com. “There are some pieces in the collection that everyone recognizes,” says Denver Public Art Manager Michael Chavez, “but by identifying themes, we hope people will seek out the art hidden in plain sight.” The February theme was Love, and African American History and Heritage. Monthly themes for the rest of the year are as follows: • March: Art in Cold Weather, and Women’s History and Heritage • April: Animal Art, and Public Art Selfies • May: Memorials and Statues, and Asian and Pacific American History and Heritage • June: Summer-Time Art (Picnics and Park Fun), and Find Art in Your Neighborhood • July: Denver International Airport Collection, and Light or Kinetic Art • August: Urban Arts Fund, and Indoor Art • September: Latino and Hispanic History and Heritage

Catalytic Denver Connects People And Architecture

The Denver Architecture Foundation will launch its 2018 lecture series, Catalytic Denver on March 13. Catalytic Denver is the first full year of DAF’s lecture series programming, which will take on a different theme each year. The series connects the public with architecture and design experts and civic leaders aiming to ignite community dialogue and further engage the public with topics related to Denver’s built environment. The lecture series programming comes as part of DAF’s recent rebranding efforts, meant to expand and enhance program offerings to people living in or visiting Denver. The first lecture of Catalytic Denver will be from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Sharp Auditorium in the Denver Art Museum Hamilton Building. The lecture will focus on Denver’s Civic Center, and is free and open to the public. To register and for more info, visit denverarchitecture.org.

Where The Buffalo Roam

The past, present and future of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge will be the subject of a three-event

speaker series. The first event will be 5:30 p.m. Thursday March 15, 2018 at Stapleton MCA Event Center, 8371 Northfield. Blvd. It is free and open to the public. David Lucas, refuge manager for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will summarize the recreational and educational opportunities on this federally protected 27-square mile wildlife habitat. Kip Cheroutes, staff aide to former U.S. Rep. Patricia Schroeder, will tell the history of how the refuge came to be. The second event, date to be announced, will preview summertime activities at the refuge and will detail the history of the environmental remediation at the refuge. The third event, on Thursday Sept. 6, will include reflections by State Historian Patricia Limerick of the University of Colorado’s Center for The New West. The series is hosted by Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges, the nonprofit organization to support the refuge’s mission of connecting to the surrounding community. For more information, contact Kip Cheroutes at lxc. strategies@gmail.com, or visit www.ffrwr. org.

It’s Your Move

For his bar mitzvah project on March 4, local student Ezra Caplan is hosting a chess tournament fundraiser to benefit Denver’s refugee community through the African Community Center. The tourney

is at 4 p.m. at Sazza restaurant’s community room, in the Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St. All chess lovers are invited to spend the afternoon playing chess. As Ezra notes, why waste another knight when you could be enjoying yourself? Don’t be destiny’s pawn. Make your move! Yummy snacks will be provided, courtesy of Sazza, and prizes will be awarded to the champion player and top donor. There is a minimum donation of $10, and various levels are available – from Pawn to Knight, to Bishop, Rook and Queen. To RSVP call 720-2526368, or email elianafish@msn.com.

Calling All Green Thumbs

The Park People and Denver Parks and Recreation are inviting nature lovers who want to improve the beauty and long-term health of Denver’s urban forest to sign up for a five-session training program that begins March 10. The Community Forester Training combines classroom and hands-on field experience at various parks throughout Denver. Registration is open through Friday, March 2. Classes are $20 each. Participants who register for all five classes get the fifth course free, making the total $80 for the complete training. To register or get more information, visit TheParkPeople.org or call 303-722-6262. Space is limited.

Seeking Bloomin’ Gardeners 18th Annual Park Hill Garden Tour Is June 24

March generally brings some of the heaviest snow of the season. Ahhh, Springtime in the Rockies. That also means Park Hill Garden Tour volunteers are already hard at work, putting together the 18th Annual Park Hill Garden Tour. This year’s Garden Walk is June 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you are a gardener who is proud of the outside space you have created at your home and would like to share your artistry with others, contact Patty Mead at prmead416@gmail.com or Carla Finch at carla.j.finch@gmail.com. We’ll be happy to provide more information about this event and what participating in the garden tour means for you. If you would like to participate as a volunteer, please contact Kate Blanas at klblanas@gmail.com. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact Allison Nuanes at Allison@allisonlovesdenver.com. For everyone interested in attending this year’s Garden Walk, make sure to mark the date. The gardens featured on the tour full of wonderful designs that go well beyond flowers and plants. You’ll see one-of-a-kind art pieces, extremely imaginative planting devices, beautiful water features and much more. Advance tickets will again be $12 this year, $10 for seniors age 65-plus. Children under 12 are free. Tickets and more information are available online at parkhillgardenwalk.org. The event raises money to support the Greater Park Hill Community, a Registered Neighborhood Organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill through resources, information and advocacy. Learn more at www.greaterparkhill. org. The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

18 Degrees And … Rugby! The Denver East High Rugby Club started its season with the Denver East Invitational tournament on Saturday Feb. 10, with shortened matches against Northside Rugby Club and Legend High School rugby. East’s A-side overcame 18-degree temperatures and a raging snowstorm to prevail in both games. East’s Rugby Club is a five-time state champion, last winning the state title in 2015, while finishing as State runner-up in 2016 and 2017. Because only a few Colorado high schools have rugby teams, a number of students from other schools play for East’s team. Three of East Rugby’s senior captains – Aiden Rocchio, Patrick Berzins, and Luke Neureiter – are Park Hill residents.

Top: Denver East Senior Skee Springman, throwing a Lineout.; Above: East Rugby Club’s Grant Grant Pullen, a student at DSST Stapleton, (in red with white headband) advances the ball through the snow and three Legend Rugby Club defenders.; Left: With East High in the background. Photos by Reid Neureiter

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The Greater Park Hill News

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EARTH MATTERS | Tracey MacDermott

No Snow, No Olympics Climate Change A Critical Part Of The Conversation

Gov. John Hickenlooper and Mayorworking on a campaign, called 100 Percent Michael B. Hancock are seemingly in hot Committed, to help stop climate change. pursuit of bringing the Winter Olympics The campaign focuses on working with to Colorado. There is certainly heated decommunities to shift to 100 percent clean bate about this issue, as there was and renewable energy. Organizers in 1972 when Denver backed out are working with towns to dump of the 1976 games. dirty fossil fuels that are driving Regardless how each of us may climate change. The initiative recfeel about the games coming to ognizes that our seasons and snow the state, we do need snow and is at stake as well as our way of life. cold for the games to be viable. Vail Resorts recently commitClimate change is threatented to zero emissions by 2030, zero ing Colorado winters. This year waste to landfill by 2030 and zero alone, 99 percent of Colorado is net operating impact to forests in a drought. At the time of this and habitat. The company’s comwriting, the state was at 62 percent mitment includes purchasing 100 of its average precipitation. Recent percent renewable energy and inTRACEY studies show that of 21 cities that vesting in programs such as tree have hosted the Winter Olympics, MACDERMOTT planting to offset the use of other nearly half of them won’t be cold types of energy. enough to host the games by mid-century. “As a growing global company so deeply A publication from the University of connected to the outdoors, we are making Waterloo found that average temperatures a commitment to address our most pressduring the Olympics have increased from ing global environmental challenge and around 33 degrees Fahrenheit before 1960, protect our local communities and natural to a current average of 46 degrees Fahrenresources,” said Rob Katz, chairman and heit. chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. By 2050, many ski resorts in the United Katz isn’t the only one to recognize that States are expected to see the the industry may not conlength of their season cut in By 2050, many ski tinue to exist unless measures half. By 2090 ski seasons will are taken to combat climate be reduced in duration by a resorts in the United change. whopping 80 percent, accord- States are expected to “Even if the whole ski indusing to research published last see the length of their try did this, it would not solve year in the journal Global Enclimate problem,” Aspen season cut in half. the vironmental Change. Cities Skiing Company Vice Presiare now stockpiling snow in dent of Sustainability Auden order to have enough of the white stuff for Schendler has noted. cold weather events. During the 2014 SoThis is where our elected officials (and chi Olympics, organizers reserved 450,000 those running for office) need to commit cubic meters of snow up at altitude in order to fixing the biggest issue facing humanity. to have the needed amount for the games. These cannot be empty promises. In a recent interview with New York Many businesses and individuals are Times climate reporter Kendra Pierre-Louleading the way on these efforts and while is, cross country skier and Olympic hopeful our elected officials are investing energy in Jesse Diggins noted that it is getting more bringing the Olympics to Colorado they difficult to be able to ski on real snow. Many need to invest as much energy in saving resorts have been making snow, which our Colorado winters. makes the runs icier and more dangerous We are long overdue for both the State of for athletes. Diggins noted that real snow Colorado and the City of Denver to make is softer and it’s not as hard when you fall. a commitment to 100 percent renewable Clearly it is the real snowfall that proenergy. One of our biggest economic drivvides the best skiing conditions. Snowers depends on all of us stopping climate making requires energy consumption and change. disruption of ecosystems like tundras and Tracey MacDermott is chair of the board of streams. Fifteen of the 16 hottest years on Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. Active record occurred in this century. in the registered neighborhood organization Beyond the Olympics, shorter seasons for many years, MacDermott was the 2012 and scarce snow has also taken its toll in recipient of the Dr. J. Carlton Babbs Award other ways. From 1999 to 2010, low snowfor Community Service. In January she fall cost ski resorts and companies an estireceived the INC Neighborhood Star Award mated $1 billion in potential revenue and for 2017, for her advocacy on behalf of Park at least 13,000 American jobs. Hill. She was trained as a Climate Reality In collaboration with the Climate Reality Leader in 2017. Project, the initiative, I AM PRO SNOW, is

