A Peek Inside
Oct. 1 Is The Day: Five Stunning Houses, Plus A Free Street Fair With Food, Music, Booths & Fun
The Park Hill Home Tour & Street Fair returns for the 45th year on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Home Tour includes a variety of homes that represent an eclectic mix of architectural styles that honor the diverse landscape of the neighborhood — from Mid-Century Modern to classic Craftsman, renovated Farmhouse and majestic Tudor. One of the featured homes is the

oldest surviving home in Park Hill.
The Home Tour is a ticketed event, and proceeds from ticket sales support the programs, initiatives and crucial work of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., a registered neighborhood organization. Tickets are $30 in advance for adults and $25 in advance for seniors (65-plus). Prices for all tickets increase to $35 on the day of. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit parkhillhometour.org/home-tour/.
See pages 8-9 for photos, renderings and previews of the featured homes on this year’s tour.
Also on Oct 1, the Park Hill Street Fair runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the parkway at Montview and Forest. Attendance is free, so stop on to say hey to your neighbors, grab a bite from one of the many food trucks and have a cold, refreshing beverage.


There are dozens of booths — artisans selling their wares and local groups highlighting the work they are doing. There are plenty of activities for kids, and live music all day. The always-popular sustainability zone includes multiple planet-loving experts who highlight various ways people can reduce their ecological footprint. Think information about coral reef restoration, beekeeping, composting, bicycling, public transit and sustainable habits.
A Sewer Runs Though it: Part 2
No Chance To Be Heard
Aurora’s Four-Mile Sewer Project Through Denver Sailed Through City Council Unanimously, With No Staff Report And No Discussion
Story and photos by Mark Silverstein
For the GPHN
Last month’s report described the trail of demolished trees and razed vegetation that Aurora’s contractors carved out earlier this year along a four-mile section of First Creek in Denver. They are building a sewer line for Aurora that takes a shortcut through the natural open spaces in Denver’s Green Valley Ranch subdivision.

There were some unanswered questions I hoped to explore in a follow-up: Was it nec-
essary to cut down hundreds of trees in this neighborhood northeast of Park Hill? Why wasn’t the sewer routed under city streets instead? What is the process for Aurora to get Denver’s OK to plow through Denver’s open space? And was there an opportunity, before the plans were set in concrete, for the public to speak up, for the nature lovers to argue for less destruction of wildlife habitat?
So I poked around a bit, filed some open records requests, reviewed city council documents and perused emails of Aurora
and Denver officials. I spoke with the public information officer (PIO) for Aurora Water, Elizabeth Lefebvre, and with Ben Rickenbacker, of Denver’s Forestry Department. Here’s what I learned.


Out of the public eye
Aurora first approached Denver officials about the scheme in 2020, and all the planning for the sewer project took place out of the public eye. There was no opportunity for birders, nature lovers, neighborhood residents or other members of the public to be heard — not when it might have mattered, anyway.

Lefebvre, the PIO, told me that “before we did anything,” Aurora officials notified the many Denver neighbors who live along the sewer’s route. Those property owners were invited to two public meetings at a Green Valley Ranch recreation center, where Aurora representatives were prepared to explain the project and answer questions. But those two meetings took place in November, 2022 — long after the plans were final. The meetings were strictly to provide information, not to hear potential concerns that might have modified the plans, which were already locked in place.
Aurora’s contractors were already oiling their chainsaws and warming up their bulldozers.
Lefebvre listed over 20 Denver offices that had some notice or input during the years-long planning. Several divisions of Denver Parks and Recreation, which oversees Denver’s public open spaces and trails, were on the list. One of those divisions was Denver Forestry, which sees its job as preserving Denver’s tree canopy.
In an interview, Rickenbacker, the operations manager of Denver Forestry, said he wasn’t sure that his department was invited to “all those meetings,” but he acknowledged having at least some opportunity to review Aurora’s plans.
continued on page 10
InsIde ThIs Issue
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Announcemen T s
Fall Festival At Axum Park
The second annual Park Hill Community Fall Festival is on tap for Sunday, Oct. 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The free, family-friendly event is at City of Axum Park, at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Birch Street. It features free food, face painting, bubbles, games and more. If you are interested in joining the EWAP movement (Exercise With A Purpose) by becoming a blockworker who delivers the Greater Park Hill News, connects with neighbors, and promotes overall healthier community, come on by. The fall fest is presented by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. It is sponsored by Councilwoman Shontel Lewis and District 8, as well as Be Well and the AMP-athy Project. For more information call 303-388-0918.
Open Studio Tour Oct. 14-15

The annual Park Hill Artists Open Studio Tour is happening Saturday and Sunday the weekend of Oct. 14 and 15. There are 14 different studios and 24 artists participating this year. A variety of fine art and fine craft will be displayed including painting, glass, jewelry, pottery, wood work, metal work and mixed media. It’s a great chance to visit many Park Hill-based artists in their working spaces. Check out next month’s issue for details. Brochures with locations of participating artists will also be at the Art Garage, 6100 E. 23rd Ave.
Walk With A Doc At City Park
Every fourth Saturday of the month at 8 a.m. through October, Walk with A Doc meets at Thatcher Fountain in Denver’s City Park. (The southwest end of the park by the 17th Avenue entrance.) Tai Chi warm-ups, informative medical talks, and Tai Chi practice are also available. It’s all free. Physical inactivity is a pervasive issue in the United States, with serious consequences for health and well being. Older adults in particular are vulnerable to the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle. So come on over and get moving. Call Jacqui with questions 303-725-7482.
Annual Friendship Powwow Sept. 9
The 34th Annual Friendship Powwow is Saturday, Sept. 9 at the Denver Art Museum downtown from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Friendship Powwow is one of the DAM’s longestrunning events, and is a

wHO we ARe
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Manager: Brenda Morrison
Ad Sales: Melissa Davis and Denise Fisher

Art Director: Tommy Kubitsky
HOw TO FIND US
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CONTACT US
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Deadline for submissions is the 15th of every month
celebration of the culture and creativity of diverse Indigenous communities across Denver and the Front Range. The event features Native American dance competitions, hands-on activities for the whole family and prize drawings, as well as artist, food and vendor booths. For powwow and museum information, call 720-865-5000 or check out denverartmuseum.org.
Public Art: Burden Or Legacy?
The Lowry Speaker Series is hosting a presentation on Denver’s public art on Thursday, Sept. 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The discussion is titled Living with Public Art: Burden or Legacy? and features Denver Public Art Program Manager Michael Chavez and public artist Patrick Marold, The two will talk about public art in the community and the challenges of making sure artworks survive to create legacy. The free event is at the Historic Eisenhower Chapel, 293 Roslyn St. For more information check out lowryfoundation.org/ events/, or call 303-344-0481.
The Deep Sea Is On Display
Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA) is hosting an exhibition exploring the deep sea, biomimicry and human plastic consumption through art and design. The exhibit, Deep Sea, is a multi-media installation fabricated from repurposed materials. Students learned about different ocean ecosystems and made an impressive giant squid and bioluminescent jellyfish. The free opening reception is Friday, Sept. 8 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and the exhibit runs through Nov. 10. DAVA is at 1405 Florence St., in the Aurora Cultural Arts District. For more information call 303-367-5886.
Opportunities For Artists
Denver Arts & Venues is hosting a free open house in partnership with Denver’s office of economic development for small, minority and women-owned businesses to learn more about business opportunities. The event is Monday, Sept. 25, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House Studio Loft at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, 980 14th St. Those interested in attending can get learn more and RSVP here: eventbrite. com/e/open-housefor-small-businessesinterested-in-workingwith-arts-venues-tickets-695628923837.

The Greater Park Hill News is published by Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. (GPHC) on the 1st of each month. Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. makes no warranties and assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained herein. The opinions expressed in articles are not necessarily the opinions of GPHC. GPHC does not necessarily endorse the companies, products or services advertised in The Greater Park Hill News unless specifically stated. GPHC reserves the right to run any advertisement.
Circulation is 13,000 and is distributed in the Park Hill Area by neighborhood volunteers.
The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteerbased registered neighborhood organization that: promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill; provides resources, information and advocacy; and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.
This newspaper is made possible through the support of our advertisers and members. If you are not already a member, please consider joining the Greater Park Hill Community, Inc.

Swift And Agile







This juvenile Cooper’s Hawk will grow up to be fast and agile, not afraid to power through cluttered tree canopies in high-speed pursuit of other birds. The species was named in 1828 by Charles Lucien Bonaparte in honor of his friend, the naturalist William Cooper. They are relatively common to wooded habitats around the world and have a few common nicknames, including chicken hawk, big blue darter and striker. This young Cooper’s Hawk was photographed at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal north of Park Hill by Mark Silverstein.

