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Stapleton, Park Hill, Lowry, Montclair, Mayfair, East Colfax, NW Aurora COLORADO DECEMBER 2017 NORTHEAST DENVER
Blossoms of Light
Color schemes change every year at Blossoms of Light. This year, the Alpine Garden will have more lights than ever before, with a blue, teal and cool white palette to evoke a frozen, iced wonderland.
By Courtney Drake-McDonough more than 130,000 people attended Blossoms of Light in public event of the year,” says Allison Kiehl, associate he Denver Botanic Gardens has always been an 2016, an increase of more than 37,000 over 2015. Staff director of events. “It’s a big revenue driver for us, espe- oasis in the city, but during the holiday season, it’s attribute the increase to Denver Botanic Gardens being cially in the winter months when attendance is lower.” Talso a winter wonderland. Nearly a half a million more present in the public’s mind both on a local and Denver Botanic Gardens began Blossoms of Light in individual lights dot the expanse of the gardens, enhanc- national level thanks to the 2014 Chihuly exhibit and the 1988. Every year, the number of lights and span of the ing shrubs, trees and terrain. A record-breaking year, notoriety of the Corpse Flower in 2016. “It’s our largest show increases. (continued on page 38) Zoom In On Colorado’s History Through 100 Objects From Stapleton to Iraq: Staff from History Colorado Center A Soldier’s Story are setting up an early chair lift By Laurie from the Aspen Dunklee ski area, one of t was a the final touches change in for the exhibit plans, to Zoom In: The I Centennial State say the least. in 100 Objects, Chris and Kim which opened in Schmitten’s ex- November. These pectation of a objects, selected large wedding from more than 15 million in the in October museum’s col- 2016 was de- lection, illustrate railed the sweep of the when Chris state’s history from was told in prehistoric times April 2016 to the present day. The story of how that he would the exhibit came be deployed to Stapleton soldier Chris Schmitten spent the together is on Iraq. holidays in Iraq last year. These were the page 8. (continued on p.14) 2016 decorations for soldiers in his platoon.
December 2017 1 Front Porch – NE Denver sta130324 MCA_Header_L5.pdf 1 3/22/13 2:24 PM
Rain may have dampened the clothing of attendees at the Winter Welcome in the 29th Ave. Events & Town Center, but spirits were high and the reflections in the water made for great photos. Announcements at Stapleton
On Monday, Dec. 11, the MCA, SUN, ing creatures, plus new technologies the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB), the to study these prehistoric giants and Stapleton Development Corporation (SDC) what’s newly learned about their and the Stapleton Foundation will host existence and demise. a Community Discussion regarding the Thursday, December 21, 6:45-7:45pm community name. Two opportunities for Saudi Arabia the community to provide input in-person With over 20 percent of the world’s regarding the community name will be avail- proven oil reserves, Saudi Arabia’s able on this date. importance to the U.S. (and world) The meetings will take place in the MCA has been clear for some time. Join Cube at 8371 E. Northfield Blvd., from Active minds as we tell its story, his- 1:30–3:30pm and 5:30–7:30pm. Dr. Nita tory, recent transition in generational Mosby Tyler will facilitate. At numerous power of the Saudi royal family and meetings over the past several months, the complicated role of Wahhabi Islam available time for public comment has not and Sunni Islam there and in the been able to accommodate the number of region. Contents persons wishing to speak about the commu- nity name. These meetings are an opportu- Christmas Movie at the Cube 1 Blossoms of Light 22 Panasonic Riding Data nity for in-person feedback for all who wish Friday, Dec. 8, 5pm to the Future to provide it. Join us at The Cube first forHow the 1 Zoom In: New Exhibit at History Grinch Stole Christmas and a showing 24 Voters Approve Bonds, Sweet William Market Colorado of It’s a Wonderful Life immediately Taxes, Green Roofs Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2 and 3, The Cube after. The Christmas movies are free The Sweet William Market will be from 1 From Stapleton to Iraq: NE News Updates and open to the public. The Cube is A Soldier’s Story 25 9am–4pm on Dec. 2 and 10am–4pm on located at 8371 Northfield Blvd. Dec. 3 at The Cube, located at 8371 North- 26 Salads and Pizza with A Focus Get the latest on 6 Marlon Green, The Jackie Robinson on Local and Sustainable field Blvd. Wine Education Series of Commercial Aviation sta130324 MCA_Header_L5.pdf 1 3/22/13 2:24 PM Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7pm Christmas Concert at The Cube 28 The Book Worm The MCA’s fall Wine Education Se- Thursday, Dec. 7 6:30pm, The Cube 10 Community-wide Meetings Dec. 11 ries will feature an educational aspect The Colorado Wind Ensemble will play to Discuss the Stapleton Name 29 Event List— to wine tasting. This sit-down tasting a Christmas-themed concert at The Cube and find more online at Master Community Associationwill showcase different wines from starting at 6:30pm. There will be a con- 10 Changes in Stapleton Signage FrontPorchNE.com different regions with a wine educa- cession stand available serving drinks. This tor leading the discussion. Tickets: event is free and open to the public. 11 PUC Grants Rehearing on 32 Nourishing Mind and Body Events & $10; $20 the day of the event. To A Line Crossings Enhances Health and Wellness Active Minds Seminar purchase tickets, visit stapletoncom- ThisAnnouncements is a free, no-reservation-needed public munity.com. Must be 21 to attend 12 After 22 Years, 33 Op-Ed: Open Enrollment for and no refunds allowed. The Tower Lands Punch Bowl Health Care Ends Jan. 12 programat Stapleton brought to you by the Stapleton MCA. Location: Sam Gary Library, 2961 If you have any questions or com- 16 New RTD Mobile Ticketing App 34 Middle Schoolers Pass AP Exams Roslyn St. Bypasses Payment Hassles Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:45–7:45pm ments about the information above, 34 Stapleton Update Dinosaurs! please feel free to contact jolsen@ stapletoncommunity.com or call the 17 Indie Prof: –Aurora Approves Creative Join Active Minds as we look at new discov- –Felicité Learning Preschool eries changing our thinking about dinosaurs, MCA office at 303.388.0724. –Stranger Things 2 –MCA Annual Meeting one of the most fascinating creatures ever to –Fee from Stapleton Home Sales inhabit our planet. From the Dinosaur era Jennifer Olsen May Go toward Affordable Hygge = Coziness and Communications Manager 18 Housing beginnings to mass extinctions, we’ll look at Contentment...and More the types, habits and history of these amaz- [email protected] December SUN News and Events 20 Community Rallies Around 36 Middle School 37 Letters to the Editor 21 Skidding to Safety
Like us at Front Porch Newspaper Visit FrontPorchNE.com to comment for updates on local news and find articles from past issues. Santa’s Best Christmas Trees and events. Visit your local tree lot for your 2017 Christmas tree! Santa’s Best Christmas trees will be located at ABOUT OUR RACKS each of The Greens: 29th Ave. and We save old papers for your pets, packing and art projects. Roslyn St., and at 49th Place and We’re happy to provide a free paper for your reading pleasure, but would very Valencia St. much appreciate if you would call us to arrange for a stack of papers if needed for non-reading purposes. Please help us be sure papers will be available to others who come behind you. Call 303-526-1969.
CORRECTION Get the latest on The correct telephone number for the new CareNow clinic in Eastbridge is 720.458.6825.
Master Community Association
Sponsored by Stapleton MCA
The Front Porch – NE Denver distributes approx. PUBLISHERS: 35,000 free papers during the first week of Carol Roberts – Editor each month. Papers are delivered to homes Steve Larson – Photography and/or racks in Stapleton, Park Hill, Lowry, ASST. MANAGING EDITOR: Anne Hebert Montclair, Mayfair, East Colfax and NW Aurora. WRITERS: John Fernandez & Melinda Pearson wwww.FrontPorchNE.com The Front Porch is printed with soy-based ink and [email protected] 303-526-1969 the paper contains 30% post-consumer waste. We AD SALES: Karissa McGlynn 303-333-0257, 2566 Syracuse St., Denver, CO 80238 contribute monthly to replant trees equivalent to 303-993-9963, [email protected] Letters to the Editor: [email protected] the amount of paper used each month.
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Rocky Mountain Shutters 31 Service Service Directory & 37 Directory & Classifieds Classifieds Marlon Green The Jackie Robinson of Commercial Aviation By Melinda Pearson Early Life and Air Force Career ilot Marlon Green broke racial bar- According to Whitlock, Green, who was born riers when he won a Supreme Court in Arkansas in 1929, was always a high achiever. Pcase banning racial discrimination in His academic prowess in high school earned him airline hiring practices. Green started his a scholarship to Xavier University Prep School career with Continental Airlines at Staple- in New Orleans, where he was valedictorian. ton International After a brief stint in Airport in 1965. seminary, which was Now, two large cut short under circum- graphic screens stances that appeared bearing his im- to have racist overtones, age have been in- Green decided to join stalled at the new the Air Force in 1947, Eastbridge retail which was still segregat- development in ed at that time. Stapleton. Green Green began in the was inducted maintenance unit but into the Colo- developed a keen inter- rado Aviation est in flying and quickly Hall of Fame in Marlon Green began his aviation career in the Air moved up the ranks in October. Force, where he earned his pilot’s wings and became a the Air Force. He was Although far commissioned officer. one of very few black from a household name like Jackie Robin- cadets at the flight school in Randolph, Texas, son, Marlon Green was similarly pioneering where he earned his wings and officer commis- in breaking through racial barriers. Local sion, specializing in multi-engine aircraft. author Flint Whitlock chronicled Green’s During this period, Green was correspond- inspiring history in his 2009 book, Turbulence ing with one of his teachers from Xavier, a Before Takeoff: The Life and Times of Marlon woman named Eleanor Gallagher, and he Dewitt Green. Racism impacted virtually proposed to her. “She was from Boston, from every stage of Green’s life, and yet he a very, let’s say, prejudiced family,” recounted persisted, becoming one of the first black Whitlock. “When they heard that she was going commercial airline pilots in the country. to marry a black man, her father said, ‘You’re Stapleton United Neighbors’ president, throwing your life away. I never want to talk Amanda Allshouse, was influential in to or see you again.’” Unable to get married bringing Green’s story to life through these in Louisiana where Green was to be stationed, graphic screens. Allshouse had come across the couple tied the knot in Los Angeles in Green’s story while researching local history, December 1951. Once married to a white she said, and brought it to the attention of woman, however, Green wasn’t allowed to live Evergreen Development, who then worked in Louisiana due to the laws against mixed-race directly with Marlon Green’s daughter Pau- marriages, so he was reassigned to the Strate- la Green to procure the photographs. Ever- gic Air Command (SAC) base, Lockbourne, in green is installing a commemorative plaque Columbus, Ohio. next to the graphics to give an overview of Green experienced racism throughout his Green’s remarkable story. life, and certainly during his tenure in the
December 2017 6 Front Porch – NE Denver Air Force. “General Le May finances. Taylor and Green decided to take refused to shake his hand in the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, and a receiving line, barbers on many supporters helped, including Robert base wouldn’t cut his hair, F. Kennedy, who filed an amicus brief. and he had his promotion The court heard the case in March from second lieutenant to first 1963, and a month later came back with lieutenant held up for about “a unanimous verdict in Marlon’s favor,” six months because one day said Whitlock. “They said that Continental he was written up for wear- discriminated against him because of racial ing a pair of nonregulation animus.” mittens,” recounted Whitlock. After working out details related to But nonetheless, in the Air seniority, in 1965, Continental finally hired Force, Green flew planes and Green, who flew out of Stapleton Inter- earned regular wages. national Airport at the beginning of his 14-year career with the airline. While he Applying for Commercial was not the first black pilot—another man, Pilot Jobs David Harris, began flying with American While stationed in Japan, Marlon Green biogra- Airlines in 1964—it was because of his per- Green read in Time magazine pher Flint Whitlock holds sistence that the industry opened its doors that U.S. domestic airlines his book at the site of the to people of color. Marlon Green graphic were moving away from screens in the Eastbridge Green’s successful case resulted in the discriminatory policies that Town Center just west of establishment of the Organization of Black had kept black pilots from MLK and Havana. Airline Pilots (OBAP) and helped open flying. With a growing family up employment for black women to work that would ultimately include six kids, Green of segregation, finding separate hotel and hired every other applicant except Green. as part of the cabin crews in commercial resigned his Air Force commission in 1957 restaurant accommodations for a mixed According to Whitlock, this event was what airlines. “His victory was really a signature and moved back to the States, where he began crew presented logistical problems, especial- gave Green “rocks in the jaws”—a feel- event in airline history and race relation applying for jobs with commercial airliners and ly in the South. ing of anger so intense that Green finally history. It wasn’t just him getting a job as a other corporations that needed pilots. Job applications to commercial airlines turned to the law for recourse. pilot,” noted Whitlock. With over 3,000 required applicants To read more, see Flint Whitlock’s hours of flight time, to check off a box “Rocks in His Jaws” Turbulence Before Takeoff (2009). Not only Green was more than designating their In August 1957, Green got in touch with does it tell Marlon Green’s story in full, but qualified, but hundreds race and include a the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Commis- it provides the backdrop of the civil rights of his applications were photograph. After sion and sued Continental Airlines, arguing struggle by interspersing highlights from the uniformly rejected. “He rejections from that the company had illegally discrimi- news of the time throughout the book. got everybody he could major airlines back nated against him. But his suit was thrown think of—senators, East, Green sent in out of Denver District Court due to congressmen—to write an application to jurisdiction issues, as Continental letters of support for a smaller, region- was involved in interstate commerce. him, but still nothing,” al carrier, Den- To support his family, Green started said Whitlock. ver-based Continen- working menial jobs and became “Even if your qualifi- tal Airlines, without increasingly destitute and desperate. cations were 100 percent Green courted future wife Eleanor Gallagher, checking off the Through connections at a perfect, we wouldn’t hire pictured here in 1950, clandestinely. race box or enclos- Catholic church Green attended in you because you’re black,” Green was told by ing a picture. Denver, he found attorney T. Raber the vice president of United Airlines, according In 1957, Green got an interview with Taylor to represent him. Green’s to Whitlock. Whitlock said the airlines were Continental and tested in Denver with a suit continued through the Colorado afraid that white customers would refuse to fly group of white pilots. He knew from talking Supreme Court, which ruled against if they found out the pilot was black. And, in with them he had better qualifications than him in 1962, after years of back The Greens, shown here in 1958 with family friend Cleo Moran, had six children together. Photos from Turbulence Before a country that still adhered to Jim Crow laws many of them, but in the end Continental and forth that laid waste to Green’s Takeoff: The Life and Times of Marlon Dewitt Green by Flint Whitlock.
Have an Ice Day at DEN Skate away holiday stress with festive family fun on the Plaza at DEN. Free Ice Skating Rink Nov. 24 – Jan. 7 | Daily 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Complimentary Skates Available On the outdoor Plaza between Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel.
Front Porch – NE Denver 7 December 2017 View video at FrontPorch NE.com
Above: An electrician installs lighting for the new exhibit. History Colorado used their space creatively to convert offices and a board room on the third “...a place where you can come and get the floor to create a gallery for the new core exhibit. Below: Sean Sausett, exhibit technician, consults the plans for the layout big sweep of Colorado history...” — Jason Hanson and display of the new exhibit. By Melinda Pearson and places of Colorado history and n November, History Colorado opened through we wanted to provide a new exhibit in a 3,700-square-foot, material that,” said Hanson. “We brand-new gallery space. Zoom In: The artifacts thought this was a really ICentennial State in 100 Objects showcases 100 and stories good way to give you a unique objects that have shaped Colorado, that go place where you can come providing a history from early Paleoindians, with them. and get the big sweep of who lived along the Front Range 13,000 The exhib- Colorado history in one years ago, to the 21st century, represented it shares spot.” by the stories that The exhibit will story of are well This ancestral Puebloan be a great fit for local The first object Boulder’s known— basketry tray, made of wil- fourth-graders, who study in the exhibit is Crocs like that of low and yucca, may have the history of Colorado, this Folsom spear been used by the people then consulting with historians and other shoes. Margaret as it very intentionally aligns with state point. It was who lived at Mesa Verde stakeholders across the state to shape the Zoom “Molly” standards, said Hanson. found in northern from 900-1100 AD. final product over months. Staff consulted Colorado at the In is pre- Brown— History Colorado’s collection contains Lindenmeier site, sented by alongside over 15 million items, said Julie Peterson, providing proof of Colorado others that are less familiar—like a ham- the exhibit developer, so sifting through human habitation State mer from Dearfield, an early 20th century them to arrive at 100 was no small feat as far back as 13,000 years ago. University African-American settlement. in such short time. “We wanted to pull and ex- Jason Hanson, the chief creative officer some of the most striking and illuminat- plores the for the exhibit, said the process for putting ing objects within our collections and diverse it together was much faster than usual. It give folks the chance to see them in a history of began late last summer, inspired by similar really impressive setting,” said Peterson. Spanish coins in the exhibit tell the story of the Span- Colo- “100 objects” exhibits by the British Muse- It was a team effort, with curator ish conquistadors and settlers whose arrival in Colora- rado’s um and the Smithsonian. “We know that James Peterson making a list of some of do had a lasting impact on the Southwest region. people there are people looking for that overview his favorite objects in the collection, and
December 2017 8 Front Porch – NE Denver Left: Kimberly Kronwall, exhibits registrar, checks to be sure Gen. Dwight Eisenhower’s jacket is ready for the exhibit. Clothing, stored in the design and production studio, illus- trate the fashion, function, and culture of Colorado’s history.