Going For Gold Tracey MacDermott, board chair of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., received a Neighborhood Star Award for 2017. Awarded annually by the Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation, the gold star honors community leaders who are making a difference in their communities. The 24-member board of GPHC nominated her, and she was honored at an awards dinner on Jan. 31. The INC is a consortium of dozens of Registered Neighborhood Organizations in Denver. Its mission is to advocate for citizens and actively engage in addressing city issues. In the nomination letter, board members highlighted MacDermott’s longtime efforts working on behalf of neighbors to preserve the values ofthe diverse neighborhood. “She has been a champion for sustainable initiatives on a national scale, as well at the neighborhood level ... and has been the driving force behind making sustainability a priority for the Park Hill community.” MacDermott has played an active role in GPHC Tracey MacDermott, with her gold star. since 2005. Photo by Cara DeGette Page 8

The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

RAW POLITICS | Penfield W. Tate III

When Even Simple Things Get Complicated Hyper-Polarized Politics Continues To Rock Center Stage

As the legislature moved into its first rally on the west steps of the Capitol to critfull month of activity this session, even the icize this partisan move, demanding that simple things are becoming complicated. the JBC set the budget for the Civil Rights As we have discussed previously, the Commission. Joint Budget Committee (“JBC”) Republican leaders responded is the six-member committee of that the rally was mistimed. They lawmakers who are responsible maintained their caucus fully infor drafting the state’s budget for tends to fund the commission. consideration by the Legislature. However they say they want to evalThis process begins each Novemuate substantially modifying how ber when the governor submits a the commission functions in the proposed budget to the JBC. The future. This could include stipulatcommittee reviews that proposal, ing a certain number of members and with staff conducts a depart- PENFIELD W. must be from the business comTATE III ment-by-department, line-by-line munity, and mandating that comanalysis. plaints be handled in a more “fair The JBC then makes preliminary deterand balanced manner” – without indicatminations of how it will fund state governing what that would potentially mean. ment. The bottom line remains that many ReThis process is often referred to as “figure publican legislators feel the Civil Rights setting.” It is customary for the commitCommission has become an advocacy tee to look only at funding governmental agency for Coloradans alleging discrimioperations based upon then current law. In nation in employment and public accomother words, the numermodations rather than ous pending bills that may a neutral fact finder for have a fiscal impact – either The future of the Colorado complaints that are filed. positive or negative – are Civil Rights Commission The truth is, the agency’s not taken into considercurrent statutory mandate remains in question. includes both taking comation during the initial figure setting process. The What will it say to the plaints, investigating the fiscal impact of those bills same, issuing determinawill be accommodated by world about Colorado if tions, and on rare occasubsequent supplemental our legislature ends it? sion initiating legal action to vindicate the violation amendments. of the civil rights of ColoPolicy decisions, and inrado’s citizens. deed partisan party decisions, historically The future of the Colorado Civil Rights rarely play out in the JBC process. The comCommission remains in question. What mittee has viewed its responsibility to craft will it say to the world about Colorado if a budget that it will unanimously support our legislature ends it? in front of their fellow legislators. It would appear that prior custom and Keep Your Hands To Yourself practice is falling victim to the increasingly polarized political environment. The furor over the Civil Rights Commission is simply a symptom of the underlying Stripping The Civil Rights Commission tension this year. In February, in a rare partisan vote, the The legislature continues to be rocked JBC declined to establish an initial budget by complaints of inappropriate behavior. for the Colorado Civil Rights CommisMost recently Sen. Randy Baumgartner sion. Republican members indicated they (R-Hot Sulphur Springs) has been accused wanted to table consideration of the comof sexual harassment in a complaint that mission’s budget until a sunset review was he slapped and grabbed the buttocks of a completed. legislative aide multiple times during the Republican legislators have been critical 2016 session. of the Civil Rights Commission in light of Baumgartner’s alleged behavior followed the agency’s handling of the Masterpiece quickly on the heels of a complaint brought Bakery case currently pending before the by Rep. Susan Lontine (D-Denver), who acU.S. Supreme Court. These legislators feel cused Sen. Larry Crowder (R-Alamosa) of justified in their stance and insist that the pinching her buttocks on the floor of the commission has not been impartial but House and making lewd sexual remarks an advocate for the LGBTQ community on another occasion. The accused have instead of protecting the interests of the vehemently denied the complaints filed baker. against them, as have Republican Sen. Jack Gov. John Hickenlooper decried the Tate, and Democratic Reps. Paul Rosenthal JBC’s partisan action as nonsensical. In and Steve Lebsock – all of whom also have Colorado, a sunset review is a process used been the targets of sexual harassment comto periodically conduct a substantive evaluplaints. ation of the effectiveness of an agency to deAll of these allegations have continued termine if its operations should continue, to fuel a more partisan flavor in the debate. cease, or continue in some modified form. Democrats have accused Senate President I cannot recall a time when the JBC withKevin Grantham of not adequately disciheld a decision to fund an agency pending a plining Baumgartner, Tate or Crowder. By sunset review. We did not do so during my contrast, Democrats Lebsock and Rosentenure on the JBC and we had the same 3-3 thal were immediately stripped of comRepublican-Democrat split that exists now. mittee chairmanships and vice-chairmanDemocratic legislators, other elected ofships. Sen. Lucia Guzman, the Democratic ficials, former legislators (including your Senate Minority Leader, resigned from the author) and supporters responded with a committee responsible for investigating

Get protection and live worry free March 2018

such complaints brought, citing the need for PERA offered in 2015, PERA would be to bring greater attention to the severity of sitting in a much stronger position today. the situation. A review of PERA’s history illustrates that As can be expected, members of both many on both sides of the aisle and the exparties are calling for the accused legislaecutive and legislative branches are respontors to resign any leadership positions, and sible for the current situation. even from the Legislature. All of these deNo solution will ultimately be effective if mands and cross demands are being made the Legislature and the Governor’s office do before the complaints have been resolved not commit to fully funding the actuarial by virtue of the process the Legislature esrequirements of PERA on an annual basis. tablished for itself earlier this year. We have robbed Peter and Paul and now I believe the substance of the complaints they are both broke and PERA and its reare disturbing and need to be fully investirees are the ones suffering. tigated by a fair and impartial party. That Whither Amazon Or Olympics? impartial party should provide findings of its determination in each specific instance Locally, many in the city and the neighafter the accusers and the accused have had borhood have been talking about the cura full opportunity to present their sides and rent economic development efforts surany supporting witnesses or other informarounding a potential Amazon move to tion. Denver, and a possible Olympic Winter Although such behavior is unacceptable, Games bid. the partisan rush to judgment is disturbing While neither is a certainty, many have and is having a visible and palpable impact begun discussing the potential impacts. on the ability on the Legislature to do its The Amazon bid comes on the heels of work this session. LegislaColorado being notified tors are accusing one anthat its proposal is among other of being liars and are This needs to stop. Adults the 20 finalists. While this now beginning to threaten need to keep their hands satisfied a number of peocourt action. This environ- to themselves and behave ple in the economic develment is not conducive to and everyone needs a opment community, many doing the work of the peolocals seemed strangely little thicker skin… ple or the efficient manageindifferent. This indifferment of the government of ence appeared to be echoed the state of Colorado. by the Governor who said I find it depressing, disheartening, and there might be a “sense of relief” if Amazon extremely disturbing. I also find the ondid not choose Colorado. going public claims and recriminations Similarly Colorado’s history with the back and forth as simply diminishing the Olympics is well known. In 1972 the state integrity of a vital institution. This needs passed a referendum banning public spendto stop. Adults need to keep their hands to ing for the Olympics in Colorado. Nonethethemselves and behave and everyone needs less, Denver has convened a committee to a little thicker skin – if for no other reason begin “listening” to residents about their than the fact that it is a necessary attribute receptivity to a bid for 2030. to have while working in the Legislature. Each of these initiatives is playing out in the context of continued community angst Robbing Peter And Paul over the inexorable push of gentrification Concerns over the Public Employees Rethroughout the city. tirement Association (PERA) continue as a So how do you feel? bipartisan panel is trying to draft a solution Email us at editor@greaterparkhill.org to a reported funding gap of $32.2 billion and let us know if you support or oppose to $50.8 billion. Increased taxpayer contriAmazon in the Denver area and if you butions, increased member contributions, support or oppose the Olympics coming reduced benefits and delayed eligibility are to Colorado. all likely to be part of the mix. Talk to you next month. The percentages of each in the solution Penfield W. Tate III is an attorney with mix is where the real trouble starts. The reKutak Rock and serves on a number of cent death of the PERA Executive Director nonprofit boards. He represented Park Hill Greg Smith, combined with state Treasurer in the Colorado House of Representatives Walker Stapleton’s politicizing of the situafrom 1997 to 2000, and in the State Senate tion as part of his gubernatorial campaign, from 2001 to February 2003, when he remake it unlikely that we will see a swift bisigned from the Senate to run for Mayor of partisan solution. Denver. Penfield’s adult daughter was born Yet a creative solution is required and and raised in Park Hill, and he and his wife many have been offered in the past. Had Paulette remain in the neighborhood. the Treasurer and Senate committed to the legislation for the pension bond borrowing

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Education, continued from page 1 work in diverse environments. Parents, consequently, should be demanding schools that are more socio-economically diverse, he said. This would be in their best interest. But often self-interest pushes parents to choose schools that are segregated and that offer a level of cultural comfort. These are not in the community’s best interest. He advocated for a shift in how some think about “our best interest.”