Sewer Story Was Disturbing
Thank you for the important story entitled “A Sewer Runs Through It,” last month’s page 1 story by Mark Silverstein. His investigative reporting revealed the fact that the city of Aurora bulldozed open space through parts of Denver without the broader community even being aware of it. The findings are critical and disturbing.
We, the readers of The Greater Park Hill News, are fortunate to have a community newspaper that exposes such otherwise hidden environmental degradation. Our community should also be thankful that your paper was willing to venture outside of Park Hill to disclose this information. After all, if you hadn’t, it seems no one else would have.
Dan Recht, Park HillThe Animals Are Gone
The article “A Sewer Runs Through It” was profound. The walkway and little pond referenced served as a sanctuary for several birds and animals.
Living in a neighborhood where there is frequent gun fire, screeching cars and sirens, this area was a peaceful respite from a chaotic world. My dog and I would watch turtles sunbathing on floating logs in the pond, pelicans gathered and interacting with each other as though they were conducting a big business deal, a raccoon who would play peek-a-boo with us from behind a large oak tree, a mother eagle feeding and nurturing her eaglets and an occasional inquisitive fox running carelessly through the tall grass.
Now, with the exception of some persistent ducks, all the animals have disappeared. The area is now desolate, replaced with mounds of dirt and piles of rocks. Large sewer pipes replace the large towering oak trees. There was no regard for nature, it appears it was all about money in the name of progress.
It makes me sick my taxes are paying for this destruction. My plea is if this type of “construction” is planned in other natural areas that more consideration be given to either not proceeding with the project or carefully and strategically implementing it with conservation of natural habitat as the focus.
Debbie Jackson, Green Valley Ranch

Don’t Try This At The Office

Mark Silverstein did a great job on last month’s article about the bulldozing of First Creek open space and trail. The construction seems to be very slow going. Being a birder, I’m going to attempt to get out there in the next month or two for fall migration, but I’ve barely been back out there since May. Too depressing.
I love the city’s definition of replacing trees. Tear out a huge mature tree here and plant a sapling somewhere else. I wonder if I can get away with that with my mortgage company. I’ll tell clients they will “still get their money” but I’m just replacing the final destination of the payment from their account to an account of my own. I’m sure
they will understand and think that is fair. After all, it is really the same thing, right?
John Breitsch, Denver
Editor’s note: The author is a Denverbased birder and bird photographer.
Students Still In Danger At 23rd And Kearney Street
This letter is in response to the recent sidewalk and street crossing construction for children’s safety to McAuliffe. (“Third Time’s A Go” in the August issue.)
As I have watched the construction in the area take shape with the installation of new sidewalks and curbing leading towards the newly installed crosswalk of concrete islands at Kearney and 23rd Avenue, I can’t help but wonder if the city is really addressing the safety of the children, bikers and surrounding homes and businesses or simply “checking the box.” Without the installation of a manually operated flashing crosswalk light initiated by pedestrians, many cars will not stop. In fact, it likely will be more dangerous at this crossing as it is an inadequate response and this is the busiest intersection in the area.
Anyone that has tried to cross the similar pedestrian crossings on Montview Boulevard on foot or been riding a bike near them (Kearney and Holly), can surely attest that it is no safer to cross at these locations or ride a bike near them than at any other street crossing. In fact, I would argue that it might be more dangerous in these areas, as the obstacles for cars to avoid actually force vehicles into bike lanes and towards sidewalks and homes, and create a launching ramp if the driver is not paying attention.
It seems every several months, the metal traffic signs at these crossings are folded over from where a car has run over them. I have attempted to cross at these crossings numerous times to witness countless cars continue at full speed right past myself and other pedestrians, and my wife and son even witnessed a near-miss of a vehicle and a family not long ago.
Without a flashing light being triggered by the pedestrian at the time they are prepared or in the act of crossing, drivers are not alerted adequately. Even worse, children are being led to believe they are safe to cross at these intersections. I can’t believe $2.3 million was spent on this “Safe Routes To School” project and no one brought this to the table as a requirement.
Yes, sidewalks and crossings are necessary, but without actively alerting drivers that a child (or any pedestrian) is ready or in the act of crossing, is it $2.3 million wasted?
Mark Almquist, Park Hill We love your letters, and give preference to those that address an issue that has been covered in the newspaper, or a topic that is Park Hill or Denver-specific. Send letters to editor@greaterparkhill.org, and include your full name, and the neighborhood in which you live. Deadlines are the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.
Come explore City
Park’s
Flowerbeds On Sept. 5
City Park Friends and Neighbors, the registered Neighborhood Organization that advocates for City Park, invites you to join us for a tour of City Park’s flower gardens on Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. We will meet off the circular parking lot accessed from Montview Boulevard and turning south to the roundabout. The tour will be led by City Park’s Adopt-a-Flowerbed Coordinators, Maria Flora (GPHC) and Jackie June (South City Park). Adopt-a-Flowerbed is a Denver Parks and Recreation volunteer program, in its third year of operation in City Park. Since the pandemic, when the park’s horticulturists struggled to maintain the area’s many flowerbeds, volunteers from neighborhoods around the park have joined teams that tend gardens once a week (or as able).

We will stroll through the park, from Ida’s City Park Rock Garden to the MLK, Sopris and Burns gardens west of the Pavilion, and then east to the Lilac Lane, Benedict Rose Garden and Cordova Rock Garden ending at the roundabout where we began. Along the way Maria and Jackie will point out perennials and annuals contained in each flowerbed, and relate the interesting stories behind them as well. We may well see birds and animals of interest along the way.
The tour is free to the public, and we look forward to seeing you. We promise a unique and enjoyable experience in our park – City Park, the People’s Park!
Georgia Garnsey, Park Hill
Reunited In Boulder
Fran Lebowitz’s Take On Scorsese, Hip-Hop, Censorship And Barbie
By Anya NitczynskiFor the GPHN
On Aug. 7 at the Boulder Theater, a pair of star-cross’d best friends were reunited after over a year apart. The best friends in question? Myself and Fran Lebowitz.

She doesn’t know we’re best friends, but we are. Trust me. I was first enthralled by her humor in Martin Scorsese’s Netflix docu-series centered around her metropolitan lifestyle, and have remained captivated by her because of much more. She is frank and grumpy, but also speaks very highly of most of the youth today. She never dismisses anyone my age. This is unusual and has pioneered my belief in my own opinions.
The event, “An Evening with Fran Lebowitz,” was one of many stops on Fran’s latest speaking tour. The show begins with a lively conversation between Lebowitz and a guest (in this case it was Erin O’Toole, a host and producer at KUNC) and then transitions to the completely Fran-led audience Q&A.
Two highlights from that session: Someone asked her thoughts about Barbie. Lebowitz said she hasn’t seen the movie. When prodded for a reason why, she threw her hands up in defeat and the attitude of a teenager saying duuu-uh: “It’s a movie about a toy!” She says the only new movie she feels she has the authority to recommend is Martin Scorsese’s latest, Killers of the Flower Moon, out in October. She described how shocked she was when Scorsese was willing to live in Oklahoma for a year to film the movie. This was the same guy who hesitated when he had to leave Manhattan to film portions of his documentary on Lebowitz in other boroughs.
Later on, Fran was asked what kind of music she listens to. She confessed she doesn’t often think to listen to music — she knows it’s there and she could, she says, she just doesn’t remem-
ber. When she does remember, it’s usually classical or … hip-hop. Lebowitz apparently has an affinity for the poetic nature of Jay Z’s lyrics.
Other random hot topics: book banning, which Lebowitz calls one of the biggest threats to democracy (school librarians, she says, are some of the most important people in our society). She noted the dangers of censorship from both sides of the political aisle — on one side Republicans try to ban via legislation, but Democrats push to cancel certain authors or books. About Donald Trump: She has major doubts he could be reelected in 2024 — but noted she said the same thing when he ran in 2016.
After the show, most audience members made a beeline for the book-signing table. Unfortunately, I was not first in line like I was when I saw her in California last year, but I was pretty close. When I handed Lebowitz my very much well-loved copy of her Reader, she remarked “this cannot be new! It looks like it’s been through a bar fight.”
“It was,” I replied.