This hammer be- longed to Charles Rothwell, one of the original founders of Dear- field, an African American agricul- During the Great Depression and the dust bowl con- tural colony near ditions that followed it, farmers like Pete Einspahr, Jr. Greeley, where were hit hard. With no money for a Christmas present African-Ameri- segregation they often en- for his three young sons in 1935, Einspahr salvaged cans escaped countered in white majority parts to construct this toy tractor and combine. It the racism and Western communities. became a beloved toy and family heirloom.
do astronaut Jack Swigert’s space suit, sweat-stained around the collar in testament to the nerve-wracking experience of closely with tribal representatives and space flight. consultants on all of the American Indian Visitors will be asked to ponder what they would add artifacts “We reached out to them to make as the 101st object. “Everyone is part of this story,” said sure that they seemed appropriate for Hanson. “Not always the famous people that you’ve heard display, that we were interpreting them of. We’re all part of this ongoing story … The things in our John Denver’s specially decorated correctly,” said Hanson. lives will one day end up in exhibits like this.” Yamaha guitar is part of the exhibit. The exhibit runs in chronolog- ical order, and as a visitor follows the path, themes of Colorado’s License plate number 2 was history of boom-and-bust cycles, fashioned by one of Denver’s resilience and violence emerge. first drivers around the turn of Each object tells a story, from the century, before the state what Hanson calls “showstop- began officially issuing licenses pers,” like John Denver’s special in 1913. edition Yamaha guitar, to Colora-
Jason Hanson, chief creative officer, directs Abby Krause, design and produc- the exhibit. The soldiers, who wore white uniforms in winter for camouflage, trained in Colorado. Zoom In had a much shorter tion manager, to assume the position of the 10th Mountain Division soldier in installation timeline than most similar-sized exhibits that the center has assembled.
Get Your Nominations in Now! th Annual Help us salute those who volunteer their time or go above and beyond their professional responsibility to motivate others, initiate change and/or be well Awards provide key services to advance healthy lifestyles! Anyone is eligible to make a nomination. Nominees must live, work, or & Community make a significant contribution to “healthy living” in one of the be well Celebration Zone neighborhoods. Students, nominate a peer! 8 Teachers, nominate a student!
Neighbors, nominate a neighbor! All Entries Must be Postmarked by January 13, 2018 Complete an electronic form at www.bewellconnect.org/awards.html or pick up a form at any one of our be well locations, complete it and mail or drop off at Stapleton Foundation, 7350 E. 29th Ave., Suite 204, Denver, CO 80238. For more information, or to RSVP contact Shyretta Hudnall at 303-468-3228 or [email protected]. Sponsored by the be well Health & Wellness Initiative of the Stapleton Foundation. Learn more at www.bewellconnect.org.
Front Porch – NE Denver 9 December 2017 Community-Wide Discussion Dec. 11 About the Stapleton Name By Carol Roberts experience in talking about issues associated called out for expressing an opinion, regardless of fter several months of conversa- with race and diversity, which can be emotional where they stand on the issue. tions about the Stapleton name, or contentious subjects. Some individuals from the groups sponsoring the Community Discussion Afive community organizations have These will be public meetings for residents meetings have indicated they want to hear how the About the Stapleton Name jointly concluded that what’s needed now is and people from surrounding neighborhoods to community feels, make a decision within their group, to hear what residents and neighbors think. express their opinion on whether the neighbor- and move on with their mission—and not have this Dec. 11, 1:30 to 3:30pm A decision was made to bring in a facilitator, hood name should or should not be changed— discussion continue over an extended time. The and 5:30 to 7:30pm Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler, who has skills and and do it in a safe setting where they won’t be five organizations sponsoring the meetings are the MCA, SUN, the Citizens Advisory Board (CAB), the MCA Cube Stapleton Development Corporation (SDC), and the 8371 Northfield Blvd. Stapleton Foundation. *AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP ONLY Changes in Stapleton Signage orest City Vice President Tom Gleason responded by email to an inquiry about Fthe removal of the Stapleton logo from the E. 29th Ave. Town Center sign at E. 29th Avenue and Quebec Street. “Forest City chose to remove the logo on our E. 29th Avenue Town Center monument sign as we evaluate managing our comprehensive signage pro- gram over the next two years. Given the monument sign is located in what’s been identified as the 29th Av- enue neighborhood, this is an opportunity to promote the neighborhood location as opposed to reiterating the community name. The same philosophy has guided us in naming 11 new neighborhoods, 50 parks In November, Forest City removed the and 15 schools on the former airport property over the Stapleton logo from the E. 29th Ave. past 15 years without utilizing the Stapleton name.” Town Center monument sign. Photo by Gregory Diggs
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December 2017 10 Front Porch – NE Denver It is unknown what new evidence RTD and its concessionaire, Denver Transit Partners, can provide the PUC. The commission’s October denial of the first three amended crossing time applications contains strong language. Some examples: • “The warning times at these crossings are already longer than what we nor- mally see at typical crossings in Colo- rado because of the large width of the crossings along this alignment.” • “… the erratic operation of the gates at the crossings.” • “The request by RTD to now provide up to an additional 15 seconds of warning time means the crossings would no longer provide a constant warning time, but rather an inconsistent warning time of anywhere from the warning time prescribed by the Commission to an additional 15 seconds above that prescribed warning time. This puts establishment of the quiet zones along these commuter rail corridors at jeop- Crossing attendants and A Line horns will continue pending the outcome of a hearing by the Public Utilities Commission. ardy of not being able to be established because of inconsistent warning times at the crossings.” PUC Grants Rehearing on A Line Crossings • “Perhaps RTD’s Concessionaire has reached the point in time where the By John Fernandez Railroad Administration (FRA) for ap- The denial from the Sept. 27 PUC meet- path forward to complete this project uidelines have been set for timing proval of the Positive Train Control (PTC) ing was issued in writing on October 25, is a different warning system that will at street-level crossings of high- system based on the timing level they have and less than a week later, on Nov. 2, RTD provide the required warning times at Gspeed commuter trains because the achieved. FRA granted that approval on filed an appeal of the PUC decision and the crossing within an electrified power regulators and operators are concerned that Sept. 28. The Public Utilities Commission requested to present additional information. system environment.” “if crossing lights flash for too long, people (PUC), however, has separate authority On Nov. 9, the PUC Commission agreed to That last comment in the majority deci- become distrustful of whether a train is to regulate rail crossings in Colorado. On allow a rehearing of RTD’s application. As sion (Commissioners Jeffrey Ackerman and coming at all,” according to a Public Utilities Sept. 27, they denied a request from RTD of this writing, the date for a rehearing has Wendy Moser) prompted a strong rebuttal Commission (PUC) decision statement. In to change the warning time scheme RTD not been set but a PUC spokesman said a by Commissioner Frances Koncilja: “As a such situations, the fear is that frustrated mo- had proposed before the A Line went into December hearing is possible. result of this decision of the Majority, RTD torists, cyclists or pedestrians might then try service. The scheme had been approved Meanwhile, residents along the A Line is left with two unsatisfactory options: keep to cross the tracks in the face of an oncoming by the PUC but not achieved by RTD in continue to suffer from the loud horn the flaggers in place—a solution that RTD train. Horns and “crossing attendants” (i.e., actual train operations. RTD was request- soundings as the A Line trains pass through has told this Commission is unsustainable flagpersons) have remained at street crossings ing permission to change from a constant each crossing every seven and a half … or scrap the system (which will likely along the A Line because RTD’s positive warning time to one that allows variable minutes during much of the day and night. cost millions of dollars—we do not know train control system has not been able to con- warning times. They asked for approval Until PUC grants approval of the variable how much) and ‘try something different.’” sistently meet the high bar on these timing to add up to 15 seconds to the minimum warning times requested by RTD, the ap- At its Nov. 16 meeting, the commission- regulations. 20-second warning time mandated by the plications by Denver and Aurora for a quiet ers expressed a desire to see the matter On Sept. 8, RTD applied to the Federal federal government. zone will remain on hold. resolved in an expedited fashion.
Front Porch – NE Denver 11 December 2017 After 22 Years, Tower Lands Punch Bowl
Three days before opening, owner Robert Thompson (right), executive chef Brad Conroy (middle), and general manager Matt Boutwell pause briefly for a photo at the Punch Bowl Social entrance as final preparations for opening swirled around them in the building that had been sitting empty since 1995.
as Punch Bowl Social, an “Eatertain- ment” destination with 15,000 square feet inside and 14,000 outside—a southern-style restaurant with bowling, numerous games and activities, and space where customers can put their feet up and relax in a lounge chair. The building’s aviation history dictated Punch Bowl’s design aesthetic. “We’re celebrating the 1950s’ golden era of flight,” says Thompson. “Think about those old Pan Am ads you see from the ’50s and ’60s—that was a By Courtney Drake-McDonough Then, almost two decades after the airport closed, lot of our inspiration for what we’re he air traffic controllers guiding planes Councilman Chris Herndon thought of Robert doing.” At the entrance is a hostess in and out of the old Stapleton Airport Thompson, who has made a commitment to saving station made from an old trunk. A Tcouldn’t have imagined this new life for the and renovating old structures for his Punch Bowl stair railing with mid-century modern, building at the base of the control tower. And for Socials throughout the country. It was a match made geometric laser cutouts of airplanes. years, despite committee meetings and brainstorm- in heaven as far as the community was concerned. The Stapleton Punch Bowl Social is ing sessions, the committee searching for a reuse of After three years of construction, the building in the first Punch Bowl to have an expan- the tower couldn’t imagine it either. the shadow of the control tower now has a new life sive outdoor space with games, a beer
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December 2017 12 Front Porch – NE Denver garden and unique an ironic pairing. “I’m from Mississippi lounging spaces. That originally but I like the modern stuff—I like includes a tongue-in- what the South is becoming more than I cheek, 18-inch-deep like its history,” says Thompson. “Hugh is a astro-turf-filled swim- Canadian who moved to Georgia and sort ming pool with lounge of adopted the South so he and I work really chairs where guests well together because we create these menu can linger and, says concepts that are some combination of what Thompson, dip their my view of what the South is becoming and his toes “in the water Canadian interpretation of what he thought that’s not there.” the South was. It’s really fun.” The Stapleton The concept of combining punch served location’s menu is the in vintage punch bowls with southern-in- same as the Broad- spired cuisine and an entertainment venue way location, which came naturally to Thompson who opened changes seasonally a similar concept 20 years ago. Then, as a Bar manager Patrick Sproull shakes up a drink at the downstairs bar in the main entry area. and is sourced from 25-year-old, he wrote a business plan, raised many Colorado ven- $2.2 million and opened a 22,000-square-foot I took those disciplines I used in the past they have, after 10 pm, guests under age 21 dors to support local upscale pool hall and restaurant. “For me, it and applied them to the restaurant space, are not allowed at Punch Bowl. Stapleton business and reduce started with being young enough back then understanding that the current generation of residents told Thompson they wanted a place the company’s carbon that I was not risk-averse,” says Thompson. millennials really wants an experience.” where the whole family could go but that footprint. At the “I’ve always had a willingness to take some Thompson thinks the demographics for they also wanted a place they could go late helm of the culinary educated risks.” With the Punch Bowl Social the Stapleton Punch Bowl Social won’t be all at night. “I think the profile of the location program is Hugh concept, Thompson took a restaurateur’s that different from the Broadway location. is going to act exactly like the local commu- Acheson, a James perspective and applied it to the entertain- He thinks weekend brunches and early din- nity wants it to—we can’t control that—they Beard award-winning, Top Chef judge, cook- ment side of the business. “That’s what I saw ners are going to be extremely popular with decide how to activate us.” book author and restaurateur. Thompson was missing out there, and I had the back- families. Bowling, and other games, inside Thompson keeps his finger on the pulse says their histories and experiences make for ground to accomplish it with Punch Bowl. and out, will appeal to multiple generations. of things from the company’s corporate Private karaoke rooms will likely be popular offices on the third floor. Previously, the office during the day for tween and teen parties, was in Glendale but it helped justify the but will be taken over by adults later at expense of the Stapleton renovation to get night. Because of the type of liquor license multiple uses out of the building. The shorter commute to work from his Park Hill home is an added perk for Thompson. When asked if he’d do the whole Punch Bowl Social proj- ect again if he knew then what he knows now, Thompson says, “100 percent! We’d do it again, Punch Bowl has two bowling lanes on the ground level in addition to these four lanes on the second level. Behind this circular bar on the east side of the second floor are two karaoke rooms absolutely.” Mid-century modern sofas and fox hunting photos create an unexpected home-like atmosphere around that can be rented by up to eight people. Other rental activities include bowling, the bowling lanes. Left: Airline and travel themes are woven into the decor. Here a bookshelf style wall of bocce, bonzini and ping pong. Elsewhere around the facility are an array of free suitcases surrounds the area where bowling shoes are stored. activities including board games, giant Jenga, darts and bags.
Tiny House Holiday Village Visit the Village: December 4 – 8 Special Event Tour the Tiny Homes: December 9 and 10 Tickets to the special event are $5 and can be purchased at: www.coloradotinyhousefestival.com
Front Porch – NE Denver 13 December 2017 HOME IMPROVEMENT FOR LESS! R & G AN I H T T E
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B Chris Schmitten (left) and fellow soldiers are pictured in Texas where they had intensive training for six weeks before mobilization to the Middle East. —Photos courtesy of Chris Schmitten at Buckley Air Force Base, was surprised A Soldier’s Story when he got the call.“I always know I (continued from page 1) “We thought we can be deployed, and I knew my unit was had a year to plan the wedding, but after ready to mobilize, but I had been told I I got called up we went to the courthouse wasn’t going. It turned out they needed and got married,” says Chris, a non-com- an experienced NCO to run the platoon, missioned officer (NCO) in the Colorado so I went.” National Guard. Before 9/11, the National Guard was Chris was deployed from August of less-often deployed overseas. “We wear 2016 to July of 2017, at Fort Carson and more than one hat, between helping in Fort Bliss, Texas, for training and then to Colorado and in national missions,” Chris Iraq. says. “Since things ramped up, it’s not Chris, 39, a supervisor of training a shock to get deployed overseas. If the units for once-a-month reserve soldiers Army needs you, you step up.” FOR YOUR HOME
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December 2017 14 Front Porch – NE Denver it was scary. At some point I stopped watching the news,” says Kim. “I didn’t even decorate because it didn’t feel like Christmas.” Spending a year apart is a challenge for any couple, especially for newlyweds. “Our first year married, we were 5,000 miles apart,” said Chris. “It was hard to keep the newlywed vibe going, but we did.” Communications were difficult, Chris said. “We had email and morale calls, but it took trial and error to get around the time difference. Inter- net connections were spotty; we got FaceTime in Kuwait but sometimes we couldn’t call or email for days. “So we wrote letters. It was cute to see the younger people writing love letters. Kim sent care Left: General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, signed the platoon’s wall on packages with snacks and love notes. She sent the Christmas Day. Schmitten says that was “a big deal” for the troops. Above: Thanksgiving dinner. Front Porch every month. I love our community The flat desert is like being out in the ocean: we could see and that kept me in touch. It took me away from people coming from a long distance away. I was always where I was to read about life back home.” on guard; for over 300 days I put my platoon’s safety first. I’m glad to be home.” Chris was a platoon sergeant in Iraq, in charge of 18 He said the desert bugs were a challenge. “There are men and four women from Aurora. “They were an artillery lots of bugs everywhere; I wore a scarf on my bald head unit comprised of police officers, firefighters and Costco because the bugs bite. The locusts are like giant grasshop- workers,” he says.“Seventy percent were in their 20s, and pers that bite. It can be miserable. So you focus on the one was 18. Our job was loading, cleaning and shooting the people. It helped that I was deployed with other Colorado rockets, while keeping the weapons system in top shape. people so we could talk about home and the mountains.” “Every day I made sure my guys were emotionally and Occasional barbeques gave them a break from the physically fit, and actively engaged in something. Some chow hall food. “We got tired of eating MREs [packaged, days there’s not a lot to do, so I made sure they were work- ready-to-eat meals] all the time, so we’d barbeque some ing on something like their schoolwork. I was like their fa- ribs. It reminded us of home.” ther; they’d tell me about their issues at home and I’d listen The holidays were a difficult time. “It was tough for and help them work through it. Keeping them safe was my my guys,” said Chris. “A lot came out during the holidays. No. 1 priority.” But we were like family, we Chris’ surroundings in got through it together.” Iraq were a far cry from Kim says she was con- Colorado. “The landscape cerned for his safety. “He is very different: vast, flat sheltered me; he always said and lonely. It’s dangerous he was safe. But I worried for anytime you are in the him every day, especially when Middle East. You have to he moved around. In scarier be aware and take precau- places there was less commu- tions. We were continuously The desert is flat, nication. He’d tell me in code training, in case something like being out in the where he was, by referring happened. We had security ocean, says Schmit- to conversations we had had around the perimeter of ten. And biting bugs about those places. our camps, as well as inside. were everywhere. After spending the first year of their marriage apart, Chris and “I’d see the news so I knew Kimberly Schmitten had a joyful reunion on July 8, 2017.