We’ve been here before Also speaking was Nita Mosby Taylor, the founder of the Equity Project, LLC, an organization designed to support organizations and communities build diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. “We’ve been here before,” she said harking back to a local and national history of segregation. She spoke of her childhood, growing up in the South, of the difference between diversity and equity. “There is no system built in the U.S. that was built with equity in mind,” she said. Mosby Taylor’s discussion of the different types of social power drew great interest from a captive audience. We are, she said, often fighting powers that exist because of their rank, title or position and that have the ability of punish or oppress. Head nods rippled through the room. Although Mosby Taylor did not mention DPS by name, in the group conversations that followed, DPS was often cited as such a power.

Rachel Noel’s vision Former DPS board member Laura Lefkowits gave the attendees a history lesson on school segregation in Denver. “Rachel Noel was the first African American member of the DPS Board of Education in the sixties,” Lefkowits said. “She ran because of inequities in her child’s education.” In 1968, the board passed the Noel Resolution, seeking to desegregate Denver’s schools. It stated: “Denver Public Schools recognizes that the continuation of neighborhood schools has resulted in the concentration of some minority racial and ethnic groups in some schools and that a reduction of such concentration and the establishment of an integrated school population is desirable to achieve equality of educational opportunity.” The Noel Resolution demanded that the DPS superintendent implement a comprehensive plan to address the situation that it described as “a serious social crisis.” In 1973, the Supreme Court ruling in the Keys v School District No. 1 led to busing across the city. “Schools improved,” said Lefkowits, “but enrollment changed. 30,000 kids, mostly white, middle class, were lost in the first decade.” In 1995, when a judge terminated the order, Lefkowits was on the DPS Board of Education. DPS reverted to neighborhood schools and choice. “That’s the basis of the system we have today,” she said. In Greater Park Hill, Lefkowits noted, there is a current imbalance in the schools’ populations. “We need to return to Noel’s vision.” (For details on the history of desegregation and busing in Denver, read Lefkowits’ piece in the July 31 issue of the Greater Park Hill News, at greaterparkhill.org) Page 10

A neighborhood divided For all the talk of a desire to “embrace diversity” in Park Hill, data reveals a neighborhood that is indeed divided, racially and socioeconomically. Enrollment at Park Hill Elementary has substantially increased over the years, while the percentage of students there who qualify for free and reduced lunch (FRL) has decreased to 17 percent. (The FRL qualifier is often an indicator of a higher percentage of poor student populations.) By comparison, schools just blocks away are at 90 percent FRL (Smith), 88 percent FRL (Hallett) and 62 percent FRL (Stedman) and are seeing various degrees of enrollment decrease.

Is it too late? Attendees at the meeting were asked to note their fears and hopes for schools. The stressors of the current system were revealed instantly. Here are a few of the responses: • “The current ‘choice’ system forces parents and communities to compete instead of collaborate with each other.” • “Not everyone is at the table because they are uncomfortable, feel pushed away, are unaware, or are tired of trying.” • “DPS touts “community process” but does not values those voices.” • “The affluent families won’t share resources.” • “White affluent parents [are] pushing students of color out.” • “Is it too late?” • “Can we build partnerships across Park Hill schools for students, parents, and teachers?” • “Closure of Stedman, Smith, Hallett.” DPS administrators have not announced any plans to close any of these three elementary schools. Nonetheless, attendees at the meeting discussed the fear that they could be targeted for closure. The DPS School Performance Framework classifies schools as Blue (Distinguished), Green (Meets Expectations), Yellow (Accredited on Watch), Orange (Accredited on Priority Watch) and Red (Accredited on Probation). On the latest SPF, Hallett is listed as Red (with a score of 29.6 percent), Stedman is Orange (35.6 percent) as is Smith (35 percent). By comparison, Park Hill is Green (70.9 percent). The fear that gentrification of the neighborhood is an unstoppable force was mentioned more than once.

Desire to serve all children The comments below show that those attending the meeting want to find solutions to these issues. The notes betray a desire to serve all children equitably for their mental and academic wellbeing: • “I hope that schools in Park Hill reflect the diversity of the people in the neighborhood for years to come and that the neighborhood remains diverse.” • “All Park Hill kids are served, no matter their cross-streets.” • “Inclusion, diversity, activity and participation from the collective.” A plea from Dominique Jefferson, Hallett’s principal, illustrated the current inequitable state of affairs. She made an appeal to the PTA organizations of Park Hill The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

More than 150 people attended the Jan. 27 meeting at McAuliffe Middle School to talk frankly about diversity, equity and inclusion in education. Scenes from the day were captured by Lia Sharee Photography.

Elementary and McAuliffe International School to partner with the PTA organizations of other schools in the neighborhood. Per-pupil funding does not promote equity when affluent PTAs can support paraprofessional positions, teacher positions, capital improvements, trips, while others cannot. Some Park Hill PTAs can raise more than $100,000 per year, while others scramble to raise a few thousand, if that. Currently, there is no level playing field. Inequity reigns. Both the fears and the hopes reflected a strong desire for the conversations started on Jan. 27 to continue. Those wanting to do more were asked to sign-up for a task force that would investigate possible solutions.

Enrollment zones Both Gottlieb and Lefkowits were selected by the DPS Board of Education to participate in the Strengthening Neighborhoods Initiative committee, which examined the citywide problem of segregation and integration within DPS. In December, the committee made several recommendations including the creation of more enrollment zones. Enrollment zones differ from school boundaries in that they draw from a larger area and guarantee a student a seat at one of several schools (instead of a guaranteed seat at one specific school). That has meant that, rather than attending the school closest to where they live, students may end up at another school, sometimes outside the neighborhood, miles away. Greater Park Hill has the population to integrate schools if they are populated by students coming from within the entire neighborhood as opposed to smaller sections of it.

Reality and the greater good Although some families may be willing to jump into a zone system, others may not want to give up a short walk to the neighborhood school. For such an experiment to work, there would have to be buy-in from

March 2018

The Greater Park Hill News

the community at large. Or else, resentment may set in. As long as closure is on the table as a way to mitigate lower performing schools, can anyone ask families to choose a school that might be the target of such a policy? DPS has streamlined its steps for closure and schools live or die by their performance scores. Families may be willing, even excited about sending their children to more diverse schools. But should parents be asked to step up for the greater good when that decision might end in a school closure that upends students, families, teachers and communities? Gottlieb’s presentation didn’t address this scenario.

More time in buses and cars Logistically, this could be a nightmare. Understanding the limitations of enrollment zones, the Strengthening Neighborhoods Initiative committee recommended DPS also explore holding a special election to ask Denver voters to raise more money for transportation. Once neighborhood schools are taken out of the equation, DPS needs to provide buses for students to get to schools that are now farther away. Do Park Hill residents want their children to spend more time on buses and in cars? Although national politics may be backtracking on climate change, Greater Park Hill joined the Sustainable Neighborhood program with the City and County of Denver last Aug. 2. GPHC reached Outstanding Sustainable Neighborhood status exactly three months later, in record-breaking time. How would more back and forth in buses and cars through a neighborhood already feeling the pressure of increased transportation due to surrounding development affect its sustainability? Part of the 2000 Park Hill Neighborhood Plan, an amendment to the Denver Comprehensive Plan, includes these two actions: 1) Mitigating the impacts from traffic on residential neighborhoods; and 2) Enhancing the use of alternative modes of transportation.

How would an enrollment zone affect these actions? Does an enrolment zone come down to busing with choice? And if parents could still choice in and out of schools, would they simply choose to re-segregate in a different pattern?

Are enrollment zones working? A larger question about enrollment zones needs to be asked. Are they working? Park Hill shares an enrollment zone with Stapleton to the east for its middle schools. Families are guaranteed a seat at one of five schools: McAuliffe, Bill Roberts, DSST Conservatory Green, DSST Stapleton and Denver Discovery School. In 2017, fully 72 percent of 6th graders at DSST Conservatory Green came from outside the enrollment zone. 58 percent of those at DSST Stapleton choiced in from other regions. 36 percent of those coming to Denver Discovery School choiced in from outside the zone. Most students came from the Far Northeast section of the city, which has its own enrollment zone. Given these numbers, could it be that those parents aren’t happy with their enrollment zone and seeking choices elsewhere? It’s difficult to disaggregate numbers for Bill Roberts because it is a K-8 school with many students going from 5th to 6th within the same school. Few seats are available for middle school. Only one school seems really popular within our zone: McAuliffe with 88 percent of students coming from within the enrollment zone. Is the Greater Park Hill Stapleton enrollment zone successful when only one school seems to be popular?