“It’s a movie about a toy!”
— Fran LebowitzThe author Fran Lebowitz, left, and the columnist Anya Nitczynski, far right, at the Boulder Theater. Park Hill’s Nancy Watzman is standing next to Nitczynski. Photo courtesy of Anya Nitczynski
Flash Of Silver
The Silver Fox is actually the same species as the Red Fox, but has a genetic mutation that results in a darker pigment. As a result, instead of having the classic red coloring with black legs and feet, silver foxes are predominately black, with tinges of silver on their fur and white-tipped tails. Foxes that are red in color can have offspring that are black-and-silver colored. Historically the pelts of the silver fox were prized as most valuable, and worn by royalty in Russia and China. In the wild, 15 percent of red foxes used to be black-and-silver colored, but due to hunters targeting silver foxes specifically that percentage has fallen. This handsome wild Silver Fox was seen in the mountains of Colorado in late May on the road between Idaho Springs and Echo Lake. Photo by Reid Neureiter

Keep Pushing For More
When It Comes To The Climate, Some Challenges Seem Insurmountable. But Hope Is Not Lost
By Tracey MacDermott For the GPHNFall colors and cooler weather will be here soon and while the last days of summer begin to set, July 2023 will go down in the books as the hottest month ever recorded.
July was blistering across Europe. Parts of Asia reached over 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Phoenix reached or surpassed 110 degrees for 31 straight days. Devastating floods soaked Vermont with a record-breaking 5.28 inches of rain. A river overflowing in Alaska from glacier melting runoff resulted in significant damage. Water temperatures off the coast of Florida reached unprecedented highs — in fact the highest level ever recorded.
At the time of this writing, Hawaii endured its largest natural disaster, with deadly, devastating fires on Maui.
Multiple news agencies reported that the dangerous heat waves in North America and Europe would be “virtually impossible” without human-caused climate change. Florida’s coral reefs are suffering from not only a warming ocean but also pollution, overfishing and disease. Reefs around the globe support approximately 25 percent
Florida. Our amazing soldiers not only have served our country and suffered injuries during service, but they also continue to serve us all by saving coral threatened due to rising ocean temperatures. At the same time, they can begin healing physically and emotionally. Stories such as these continue to inspire and motivate all of us to push forward.
We must demand that we stop funding the fossil fuel industry. Subsidies top over $10 trillion. That’s right, 10 TRILLION dollars. Imagine a world where this type of money was put to solving the climate crisis, equality in education and general well-being? Our neighbors to the north, Canada, committed to a key climate initiative to phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies by the fall of 2024, ending public funding to this industry.
“You don’t need to be a politician to make it your mission to conserve, to protect, to preserve that one and only home that is ours, to use your unique power to give next generations the planet they deserve.”

Denver’s 80 x 50 plan moves us to 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While this is important, we simply can’t wait until 2050. We need to move to 100 percent quickly. That’s where each one of us comes in. Through Denver’s Climate Protection Plan, voted on by the citizens of Denver, you can assist our city in achieving those goals. Check out denvergov.org to learn how homes and businesses can utilize programs to help you transition off fossil fuels.
The Greater Park Hill Community Building is undergoing a conversion to 100 percent electric. Swing by our world headquarters at 2823 Fairfax St. and check out our progress. Get involved locally and encourage our city to do more. We need to accelerate our efforts locally by our individual actions.
While the news has been grim, good things are happening. We need to celebrate our wins but keep asking for more. More people than ever recognize that our planet is in trouble. We are at a point where we can turn this around — and we will. Join our neighborhood in making us the greenest in the city. If you have an idea to help improve our sustainability efforts, I would love to hear from you. The time is right now for sweeping change in all sectors of our
Tracey MacDermott is an at-large member of the board of Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., and immediate past chair. She was trained as a Climate Reality Leader in 2017, and is currently the Statewide Co-Chair of the Climate Reality Project for the 100% Committed Campaign. She can be reached at traceymacdermott@gmail.com.

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Can we cure the epidemic of plastics pollution?
This global problem requires a global solution and during last year’s UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, UN member states made this a top priority.
Plastic production is in the hundreds of millions of tons annually and is expected to double by 2040. Pew estimates a tripling of plastics flowing into oceans by 2040. The good news is that estimates predict a circular economy can reduce the amount of plastics entering the oceans by 80 percent,
Details on how to achieve these reductions are being negotiated by 150 nations with the goal of a final treaty by December, 2024 and plans for it to be ratified shortly afterwards.
Mark Kuhl is an environmental advocate who lives in Park Hill with his family. His handy tips and news about recycling household items appear every month in these pages. A directory of his past columns for recycling everything from paint to Styrofoam to shoes is at greaterparkhill.org/sustainability/recycling-directory/.

op I n I on
Nearly $16,000 Raised
Record High For Garden Walk Ticket Sales In 2023
By Jean Ercolani Park Hill Garden Walk OrganizerThe Park Hill Garden Walk committee is thrilled to announce another fantastic year. We hit a new high in ticket sales, with nearly 750 tickets purchased — equating to almost $11,000.
Go Away, Shades Of Gray Maybe It’s Time For A Barbie Makeover In Park Hill
By Nan Young For the GPHN
Given the current blitz of hype over the movie Barbie, I am braced — yes, braced and waiting — to see some lovely Park Hill home painted that color. Yep, that saccharine-sweet, bubble-gum bright, nearly-neon, stomach-turning Barbie-pink. And it’s entirely possible. All that’s needed is one Park Hillian who’s an overly enthusiastic fan of the movie and — Voila! — brick, mortar, chimney, porch, soffit, gable . . . All of it, Barbie-pink.
But, I’m ready. Because this is exactly why I live in Park Hill instead of in some gated HOA community. Individualism. I’m all for it. Paint your house pink. Heck, paint it Bronco-orange. I’m with you. Your property, your home, your right. Have at, neighbor.


Have at because our individualism is always something to celebrate, to honor, and believe in. And I do. I do — even as I walk around Park Hill, and house after house after house is getting painted gray. You know the range — slate gray, charcoal gray, graphite gray, pewter gray, carbon gray, dove gray, and, my favorite, greige (that ubiquitous gray+beige). Painting brick houses gray (which, I suppose, is better than Barbie-pink) seems to be a fad that just won’t quit.
Of course, some of them are gorgeous. Stunning even. But, with more and more of them popping up all the time, I wonder if the trend of all-things-gray will ever end. Will greige houses go the way of avocado kitchen appliances, shag carpet and toilet clothes? Some days, it’s too easy for me to envision the wearisomeness of an all-gray
Park Hill, a Park Hill where every bungalow, every Tudor, every pop-top and every scrape-off is hued gray.
Again, it’s your property, your home, your right. Have at.
Except, the problem is, I don’t think the majority of these homes are being painted at the discretion of Park Hill homeowners. Nope, they’re being painted by developers. It’s those here-today-gone-tomorrow flippers who’ve decided painting brick is the quickest way to make a house look fresh and new and—oh-so—stylish . And they love gray. Mostly, they love greige . . . well, greige and, inexplicably, a white so nondescriptive we used to call it ceiling-white.
That’s where my frustration comes from: flippers foisting this on Park Hill. And it would be nice if calling and complaining to a developer would make a difference. But it’s not going to.
Still, if you live next to a house, flipped, painted and on the market, I have a suggestion. Try this: at the edge of your property, visible to any potential buyers approaching said flip, plant a yard sign.
Something pithy, like: According to the Brick Industry Association, you should plan on repainting the entire exterior of painted brick houses every 3 to 5 years.

Or maybe: According to homeadvisor. com the average cost of repainting this 2,500 square foot home is $7,000 and can go up to past $10,000.
Think of it as your neighborly duty to inform prospective new neighbors. Have at, my fellow Park Hillians. In fact, reach out. I’ll help you with the signage.


Nan Young is a Park Hill native who has lived in four homes in the neighborhood — none of them gray.
Between the Garden Walk event and the sales from our 2023 Garden Walk calendar, the Garden Walk team delivered an estimated $19,000 in gross revenue. After all expenses, the net income was nearly $16,000. The funds support the work of the Greater Park Hill Community, including the registered neighborhood organization’s community programs, sustainability initiatives, and general operating costs.
GPHC, Inc. promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill through its resources, information and advocacy, while preserving the quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation. Learn more and get involved at greaterparkhill.org. (GPHC also publishes the Greater Park Hill News, the neighborhood’s award-winning newspaper. The newspaper does not receive money from Garden Walk proceeds, but rather survives and thrives with the support of its advertisers — many of whom are also actively involved in the Garden Walk.)
The generosity from the Garden Walk’s many sponsors is tremendous — both longtime and new. Additionally, many Park Hill businesses provide in-kind donations. A big thank you to all of our sponsors. Your new and long-standing support of our community is greatly appreciated.
We would also like to give a special shout out to our garden photographer, Ed Demafiles. Ed graciously donated his time and skills to the Garden Walk this year by photographing each of the gardens as well as the gardeners.
Check his work out at edwindemafilesphotography.zenfolio.com.
The Park Hill Garden Walk committee is comprised of 10 people, who work for months to make the event a reality. However, our success would not be possible without the small village of people who make it happen. We would like to offer our sincere and deepest gratitude to all involved in this year’s event, including the gardeners who graciously volunteered to open their beautiful spaces for all to see, and the people who came out on the day to volunteer, and to admire the gardens.
Seeking Gardens For 2024 and 2025
Identifying gardens to feature during the annual event is a key component of the Park Hill Garden Walk. Our committee co-chairs, Carla Finch and Patty Mead, are continually looking for potential gardens. Ideally, we would like to lock up next year’s list of gardens now so that we can take photos of the gardens in bloom. These photos are used in the brochure, news articles and advertisements that are produced during the winter and spring months — which as you can imagine is not a good time of year for garden photos. If you are interested or if you know someone with a beautiful yard whom we should contact, please reach out to Carla Finch at carla.j.finch@gmail.com or Patty Mead at prmead416@gmail.com.
Looking For Volunteers

We are also continually looking for volunteers to work the day of the event. Volunteers work in half-day (three hour) shifts so they can go and check out all the gardens on display the other half of the day (volunteers get a free ticket to the event.) If you are interested, contact Kate Blanas at klblanas@gmail.com.
Again, thanks to ALL. We hope to see each of you next year. In the meantime, happy gardening.
The Home Of Historic Renovator Steve Davis
The 1890 “Robinson House” is the oldest surviving home in Park Hill. The Robinson family, who were the first to purchase the home, paid a whopping price tag of $5,000. That was a bundle of money in 1890, the year it was built. Today, the enchanting two-story residence still incorporates the crossgabled roof, turned porch columns and spindle work banisters of the Victorian era.