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© 2013 Ramblin Jackson, Inc. All rights reserved. New RTD Mobile Ticketing App Bypasses Payment Hassles
By John Fernandez our test, if you then choose to read the TD patrons now have a new way terms and conditions, it wipes out your to avoid paper tickets or cash credit card info, so read terms first), Rpayments to ride the agency’s choose whether to save the card. trains and buses—a “mobile ticket” that • Approve the transaction amount and is purchased with a credit card using the a “Transaction Successful” screen free “RTD Mobile Tickets” app for Apple appears. or Android devices. The mobile ticketing • Go to the Ticket Wallet and tap the app, which should accelerate boarding name of the pass just purchased. procedures, supports purchase of a day- • Wait until just before boarding, then long pass within a selected fare category choose “Activate Ticket.” (Local or Regional/Airport). One-way • Show activated ticket(s) to the fare inspec- ticket purchases are not available on the tor. An activated ticket displays app. The day pass expires at 2:59am on a moving timestamp to help the day after purchase, whether or not the prevent taking a screenshot electronic ticket is used. RTD spokesper- of a ticket and sharing it with son Tina Jaquez says the agency hopes to someone else or otherwise using refine the service next year to allow tickets tickets fraudulently. to be purchased in advance of the day The mobile ticket is available for one wants to travel. day pass purchases on all regular RTD Using the app to buy a ticket: services, but not special services such • On the day of travel, select the as BroncosRide or Access-a-Ride. Tickets ticket type (choose regular or cost the same as cash, and normal discounts discount fare, also choose single are available (e.g., seniors, children, active or enter number of tickets). military). Purchased tickets do not need cell • Enter credit card information (as of phone or Wi-Fi services to be displayed.
Up to 10 tickets per ticket type may to see the next scheduled bus or train. be obtained in a The RTD Mobile Tickets app, single purchase, with a maximum first available in October, joins the of 20 tickets per ticket type in a day. “MyRide” service that RTD that Tickets for each passenger must be activated debuted in May. With MyRide, transit before boarding an RTD vehicle. Email riders load a card with up to $200 and receipts are available for all mobile tap it on a validator before boarding ticketing purchases. a bus or train. MyRide purchases are The “Trip Planner” function en- valid for unlimited one-way trips within ables users to enter starting and end- that direction of travel and a select- ing locations to find the best route ed fare category (Local or Regional/ using RTD bus and train services. Airport) during a three-hour transfer The “Next Ride” function allows window. Each rider must have their users to enter a route, stop or station own card.
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December 2017 16 Front Porch – NE Denver veloping us in her Stranger Things world. That world may be small, but it is dense and complicated. The cinematography is also beautiful, vac- illating between dusty realism and darker, stylized sequences. The Follow “Indie Prof ” on Facebook for Beya Mputu as the titular character, is the aforementioned updates about film events and more re- highlight of this re-emergence. music is omni- views. Follow “Indie Prof ” on Facebook The film tells the story of Felicité, a present and lush, for updates about film events and more singer in a small bar and a single mother and serves as “a reviews. Each month the Indie Prof living in Kinshasa. The opening sequence chorus,” according to director Gomis: “it’s ridiculous plot, the sorely lacking parents, reviews films in theaters and on DVD or in the bar is lively, enigmatic, alluring, a way of saying ‘Once upon a time …’ and the ’80s backdrop, and the wonderful cast streaming services. and engrossing. The rest of the film, while having a distance, to allow the film to be of kids. Oh those kids! Follow “Indie Prof ” on Facebook see-sawing between frenetic and thoughtful, something other than a social drama, and to Seasons two of many shows falter when for updates about film events and more will retain the wonderful humanist qualities produce a dialogue between the viewer and they either try to copy exactly what they reviews. from that opening sequence and always the film.” did in season one or rather, do a complete recall the elegance, ebullience, and defiance That dialogue is a breath of fresh air. U-turn from season one. The best sequels of Sembene’s cinema. This is a film that de- You’ll enjoy this film if you liked Boyhood, give us just enough of the good stuff from Felicité (2017—Senegal) serves to be felt as much as watched, and the Girlhood, and/or Hidden Figures. the original and add a dash of change emotions and rhythms— Opens 12/8 at the Sie Film Center. and a spoonful of spice. Stranger Things 2 both of the film and the does just that: we get two new (substantial) music therein—track the characters in Joyce’s boyfriend Bob (Sean action beautifully. Stranger Things 2 (Netflix) Astin), and Max (Sadie Sink), a (gasp!) girl The plot turns early in “Are you always so serious, Piturro? who is added to “the party,” as the boys call the film as Felicité learns (sometimes) themselves. We also get more of the bad that her son is in the “Do you only watch dark, disturbing guys—who turn into not-so-bad-guys along hospital after an accident. films?” (mostly) the way—and we get more of the “up- Just getting to the hospital “Do you ever watch comedies?” (never) side-down” as well. The most lauded aspect Felicité is an adventure through of season one, however, is where season two the streets of Kinshasa, These are typical questions (and my also shines: Mille Bobbie Brown. Brown is answers) I receive from readers and stu- Not long ago, Senegal was one of the but once there, she finds again sparkling as Eleven. She and the boys dents. Most think I sit around in dark rooms top filmmaking countries in the world. that her son may lose his leg if not operated really carry the show and remain the heart watching dreary and devastating films every Senegal native and filmmaking leg- on immediately. The catch: she has to pay of the show. And that is exactly why you night (that is partially correct). But I do have end Ousmane Sembene was primarily an unruly amount of money, in cash, right should turn off The Cure for a few minutes a sense of humor, and I do have my guilty responsible for the rise and apex of the away. Of course, she doesn’t have the mon- and get binging on Stranger Things 2! Totally. pleasures. Stranger Things is one of them, and industry in his native country, but he ey, and she has to (literally) fight and scrape You will enjoy this show if you enjoyed some of that is because I grew up during the passed away in 2007 and the industry for it. She gets some help, but her strong will the first season of Stranger Things, Stand by time period depicted in the film. And yes, fell on hard times. Losing its voice and and passion rule the day. Still, nothing ends Me, and/or Super 8. if you’ve seen season one, the ’80s are still leader, the country then lost many of its tidily in this world. Now awaiting your binge on Netflix. very much alive in season two; only this time theaters in an economic downturn. The The film is wonderfully shot, with an so much so that they become a character once flourishing industry is now making abundance of close-ups on Mputu; the in the film, sometimes even annoyingly so. Vincent Piturro, Ph.D., is an associate professor a comeback, and we are starting to see director knew what he had in her and con- But the charms of season one that made the of Cinema Studies at Metropolitan State Univer- more cinema from this proud country. centrated his camera on her wonderful per- show the sleeper hit that eventually caught sity of Denver. He can be reached at vpiturro@ Felicité, directed by Alain Gomis and formance. The close-ups have the effect of fire are still there: the quirky storytelling, the msudenver.com. starring the wonderful Véro Tshanda getting us “close” to the character and en-
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Front Porch – NE Denver 17 December 2017 Hygge = Coziness, Contentment ... and More By Anne Hebert hen Denver’s sunset ar- Two such businesses in Stapleton are just rives at 4:35pm on Dec. 1, getting off the ground. sun-loving Coloradans may Living in Sweden and working in Wfind themselves bemoaning the dark Denmark gave Stapleton resident Aman- and cold that befalls them for 14 and da Meyer a firsthand understanding of a half hours a day as winter officially hygge. “As part of surviving the long approaches. They might want to adopt Scandinavian winters, I became drawn in the Scandinavian concept of hygge. by flickering candles and a sense of cozi- Hygge (pronounced hoo-gah, hue- ness,” she explains. The simple, stream- gah or hee-gah depending on whom lined aspects of hygge seemed a natural you talk to) is a fundamental aspect of fit for a neighborhood business concept. Scandinavian culture that has no direct Meyer says “marketplace shopping” has English translation—but its approxi- reintroduced consumers to the “butcher, mate meaning is “a concept that evokes baker, candlestick maker” experience with coziness.” A growing topic on lifestyle shops and vendors offering small batch blogs and sites like Pinterest, the prac- merchandise and personalized service. tice of hygge means cultivating and Meyer began Hygge Cashmere by enjoying the small moments in life, cre- re-styling and giving new life to cashmere ating a sense of contentment, inspira- sweaters and selling them at a reasonable Tara Duncan and Miki Tynan will open Hygge Birth and Baby in Stapleton in 2018. As certified doulas, tion and appreciation. A hygge lifestyle price point. “Cashmere is known for its they share a passion for helping women experience an empowering and tranquil birth experience represents an alternative to fast-paced soft comfort,” says Meyer. “It’s completely surrounded by a “tribe” of family and friends. American culture, incorporating more hygge.” When considering a marketing of this Scandinavian custom into our strategy, Meyer realized her front porch, clothing, furniture, kitchen items and Doulas provide continuous physical, emo- own lives and the lives of loved ones. near the Stanley Marketplace, draws regu- gifts. Her plan is to continue to grow tional and informational support to a Hygge is starting to show up in the lar travel by pedestrians, cyclists and cars. and eventually open a brick-and-mortar mother before, during and shortly after marketing of U.S. businesses, associ- She collaborated with other vendors who location. childbirth. ating the concept of hygge with goods embrace the hygge concept and began A Posh Porch holiday event will be Duncan and Tynan will open the and services that range from health Posh Porch, a pop-up shopping experience held at 9198 E. 25th Drive on Dec. 9 Hygge Birth and Baby birthing center in and wellness to clothing and décor. open several times a year to sell handmade and 10 from 11am–4pm. For informa- Stapleton in mid 2018. They envision a Amanda Meyer, tion, email [email protected] tranquil, hygge birth environment incor- Rosemary Jackson or call 303.717.8763. porating earthy, natural elements. “Our and Craig Jackson Founders of another local company, emphasis at the birthing center will be on (back row) and Hygge Birth and Baby, also say the a sense of community,” explains Duncan. Olivia Meyer, Mad- concept of hygge was part of the inspi- “A woman can be surrounded by her elyn Jackson and ration for their new business. Stapleton ‘tribe’ consisting of her doulas, family and Vivian Meyer (front row) are pictured at residents Miki Tynan and Tara Dun- friends to help enhance her birth expe- the “Posh Porch,” can, as certified doulas, share a passion rience.” The center will also offer home a Hygge-inspired for helping women avoid an unpleasant birth services attended by hygge-certified pop-up shopping birth experience. “That’s where hygge doulas. A partnership with the Univer- experience. Meyer came in,” says Duncan. “Hygge Birth sity of Colorado Hospital will provide was introduced to and Baby is a place and state of mind access to the facility and its physicians and Hygge while living in Sweden and that empowers women to deliver their nurses should the need arise. For more Denmark. baby in an intimate, cozy atmosphere information about Hygge Birth and Baby, where they feel most comfortable.” visit www.hyggebirthandbabydenver.com.
December 2017 18 Front Porch – NE Denver View video ... and More at FrontPorch NE.com There’s a more natural place To have a natural childbirth.
One aspect of hygge could be described as the positive feelings we have when we spend time with people we care about. This setting at a popular street food market in Copenhagen would be considered hygge-like.