A serious social crisis If Rachel Noel were still alive, would she look at the state of our schools today and see progress, or would she say we are again – still – facing a serious social crisis? In the 10 years since Superintendent

Tom Boasberg has been heading DPS, the achievement gap between students of color and white students has increased. Also during his tenure, school segregation has increased. Teacher and principal turnover at many schools is high. Many students are being taught by teachers who have little classroom experience. Teachers report often low morale. Several community organizations, including the local branch of the NAACP, have called the latest Student Performance Framework scores for elementary students inflated and flawed and demanded corrections. Schools are still reported as underperforming and being closed, leaving families scrambling. Meanwhile, DPS continues to approve new charters while overall enrollment is projected to decrease. Ali Monroe Larson, a PHNEE member says, “We are all failing when we continue the system as it stands today. No one “wins” when entire groups of people are inadequately served and when voices/needs are continually ignored, which I believe is the status quo.”

Ally or obstacle? As Park Hill Neighbors for Equity in Education continues to strategize, organizers ponder the question: Can we achieve Noel’s vision in Park Hill? Can this community come together and integrate its schools for the better of all children? And can it be done in a sincere collaboration with DPS, which for all intents and purposes manages all these schools? If anyone can solve this problem, I believe the community gathered on Jan. 27 can. The energy and hope in the room were palpable. The question is, will DPS prove to be a true ally, or will it be an obstacle? Lynn Kalinauskas is chair of GPHC, Inc. To find out about upcoming meetings, follow PHNEE on its Facebook page www. facebook.com/phnee/ or email parkhillnee@ gmail.com.

Page 11

Left: Skiers make their way up the ridgeline to Arapahoe Basin’s little Lenawee Peak at 13,050 feet, with Keystone and Breckenridge ski areas visible in the distance. Right: Michael Schreiber follows David Fine up the East Wall ridgeline toward Little Lenawee Peak at Arapahoe Basin last April.

Climbing The East Wall Forget About The Alps. Extreme Skiing Is An Hour From Park Hill Story and Photos By Reid Neureiter

in the spring, as snow conditions permit and after the Arapahoe Basin’ ski patrol has done the appropriate avalanche asMany Park Hill skiers regularly visit the sessment. On a clear day, the views from groomed runs of the mega-resorts of the the East Wall Ridge and “Little Lenawee Front Range. But they may secretly pine for Peak” (at 13,050 feet) are remarkable, with the heroic terrain seen on the late Warren Keystone, Breckenridge and even the high Miller’s ski films: the intense couloirs of the plains of South Park visible in the distance. French Alps in Chamonix, the Because the runs on the Upper steep chutes of Silverton, or the East Wall face north and are well breathtakingly steep avalancheprotected from the sun most of “There is prone slopes of the Chugach the day, they retain snow and ofrange in Alaska – accessible only fer excellent conditions even late no easy by helicopter. in the season. way down.” Sadly, a lack of time, avalanche Last April, Park Hill residents -- Mike Schreiber training or gear, courage – and and friends Mike Schreiber, yes, cash – prove significant obDavid Fine, and Rick Kornfeld stacles for many wannabe ski hiked the ridge and skied the adventurers. But for those with the stamNorth Pole run. For 57-year old Schreiber, ina and willingness to hike for 30 minutes, a resident of Fairfax street who works as a Arapahoe Basin ski area, just 71 miles west manager of IT tools Service Management of Park Hill, offers an accessible extreme Team at Wipro Technologies, it was the first steep skiing experience in the relatively safe time hiking the East Wall ridgeline despite patrolled environment of the ski area. having grown up in Denver and been a A-Basin’s East Wall ridge is an imposing skier since the age of 10. bowl-shaped wall that towers above rest “It definitely adds adventure to the norof the ski area, reaching a peak altitude of mal ski day,” said Schreiber, explaining that 13,204 feet at the summit of Lenawee Peak. it “was a little bit of work, but worth it. The The wall provides access to some of the views are awesome and it is just cool being steepest in-bounds skiing offered in Coloup there. … Being on the knife edge gives rado. Accessing the terrain requires either a real alpine experience you don’t get at a a hike directly up the 45-degree face of the normal ski area.” wall, called the “staircase,” or a 30 minute Because of the steepness of the slope and hike up and along the ridgeline, which gives the narrowness of the run, advanced ski access on the north side to narrow chutes ability is a necessity. called the First Notch, the Second Notch, or “You should be a very experienced skier, the slightly wider “North Pole” run. used to skiing black runs, to go up there,” The upper East Wall is usually open later Schreiber said. “There is no easy way down. Special to the GPHN

The first few turns are tough, and if you fall, you will slide a long way down.” Kornfeld, 53, is a criminal defense lawyer and a Dahlia street resident who has been skiing for 50 years. Kornfeld was the East Wall veteran of the group, having climbed and skied it “more times than he could count.” “The East Wall is a unique experience since you have to boot pack in just to get there,” he said. “Like in Silverton or parts of Alta [in Utah], A-Basin forces you to earn your turns by ‘booting up’ the mountain. Thanks to the Ski Patrol, you don’t have to worry about avalanche danger. The East Wall is not as steep or long as the runs at Silverton, but you can’t beat the experience of that kind of skiing just over an hour from Park Hill.” Kornfeld offers this advice for those interested in hiking the ridge for the first time: “Bring and drink water and snacks, strip down [layers] before you hike to avoid overheating, bring a baseball cap, light gloves and sunglasses to climb in, have a backpack to carry your stuff (and your skis), and be sure you’re in good cardio shape.” Like Schreiber, Kornfeld cautions that the terrain is definitely not for everyone. “To ski the East Wall, you should be a strong, confident off-piste skier who’s comfortable in all conditions and with multiple fall-lines,” he

said. “You also should be comfortable with steeps and narrow chutes. People who don’t like heights or knife-edge ridges will not like the climb to the summit.” But for those who dare, the experience is one they will not soon forget.

Rick Kornfeld descends the North Pole run on Arapahoe Basin’s East Wall last April, while David Fine looks on.

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Page 12

The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

TALK OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD COMPILED BY CARA DEGETTE, EDITOR, GPHN

The following is a synopsis of what was discussed during the Feb. 1 Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. monthly meeting. The next community meeting is Thursday, March. 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 2823 Fairfax St. The April meeting will be Thursday, April 5 beginning at 6:30. The meetings are free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.

District 2 Police Update

Community Resource Officer Sharon Avedaño provided an update on police activities in the neighborhood. It hasn’t been a very cold winter this year, she noted, resulting in a reduction in the theft of puffer cars – that is, cars that are left running and unattended by owners while they warm up. There has been an increase in motorcycle thefts in the neighborhood, as well as license plates being stolen off of vehicles. Thieves sometimes do this to put the plates on a stolen car, in an attempt to “disguise” the car and trick the police. However, Avedaño said, “We’re not that dumb.” Avedaño said that she has a special tool to install and remove tamper-proof license plates, and it is available for neighbors to use. She advises vehicle owners to call her first, at 720-913-1094, to make arrangements to stop by the station and install (or remove) plates.

Fairfax Park Update

GPHC board member Blair Taylor presented an update on efforts to move forward with conceptual designs for a pocket park at the former Xcel substation site on the business block of Fairfax between 28th and 29th avenues. A working committee has had a series of meetings with surrounding neighbors. The general plan would incorporate three design elements: The area closest to the street would include trees and seating areas, the area in the middle would be green space, and the back area would include playground and exercise equipment. The basic design is modeled after similar pocket parks. Taylor and others noted that the size of the park is about one-third of an acre. That’s about 40 percent larger than Turtle Park, which is the pocket park at 23rd and Dexter Street. Turtle Park – its formal name is W.H. Ferguson Park – is currently the only designated park space in the large geographic portion of Park Hill boundaried by Colfax, Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, Colorado Boulevard and Quebec Street. “If you look at a map of Park Hill it really illustrates how few parks and open space we actually have in Park Hill – Mayfair has tons,” noted Brian Hyde, who was in the audience. The design suggestions followed several meetings that have included dozens of residents living nearby. Several board members weighed in with questions and suggestions, including ideas to raise funds or seek grants to pay for the park. In a unanimous vote with no abstentions, the GPHC board approved sending a letter to city Councilman Chris Herndon and Parks and Recreation Director Allegra “Happy” Haynes asking the city to clarify its plans the park and asking that the city work with the community and the Registered Neighborhood Organization to build the park. The letter, signed by 26 board members, can be read at greaterparkhill.org.

Park Hill Golf Course Update

Kevin Doyle, who lives adjacent to the Park Hill Golf Course, provided an update and overview about what may happen to the land the golf course currently occupies. The lease for the golf course is up in 2019. Clayton Learning, which owns the land, has been moving forward with plans to sell the property. There is much uncertainty, Doyle noted, over the future of the golf course land, and it has been stressful for his family and many other property owners living in the immediate vicinity. The Park Hill Golf Course is in the northwest section of Park Hill, stretching from Colorado Boulevard and 35th Street northeast toward Interstate 70 and Dahlia Street.