The Home Of
This quintessential split-level Mid-Century Modern was built in 1952, and when Susi Tattershall and Ken Carlson purchased the home in 2012, they were only the third owners. After settling in, they removed 60 years of wax buildup and polished the foyer tiles to their original gloss. The foliage in the indoor planters — also in the foyer — lends a lustrous hue of green throughout the year. It’s a welcoming addition, especially in wintertime.
In the sunken living room, a massive picture window gives way to a beautiful view of Monaco Parkway, while the classic mid-century fireplace maintains the simple design of that era. Tattershall’s antiques — including a restored pipe organ — add a touch of yesteryear to the home. The original crystal light fixture in the dining room is a striking conversation piece, too.
The couple opened the kitchen up to the breakfast nook and dining room, and the floors were replaced with polished concrete. Tattershall is a bona fide gourmet cook, and her kitchen is decked out with a commercial grade range, hood and refrigerator, as well as an island for food prep. In the breakfast nook, original cabinets and built-ins maintain the mid-century design. Heating is achieved by hot water running through the concrete slab, so there are no vents, returns or radiators to break up the sleek interior and its open access to all rooms on the main floor. A cozy den highlights many original details, includ-
The Home Of Sue Wofford
In 1983, the home was converted to Kate’s at 35th Avenue, a popular neighborhood restaurant that closed in 2010. The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. In 2021 Steve Davis, who specializes in historic restorations, bought the home after the property was subdivided; row homes have been built on the south side. With a goal of preserving the historic attributes of the home, while updating it to sell in a modern market, Davis has taken the house through a major renovation.



The brick exterior maintains its original integrity thanks to the second-story gingerbread porch, arched window with brick surround and keystone and ornamental roof edging with fish scale tin shingles. The interior, including an open main floor with a large kitchen island and half bath, has been fully remodeled to accommodate today’s lifestyles.
The second floor lays claim to a primary suite and two additional bedrooms and a full bath, while the basement was dug deeper to increase the ceiling height to accommodate another bedroom and bath. The home has all new electrical, heat and plumbing. A gas fireplace with a period appropriate (but new) grate and a tankless water heater rounds out the comforting features of this restored Park Hill treasure.
Park Hill HOMe TOUR
ing built-in shelves and massive French doors that open to the covered patio.
The upper-level bedroom and bath were gutted to create a primary suite with a sitting area. Carpet was removed, and the original oak floors beneath were polished to their original luster. Large, original windows benefit from streams of sunlight in the bedroom, while the size of the walk-in closet is a dream, outmatched only by a luxurious new primary bath.
The second and third bedrooms contain many of the couple’s lovely antiques. A nearby bath features classic pink-and-blue tile and several original fixtures, including a half-moon-shaped sink and chrome flip-around toothbrush holder in the wall. Likewise, the powder room on the main floor boasts its original pink-and-gray tile and a similar flip-around toothbrush holder.
Tattershall, who restores violins and antique pianos and creates hand-turned bowls on her lathe, utilizes the large garden level rec room as her workshop. The lower level also includes an original wet bar, cedar closet and wavy wood paneling.
The couple loves the distinct mid-century style of their home. Sleek, spacious and filled with natural light, this home personifies comfort, whimsy and flair, and the loving owners never tire of new projects to elevate the home’s integrity.
When you approach Sue Wofford’s home, you’re greeted with the kaleidoscopic beauty of flush wildflowers reminiscent of an English cottage garden. The magnificent flowers perfectly complement the majestic Tudor, which was built in 1936.

Since moving into the home in 1977, Sue has undertaken several remodels and additions, but the antique expressions of days gone by remain consistent
Five Spectacular Homes To Be Featured In The 45th Annual Neighborhood Event
This year’s Park Hill Home Tour and Street Fair is Sunday, Oct. 1. Here is a sneak preview of the five homes on the tour this year. Tickets are available at parkhillhometour.org. (Check out page 1 for more on the Home Tour and info about the free Street Fair.)
from year to year. Furniture, hooked rugs, quilts and other collectors’ items — many handmade by family members — make the otherwise updated home feel warm, inviting and firmly rooted in tradition.
A staircase with the original iron railing catches the eye upon entering the residence. You’ll also notice many of the original light fixtures throughout the home. The dining room lays claim to an oil portrait of James Henry Clagett — a relative of Sue’s — that was painted in Moorefield, West Virginia by artist Will Alexander immediately after the Civil War.
Throughout the years, the home has undergone a kitchen remodel, wherein Sue removed the Chambers stove, refurbished the upper metal cabinets and constructed lower cabinets to match. The result exemplifies the preservation of the 1930s aesthetic while enhancing functionality.
In 1983, a large family room addition was constructed off the back of the house, where French doors open to the shaded backyard patio and gardens. An abundance of bookshelves throughout
the home are stocked with current and collectible titles that add a sense of culture and elegance to the restful atmosphere.
Descending to the basement, you’ll find a sizable bedroom, petite bathroom and original wooden kitchen cabinets that provide extra storage for family heirlooms.
When the house was purchased, there were three upstairs bedrooms and one bath. The original wall and floor tile in the bathroom remain intact. One bedroom now functions as an office with a captivating view of the front gardens, while the second bedroom is graced with quilts and braided rugs handmade by relatives.
In 1995, the third bedroom became the entrance to a large primary suite overlooking the existing family room. Bedecked with a balcony that peers over the backyard, a walk-in closet and bath with a large shower, it’s a focal point of the home. A hooked rug of the Maine state seal hangs in the bedroom; it was crafted by Sue’s maternal grandmother and once hung in the rotunda of the State Capitol building in Augusta.
The Home Of David & Eileen Arnolds The Home Of Lucas & Lindsay Clark
Built in 1909, this two-story Craftsman bungalow has been a home to many families, including the Arnolds family. David Arnolds and his recently deceased wife Eileen bought the home in 1986 and raised their three children in it. They’ve also shared it with several exchange students over the years. Today, the home and its unusually large backyard set the stage for family get-togethers that often include children and grandchildren.
The original 1,600-squarefoot, two-story home was enlarged in 2020 with the addition of a first-floor bedroom, an ADA-compliant bath and a closet plumbed for a washer and dryer with the goal of aging in place. The details and finishes of the addition are so well done it’s nearly impossible to distinguish between what’s new versus what’s original to the home.





To reduce waste and maintain continuity from one renovation to the next, windows from the original outside wall were used in the new bedroom.
The kitchen was renovated and expanded to delight the family’s culinary wizards, who cook on a six-burner gas range, prep on a massive center island and have enviable cabinet space for all kinds of storage. French doors were also added to create elegant access to the deck and patio.
The upstairs was adequate for raising the family’s three children. Once David and Eileen were empty nesters, they had the opportunity to create a more luxurious primary bedroom, with an ensuite bath outfitted with a deluxe soaking tub. The two additional original bedrooms and hall bath are perfect for visiting grandchildren.
The basement is an all-age paradise with its large playroom full of toys and family games; there’s also a guest bedroom and bath. The home continues to be the hub of three generations of extended family gatherings every week.
Built in 1948, this gorgeous home underwent a remarkable transformation, seamlessly blending the charm of the original one-story brick façade with a modern two-story farmhouse design. The renovation, completed last year, transformed the residence into a stylish and spacious living space that perfectly suits the needs of Lucas and Lindsay Clark, along with their three kids and a new furry family member.

Clocking in at a generous 3,800 square feet, the home includes five bedrooms and six bathrooms, enough space to provide ample room for the family to spread out. The owners love the open layout of the main floor, which trumpets a sweeping living room, a dining room that’s ideal for gatherings and a spectacular kitchen equipped with top-of-theline attributes, including a wine and coffee bar.
Additionally, the main floor provides a lovely guest bedroom with its own bathroom, as well as an office that conveniently shares a powder room and a mudroom to keep everything organized.