By Carol Roberts seems to be an essential component of the hortly after hearing the word hygge for the happiness formula that keeps them there. first time this past spring, we had the op- But understanding hygge requires some Sportunity to stay with a family in Norway understanding of Scandinavian culture— and visit Copenhagen, Denmark. The trans- where wellbeing, work-life balance and lation “cozy” is said to be about 80% of the egalitarianism are promoted by the govern- word’s meaning. Our trip offered the opportuni- ment. “You’d struggle to find a Norwegian ty to learn about the other twenty percent. who wants to work more than the 40-hour When we first asked about hygge, we sensed, week,” commented Ivar. In Denmark, the not an unwillingness to official work week is 37 talk, but, a slight pause hours long. That leaves that seemed to mean, “It’s 16.3 non-work hours such a well-known part of in the day for work-life everyone’s life that no one balance. And other feels a need to define it.” factors also contribute Our guide in Copenhagen to a culture where hygge said, “It’s sort of bred into can thrive. When Danish you at a very early age. Ev- workers get laid off or eryone knows what it is to chose to change jobs, be hygge. With the Danes, the government provides they don’t think about it too unemployment and train- much. It just occurs.” Ivar, ing for a new job. The a late 20s young man in our government also provides host family said it this way, health care and higher “Norwegians feel it’s almost education. like a human right to have As is now happening in the U.S., business- In the book Living hygge.” es in Norway and Denmark use hygge Danishly (which is both in- Between conversations to create an association with positive formational and humor- on our trip, books, mag- feelings, as seen on this gift shop sign. A ous), the British author bar called itself the hyggeligste (coziest) azine articles and online backyard in Copenhagen. And there, of, Helen Russell does a one- comments, we have pieced course, everyone understands what the on-one happiness survey together some of the hard- word means. of the people she meets to-define aspects while living in of what hygge is Denmark. So Introducing Birth Center of Denver to the Scandina- far, she has only vians. met 8s, 9s and ColoColorado’s first and only freestanding, hospital-owned birth Translating 10s on a scale of center. Women and their families are empowered to customize hygge as coziness 10. She learns implies a kind of that with higher their birth plans to create the most memorable experience in physical com- taxes to pay for the most natural way possible. Our high-touch, low-tech fort—but hygge is the government approach from our Certified Nurse-Midwives encourages a more about good benefits, Danes feelings in interac- have discovered low-intervention delivery. Birth Center of Denver is owned by tions with others. that after their Saint Joseph Hospital, so if medical care is ever necessary, It is an attitude Many families in Norway have a cabin where they get away basic needs are Colorado’sColo top baby hospital is always close by. This February of mindfulness on weekends and holidays (which are more frequent than met, more mon- and being present in the U.S.) for hygge time—enjoying simple pleasures and ey doesn’t lead to there will be a new place in Denver to deliver your baby the in the moment. spending time with loved ones. more happiness. way nature intended. It is a way of being with other people. It’s They focus on what gives them a better appreciating the simple things in life. A Scandi- quality of life. A trash collector explains that navian commented online, “American life is so he’s happy to work five hours a day, keep in rushed. You have to slow down for it. Hygge is touch with the lives of those on his route, not something you can do in a rush.” Another and coach a soccer team after work. said, “You can’t just go out with your high salary Some Americans are finding hygge-like and buy hygge like a package that you can time in our rushed culture, but the Scan- install. You need to spend time on it.” dinavian meaning of the word seems to Norway and Denmark are consistently at the require a compatible culture for it to thrive saintjosephdenver.org/BirthCenter | 303.812.2363 top of a survey called the World Happiness Re- in the way it exists there. port (the U.S. placed 14th this year)—and hygge
Front Porch – NE Denver 19 December 2017 Community Rallies Around Middle School By Melinda Pearson terim principal. Transparency took the forefront, ocal middle school, Denver Discovery as veteran principal Ellis began to communi- School (DDS), is in transition. With cate openly with parents about a host of issues, Lthe sudden departure of three lead including budgetary woes, discipline and teacher administrators in as many months and the retention. revelation of budgetary and other woes, the Ellis stepped down due to health reasons in tight-knit school community is rallying to November, and the school is seeking new leader- regain its footing. ship. But in the wake of the turmoil, “people are In 2014, DDS opened in the Greater coming together. It’s difficult, but we’re working Park Hill/Stapleton (GPH/S) enrollment together to get through it,” said parent Ann zone, helmed by first-time principal, Kristen Margaret Williams, who is chair of parent-teach- Atwood. Innovation plans called for a small, er organization, Friends of Denver Discovery 360-student school that promised large-school School (FODDS). amenities and high achievement. Like its Budget big-school counterpart, McAuliffe Interna- To the surprise of many, Ellis revealed that tional, DDS offered a longer school day and DDS had overspent by about $250,000 over robust electives in addition to traditional core multiple years. According to DPS Deputy Super- classes. DDS also provided personalized and intendent Susana Cordova, DPS had been aware project-based learning. and counselled Atwood. “Over time, the previous When Denver Discovery School first opened in the fall of 2014, students lined up to welcome their Problems and Solutions administration looked at having more students teachers with high fives. Flash forward to 2017, and things have in an effort...to offer a more robust course of funding those students brought wasn’t of schools, said Cordova, prioritized to receive changed. Atwood unexpectedly resigned in studies,” said Cordova. Enrollment had substan- enough to cover program costs. support around equity, opportunity and social August, and Dana Ellis came on board as in- tially increased to 450 students, but the additional To balance the budget, interim principal emotional needs. Williams noted that many Ellis let go an assistant principal, and DPS new parents have contacted her about getting has paid back the school’s budget shortfall. involved in improving the school. In addition, parents and the Stapleton Academics Foundation rallied to raise over $70,000 DDS dropped to “Yellow” status from this year through FODDS. DPS will also “Green” on recent School Performance FOR KIDS provide additional budget assistance this Framework (SPF) reports. In part, the shift year, said Cordova. resulted from poor performance on mea- Culture sures of academic gaps for historically Concerns about school culture emerged underserved students. But in part, growth as a priority this fall. Issues ranged widely, scores on standardized tests for all students including student defiance, fighting between showed a marked decline from 2016 to 2017, students and safety incidents, according to with math growth particularly concerning. reports in the school newsletter and police Growth scores compare students to ones who records. scored similarly in the past and indicate that In response, the community stepped in. almost every subgroup of students at DDS A new behavioral expectations plan was underperformed their peers in the 2017 tests, developed and DDS held a schoolwide especially in math. community event, “Denver’s Not Alone,” “to But the community is responding. Accord- increase personal power and self-esteem, to ing to FODDS meeting minutes, goals for shift dangerous peer pressure to positive peer improving academics include “training teach- support, and to eliminate the acceptability of ers on behavior management/discipline and teasing, violence, and all forms of oppres- culture/diversity, reducing classroom sizes as sion.” DDS is in the district’s “top ten” list able, and staffing adjustments to better utilize
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December 2017 20 Front Porch – NE Denver teachers’ untapped talents.” hazardous driving schools and Teacher Retention decided on the First Gear Skid DDS has a higher than average rate of Skidding to Safety School class to give his son an teacher turnover, according to Instructional added layer of experience and Superintendent Heather Haines, and parents confidence. Will and Lily took have been very concerned. To turn the the class together and Doug went school around, “what helps is teacher morale “along for the ride” to learn and strong leadership,” says parent Debbie for himself what the training Marshall. “If you have a strong leader, parent entailed. support, good morale, teachers can do really A junior at George Washing- hard things.” ton High School, Will says he Parents are working to support the experienced his first vehicle skid teachers, while the district is providing funds during training. Will drives his to hire paraprofessionals since a quarter of sister and cousin to school in his classes have more than 30 students. Haines 2003 Subaru and was slightly says teachers will participate in school hiring Photos courtesy of the First Gear Skid School nervous about the prospect of and continue to engage in teacher-led profes- driving on icy streets. He says The Skidcar System® attaches to the bottom of a vehicle and simulates skids on wet or dry pavement. Used as a sional development. The school is also carv- training tool, it helps teach drivers to respond safely on slick and icy roads. he was glad to have a chance to ing out more professional development time, learn what losing control of a car perhaps by shortening the 8-hour school day By Anne Hebert ful situations.” Focusing on a “point of feels like in a controlled setting. or adding late-start or early-release days. The hen a vehicle starts to skid, a fixation,” he teaches students to look Lily, also apprehensive about driving in incoming sixth grade class will be around 125 rush of adrenalin may prompt where they want to go in a skid instead bad weather, wanted to learn the skills it students, 15 less than current grades. Wdrivers to make accident-caus- of concentrating on the direction they takes “to respond confidently” if her car -be Leadership ing errors. Colorado drivers know this want to avoid. “It’s amazing how well this gins to slide on slick roads. “Learning to turn The pressures of competition within the feeling all too well as winter driving condi- technique works,” he says. “Through rep- into the skid was new and kind of scary,” she GPH/S enrollment zone may have led the tions can make city and mountain driving etition and a one-step-at-a-time approach, says. It took her a while to get used to it, but previous administration to make some unsus- nothing short of treacherous. students learn skills and retain muscle once she did “it wasn’t that hard.” tainable programming choices. “A lot of our Michal Michalkow, an emergency med- memory to react appropriately in hazard- Both teens said they felt safe the entire advice to Kristen was…be the best DDS, you ical technician (EMT) and owner of First ous conditions.” time. “Michal put everyone at ease before don’t have to be McAuliffe,” said Cordova. Gear Skid School, has seen firsthand the Stapleton neighbors Will Draper and we ever got into the car,” Draper says. New leadership is needed to fulfill the aftermath of accidents that occur when Lily Martin became licensed drivers in Martin adds that the class “put responsible school’s original vision. As Marshall says, road conditions are poor. The inspiration 2017. A driver education course and driving in perspective.” “It’s nice to know I “Whoever the new leader is going to be, for opening his school came from the re- behind-the-wheel practice taught them can keep myself and others safe,” she says. that’s going to be so important.” The Prin- alization that drivers, if properly trained, rules of the road, basic safety and respon- First Gear Skid School sessions are held cipal Advisory Committee has been formed can avoid many roadway crashes. sible driving almost year-round and and a survey sent to identify desirable char- The school, which initially trained first tips. What begin with an hour of acteristics. Candidates will be identified and responders, now trains licensed drivers of neither teen classroom instruction interviewed in December, with a new leader all ages. Michalkow points out that most experienced followed by three hours coming on board in January. driver education courses don’t include was hands-on of behind-the-wheel Parents and administrators agree that the winter and hazardous driving instruc- training that instruction. Michalkow school is now moving in the right direc- tion—and lack of experience and the addressed driv- says students take turns tion. The parent community is committed temptations of distracted driving can cre- ing in adverse driving and “have the to “moving on and moving forward,” said ate a dangerous combination on icy roads. weather and Accidents can be avoided in poor weather when chance to learn from Williams. The district is equally invested. “We Using the Skidcar System®, a mech- hazardous road drivers are properly trained. their mistakes and those know how important schools are to commu- anism that attaches to the bottom of a conditions. of their classmates.” nities and to families. It is always our goal to vehicle and simulates skids and spin-outs, Knowing he would feel better about his For more information about First Gear work in collaboration with our kids and their Michalkow instructs four to five students son’s safety with some additional train- Skid School, visit www.firstgearskidschool. families on making our schools the best that per class to “handle a vehicle in stress- ing, Will’s dad, Doug Draper, researched com or call 720.202.6414. we can,” says Cordova.
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Front Porch – NE Denver 21 December 2017 Panasonic Riding Data to the Future
The 100,000-square-foot operations hub houses 30,000 square feet of office space, storage and testing areas including an auto “buck” for simulating the experience of driving an autonomous vehicle, and a test-bed for Panaso- nic’s high-density Wi-Fi equipment.
By John Fernandez on smart buildings and smart energy, says the edged Jacobson, is to bring Panasonic’s in Japan, the accepted balance between privacy iding RTD’s A Line train past the scale of Panasonic’s projects will range from comprehensive approach to North America and security may be different than in the U.S. 61st & Peña station, the view to buildings to districts to corridors and cities. and translate it to Western values. For exam- To ensure safety, smart cameras there recognize Rthe east is of a warehouse-looking Since one company can’t provide all the ple, at the Fujisawa Sustainable Smart Town people who live in the town, and those who building highlighted by pulsating colored technologies, Panasonic is positioning itself lights and a big “Panasonic” sign. This is to be the “trusted partner” in planning and Panasonic’s one-year-old operations hub deploying systems for such large projects. for a new business unit focusing on “smart Denver out-competed 22 other cities cities.” seeking the new research facility because of Panasonic Enterprise Solutions Compa- the city’s “progressive reputation relative to ny reflects the Japanese electronics giant’s technology and their strong commitment shift in emphasis away from consumer to regional collaboration,” says Jacobson. electronics to a business-to-business and Indeed, Colorado has recently seen an- business-to-government focus. This new nouncements of a number of new, high-tech corporate direction began with the redevel- projects. In mid-November, the Colorado opment of an obsolete factory site in Japan Department of Transportation announced it at Fujisawa into the world’s first sustainable will partner with Arrivo to test a high-speed smart town. Residents there rely on solar transportation pod system along the E-470 energy by day and fuel cells and batteries at corridor near DIA. This follows on the heels night. Few people own cars because public of the state’s selection in September as one transit and shared vehicles are readily of 10 “global” finalists in the Hyperloop accessible. competition to demonstrate the feasibility of Panasonic’s Peter Jacobson, who focuses an airline-speed vacuum tube transportation system. One of the challeng- es, acknowl- Peter Jacobson, a “Sustainability Consultant” with Panasonic, sits outside a mock-up control room being used to test a “data ecosystem” between vehicles and traffic management systems for CDOT’s RoadX program. FOR KIDS (cont’)
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December 2017 22 Front Porch – NE Denver Peter Jacobson stands next to the batteries that help create a net-power pos- itive micro-grid at Peña Station NEXT. The roof- top solar array is 259kW using Panasonic’s high-efficiency HIT panels.
• Deployment of an “interactive kiosk” at the 61st and Peña Station NEXT en- abling users to get real time information on transportation, shopping, dining and emergency service options. • Creation of a smart mobility test lab. • Construction of a “Smart City Inno- • Smart street lights that dim with in- vation Showcase,” an immersive main don’t, are everywhere—an approach to security creased ambient light and can flash in street to demonstrate all manner of that may not work in a U.S. community. emergencies. smart city technologies in an intimate • Video-camera-based smart parking setting. Building a Smart City sensors. Jacobson says these technologies are as much as 80 percent and vastly increase The goal is to develop the 382-acre site, • An “array of things sensor,” a small, organized around five “solution pillars” roadway capacity, says Amy Ford, CDOT’s called Peña Station NEXT, into a local version beehive-looking device sometimes of activities at Peña Station, all preceded communications director. That project will of the Fujisawa smart city. A study to determine referred to as a “Fitbit for cities,” able by the word “smart”: energy, buildings, determine the best way to communicate how the project can go from net power positive to sense and measure many variables of living (emphasis on dwellings), streets and information about road conditions and the ve- to become carbon neutral will be finished early interest to infrastructure managers, such mobility. hicles themselves to drivers and eventually to in 2018 and will provide guidelines for devel- as temperature, air particles (air quality), Despite the whiz-bang appeal of the self-driving cars. Two options are being con- oper L.C. Fulenwider Inc. to create a mixed- noise, humidity and solar cloud cover- various technologies, Karayannis says the sidered for this “statewide data ecosystem.” use community with residential, retail, offices, age. It can also count cars and people to biggest challenge is developing the business One option is the use of existing cellu- dining, hotels and parks. help with parking and traffic flow. models that allow for a profitable collab- lar phone networks. This option, available At Peña Station NEXT, Panasonic is the • Electric vehicle charging stations. oration among many stakeholders. The through an app, may be deployed along “major tenant and smart and sustainable gen- • Autonomous electric shuttles with its micro-grid is a good example, requiring I-70 between Golden and Vail as soon as eral contractor for this living lab,” according to partner EasyMile (see September 2016 participation by not only Panasonic but this spring, says Ford. That service is being George Karayannis, executive director of Real Front Porch article frontporchne.com/ key players such as Xcel Energy, Denver developed by HERE, a German-owned Estate Development Solutions at Panasonic. article/a-glimpse-of-the-future/). International Airport, the City and County mapping and “real-time transportation data He says the lab serves three purposes: “To vet • Connected vehicle technology such as of Denver, land developer L.C. Fulenwider, analytics” provider. emerging technologies, to validate the vendors, is being deployed as part of CDOT’s multiple hardware and software vendors and The second option, using Panasonic’s and most importantly, to create a business case RoadX project. the National Renewable Energy Laboratory “roadside assistance units,” would create a for deployment of these technologies.” • High-density Wi-Fi for use in settings (NREL). fast, highly secure Wi-Fi network for com- Technologies under evaluation by the Pana- such as stadiums and concert venues. munication between vehicles and sensors sonic CityNOW team include: Beyond Peña Station NEXT installed along the roadway. The roadside • A micro-grid merging solar panels with Future Activities A Panasonic project with the Colorado units, referred to as the Dedicated Short- back-up batteries with a goal of energy Future activities at Panasonic’s CityNow Department of Transportation’s RoadX Range Communications (DSRC) system, Peter Jacobson, a “Sustainability Consultant” with Panasonic, sits outside a mock-up control room being used to self-sufficiency. site will include: program may be able to reduce crashes by will begin field testing in two to three years. test a “data ecosystem” between vehicles and traffic management systems for CDOT’s RoadX program.
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Front Porch – NE Denver 23 December 2017 Voters Approve Bonds, Taxes, Green Roofs
By John Fernandez capital improvements at six cultural management firm to oversee the entire and 8315 E. Colfax, near Trenton and enver voters approved all the and art organizations as well as a new program including project sequencing. Valentia streets) and may explore creation measures presented to them outpatient Ambulatory Care Center The general obligation bonds must be of an urban renewal authority on Colfax Din the Nov. 7 general election. for the Denver Health and Hospital issued within 10 years of voter approv- east of Monaco to accelerate redevelop- They ranged from a citywide $937 Authority. (Details on project categories al and bond proceeds from a specific ment of catalyst properties. Meanwhile, million bond package to relatively small are provided in these earlier Front Porch issuance must be expended within three RTD will start its 15L Colfax Route special district taxes. The biggest surprise articles: frontporchne.com/article/ years. Improvements Project in 2018, an $11 of the election evening was approval of vote-7-categories-denver-bond/ and million effort to provide larger, more at- Initiated Ordinance 300 that will now re- frontporchne.com/article/will-ne-den- Hotelier Tax tractive bus shelters, more trash cans and quire green roof features (gardens and/ ver-benefit-bond-upcoming-ballot/.) he owners of large Denver benches and “bus bulbs” (curb extensions) or solar panels) on new buildings or addi- Projects of particular interest to hotels voted 50-2 to increase the at some stops to provide more waiting tions exceeding a threshold size. Results northeast Denver include $55 million Tlodging tax from 14.75 percent space for passengers and to speed up bus of the two special district elections are to cover Denver’s match for a proposed to 15.75 percent to generate an estimat- operations. reported here as well because they inter- bus rapid transit (BRT) system on Colfax ed $8.7 million annually. Half of that act with the citywide issues. Highlights of from downtown to the Anschutz Med- amount will support renovations and Initiated Ordinance 300 each measure are presented below. ical Campus and another nearly $22 expansion of the Colorado Convention his citizen initiative was a true million for Colfax streetscape improve- Center (80,000-sq.-ft. multi-function dark-horse proposal, outspent by Denver GO meeting space, 50,000-sq.-ft. rooftop Tits opponents 10 to 1 and opposed terrace) approved by voters in 2015 and by many organizations and luminaries Bonds 2017. largely paid for through an extension including the mayor. Its basic appeal must Denver GO Yes – No of taxes on car rentals and hotel stays. have been persuasive: to beautify build- Bonds 2017. Ironically, some of these funds may be ing roofs, lessen the heat island effect, None of the needed to address the added cost creat- build capacity for on-site storm drainage seven proj- ed by voter approval of the green roof management, and improve building en- ect categories initiative (see below). ergy sustainability. Opponents expressed received less displeasure at a new government mandate than two-thirds Colfax BID Tax and decried the cost added to new build- support, with the ommercial property owners in ings or significant additions. The measure transportation the Colfax Business Improve- applies to new buildings of 25,000 sq. ft. package proving ment District (BID) increased or larger or additions that bring a struc- most popular $937.3 C their property tax rate from 7.846 mills ture to that threshold. The green roof at 75 percent. to 11 mills. The $2.5 million in antici- features (gardens and/or solar panels) Projects are pated revenues will support the BID’s will have to cover 20 to 60 percent of a roughly evenly “Streetscape” project (trees, public roof on a sliding scale based on building split between Results reported on Secretary of State web site Nov. 14, 2017. art, lighting, protected bike lane) as size. Industrial buildings are subject to a repairs and Voter turnout = 31.67% (142,952 ballots cast of 451,316 well as new marketing and branding different formula. The requirement does improvements. registered voters.) efforts. The Colfax BID extends in a not apply to residential buildings less than Transporta- ments. (Full funding of the Colfax BRT two-blockwide corridor from Grant to four stories or 50 feet in height. tion accounts for 44 percent of total will require a successful grant applica- Josephine streets. In combination with The ordinance requires Denver city spending and will go toward 287 miles tion to the federal government.) And the bus rapid transit (BRT) set-aside officials to create an advisory group to of road paving, 33 miles of sidewalks $27 million was approved to widen E. and streetscape improvements approved guide the measure’s implementation and and 49 miles of bikeways. Other bond 56th Ave. from Peoria St. to Pena Blvd. as part of the Denver GO Bonds 2017, to create exemptions with a cash-in-lieu funds will pay for renovations at doz- Many of the 460 projects are shovel it represents increased city focus on re- payment. The City Council would have ens of city libraries, recreation centers ready and the first bond sales are vitalizing Denver’s original main street. to wait six months before amending or and police and fire stations. In addition expected next spring. In the meantime, The city has purchased two properties repealing the initiative. Any such action to city projects, the bonds will support the city is hiring an outside project recently farther east on Colfax (7900 would require a two-thirds majority.