The 100-Year Master Plan: What Park Hill Looks Like

GPHC Treasurer Bob Homiak provided background on the master plan for Park Hill that was adopted 18 years ago. “This was the product of years of work by hundreds of people in Park Hill who wanted to envision what Park Hill should look like in 2100 and beyond,” Homiak noted. “The plan was adopted by city council as an addendum to the comprehensive plan.” The 139-page document includes guidelines that address many of the same issues that people are currently talking about and that city officials are planning to revisit, Homiak noted. Among the topics and themes: A dearth of open space, how to improve the parks in Park Hill, transportation issues, education, urban design, land use, business and community services, human relations. “It’s time for us as a community to take what was produced 18 years ago and become familiar with it,” Homiak said. The plan includes short, medium and long-term plans – some of which have been effectuated and some of which has fallen by the wayside. Homiak recommended reviewing and updating the document. “It’s up to us to think about what Park Hill should look like.” A general discussion followed, with several community members noting that the city’s current plans for a “Blueprint Denver,” an “East Area Plan” and the future of the Park Hill Golf Course – just to name a few – have the potential to create long-term impacts in the neighborhood.

Rocky Mountain Human Services Update

Kris Kogan and Jodi K. Dooling-Litfin from Rocky Mountain Human Services provided an overview about the tax-funded agency, which provides services to children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. In the 80207 ZIP code, the agency currently provides services to 122 people, including 82 people ages 0-17, and 40 people ages 18 and up. In total, Rocky Mountain Human Services currently provides services to 3,648 individuals, 2,094 of which are ages 0-17 and 1,552 are 18 and over. Denver comprises about 80 percent of its customer population, but the agency also provides services in the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Douglas, El Paso, Elbert, Jefferson, Larimer, Mesa and Weld.

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March 2018

The Greater Park Hill News

Page 13

AT THE LIBRARY

Support Democracy: Read This Article Championing Access, Literacy And The Fourth Estate

YouthBiz and the Denver Public Library have collaborated to bring an entrepreneurial focused program to the library. Instructors will provide 10-hours of engaging curriculum and activities that will enable participants to learn, think, speak, and act like an entrepreneur. Students will learn entrepreneurial skills for 21st century learners including; critical thinking and reasoning, information literacy, collaboration, self-direction, and invention. On the final day of the camp participants will take part in a Business Pitch Competition. The winning team will receive a cash prize. Grades 5-9. Light refreshments provided. Register online at www.denverlibrary.org/ events.

envisioning artistic responses to community problems. No artistic experience necessary. Creative folks from all disciplines encouraged to participate.

No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, March 10, 11 a.m.

Cartoonist Karl Christian Krumpholz | Saturday, March 31, 2:30 p.m.

Play & Explore | Monday, March 12, 10 a.m.

Engage your child in play that helps strengthen motor skills, social skills, and encourages early learning. This drop-in play session is recommended for children 12 months – preschool with their adult caregivers. Age by Design—the Reason with Jane Barton |

Tuesday, March 13, 4 p.m. their neighbors. We have the opportunity to seek and to As metro dailies are downsizing, going Park Hill Librarian discover a new “why” of life in the latter out of business, and run for high profit years. Please join us to chat about what gets margins, the beauty and the blessing of the As I sat and listened at the venerable you out of bed every morning. What puts a community paper shines more clearly than Denver Press Club on the evening of Feb. The Pauline Robinson Book Club | Saturday, bounce in your step? What gets your heart ever before. Much like the library, the com8, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and March 31, noon racing and ignites your imagination? munity paper exists to serve pride for our community paPlease call the branch at 720-865-0290 the community through the per. Democracy depends on Teen Advisory Board (TAB) | Tuesdays, March for this month’s book. Drop-ins are welegalitarian sharing of stories, informed and engaged citi13 & 27, 6 p.m. “You are not just come. ideas and current events. zens. This is the first (among Join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan events Study after study proves many) reasons that your local covering community; and projects, talk about your favorite that reading creates shared libraries, Pauline Robinson Park Hill Library Events you are creating books, music, movies and make your opinmeaning and increases emand Park Hill branches, are ion count. Plus snacks. Ideal for ages 13-18. community.” All Ages Storytime | Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. pathy. Hearing about comhonored to collaborate with Learn How to Arm Knit and Make a Cozy Cowl Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for chilmunity happenings written the Greater Park Hill News. with Anne Weil Wednesday, March 14, 6 p.m. dren of all ages and their parents or careby experts, who also happen The topic of the Denver Ann Weil, author of Knitting Without givers. Craft activity immediately follows to be your neighbors, is incredibly meanPress Club panel that night was “Small Needles, will teach you the basics of arm the program. ingful and authentic. Another commonalNewspapers Making Big News,” featuring knitting and create a fabulous chunky knit ity is how much the library and the GPHN GPHN Editor Cara DeGette and a group Baby Storytime | Thursdays and Fridays at cowl at the same time. Attendees will learn count on the community for their input of other editors and publishers who are 11:15 a.m. the basics of arm knitting, including yarn and support. If you have feedback for either, producing community newspapers in the Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies preparation, casting on, knitting, stopping I encourage you to reach out and share. Metro area. When the topic of print verages 0-18 months and their caregivers. Play in the middle, binding off and seaming. Because reliable information is so imporsus online media arose, DeGette reminded and social time immediately follow the proEach person needs three skeins of super the crowd that not everyone in Denver has tant, the library is proud to let you know gram. bulky yarn, approximately 7 -100 that we are offering a proaccess to a computer, Internet, or smartyards each. gram on May 22 called phone. Noted our esteemed editor, holding How to Spot Fake News the February paper aloft, “Whether you are Tween Book Club | Thursday, March where you can learn the 6 or 106, you can read our paper for free.” 15, 4:30 p.m. Your library supports informational tricks and tools reference Book: The Cricket in Times needs and champions the rights to inforlibrarians use to evaluSquare by George Sheldon ate the credibility of news mation access, literacy and privacy for Activity: cricket cages all. Did you know that the American Listories. Instruments of Peace | Saturday, brary Association upholds a Library Bill of Whether providing inMarch 17, 2:30 p.m. Rights? The Library Bill of Rights, adopted formation on upcoming Using instruments born of a in 1939, guides the work of libraries across local events, charming military tradition of pipes and the country by affirming that all libraries profiles on Park Hill residrums going to battle, Instruare forums for information and ideas and dents, or in-depth articles ments of Peace uses these same on the inspiring history uplifts intellectual freedom as one of our instruments to promote peace. of our neighborhood, our most dearly revered policies. Bring a camp chair or a blanket community paper is a The Greater Park Hill News is also comand enjoy the unique sounds of welcome ally in the battle mitted to the community’s information the bagpipe, conga drum, kalimfor intellectual freedom needs and champions access and literacy. ba and whistle on the lawn. and providing everyone At the recent Denver Press Club event, the Kids’ Book Club | Tuesday, March 20, with accurate and reliable editors and publishers discussed the impact 3:30 p.m. information to make inand challenges of their work. Book: I Survived: The San Franformed decisions to posiDoug Bell, retired editor of the Canyon cisco Earthquake, 1906 by Lauren tively impact their lives. Courier in Evergreen, beautifully summed Tarshis up the power of sharing stories on a local Activity: Hands-on building level. “You are not just covering commuPauline Robinson experiment with simulated earthnity; you are creating community,” he conquake. Ideal for grades 2-3. cluded.” Library Events At the library, we see and experience the Self-Publishing 101 with Polly Winter of Reading | Programs A trusty old Underwood, on display at the historic Denver Press Club down- Letofsky | Wednesday, March 21, appetite for local news expressed through town. Photo by Tara Bannon Williamson throughout March love of community and curiosity about 6:30 p.m. what is happening in our beloved neighborThis is the year that you’re finally going Tech Help Appointments | Mondays and Toddler Storytime | Fridays at 10:30 a.m. hood. The volume of community newspato publish your book. Get answers to your Tuesdays, noon - 1 p.m. Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for todpers that are being picked up at the library questions, learn the basic steps of self-pubGet technology assistance from one of dlers ages 18-36 months and their caregivhas doubled in the last few months. As the lishing so you’ll know what to expect, and our in-house experts on your own device ers. library continues to listen to the aspirations to know what you should never put up with. or a public computer. Learn the basics, such Magic Club | Mondays, March 5 & 19, 4:30 p.m. of the community, we hear that our neighas email, social networking, word processGrass Roots: A History of Cannabis in the Do you already play Magic: the Gatherbors aspire to increase their confidence in ing and eMedia. Call the library at 720American West with Author Nick Johnson | ing, or are you interested in learning? Stop community participation and that they 865-0290 to schedule an appointment for Saturday, March 24, 2:30 p.m. by two afternoons a month to play and meet value finding local information written by Monday or Tuesday. Offering the only agriculturally focused other teens. Ideal for ages 10-17. *Join us on history to date, Grass Roots looks at the hisPreschool Storytime | Wednesdays, March 7, 14, Saturday, March 3 from 1-4 p.m. to build tory of marijuana growing in the American 21, 28, 10:30 a.m. your deck from scratch and play draft-style. West, from early Mexican American growStories, songs, rhymes and fun for 3-5 Origami for Seniors | Tuesday, March 6, 4 p.m. ers on sugar beet farms to today’s sophisyear olds and their parents or caregivers. Benefit from the tranquil art of paper ticated greenhouse gardens and explores Respecting Advance Choices | Saturday, March folding and take away some beautiful items how the legal cannabis industry might be3, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. you’ve created from single sheets of paper. come more environmentally sustainable. A trained facilitator will present a twoBooks available for sale and signing. Crazy 8’s Math Club | Wednesday, March 7, 4 hour multimedia learning experience, and p.m. Blinged Birdhouses | Wednesday, March 28, 3 materials for attendees to complete their The last of our weekly math club where p.m. Advance Directives. At the signing party, you will build stuff, run, jump, and make Your custom-painted birdhouse will be a Notary Public will be provided free of music. Ideal for grades K-2. Registration the envy of the neighborhood. Ideal for ages charge to those who want their papers norecommended. 3-8 with an adult helper. tarized. Limit 20 participants.