The second floor boasts considerable space, and the family appreciates that each bedroom has its own bathroom and walk-in closet. Furthermore, the laundry room is conveniently situated on the same floor, ensuring easy management of the myriad laundry loads that inevitably come with a trio of kids.
A fantastic bonus is the third-floor loft, complete with its own bathroom. This versatile space has become a favorite spot for the family to enjoy movie nights. But that’s not all: A covered rooftop deck offers breathtaking mountain views, making it a wonderful outdoor retreat.
The home’s design and layout have truly captured the Clark’s hearts. The only adjustment they’ve made is converting the back patio into a versatile oasis where the family can play games and spend quality time together. This home has it all: comfort, functionality and luxurious elements that enhance the family’s daily life.
The Sewer’s Path
This map shows the path of Aurora’s sewer project as it runs through Green Valley Ranch in northeast Denver. The new pipeline — shown in red — begins in Aurora (at bottom right) and cuts a diagonal swath along First Creek through publicly-owned land that includes First Creek Open Space, the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, and First Creek Trail. The pipeline eventually connects with an existing line (at top left) north of 56th Avenue that leads to a treatment plant in Brighton. Rendering by Tommy Kubitsky

Was there an opportunity, I asked Rickenbacker, to say, Hey, don’t even run that sewer through the open space and natural area—run it under the city streets? “Typically,” he replied, “we try to keep most utilities in the street.” But with this project, by the time the Forestry Department was included in any discussions, it was already a given that the sewer was going through the First Creek corridor. Rickenbacker declined to say how he received that message or from whom.
A round of Bureaucratic Pinball

The public’s first potential opportunity to learn that Aurora would dig up Denver’s open space was perhaps in November, 2022. That’s when an ordinance approving an agreement between Denver and Aurora appeared on the Denver City Council website. But there was no media coverage, and council members apparently regarded Aurora’s plan as routine and noncontroversial. The project sailed through both a council committee and the full city council, unanimously, on a consent agenda, with no staff report and without discussion.
The Denver staff’s written request asking the council to approve the agreement with Aurora contained only a short paragraph
describing Aurora’s project. It said Aurora had agreed to improve a particular crosswalk and make improvements to portions of a Denver Parks trail. It also said that Aurora would be “restoring any impacted [Denver Parks and Recreation] parks and open spaces.”

The document listed Lisa Lumley as the “contact person with knowledge of [the] proposed ordinance.” Lumley is the director of real estate in Denver’s department of finance. I thought Lumley, as the “contact person with knowledge,” could explain the process for Aurora to get permission to carve a path of desolation through Denver’s open space.
No luck getting an interview. In a round of Bureaucratic Pinball (I’m the ball; they’re the bumpers), I was shunted off to a public information officer in the Denver finance office.
The public information guy asked me to provide written questions. I complied. I noted that the short paragraph directed to Denver’s city council stated that the First Creek corridor was “the most feasible and economical alternative.” I asked whether there was a study or a memo that had reached that conclusion. I also asked if there had been an opportunity at some
point in the planning for the public to be heard.
What I got? Silence. When I pressed for a response three days later, I was directed to Denver’s Parks Department — and then back to Aurora’s public information officer.
First sign of trouble
For unsuspecting neighbors, the project finally began emerging into public view seven months ago, in February. One neighbor, alarmed, saw a spray-painted X on healthy trees along the trail and creek immediately behind his house. That prompted him to contact city officials. [See “The Orange X Of Doom” sidebar on the next page.]

Emails I reviewed indicate that, when the trees started falling, residents began to express concern. Word came down from Scott Gilmore, deputy manager of Denver’s Parks Department: All inquiries about the sewer project should be directed to Elizebeth Lefebvre — the same Aurora PIO to whom I was bounced by the Denver finance PIO.
Lefebvre replied to Gilmore that she was happy to field residents’ questions about the project — but many of the questions concerned Denver’s plans to replace and replant the hundreds of chopped down trees and uprooted shrubs, and she had no information about Denver’s plans.


As a result, Denver City Forester Mike Swanson and Forestry Operations Director Rickenbacker replied to some neighbors’ emails addressing questions about Denver’s plan to replace the destroyed trees. (All told, one neighbor, Ken Klink, counted 322 stumps left once the chainsaws were done with the deed.)
In an email dated Feb. 28, Swanson said that he had only just heard of Aurora’s project two weeks earlier (!) “as another resident was taken aback by these tree removals.”

Swanson noted that Denver Forestry “has been instructed” to pass on residents’
inquiries to Aurora, but he nevertheless proceeded to provide some information.



Swanson wrote that Denver Forestry “received $87,500 for canopy mitigation of numerous trees for this First Creek Interceptor project back last August.”
“Asking for the monetary replacement of canopy,” Swanson wrote, “is the best we can do when it is necessary to remove trees due to construction.” Acknowledging that money “is a tepid replacement for any healthy tree(s),” he said that “maybe someday the powers-that-be will do better, but we are not at that juncture within the continuum of progress yet.” With regard to using the canopy mitigation money to replace trees, Swanson said “that can happen” — but he noted that Denver won’t replace trees where there is no irrigation.
“Wider than we would have liked”
In our interview, Rickenbacker, the Denver forester, explained that the money received from Aurora goes into a “canopy mitigation” account that is dedicated to replanting. “If we remove a tree on Denver property, or if a homeowner cuts down a street-facing tree, we require mitigation for that tree. We have to replace the canopy that was lost.”
As we reported last month, any plan to “replace” the mature trees cut down along First Creek means planting saplings somewhere else—somewhere where Denver already has irrigation to get them established. And a sapling can’t even begin to replace the canopy of a mature tree until years in the future. “It’s not a perfect system,” Rickenbacker acknowledged.
As Aurora’s PIO reports, Denver Forestry had an opportunity to review and provide input before Aurora’s engineering drawings were completely final. That included walking through the impacted area, getting eyeballs on the trees that were “in the way” of the proposed construction easement.






But for this project, Forestry didn’t believe it had much room to push back. Rickenbacker indicated that the width of the project’s “footprint” had already been set. He acknowledged that it was “wider than we would have liked.” He did remember one particular mature tree near the eastern edge of the project that he persuaded Aurora to spare.
“We try to save as many healthy trees as possible,” he said. At least some residents, however, believe a more thorough site inspection would have (or should have) spared more of the trees.

Replacing trees, or not
The entire length of the sewer’s path through Green Valley Ranch is through publicly-owned land within the City and County of Denver. But it turns out there’s a difference between Denver-owned land and land owned by a different public entity. In this case, the Town Center Metro District — a government entity — is listed as owner of the land occupied by the Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, as well as the area of the pond east of 54th Avenue and Dunkirk Street. Metro district land hosted many of the most majestic older cottonwoods cut down for Aurora’s project.

Aurora paid the metro district a total of $458,000 for running the sewer through the golf course — $179,800 of which was for the appraised value of the trees Aurora cut down.

Rickenbacker said that the metro district “should” use that money to replace the fallen trees. But Denver has no power to enforce that “should.” As far as Denver Forestry’s policies and practices are concerned, the metro district is a private landowner. Denver Forestry’s site visit was limited to Denver-owned open space, not the metro
district property. Will the Town Center Metro District dedicate the $179,000 it received to replanting and restoring the lost canopy? I placed a call to Brandon Wyszynski, the President of the Board of Directors of the Town Center Metro District. He is Vice President of Oakwood Homes, and a Google search shows that he is listed as a board member of multiple metro districts in Colorado.

I left Mr. Wyszynski a voicemail. I asked whether Aurora’s compensation for removed trees would be used for planting new ones. The next day I asked the same question in an email. I’ve received no response.
Editor’s note: This is the second in a series. Part 1 can be read online at greaterparkhill. org/a-sewer-runs-through-it/
The Orange X Of Doom
The Andersons’ Back Yard Opened Up To Open Space, With Mule Deer, Foxes And Healthy Trees. Not Any More
In the spring of 2022, Ryan Anderson and his wife, Tara, moved back to Colorado and bought a house. They love to be out in nature. The biggest draw for them was the backyard that abutted Denver’s First Green Open Space south of Green Valley Ranch Boulevard. The neighbors said the natural space was a “protected area.”

Mule deer came by almost every day. Ryan Anderson says he could recognize resident foxes by their distinctive markings. There were raccoons and tons of birds. He and Tara loved sitting on the back porch and watching the wildlife. The deer would come right up to their back fence.
Not any more.
When the Andersons bought their house, Aurora’s plans to plow through the open space were nearing completion. But who knew? Nothing in the real estate disclosures, nor in the couples’ conversations with realtors and neighbors, tipped them off. They had no idea that their idyllic backyard scene would soon be host to chainsaws and heavy construction equipment.