December 2017 24 Front Porch – NE Denver ...... NE News Updates x parently reverses what x“Central 70” Project Survives Denver Joins Campaign for Arcis told the property Challenge. In early November, a U.S. 10-Minutel Walk-to-Park Access. Mayors v owner, Clayton Early district Judge in Denver dismissed three Hancock and Hogan (Denver and Aurora) Learning, earlier this claims in a lawsuit linking city stormwater have joined 125 other U.S. mayors year. However, the drainage projects to the I-70 expansion to support a “10-minute walk” parks u city will continue to project dubbed Central 70. The plaintiffs advocacy campaign to be led by the Trust w seek acquisition of the were asking the judge to order CDOT to for Public Land in partnership with the northern-most portion withhold money it owes the city for its por- National Recreation and Park Association y of the property for tion of the drainage work. Judge William J. and the Urban Land Institute. The its Platte to Park Hill Martinez ruled that if he ordered CDOT campaign treats park access as a right, not drainage plan that is to withhold $24.7 million it still owes the a privilege and will develop “measurable linked to the I-70 ex- city, it likely would not prevent Denver policies and strategies to advance the pansion project. While Public Works from proceeding on the 10-minute walk vision.” TPL is mapping the city may need drainage work. CDOT now says Central park access for every city and town in the only 25 acres for the 70 may begin construction in the spring country through its “ParkServe” program. permanent drainage on the nearly $1.3 billion project to rebuild Denver’s participation coincides with pond, it may seek a and widen I-70 from Brighton Boulevard Denveright, a new comprehensive plan for construction easement to Chambers Road in Aurora. Project fea- the city include “Game Plan” addressing of as much as 90 acres, tures include replacing a 1.8- mile viaduct park and recreation. Adoption of the plan throwing into question on the west end with a depressed roadway is anticipated in 2018. how the golf course and 4-acre parkland cap as well as a make- By John Fernandez could remain open if Arcis decides to over of the Quebec interchange (realigned Amazon HQ2 Bid Released with exercise its lease renewal options. ramps and widened Quebec Street under- Sitesl Redacted. In October, Colorado MLK Extension Project Inches pass including new sidewalks). The Central submitted its bid for Amazon’s second uForward. The environmental reviews City Park Golf Course 70 project still faces a legal challenge on air headquarters site. Only a month earli- for the Martin Luther King Boulevard w Renovation Proceeds. Meanwhile, quality grounds. er, Amazon announced the project and extension project were complete as of the the City Park Golf Course has closed invited suitors to submit sites capable of October 19 approval by CDOT and the for up to two years as part of a $44.9 Fitzsimons Golf Course Closure hosting 50,000 employees in a complex, at Federal Highway Administration of the y million makeover to allow construction Announced. On Nov. 21, the City of buildout, of 8 million square feet on 100 “FONSI”, or finding of no significant of a stormwater detention facility in the Aurora announced the permanent closure acres of land. The Colorado proposal is impact. Final design is now underway. northwest corner of the site and other of the course it has operated since 1998 titled “Welcome to Your New Frontier” Denver Public Works says advertisement improvement such as a new club house under a lease with the Fitzsimons Rede- and runs a mere 23 pages plus a 52-page for construction is expected in early 2018. and expanded driving range. Denver velopment Authority (FRA). The final appendix. When released publicly in Construction should start in mid-2018 with residents had challenged the plans as a round of golf will be Dec. 15. The FRA response to open records requests, the doc- completion expected in 12-15 months. The violation of the city charter, however is charged with redeveloping the former ument was heavily redacted by the state $16.5 million project will extend MLK a Denver District Court ruled at the base which closed in 1999. It has sold land to not reveal potential financial incentives from Havana St. to Peoria St. end of October that the stormwater to the University of Colorado which plans nor to impair Amazon’s ability down the
facility won’t change the core function on developing land north of Montview line to negotiate with landowners. Two Park Hill Golf Course Purchase of the site as a golf course. Resident Boulevard where the golf course is located. sites in Stapleton were included among the vSuspended. The city’s intended purchase opposition has been motivated in part The immediate reason for the closure is the 30 sites submitted by cities and developers. of the 155-acre Park Hill Golf Course has by the perceived linkage between the FRA plan on developing BioScience III, Eight locations were featured in the pro- been put on indefinite hold because the so-called Platte to Park Hill drainage a 100,000-square foot building that would posal but were blurred out in the redacted current lease-holder (Arcis, the golf course project and the I-70 expansion. encroach on the first hole of the course. proposal. Amazon has said a decision on operator) may decide to exercise its option Plaintiffs are evaluating whether to HQ2 will occur sometime in 2018. for two five-year lease extensions. This ap- appeal the court decision.
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Front Porch – NE Denver 25 December 2017 Salads & Pizza with a Focus on Local and Sustainable
Light fixtures are original to the Stanley and were repurposed in the restaurant. dessert pizza” incorporates seasonal, locally grown peaches, pears and berries. The chocolate cake is made using an adaptation of Rogoff ’s mother’s recipe. Sazza’s full bar features organic soft drinks, wines, and locally made spirits and beer. Employees Above: Sazza Restaurant Owner, Jeff Rogoff, uses glassware made from recycled glass, mix-and-match silverware donated by customers, and unique, wear donated T-shirts repurposed with the hand crafted, one-of-a-kind seasoning racks on each table. restaurant logo. Waste is recycled or com- Below right: Locally made spirits and beer are served at Sazza Restaurant’s full bar. By Anne Hebert is rooted firmly in the practice of creating Catering to individual di- ith a passion for farming, local, organic, scratch-to-table food with etary tastes and restrictions beekeeping and cooking, Jeff ingredients free of pesticides, additives and is “part of what they do” WRogoff has turned what he preservatives. “Everything brought into the with available gluten-free, loves into his life’s work. His second metro restaurant is here for a reason,” Rogoff ex- vegetarian, vegan and area Sazza Restaurant is now open at the plains. “We don’t just want to make a profit, dairy-free menu items. Stanley Marketplace. He and a partner we also want to make a difference.” Boasting “artisanal have owned and operated the flagship lo- Whenever possible, Sazza uses locally American crust” prepared cation in Greenwood Village for 11 years. sourced, organic ingredients for their pizzas, with organic flour or whole Sazza (salad and pizza = Sa+Zza) salads and desserts, including a recent grains hand milled in- prides itself on creating new combina- harvest of 25 lbs. of honey from beehives house, pizzas are made- tions of classic fare. Their business ethos located on the land just west of the Stanley. to-order. Their “signature
local service projects & volunteering
Learn about the Rotary Club of Denver Stapleton and the Augustana Festival Christmas Concert | Sunday, December 17 | 7:30 pm | Choir, Handbells, Organ, Orchestra many opportunities to give back to your community. Longest Night: A Service of Healing and Hope | Wednesday, December 20 | Noon • 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Worship | Sunday, December 24 | 3 pm • 5 pm • 11 pm Weekly breakfast meetings and monthly happy hours Christmas Day Worship | Monday, December 25 | 10:30 am Sunday Worship: 8 am | 10:30 am Details at www.facebook.com/DenverStapletonRotaryClub 5000 E Alameda Ave | Denver CO 80246 | 303-388-4678 | www.augustanadenver.org
December 2017 26 Front Porch – NE Denver Salads & Pizza with a Focus on Local and Sustainable
posted whenever possible with very little sent Rogoff hopes to host cooking classes in the to the landfill. space. With a capacity of 28–30 people, The same level of detail and dedication to the room is also available to rent for small, sustainability is found in the family-friendly private parties and events. restaurant décor. Glassware is made from To learn more about Sazza Restaurant, recycled glass. Customer-donated mix-and- visit www.sazzarestaurant.com or call match silverware is used in place of newly 303.797.3048. purchased pieces and light fixtures in the dining room are original to the Stanley. Beetle-kill pine and recycled tile create a “look and feel” that highlights Sazza’s mission of environ- mental responsibility. A partnership with Logan House Coffee provides ingredients used in Sazza’s coffee ice cream. Grain mash from Cheluna Brewing Co. is used in specialty pizza crust recipes. Cooper- ative relationships with other Stanley businesses provide Sazza employees an opportunity to receive discounted merchandise and services as part of their employee benefit package. Rogoff emphasizes that buying and partnering with small, local business- es helps sustain the local economy. Embracing a community-mind- ed philosophy, Sazza’s community room is available free of charge for nonprofits to use for meetings. To The best women’s emphasize ties to farm and nature, local artist Tracey Barnes created the healthcare comes room’s custom light fixtures using repurposed tractor parts embellished The Sazza community room is available free of charge to from those who with bees and flowers. Eventually, non-profit groups and may be rented for parties and events. understand you best.
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NEW COLLECTION SCHEDULE THIS YEAR
January 2018 Tree Set-Out Days All trees must be set out by 7 a.m. Treecycle SU MO TU WE TH FR SA on Friday, January 5th or by 7 a.m. Collection 1 2 3 4 5 6 on Friday, January 12th to ensure collection by Treecycle crews. Schedule 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Treecycle Collection Days
PARTICIPATING IN IS SIMPLE, AND RECYCLING YOUR TREE AFTER THE HOLIDAYS IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3! 1 Remove all decorations, lights, and the tree stand from your tree. Set your tree out for collection at your normal trash set-out location 2 by 7 a.m. on Friday, January 5th or by 7 a.m. on Friday, January 12th. (left to right) Alexa Fuller, NP, Katie Rustici, MD, Sarah Shepard, DO Reclaim free mulch made from your tree at the annual and Peter Kim, MD 3 Mulch Giveaway & Compost Sale in May.
For detailed program guidelines and additional information, 2823 Roslyn Street Denver, CO 80238 | 303-403-6333 visit DenverGov.org/Treecycle or call 311 (720-913-1311).
Front2017_TreeCycle_AD_FrntPrch.indd Porch – NE Denver 1 11/14/17 11:21 AM 27 December 2017 Reviews by librarians at the Sam Gary Branch, Denver Public Library The Book Worm Children Young Adult Adult Fiction Adult Beyond the The Disappearances Midnight at the Nonfiction Bright Sea by Emily Bain Murphy, ideal Bright Ideas The Fact of a Body: A for seventh grade and up by Lauren Wolk, ideal for Bookstore Murder and A Memoir fourth grade and up Aila and her brother are living with their mom’s childhood by Matthew J. Sullivan by Alexandria Marzano- Crow washed ashore on best friend and her family in Lydia Smith lives a low Lesnevich an island off Massachusetts the isolated, mysterious town key and quiet life as a when she was a baby. Fish- The author writes a story about of Sterling. Their mom has bookseller at a local erman Osh took her in and Ricky, a pedophile who killed just died and their drafted Denver bookstore. raised her with the help a 6-year-old neighbor. He dad is off to fight in WWII. When a regular of a beloved neighbor. People avoid Crow because stuffed him in his closet and then helped in the days- They have nowhere else to go. Every Sterling resident named Joey commits suicide at the bookstore they think she’s a diseased orphan from nearby long search for the missing boy. It’s never in doubt that devastatingly loses something every seven years. The and Lydia finds his body, things take a drastic Penikese island, which once housed an abandoned Ricky committed the crime; just what was his intent? A smell of flowers, colors, their reflection in the mirror, and and gruesome turn. Joey leaves Lydia all of leper colony (a real place in the early 1900s—you frustrating legal distinction relevant to his punishment. A dreams, to name a few. No one knows why. Aila’s mom his possessions, which contain a trail of clues can look it up). One night, Crow spots a fire burning staunch opponent of the death penalty, the author is a was the only person to leave and regain the things she that are somehow connected to the dark past there and can’t figure out why—it’s a bird sanctuary lawyer working on Ricky’s death row appeal case. She lost. Townsfolk are suspicious she’s the cause and they she has tried to forget. As she works to solve now. When they investigate the next day, they find can’t understand why she believes Ricky deserves to die. don’t welcome Aila. Now it’s one month before the next the puzzle of Joey’s death, Lydia must come a new scary keeper who’s digging for something. Heartbreakingly, it’s revealed that the author also suf- disappearance and tensions are high. Can they stop the face-to-face with her own history and deal with it Crow’s search for answers leads her to discover se- fered sexual abuse at the hands of her grandfather and next one? Do clues hidden in their mom’s Shakespeare once and for all. This debut author once worked crets from her past about who she really is, and sets the toll it took on her when her family never talked about book hold the answer to what’s happening? I loved at the Tattered Cover Book Store and the book her on the trail of possible buried treasure! A great it, and covered it up, even though both her parents are this debut novel. It has a very memorable setup, and a contains lots of local flair. historical mystery that’s hard to put down. lawyers. For fans of true crime fiction, and devastatingly unique story unlike anything I’ve read before. honest memoirs.