By Tara Bannon Williamson

Respecting Choices Party with Notary | Saturday, March 17, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

At the signing party we will provide a Notary Public free of charge to those who want their papers notarized. Solar Jitterbugs | Tuesday, March 27, 3 – 4 p.m.

Build a wiggling creature powered by the sun. You get to keep your creation. Ideal for ages 8- 12. Youth BIZ: Startup- Think, Speak, and Act like an Entrepreneur | Tuesday through Friday, March 27 - 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Page 14

Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between. Artistic Strategies for Social Action | Saturday, March 10, 2 p.m.

Facilitators will guide participants in creating works geared toward social change. Participants will be presented with a variety of creative interventions in addressing social issues and led through a process of

Award-winning cartoonist Karl Christian Krumpholz’s work has appeared in many different publications and even a documentary. He has two weekly comics: The Denver Bootleg, which examines local musical history for Denver’s Westword newspaper, and the true-ish tales of the various lives in the city in 30 Miles of Crazy. His latest comic is An Introduction to Alcohol. The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

What Is Your Vision?

visory Committee (PCAC) to engage in a “visioning” process regarding desired uses of the land after a possible golf course lease termination. The advisory committee is comprised of community members selectMarch 10 Forum To Explore Future Of The Park Hill Golf Course ed by Clayton. By Woody Garnsey – will close in early 2019 to install a stormClayton has retained the high-powered water detention facility on that property. If Special to the GPHN Denver consulting firm CRL Associates to Arcis exercises its five-year renewal option, advise and lead the PCAC process. ClayAre you concerned about the open the Park Hill Golf Course would re-open in ton’s legal counsel is Brownstein Hyatt space future of the 155-acre Park Hill Golf mid-2020. On the other hand, if Arcis does Farber Schreck, whose lead attorney Bruce Course land? If so, plan to participate in not exercise its option, the currently proJames co-chaired Mayor Michael B. Hanthe community informational cock’s first two election camforum on Saturday, March 10 paigns. starting at 1 p.m. at the Park The advisory commitHill Congregational Church at tee met monthly through 2600 Leyden St. September, when Clayton Here’s some background: In surprisingly announced a 1997, during the Mayor Welcomplex agreement between lington Webb administration, Clayton and the City that the the City of Denver paid the administration planned to Clayton Trust $2 million for a present to City Council for perpetual open space conserimmediate approval. This vation easement on the PHGC agreement effectively tore up land. And, today, pursuant to both the 1997 conservation an agency agreement with the easement and the 2000 agenCity made in 2000, Clayton cy agreement and provided a holds title to the golf course framework for rezoning and land “as agent of the City, to development of all or a porhold for the benefit of the citition of the land. zens of the City and the general But—acknowledging the public.” reality of Arcis’ continuing The Park Hill Golf Course lease renewal rights—the land is at Colorado Boulevard Canada Geese were the only animals playing one February day at the Park City administration promptHill Golf Course. Photo by Cara DeGette and 35th Avenue, stretching ly withdrew its request for northeast to Interstate 70. (It Council approval. Clayton is now continushould not be confused with the City Park tected open space future for the land could ing the advisory committee process. Golf Course, which is approximately a mile soon be in jeopardy. The future of the land continues to be in to the south and currently closed for conIf the golf course lease terminates, Claylimbo with a serious future threat to the struction of a stormwater drainage project.) ton is expected to ask the City to relinClayton currently leases the Park Hill quish the open space protections of the Golf Course land to a subsidiary of Arcis 1997 conservation easement and the 2000 Equity Partners, LLC, a Texas private eqagency agreement and allow rezoning and uity firm. The golf course lease expires Dec. development of all or a portion of the land. 31, 2018, but Arcis has two options to renew Clayton would want to generate revenues for additional five-year terms. It must exat least to replace the annual $700,000 golf ercise the first option by June 30, 2018; its course lease payments that have provided renewal intentions are currently unclear. approximately 7 percent of its operating The present dynamics of the land situbudget for its early childhood education ation are complicated by the City’s Platte programs. to Park Hill drainage project that – as is Starting in early 2017, Clayton formed currently the case with the City Park course the Park Hill Golf Course Citizen’s Ad-

open space requirements of the 1997 conservation easement and the 2000 agency agreement. The purpose of the March 10 forum is to inform the broader community about the current Park Hill Golf Course land situation and to engage in substantive community discussions about the future of this important 155-acre land parcel. Current forum sponsors are Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation (INC), Park Hill Village HOA and RNO, The Overlook HOA and RNO, and City Park Friends and Neighbors. Everyone is welcome, and encouraged to attend. The forum format will include panelists making brief presentations and a moderated discussion among panelists and the other meeting attendees. The moderator will be GPHC Board Chair Tracey MacDermott. Currently scheduled panelists are Brad Cameron (INC), Charlotte Brantley (Clayton President/CEO), Jeff Romeo (The Overlook HOA and RNO), and Kevin Doyle (the Overlook HOA and RNO). Forum organizers have invited City Councilmen Albus Brooks and Chris Herndon and Mayor Hancock and/or a member of his senior staff to participate as panelists. Disappointingly, the councilmembers have said they will not be participating. As of this writing the organizers have no participation commitment from the Mayor or any senior member of his staff. Woody Garnsey is a retired attorney and longtime Park Hill resident.

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The Greater Park Hill News is in search of a talented and experienced Ad Sales Associate to join our team.

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This is a part-time contract position that requires clear communication and coordination with other departments.

Our team is hardworking and creative. And, we have fun!

For a detailed job description, email Newspaper Manager Melissa Davis at newspaper@greaterparkhill.org.

Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Whole House Remodels

Too many projects. Not enough time.

March 2018

The Greater Park Hill News

Page 15

Help From Our Friends

E. 52nd Ave

Colorado Blvd.

Many Thanks To Our Generous Neighbors; Here’s What We Need To Keep The Pantry Stocked

E. 48th Ave

Monaco St.

Ivy St.

Forest St.

By Sierra Fleenor

Executive Director, GPHC, Inc.

Quebec St.

Niagara St.

Elm St. E. 29th Ave

E. 29th Ave

Magnolia St.

Ivy St.

Eudora St.

Colorado Blvd.

Montview

Syracuse

E. Colfax Ave

Kearney St.

E. 19th Ave

Do you want to help?

This map shows the 10 districts within the boundaries of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. The registered neighborhood organization also has five at-large officers. Board representatives and best contact information is listed below.

GPHC, Inc: Who We Are, What We Do, Our Mission The Mission and The Officers of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill, provides resources, information and advocacy, and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation. The Greater Park Hill Community board is comprised of volunteer representatives from 10 districts, as well as at-large representatives. If you are interested in volunteering or serving on a committee, contact current GPHC Board Chair Tracey MacDermott 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. 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 in the list at right, leave a message at the main number and it will be forwarded to your elected representative by GPHC Executive Director Sierra Fleenor. The GPHC office is at 2823 Fairfax St., and Ms. Fleenor’s office hours are Monday- Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She

can be reached at 303-388-0918 or email director@greaterparkhill.org. • Board Chair Tracey MacDermott: chair@greaterparkhill.org • Secretary and Zoning/Property Use Chair Bernadette Kelly • Treasurer Bob Homiak • District 1 Rep Roger Kilgore • District 2 Rep Ryan T. Hunter • District 3 Rep Heather Shockey • District 4 Rep Kevin Wiegand • District 5 Rep Blair Taylor • District 6 Rep James King • District 7 Rep Jon Bowman • District 8: Nam Henderson • District 9: Stephanie Ceccato • District 10: Colette Carey • At-Large: Christine Caruso • At-Large: George Dennis • At-Large: Louis Plachowski: lplachowski@gmail.com • At-Large: Keith Brown • At-Large: Rebecca Rogers • Community Safety Chair Geneva Goldsby • Education Chair Lynn Kalinauskas • Fundraising Chair Lana Cordes • Health and Human Services Chair Keith Brown • Human Relations Chair Beth Bean • Public Information Chair Melissa Davis: newspaper@greaterparkhill.org • Youth Chair Justin Petaccio