The first clue was a letter from Aurora that arrived in January. It said that that “clearing, grubbing and tree removal” was about to begin. (The Andersons’ house was just one of scores of impacted homes along the sewer’s four-mile route.) Spray-painted orange Xs — ominous signs of impending doom — suddenly appeared on the trees. Ugly plastic orange fencing butted up against the creek side of the Andersons’ backyard fence.
Even if the sewer had to go through the open space, Ryan Anderson thought, it wasn’t necessary to cut down all those trees. He was especially upset about one particular healthy cottonwood at the very edge of the construction zone. It was almost in the creek itself and surely wasn’t in the way of any construction. Why was it necessary to cut down this healthy tree, with an estimated two-foot diameter, which provides shade, habitat, and is visited by so many birds?
Anderson soon wound up in an extended email chain with Aurora’s PIO, Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore, and Denver’s Forestry officials. He wasn’t interested in Aurora’s answer that Denver had been compensated for the trees. Gilmore’s response that Forestry had “approved” the tree removal was not helpful. Nor was Ryan interested in Denver’s answer that they can plant new trees a mile away.
“I wanted a project manager to come out here and explain why this mature healthy tree had to come down,” Anderson told me.
No one came out, and no one provided any additional explanation, leaving Anderson with a mixture of both sadness and anger. The wildlife presence has diminished. He’s disappointed that city officials wouldn’t send someone out to speak with him and address his concerns, which he knows are shared by his neighbors. Stacie Gilmore ran unopposed for reelection in the spring. In a futile personal protest, the Andersons cast writein votes.
— Mark SilversteinA Day Of Legends





Park Hill Pirates Celebrate Community And Legacy




Hundreds turned out for the annual Park Hill Day of Legends on Aug. 12 for a daylong celebration that included football scrimmages, cheerleader performances, hockey, food, vendors, music, and a kids zone with bouncy castles, games, face painting, snow cones and a back-to-school giveaway. The event, at Skyland Park, at 33rd and Holly Street, was hosted by the Park Hill Pirates youth sports organization. Numerous local leaders were hon-





ored, including East Basketball Coach Rudy Carey, Pauline Robinson Branch Librarian Leslie Williams, Muriel Williams-Thompson, Portia Prescott, Lendale “Showcase” White and John Bailey. This year’s Pirates Hall of Honor inductees included state Sen. James Coleman, Jamal Clements, Gilbert E. Brame, Jr., Kyrie Askew and Norman Harris.


A T T he lIB r A r y
You want Books? we Have Books!
… And Movies, Music, Printing, Power Tools, Sewing Machines And So Much More.
By Suzanne Gelwick-Knight Park Hill Branch LibrarianSeptember is library card sign-up month, a whole month where we encourage people to get their library card.
I realize that many of our Park Hill neighbors already have their library card, and visit at least one of our Denver Public Library branches regularly. But, as I read about the many libraries and librarians across the nation who are undergoing extreme public scrutiny, and in some cases
even under personal attack for providing services and information to people in their community, I thought I would take this opportunity to remind everyone of some of our great resources and services you have access to with your library card.
First, we have books. If you want books, we have books! You want a book we don’t have? We have access to several different regional catalogs using Prospector and Mobius, which allow us to request the book from places like the University of Denver, Boulder County libraries, and even Mis-
souri State library. If we can’t find the book you’d like using those options, we can go one step further and check WorldCat, which gives us access to materials from around the world.
Most people already know we have public use computers at the library. We also have chromebooks and hotspots you can borrow. But did you also know you can print 100 pages a day, for free? If you need a little help using your personal technology, like a cellphone or laptop, we have people you can meet with who will help you, or you can attend a group class covering basic technology use.
Do you like to listen to music? We have a service called Freegal Music+, which is a free music streaming service you can access with your library card. Along those same lines, you have access to Kanopy with your library card. Kanopy is a movie streaming service. The movies range from recently-in-theaters to oldies-but-goodies, documentaries, children’s movies featuring popular characters, and obscure foreign films. I know we have some film buffs in the neighborhood who use Kanopy regularly.
Your library card gives you the ability to visit a State Park, go to the Museum of Nature and Science, or the Denver Botanic Gardens. Need to repair your bike, check the indoor air quality of your home, film your perilous mountain bike ride? A library card gives you access to all the items needed for those activities.

Want to hem your own pants or sew a prom dress? We have sewing machines you can borrow. In need of a power drill for your home improvement project, but you don’t want to buy one? Your library card gives you a pass to the Denver Tool Library.
In addition to all of these great items, several of our branches have ideaLab makerspaces, where you can learn how to do all sorts of things like 3D printing, laser cutting, music recording, and even how to create digital art.
Are you a teacher? Did you know you can get an educator card, which allows for extended loan times, access to all of our digital resources, classroom set requests, and you can even set-up a library visit for your class. Teachers and parents should also be aware of our online homework help resources, as well as our great Phone-A-Story service.
We have programs and events across the system for everyone.

Storytimes for children, Teen Advisory Board, virtual Dungeons & Dragons, tree identification at Washington Park, adult bicycle group rides, Qi Gong, and many, many more. We are also open to ideas of programs you’d like us to have.
When you actually think about all of these services and resources you have access to for free, all because you have a library card, it is actually pretty amazing.
To me, the idea of limiting even one of these great resources is outrageous. I recently heard my manager describe libraries this way:
“They are a safe and comfortable place to explore new ideas.” If we don’t uphold this ideal for everyone, then we aren’t fulfilling our overarching mission, which is to “create welcoming spaces where all are free to explore and connect.”

A library card opens up so many opportunities, so if you don’t already have a card, stop by the nearest branch and sign up for one.
September In-Person Programs

Park Hill Branch Library
Baby Storytime | Thursdays 10:30-11 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers.
Toddler Storytime | Fridays 10:1510:45 a.m.
Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers.
Teen Advisory Board | Every other Tuesday 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Magic The Gathering Club | Fridays 4:305:30 p.m.
A teen-run Magic the Gathering Club for other teens.
Writing Circle | Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Group-led adult writing group.
No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Read whatever you want, attend whenever you can.
Tea Time Travel Tales | Wednesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Listen to neighbors travel tales while sipping tea and having a nosh.


Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, Sept. 21, 4-5 p.m.
Voice of the Wood Chamber Players | Saturday, Sept. 30, 3-4 p.m.
Enjoy the dulcet tones of String Quintets by Mozart and Mendelssohn. Where Are The Violas?
Pauline Robinson Branch Library
The Pauline Robinson Branch is closed for renovations, and no in-person programs will be scheduled until the library reopens. Check out the website denlib.org/robinson for regular updates, and check out next month’s issue for additional information about the project.
Greater Park Hill has two public libraries: The Pauline Robinson branch library is at 5575 E. 33rd Ave. It is currently closed for renovations. The Park Hill branch library is at 4705 Montview Blvd. For hours of operation and additional upcoming programs for Park Hill and other open branches, visit denverlibrary.org/events/ upcoming, and select the facility you are planning to visit.
Discipline Policy Recommendations
Parent Safety Advocacy Group (P-SAG)
• Adopt Littleton Public Schools Code of Conduct, simple, straightforward, easy for students, parents, sta and community to understand., in place of current Discipline Policy JK.
PARENT SAFETY ADVOCACY GROUP (P-SAG)
• Invest more resources in support of social/emotional and multidisciplinary programming to ensure more robust preventative measures to prevent violence in schools.
• Require mandatory 1-year expulsion for possession of rearms on school property, nexus to school and/or during district sponsored events.
• All type ve o enses must have a mandatory expulsion hearing.
◦ Add language to include type ve o enses for possession and sale/distribution of unauthorized drugs or controlled substances.
• Mandatory referral and citation to DPD and DFD for arson.
• Complete overhaul of training for school sta involved in discipline on discipline policy, matrix and ladder, including mandatory in person training for all a ected school sta .
◦ Adopt national standards associated with the process to conduct full threat appraisals.
• Track and report key safety data, monthly, by school and student demographics.
◦ Number of full threat appraisals complete, by violation o ense
◦ Number of expulsion hearings held and outcomes
◦ Number of expulsion hearing requested by schools and rejected by the District
Violent incidents rocked Denver's East High School last year, leading to tragic deaths, injuries, and shootings. As concerned parents, we came together to form P-SAG (Parent Safety Advocacy Group). Our mission: to address safety issues within Denver Public Schools. We directed our attention to the DPS and its 2021 Discipline Policy that, in our view, contributes to the ongoing violence and creates an unsafe space for students and teachers. Our dedicated P-SAG subcommittee, comprising about 30 members, thoroughly assessed the policy from April to May. We put forth suggestions for changes. Despite conveying our concerns to DPS throughout May and June, the policy remains unchanged. Now, it's time for us to take decisive action. Explore the recommendations below to learn how you can contribute and make a difference.
◦ Track referrals of expelled students and ensure school completion


• Complete overhaul of expulsion process that must be transparent and include collaborative decision making by District and school leaders.
• Adopt Littleton Public Schools Code of Conduct, simple, straightforward, easy for students, parents, staff and community to understand, in place of current Discipline Policy JK.