December 2017 28 Front Porch – NE Denver By Chris Hegstrom and Judith Schwartz December & Early January Events
Visit our online calendar To 12/23—Denver Christkindl Market. NORTHEAST DENVER/ Vendors from Germany/other countries, local to view more events or submit events artisans, carolers, traditional German food/drink. NW AURORA EVENTS Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe. Hours vary. www. Santa’s Best Christmas Trees. Local tree lot FrontPorchNE.com > Events denverchristkindlmarket.com for your 2017 tree. Located at each of The Greens: 29th Ave. and Roslyn St., and at 49th Place and To 12/24—Santa’s Village at Chatfield Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms. Valencia St. Farms. 12/8 Friday—Christmas Movie at The beverages, games and children’s activities (bouncy www.botanicgardens.org 12/1 Friday—Tree Trimming Party at Cube. 5pm. Join us first forHow the Grinch Stole castle, face painting) and a silent auction. Learn Visit Stanley Marketplace, 4-6pm. Bring an To 12/24—Santa’s Flight Academy. Stanley. Christmas and then showing of It’s a Wonderful Life. about a local non-profit organization, The Street Santa at Cherry Creek Mall. www.shopcherrycreek. ornament from home or make one for the Stanley Free, open to public. The Cube: 8371 Northfield Fraternity that provides a place of brotherhood com tree. www.stanleymarketplace.com Blvd. and personal growth for urban young men ages 14– 24—a safe space where these young men are able To 2/14—Downtown Denver Rink at 12/1 to 12/20—Denver School of the 12/8 to 12/10—Gypsy Farmhouse Holi- FREE ice skating; bring skates or Montview and Quebec. Dec. performances, to avoid violence, drugs and gangs while enjoying Skyline Park. Arts. day Market. Northfield handmade/homemade rent: $6/pair. www.downtowndenver.com tickets/complete listings: www.dsapresents.org, pop-up boutique, 47th and Main across from a hot nutritious meal. Tax deductible donations to www.dsa.dpsk12.org/performances Charming Charlie. Free admission. www.north- help Street Fraternity serve more young men will To 12/31—A Hudson Christmas. Holiday fieldstapleton.com be welcomed. For more info contact Yoal Kidane at lights, wagon rides, Santa, music, etc. Select dates, 12/2 Saturday—Inside the Orchestra- 720-227-7317. 5-8pm. www.hudsongardens.org Christmas Tiny Tots at Stanley Market- 12/7 Thursday—Christmas Concert at Guest appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus, Presented by place. The Cube. 6:30pm. Colorado Wind Ensemble 12/13 Wednesday—Wine Education To 12/24—The Nutcracker. hot cocoa, jingle bells caroling, etc. 9:30am-12pm. will play Christmas-themed concert. 6:30pm. Con- Series. 7pm. MCA fall series with sit-down tasting Colorado Ballet. Tickets: www.coloradoballet.org Tickets: www.insidetheorchestra.org cession stand serving drinks. Free, open to public. of different wines from different regions with wine educator leading discussion. $10 stapletoncommu- To 1/1—Blossoms of Light. Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York St. www.botanicgardens.org 12/2 to 12/3—Sweet William Market. 12/9 Saturday—Eastbridge Home for nity.com; $20 day of event. Must be 21; no refunds. Northfield Event Center, 8371 Northfield Blvd. #C the Holidays. Visits with Santa, kids’ crafts, live 9am-6pm. www.sweetwilliammarket.com 12/14 Thursday—Active Minds (Free)– To 1/7—Denver International Airport’s ice sculpting, carolers, hot chocolate. Eastbridge Ice Skating Rink. 9am-9pm. Free; compli- Town Center, 10155 E. 29th Dr. www.eastbridge- Dinosaurs! 6:45-7:45pm. Sam Gary Library, 2961 12/3 Sunday—Holiday Caroling. Caroling Roslyn St. 720.865.0325. www.ActiveMinds.com mentary skates available. ww.flydenver.com with Neighborhood Music teachers/staff 4:15pm. towncenter.com Meet at Stanley Marketplace or any of neighbor- 12/1 to 12/2—9News Parade of Lights. 12/10 Sunday—Aurora Symphony Or- 12/16 to 12/23—Free Carriage Rides. Marching bands, giant balloons, floats. Fri. 8pm and hood pools closest to your home. NM teachers will Northfield. Complimentary horse and carriage chestra – Holiday Celebration. Featuring Sat. 6pm. FREE. Info: www.downtowndenver.com set up at each pool with cocoa, candy canes, cookies, The Snowman, Academy Award-nominated short rides 12/16 1-9 pm and 12/23 10-6 pm. Pick up and music and jingle bells. Look for red Santa hats. http:// film based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s drop off in front of Bass Pro. www.northfieldstaple- 12/1-12/2—Sing We Now of Christmas. neighborhoodmusicstapleton.com/events/ book. Hear the ASO perform the score live with ton.com Holiday favorites performed by Colorado Choir. the film, plus holiday favorites and sing-along. Augustana Lutheran Church. Tickets: www.augusta- 12/4 to 12/10—Tiny House Holiday Vil- 12/17 Sunday—Gymtegrity Gingerbread naarts.org lage. The Shops at Northfield. NorthfieldStapleton. Tickets $35-$20. www.aurorasymphony.org/holi- Jam Program. Class/skills showcase of our com. 303.375.5475 day.html athletes age 3 and up. One-hour show; open gym 12/1 to 12/3—Women’s Bean Project follows. Competitive gymnastics teams will do rou- 2016 Holiday Open House. Treats, beverages, 12/7 Thursday—Christmas in Narnia. 6pm. 12/10 Sunday—Holidays at the Hangar. tines. Coaches/staff available to answer questions food, music, new products, free photos with Santa. Be3, 1195 Newport St. www.be3umc.org Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum and Lowry Community Master Assoc. host 3rd annual. 2:30 pm. $5/family with open gym, gingerbread 9am-5pm Fri.12/2, 9am-3pm Sat. 12/3 and Sun. 12/4. 12/7 to 1/12—Youth at DAVA Holiday 12-4pm. Carolers, holiday treats and photos cookies, warm drinks. 4720 Lima St. 3201 Curtis St. www.womensbeanproject.com www.gymtegrity.com Show and Sale: Peace in the Universe. with Santa and Mrs. Claus. With valid photo ID, 12/1 to 12/2—Winterfest on South Pearl. Downtown Aurora Visual Arts youth exhibit. Hand- residents of zip code 80230 (Lowry) gain access Fri. 5-9pm, Sat. 11am-5pm. Free. Horse and wagon made holiday gifts for sale. Opening reception 12/7 for member price (discount at door only). https:// SEASONAL/HOLIDAY EVENTS rides, live music, holiday market and Santa. Old 4-7:30pm. 1405 Florence St. Mon.-Fri. 10am-5pm wingsmuseum.org/event/holidays/ South Pearl. www.southpearlstreet.com and by appointment. www.davarts.org To 12/2—Denver Gay Men’s Chorus 12/10 Sunday—St. Martin’s Cham- Do You Hear What I Hear? 12/1 to 12/3—4th Annual Denver Holi- 12/7 Thursday—Holiday Fine Arts Holiday Concert. ber Choir presents A Winter’s Night: Laughter and Light. Central Presbyterian Church, day Flea. Sports Castle, 1000 Broadway. Locally Market. Art Gym (1460 Leyden) metalsmiths, Christmas with British Composers. 1660 Sherman St. Tickets: www.rmarts.org made goods, crafts, drinks, etc. 12/2 Flea Holiday printmakers, digital artists, painters, illustrators, 7:30pm. Montview Presbyterian Church. $15-$45. Party 5-9pm, $30. Sat. 12/3 10am-6pm $5, Sun. 12/4 performing artists, sculptors and culinary artists www.StMartinsChamberChoir.org To 12/23—Colorado Railroad Museum’s 10am-5pm $5. www.denverflea.com will offer smaller, affordable artwork for holidays. Polar Express. Performances/train rides week- Reception 12/7, 5-8pm. Gallery hours Tues.–Sat. 12/10 Tuesday—Community Partner- ends and select days. Tickets: www.coloradorail- 12/1 to 12/31—Zoo Lights. 5:30-9pm. Den- 9am–6pm. www.artgymdenver.com/event/holi- ship Event at the Hangar at Stanley. A roadmuseum.org ver Zoo. 720.337.1400 www.denverzoo.org day-fine-arts-market/ FREE family event including BBQ and pizza dinner, (continued on page 30)
Front Porch – NE Denver 29 December 2017 (continued from page 29) hand-selected artisans, crafters and DIY enthusi- 12/31 Sunday—Zoo Year’s Eve at Denver build community and celebrate social justice work asts. www.jackalopeartfair.com Zoo. 5:30-9pm. Special New Year’s activities includ- across Colorado. Stories of change from volunteer 12/2 Saturday—1940’s White Christmas ed with Zoo Lights admission. www.denverzoo.org community/grantees working in criminal justice Ball. Magical ’40s and ’50s holiday party. Mingle/ 12/9 to 12/23—Nutcracker 2017 from reform, LGBTQIA organizing, disability rights work, Tickets: 303.987.7845. 470 S. Alli- dance among vintage vehicles, movie set lights/ Ballet Ariel. etc. 5:30-8pm. Posner Center, 1031 33rd St. RVSP: son Parkway. www.balletariel.org, www.lakewood. props, re-enactors, sleighs. Big bands, vintage acts; CHRISTMAS SERVICES email [email protected] special appearance by Hollywood’s 1940’s tap danc- org/tickets ing/singing troupe The Satin Dollz. Hyatt Regency 12/24 Sunday—Christmas Eve at Mont- 12/15 Friday—Cine-Talk Series, Star 12/9 to 12/24—Breakfast with Santa. view Presbyterian. 3pm and 5pm family ser- 12/15 only (opening night), Denver. http://1940sball.org/1940sball/1940s_christ- Downtown Aquarium, seatings begin 8:30am, Wars: The Last Jedi. vices. 7:30pm traditional candlelight service. 10:15pm Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum pri- mas_ball reservations required. Sat. and Sun., 12/9, 10, 16, Westminster Choir. 11pm Prepare to welcome vate screening of new Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Arrive 17, 23, 24. www.aquariumrestaurants.com/down- 12/2 Saturday—Brunch with Father Christ Child as Christmas Day begins at 12am. on time for speaker from Corellian Droidworks: townaquariumdenver Christmas. Four Mile Historic Museum, 9am- Montview Blvd. Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St. Colorado Chapter who will demonstrate fully 12pm. Reservations required. 715 S. Forest St. www. 12/15 to 12/17—Colorado Symphony www.montview.org functional R2D2 and BB-8 droids built from scratch. fourmilepark.org presents A Colorado Christmas. With 12/24 Sunday—Denver Presbyterian https://wingsmuseum.org/event/cinetalk/ 12/2 Saturday—Lights of December Colorado Children’s Chorale. Boettcher Concert Christmas Eve Service and Reception. Hall, 1000 14th St. $22-$84. www.coloradosym- 12/16 Saturday—6th Annual Denver Beer Parade. Holiday parade featuring community 10am. McAuliffe International School/Smiley Campus, Beer festival showcasing 50+ Denver-ar- phony.org Festivus. organizations, floats, high school marching bands, 2540 Holly St. www.denverpres.org. ea craft breweries. Wings Over the Rockies. 4pm. Santa. www.downtownboulderholidays.com 12/15 to 1/2—Denver Pavilions Holiday 12/24 to 12/25—Augustana Christmas Tickets: www.denverbeerfestivus.com 12/2 to 12/10—57th Annual Georgetown Carousel. 11am-9pm, $3 or free with voucher Worship. Christmas Eve, 3pm, 5pm and 11pm. from Pavilions Merchants. www.denverpavillions. 12/23 Saturday—32nd Annual Winter Christmas Market. European-type market: Christmas Day, 10:30am. Augustana Lutheran Celebration of Christmas and com Solabration. handcrafted gifts, carolers, horse-drawn wagon Church, 5000 E. Alameda Ave. 303.388.4678, www. solstice customs, storytelling, dance, juggling, etc. rides, roasted chestnuts, and St. Nicholas. 1st two 12/17 Sunday—Augustana Christmas augustanadenver.org The Joyful Ballroom, 3695 W. 72nd Ave, Westminster. Dec. weekends. 10am-6pm. FREE. www.george- Concert and Festival. Choir, handbells, organ Tickets: www.wsolstice.org town-colorado.org and orchestra. Augustana Lutheran Church, 5000 DENVER METRO EVENTS 12/31 Sunday—New Year’s Eve On The 12/2 to 12/16—Olde Golden Christmas. E. Alameda Ave. 303.388.4678. www.augustanaden- ver.org To 12/3—Denver Potters Association Rocks: Migos, Post Malone, Young Thug & Historic Downtown Golden, Washington Ave. Lil Yachty. Red Rocks Amphitheatre’s first-ever Weekends thru 12/24. Santa, Christmas parades, Show. Features Castle Clay Artists and guests. 12/17 Sunday—Tuba Christmas Concert. Wood, clay, ceramics, glass jewelry, etc. 6th Ave. Unit- New Year’s celebration. www.topeventpromoter. carriage rides, dog cart rides, carolers, etc. www. 1pm. Skyline Park, 16th and Arapahoe. Register ed Church, 6th and Adams. www.castleclayartists.net com/performers/new-years-eve-on-the-rocks visitgolden.com 9am; rehearsal 10am. Turnhalle room, Tivoli build- 12/5 Tuesday—City of Aurora Holiday ing, Auraria Campus. FREE to public, $10 partici- To 12/8—Denver Recycles Leafdrop 2016. Free leaf compost drop-off weekdays 8am-2pm. HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tree Lighting. Musical performances, holiday pant fee. 303.556.8123 or www.tubachristmas.com goodies, and Santa. 5-7pm. Aurora Municipal Center, 720.865.6810 or www.denvergov.org/denverRecy- To 12/20—Jewish Aging Mastery Program 12/20 Wednesday—Holiday Brass at cles for locations/info. 15151 Alameda Pkway. www.auroragov.org/events Boettcher Concert Hall. Colorado Sympho- for Older Adults. 12-week program each Wed. ny Brass presents seasonal favorites. Tickets: www. To 1/14—Women Artists in Paris. Denver 10-11:45am. Staenberg-Loup Jewish Community 12/8 to 12/9—Colorado Symphony Pres- Center. To achieve sustainable behaviors to improve Boettcher Concert coloradosymphony.org Art Museum; exhibit ticket required. www.denver- ents Handel’s Messiah. health, financial security, well-being, community con- Hall, 1000 14th St. Tickets: www.coloradosymphony. artmuseum.org 12/22 to 12/23—Colorado Symphony nectedness. $150. www.jccdenver.org/event/jamp/ org Presents Too Hot to Handel. Boettcher 12/1 Friday—First Friday Art Walks. Santa Molly Brown Concert Hall, 1000 14th St. Tickets: www.colora- Fe Arts District, Tennyson Art Walk, River North(Ri- To 12/27—Aging Mastery Program 12/8 to 12/17—Yuletide Teas. Free. Helps older adults/ House. Saturdays and Sundays. Sittings: 10:30am, dosymphony.org No) Art District, Golden Triangle Museum. www. (AMP) Classes. boomers build own aging well playbook. 10 core 12:30pm and 2:30pm. [email protected] or denver.org/things-to-do/denver-arts-culture/den- 12/24 Sunday—“Jewish Christmas” classes in peer-supported environment. The House 303.832.4092x17. www.mollybrown.org ver-art-districts Chinese Pop-up at Rosenberg’s Bagels. Worship Center, 2150 S. Holly St. RSVP requested: 12/9 Saturday—Colorado Women and 5-10pm, Rosenberg’s Bagels at Stanley Market- 12/1 to 12/3—Colorado Symphony pres- 303.355.3423, x105. Joann Thompson (jthompson@ $13-$25 www.colorado- Men’s Chorale Holiday Sing-Along. place. Follow Rosenberg’s Bagels on Facebook ents All Beethoven. caahealth.org). 26-participant limit. 2:30pm. Augustana Lutheran Church. Tickets: www. for tickets/info. 3rd annual Chinese food pop-up symphony.org augustanadenver.org Jewish Christmas proceeds benefit Project Angel 12/10 Sunday—Denver Jingle Bell Run/ 12/2 Saturday—Young Entrepreneurs Walk for Arthritis. 8am-12pm. Washington Heart. Classic Chinese-American Cuisine and two 10am-2pm. Young Americans Cen- 12/9 Saturday—Nick’s Annual Food Marketplace. Park. www.jbr.org classic holiday movies. ter, 3550 E. 1st Ave. Repeats 12/9 Sat., 10am-2pm, Drive with Santa and Live Reindeer. 10am-6pm. Free professional photo with Santa for 12/31 Sunday—A Night in Vienna. Pre- Young Americans Center Belmar, 401 S. Pierce St. 12/16 Saturday—Denver Ugly Sweater Downtown Denver, 20th and Market St. 11am. every 10 cans donated. Reindeer visit 11am-4pm. sented by Colorado Symphony, Boettcher Concert www.yacenter.org. Run. Hall, 1000 14th St. Tickets: www.coloradosympho- www.theuglysweaterrun.com Nick’s Garden Center, 2001 S. Chambers Rd. www. 12/5 Tuesday—Colorado Gives Day. www. nicksgardencenter.com ny.org coloradogives.org 12/16 Saturday—Scramblin’ Scrooge 12/31 Sunday—New Year’s Eve Down- 1M/5K/10K. Denver City Park. 8am. www.featon- 12/9 Saturday—Winter Fest on Fillmore 12/9 Saturday—Cockpit Demo Day. Free thestreet.com Plaza. Cherry Creek North. 10am-2pm. Free. Live town Fireworks Display. 2 shows: 9pm and with admission. Wings Over the Rockies Museum, ice carving, face painting, fire pits, complimentary 12am. 16th St. Mall. www.downtowndenver.com Lowry. 10am-2pm. www.wingsmuseum.org 12/23 Saturday—A Christmas Carol Clas- treats/beverages, ornament decorating, entertain- 12/31 Sunday—Noon Year’s Eve at Den- sic 5K, 10K and Tiny Tim 1K. Denver City ment. www.cherrycreeknorth.com 9am-4pm. Ball drops 12/14 Thursday—Seeding Change: Chi- Park. 9am. www.featonthestreet.com ver Children’s Museum. nook Fund 2017 Grantee Event. Bringing 12/9 to 12/10—Denver Jackalope Indie on the hour from 10am-3pm. www.mychildsmu- together diverse community of donors, supporters 12/31 Sunday—New Year’s Eve Resolu- Artisan Market. McNichols Civic Center, seum.org and grantees statewide. Learn about Chinook Fund, tion 5K. Washington Park, 12pm. www.resolu- 10am-5pm. Free admission. 150 local, curated and tion5K.com