Thanks to all of our blockworkers, who deliver the Greater Park Hill News throughout the neighborhood every month! If you are interested in becoming a blockworker, contact newspaper manager Melissa Davis at newspaper@greaterparkhill.org Page 16

It’s hard to believe spring is just around the corner. We’re already starting to plan our Garden in a Box program and other outdoor activities for the spring, summer, and fall. We can’t wait to share with you all we’ll do in 2018. Until then, we’d like to express our gratitude for our supporters. Thank you to our volunteers who continue to be here week after week, sorting donations, assisting clients, and helping us get the food pantry organized. We finally got caught up on sorting our donations, so our volunteers have been tackling various organizational items, from building a new rolling rack for our travel size toiletries to reorganizing our miscellaneous shelves to folding and stocking paper bags for our clients to use. There are a million tiny aspects of this work and we could not be as organized, helpful, and efficient as we are without each of our volunteers. Thank you to the students from McAuliffe who have volunteered with the Weekend Food Program. Additionally, we’d like to thank our regular volunteers with this program. Without all of you, we could not assemble over 270 bags each week and distribute them to our four sites. A huge thank you also goes to our newspaper bundling volunteers and our blockworkers. So many of us have the paper delivered to our door and that is only possible because of the volunteerism of your neighbors. If you’d like to help distribute the newspaper, a commitment of as little as 20 minutes per month, email newspaper@ greaterparkhill.org. We do still need volunteers for the Weekend Food Program, as well as the Garden Walk that happens in June, and the Home Tour and Street Fair, which takes place in September. Much planning goes into making these events happen. If you have extra time or organizational skills, contact us at info@greaterparkhill.org or 303-388-0918 to learn more. Thank you to all our donors who have kept the food pantry and weekend food program well stocked. We are able to serve an average of 50 households a month through our pantry and over 270 students through our weekend food program due to your support. A special thanks goes to those who have made financial donations to support these programs. Your dollars help us purchase specific food that we need as well as all the other items that go into these programs, including bags, storage

Volunteers

Donors

Barb Cavender Jack Farrar Claudia Fields Harold Fields Tas Frashure Adrienne Hill Noni Horwitz Erika Hutyra Megan Jamison Rod Leman Debra Lovell Jasper Mueller Chuck Nelson Mike Quigley Alison Rabinoff Peggy Roberts Rebecca Rogers Tammi Scroggins Heather Shulman Shane Sutherland Sue Weinstein Donna Westmoreland Jeannie Willis McAuliffe Students

Amy Barrett Jason Barth Gail Davis Ellen Hokanson John Joffrion Anne McLaughlin Brad Parks Nancy Rainwater Ashley Scott Andrew Sweet Karen Timmons Sue Weinstein AARP #995 - Queen City of the Rockies Blessed Sacrament Brandon J Scott Photography Cake Crumbs and Patrons Cure D’ Ars Denver Food Rescue Food Bank of the Rockies Messiah Community Church Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church Park Hill Congregational

tubs, and so on. Thanks go to Amy Barrett and Rebecca Rogers and Tables Restaurant for hosting a fundraiser for us in February. The event was well attended and 10 percent all food sales were donated to GPHC to help fund our food programs. Membership is one of our largest fundraising efforts. Those who renew their membership throughout the year keep us going strong. We are grateful to those who have renewed or started their membership in 2018, including our new business members.

Stocking the pantry For those interested in donating to our food programs, we have some specific requests. For our food pantry we need hygiene products, including men’s deodorant, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, baby wipes, and razors. We distribute both regular size and travel size hygiene items. We also need hand warmers, toilet paper, paper towels, laundry detergent (in smaller containers, if possible), and dish soap. For food, we need canned peaches, mixed fruit, applesauce, etc. and canned meats especially tuna, salmon, chunk chicken, Vienna sausages, and spam. We could also use mac ‘n’ cheese, corn and black eyed peas. Our clients rarely have access to meat and dairy through our pantry, so donations of fresh or frozen meat and dairy are always appreciated. We can distribute any fresh and frozen items, so keep that in mind. Many of our clients have pets, so we continue to need dry dog food and wet and dry cat food. For the weekend food program, we need individually wrapped cereal bars, individual servings of instant oatmeal, individual cereal bowls and regular size boxes of kid friendly cereals. We are also on the lookout for metal shelving, so let us know if you’re cleaning out your garage and have some. Donations can be made during business hours at GPHC’s office, at 2823 Fairfax St. Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We also accept donations of nonperishable items at the Park Hill Branch Library and Cake Crumbs during their regular business hours. We cannot distribute expired items, so please check dates before making a donation. If you have any questions about our work or how to get involved with GPHC as a volunteer, donor, or member, you can check out our website at: greaterparkhill.org, give us a call at 303-388-0918, or stop by our office during business hours. Park Hill Elementary School Park Hill Library and Patrons Park Hill United Methodist Church Patrons of DANK Dispensary St. Thomas Episcopal Church Tables Restaurant

Members Melinda Anderson Linda Brown David Burum Charles Carter Jill Corbin Jan Daily Mark Daily Veronica D’Annibale George Douglas Cormac Dunn John Dunn Liam Dunn Tara Dunn Maria Ferguson Ryan Gamble Nam Henderson Holly Hill

Barbara Holme Carolyn Howard Brian Johnson Idelle Jones Natalie Love Patrick Love Catherine Manchester Ben Maxwell Richard McCanna Linda Nestor Justin Petaccio Mia Peterson Hilarie Portell Erin Reynolds Lynda Seele Carla Shaver Robert Shaver Howard Turetsky James Wagner Benjamin Waldman Avicenna Products Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District HM Capital Mozarts Denver

The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

Cinnamon Girl Cinnamon is an adorable calico cat with an affectionate personality. Cinnamon loves to be pet, especially on her chin and neck. She has lived well with other cats in the past and would do best in a home with older children. Come meet her today. She is at the Denver Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St.,and her ID# is 0369918. To see other furry friends available for adoption, visit ddfl.org.

KEEP YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD STRONG! Join Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.

We have a variety of memberships. All memberships are tax deductible.

PARK HILL VET | Dr. Margot Vahrenwald, DVM, ASVJ

Make Time For The Nose-To-Tail Prevention Is The Best Medicine Against Disease

Life is a constant juggle and time seems lifestyle and risk. Do you take your dog to move really fast – except when you are hiking, camping, out and about at every waiting your turn at the DMV. opportunity? Then make sure that But somewhere in that fast pace, they are heartworm tested and on take time to make time for prevenheartworm/intestinal parasite pretive care for not only yourself, but vention. Some say that there is little your pets. The proper definition of risk of heartworm disease for dogs preventive care is “measures taken in Colorado – wrong, we have all to prevent disease and disability.” four species of mosquito that carry Why do veterinarians make such heartworm. We’re just lucky that a big deal out of preventive care? we have less of a mosquito season Because this is what we are highly DR. MARGOT than other areas of the country. trained to do for the species we VAHRENWALD And, we certainly have seen a rise care about. Because it makes a difin the common intestinal parasites ference in your pet’s longevity and such as roundworms that have zoocomfort. It is a great feeling to diagnose a notic risk for humans, especially children, really rare disease, but it is even a better coming in contact with contaminated soil. feeling to build a lifelong relaDoes your cat go outside or tionship with a pet owner, from play in your potted plants? Then puppy or kitten to the end of a they are at risk for intestinal Some say that good life. parasites too. And, indoor cats What does preventive care there is little risk need their regular check ups mean for your pets? Under age too. of heartworm seven, it means annual assessindoors is not prevendisease for dogs tiveBeing ment with a nose-to-tail physiagainst potential infectious in Colorado – cal examination along with diseases nor chronic changes appropriate vaccinations when and diseases of aging. Yes, it’s wrong. due. often harder to get your cat to Not every pet needs every the vet, but your veterinarian vaccination for their species, has many suggestions for how but every pet needs appropriate vaccinato make it easier. tions for their lifestyle risks. And, all need Working with your veterinarian during the rabies vaccination as required by law annual (pets under age 7) and/or biannual – particularly with the increase in rabies (pets over age 7) examinations gives opin Colorado. tions and opportunities to keep your pet Your veterinarian will tailor vaccines their healthiest. That means they will have to life stage, lifestyle and area risks. Your a longer life span with you! breeder and Dr. Google did not attend vetDr. Margot can be reached at parkhillvet. erinary school nor complete coursework com. Note: Reliable information for pet in immunology and infectious disease, so preventable health care can be found at please refer to your veterinarian for vaccipethealthnet-work.com. Information about nation information. pet parasites can be reviewed at petsandPreventive care also means appropriparasites.org and heartwormsociety.org. ate diagnostics, again based on life stage,

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___ Individual or Family ($35/year) ___ Business or Patron ($250/year)

[ ] New member

___ Sponsor ($100/year) ___ Other

[ ] Membership renewal

If these membership levels are not suitable, GPHC will gratefully accept a donation for membership dues at a level that is comfortable for you and your family.