• Consider the elimination of the discipline matrix and ladder and fully incorporate key elements into the current Discipline Policy.
◦ Fund, create and implement training on restorative justice practices
• Invest more resources in support of social/emotional and multidisciplinary programming to ensure more robust preventative measures to prevent violence in schools.
• All type ve o enses require a mandatory referral to law enforcement and DPS Department of Safety.
• Consider combining the DPS Department of Safety with the Department of Social Services (psychology, social work, health, counseling, SPED) as the Department of Safe and Supportive Schools reporting directly to the Deputy Superintendent of Schools.
• Only trained DPS Department of Safety o cers and/or school resource o cers may conduct weapon searches of students.
• Require mandatory 1-year expulsion for possession of rearms on school property, nexus to school and/or during district sponsored events.
° Invest 7-10% of general fund dollars in student mental health and well being services.
° Ensure that every DPS school has at least one social service staff member.
◦ Provide in-person training for school sta on how to conduct student searches (all other searches that DO NOT include weapons)
• All type five offenses must have a mandatory expulsion hearing.
° Add language to include type five offenses for possession and sale/distribution of unauthorized drugs or controlled substances.
◦ Invest in an electronic records management system (e.g. QualTrics) to track mental health support (e.g. housing placement, clinical counseling, behavior incidents) and critical incidents (e.g. threat appraisals, suicide risk assessments) by student over the course of their academic career in DPS
° Develop and implement age appropriate SEL curriculum
• Identify appropriate pathway schools for students who have been expelled from their home schools. Students involved in the same incident must be sent to separate schools.
• Mandatory referral and citation to DPD and DFD for arson.
◦ Ensure appropriate training, sta ng and security measures for these pathway schools.
• Complete overhaul of training for school staff involved in discipline on discipline policy, matrix and ladder, including mandatory in person training for all affected school staff.
• Consider combining the DPS Department of Safety with the Department of Social Services (psychology, social work, health, counseling, SPED) as the Department of Safe and Supportive Schools reporting directly to the Deputy Superintendent of Schools.
° Host annual safety and security conference for all school leaders, supervisors and district administrators on topics related to safety and security, mental health interventions, behavior and academic practices, mental health and behavior support interventions and practices to mitigate escalating behaviors
° Adopt national standards associated with the process to conduct full threat appraisals.
◦ Invest 7-10% of general fund dollars in student mental health and well being services.
◦ Ensure that every DPS school has at least one social service sta member.
◦ Develop and implement age appropriate SEL curriculum
• Track and report key safety data, monthly, by school and student demographics.
° Number of full threat appraisals complete, by violation offense
° Number of expulsion hearings held and outcomes
• Consider the elimination of the discipline matrix and ladder and fully incorporate key elements into the current Discipline Policy.
° Fund, create and implement training on restorative justice practices
• Evaluate whether the current DPS Discipline Matrix and new safety plan are consistent with State Law § 2233-105. Suspension, expulsion, and denial of admission, especially DPS expulsion policies for students charged with unlawful sexual behavior or violent crime (Type five offenses). Summarize this evaluation within the Safety Plan section on "Legislation"
◦ Host annual safety and security conference for all school leaders, supervisors and district administrators on topics related to safety and security, mental health interventions, behavior and academic practices, mental health and behavior support interventions and practices to mitigate escalating behaviors
° Number of expulsion hearing requested by schools and rejected by the District
° Track referrals of expelled students and ensure school completion
• Complete overhaul of expulsion process that must be transparent and include collaborative decision making by District and school leaders.
• All type five offenses require a mandatory referral to law enforcement and DPS Department of Safety.
° Invest in an electronic records management system (e.g. QualTrics) to track mental health support (e.g. housing placement, clinical counseling, behavior incidents) and critical incidents (e.g. threat appraisals, suicide risk assessments) by student over the course of their academic career in DPS
• Evaluate whether the current DPS Discipline Matrix and new safety plan are consistent with State Law § 22-33-105. Suspension, expulsion, and denial of admission, especially DPS expulsion policies for students charged with unlawful sexual behavior or violent crime (Type 5 o enses). Summarize this evaluation within the Safety Plan section on "Legislation"
• Only trained DPS Department of Safety officers and/or school resource officers may conduct weapon searches of students.
° Provide in-person training for school staff on how to conduct student searches (all other searches that DO NOT include weapons
• Identify appropriate pathway schools for students who have been expelled from their home schools. Students involved in the same incident must be sent to separate schools.
° Ensure appropriate training, staffing and security measures for these pathway schools.
• If the discipline matrix and related policies are NOT consistent with State Law, complete a legal liability analysis. The analysis should include, but not be limited to, the Claire Davis School Safety Act. (C.R.S. 24-10-106.3) that imposes a limited waiver of sovereign immunity for schools if a school fails to exercise "reasonable care" to protect all students, faculty and staff from "reasonably foreseeable" acts of violence that occurs at school or a school-sponsored activity.
• If the discipline matrix and related policies are NOT consistent with State Law, complete a legal liability analysis. The analysis should include, but not be limited to, the Claire Davis School Safety Act. (C.R.S. 24-10-106.3) that imposes a limited waiver of sovereign immunity for schools if a school fails to exercise "reasonable care" to protect all students, faculty and sta from "reasonably foreseeable" acts of violence that occurs at school or a school-sponsored activity.
who we Are, what we Do
The Board of Directors of GPHC, Inc.
The Greater Park Hill Community, Inc., is a volunteer-based registered neighborhood organization that promotes the character and vibrancy of Park Hill, provides resources, information and advocacy, and preserves quality of life and the history of the neighborhood through community participation.


The GPHC board is comprised of volunteer at-large representatives, as well as 10 district representatives. If you are interested in volunteering or serving on a committee, contact current GPHC Board Chair Shane Sutherland at chair@greaterparkhill.org for details.
The following are current board members, and their best contacts. Many representatives prefer to be contacted through the main office, at 303-388-0918 or info@ greaterparkhill.org. The GPHC world headquarters is at 2823 Fairfax St.
If you have an issue you’d like to discuss about the neighborhood, contact your board representative.

For those board members who don’t have a phone or email contact listed, leave a message at the main GPHC number and it will be forwarded to your elected representative.
• Board Chair Shane Sutherland: chair@greaterparkhill.org
• Secretary and Zoning/Property Use Chair Bernadette Kelly
• Treasurer Heather Shockey
• District 1 Amy Harris
• District 2 Brenda Morrison
• District 3 Heather Shockey
• District 4 Currently vacant
• District 5 Sophie Milam
• District 6 Phebe Lassiter
• District 7 Jon Bowman
• District 8 Nam Henderson
• District 9 Doug Schuler

• District 10 Colette Carey
• At Large Maria Flora
• At Large Shanta Harrison
• At Large Tracey MacDermott
• At Large Laurel Mohr

• At Large Louis Plachowski: lplachowski@gmail.com
• At-Large Leslie Twarogowski
• Youth Services Chair Rick Medrick
• Blessed Sacrament Rep. James Groves
• Park Hill United Methodist Rep. Jacqui Shumway

Calling All Volunteers
The Home Tour & Street Fair Needs You!


We’re gearing up for our busiest time of the year at Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. We’re foreheadhigh in the planning process of our 45th Annual Home Tour of five beautiful homes in the neighborhood. Also that day is the free community Street Fair, at the beautiful tree-canopied stretch of Forest Parkway at Montview Boulevard on Sunday, Oct 1 (see story beginning page 1 for details).
The proceeds from the celebrated event support our operating costs, community programs and neighborhood initiatives. It takes a bona fide village to organize the Home Tour and Street Fair, and if there’s one thing that’s in high demand, it’s volunteers.
We have dozens of volunteer positions

available for the Home Tour and Street Fair, including docents at the featured homes, ticket sellers, street fair setup and teardown crews, sustainability teams, attendance trackers, wine and beer and cocktail servers and greeters.
It’s a ton of fun and a great way to connect with neighbors. Plus, if you sign up for a shift (or two), you’ll receive complimentary previews of the featured homes on the tour, as well as an invitation to our pre-event appreciation party at Long Table Brewhouse, where you’ll be treated to beers and pizza from our friends at Sexy Pizza. There are definitely perks to volunteering!
To learn more about our Home Tour and Street Fair volunteer positions and to sign up for a shift, go to parkhillhometour.org/ volunteer/.
From all of us at GPHC, Inc., thank you for your dedication and support.
essential Food Pantry Needs
Between January and August of this year, visits to our food pantry have skyrocketed, and our food shelves desperately need some love. If you’re at the grocery store, please consider donating a few items from the list below.
• Canned fish and meat
• Peanut butter
• Pasta sauce
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned tomato sauce
• Hearty soups and stews
• Cereal and oatmeal
• Canned and dried beans (especially kidney, refried and pinto)
• Canned vegetables (all k inds)
• Bags/cartons of instant mashed potatoes
• Shelf-stable packaged meals
• Bags of white rice
• Condiments (jelly, mustard, ketchup, mayo, salsa, sauces, cooking oils)
• Shelf-stable milk
• Canned fruit (peaches, pineapple, oranges and
fruit cocktail)
• Salt and pepper shakers a nd basic spices
• Boxes of mac-and-cheese
• Pancake mix and syrup
• Cornbread and biscuit mi x
• Ramen
• Travel-size toiletries
• Size 4,5 and 6 children’s d iapers
We accept food and toiletry donations between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays and between noon and 5 p.m. on Tuesdays. Our address is 2823 Fairfax St. We also accept donations by appointment. If you’d like to schedule a donation outside of our office hours, please send an email to director@greaterparkhill.org, or call 303-388-0918.
Please be mindful of expiration dates. Out of respect for our pantry families, we will not accept expired food items. Also, please do not leave donations outside our office door. Thank you for your abiding by these guidelines.
Your
Joy And Good Luck
Watching a bright Bluet dancing and darting around a pond or a creek in the late summer sun is always a treat. Bluets are of the species Enallagma cyathigerum and carry special significance for many cultures. The Celts consider the damselfly as bringing light and joy. In some Native American cultures, the damselfly represents transformation. In Far Eastern cultures, the damselfly is often seen as a symbol of good luck. This Bluet was photographed at City Park by Park Hill photographer Mark Silverstein.