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December 2017 30 Front Porch – NE Denver 12/10 Sunday—The Masked To 12/24—A Christmas Carol. The KIDS AND FAMILIES DENVER MUSEUM Bandit. 10am. Learn about ferrets in the Jones Theater, Denver Center for the Per- VOLUNTEER To 1/27—Denver Puppet refuge’s one-of-a-kind ferret exhibit. forming Arts. www.denvercenter.org The Snow Queen. 3156 OF NATURE OPPORTUNITIES Theater. 12/16 Saturday—Wildlife Viewing W. 38th Ave. www.denverpup- To 12/29—A Year with Frog and Ronald McDonald Family AND SCIENCE Tours. 9:30-11am. Free 2-hour refuge bus Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Toad. Rooms at Rocky Mountain pettheater.com tour. RSVP required. www.arvadacenter.org IMAX. Dream Big 3D: Engineer- Hospital for Children. At Presbyte- 12/1 Friday—Home Depot ing Our World; Conquests of the To 12/31—Comedy Sportz. Avenue rian/St. Luke’s Hospital for once-a-week Kids Workshop. 9am-12pm. Sky 3D; Wonder Woman 3D THEATRE Theatre, 417 E. 17th Ave. www.avenuetheater. commitment, 6-month minimum. www. FREE how-to clinics first Sat. ronaldhouse.org under “How You Can To 1/1—Nature’s Amazing com monthly, ages 5-12. Get Home De- To 12/17—Honeymoon in Vegas. Help” for info. pot apron, wooden project, project Machines. Free with admission. Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora 12/1 to 12/24—Santa’s Big Red Sack. pin. Metro-area Home Depot www.dmns.org www.vintagetheatre.com Avenue Theatre, 417 E. 17th Ave. www.avenu- Reading Volunteers Needed. For students in K-8 grade. 1 hour, 1 student, stores. www.homedepot.com To 1/15—Ultimate Dino- etheater.com To 12/23—Joseph and the Amaz- 1x week. During school hours. julie@ saurs. Free with admission. www. The 12/5 to 12/26—Tuesdays in ing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Arvada 12/13 to 12/17—Elf The Musical. partnersinliteracy.org or 303.316.3944 dmns.org Buell Theatre, Denver Center for the Perform- December Four Mile His- Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. www. ext. 241. toric Park Small Settlers. arvadacenter.org ing Arts. www.denvercenter.org Ages 2-5 accompanied by parent/ Project Worthmore. Nonprofit 12/22 to 12/31—I’ll Eat You Last: A caregiver. 9-10am. $5/child adults MUSEUM FREE DAYS To 12/23—Hi-Hat Hattie, Musical organization of committed community Au- Conversation with Sue Mengers. Vin- free, members free. 7150D. Forest 12/1 to 12/29—Clyfford Biography of Hattie McDaniel. members give, volunteer, mentor, befriend rora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave, tage Theatre. 1468 Dayton St., Aurora Cultural St. Advance register: 720.865.0814 Still Museum Free Friday refugee neighbors. 1532 Galena St., Ste. Aurora. www.aurorafoxartscenter.org Arts District. www.vintagetheatre.org or [email protected] evenings. 5-8pm. www.clyfford- 380. 720.460.1393 stillmuseum.org 1/6 to 2/3—Rumors. Spotlight Theatre www.fourmilepark.org To 12/23—The Miracle Worker. Single Volunteers of Greater John Hand Theater, 7653 E. 1st Pl. www. Company at the John Hand Theater. www. 12/2 Saturday—Denver Art Denver. Volunteer, not-for-profit singles 12/7 to 12/10—Disney on firehousetheatercompany.com thisisspotlight.com Ice Presents: Follow Your Museum. SCFD Free day. www. group, meet others and assist nonprofit Heart. Pepsi Center. www.disne- denverartmuseum.org To 12/24—The Santaland Diaries. organizations for events/activities. www. Denver Center for the Performing Arts. svgd.org yonice.com 12/3 Sunday—Denver Mu- www.denvercenter.org 12/7 to 12/28—Star K Kids. seum of Miniatures, Dolls Thursdays, 9:30 and 11am; kids and Toys. SCFD Free day. www. 5 and under. Morrison Nature dmmdt.org Center, 16002 E. Smith Rd., Aurora. 12/5 Tuesday—Children’s www.auroragov.org/nature Museum Free Target Tues- The Tolan Real Estate Companies 12/10 Sunday—Four Mile day. 4-8pm. www.cmdenver.org Historic Park Hay Bales and 12/8 Friday—Four Mile Boutique Family-Owned Companies Built to Outperform Tall Tales. 12-1pm; free with Historic Park. SCFD Free 2nd admission. 715 S. Forest St. www. Friday, 12pm-4pm. www.four- fourmilepark.org milepark.org 12/10 Sunday—Denver Mu- LECTURES AND seum of Nature & Science. CLASSES SCFD Free Day. www.dmmdt.org 12/10 Sunday—Four Mile www.ActiveMinds.com Historic Park. SCFD Free day. 12/5 Tuesday—Active 12-4pm. www.fourmilepark.org Minds (Free): Afghanistan. 12/29 Friday—Clyfford Still Jewish Community Center, 350 S. Museum. SCFD Free Day. www. Dahlia St. 10-11am. 303.316.6359. clyffordstillmuseum.org 12/21 Thursday—Active Minds (Free): Spices. Windsor Gardens, 597 S. Clinton St. 2-3pm. ROCKY MOUNTAIN 12/21 Thursday—Active ARSENAL NATIONAL Minds (Free)–Saudi Arabia. 6:45-7:45pm. Sam Gary Library, WILDLIFE REFUGE 2961 Roslyn St. 720.865.0325. www.fws.gov/refuge/rocky_moun- tain_arsenal/ 12/26 Tuesday—Active Minds (Free): The History 12/9 Saturday—Winter of Tea. 5-6pm. Tattered Cover, Raptors. 1-3pm. Learn to iden- Happy Holidays 2526 E. Colfax. 303.322.7727. tify birds of prey native to Refuge; bring camera and binoculars. RSVP required. From Our Family to Yours
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Front Porch – NE Denver 31 December 2017 Practicing Kindness Together Can Change the World
Left: Kindness Yoga offers adult yoga and barre classes seven days a week. A variety of yoga is available and each instructor brings his/her own background and experience to their yoga practice. Kids’ yoga is also available. Above: Certified Yoga Instructor, Blair Vaughn leads a class.
By Anne Hebert income. One of the only donation-based fitness busi- on select days/times to children aged three to 11. Kids’ hen the team at Kindness Yoga read the nesses in the area, monthly and yearly paid memberships yoga is offered concurrently with an adult class, giving Stanley Marketplace “Stanifesto,” they found help to sustain the business model. For those who wish to parents the opportunity to focus on their practice while Wa “unique and palpable” sense of community participate on a pay-what-you-can basis, the suggested children participate in a more interactive, activity-based that created an ideal environment for their new studio. donation is ten dollars per class. class. Kids learn how to master skills and manage stress “The Stanley feels very heart-centered – it’s a great fit for Certified yoga and barre instructors bring a wealth of through a focus on movement and breathing techniques. us,” says Alex Lee-Ammons, marketing director. diverse training and backgrounds to make each teaching Lee-Ammons says it’s important to give kids a space to Kindness Yoga has built style and class unique. “Kind- nourish their bodies and minds. their business by encouraging ness is a movement, enhanc- With installation pending, the Stanley Kindness studio a “sense of community” with ing health and happiness,” will soon include a float tank. The tank, filled with salt a commitment to community says Lee-Ammons. “Through water, provides a deep, meditative experience while involvement and support. With practicing kindness together, soothing skin and muscles and easing pressure on joints. ten metro area studios, includ- we believe we can change the Good for pregnant women and sports recovery, float ing two new studios recently world.” tanks are often cited as powerful tools enabling relaxation opened in the Bonnie Brae and The Stanley location offers a and deepened creativity. RiNo neighborhoods, Kindness variety of adult yoga and barre For information about Kindness Yoga locations, class believes yoga should be acces- fitness classes seven days a week. schedules, memberships, and upcoming events, please sible to everyone, regardless of Kid’s yoga classes are available visit, www.kindnesscollective.com or call 720.787.4128.
Happy Holidays! The Wolfe & Epperson Team
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December 2017 32 Front Porch – NE Denver Op-Ed Open Enrollment for Health Care Ends Jan. 12 Cut the tag off that Little Black Dress! Lose the weight and keep it off with Dr. Angela Tran’s proven medical weight loss system
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people, financial assistance is available. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, when you Formerly Stapleton Family Eye / Optical purchase insurance through the exchanges, you no longer can be charged higher premiums just for being a woman. And people with pre-existing health conditions won’t be charged more than Colorado Family Our family is growing! anybody else—again, thanks to the ACA. Eye Centers Don’t be fooled by those who say the ACA Stapleton is imploding; it’s alive and serving the people of Now we offer even more Colorado through our state exchange, Connect ColoradoFamilyEye.com for Health Colorado. comprehensive eye care The ACA was devised to put affordable cov- services to families in the erage within everyone’s reach, and it’s been doing Stapleton area. Still great so for millions of people. So many constituents have told me how it has helped them avoid hav- service. Still locally owned. ing to make the horrible choice between treating an illness and going broke. Children’s Eye Physicians Enrollment in the exchange is simple—con- CEPcolorado.com 303 597 1640 nectoforhealthco.com walks you through every step of the process. And it only takes a few 2373 Central Park Blvd minutes. Suite 102 In Colorado, open enrollment lasts until Jan. Denver, CO 80238 Amanda Huston, OD, FAAO 12—but why wait? Have a look at your options Pediatric and now, pick a plan that’s right for you, and spread Colorado Center Family Optometry the word! for Eye Alignment
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Front Porch – NE Denver 33 December 2017 Stapleton Update Middle Schoolers Pass AP Exams Aurora Approves Creative Learning Preschool By John Fernandez he first non-res- Tidential use in Stapleton Aurora has received unanimous approv- al from the Aurora Planning Commis- sioner. Owner Dan Mitzner expects the school to open in July 2018, replacing the existing leased Creative Learning Preschool at E. 26th Ave. and Moline St. in Aurora is facility in Quebec expected to open in July 2018, serving 65 children ages 1 – 4. Square. The new location is a 0.43 modate 65 children ages 1–4. Earlier issues acre parcel at the southeast corner with parking supply were resolved with a of E. 26th Ave. and Moline St. The reconfigured parking lot and allowance for 4,800 square foot school will accom- two-way vehicular travel. Photo courtesy of Denver Language School Photo courtesy of Denver Nine members from last year’s eighth grade class at Denver Language School (above) successfully passed the AP exam in Spanish or Chinese last spring. By Melinda Pearson Students at the public charter MCA Annual Meeting ast spring, nine brave school typically begin full immer- By Melinda Pearson eighth-graders at Denver sion into Mandarin Chinese or he annual Stapleton Master Com- board of the MCA will shift from being LLanguage School (DLS) took Spanish in kindergarten or first munity Association (MCA) Mem- controlled by a majority of Forest City and successfully passed college-level grade. They take all of their classes Tbers’ Meeting took place on Nov. representatives to a majority of owner Advanced Placement (AP) exams in in the “target language,” said Ben- 8. CEO Kevin Burnett reviewed the his- representatives, but Burnett and board either Chinese or Spanish Language zel – even math classes – yet con- tory, purpose and structure of the MCA, members believe that it will be a “smooth and Culture. This represented a tinue to post impressive results on the activities and events it produces and transition” that will maintain the “status 100% pass rate in the pilot of year of other tests administered in English, reviewed the budget for the coming year, quo.” DLS’s AP program. such as PARCC tests and, now, AP which was approved on November 15. During the community comment pe- “We knew our students were at exams. MCA is the fastest-growing commu- riod, Stapleton resident Sinead O’Han- a really high level,” said principal The 100% immersion model nity organization in Colorado and the non spoke of the movement to change Kathy Benzel, “And we wanted to that DLS offers is unusual in DPS, largest in the city of Denver, according the name of the community, described give them the opportunity to show where schools typically offer a to Burnett, and its budget for 2018 will multiple action items in that campaign what they know and to have that more graduated program. Benzel be approximately $7.3 million dollars, and asked the MCA for permission to set excellent acknowledgment of where says that, while it is a challenge up from about $6.6 million in 2017. Its up informational booths at MCA events. they’re at in terms of their linguistic for young learners to adapt, the top three revenue sources for 2018 will Burnett assured her that the MCA will journey at that point in time.” rewards in terms of fluency and be residential assessments (52%), Park be listening to residents’ concerns and The school selected nine “brain benefits” are extraordinary. Creek Metro District taxes (17%), and hopes to hear from the larger community eighth-graders, out of a class of The West campus of DLS, which commercial assessments (16%). Residents’ of 25,000 residents on the issue. Coun- about 22, that it felt would be able to is just southwest of Cherry Creek fees will rise from $40 to $43 monthly in cilman Chris Herndon and a resident rise to the challenge and helped them Mall, serves grades K-2 and the 2018. The top expenses for the MCA are named Ann also weighed in on the issue, to prepare. Middle schools don’t typ- East campus, located just west of the parks (18%), expenses related to Park highlighting the positive aspects of the ically offer AP exams, according to Lowry, serves grades 3-8, with a Creek Metro District (18%), and the pools name. Benzel, and DLS is the only Denver current total enrollment of about (17%). MCA delegate candidates were school she knows of that does. 750 students. Although DLS is a As the Stapleton community contin- introduced, and voting for delegates Credits from AP exams don’t ex- popular choice among DPS fami- ues to grow, so too will the budget, rising continues through Dec. 20. For details on pire, noted Benzel, meaning that it is lies, Benzel reports that spots reg- above $8 million by 2021, but Burnett the Annual Members’ meeting, delegate likely that the middle schoolers who ularly open up from their waitlist, does not expect resident assessments to bios and the 2018 budget, visit the MCA passed these exams could use them particularly in Chinese. To learn rise much beyond $45/month as the addi- Stapleton website at www.stapleton- for college credit and/or placement more, please visit their website at tion of expensive infrastructure slows. community.com/board-meeting-agen- in future language classes www.denverlanguageschool.org. In 2018, control of the executive das/2017-annual-members-meeting.