Name: ________________________________________________________ Business name:_________________________________________________ Address & Zip:__________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________(work) ________________________(home) Email: ________________________________________________________

Mail to: GPHC, 2823 Fairfax Street, Denver CO 80207

STATIONS OF THE CROSS AT 7 PM Fridays during Lent: Feb 23rd, March 2nd, 9th and 16th

Cure d’Ars Catholic Community

invites you to our

2018 Lent, Triduum and Easter Services

Palm Sunday: March 25th

TRIDUUM

Holy Thursday (March 29th) 7pm Good Friday (March 30th) 7pm Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) 8pm

EASTER SUNDAY Mass at 8am and 11am

All Services will be held in the church at

3201 Dahlia St. Denver 80207 (Corner of MLK and Dahlia)

An Apple A Day Family Child Care

• Over 7-years of experience. • 2 slots available: Any age. • Large back yard with a 6-foot fence. • Freshly cooked healthy meals and nutritious snacks. • Individualized attention, age appropriate toys. • Arts & crafts, social & motor skill development. • In the Park Hill Neighborhood.

Call Venice Roberts - 720.299.8420

We are PANTHERS. Learn more or request information at ventureprep.org or 303-893-0805 2900 Richard Allen Ct. Denver, CO 80205

March 2018

The Greater Park Hill News

Page 17

Sarah ChriStian, rLa

Art Garage

landscape architect

RESOURCES AND EVENTS

6100 E. 23rd Ave., artgaragedenver.com, 303377-2353

Denver School of the Arts 7111 Montview Blvd. dsapresents.org

Denver Police District 2 3921 Holly St., 2.Dist@denvergov.org, 720913-1000

Commander Calo hosts the District 2 Community Advisory Board’s (2CAB) monthly meetings on the fourth Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. in the D2 Police Station Community Room.

Urban Gardens MASTER PLANS HARDSCAPES • PLANTS

Denver Public Schools

UrbanGardensinc.com

dpsk12.org/expo

Faith Community

REPUBLICAN CAUCUS Tuesday March 6th at 7pm

Check-in begins at 6:30. Please pre register at Caucus.ColoGOP.org. Pre registration system will provide you with your exact location Your Vote • Your Voice • Your Caucus

greaterparkhill.org/faith

Greater Park Hill’s faith community, home to over 30 places of worship in just four square miles, is as diverse and robust as the neighborhood itself. The GPHN maintains a list of Park Hill’s places of worship at the website above.

meetup.com/Park-Hill-Parents

Park Hill parents group offers playdates, outings, Dad’s Night Out and Mommy Book Club.

Park Hill Peloton Find them on Facebook

A recreational group of road cyclists that roll from Park Hill once or twice a week.

Sertoma Club 303-370-0932

The Greater Park Hill Sertoma Club holds a breakfast meeting every first and third Saturday morning at 8am at the District 2 Police Station, 3921 Holly St.

Sie Filmcenter 2510 E. Colfax, denverfilm.org, 303-595-3456

2823 Fairfax St., greaterparkhill.org, 303-3880918

sunshinefoodproject.org, 303-321-5231

The GPHC neighborhood association generally holds its monthly meetings on the first Thursdays of the month. The meetings are free and open to all. The next community meeting is Thursday, March 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the GPHC office at 2823 Fairfax St. The April GPHC meeting will be Thursday, April 5, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at 2823 Fairfax St.

HARP holds second Monday monthly meeting at the HOPE Center from 6:15-7:30pm. RSVP required to lsullivan@denverfoundation.org.

Libraries denverlibrary.org

See the “At the Library” feature in this month’s issue, for a complete listing of events and programs at the Park Hill and Pauline Robinson branch libraries.

Northeast Park Hill Coalition D2 Police Station, 3921 Holly St., Michele Wheeler, 720-837-5492 The NEPHC hosts its monthly meeting on the second Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m.

Sunday Celebration - Adult & Children Services 10am www.unityontheavenue.org

Park Hill New Parents Group

Sunshine Food Project

HOPE Center, 3475 Holly St.

4670 East 17th Ave Parkway Denver CO 80220 303.322.3901

Established in 1971. Denver’s oldest nonprofit bookstore. Used and new books. 6420 E. 23rd Avenue. 303-355-8508. Hours: Monday –Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members and volunteers get discounts and book credits.

Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.

Holly Area Redevelopment Project (HARP)

Book Club Sunday, March 4th 12-1pm The Game of Life and How to Play it by S. Shinn Women’s Empowerment Fridays March 9th & 23rd 6:30-8pm, w/ Yolanda Lucas Bravo Suggested love offering $15 How to Have More Love in Your Life workshop Sunday, March 11th 12-2pm w/ Randy Ferguson, Life coach/Love, Courage & Achievement Project $20 Om Hour Meditation & Yoga for Kids Tuesday, March 13th 6:30-7:30pm Zen for Health series Thursday, March 15th 7pm, Food and Fitness: 9 Secrets for Living Longer and Better w/ Joan Gregerson & Dan Magne Good Friday Service Friday, March 30th 7pm

Park Hill Community Bookstore

A nonprofit community collaborative seeking to provide healthy and sustainable food systems to Park Hill and surrounding food desert neighborhoods.

Tai Chi Project taichiproj@earthlink.net, 303-744-7676

Tai Chi classes Thursday mornings in City Park at 7-7:45 a.m. planned in conjunction with DMNS.

Tattered Cover Travel Lovers Book Club The book club meets the 2nd Monday of each month at the Tattered Cover at 2526 E. Colfax Ave.

Walk2Connect www.walk2connect.com

Park Hill Sunrise Walking Trips set off every Tuesday morning from Spinelli’s Coffee and Ice Cream at 23rd and Dahlia at 7 a.m. No cost. Walks are about one hour long, just under three miles, and family and dog friendly. For more information, email jonathon@walk2connect.com or call 303-908-0076. Submit your neighborhood events and resources to editor@greaterparkhill.org. Deadlines are the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue.

Submit your neighborhood events and resources to editor@greaterparkhill.org Deadlines are the 15th of the month, for the following month’s issue.

Brace yourself for a beautiful smile!

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Albert Eng DDS, MS

Call today for a complimentary consultation! 2206 Kearney Street, Denver CO 80207

303.498.0351 | nestmaneng.com Page 18

The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018

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MASONRY SERVICES Masonry Services- Brick, Stone, Concrete, restoration, tuck pointing, chimneys, retain-

Urban Living Starts Here

ing walls, city sidewalks. Licensed, bonded, and insured. www.thebrickandstoneguy. com References. Call Shawn 303-907-9223

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 www.wallrebuilder.com

PLUMBING VAIL PLUMBING & HEATING - The Older Home Specialist. Repair, service, remodel. Hot water heat. Licensed, insured, guaranteed. 303-329-6042

Chrisi Scherschligt Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, RMR, Cherry Creek chrisi.2@mac.com

303-885-3839

Plumbing & Sprinklers - Repair or replace, disposal, toilets, water heaters, faucets, sinks, drain cleaning, sump pump, water pressure regulator. Sprinkler blow out, repair and install. www.vertecservices.com 720-298-0880

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

TO ADVERTISE IN THE CLASSIFIEDS CONTACT MELISSA DAVIS

newspaper@greaterparkhill.org | 720-287-0442 (voicemail) the deadline for submitting a classified ad is the 15th of every month

FAST TAX REFUND

BOOKKEEPING, TAXES Individual and Business Tax

HO U S E C L E A NIN G Park Hill & Stapleton References

IMPUSTOS/REEMBOLSOS & RAPIDO In Business for 18 Years

1400 JOLIET ST, AURORA, CO 80010 www.Totalsolutionstax.com

We’ll Clean Your House to Look Like New Detailed Oriented • Ironing Included Offices • Apartments • Homes Park House Resident Paulina Leon Cell 720-628-6690 • Home 303-719-2456 Please Text Cell • paulinaleaon22@hotmail.com

#1 IN CLEAN

720.857.8300 A Straight Up Fence Company Fences - Gates - Iron Work

A Straight Up Fence Company is a family owned and operated fence, gate and iron work installation and repair company. Specializing in custom metal fabrication, automated gates, cedar, vinyl, chain link and composite materials.

720-404-4730 | denverfencebuilder.com

$50 off any job over 50’

“Tim has always done excellent work in a timely and affordable fashion.”

$4+0)+0) %1.14 61 2#4*+.. (14 ;'#45 +

We background check and drug test all our painters!

$100 off any fence job over 100’

Your pride in ownership reflects mY pride in workmanship!

Dust Contained Wood Floor Refinishing RUTHERFORD CONSTRUCTION Kitchen and Bath Remodel, Tile Work & Home Repairs 720.434.8922

Visit our website: rutherfordconstruction.biz

To keep our wonderful painters working in the slower months we offer...

labor on all interior jobs ԵI performed in December ‘17 - April ’18 %1/2.'6' +06'4+14 #0& ':6'4+14 2#+06+0)

%#..

www.irelandsfinestinc.com March 2018

The Greater Park Hill News

Page 19

PRESCHOOL SPOTS FILL UP QUICKLY.

ACT EARLY. A high quality preschool education prepares children for the classroom and their future career.

DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?

VISIT DPP.ORG OR CALL 303-595-4DPP TO START YOUR SEARCH

Page 20

The Greater Park Hill News

March 2018