There’s an App for That
Take Care Of Your Pet While Having Fun With Technology
By Dr. Margot K. Vahrenwald, DVM, CVJEveryone, with very few exceptions, is toting around a smartphone in their hand, pocket or purse – meaning literally there’s an app for everything. We are at the intersection of useful apps for pets/pet care and completely mindless fun.
Here’s a 2023 collection of pet care and interaction apps out there.
To keep an eye on things at home
Petcube: This a combination of physical product at home and mobile app for pets and pet parents. The product side of Petcube consists of a variety of options of in-home cameras combined with treat dispensers. The camera/dispenser is remotely controlled by the downloaded app to allow owners to check in on and treat their pet to snacks when not home.
Whistle: An app you link to a GPS tracker on your pet’s collar to find them when they wander, as well as to monitor your pet’s health, fitness and more.
Social benefits
PetParent: A social media app that allows you to share, comment and like pictures of pets. It maintains a calendar of events regarding your pet with reminders; allows instant access to pet’s immunization records, medication lists and health history; and keeps to-do and shopping lists, emergency contacts and other notes. (14day free trial, then $9.99 per month subscription fee.
Petamiko: Think of Petamiko as a dating app for finding furry friends for your furry friend. There’s also matching component for prospective pet parents to find their perfect pet, veterinarian, pet insurance and more.
GoodPup: A personal training app that lets you book video sessions with a vetted and certified dog trainer.
Puppr: Guides you through step-by-step photo instructions and a built-in clicker to help train your dog from simple obedience to advanced tricks.
For the felines
Cat Fishing 2: Entice and engage your kitten’s fishing skills and silly antics. The game gets harder with each fish caught.
Paint for Cats: As entertaining for you to watch as is for kitty as they chase a mouse over the screen to paint a masterpiece.
For the canines
Pup to Date: Have a new puppy? This handy app will help you organize your training and more for the new pup. It allows recurring reminders to keep you on the strict schedule that every new pup needs to become a healthy, well-behaved member of your family.
MapMyDogWalk: Track your dog’s (and your own) fitness level.
Dog Translator: What exactly does that bark mean? This app records and analyzes what your dog is really trying to say and lets you bark back.
BringFido: Find specifics and reviews on dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, etc. as well as dog events in the U.S. and Canada.
Dog Park Finder Plus: Travel with your dog just got a little easier with this app that lets you find nearby dog parks and more. For all pet family members
PetSnap – just when you got everyone to look perfect for their picture, the animals get distracted. Not any more with this camera function with 32 sounds to keep them looking as you snap away.
Red Cross Pet First Aid App – clear instructions for care in a variety of pet emergencies, the ability to store information in the app about each pet and an animal hospital locator.
Enjoy, but remember to regularly spend some quality non-screen time with your pets and that an app cannot replace the experienced advice of your veterinarian.
Dr. Margot Vahrenwald is the owner of Park Hill Veterinary Medical Center at 2255 Oneida St. For more information, visit www. parkhillvet.com.


Would
The challenges facing today’s retirees are unique. Higher inflation, skyrocketing healthcare costs, longer life expectancies, and complex Social Security rules all make much of the conventional retirement wisdom of the past obsolete. In this new era, it’s crucial that you take a fresh look at the challenges ahead and create a comprehensive plan to address them.
For 30 years, we’ve been working with people like you to address the challenges of the transition from accumulating their nest egg to using it to support their retirement lifestyle. Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

g r e A T e r pA r k hI ll r e sources

Active Minds
The organization’s mission is to expand lives and minds by providing outstanding educational programs. Check out free lectures on topics ranging from music to history, current events to foreign affairs. Active Minds currently offers both virtual and inperson programs at venues around the city, including in and near Park Hill. A complete schedule of upcoming events is at activeminds.com

Art Garage

6100 E. 23rd Ave., artgaragedenver.com, 303-377-2353. The Art Garage is a nonvisual art community center whose mission is to offer arts-based programs that inspire, empower and promote cre-
Faith Community


greaterparkhill.org/faith
Greater Park Hill’s faith community, home to over 30 places of worship in just four square miles, is as diverse and robust as the neighborhood itself. The GPHN maintains a list of Park Hill’s places of worship at the website above. Contact individual places of worship for information about their current state of operations.
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. 2823 Fairfax St., greaterparkhill.org, 303388-0918
The GPHC neighborhood association community meetings are conducted virtually and in person on the first Thursday of the month, except for December and July.







CONCReTe
Concrete work and repair. Driveway, patios, and sidewalks. Small jobs are welcome. 25 years experience. Free estimates. 303-429-0380
eLeCTRICIAN
1-Turn Electrical Contractor, Senior discount; bonded and insured. Jason, 720-275-8299




GUTTeRS
Gutter Cleaning, repairs, and replacement.
Gutter Cleaning prices start at $150 – House, Garage, Porches, and walks. 303-907-9223/ skmehaffey@gmail.com

MASONRY SeRVICeS

Masonry Services- Brick, Stone, Concrete repairs, restoration, tuckpointing, chimneys, retaining walls, city sidewalks; planter boxes. 303-9079223/ skmehaffey@gmail.com
PAINTING
PREMIER PAINT WORKS since 1993. Denver’s Residential Paint Specialists. Int/Ext Neat, conscientious craftsmanship by polite, respectful, honest & fully insured crew, impeccable references. Call or text John at 720-849-3921.




Interior and exterior painting. Prep, power washing, professional. Owned and operated by Park Hill resident with over 20 years of experience. Free estimate. JR Painting 720485-7207 or jpabz04@gmail.com
Painting: Interior, exterior, small jobs welcome; sheetrock repairs and texture. 303-907-9223 skmehaffey@gmail.com

PLASTeR RePAIR
THE WALL REBUILDERS Interior plaster (and drywall) repair. We repair cracks, holes, crumbling walls, etc. Specializing in older homes, though we fix houses of every age. Dan and Laura Pino 303-698-1057
ReADING VOLUNTeeRS
Reading Volunteers needed to share reading with students in grades kindergarten through 8th grade. One hour a week. No experience necessary. Contact: Pil2011@partnersinliteracy.org.

ReNTAL INSPeCTIONS
For landlords looking to get their rental license. Visit havensinspects.com or call 720 498-3612

ROOFING
Roofing: Repairs, Inspections, Flashings, Hail Damage, and reroofing licensed, bonded, and insured. Gutter replacement and cleaning. 303907-9223/ skmehaffey@gmail.com
SKI & SNOwBOARD CARe www.centralparkskiboardtuning.com, Ski and snowboard waxing and tuning. Free pickup and delivery to residence. Visit website or text Brett 303-929-7294
TRee TRIMMING
Tree trimming and trash removal. General yard work and clean up. Gutter cleaning. Please call 303-429-0380
TUTORING
Elementary/Middle School Math Support –Veteran teacher, professional license, flexible with location and scheduling, love partnering with families and students! Call/ text Seth 720770-0218
Former DPS educator specializing in elementary literacy instruction (reading and comprehension, writing, and spelling) seeks to create success and confidence in all learners! Maureen, 303898-7744

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

Double-hung window RESTORATION includes replacing sash cords (ropes) and removal of excess paint on wood and metal plus lubrication for smooth opening and closing. 40-year resident of PH. Contact David - 720550-2786

Window and Gutter Cleaning. Call Bob Twin Pines Window Cleaning 303 329 8205
TO ADVeRTISe IN THe CLASSIFIeDS CONTACT BReNDA MORRISON newspaper@greaterparkhill.org 720-287-0442 (voicemail) the deadline for submitting a classified ad is the 15th of every month


Design and Renovation Specialists