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December 2017 34 Front Porch – NE Denver Stapleton Update Fee from Stapleton Home Sales May Go toward Affordable Housing By John Fernandez price appreciation that the owner can gain BBC estimates the ach time a property is sold in Staple- on resale. To keep homes in the affordable acquisition cost of a home ton, a “community fee” is paid to the program, the city has the option to purchase timing out of the program EStapleton Foundation (“Foundation”) the home at the restricted maximum sale at the maximum sales to support education, transportation and price in the first sale after the deed restric- price, then re-sold to an wellness programs that benefit the broad- tion expires. income-qualified buyer er community. The Foundation receives Stapleton developer Forest City is obli- would range from $16,000 upwards of a million gated through its development agreement to $29,000 per unit. dollars annually from with the city to provide a minimum of 10 Acquiring all 391 afford- this “Community In- percent of for-sale homes as “affordable” able deed-restricted units vestment Fee” (CIF), units. According to Tom Gleason of Forest (at the time of the study) which is equal to 0.25 City, as of Nov. 16, 503 affordable homes, and converting them to a percent of the sales (6.8 percent) of homes currently meet that land trust product would price after the first criterion. The existing deed-restricted units cost $5.4 million in 2017 Mollie Fitzpatrick presents information from BBC Research’s study on $100,000. are targeted at households earning no more dollars. home affordability in Stapleton to the Stapleton Foundation board. Forest City Senior Vice President Jim Chrisman is seated at right. The Foundation’s than 80 percent of the area median income Taylor hinted at this chief executive officer, (AMI). BBC concluded that without such new initiative in an Oct. Denver” plan includes this proposed Landri Taylor, told deed-restricted units, the private sector is 26 update to the Stapleton Development “key action”: “Explore partnerships Stapleton Foundation CEO the Front Porch he unlikely to produce any units affordable even Corporation (SDC), saying, “We are excit- Landri Taylor across key nonprofit and foundation will recommend to for households earning 100 percent of AMI. ed about the possibility.” partners to preserve existing affordable the Stapleton Foundation board that funds Taylor was not prepared to state how Compared to the current deed-re- homes in high-opportunity areas, such as from the CIF be used to preserve existing much of the CIF dollars would be commit- stricted model of affordable homes, the Stapleton, to resell to qualified buyers.” affordable for-sale housing units in Staple- ted to preserving affordable units. He said it advantages of a land trust model are: It It goes on to say, “The City and its ton. Deed restrictions place a cap on the at least depends on how many units will be preserves affordable units in perpetuity; nonprofit and foundation partners are price at which such units can be sold during timing out in any given year. One possible it benefits more households since price already taking steps to explore long-term a 15-year period. Next year, for the first source of matching funds would be the city’s appreciation is permanently capped; and preservation of these homes to ensure time, affordable for-sale units will begin new affordable housing fund. BBC estimates it takes land value out of the equation. future income-qualified homeowners can “timing out” of the program. that 40 percent of the existing affordable If the Foundation acts on Taylor’s pro- purchase homes in these high opportu- A report prepared for the Foundation units are at risk of converting to market rate posal, he would anticipate asking the city nity areas.” Further, Denver is said to by BBC Research & Consulting in Septem- in the next five years and the remainder will if it would be willing to at least partially be actively considering formation of a ber estimated that by 2031, all of the 391 expire by 2032. BBC also stated the price match the CIF funds to help preserve the citywide community land trust. Taylor existing affordable homes in Stapleton at difference between affordable attached affordable units. The Front Porch contacted says he will not be recommending that the time of their study could reach the end units and the median price for a market Denver’s Office of Economic Develop- the Foundation create such an entity and of their deed restrictions. Those restrictions rate attached home in Stapleton was about ment but did not receive a reply. would rather work with an existing trust, place a 3.5 percent per year cap on the $230,000 or $84 per square foot. The city’s draft “Housing an Inclusive possibly one to be formed by the city.
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Front Porch – NE Denver 35 December 2017 available: 1:30-3:30pm and 5:30-7:30pm. Both will take place in the MCA Cube at 8371 E. Northfield Blvd. At numerous meetings over the past several months, the available time for public comment has not been able to SUN Meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm (Block Captain meeting) and 7:30pm (Board meeting) at the Central Park Recreation Center, 9651 accommodate the number of persons wishing to speak MLK Jr. Blvd. For information about SUN, visit www.stapletonunitedneighbors.com. To contact SUN or confirm meeting time, email [email protected] about the community name. These meetings are an opportunity for in-person feedback for all who wish to provide it.
December SUN News and Events Sustainable Neighborhoods
SUN Outreach Hour (6:30-7:30): After updates from Program Application On-line Input: Community Name and Denver Police, state Historian Dr. Patty Limerick will Contributed by: Geoff Horsfall, SUN board of directors, Sustain- Sustainable Neighborhoods Program facilitate a group discussion of the shape and outline ability Committee co-chair of an annual community event where members of the The SUN Sustainability Committee is currently orga- SUN is currently soliciting feedback from all who community could reflect on the past and on controver- nizing an application for the City and County of Den- seek to provide it on both the community name and sial historical figures and events. The planning of this ver’s Sustainable Neighborhoods Program. This program SUN’s application to the City and County of Denver’s event was prompted by comments made during her provides resources and support to neighborhoods seeking Sustainable Neighborhoods Program (more information interview on NPR’s Colorado Matters in August in the to organize workshops, projects, and events that enhance is below). Input received prior to December 9th factored context of monument removal and dorm renaming. the livability of their neighborhood and reduce the into the application for the Sustainable Neighborhoods Dr. Limerick described an annual event where (para- ecological footprint of its residents. Participating neigh- Program, the form will remain open through Decem- phrased): At such a day of reflection, once a year, we as borhoods earn program credits for their efforts while the ber 15th. http://surveys.verticalresponse.com/a/ a community could reflect on stories of people, and also city provides in-kind resources, such as printing, venue show/461957/c8eea17589/0 look back on ourselves, and think about how we are or and catering fees, and staff time to support projects. You are not learning from cautionary tales (with help from can learn more about the Sustainable Neighborhood Monthly SUN meeting, historians and skilled facilitators.) The interview is avail- Network here: https://www.sustainableneighborhood- Dec. 5 at Central Park Recreation Center able via CPR, this topic begins at minute 15:30: http:// network.org/sustainable-neighborhoods-denver Note date earlier in month: this is in place of the 3rd www.cpr.org/news/story/a-cu-dorm-and-a-charlottes- The Sustainability Committee’s vision is to plan Tuesday meetings in December. ville-like-debate projects and events in Stapleton aligned to five broad Community members are encouraged to attend the goal categories (Air, Land, Energy, Water, People) and 12/5 meeting with suggestions for the nature of what associated target areas established by the Sustainable should be included in such an annual event. Neighborhoods Program. Examples of potential projects include tree planting in community parks (Air), a movie SUN board meeting 7:30pm-8:45: The tentative agen- night/dinner fundraiser (People), and picking up trash in da includes board votes on SUN’s application to the Westerly Creek (Water). In considering potential projects, Denver Sustainable Neighborhoods Program, the 2018 benefit to residents both in and outside of the Stapleton SUN calendar, and on SUN board candidate Mandle community, and connecting residents across community Rousseau (see November 1st Front Porch for Bio). Board borders in and outside of Stapleton are both important members will provide updates on plans for a Preschool factors, with a goal of synergistically connecting people Expo, coordination with the MCA for inclusivity and and building community while promoting sustainability. diversity efforts, and a recap of the 11/14 instance of A parallel effort will be to establish “Green Teams” Denver Talks: Citizen. around sustainability-focused topics about which a group As the December 11th meetings for gathering input is interested. Green teams would be a go-to in the com- on the community name occur after this date, neither munity for residents interested in a sub-topic of sustain- meeting (Outreach, Board) includes the community ability, and would support events under the Sustainability name as an agenda item. Committee umbrella. This additional structure would again build community and connect people with similar Community Discussion on the Stapleton Name, interests while promoting sustainability. Dec. 11 at The Cube SUN is currently collecting feedback from residents On December 11, 2017 the MCA, SUN, the Citizens to identify which projects are of greatest interest to the Advisory Board (CAB), the Stapleton Development community (see survey link above). If you would like to Corporation (SDC), and the Stapleton Foundation will participate in efforts around sustainability with SUN, host community discussions regarding the community please contact Geoff Horsfall at geoff.horsfall@gmail. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7 name with Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler as facilitator. On this com AT 6:00 PM day, two opportunities for the community to provide Amanda Allshouse, President of the board of directors for Stapleton 1195 NEWPORT ST, 80220 input in-person regarding the community name will be United Neighbors WWW.be3umc.org
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December 2017 36 Front Porch – NE Denver Letters to the Editor Please, no more “Stapleton Stops.” service directory I live in Stapleton, near a four-way time. We’re in a hurry. We are dis- stop, just a couple blocks from an elemen- tracted. We’re late to drop the kids off PLUMBING - Brugman PERSONAL tary school and near a park. It’s a busy at school, or for work. We’re headed BUSINESS Plumbing- I show up on time. area, with kids playing, bicycle riders, to something we think is important. SERVICES I do it right. I don’t price SERVICES MISC Always Hauling Inc. Est.1997 gouge. Larry- 303-935-6348 VOICE LESSONS-Certified joggers, folks walking dogs, etc. At all That one time could lead to a tragic Free estimate. Furniture/ Music Teacher for K-12 in hours of the day and night, I see drivers outcome. It could change your life, and Appliance removal Proper- HOME SERVICES Stapleton. Singing, songwrit- rolling through the stops signs, sometimes your family’s life, forever. And the lives ty cleanouts Commercial/ MISC ing lessons for kids + adults. Residential Susan G. Komen CABINETRY 303.910.0359 Call Connie at 303-960- blowing through. I assume it’s mainly of others and their families. So please, Partner. 720-373-5700 BlackForestCabinets.com 8862. Conconart.com/les- people who live in the area. After all, we no more Stapleton Stops. It’s not worth JUNK/TRASH HAULING 1/2 Your Local Woodshop sons for more info! drive these streets every day. We know the the few seconds we save. It’s not worth price 303-525-5421 Tad SHARPENING-Knives, scis- PROPERTY route. We pass this intersection frequently. being forever sorry for making a terrible sors, yard tools, mowers, etc. MANAGEMENT DESIGN/REMODEL/ Paul Burns -303.750.8750 We’ve never had a problem. I’ve taken mistake It’s not worth it, period. Please, HANDYMAN PROPERTY MANAGE- WINDOW & GUTTER MENT, LEASING AND to calling it a “Stapleton Stop,” because no more “Stapleton Stops.” BASEMENTS Best Builders- CLEANING- Also offering Best in Quality and Design at SALES – Call John Carranza I think it’s us who are the offenders. But —Randy Loveland House Cleaning. Bob Starr Central Park Realty, LLC truly affordable prices. Call Jim 303 329 8205 God forbid we miss something, just one at 720-276-7704 303.489.6196 or www.stapleton360.com HOME RENOVATIONS/ HOUSECLEANING REPAIRS- Painting, Plumb- HOUSECLEANING-White ing, Electrical, Tile, Drywall, Magic-Excellent rates and HOMES for SALE Creative Use of Space by DU at the Solar Decathlon Wood Floors. Prices Can’t references. Weekly, monthly, Be Beat. B&D Renovations one-time only. 720-371-3290 FIX-UP HOME? CASH OF- The mandate of the recent internation- DU/UC Berkeley ended up third out FER! We Buy Fix-ups. Cash 720.404.2649 PAINTING al Solar Decathlon held in Denver was to of 13 in the competition, narrowly beaten LIC. GC. Finish Carpentry, Offer, No Commissions. Call PAINTERS-Int./Ext. repairs, 303-321-SOLD (7653) focus on homes designed to be “affordable, out of second place by the University of Remodeling, Home Repairs. Small difficult jobs welcome. ins.Refs.Owner works on site innovative and highly energy efficient.” Maryland. Their house is going to Denver 22 yrs in Park Hill. Peter 720- with small, highly skilled crew. One of the ways that the Habitat for Humanity, 291-6089 Craftsmanship and integrity for 33 years. Call Mike 303 student-led partnership which plans to install the ELECTRICAL/ 388 8151 between the Universi- project on a temporary lot PLUMBING PAINTING-Affordable, Excep- ty of Denver and UC while they prepare a per- MASTER PLUMBER – tional Results 303-474-8882 / 720-338-1453 – Berkeley showed their manent lot for the house. Mr.Plumber, Est.1978, Licensed, best prices, credit cards ok. Jeff www.jcspainting.net – creativity was by using After installation on its 303-523-6652 Stapleton References Murphy Wall Beds. Part permanent lot, the home www.mrplumberdenver.com of their bedroom design will be sold to a family in included moving walls need. Smart Spaces, a lo- on tracks so that during cal family-owned business, the day, not only did the donated the Murphy Beds vertical beds close up and cabinetry and gave submit a classified ad against the wall, but the some hands-on instruction Classified ad cost is 25 cents per character, including spaces. actual walls moved in to the students on wood- Minimum ad price is $15. Classified ads are accepted only by email. toward the beds, allow- working, adding a skill to Send to [email protected]. ing over 350 more cubic the many they learned Ads must be received by the 15th and paid by the 17th to run in the next issue. feet for the communal throughout their two-year- For more information visit www.FrontPorchNE.com > living area. (The attached photo shows the long project. Classified Advertising > Paid Print Ads. moving walls on ceiling tracks that ran in —Deb Beckmann, owner, Smart Spaces, the November Front Porch article, “Innova- Murphy & Wall Beds tions at the Solar Decathlon.”)
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Front Porch – NE Denver 37 December 2017 Blossoms of Light
Front Porch photos from the 2016 Blossoms of Light
Above: Based on popular demand, the Gardens’ Amphitheater inter- Below: To be respectful of the Japanese culture, Kie- active light display will return. Individually programmable LED lights on hl and Horvath work closely with the horticulturalist sticks are controlled through a computer program that is sound-reactive. in charge of the Japanese Garden area. The team is Patrons can interact with three different instruments, a drum, keyboard careful to follow the strict rules regarding what color and microphone to influence what happens on the light field. Every 15 palette can be used. Some of the plants are very old minutes, a predesigned light show is displayed, synchronized to music. and can only have spotlights used on them.
(continued from page 1) This year will be the first in which 100 percent of the lights are LED. “Using LED lights takes way less power so we are able to put more strings of lights onto the same power circuit than incandescent,” says Kristi Horvath, senior events coordinator and co-lead with Kiehl on the project. Installation for the winter show begins right after Labor Day with final touches being added until mid-November. Everything comes down in January. Designing the shows starts a year in advance, however, with Kiehl and Hor- vath talking about the 2018 show before 2017 has even begun. They change the colors and design schemes of approximately two-thirds of the show to make sure they have something fresh for guests to see each year. They also plan the viewer’s experience, making sure there are complementary colors to enjoy at every turn. Kiehl and Horvath also handle less artistic, but important logistics from ticketing to snow removal, to path closures. Kiehl worked on Blossoms of Light by herself for several years, but in 2016, with the increase of visitors to the Gardens, Horvath joined the efforts so they could expand the show. Together, they have learned a lot about
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Noah Makovsky, MD Robyn Smith, PA-C Brandon Davison-Tracy, MD Kara Lampe, PA-C Amy Nash, MD Noriko Rothberg, CPNP Richard Gustafson, MD Danny Kamlet, PA The Kearns Team: Helping Build Stapleton Since 2003 Nicole Erwin, MD
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2975 Roslyn St. Unit 100 Denver, CO 80238 Diana Kearns, REALTOR® ABR, ASP, EcoBroker, Certified Mountain Area Specialist Cell/Text: 303.598.2076 • [email protected]
Michael Kearns, REALTOR® 1873 S Bellaire St, #700, Denver, CO 80222 CRS, GRI, GREEN, Certified Mountain Area Specialist Main: 303.757.7474
Cell/Text: 303.598.3468 • [email protected] Each Office Independently Owned and Operated • Equal Housing Opportunity 303.670.6367 • www.BuildingStapleton.com December 2017 38 Front Porch – NE Denver Left: Although Horvath and Kiehl work together to design the Blossoms of Light display, there are some areas in which horticulturalists have a hand. The Solarium, tucked off of a path, is one. In 2016, the build- ing housed a teddy bear Christmas scene. The horticulturalist surprises the team with each year’s design. Right: Anyone who purchases tickets online or in advance will enter through this Welcome Garden to the south of the Visitor’s Center entrance along York Street. More trees will be decorated in this area and the lights will be multicolored.
Blossoms of Light — Nov. 24 to Jan. 1 5 – 9pm, $10 – $15. $5 additional at gate. Tickets at: botanicgardens.org/events/special-events/blossoms-light
power requirements, stringing lights across 23 acres of gardens and how much squirrels like to chew on power cords, resulting in the need to restring and repair sections of lights. As in years past, there will be carolers some nights of the show, food and drink options, and Ha- lospex glasses to purchase that enable guests to see either snowflake or snowman shapes in every twinkly light they view. New this year, there will be several guarded exit points on the one-direction path, allowing parents with a crying child or someone in need of a restroom break to veer off the path. This is also the first time Above: Aspen and birch trees line the path in front of the Solarium. This year, the there will be a nightly limit to the number of tickets trees will be covered in classic red and green colors with purple accents. sold to keep crowd size lower for a better guest Right: At the Tower Pond, next to the Science Pyramid, the color-illuminated experience. Kiehl and Horvath also offer these tips: water flows freely but sometimes freezes, making for a dramatic effect. The large purchase tickets in advance, attend in the first two snowflakes are back making a popular stopping point for a photo opportunity, weeks of the show and arrive after 7:30pm. even during the day.
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Front Porch – NE Denver 39 December 2017 December 2017 40 Front Porch – NE Denver